Moment of Truth by Michael Pryor Page A

of you here today are to continue with specialised training, some will be allocated to field teams supporting the regular military, while others will be formed into elite three-person units. Each of these units will have a high degree of autonomy.’ His grin was not pleasant. ‘This is because you will be operating in areas where access to higher echelons may not be possible.’
    A low buzz, which Commander Tallis allowed to go on for a moment, then he continued. ‘These detachments will be a blend of operatives from the Special Services and the Magic Department.’ He paused. ‘The Magic Department and the Special Services. Commander Craddock?’
    Craddock stepped up to the lectern with a list. ‘These people will remain behind. The others will go with their section commander for other assignments.’
    Special units, Aubrey thought and he rubbed his hands together. This is what Craddock mentioned. He saw Caroline, George and he united again, sent on important tasks together, making the most of their talents. Working behind enemy lines, living off their own wits and own resources, thrown together against all odds, sharing the risks, daring danger and everything it had to throw at them.
    All in the service of the country, of course.
    Aubrey nodded when his name was read out, and smiled when Caroline and George’s were as well. Content, he crossed his arms on his chest and wondered if they were now sitting up, surprised, looking for him.
    Woodberry’s name wasn’t read out, Aubrey noted, and he left with the others whose names hadn’t been called, looking somewhat disconsolate. Craddock glanced at Tallis, then went on. ‘Orange slips for special unit detachment are now being distributed.’ Aubrey saw some of the section commanders working through the rows, pieces of paper in hand. ‘You will meet the rest of your unit in the rooms noted, where you will receive briefing on your first assignments.’
    Craddock became grave. ‘Though it may be difficult for you to see, each mission of each unit is important. You may be puzzled, even bewildered, by some tasks allocated to you, but I must emphasise that the country is relying on you. If you fulfil your mission, you will be contributing to the defence of Albion. Commander Tallis?’
    Tallis squared himself. ‘I endorse Commander Craddock’s remarks. Go with all speed, and with all safety. And come back alive.’
    Aubrey was still coping with the chill that Tallis’s words brought when a slip of paper was thrust at him. While still reading it, he stood and scanned the room, but both George and Caroline had gone.
    Room 7a was on the ground floor, toward the rear of Darnleigh House, and it was where he was to report to a Captain Foster. With some difficulty, Aubrey negotiated the chaos that came from dozens of people trying to find their way in unfamiliar surroundings, for he was constantly asked directions by khaki-clad operatives, all looking formidably fit and vigorous. He was keen to hear from Caroline and George about their training, to see how much of this vim was due to the Special Services regime and how much came from the candidates themselves. Perhaps athletes and manual workers were high on the list of prospective recruits for the Special Services?
    He amused himself with visions of Caroline teaching these muscular recruits a thing or two in unarmed combat until he fronted the door marked 7a.
    He knocked, sharply, smiling in anticipation.
    â€˜Enter.’
    Aubrey stepped into the room with what he hoped was the right amount of jauntiness. Not too much, nothing brash, but the step of a confident, well-trained Magic Department operative.
    â€˜Aubrey!’ George cried, turning around in a chair that faced the single desk. ‘Old man!’
    A bespectacled, sour-faced captain stood behind the desk and in front of a large map of the Continent. He didn’t shout, for which Aubrey was