“MC 3, shut down,” Jane ordered.
“Three down, three to go,” said Steve cheerfully.
“I think I understand why MC 3 was drawn to that time period,” said Jane. “If you remember, his specialty within Mojave Center was security. I believe he was drawn to northern Germany in part because it has been a center of historical turmoil in many eras. When he found himself at full size once again, he was drawn to the source of ultimate stability, meaning Prince Arminius.”
“Wait a minute,” said Gene. “Prince Arminius was the source of rebellion.”
“His victory stabilized the border for centuries,” said Jane. “I believe MC 3 knew that.”
“Yeah, I see.”
“Thank you for your professionalism, Gene,” said Hunter. “Your fee will be automatically transferred to your account. You were extremely helpful.”
“And easy to get along with,” Steve added. “Not everybody who joined us has been.”
“It was a wonderful experience for me, to have seen those people and to have experienced those situations,” said Gene. “But right now I want to dry off and get a hot shower. I know you have more missions to worry about. I’ll leave you to it.”
“Gene,” said Jane quickly. “I remember what you said about history not mentioning Marcus. But if you can find anything that might suggest whether he survived the battle or not, will you let me know?”
“It’s not very likely-but of course I will.”
“Thank you.” Jane gave him a quick hug.
When everyone had said good-bye, Gene departed. Hunter closed the door again, turning to Jane and Steve grimly.
Hunter looked carefully at Jane. “Are you all right?”
“Uh-yeah.” She shrugged.
“It’s funny,” said Steve. “No matter how long Marcus lived, he’s now been dead for over two thousand years.”
“Yeah.” Jane smiled wistfully. “Even though we just saw him a short time ago.”
“You really okay?” Steve asked.
“Yes. I’m okay.”
Steve turned to Hunter. “I suppose you’ve monitored the news again already. What’s the situation?”
“Our third mission succeeded, of course,” said Hunter. “No explosion took place in Germany. However, another explosion of nuclear force has taken place in the Russian Republic.”
“In Russia?” Jane looked at him. “It’s a big place. Was it out in Siberia, by any chance?”
“No. Moscow, with its historic Kremlin and churches and museums, is gone.”
“Wow,” Steve whispered.
“Most importantly to me, in regard to the First Law, millions of Russians are gone, too.”
“Did you find out what year we’re going to visit next?”
“Yes,” said Hunter. “The information was in the console that controls the sphere. Our next mission will take us to Moscow in the winter of 1941, during the Battle of Moscow between Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia.”