—That wasn’t me. That was all—

—I was not finished. You are, as far as I know, the only person who has ever cheated death. Some people went to great lengths to make sure you are with us today. I admittedly do not know very much about them, but what little I do know tells me that they are not the kind of people to waste time or energy bringing a complete stranger back from the dead without a good reason.

—You make it sound like I’m some kind of messiah. Believe me, I’m not.

—I do not believe you are part of a prophecy. I do not believe you have mythical powers that have yet to reveal themselves. I do not think the people who brought you back even give credence to that sort of thing. While I am reasonably confident you are not “the chosen one,” you are without doubt one who has been chosen. I believe they chose you for very practical reasons, for what you are. And as far as I can tell, that is a brilliant scientist who happens to be in the best position to help humanity when it needs it the most.

—What if they were wrong?

—Then we are no worse for it, and I will have had the pleasure of your company for a while longer.

—You said I could meet them, the people that did this to me.

—I said you could meet one of them. I only know of one. I will arrange for that meeting as promised, but I have to take care of a few things first. Are we any closer to finding Themis?

—No. We know for a fact that no one could have physically moved her without our knowing. That leaves two options: Either someone else transported her using technology we don’t have, or she transported herself.

—Where could she be?

—If it’s on Earth, it has to be underground, maybe submerged. We’d know if she were anywhere above the surface. If Vincent’s stuck and he can’t make his way back, I’m not sure what we can do but hope he figures it out on his own. If they make it back, I might have found a weakness in the alien robot’s defense.

—What sort of weakness?

—Let me show you…This is footage from last year in Regent’s Park. We can’t see the shield unless it rains or something flies into it, but look…here…when I zoom in on the feet. That’s as close as I can get.

—I do not see anything.

—That’s my point. That robot’s shield extends outwards about one foot. On the ground, you’d expect a hole around and under its feet. There isn’t any. The grass is still up right on the edge of its foot.

—Achilles’ heel.

—Yes. Wherever that shield ends, it doesn’t go all the way to the ground. I’m not sure how that helps us, but it’s all I have for now.

—Keep working, Dr. Franklin. We may not have much time.

—I’m trying, but I don’t even know what I’m looking for.

—If Mr. Couture were here, he would find an appropriate quote from a fictional character. As I do not share his enthusiasm for science fiction, I will simply tell you that “trying” suggests you lack confidence in your ability to succeed. Find Themis.

—What? I don’t get it. What would Vincent say?

—Find Themis and ask him.

—Where are you going?

—Goodbye, Dr. Franklin.

FILE NO. 1544

INTERVIEW WITH LIEUTENANT GENERAL ALAN A. SIMMS, COMMANDER, JOINT SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND (JSOC)

Location: Fort Bragg, NC

—I believe the president was very clear when he said this mission was of the utmost importance. I know, because I was standing next to him at the time.

—He was. He was very clear about it eight hours ago. I’m sure he would have said the same thing three hours ago. But two hours and fifty-five, no, fifty-six minutes ago, a giant alien robot appeared in London, again. The last time one of these things was here, it killed over a hundred thousand people, so you’ll understand when I tell you that things that were “of the utmost importance” not so long ago are a little farther down the list right now.

Now, I’m a Lieutenant General in the United States Army, which means I’m a pretty big shot in my world, but you probably don’t give a crap about what I have to say, so go ahead. I know you have the Office of the President on speed dial. I’ll wait.

—I do not need to call the president. If you are unwilling to proceed, I know other people who will.

—Not right now, you don’t. The CIA nut jobs at the Special Activities Division might be crazy enough to say yes, but they’ll find out very quickly there isn’t a single tier one unit available. No SEALs, no Marines, no Special Forces, no ISA, no STS. Everyone’s grounded. The only Delta you’re gonna get is Delta Airlines if you want to fly down there, but you’ll have to do it alone.

—Where is the Delta team right now?

—Here. They never left. Your assault troop was still prepping when that happened. I gave the abort order in person. We’re shutting down every live op we have until this clears.

—What about the civilian I sent you?

—We flew him back where he came from. He was pissed, said to tell you he would handle things himself if you didn’t. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get some very unhappy people out of Syria.

—I must insist. It is imperative that they leave now and complete their mission. You can have them back in twenty-four hours.

—Insist all you want. Their mission, as I understand it, was to retrieve a child who may or may not be able to pilot the EDC robot when she grows up. Am I missing anything?

—That is a reasonably accurate, though somewhat simplistic, summary of the objective.

—Then no. The president agreed to this because having a team of American pilots would provide a strategic advantage to this country. That was then. If we’re on the brink of a global conflict with an alien species, there’s no point in even thinking about getting the robot for ourselves ten years from now. We follow the plan and put all our resources with the EDC. I’m not gonna waste a Delta team we might desperately need here and risk pissing off everyone else at the UN when we might be begging for Themis a few hours from now. Your Boogeyman op is NO GO.

—This mission is also important for the EDC.

—Is it? Then why haven’t you made the request through them? You’d have your team if the EDC requested it. Hell, you could have a platoon!

—Did you agree with the mission?