The ELI Event B007R5LTNS

stole from NADCOM. We know about Major Pettis. And we know something you don’t—when this satellite weapon fires in a few minutes, it’s going to completely wipe out Los Angeles. It’s called the Eli Event.”
    Eli’s face registered shock and concern. “What? How?”
    “Not important at the moment. What’s important is, it has to be stopped right now. You have to quit screwing around and fix this.”
    “I have been somewhat… confused lately,” Eli admitted, “and I have been working to correct the formulaic errors in the data’s calculations, but I had no idea the weapon would destroy the city. We are all in grave danger, then, yes?”
    “Oddly, no,” Wheeler said. “According to Arty, the weapon can’t penetrate below surface level, so we’re safe here in the lab. But above us, Los Angeles is toast unless you and Robin can stop this thing.”
    “Eli,” Robin asked, “have you fixed the errors?”
    “Most of them, yes.”
    “Then we have to send the data back to NADCOM and let them stop it. It’s their data.”
    “I’m afraid I can’t do that, Robin,” Eli said. “Frankly, we cannot trust them to stop it.”
    “It’s about to wipe out L.A.,” Wheeler shouted. “Of course they’ll stop it!”
    “A reasonable assumption, Dr. Wheeler, but by no means a certainty, and I cannot accept it as a basis for decision. Many elements in the military would actually welcome such a disaster, as it would support their aggressive policies and foster a more militaristic society. In fact, Major Pettis himself is an open advocate of what is called the New World Order, and has published articles to that effect. If you like, I can supply references—”
    “Or you could just ask me,” Pettis said haughtily as he and Grochonski burst through the laboratory doors. From under his uniform jacket Pettis produced a black automatic pistol. “Major Richard Pettis and Master Sergeant Grochonski,” he said, scanning the room. “Everybody stay where you are until I sort this out.”
    Grochonski stared at the pistol, shocked. “Major, we just got off a commercial flight. How the hell…”
    Pettis laughed mirthlessly. “Tokyo Marui Glock 17,” he said. “Special made, all plastic. Walked it on right under their noses.” He aimed the pistol at Robin. “So, kid—I got a curious call from someone who said a computer has my data.”
    Robin opened his mouth to speak. “That is correct,” Eli answered for him. “The Molecular Disruptor Array project data is in my possession. There are no other copies. Anywhere,” he added pointedly.
    Pettis turned to look at Eli’s face. “And who or what are you?”
    Eli’s eyes narrowed. “I am Eli,” he said flatly, “and I am Robin’s friend and protector.”
    “How nice for you,” Pettis said sarcastically. “But I don’t care. All I want is my data.”
    “The MDA weapon sweep will take place in just minutes, Major. The stop codes are in the project files. I can prevent this disaster.”
    “I repeat, I don’t care. But I’ll tell you what: Return my project data to NADCOM first, and then I’ll let you stop the sweep.”
    “I’m afraid that I cannot let that happen, Major,” Professor Marx interrupted. With his right hand, he reached under his jacket; with his left, he grasped something under his chin and pulled. The thin plastiskin mask peeled off in one piece as he thumbed the control of the laser pistol and fired a short burst. Pettis’s weapon melted in his hand, and he dropped the hot, runny mass onto the tiled lab floor, vigorously shaking his burned hand.
    “You!” Arty shouted angrily.
    “Ah, so you did recognize me at Dr. Wheeler’s apartment,” Lokus replied calmly. “Your renegade friends taught you well. No matter. I am revealed now.”
    “So there is no Professor Marx,” Kelly said accusingly.
    “Oh, yes, there is. Or at least there was, until he met with an unfortunate accident earlier this week. Posing as Professor Marx gave me the perfect position to observe—and control—various elements of the scenario. I had intended to remain anonymous and let events play out naturally this morning, but Major Pettis’s foolishly magnanimous offer has forced me to directly intervene.” He checked his watch. “Fortunately, we have only a few minutes to wait, and then all will be as it should.”
    “Murderer!” Aurora stood at the open doorway, dirty and disheveled, fury in her eyes.
    “Aurora,” Lokus smiled, “I am pleased,