Pandora's Legion

He squeezed her forearm. “You feel like you do because you have so much to live for.”

She looked up. “Thank you, Frank. I tried talking to Steve and Omar but… it was hard, you know?”

“Well, sometimes it takes awhile to get it out. My god, Carolyn. Some people never get it out. They spend the rest of their lives second-guessing themselves or indulging in survivor’s guilt. So don’t you ever feel you’ve got to be strong all the time. Believe me, even Marines cry once in awhile.”

“You know, I’m trying to decide how to explain all this to Charles. We talked for ninety minutes last night but I told him hardly anything about what really happened.” She paused, then continued. “I wonder if I have it in me to go out again. But I don’t want to let you down.”

“Carolyn, whatever you decide, it’ll be fine.” On a hunch, he took a different tack. “There’s something else. I mean, if you’re worried about the guys and what they think. Consider the men you’re working with. Most of them are professionals — full-time warriors. They have what I call the red meat attitude. Believe me — and don’t take this wrong — but the fact that you notched three or four terrorists impresses the hell out of those boys.” He decided not to relate what he’d overheard. Hey, dude! Doc Smith’s a killer babe!

Padgett-Smith smiled inwardly. Odd, the terminology these friendly, violent men employed. Notched. Greased. Capped. Wasted. Hardly ever “killed.”

She patted his hand. “Thank you. Again. I’ll get my purse.”

28

BALUCHISTAN PROVINCE

Kassim made the introductions.

The father was graying in a dignified way that impressed Ali, and they established an early rapport. It did not take the scientist long to push the boundaries of courtesy and address the reason for the meeting.

“Sir, I wish to thank you for your support of the jihad. Kassim has spoken your praises in such a way that surely you will be blessed.”

Razak Sial nodded gravely. “Thank you, Doctor. Your own dedication to God’s work and to the less fortunate has earned you a throne in Paradise.”

Ali sensed something — what? Too early to tell; he bided his time.

“Before I speak with these young men, I would know more of them. Please tell me of their education and their devotion to The Word.”

Sial tasted the doctor’s tea again, then set down the cup. “My wife was a good woman who died too young. But she left me with four children of my own and her nephew. It was necessary for me to leave my family for a time and make a living as best I could… on the other side of the border.”

“Yes, Kassim spoke of your service.”

“When I returned from fighting the infidels, I was able to pay most of my debts and even to expand my herd. But, alas, honored doctor, the cost of raising a large family is always high.” The farmer allowed the sentiment to dangle in midair.

Ali shot a glance at Kassim, occupied with the boys outside. Does he know? Does he even suspect that this excuse for a man accepted money to fight God’s enemies? Ali suspected not, but the point would require clarification.

Sial continued. “Even though I was often absent, I saw to the boys’ religious education, as their mother and aunt desired. These two are the most devout of my sons, and they wish to serve in the holy war, if only my family can work without them.” Ali’s pulse spiked briefly. His reservoir of goodwill was rapidly draining. So! The old goat will sacrifice two of his kids for the benefit of the herd — and himself.

“And what would you require to complete the boys’ transition to sacrificial warriors?”

Razak Sial spread his calloused hands in a move so fluid and emotive that it seemed rehearsed. “Doctor, I would not deem it worthy of myself to name a cost. Surely the value of two young lives is measured in more than rupees.”

You shrewd bastard. Place the burden on me. Ali thought for a moment, then said, “For the worth of two fine young men, whose service will be brief, I suggest the working wages of five years each — a value of ten years labor.”

In the rude hut overlooking the valley, thus were two souls purchased. They were delivered in the living bodies of Hazrat Sial and Miam Ahmed.

29

BALUCHISTAN PROVINCE

Ali was pleased with his purchase.

The older boy, Sial’s son Hazrat, was the more devout. Obviously he had given some thought to what was expected of him. “Doctor, The Word prohibits us from suicide, does it not?”

The veterinarian was well versed on the subject. “Truly. Surah An-Nisaa, Aayah 29 says, And do not kill yourselves. Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you.’ Furthermore, a noted scholar said that one who intentionally kills himself will suffer the Fire of Hell. However, most of our warriors are already fatally stricken. They will die regardless of what happens, which is why I have selected them.”

“But, Doctor…”

“But you are different, my brothers. You have chosen to die while you still may live.” He smiled benevolently. “Yours is the shortest and truest path to Heaven.”

Sial mused upon that information and seemed satisfied. “Have others done so?”

Without mentioning the American, Ali cited an example of those who chose self-destruction. “Only one other, and he came to us from a foreign land.”

The twenty-year-old farmer had a good mind for such an apparently simple boy. “But he — and we ourselves — have chosen our end. Therefore, how do we attain Heaven?”

The veterinarian was well versed on that point. “There is scholastic evidence that one who sacrifices himself in a jihad may be accepted into Paradise. The choice was Brother Ibrahim’s, for example. Because he chose to die in our cause, I believe it is nothing against the rest of us.”

Ahmed, reticent by nature, ventured a question. “Doctor, can you tell me — tell us — how our sacrifice will serve the holy war?”

Ali almost smiled. A naive question from a naive young man. “We are blessed to participate in the origins of this jihad. None but God knows where it may lead, but we may feel kinship with those who brought The Faith to the doorstep of the Crusaders and abided in Spain for eight hundred years. May our efforts lead to success so that eight centuries from now, the true faith will have spread over the earth.”

Enough philosophizing for now, he told himself. Let us address the main points. “You know what is required of you?” He looked both young men full in the face.

Ahmed nodded solemnly. Sial almost smiled.

“There must be no doubt. Say it!”

“To sacrifice ourselves in the jihad, and with our deaths inflict a greater loss upon the enemies of The Faith.”

Very good, young man! Ali was so impressed that he neglected to pursue the question with the younger man. He took each by the right hand in turn, welcoming them to the holy war. “My brothers, permit me to explain how you will ascend to Paradise.”

BALUCHISTAN PROVINCE

“That’s gotta be the place.” Foyte glassed the farm from a safe distance, noting the layout of the house, sheds, and pens. “Goats and some other animals. The VW bus also fits the description.” He passed the Zeiss to Lee, who adjusted the focus.

“No visible security, Gunny. You’d think they would have a sentry. At least a rover.”