13 - The Rainbow Affair (16 page)

"Satraps," said Illya. "Although the correct term is 'satrapy' for the local group, and 'satrap' being the individual in charge. The meaning has slipped askew in three or four thousand years."

"Thrush Central is large," agreed Napoleon, "but highly mobile. It seems to be able to be anywhere in the world, but it doesn't stay there, but it doesn't move. We hope to get a little more data on this sometime. The satrapies are in constant communication with Central, where the Ultimate Computer is located."

Rainbow nodded. "They keep in touch by means of a miniaturized satellite computer on a random time sharing basis. The satrap has a small computer-combined-with-multiplex-transceiver. The whole thing can travel in a large suitcase or a small trunk. It is tied into the Master, which in this case is the Ultimate Computer, and is used for most secure messages, instant access to all data anywhere within the organization, daily orders, and all record storage. A Thrush-backed small business with a satellite computer can edge out its competition because it will not have to buy time on a computer or maintain one."

Illya's eyes were a little wider than usual. "The satellite has access to the entire storage of the Ultimate Computer?" he said quietly.

"Of course," said Rainbow. "But the satellites are heavily protected against kidnapping. Any attempt to take one without authorization would simply result in the machine's wiping all memory banks and irretrievably severing communications with the Ultimate Computer."

"Nothing is perfect," said Napoleon. "It would be a challenge."

Rainbow smiled. "We may discuss that later," he said. "There is much more you might like to know. Before I give it to you, I offer a treaty. My operation may be severely damaged soon, and your job will essentially have been accomplished. Will you agree to do what you can to keep U.N.C.L.E. off my back for a while in return for useful information and – possibly - some practical cooperation against Thrush?"

"We can't promise anything," said Napoleon. "But we can make a full and favorable report to our chief, including your offer. He is the only one who can accept or decline."

"I could ask little better," said Rainbow. "You are men of honor, and your word is good."

"Thank you," said Illya. "Now about that computer…"

Chapter 15

How Napoleon and Illya Departed Precipitously, and the Dawn Truly Came Up Like Thunder.

THE REMAINDER of the afternoon was spent in conversation. Illya's photographic memory took down everything he heard and fastened the threads together.

"There are three Ultimate Computers, actually," said Johnnie Rainbow at one point. "And here and there about the world, in the most unexpected places, are large concealed areas with a water supply, electrical lines, sewage, and full covers. One Thrush Central, call it
alpha
, is in one of these - perhaps a warehouse in Liverpool. At the same time, in a large cave in Argentina, Thrush Central
beta
is on standby, ready to go into operation literally at a second's notice. Also at the same time, Thrush Central
gamma
is in transit from an office building in Karachi to a tramp freighter which will cruise about the Pacific Ocean for several weeks. When
gamma
is completely set up and functioning,
alpha
dumps the records since it went active into
beta's
bank, and hands active control over to
beta
. Then
alpha
transfers all data into
gamma's
bank,
gamma
goes on stand-by, and
alpha
is torn down and moved to Reykjavik. One Thrush Central may maintain control for as short a time as two weeks or as long as two months. The Computer tells them when and where to move in a completely random manner.

"The twelve members of the Supreme Council very rarely meet. Their communications are normally through their satellite computers, and the Ultimate Computer maintains records of all their discussions."

"And the satellite computers have complete access to the Ultimate Computer," Illya said again under his breath.

"But they are impossible to steal," Rainbow reminded him, and Illya looked up strangely.

"
Are
they impossible to steal?" he asked directly.

Johnnie cleared his throat. "I don't know yet," he said, and the corners of his eyes crinkled slightly. Then he rose to his feet. "Come along, gentlemen. I would like to see how the work is proceeding." He guided them to the door, and they started out.

There was a distant humming which rose and fell, and a fine dust filled the air. Rainbow raised his voice slightly. "Last minute precautions. I have no idea what form their attack will take, but I do expect a direct assault on the light. We should be able to defend against any reasonable offensive move, unless they resort to using tactical atomic weapons."

"Not here," said Illya positively. "Radiation monitoring stations all over. It would attract a tremendous amount of attention."

"Well, we're reinforcing our structure and preparing to withstand a possible siege; we may be able to hold off the Wogs after all."

"But they aren't likely to stop. You may have to evacuate."

"Leave my stronghold just as it is becoming livable? I may be of British stock, but I am not overly fond of castle life; the cold and damp are most unpleasant. Now it is nearly comfortable. And after all, a man's castle is his home. Besides, I expect Thrush to slack off once you are safely away."

"Possibly," said Illya. "Possibly."

Rainbow looked at his wrist watch. "Nine-thirty already! We must have a bite of supper. I have a great deal more to tell you, and the hours are passing far too quickly. Come - I will have trays sent up from the galley. Would you care for a turn around the rock before we get back to work?"

Napoleon shook his head. "There'll be time enough for exercise in the morning." He turned thoughtfully to Illya. "Under the circumstances," he said, "I feel we should conclude our investigation of Mr. Rainbow, and concentrate upon the unexpected angles that have opened before us."

The Russian nodded. "Succinctly put, Napoleon. I agree."

Their host enjoyed this bit of byplay, and returned with them to his office. In the following hours, they gradually came into an open exchange of data on Thrush, with the U.N.C.L.E. agents adding less-secret items to Rainbow's invaluable file. After midnight, Illya started taking written notes.

Thrush was not the sole topic of conversation. Rainbow would occasionally drift into a story from his military career, under Montgomery in the North African campaign, in Palestine after the War, in Korea and other combat zones later.

"Where in Korea?" Napoleon asked.

"Wonsan," Rainbow said. "Where were you?"

"Up and down the other coast, mostly. Mokpo to Seoul."

"It was a rotten little war, wasn't it?" There was silence on both sides for a moment, as Illya looked uncomfortably from one to the other. Solo returned first, and said, "Incidentally, your data on Thrush's political participation was most interesting."

"Indeed," said Illya. "I'm somewhat hurt to find them siding with the Russians so often."

"So is the Kremlin, comrade. That's probably why you're here."

"Gentlemen, before we part I would like to offer you an insight. Your organization is evenly matched with Thrush as things stand now. Thrush is small, mobile, flexible, decentralized. U.N.C.L.E. is large, powerful, comparatively sluggish and regulation restricted. For this reason Thrush has the initiative, striking wherever it will. If Thrush grew to develop sufficient strength to defeat you, it would also be that much slower and easier for you to hit. Conversely, you cannot speed up enough to follow them without changing their entire structure. You would also need to seize the initiative. Your position vis-à-vis Thrush is much the same as theirs with reference to me. You may take this for what it is worth - a thought late in the night, perhaps born of inspiration, perhaps of the bourbon."

He tipped the shared bottle over his glass, and leaned back into the chair. "The hour is late, and you must be leaving before dawn. Would you care for a short nap here? We will have a boat made ready for you, and you will leave about four o'clock."

"We hate to talk and run..." said Napoleon automatically.

"…but under the circumstances," said Illya, and they let it go at that as Johnnie tapped a key on his intercom.

"Harry?" he said. "Do it." He released the key and rose.

"I leave you here for your nap. The last of the bourbon was laced with another of Thrush's chemical wonders - it will put you comfortably to sleep in the next minute or two, and you will wake up refreshed in two hours, with time for a quick breakfast. Good night. I'd like to get to my quarters before it takes effect." And he closed the door.

Napoleon looked at Illya and said, "I hope he makes it."

"He will. He held off drinking his until a minute or two after we'd finished ours. I remember thinking at the time..." His voice faded away, but Napoleon didn't notice. He wouldn't notice anything for two hours.

Shortly after four Napoleon stood in the gasoline-and-salt smelling area of the concealed clock. A large piece of camouflaged steel protected the anchorage, where several oddly assorted craft bobbed gently on the swells rolling in under the sea door, which was raised slightly to admit the breeze. He and Illya still held a last cup of steaming tea, and were bundled in most of their seafaring gear from the trip over. At their feet an impossibly tiny blue-gray inflated rubber liferaft rose and fell. Attached somehow behind it was a motor.

"Practically invisible to radar," Johnnie was saying, "and quite invisible to an air-borne eye from any altitude over three hundred feet when the matching canopy is drawn over the passenger area."

"Rather a distinctive color," said Solo. "I'd hate to try it in the Fijis on a clear day."

"Of course they are customized for the area in which they expect to see service. Another of Thrush's little gifts." He looked proudly around the cavern. "This," he said, "I have done without help. My ideas, my plans, my money and organization. Thrush has never given me anything really valuable," he continued, turning back to them. "Nothing but simple gadgets - like bright beads to a savage." His face clouded over, and he clasped his hands behind his back. "You should never have wasted your time and talents on me, but instead concentrate on this mob of foreigners who are trying to take over the world. This is what you're supposed to be doing, isn't it? It should certainly take precedence over chasing down a simple, honest, hard-working train robber." The clouds cracked, and he smiled at his own final line. Then he shook hands with each of them. "Mr. Solo - Mr. Kuryakin. It has been a true pleasure meeting both of you, even under such trying circumstances. I hope we may work together sometime, against our mutual enemy."

The two U.N.C.L.E. agents shot a glance at each other, and read agreement. Napoleon cleared his throat. "Ah, it's not impossible," he said slowly. "It might even be profitable."

"Quite. We must keep in touch."

"Quite," echoed Illya.

A turtle-necked dock worker hurried up to Rainbow. "Ten after, chief. Radio room says there's a call for you from somebody about an account coming due."

"Thanks, Bill," said Rainbow, and turned to Illya and Napoleon. "Time for you to leave. I'll have the lights dimmed and the door lifted for you. The tradespeople can wait until I've seen you off."

Quickly and cautiously they climbed over into the swaying little boat and started the engine. Rainbow said, "Compass?" and Illya held it up. "Remember the camouflage shroud," added their host, "and
bon voyage
."

He lifted an arm, and the lamps all over the cavern dimmed until the thin space of sky seemed light. Then the space widened as the door rose slowly, and Illya fed fuel to the engine. The outboard muttered behind them, and they hurried forward. The waves caught them just before they passed the wall of the cavern. The swell was low enough not to interfere with their propeller's functioning, but they rose and fell a considerable amount as the tide swept past them, running into the mouth of the cavern. Napoleon looked down at the compass as the disguised door eased closed behind them and then looked up at the sky.

A few bright stars came through the thinning mists, and Solo said, "Well! I was turned around. Apparently this passage is on the side away from the mainland."

"Did you expect it would be oriented for the view?" asked Illya.

Napoleon didn't answer. In the gray light of pre-dawn he was occupied working them around the coastline of the island and into the open sea where the tide would carry them to land.

Shortly he took a compass bearing and a sighting, and shook his head. "We'll have to crab," he said. "Other wise we'll end up right about the foot of those steps they were going to take me down."

Realization came to both of them simultaneously. "So there was evidence pointing directly to Donzerly after all!" They congratulated each other on the belated ratiocination, and resolved to spring it on Escott at the earliest opportunity.

They looked back at the rocky spur of Donzerly almost two miles away as the light in the sky behind them grew. The dark lighthouse was still a shadow against the horizon, and the air was very still.

Illya heard it first, a low distant whistle that swiftly developed bass overtones and swelled into an approaching roar. They looked into the east, as the mists thinned and vanished about them, and saw a tiny dot low in the sky. Napoleon looked at Illya without a trace of e pression. "What time is it?" he asked, although he wore a watch on his wrist.

Illya also had a watch, but he didn't look at it. His gaze was fixed on the small jet that bore towards them. "I would hazard a guess," he said slowly, "that it is very near to four-thirty."

Neither of them said any more, being occupied for the next fifteen seconds with breaking out and rigging the camouflaging tent which covered the entire liferaft.