Page 30 of Clive Cussler's Quantum Tempest

“I was disappointed when you were transferred away. We worked so well together in the Bright Lantern program. You were my most effective agent.”

“You trained me well.”

Peng’s previous position had been to recruit China’s brightestscience and engineering students and place them in the most prestigious university programs abroad. Their mission was to ferret out information and technology, and to cultivate compromising relationships with notable colleagues and professors.

Linlin had been the brightest student he’d ever encountered and proved a prodigy in spycraft. But it was her natural, unadorned beauty that disarmed, and in some cases, unhinged the men she encountered. Her time at MIT had been most productive, and her secret reports had proven invaluable. The Bright Lantern program’s success had been the fuel that rocketed Peng to the pinnacle of power he now enjoyed.

“It surprised me when you were reassigned to another division.” Peng’s probing eyes searched her face for clues.

Linlin shifted in her chair. Long hours in coach class—the only seat she could secure—played havoc with her back. But her discomfiture was more than physical. She wondered if he knew she had secretly requested the transfer for several reasons, not the least of which were Peng’s paternalistic affections that had taken an altogether different turn.

“We both serve the Party in whatever capacity the Party decides. In your case, the Party has chosen wisely.”

Linlin saw the tug at the corner of Peng’s mouth. He had a weakness for female flattery.

“Yes, of course. And your time in Germany has been productive. I’ve read your file. Perhaps it’s time to turn the page.”

“Your message said it was urgent that we meet in person, but you didn’t say why. I assume there is a security concern?”

In fact, she knew he simply wanted her sitting in his presence. As uncomfortable as that was, she saw the opportunity it presented. Close proximity to Peng could be the most advantageous thing for her at the moment—and also the most dangerous.

“I have an extremely important assignment for you if you’re interested.”

“My work in Germany is important.”

“Of course, but not as urgent nor as critical as what I have in mind.”

“And that is?”

“Have you heard of the Guardians?”

“Rumors only. A hacker group, perhaps? Nothing specific.”

“I believe them to be a highly organized band of dangerous cutthroats murdering our scientists and destroying our valuable equipment.”

“For what purpose?”

“To stop our AGI development. Just three days ago, a cargo plane carrying advanced photolithography machinery was destroyed, killing the entire crew and security team.”

Linlin’s jaw dropped in shock. “I had no idea.”

“Given the work you’ve been doing in Germany, you understand there is no strategic initiative with higher priority. China must acquire AGI first—at any cost—and deny it to all of her competitors.”

Linlin nodded. “Agreed. These Guardians must be stopped. I assume they’re Western intelligence?”

“My sources tell me the Western powers have suffered losses similar to ours, though they have yet to put the puzzle pieces together as I have. We are dealing with an altogether different animal.”

“A crime syndicate? A mercenary outfit?”

“It’s unclear. But stopping them is my first and only priority. And you are the sword I need to cut them down.”

Linlin’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. But Peng caught it.

“I need your help, Linlin. I hope there is nothing in our past that would stand in the way of our collaboration.”

That was as close to an apology as Peng would ever give. Linlin accepted it with a gentle lie.

“Of course not. How can I serve you?”