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their equipment when the end was certain," the Russian told him. "There
is no evidence that the enemy possesses any type of surface-to-air
missile delivery systems. They are well armed with various types of
automatic weapons and have rocket launchers and probably thousands of
hand grenades. But all military planes, tanks, and other large offensive
weaponry were rendered useless at the end."

"Another plus for our side," Ben said.

"Yes. Quite. Also, intelligence confirms what the prisoners have told
us. We're outnumbered about ten to one." The Russian shrugged his
shoulders. "So what else is new?"

Ben smiled at that. Although he spoke perfect English, Georgi had picked
up a lot of American

33 expressions over the years.

"Armed with the captured weapons, we've got about a battalion of locals
working with our people in the search-and-destroy teams. The batt corns
told me that their teams are letting the locals handle more and more of
the missions. They do deal rather harshly with the enemy."

"I just bet they do."

"Also, night patrols state that a lot of small craft left this island
during the darkness. I think the pirates and thugs have fled."

"I agree. At least, as many as possible have fled. But I want this
island sterile before we move on."

"I think that can be accomplished within seventy-two hours."

"Good. Then we take Maui."

Books listened as the leaders of those who had fled Molokai babbled on,
each one trying to talk over the other. Exasperated, he had to hammer on
the desk with the butt of a pistol to quiet them.

"Calm down. I get the point," he told the group. "But Raines no longer
has the element of surprise working for him. We certainly know he's here
and we can prepare for him. We've got time. He'll save Oahu for last.
Bet on that. Right now I want you people to get a grip on yourselves and
calm your men. You're in a panic."

"That's easy for you to say, Books," he was told. "You wasn't there.
Raines's people are like ghosts. They can be on you before you can
blink. They can cut the throat of the man not five feet from you and
you'll never know it until you try to talk to the guy and he don't
answer. And I ain't lyin' neither."