The Hellfire Rebellion (TimeWars 10)

“Why?” said Delaney.

“What do you mean, why?”

“Just that. Why?” Delaney said. “So what if he tells the Sons of Liberty that Andre is a woman? How does that jeopardize our mission? What’s the worst that could happen? We might encounter some 18th-century sexism’? I’m not sure it would even be a problem. The American colonies are fairly progressive for this time period. Women here own and operate their own businesses; on the frontier, they share in the work, hunt and help defend the homestead. The Sons of Liberty might raise a few eyebrows if they found out that Andre was passing as a male, hull hardly think it would cause any serious problems. Are you sure that’s what’s really bothering you?”

“Just what is that supposed to mean?” said Lucas.

“You tell me.” Delaney said. “Are you quite certain that your apprehensions aren’t based on a more personal reason?”

“Such as?”

Delaney stared at him. “We’ve known each other for a long time, partner.” he said. “I don’t really have to say it, do I’?”

“Yes, I think you do.” said Lucas. “Spit it out.”

“Stop it, both of you!” Andre said. “This isn’t getting us anywhere. Our personal problems can wait until the mission is completed. I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Finn’s right. If Johnny talks, it might do some damage, but it won’t be very serious. Anyway, I don’t think it will come to that. I said I could handle him. It’s my responsibility. Let me worry about it, okay?”

“Okay by me.” Delaney said.

“Lucas?”

“Yeah, yeah, all right. I just hope you know what you’re doing.”

“Are you questioning my judgment?” she said.

Lucas shook his head. “No. it isn’t that, it’s just… hell, forget it. It’s your call. Do what you think best.”

“All right, then,” she said. Now that that’s settled, the question is what do we do about Hunter’?”

“How much did you tell him’?” asked Delaney.

“Everything, except I left out the pan about Steiger, of course. In light of what Creed said, I think we have to assume that he could be double-dealing us. It’s possible. There’s still too much we don’t know.”

“Creed’s been a spook so long, paranoia is a way of life with him,” said Lucas. But frankly, I feel better knowing that he’s keeping tabs on Hunter. It’ll make our job a lot easier. I think we should keep Hunter on a ‘need-to-know’ basis; use him as a liaison with Adams and the Sons of Liberty, but don’t tell him anything that could affect the outcome of the mission. What he doesn’t know can’t hurt us.”

“Hunter’s not stupid.” Andre said. “He’s liable to figure out we’re holding out on him and he isn’t going to like it.”

“That’s his problem. Lucas said. “He doesn’t have to like it. But if he’s being on the level with us, he’ll have to do things our way or he doesn’t get to go back home.”

“ Does he get to go back home?” said Andre.

“Forrester gave his word,” said Lucas.

“I know,” she said, “but Steiger didn’t like it.”

“Creed’s not stupid enough to go against Forrester’s orders.” said Delaney

“Maybe not,” said Andre, “but I’ve been thinking about it and knowing Creed. I wouldn’t, put it past him to find a loophole. Such as the fact that Forrester didn’t say when Hunter would get to go back home. Creed just might decide to put him through interrogation first and find out if he was bluffing about those subliminal triggers.”

“Are you saying we should try to stop him if he does?” said Lucas.

“Are you saying that we shouldn’t?”

“Hunter is the opposition. Andre.” Delaney said.

“That’s not the point.” said Andre, “If Hunter doesn’t play straight with us. okay, all bets are off. but if he lives up to his end of the bargain. I think we ought to live up to ours.”

“Steiger might not see it that way,” Lucas said.