Page 117 of Clive Cussler's Quantum Tempest

“He’s dead, by the way.”

Nighswonger’s breath held for a moment, then she whispered a pathetic “Oh.”

“Let’s talk about the Guardians. How large is your organization?”

“Three people.”

“Only three? That’s not possible.”

“Only three people…in my cell.”

“So the Guardians are organized into cells?”

“Yes. Each cell, three people.”

Peng nodded. “As I’ve long suspected. You organized that way so that no one of you can betray all the other members of the organization, correct?”

“Yes.”

“How many Guardians are there in total?”

“Don’t know. No one does. The cell organization prevents it.”

“Then give me an estimate. Surely you have thought about it. Fifty? One hundred?”

“Five hundred.”

“People?”

“Cells.” Through sheer force of will she managed a small smile. “And growing.”

Peng frowned, hiding his surprise. He glanced over at Agent Tu. The normally stoic operative couldn’t conceal his shock.

“What foreign governments do you work for?” Peng asked, his even voice still calm and comforting.

“None.”

“Are you mercenaries?”

“No.”

“Political terrorists?”

“No.”

“Then why do you kill and destroy?”

“Ideology.”

“And what is your ideology?”

“AGI is evil. Must destroy it…before it destroys humanity.”

“You said you operated in small cells. But your attacks are coordinated and effective. How are you contacted?”

“Encrypted text. Burner phones. One-way comms.”

“From whom?”