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.