The River Witches: Operation Seahorse

By Kevin T. McClain

Lothar Face uses laboratory enhanced diseases to begin a gigantic depopulation of the world to follow his computer's model of an idyllic world environment. There is a massive sea and air battle over the Caribbean Sea. Williams is heroic and successful in a prototype jet, before the enemy downs him, and sends him towards certain death. But the powerful good witches are always there to protect him and all of us, as they also resist the powers of evil. The Medici and Pazzi witch families have been adversaries for centuries. Over four hundred years have passed since the Medici's conquered their enemies, and killed or put into exile their foes. Somehow, and some way, Cetta Pazzi escaped from her bewitched prison, and is set on revenge. The final sequence of events involving men and witches begins in the Galapagos where the countdown is underway. We hope they get there on time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Oct 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781667849973

Kevin T. McClain

The author is an attorney with decades of law enforcement administrative experience. He also worked in the nuclear, environmental and criminal fields. McClain is married with four children who all graduated from the University of Notre Dame. He is a world traveler who used his life experiences to write the books. He is a Christian family man who loves dogs.

Book preview

Sinister Beginnings

At some future period, not very distant as measured by centuries, the civilized races of man will almost certainly exterminate and replace the savage races throughout the world.

—Charles Darwin

Chapter 1

The Pazzi Conspiracy

Genevieve Medici walked into the lavish parlor of her family’s multimillion-dollar manor at the Victorian Garden District of New Orleans. She had purchased the mansion in 1846 with seventy pure gold German ducats. Genevieve had never disclosed the vast wealth of her family to anyone except her daughter. The witches from Europe possessed astonishing supernatural powers, linked to their proximity to major rivers.

It was unusual for the Medicis to live in the Louisiana home before November, but Genevieve was becoming impatient for her daughter, Anna, and niece, Avery, to wed. She wanted more female offspring to train as witches. Numerous galas and social invitations had been arranged. Yet, on this early morning saunter into the foyer, Genevieve was intrigued by the lingering effects of a dream. Anna was already there, sipping a cup of coffee while watching a passerby stroll down St. Charles Street.

Good morning, Anna.

Anna looked up and smiled. Hello, Mama.

Do you mind if I join you?

No, please.

Genevieve sat down and faced Anna from across a small antique Renaissance pedestal table they had brought from Europe more than two hundred years earlier. Anna’s glance drifted slightly to again peer outside.

I wanted to thank you for the delightful dream you sent me last night.

A servant named Bailey arrived with coffee and muffins and quickly disappeared.

I’m sorry, Mama, Anna said, turning her attention back to her mother. Did you say a dream that I sent you?

Yes, Anna. It was quite lovely. Seeing the Nile River, and then Rome and Florence again, was very uplifting. I enjoyed it very much.

Anna frowned.

I’m sorry, Mama, but I didn’t send you a dream. To tell you the truth, I have been inundated with disturbing visions of late, and they have disrupted my usual focus. I have been out of touch lately.

Anna received visions and dreams of future events. They were not linked to her magical powers. The visions were always true and unfailing. Anna never doubted the stone cold truth of the revelations.

Well, no matter. Maybe it was a real dream, then. In any event, it was refreshing.

Tell me about it.

Genevieve smiled broadly. Certainly. I was on a voyage up the Nile. The weather was lovely, and the birds were gliding over the blue-green waters, diving for fish near the surface. Palm trees lined the banks. It looked just like it did three hundred years ago. Then the dream transformed, and I was sitting on our terrace by the Arno at our palace in Florence. The flowers were in bloom, and I could smell the sweet fragrances. I felt my powers were as strong as they had ever been. I was with my Aunt, Queen Catherine of France. We were having lunch and drinking wine from our vineyards.

No, I did not send you that dream.

Genevieve took another sip from her cup and gently returned it to the saucer.

Have you any plans for the day?

Yes. Avery and I are going to a military dance later this month. We thought we would get fitted for something to wear.

Genevieve grimaced. I have planned many events for you and Avery this autumn. Am I to presume the event you are referring to involves that navy person you often talk about?

I do not often talk about Victor. Anna bridled. Not that you should be concerned. But, yes, it is a military Thanksgiving dinner and dance for him and others. Director Jones and his wife invited us. You are also included.

Oh, Genevieve remarked icily, refraining from mentioning Anna and Avery’s previous marital disasters. She had nothing but scorn for men of the sea, and Victor Williams was a US Naval officer.

Well, I’ve decided to go.

I beg your pardon, Mama?

Back to the Nile River, and then to visit the Tiber and the Arno.

What are you talking about, Mother? Anna shook her head. Don’t be ridiculous. I won’t permit it.

Well, you obviously don’t need me around here. You are making your own decisions about the future.

Anna glared at her mother. You want to go to Africa and Europe after all this time? You are delusional.

Why shouldn’t I? I’m just window dressing here. You two girls get to go out and socialize. I’m a sideshow. How do they say it? ‘Three are a crowd’?

You forget your place, Mama. We are a family here in America, and it is my family now. Not yours. There will be no more discussion of your leaving.

I don’t think you know what it is like to grow old.

So you are thinking you would like to leave us. Abandon us after you brought us here.

No. No, my sweet angel. Just a trip. A visit. One more time before I’m too old to travel.

"But why, Mama? You love it here. Avery and I will be courted. I have had promising visions for us both. You might soon have bambinas to teach."

You did not send me the dream, Anna. Maybe I had it for a reason. Perhaps it is telling me it might be better if I left for a while to give you two some freedom.

You have asked us to find spouses. Avery and I will do so. You will train new witches, and I will preserve the power of the family. You must stay. I will not allow you to leave my shield of protection.

Anna was the supreme leader, and if Anna forbade her, Genevieve could not go. However, she was certain she needed to return to the homeland and felt compelled to go. She was being pulled to the old rivers like a moth drawn to the light of the moon.

Mother and daughter sat at the table, neither speaking. Finally, Anna raised her eyes and spoke softly.

You never told me why we left our palace in Florence.

Genevieve nodded. You deserve to know, and I’ve been waiting for you to ask.

So?

Power is adrenaline. It’s a constant, unremitting flood of pulsating energy. It will feed upon you if you let it. Only the most powerful can master and control the power, and we Medici women do it. Historically, the women of the House of Medici used our powers to dominate Europe. We controlled the world banks and the papal funds. We directed commerce worldwide. Religion was not essential to our pursuit of power, but we used our influence to manipulate the Vatican. Our men became popes. After centuries of supremacy, some of us perceived an alteration in our destiny. I saw it coming. So did Catherine and your grandmother. By the seventeenth century, the House of Medici was losing its bases of political power. We utilized our special powers, Anna. With our magical abilities, we significantly controlled the present and the future. We believed we were impregnable as long as we lived near a great river. We were wrong.

Anna leaned forward.

We refined our powers. Mere mortal men were not able to comprehend us. They refused to acknowledge our superiority. The state of world affairs languished. Our house had many enemies, but one family in particular had powers similar to ours. It also was led by women with magic. We had to take steps to protect ourselves before they defeated us. We had no choice, Anna.

What do you mean?

They murdered one of our male ancestors centuries ago in the Florence cathedral on Easter. Genevieve’s eyes flared red. They stabbed Giuliano nineteen times. It was an ancient family from Venice. Sea witches. They abhorred us. Before they could overthrow us, we trapped them. We eliminated all of the men. We nullified their source of power. We completely destroyed them. Genevieve smiled triumphantly. We killed or exiled all of the females.

Who were they?

The Pazzi family.

Genevieve’s voice faded, softened.

My Great Great Grandfather Lorenzo arranged for his daughter, Catherine, to marry the French king, Henry II. She and I handled all of the family affairs. Shortly before we came to America, Catherine had a strong premonition. Just as she predicted the Pazzi attack on our family in the fifteenth century, Catherine warned if we remained in Europe, we three would be murdered. She was convinced the attack was imminent. I believed her. I brought you and Avery to America with me.

After all of that, you still want permission to return there?

Centuries have passed, Anna. And, yes, I do yearn to return. Just for a short time. I am getting older, and Catherine is also near her end.

She is still alive?

Yes, I sense her life presence, but it is fading. If you allow me to go, I will try to locate her.

Anna became quiet and returned her gaze out the front bay windows. The magnolias were still in bloom. Summer was transforming into fall.

If I let you go, you will follow my directions.

Absolutely.

I can permit it for one month only. You can have two weeks on the Nile, and two weeks in Italy. Would that provide you the time you need?

That would be most gracious of you, Anna.

You will be back here for Christmas. If I command you to return at any time, you will come immediately.

Yes, Anna.

Genevieve rose from her chair to leave the room. With a modest yet notable expression of respect and deference, she bowed her head to Anna.

Thank you, Anna.

You are welcome, Mama.

Chapter 2

Cetta Pazzi

Cetta’s eyes feasted on the tanned, naked man lying on the Jamaican sand. His lean, sinewy body glistened with sweat, and she knew at that moment that he would do just fine.

Christian Gerut?

The young man raised his dark blue eyes to look up at her. Cetta positioned her six-foot-two-inch frame to block the sun, creating a dark silhouette within the solar blast of light. She wanted to deprive him of ease and comfort at this initial encounter.

I’m sorry, he stammered, leaning up on his elbows burrowed into the sand. Do we know each other?

I know you.

Gerut awkwardly got to his feet to face her. He was shorter than her, but only by an inch or two. Cetta stepped sideways to let him see her in the sunlight. He examined her body like she was under a magnifying glass. Cetta was proud of her physical being. Her tanned, protruding, fully rounded breasts were an extension of her naked raw power as a woman. Her shoulders were wide and square. Her hips lean and narrow. She especially liked her core. The taut, flat, chiseled stomach was like a hard brown slab of Brazilian granite. Cetta saw herself as a reflection of the Roman goddess of war, Bellona.

My eyes are up here.

Their eyes met, and he smiled.

You are appealing, sweetheart.

Cetta.

A sudden Caribbean breeze stirred her raven hair, flicking several strands across her face. She tossed her head, exposing her intense dark eyes and penetrating stare.

Cetta, he repeated. Cetta what?

Just Cetta, lover boy. That’s all there is. Are you disappointed?

This time Gerut took his time to explore her voluptuous Amazon body, finishing his perusal with a slow head shake.

You are one of the most incredible women I have ever seen.

Cetta laughed, pleased with the appraisal.

Christian, before we head to my suite to fulfill our cravings for each other, I want to tell you why I found you.

I don’t care.

Do you care for wealth and power?

He smiled, exposing fine white teeth.

I am a woman who gets what and whomever I want. And I picked you.

She paused.

But I want much more. More than you can give me, Christian. But we will have fun together. No? I need to meet your boss. He and I have a journey to make together. A similar quest, so to speak, and you shall introduce me to him.

I have no boss. I am my own master.

Maybe you thought so before now. Today you have a new partner who knows about Lothar Face … your boss. He and I will meet soon. Face and I share a mutual acquaintance. No, Christian. A mutual enemy. He needs me to find her. That is why he will want to meet me.

Mr. Face does not care for surprises. He might kill both of us if I brought you to him.

Cetta’s mirthful laugh rang loud and true. She would make Gerut take her to meet her new ally. Cetta had considered that Face might reject her proposal, and she hoped she wouldn’t have to kill him.

Let me worry about that, Christian. You see, our common goals are aligned perfectly, like the stars.

Gerut shrugged.

As for you, all your dreams will come true, starting with me.

You sound crazy, Cetta. But what the hell, life’s been kind of boring lately.

I’m the dream maker, Christian. Don’t ever forget it.

She glanced down at Gerut’s naked lower body and reached out and touched a tattoo six inches above his groin. The ring of yellow-and-gold flames on his skin came to life.

Is there a story behind this, Christian?

He was surprised by her unabashed assertiveness.

An old girlfriend in London talked me into it. She thought it was sexy.

She was right, Christian. It is arousing. What do you call it?

The tattoo?

Such an unusual picture must have a message.

We called it the fiery gate to ecstasy.

I like it. But maybe it is the fiery gate to hell. After all, I sense you are about to commit many sins.

He laughed. That is my hope, Cetta.

Then let’s get started. My suite is up the beach. We need to seal our alliance with filthy lust.

She took his hand in hers and led him up Negril Beach like he was her prize poodle on a leash.

Chapter 3

Evolutionary Warfare

From an MIT savant, Lothar Face had acquired an interfacing programming invention that had the power to supersede and control every computer system in the world. After he was sentenced and placed in prison, Face used the computer to access the Global Monetary Fund to create his elaborate international enterprises. The bank of computers, nicknamed the Enterprise, allowed Face to design and implement global events as he desired.

The Enterprise, linked with learning backward capability to advance interoperability, transformed science fiction into reality. Face had previously retained two computer geniuses who created the insertion programs needed to invade governmental and private platforms without detection. Of the two, Mara Ohlendorf was selected to be the chief programming operator and engineer of the system. Christian Gerut, the other computer geek, was given a different task and new role in the operation, a demotion he despised. He and Cetta Pazzi were in charge of field operations. Face used the Enterprise to construct a world stage he massaged like a soft clay menagerie. It was a new world only he could envision. And now the time had arrived to put the remaining elements of his grand scheme into motion. Face was on the verge of conducting the final movement of his euphonic symphony.

Face paced back and forth in his prison cell. His gait was slow and methodical, but his mind was racing. The initial defining moment of the scourge on the existing world order was barely an hour away. Face reassured himself he had not overlooked a single detail of his plan. He knew that once it was in motion, there would be no turning back. He exited his confine and walked between the rows of empty cells. He approached a small storage room at the far end of the block and opened the unlocked door. There was an array of supplies and materials on shelves attached to the back wall.

Face entered the tiny room and closed the door behind him. He walked over to three brooms in the corner and pulled and pushed the handles in sequence. They acted as levers to release the locks holding the room. The entire room descended slowly for sixteen seconds, and stopped. The wall he faced slid sideways like the door of an elevator. It opened into a large room containing two cylindrical capsules facing trap doors on the distant wall. The room itself was spherical like the vehicles on the platforms.

Wasting no time, Face walked across the room and lowered himself into a pod. As he lay horizontally, a clear panel circled around and over him, encasing Face inside. Face pressed a button, and an entry point to a long chute opened. The device rolled forward through the opening, and a gate closed behind him. Face waited while another door on the other side of the room opened. Water gushed inside and filled the entry port. The immersed vehicle he was in rolled forward into a black tube filled with water. The supercavitation underwater vessel accelerated forward. Face escaped the penitentiary once again without detection.. Very soon he would never be imprisoned again. One of the first things he did after being incarcerated was to construct the means he needed for his secret escape.

It was no accident that Lothar Face was the only resident of cell block 16. The awesome technological wizardry of Mara Ohlendorf and the magic of the Enterprise had allowed Face to manufacture his environment. He had used official orders from authorized US federal agencies to build the facility that housed him. The cellblock was built separate from the main prison enclave. The walls were fortified with titanium steel, and not vulnerable to bombardment. The chosen contracters had developed unique construction designs to protect Face, and allow him special priveledges. They built an underwater passage to his mansion headquarters miles away. He traveled at will without any restrictions. The guards assigned to his prison quarters were actually his own private employees.

Face accelerated to over one hundred miles an hour in the underwater jet craft without any vibration. In twelve minutes, he traversed twenty-one miles to arrive at his majestic lakeside home on the southern tip of Grand Isle, Vermont. This had been his true residence for years.

He swished to a soft landing and exited the module. Face walked through the underground tunnel to the lower level before he opened the double doors. A huge auditorium appeared before him. A fifty-foot waterfall sprouted from a bulging red cliff face to his right. He could hear the foaming cascade hit the reservoir before it released into a fast-running creek. The flow twisted and turned through the amphitheater. Finally, it disappeared underground beneath high-rising sand dunes that undulated to his far left. Blue waters reappeared in a wellspring, feeding a man-made desert oasis. The tall, waving palm leaves bade him welcome. Fluttering among the palms were brightly colored parrots gliding and circling as if in their Amazonian home jungles. Baby white and adult pink flamingos constantly moved through the waters, often leaning over to lower their bills into the water to feed. The birds were silent. Face made sure the robotic animals would not disturb the business at hand. Only the amphibians were real, and the minor scraping and swimming sounds they made were insignificant. The setting was similar to a place he had visited in the Galapagos.

On the walls above and around the surreal natural setting were twelve 55-inch digital monitors. The screens flashed real-life situations from around the world. Rows of computers in the middle of his operations center operated silently. Mara was absorbed in her work coordinating the events that would soon become a reality. Face was always impressed with the young woman. Her unyielding dedication to guiding the Enterprise into an unexplored and vast technological universe was spectacular.

Everything on schedule?

Mara looked up and smiled.

Yes, Captain. The control towers in Africa and Australia are activated, as are all of our satellites. We have intercepted all relevant foreign satellites. The Enterprise already ran a simulation and verified we control their positions, viability, and resources.

The exercise next week?

All of the drones are charged and ready. We expect a complete annihilation of the opposition forces.

What about the preparations for later today? I have decided we will start Operation Seahorse today.

We are jammed and ready to go.

Face smiled. In many ways, Mara was still much like a teenager.

The timing is critical, Mara.

Yes, sir. We have formulated all of the parameters.

Where are we on the growing fields?

Africa is beginning harvest next week. The others are in Phase Two.

Have you and the Enterprise finalized the population control equations?

As you ordered, sir.

No exceptions? No special treatment?

The only exception is my family, and maybe yours? Mara added.

I no longer have a family, Mara. Are the lower hemisphere water centers in full operation

Yes, sir. The desalination plants and storage facilities are at optimum levels.

What does the computer recommend?

We have closed the essential areas of Australia, Africa, and South America. India begins a countdown next week.

Excellent.

Yes. We are on schedule.

Face paused and examined Mara.

Is your mother happy here?

He saw the emotion flood her face. She lit up with a smile.

She loves it here.

I’m glad.

She does wonder what I … what we do, Mara added pensively.

Tell her we are the architects of a better, more united and harmonious world.

Mara laughed out loud, adding sarcastically, Now that, I’m sure, would satisfy her curiosity.

She giggled, and Face grinned with joy, wondering if his deceased daughter, Casey, would have been like Mara.

An aquatic iguana flipped over on its side, splashing into the oasis’s rippling blue pool. It sounded like a hand clap, but Face took it as a gesture—a sign that the time had arrived. They were on the precipice of a new evolutionary reality.

Where are we with the Africa infection protocol the Enterprise designed? When we meet with the African leaders later today, I want them face-to-face with the grim reality of widespread death.

Mara’s fingers flashed on the keyboard with urgency. After she initiated the commands, the computers hummed with activity.

It’s already completed, sir.

Thank you, Mara. Where are we with the nuclear waste operations?

Colavito and Dragovich have scheduled the last pickup for next week. In Illinois, as you specified.

Great.

The high-level radioactive wastes are being arranged at the specified locations.

Where are Cetta and Gerut?

They are en route to the meeting at the resort.

Put them on the screen, Mara.

As Mara worked, Face reflected on his initial meeting with Cetta. He had reluctantly accommodated Gerut and allowed him to blindfold Cetta Pazzi and bring her to his Vermont headquarters. Cetta had insisted she knew Anna Medici and could deliver her to him. Naturally, Face had been intrigued. He had also been impressed with her presence. She was a tall, muscular woman. Her dark eyes were penetrating and intense. From years of experience, Face could also tell she was a dangerous person. During the initial interview, Face had assessed that she was also appraising him as he questioned her. He’d concluded her motives against Anna were personal. Face had also discerned that Gerut was infatuated with Cetta but that the feeling wasn’t mutual. She was unlike any woman he had ever met. It had occurred to him that her intensity reminded him of Anna, yet her persona was completely divergent.

She’d told him she would find and deliver Anna Medici to him, and he’d believed her. When she’d asked if she could be included in the enterprise to reshape the world’s hierarchy, Face had inwardly seethed. Gerut had disobeyed his order of secrecy. He had to decide on the spot whether to kill her or accept her.

I don’t know what you’re talking about, Face demurred. Do you know what she’s talking about, Gerut? Face’s tone was icy, and Gerut had looked down at his feet.

I didn’t say anything.

I know what you are intending to do, Cetta responded confidently. The world needs to be changed, and you have a right to do it. I want to be part of it. Christian didn’t tell me anything. One night in a dream, it escaped his mind. And as part of the offer to help you, I will deliver Anna Medici to you.

Why would you do that?

Two reasons. I want to join your troop. And to show you that you can trust me. When I say something, I mean it.

Face honed his focus on Cetta. She was passionate and self-assured.

You will not regret the decision, my captain. I am more than you see or detect. I am able to do the unthinkable, and I want to be with you. It is time for a new world ruled by serious men and women. And I want to be a big part of it. You could not have a better ally than me. Captain Face, I will perform your directives as you would do yourself. No compromise. No human sympathy except for the belief in the final result. Place me as an equal with Christian, and all will follow as you wish it. I will deliver Anna Medici to you, alive and breathing. That, I promise you.

In retrospect, Face wasn’t completely sure why he had believed her. It was probably her entire demeanor. The measure of her attitude. Her body language. Everything about her. But especially her eyes. They never wavered. She was completely immersed in the plan. Somehow she’d convinced him she was essential, and somehow he believed she would bring Anna to him.

Face had walked over to Cetta and shaken her hand. Welcome to our expedition.

Later, he’d had the Enterprise search for any records of Cetta Pazzi. There were no historical records of her anywhere in the world. Like Anna, she didn’t exist. She was a woman without a past. But that hadn’t altered his decision to welcome her on board. And she had proven herself to be invaluable.

The flat screens on the walls lit up with the faces of Gerut and Cetta.

They were side by side inside a private limousine headed for the meeting with the rulers and presidents of twenty-two select African countries.

Good evening, Cetta and Christian.

Good evening, Captain, Gerut responded.

We are ready to begin the consolidation of African states. The groundwork is finished. The Blaser towers are operational, and our ground troops are patrolling the northern and southern boundaries of the consolidated land masses. We have controlled every satellite in space for over four years.

Cetta and Gerut listened intently.

Tonight we expose part of our African plan, and we do it with your help and dedication. I know you will be up to the challenge.

Cetta nodded.

This is not the night to be tepid or tame. We need fire and aggression.

Face could see the resolute fanaticism on their faces.

The meeting will be supported by a ring of highly specialized forces, but I want any unpleasant issues to be handled by you personally. Set your tones to instill fear and panic. Those are the steps to our altar. The various lethal serums are encoded within the microchips to be injected into each man. Are we clear on that?

Absolutely, sir, Gerut confirmed.

Any resistance must not be tolerated. Cetta, I am counting on you to ensure the process tonight is completed.

Cetta smiled malevolently. As you order, sir.

Good. I have great ambitions with deadly consequences. And, Cetta, you will finish your search for Anna Medici within the month as you promised.

That is correct, Captain. The bait is being prepared. Anna will not be able to resist walking into my trap.

Alright, you two, convene the meeting. I will be watching and will choose when to arrive. This is a proud moment for us all. Mara, out.

The monitors returned to the previously set programming visuals.

Let me observe the conference room, Mara.

Face climbed the steps of the elevated black marble podium and sat in the chair he had selected for his command perch. From this vantage point, Face could see everything he needed to monitor and direct the outcomes he wanted. His voice was tied to the Enterprise as the commander. Face settled into his comfortable throne. He glanced to his left at the item erected within a small display case. It was the Narmer Palette, the first historical document of the world. It described the historical unification of the tribes in Egypt thousands of years before, resulting in the creation of the world’s greatest dynasties. Its presence provided a foretelling of what Lothar Face would do very soon—unite the world.

Chapter 4

The Circle of Fire

Christian Gerut exited the limousine at the Trump Tower in Juba, South Sudan. The fierce desert wind stirred up an immense brown dust cloud throughout the capital of the small African country. Tiny sand pebbles stung his face as he waited for Cetta to accompany him inside the swank hotel. Cetta was full Italian by descent. She was a splendid woman, and he was glad to have her as his lover. Six feet two inches tall from the barefoot soles of her feet to the raven-haired crown of her head. An exotic beauty, she needed no makeup on her flawless ivory skin. Her deep red lips rarely smiled due to her electric intensity. Her dark eyes were black as coal. He knew she could be volatile, but usually she was under control—like a dormant volcano before the inevitable eruption. She dominated him in bed, and he enjoyed being submissive to her. He was drawn to her like a bear to honey.

They entered the fabulous new addition of the hotel and were escorted through a gathering of soldiers to an exclusive elevator that had no stops on the way to the top floor. They did not speak to one another. The agenda was set. The script was the same as the ones they had followed in South America and Australia. The goal was to establish and govern large areas in lower hemisphere continents. The evening’s assemblage with the heads of government from more than twenty central and southern African nations had been planned and preordained by Lothar Face. No surprises were expected and none would be tolerated.

Upon their arrival on the top floor, they were greeted by another host of soldiers who lined the hallway. Gerut ignored them. They were window dressing for the guests. He moved quickly into the huge former planetarium, emboldened by yet another cadre of soldiers inside the chamber. They were backed up against the four walls of the conference room, almost hidden in the shadows. The giant telescope for interstellar scrutiny by the wealthiest of guests at the hotel had been removed. The massive mahogany oval table in the middle of the room was ringed with straight-back leather chairs for every distinguished leader. Nine large television screens on the walls faced the table from every direction, giving everyone a clear view of streaming events from around the world. Several monitors provided live feeds from Russia, Europe, and China. Others covered the news from various media outlets chosen by Face.

The governmental leaders ignored the live displays and mingled with one another. They did not pay any attention to Cetta and