Free Crossing Savage by Dave Edlund Page A

you are—the world economy as we know it would change, perhaps in very unpredictable ways. This could also change the balance of power as well.”
    â€œProfessor, clearly I don’t know what may or may not happen to global politics and economics if you succeed in developing this process, as I believe you will. My concern is to protect the national security of this country. And right now, that means protecting you and your associates so you can complete your research.”
    â€œI’m sorry. You haven’t presented one shred of evidence. This is all speculation that you concocted just now during our discussion.” His eyes flared, he shook his head in emphasis. “No, I don’t buy your theory and you still haven’t convinced me that my life is in imminent danger.”
    â€œDad, don’t be stubborn or foolish! What’s the harm in accepting protection for a while?”
    â€œIn eight days I’m leaving for Alaska with five of my colleagues. I need to collect specific rock specimens in order to continue my research through the winter. We’ve been planning this trip for almost a year, and I won’t postpone it. The location is uniquely positioned very near to the subduction zone at the northern edge of the Pacific plate.
    â€œPeter, you know how bad the winters are up there. If we don’t go now, we lose at least eight months before we can go again.”
    â€œWhere are you going in Alaska?” asked Jim.
    â€œChernabura Island. It’s in the Aleutian chain just south of Sand Point and about 26 miles north of the subduction zone. Peter knows it well.” Professor Savage smiled. He knew how much Peter enjoyed spending time there. “We figured on staying at the cabin.”
    â€œWell, that should be simple,” said Peter, turning his attention back to Jim. “Just send some of your men along on the trip to provide protection.”
    â€œI wish it were that easy. My team is part of the Department of Defense, and we cannot deploy armed troops on U.S. soil without proper authorization from the state and federal authorities. It will take too long to get that.”
    â€œWhat about the FBI or state police?”
    Jim shook his head. “The FBI hasn’t taken a serious interest in this case since the murders so far have occurred on foreign soil. Professor, it would be better if you would postpone the trip—give us time to get to the bottom of this and clean it up.”
    â€œNo! I will not delay. Why do you think I’m any safer staying here? Besides, it is imperative that we complete the survey and get those samples. We cannot continue our planned experimental work and test the catalysts without accurate geological samples. No. My answer is firm.”
    Jim looked at Peter, but Peter remained silent.
    â€œAll right,” said Jim. “I’ll do what I can. Maybe I can at least get a U.S. marshal to tag along with you. I trust that would be acceptable?”
    â€œI’m all right with that… provided he stays out of my way and doesn’t interfere with my work.” The Professor was sounding rather defiant, something Peter was used to. Jim did not have a good feeling about it at all and his expression said as much.
    â€œDad, I really think Jim is right. Please, at least think about what he’s said. I don’t want to see you hurt—or worse.”
    â€œPeter, I’m going to be fine. Don’t worry.”
    Peter reluctantly accepted his father’s decision. He looked into his father’s eyes and said, “Actually, Dad, I’ve been planning to go to the cabin to do some hunting. I’ll go along with you. There’s plenty of room with the bunks.”
    Jim frowned, not believing what he had just heard. It was bad enough he couldn’t deter Professor Savage from continuing with his expedition—but now Peter was going too?
    A bit surprised, his father answered, “It’s too