VIII. “POWER DWELLS IN THE HEART”

From the depths of Mammoth Cave, Lothrop introduces himself to John and describes the evacuation of the orbital Martian headquarters in favor of a subterranean command center.  John asks after Anna, whom Lothrop suspects captured or killed.  Lothrop dismisses John for medical treatment, rest, and a battery of tests.

Over lunch, John and Lothrop discuss Anna’s conversion of Huggins to the Martian cause and the possibility that she remains alive.  Lothrop recounts the Pro Tem Government’s efforts to thwart retrieval of Huggins near the Inn Where Only Delight Lives.  John learns about giant Martian moles and their use in warfare.

Lothrop proposes that John join ARES as its leader.  Incredulous, John accepts the position.  Lothrop explains his rationale, citing his remote observations of John through the eyes of several ARES agents. 

Underscoring the importance of securing Huggins, Lothrop points to the precarious support of his planet’s leadership.  He describes the small Martian fighting force on the ground in America and their reluctant reliance on an alliance with the Chinese.

Fitted with a Martian transmission device, John manages to establish a connection with Anna.