"Exactly. We can't help."
Arthur and the others chimed in. Was he kidding? Anything the Director of S.W.O.R.D. dealt with was either a magical war or saving the world. How could small fry like them dare get involved?
"Don't sell yourselves short. You need to believe in yourselves."
Andrew encouraged them, while Cobb and the others looked miserable. We don't want to believe in ourselves at all.
"Relax. Even an emperor doesn't send his soldiers out hungry."
Andrew said, "Cobb, bring your team aboard and work for me. I promise I'll help you return to America once this is over."
"Really?"
Cobb's eyes lit up. If the Director of S.W.O.R.D. was willing to help, that was far better than Saito. For one thing, the director had far more influence—even the president considered it an honor to know him. For another, he was more reliable.
"Of course. I can certainly afford to buy you a plane ticket back to America."
Andrew nodded firmly. Cobb's face fell. Getting back to America wasn't the problem. The problem was not getting arrested once he arrived.
"Just kidding. Your arrest warrant will be canceled. I guarantee it."
Cobb beamed at Andrew's words, but then Andrew added, "As long as you make it back alive."
The smile abruptly froze on Cobb's face. Everyone stared speechlessly at Andrew. The Director of S.W.O.R.D. really had an exceptionally nasty personality. Was he actually one of the good guys?
"You think I'm joking?"
Andrew said, "Sorry, but this time I'm not. This operation is very dangerous. You could very well die—really die.
"As one of the good guys, I'm obligated to explain the dangers to you in detail before we begin."
Everyone was stunned, but on second thought, it made sense. How could an operation involving someone this powerful possibly