General Orlov and Hood had a close personal and professional relationship. Striker leader It. Colonel Charles Squires died during a previous joint undertaking, helping to prevent a coup in Russia.
'I asked Paul about that,' Herbert said.
'He doesn't want to involve them. Russian technology helps drive the Indian war machine. Indian payoffs drive Russian generals. Orlov won't be able to guarantee that anyone he contacts will maintain the highest-level security status.'
'I'm not convinced we can guarantee HIS status from the NSA,' Rodgers replied.
'I'm with you on that,' Herbert said.
'I'm not sure Hank Lewis patched up all the holes Jack Fenwick drilled over there. That's why I'm giving information to Ron Friday on a need-to-know basis. He's moving up to Jaudar with a Black Cat officer and the grandfather of the CNO informant who's traveling with the cell.'
'Good move,' Rodgers said.
'We're also trying to get regular weather updates from the Himalayan Eagles,' Herbert said.
'But that could all change before you arrive. By the way, how are your new hosts treating you?' 'Fine,' Rodgers said.
'They gave us rations, the gear is all here, and we're on schedule.' 'All right,' Herbert said.
'I'll give you the drop coordinates at H-hour minus fifteen.' 'Confirmed,' Rodgers said.
The general looked at his watch. They had three hours to go. That left them just enough time to pass out the gear, check it out, suit up, and review the maps with the team.
'I'll check back in when I have more intel for you,' Herbert said.
'Is there anything else you need?'
'I can't think of anything. Bob,' Rodgers said.
There was a short silence. Mike Rodgers knew what was coming. He had heard the change in Herbert's voice during that last question. It had gone from determined to wistfulness.
'Mike, I know I don't have to tell you that this is a shitty assignment,' Herbert said.
'No, you don't,' Rodgers agreed. He was flipping through the magnified views of the region of the drop. Never mind the terrain itself. The wind-flow charts were savage. The urrents tore through the mountains at fifty to sixty- one miles an hour. Those were gale-force winds.
'But I do have to point out that you aren't a part of Striker,' Herbert went on.
'You're a senior officer of the NCMC.'
'Cut to the chase,' Rodgers told him.
'Is Paul going to order me to stay behind?'
'I haven't discussed this with him,' Herbert said.
'What's the point? You've disobeyed his orders before.' 'I have,' Rodgers said.
'Kept Tokyo from getting nuked, if I remember correctly at my advanced age.'
'You did do that,' Herbert said.
'But I was thinking that it might help if we had someone on-site to liaise with the Indian government.'
'Send one of the guys the FBI tucked into the embassy,' Rodgers said.
'I know they're there and so do the Indians.'
'I don't think so,' Herbert replied.
'Look, I'll be happy to talk to whatever officials I have to from the field,' Rodgers said. The general leaned forward.
He huddled low over the microphone.
'Bob, you know damn well what we're facing here. I've been looking at the charts.
When we drop into the mountains the wind alone is going to hammer us.
We stand a good chance of losing people just getting onto the ground.'
'I know,' Herbert said.
'Hell, if they didn't need to fly the plane I'd bring the Indian crew down with me. Let them help save their own country,' Rodgers continued.
'So don't even try to tell me that I shouldn't do what we're asking Striker to do. Especially not with what's at stake.'
'Mike, I wasn't thinking about Striker or the rest of the world,' Herbert replied.
'I was thinking about an old friend with football-damaged, forty-seven-year-old knees. A friend who could hurt Striker more than help them if he got injured on an ice-landing.'
'If that happens I'll order them to leave me where I land,' Rodgers assured him.
'They won't.' 'They will,' Rodgers said.
'We'll have to do that with anyone who's hurt.' He hung up the receiver and motioned for Corporal Honda to
