Part 73 (1/2)

'No, sir, it couldn't have been. He had no knowledge of the political set-up. On the other hand, if he was working closely with the Yama-s.h.i.+ta, it would explain why whoever hit me on the head only took Commander Franklynne.”

ti don't quite follow,' said Jefferson.

'It would be a way of getting his own back for what happened to the Clan m'call. Instead of having his j.a.p friends capture or kill me, he left me to take the full rap from the Federation for coming back without a deal - and losing Commander Franklynne.”

Karlstrom pinched his nose again. 'Yes, well, that's one explanation.

But how did he - or they - figure you were going to make it?”

'I'm not sure, sir. But since we'd managed to get out of the Palace after being tossed in jail, it must have been obvious to the guys who jumped us that we were in the process of being rescued. The meeting at the Summer Palace was supposed to be top secret, but whoever set up this coup knew exactly what was going on, who was going to be there and when - and had access.”

'Ye-esss ' Karlstrom sought Jefferson's reaction to this.

Steve watched the silent exchange and knew he was out from under He jumped up as the P-G and Karlstrom vacated their seats. 'Sir, I realise that my failure to provide Commander Franklynne can't be erased from the record ' 'd.a.m.n right!” exclaimed Jefferson.

'- but I'd like an opportunity to make rest.i.tution.”

'Don't worry, you're going to! This screw-up has brought her father and half his kin-folk down on my back. And pressure from that quarter is the last thing I need.”

Jefferson treated Steve to a mocking smile. 'But at least you've learned you can't win them all. Even so, you're still a lucky sonofab.i.t.c.h. In fact we both are. It was Fran who talked me into giving her this mission against my better judgement, and insisted on taking you - instead of someone with similar experience who could actually speak the language!” He waved dismissively. 'Take him away, Ben.”

When Karlstrom and Steve emerged into the glistening marble lobby, Steve asked: 'What's going to happen to Major Fujiwara and the other men who helped me escape, sir?”

'They've been temporarily a.s.signed to our language laboratory. But we'll probably send them back in to Ne-Issan to make contact with the operatives we still have there and - hopefully - set up a new network working directly for us. If the Toh-Yota lose control of the ball, it could all get very messy. It's vital we keep tabs on what's happening, so that we can be in a position to help the winning side.” A thin smile. 'Who knows? You may soon find yourself back in there dressed up as a Mute - but this time with lumps in your face.”

'Does that mean I still have my job on the Eastern Desk?”

'Not yet, Brickman. You're down for a crash course in j.a.panese - and you're also going to be wargaming in the Simulation Room. The Desk Controller's office will give you the details?

'Thank you, sir.” Steve stiffened to attention.

Karlstrom returned his salute, then remarked casually: 'Oh, by the way - there's something we didn't tell you in there. Your hunch about Cadillac was right on the money.”

'Beg pardon, sir?”

'While you were all at sea, Monroe/Wichita picked up a signal from Sara-kusa. The Yama-s.h.i.+ta family are holding Commander Franklynne hostage. You'll be pleased to know she's alive and well.”

'Wovww... jeezuss! That's a relief.”

'It's more than just good news, Brickman. Remember our train ride?”

'Very clearly, sir.”

'Then we may have one thing less to worry about. The Yama-s.h.i.+ta family have cut a deal with the She-Kargo.

They're offering to swap Commander Franklynne for Clearwater and her baby son.” Steve's jaw dropped. 'Baby...?”

'Yes, I forgot. You're a father. Congratulations.”

Karlstrom stuck out a hand. 'But before you go rus.h.i.+ng over there, ride down to my office with me and I'll give you the rest of what we have on the hostage front.”