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2 Where is Commander General Kol? I summoned him over an hour ago! I need to be briefed on this situation! Adonin was sweating and looked ill. He was pacing about his luxuriously appointed office with palpable anxiety. Across from him, annoyingly calm, was Admiral Nerius. Adonin, I assure you our invasion force and fleet is ready. As we speak new recruits are replacing the veterans, who will, in less than a day, be taking Thode back by force. With any luck at all by this time tomorrow we will have Mavet in prison and the head of this monster revolution will have been cut clean off. Of course I am speaking figuratively your greatness. We would not want to make a martyr of Mavet by actually chopping his head off! Nerius smirked with confidence threatening to release a little snicker at his own sick humor. Adonin stopped pacing long enough to pound both of his fists on his desk and

3 scream releasing already dripping sweat from his head and long grey hair. That is not the situation I am referring to. Find me Kol. He had better have that Jada File in his hand. He had better. This is not my fault! Make no mistake; someones head will be had if that file falls into the wrong hands! Literally! Adonin continued to speak but now more to him or to some invisible person with which he was consulting in his paranoid rage. There must be an inside person high in our ranks. Shofar could not have done this alone. That means conspiracy. How high does it go? Suddenly Adonin realized that he may have already said too much in front of Admiral Nerius. Nerius, you are excused. Find Kol and send him to me. That is your number one priority.

4 Just then a familiar voice fills the room. It is the confident voice of Marah Kol. Great Job Admiral Nerius, you found me. Nerius turns to leave the room but not before winking, unseen to Adonin, at Kol on his way out of the room. Nerius slowly walked out of the room only to hear the thud of the door closing behind him. Kol, where is the Jada File? Commander General Kol took a step closer to Adonin and stood at attention with his hands respectfully behind his back. His response was coated with an insincere coat of concern. The situation is contained, sir. Adonins face blushed red with anger as he waited for Kol to expand on the obviously incomplete answer to his question. He then exploded with his signature anger at Kols insolent silence.

5 CONTAINED? CONTAINED LIKE THE SACKING OF THODE? CONTAINED LIKE THE FAILED ATTEMPT TO MAKE THE ELEAZAR PROBLEM GO AWAY QUIETLY? Kol stood resolute in his silence with his hands still neatly folded behind his back. He knew Adonin was close to a nervous breakdown and was taking a moment to enjoy the panic he was putting the Premier through before he answered. Shofar Eved is dead but he did not have the file but I give you my personal word that there is no need to be alarmed. General Amorah has his best people tracking the file and planning to discreetly return it safely to your hands before the day is over. Adonin collapsed into his chair in the corner of his office as if from exhaustion. His long torso and shoulder lunged forward as he cradled his face in his hands. Kol wondered

6 for a moment if he had finally driven Adonin over the edge. His voice was now more quiet and childlike as he lifted his head and looked at Kol with desperation. Kol, if the fileIf the secrets in that file make it to Mavet I know, AdoninI know. That will not happen. We will not allow it to happen. Adonin lifted his head from his hands and sat up properly, strained to pull his shoulders back and look dignified. He then looked at Kol and shook his head affirmatively. Kol bowed his head respectful before excusing himself from the room. Marah Kol could not contain the smirk as he left the office. Their plan seemed to be working much to clockwork. He immediately walked to the nearby office of Admiral Nerius who was just as excited. Nerius quickly stood and closed the door behind Kol. How is he? Mentally? asked Nerius

7 He is a complete wreck! With Kols response both men released the subdued laughter that had been bound by their collective nervous anxieties. Nerius then reported his update respectfully to Kol. His energy was convincingly like that of a zealous loyal protg. Commander, I have great news to report. The Contingency has been initiated. I met with the other key holders this morning and they are ready. We are ready Commander! Kol walked over and placed his hand of Neriuss shoulder. That is wonderful, Admiral, but what about the file? I need to know the second we get it. It must not be touched or seen by anyone who does not have to. It must be given directly to me. The smile faded from Nerius face as he asked the same question once again of Kol.

8 What is the Secret? Why must I wait to learn it? Once again Kols answer remained the same. Soon, Nerius, very, very soon.