فصل 46

chapter-46 A bonus.

Captain J.D. had planned to reach Niulakita, the first of the Tuvalu islands, around seven p.m., but the weather had set the boat back nearly four hours. When the island was within sight, J.D. radioed in. “Come in, Nike port. This is Risky Business, do you copy?” “Risky Business, this is Elgen base Nike port. We copy you. Provide passcode.” “Yes, Elgen base. I-L-K-M-E.”

“Passcode clear. What do you have to report?” “Cargo is secure and complete. I am prepared to deliver.” “We are pleased to hear that, Risky Business.” “. . . And tell the general that I brought him a bonus.” “You can tell him yourself, Risky Business.” There was a brief pause. Then a new voice came over the headset. “This is Admiral Hatch.” Captain J.D. was a bit ruffled to have Hatch actually speak to him. “Admiral. This is an honor.” “What is this bonus you spoke of?”

“The man you’ve been looking for. The one they call Welch. I understand there is a million-dollar bounty on his head.” Hatch couldn’t believe his good fortune. “Please repeat, Captain.” “I have the fugitive EGG Welch. He is with the children.” A dark smile crossed Hatch’s face. “And to think I said there is no God. Everything changes today.” He turned back to the microphone. “You just earned a million dollars, Captain. What is their plan?” “They first plan to sail to Nike to rescue the Glow Quentin. Then they sail to Hades to rescue the other two Glows.” “Torstyn and Tara,” the radioman said.

“We could sink the boat before it reaches us,” the Zone Captain behind Hatch said.

“Admiral, please don’t sink my boat,” J.D. said.

“We won’t sink your boat,” Hatch said, even though he was considering it. After a moment he said, “No, let them follow through with their plan. Alert no one. I don’t want them to know we are aware of them.” “We attack them in Nike?” the Zone Captain asked.

“No, too much possible collateral damage. We’ll let them rescue Quentin and sail to Hades. We will bring them all together and destroy them once and for all. Radio me after you leave Nike.” “Yes, sir. Over.”

Hatch took off his headset and stood back from the microphone. “Today I will feast on my enemy.”