Benito held the remaining vials up to the artificial light. It was hard to believe the iridescent blue liquid that swilled inside was the most dangerous—and the most valuable—possession on Earth.
‘Think about what you’re doing.’ A new voice.
‘Oh, right,’ Benito said with faux confidence. ‘The Blue Beret commander with no Blue Berets left to command.’
He turned and found himself staring down the barrel of Major Novak’s submachine gun.
‘Put the vials down carefully,’ Novak said.
‘And then what?’ Benito said. ‘You’ll shoot me? Well, that sounds like a wonderful idea.’
‘Why would I shoot you?’ Novak said. ‘I’m on your side. The Fifth Column are on your side.’ He shook his head, trying for disappointment. ‘You think all we can offer you is a career and a home? We can offer you a life. Sur
