The Hercules Text

“Yes. That’s why I came in.”

“It was down for precisely four hours, seventeen minutes, forty-three seconds.”

“Is that significant?”

Gambini smiled. “Multiply it by sixteen, and you get Beta’s orbital period.” He watched Harry expectantly and was clearly disappointed at his lack of response. “Harry,” he said, “that’s no coincidence. The shutdown was designed to attract attention. Designed, Harry. And the duration of the shutdown was intended to demonstrate intelligentcontrol.” Gambini’s eyes glittered. His lips rolled back to reveal his teeth. “Harry,” he said, “it’s the LGM signal! It’s happened!” Harry shifted his weight uncomfortably. LGM meantlittle green man...