Book 1, Chapters 18-21 Summary

Operation Gideon swings into action as Dov forges bills of lading and identification cards that Kitty smuggles to Ari, who uses them in conjunction with Mandria to gain access to the vast British Army supply depot. Ari poses as Captain Caleb Moore to lead a uniformed thirteen-man "working party" that requisitions twelve trucks, two jeeps and supplies, ostensibly for transport to the SS Achen. The Palmachniks camouflage everything with markings of the fictitious "23rd Transportation Company HMJFC' ("His Majesty's Jewish Forces on Cyprus"). Hank Schlosberg, a U.S.-trained skipper, helps Joab clean, overhaul and fit out Exodus before stealing out to a secluded cove to take on supplies from HMJFC trucks that would raise suspicion in port. Gilboa readies 300 children for hand-to-hand fighting, and at night, they are regaled with songs and stories about a wonderful life outside...