Metafire

Angela and Frank were now resolved to hold the FBI hostage to a situation one more time. They had known George too long. It wasn't inconceivable that he was guilty of the mass murders, but it was inconceivable that he would sacrifice his trump card simply to demonstrate an explosion that he could also demonstrate later. They felt confident that there was no need to immediately disable the nuclear device. The FBI would still have to come save Jane as well as open communications. The only thing they lost, in the short term, was the freedom of Dick O'Leary and the other Metafire people left on Earth. But, then, there was no assurance of their freedom, in any event.

Jane reluctantly agreed to the new plan. They established confidential contact with Ferguson. Frank spoke with resolve, "We are not going to disable the motion sensors on the bomb, yet. First, we want Jane taken back and freed. We want to make sure she has the new evidence and an attorney, and that she has a clear pardon. Things have changed here, the bomb is not in danger by any action George can take." He decided to lie about George in order to avoid an argument.

Ferguson was completely taken aback. He had thought that the matter had finally been resolved and that the bomb and Metafire could be forgotten. Now, it seemed, the nightmare was back in full force. All he could say was, "This is unacceptable."