A general cease-fire was called throughout Dulles as the leadership of the Virginia Theater met with AOL President Steve Case. A major in America Online's military led Brendan, General Beck, and Col. Schuler to a partially bombed-out office building, where Case had moved his office to a shelter in the basement.

"Mr. Case will see you now," a secretary announced after a moment. The group entered the office and stepped up to a large wooden desk.

"Sir, it is my pleasure to introduce to you Brendan Dillon, General Elliott Beck, and NLA commander Colonel Martin Schuler," the major announced.

"Thank you, Major. You are dismissed." Case stood and eyed Brendan. "So I finally meet the leader of the Oligarchy's petty resistance. You are a fool to challenge America Online."

Brendan was not impressed by Case's confidence. "Case, most of your main offices have been destroyed and your forces are virtually crushed. If you have not called us here to receive your surrender, we are all wasting our time here."

Case smiled. "Do not beleive everything you see, Dillon. I am not defeated so easily."

At OCB Headquarters, matters were becoming more difficult with the arrival of Bill Gates and troops from his Microsoft Militia, who had claimed to give his support to the Oligarchy against AOL.

"How can we possibly trust you, Gates?" asked Matt.

"Because I hate AOL even more than you do," Gates replied. "For a time, we were partners. Internet Explorer was included in each AOL account, and business was good for both of us. When they invaded Netscape, they stabbed Microsoft in the back. But now it is much worse than that. True, I would welcome the downfall of the World Oligarchy, but right now we must work together to defeat a common enemy, one more powerful and more evil than even AOL."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Brent asked.

"Do you really think AOL could become as powerful as they are now on their own? They are being supported by a new threat worse than either of us have ever faced."

"Case, I'm growing very tired of your cryptic taunts. What is it that's so important that you interrupted a war to tell us?" Brendan demanded.

The AOL president again flashed his cocky smile. "Before I answer that, allow me to introduce you to my superior."

"Your superior?"

Case pressed a button on his desk and a second later a man walked into the office. "Brendan Dillon, Co-Ruler of the World... it is a pleasure to meet you personally. It is unfortunate that your two colleagues could not be present as well. My name is Luc Peillot, head of the French Mafia."

"The *French* are supporting AOL?!" Brent exclaimed, horrified.

"Not just the French," Bill Gates continued, "but the French Mafia -- a new but very powerful underground organization. They have been building up in secret since Jean Chretien disappeared in Paris, and have built up a powerful secret army. That's how AOL has put up a strong fight; the French Mafia has lent some of its forces to them. In return, America Online has been placed firmly into the Mafia's back pocket. AOL is no longer the threat; they are merely a pawn."

Brent and Matt gaped at Gates, amazed at what they were hearing. "Wait," said Matt. "Brent, didn't you just say Brendan was surrounded?"

Brent's eyes widened suddenly. "Shit! You've sidetracked us, Gates -- now we may be too late. AOL's main attack force -- or the French's, or whatever -- is about to close in on Brendan and his troops; we've got to warn him!"

"I can help," Gates volunteered as a Microsoft soldier brought him a laptop computer. "I'll need a phone jack."

"You cannot defeat us," Peillot proclaimed to Brendan. "La Mafia Française applies its hand wherever it wants, whether corporate, political, military, or criminal -- but you will never find a single member who does not wish himself found. You and your Oligarchy may be in power in the public eye, but from now on, the French Mafia will be running the show."

"You talk a lot of shit, Peillot, but you won't last long. I will make sure--"

Brendan was cut off by a chiming noise from the computer on Case's desk. "Just a moment, that's my AOL Instant Messenger." Case clicked the message open. "Wait a second. This was sent from the Microsoft Network!"

"I thought you blocked them out from the AOL system," said Peillot.

"We did. They must have found a way to get through."

"Who sent it?"

"It's sent from..... NetForce HQ?!?"

Taking this as a cue, Brendan jumped up and slammed against Peillot, forcing him aside. Beck and Schuler attacked Case and knocked him to the floor, then held Peillot back as Brendan read the message. "Brendan, this is Brent and Matt -- Bill Gates here, MS supporting us -- immediate danger, AOL and French have you surrounded."

Brendan turned on his radio. "Screaming Eagle Six, this is Sandwich One."

"This is Eagle Six, over," replied one of the air assault commanders on top of an AOL office building.

"Eagle Six, what is the enemy's status, over?"

"No change in AOL forces, but a number of armored and air cavalry units have arrived using equipment that appears to be French in design and markings. They have Dulles surrounded, I repeat, the city is surrounded, over."

"That's a roger. Sandwich One out." The three drew their weapons. "Screw this. Let's get back to the field, now."

"What about these two?" asked Beck.

Brendan glared at Case and Peillot. "Lock them in the closet. We have more immediate problems."