Metafire

Jim, Jack, and Steven looked at the message in disbelief.

Steven said, "These guys are right now breaking the law, and we are to let them engage in normal business!"

"This is crazy," Jim said, "but I'll just forward this in. I also got the new Internet router code here. It looks like all Metafire Two transmissions will be routed through headquarters. I hope those guys know what they are doing."

"Well, it doesn't look like the FBI is going to win any awards for intelligence so far!" Jack wasn't any happier about this than Steven or Jim. "In fact, if you think about it, the Metafire people seem to be consistently one step ahead. We've looked pretty stupid through this whole thing."

The same thought had gone through the National Security Council and the FBI Director's office. When John Ferguson and Major Henderson boarded the military Gulfstream jet in Los Alamos, two other people were there. They introduced themselves briefly as Los Alamos scientists. They were also ordered to Washington for the meeting.

The group didn't talk during the flight. Both Ferguson and the Major were taking the opportunity to get a bit of rest. The flight landed at National Airport, and the group was hurried directly to the basement of the White House.