Chapter 8

Three days later:

Edward stood before a table in a large meeting room. Covering the table was a large-scale model of their target. The captains crowded around as Edward outlined the plan.

"Ok, Phase One: Wan, Armand, and myself will lead our squadrons in a direct assault from above. The rest of you, except for Robert, will use your troops to set up a perimeter, at ground level, 100 yards away from the fence. Phase Two: Once our squads start drawing their fighters, those of you on the perimeter attack the building from the sides. Robert," he pointed at the skinny fighter, "I want you and your troops positioned on roofs of area buildings. Your squadron is going to provide cover and reinforcements if we need them. If anything happens, I want to know there are people guarding our backs. Is everyone clear on this?" Heads nodded. "Ok, we attack tomorrow at dawn. Go get some sleep."

As the captains began to file out of the briefing room, Edward called out, "Robert, a moment, if you please? The young warrior turned and approached Edward as the last of the captains left the room and shut the door.

"Yes, sir?"

"You were upset about being put on back-up duty."

"A little. Why do you add that part to the plan Armand and I worked out? We've never had a backup squadron before."

"We've never known we had a traitor in our midst before either."

"True," Robert agreed, musing. "We never factored that fact in when we were developing the plan. Do you know who it is yet?"

Edward sighed, "I have my suspicions, but I'm still not certain enough to act on them."

"Who do you suspect?"

"I don't feel comfortable voicing my suspicions just yet. Who do you suspect?"

"Well..." Robert was, for once, reluctant to give his opinion.

"Yes?" Edward said, trying to draw him out, "stop worrying about what I think, Robert, and just be honest with me."

"My first impulse is to say Armand."

"Why is that?"

"He has always been very... outspoken against our war."

"I've noticed that."

"Plus, the whole time we were in D.C. together, I got the feeling he was hiding something from me, like there was something he wasn't telling me"

"I see."

"Other than that, I don't know who else it could be. Everyone else seems very... devout."

"That's true, they do all seem more dedicated when you compare them to Armand, don't they." Edward frowned slightly as he sank into thought.