Synopsis: Working close to one another opens old wounds for David and Kershia.
The Kindred Spirits universe is dedicated to the late Philip Gilbert.
This story is part of Catharsis, an addendum to the original Kindred Spirits series. It is based on characters and events depicted throughout the original fourteen stories and previous reading of that sequence is highly recommended.
Essential reading order is:
Kindred Spirits - Two Aims, One Destination
Kindred Spirits - Double Bluff
Kindred Spirits - Slipping the Net
Kindred Spirits - Consumed by Fire
Kindred Spirits - The Stair
Kindred Spirits - Stara Majka
Kindred Spirits - ZD28-FV6
Kindred Spirits - Darkness and Lust
Kindred Spirits - Abandoned
Kindred Spirits - The Path Ahead
Kindred Spirits - Serpent's Tooth
Kindred Spirits - Grand Central Station
Kindred Spirits - Luna Yuletide
Kindred Spirits - Resolutions
Kindred Spirits - Catharsis - The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Kindred Spirits - Catharsis - Level Sands
Kindred Spirits - Catharsis - Coming of Age
Kindred Spirits - Catharsis - Every Step You Take.
Disclaimer: This story is based on the television series 'The Tomorrow People', created by Roger Price and owned by Thames Television/Freemantle Media. It also features original characters and situations created by, and the intellectual property of, Jackie Clark and Elizabeth Stanway, October 2003.
The song lyrics used throughout this story are those of 'Every Breath You Take' by the Police, from the album Synchronicity.
Personal comment: This tale is written in an unusual way, backwards! Having developed my writing style considerably throughout the Kindred Spirits series this additional story was designed to be an experiment; a place where I could cover new ground and stretch my skills to their limits. I hope you find it both enjoyable and different. :)
Many thanks to Anyta and Elizabeth for their helpful comments on this and every story in the Kindred Spirits series.
E-mail Address:
Jackie@the-tomorrow-people.co.uk
(Why did you do it?)
(Because it had to be done. How could I stand by and just watch, knowing that I was partly to blame? )
(Where are you?)
(You knew I couldn't stay.)
(That's not what I asked.)
(You also know that I'm not going to tell you. You'll just have to accept things the way they are, for the time being, at least. I can't give you any more... and I can't promise any more in the future either.)
(Will it always be this way? I thought... well, after everything that's happened. I thought things would change.)
(Things will change, eventually. I can promise you that! For now, all we can do is get on with our lives and there are important things for both of us to do today...)
(Goodbye, then.)
(Goodbye)
**********
Every breath you take
Every move you make
Every bond you break
Every step you take
I'll be watching you...
Saturday 2.30 a.m.
The body of the man was slumped on the carpet like old sackcloth. Dishevelled and grotesquely distorted, he lay with legs twisted beneath him, his face a grimace of torment as he endured the painful reality of his actions. Slowly, silently, he watched as crimson fluid oozed from the gashes at his wrists, touching everything in its path with the bitter taint of death.
Deprived of their essential oxygen supply, his numb fingers could no longer hold onto the cherished image of a woman's gentle features and it slipped from his grasp, falling face down into the expanding pool of blood. As the last vestiges of electrical activity fired in his brain, one final thought flashed through his failing mind. She was gone...
Suddenly a hand hovered above the man's chest, its owner shaking with the strain of the mental task. Emanating from the newcomers palm, an eerie green glow cast shadows around the darkened room. Raw energy flowed into the man's torso and spread out along his tissues. Slowly the tide was turned and the increasing pool of blood faltered in its slow, meandering progress across the beige carpet. After one last outpouring of life force, the newcomer watched with relief as the man's chest began to inflate and he drew breath again...
Sensing the man's returning awareness, the newcomer stood quickly; hands touching belt with the easy movements of many years practice.
The man's eyes opened wearily as he struggled to raise the fog-laden veil of unconsciousness from his mind. Straining to lift his gaze, he could just discern the outline of a figure standing over him. Is this an angel come to herald my arrival, thought the man hopefully. Then, with sudden and embittered realisation, he understood the meaning of the shimmering figure now disappearing before his eyes. The stranger was definitely no angel, and this was definitely not the afterlife!
******
Every single day
Every word you say
Every game you play
Every night you stay
I'll be watching you...
Friday 11.30 p.m.
The pub was a smoke-filled oasis of calm. Unusual in today's social climate where smoking bans and lawsuits were rife, the bar had become London's last bastion of political incorrectness, a place where people could say 'it's my body and I'll abuse it any way I please'. On this particular night it also served as a retreat from the driving rain that lashed the streets outside.
The musty atmosphere and dark panelled walls, seemingly from a bygone era, went unnoticed by most customers, whose main intent was to seek refuge in a bottle rather than in the warming glow of the open fire. Dickensian values shared by the regulars allowed customers their valued anonymity as they took their fill of various strong liquors. Here, no one would ask your name or your business. Here everyone's secrets were safely wrapped in a drunken haze...
Slouched on a bar stool, David sat, head propped in the curled palm of one hand while he absentmindedly picked at the corner of a whiskey bottle's label with the other. At the far end of the highly polished counter, the barman whispered into the ear of one of his regular customers. Nodding in David's direction, he peered over the top of his spectacles and gave a knowing look. He had seen this sort of thing before. He'd worked the late shift long enough to recognise a man drowning his sorrows. It's probably over some woman; he mumbled to his companion, it was always a woman!
Suddenly a new figure blew in on the biting wind as the door was pushed open. Muffled cries arose from around the room, bringing a moment of disquiet as eyes were raised to assess this new arrival. Quickly closing the door behind him, the newcomer barred the rain, which seemed determined to follow him inside. Taking in the various figures, some slumped over beer glasses and bottles, others curled in a dreamlike state in booths and deeply shadowed corners, the man picked out David and walked purposefully over to join him at the bar.
"Are you going to play with that all night? Or offer me a drink?"
David looked around at the younger man, his expression barely changing as he recognised his old adversary. Momentarily he caught Jimmy's gaze, then lowered his eyes once again and starred blankly at the swirling patterns of the polished counter top.
Noticing Jimmy's arrival, the barman started to move closer, but as he approached Jimmy looked up and shook his head. Confused, the middle-aged man indicated that despite the lateness of the hour, he was quite prepared to serve drinks. In response, Jimmy shook his head once again, then lifted his gaze towards the neat line of glasses hanging from cup-hooks above the bar. Gently the end glass unhooked itself and floated downwards, eventually coming to rest beside the whisky bottle. The barman stood transfixed by this open display of telekinesis and watched as Jimmy poured himself a drink, which he then downed in one gulp. Sensing that this newcomer did not wish to be disturbed, the barman shuffled back fearfully towards the far end of the bar, whispering once again to his companion.
There was a prolonged silence during which both Jimmy and David looked about the room, neither wishing to catch the other's eye. Eventually the tension became too great and David grabbed at the whisky bottle, snatching it up and pouring the golden liquid sloppily into his own glass. "Just look what the cat dragged in?" he sneered contemptuously. "The mighty TP security chief, demeaning himself enough to share a drink with a mere lowly Sap!" Still Jimmy made no attempt to reply. "Cat got you're tongue? Or has the rain washed away all those super powers of yours?"
Jimmy pulled himself upright on the bar stool and sighed. "My psionic powers are in perfect working order, thank you. I'm sorry that I can't say the same about yours."
David tipped his head back and gave a huge mocking laugh. "And you can keep your bloody patronising sympathy for someone who gives a damn. Years of Barlumin poisoning may have taken away my own limited TK ability, but it's nothing that I can't live without. It's not like I'm ever gonna miss it. It just makes me more like every other poor Sap on this planet. And I'd rather be one of them any day!"
"Would you?" Jimmy's inquiry shook David to the core. The words may have been simple, but both men knew that they conveyed a wealth of unasked questions. "Are you telling me that you didn't once hold out some hope that you might break out and join us?" His comment was suddenly interrupted by the sound of smashing glass from the far end of the room. Both men looked up momentarily, before returning to fix each other with an icy stare. "To join her?" concluded Jimmy.
David slammed his glass down onto the bar, lurched forward and grabbed the collar of Jimmy's sodden coat. "Don't you dare bring her into this!" Leering menacingly towards his companion for a few seconds, David suddenly let go and sat back on his stool: his rage lifting the alcohol from his system and clearing his mind. "So, you've taken to following me about now, have you," he said at last. "Is that what the head of TP sec..." - he coughed - "Oh, sorry, I mean ex-head of TP security does with his time these days?"
Leaning on his elbows, Jimmy rubbed his tired eyes. "I can think of better things to be doing at eleven thirty at night." He looked up, his tone becoming deeply concerned. "Yes, David. I did follow you in here. But I'm not here in my role as ex head of security, I'm here as a friend. I've come to ask what you're up to. Why have you got a team of agents sniffing around Kershia's apartment? After all this time working with her, don't you even trust her anymore?"
David sighed deeply. "Of course I do! But we've picked up rumours that..." A sudden wave of suspicion ran through his intelligence-trained mind. "Just how did you know that we were watching Kershia? You've been out of touch with the TP hierarchy for the past six months, some say you've split with them completely. Just what are you playing at, Jimmy? Springing up unannounced after all this time just when we hear rumours of a security breach."
Jimmy shook his head, fingering his empty glass. "Let's just say that I came back on some private business, shall we?" He reached out and tipped the few remaining dregs of whisky into his glass. "You haven't answered my question, yet. Why are you spying on Kershia?"
David's mind was alert now, eager to learn more from this unexpected encounter. He had last seen the younger man at the hand over of power, which took place shortly after the Canadian Camp was disbanded. Since then Abigail's trusted security chief had been conspicuously absent from the UN planning committees. From what little Kershia had spoken about of her time living on Luna, it seemed that their small team had taken on the heavy responsibility of governing all Tomorrow People across the globe. Jimmy had been an integral part of that team, but since then, Kershia, Abby and even Marc had rarely mentioned his name. You're up to something, Jimmy; I just know it, thought David. And if you can read my mind then you probably already know that I'm suspicious of your behaviour. So get to the point and tell me what you're really doing here?
Jimmy momentarily rubbed the ring finger of his left hand, an unconscious gesture revealing much more of his inner thoughts than words ever could. He slowly sat upright and sucked in his breath, as if coming to a decision. "All right," he said, astounding Jimmy by his choice of words. "I'll tell you. I've come to discuss Kershia. To ask you to release her."
"Release her from what, exactly?"
"I'd have thought that was obvious. I know that the two of you were once very close. What I want to know is this. Do you still feel the same way? Or are you prepared to let her move on in her life?"
David shook his head in disbelief. "Kershia is a free agent. She's made it quite clear that our relationship was over many, many years ago. You know that, Jimmy. I don't know why you're even bothering to ask me about it."
"I hear what you're saying, but from your thoughts I don't believe that's what you truly feel. I think that you're still in love with her and I want to know whether, despite that fact, you're prepared to stand by and watch her get on with her own life?"
David's anger flared once again. "What gives you the right to go poking about in my private thoughts? I've told you how I feel. I don't give a damn whether you believe me or not." His eyes suddenly widened as he jumped to the most obvious conclusion. "I thought as much. The moment I saw you together in that photograph, I knew there was something going on." David gave a humourless laugh. "Go ahead, mate. If you think you can take her on, then you're welcome to her..." He suddenly became sombre again. "But if you go hurting her in any way... Dragging her into your dirty little world... Then you'll have me to answer to!"
"So, you do still love her!"
David gasped as he fought back the rising tide of panic. His rational mind could deny the truth in Jimmy's words, but this was a battle he had been losing with himself more and more often lately. Yes, he thought, secretly hoping that Jimmy would read his thoughts and spare him the pain of articulating his feelings, I do still love her with all my heart. But she's made it perfectly clear that she doesn't see any future for us... All I ever wanted was to make her happy and if letting her go will do that, then I must accept it. He gave a listless smile before speaking aloud. "Your lifestyle is far from stable, Jimmy. Do you really think that you can give her what she needs? To bring her happiness without hurting her the way I did?"
"Hurting Kershia is the last thing I'd ever do," replied Jimmy matter-of-factly. "Whatever you think I'm mixed up with is my private business. It's got nothing to do with my feelings for Kershia. At least there's one thing we both agree on. She's too precious, too vulnerable for either of us to hurt again. I give you my solemn word that I'll never intentionally harm her in any way. Quite the opposite, in fact. I intend to give Kershia the one thing that neither you, nor any other Sap could ever give her."
David gave a little snort of derision in response to Jimmy's superior tone. "And pray tell me, what is that?" he commented, his earlier sarcasm returning.
"How can I put into words the thing which, by its very nature, cannot be described? How can I convey to a mind so closed the openness, the joyful harmony of sharing your inner self? When I came in here you laughed and said that you'd never want to break out and become one of us. Well, David. I feel sorry for you, for all your kind. You just don't know what you're missing..."
David stiffened at the sincerity in Jimmy's words: his mind already flying beyond the walls of the smoky pub. Despairingly he recalled happier days, days when he and Kershia had worked together so closely on Operation Malthus. They had been so much a team and yet... He lowered his gaze as the reality hit him. She had always been a TP, whatever they shared must have been so shallow, so one-dimensional, compared to the sharing of minds that the TP attained on a daily basis.
"All right," he said at last. "I'm prepared to concede defeat. There are things that I can never give her, and if you really believe that she'll be happier with you..."
Jimmy's eyes widened as he caught the tone of David's thoughts. He'd never imagined that this self-confident intelligence operative could be so close to a complete mental breakdown. Was it his fault? he wondered, or was David's mind already this mixed up before he arrived in the bar? "It's not really down to you or me," he commented, trying to convey his compassion for his companion's pain. "In the end it's up to Kershia to choose. And I'm far from certain that she'll choose me."
"Whatever she does," began David, his voice dropping to no more than a whisper. "I can see now that she'd be better off without me in her life." He pulled two twenty Euro notes from his pocket and tucked them purposefully under his empty whisky glass. Standing he steadied himself on the bar for a few seconds before turning to face Jimmy. "I wish you all the best, mate. I'll be going now..."
Jimmy watched open-mouthed as David walked from the pub and disappeared into the bleak night, the finality of his words leaving a sense of foreboding on Jimmy's mental landscape. Never before, even throughout the horrendous years of the war, had he felt the burden of the prime barrier weigh so heavily on his mind.
**********
O can't you see
You belong to me
How my poor heart aches, with every step you take...
Friday 7.30 p.m.
"Sir!" The man's voice was urgent, grabbing David's attention from where he sat reading the newspaper.
Moving quickly across the cramped Bedford van, David leaned over the young man to stare at the display. "What is it, Corporal?"
"There, Sir." The man pointed at the misshapen red blob moving about on the thermal monitor. "There are now two distinct signatures where only a few moments ago there was just one. From the heat distribution pattern I'd identify it as a male. I think that..."
"... Someone just teleported into her apartment," concluded David decisively.
"Yes, Sir. There is no other explanation for the sudden appearance of a second image." The young man looked around at his superior. "What shall we do?"
"We will do nothing," remarked David. "Ms. Agenwala is a Tomorrow Person, with lots of other Homo Novus as friends. There are a million and one reasons why another TP would jaunt into her room. It may be late at night, but this country has no law against entertaining visitors."
Stepping away from the Corporal, David perched on the console built into the opposite side of the van and sighed. "These rumours of a security breach are ridiculous. How can we work effectively when we start suspecting our closest colleagues? Not even knowing for sure what we are meant to suspect them of doing?"
The Corporal opened his mouth to respond. Then, noticing the far away look in David's eyes, he realised the question had been a rhetorical one and not meant for him to answer. "I don't know, Sir," he mumbled at last.
David hardly heard the young man's reply; his own mind was racing through its usual array of confused thoughts. Questions and answers chased one another around his skull with their usual mixture of chaos and intolerance. Why was Kershia meeting a man in the middle of the night? Perhaps this was not a stranger, it could be Marc, or Roger, or any of a dozen of her former male associates welcoming her back on her return from China. What was he even doing here, spying on such a respected colleague? If he just asked her outright who this man was, she would probably explain everything in her usual playful tone. Inevitably he would be left to look the fool all over again. Why was he treating her like a suspect in this investigation? His obsession with her was just another symptom of his inability to let go. Suspecting her was a means of keeping her close to him, and a pathetic attempt at that! Why did he find it so difficult to move on? These jealous episodes were undermining his work and his mental health. Because love isn't something you can turn on and off at will like a switch... At least not for some of us!
You bloody fool, he rebuked himself harshly. You stupid, stupid fool, you're standing here debating the rights and wrongs of your actions with your own conscience. If there's anyone who needs investigating around here, it's you. If you were someone under my command then I'd send you straight to the nearest psychiatrist to get your head sorted out once and for all.
"You've got to let go of her!"
During David's prolonged silence the young Corporal had returned to his monitoring of the various displays and bugging devices currently transmitting their data from Kershia's apartment. Now, Major Barton's sudden outburst made him jump and he looked around at his superior apprehensively. "Is there anything wrong, Sir?" he asked, his tone anxious and unsure.
David shook his head. Then with a sudden movement, leapt across to the emergency cut-off switch and turned off the power. The interior of the van was plunged into darkness.
"I'm changing my order," barked David angrily. "Take this mobile unit back to headquarters. You're dismissed."
"Dismissed, Sir? But what about...?"
"I gave you an order." As he said it, David flung open the back door of the van and jumped down onto the rain-drenched street. "I don't need to explain my decision to you or anyone else. Surveillance of Ms. Agenwala's property ends here, tonight. Do I make myself clear?"
The Corporal nodded and began to climb from his chair. "Yes, Sir. Very clear."
But David hardly heard his reply, he was already striding off across the road, his hair and clothes saturated by the beating rain before he had even turned the corner...
**********
Every move you make
Every vow you break
Every smile you fake
Every claim you stake
I'll be watching you...
Thursday 9.30 p.m.
The door creaked on its hinges as David peered into the pitch-black room. Looking back over his shoulder he nodded to the caretaker. "Thank you, Mr. Walsh. I can manage from here."
The middle aged man fumbled with the huge bunch of keys, before looking up to meet David's stern gaze. "I'm not sure that I should..."
"I've shown you my credentials, Mr. Walsh. I assure you I have the authority. You wouldn't want to disturb the other residents by calling in the local police, would you?"
"Well," began the caretaker hesitantly. "I... err... Now that you put it that way, no. I guess that you do have the..."
"Exactly! Ms. Agenwala is one of our operatives and this type of security sweep is standard procedure for anyone working on the Novus Relocation Project." Without waiting for the man to reply, David gave a curt nod of dismissal and headed into Kershia's apartment, closing the door behind him.
Standing with his back to the door, David waited for his eyes to adjust to the dark before moving forward. The story he had concocted for the benefit of the building's caretaker had been quite accurate. As head of the Novus Project he was entitled to carry out security checks on other members of the committee. What he had failed to tell the man - or anyone else back at his office - was that there were no real grounds for a search of Kershia's home. Apart, that was, from some vague rumours picked up on the intelligence grapevine that a new splinter group was worth keeping an eye on. Why such a group would have anything to do with Kershia was a mystery, but it did allow him to rationalize his entry into her private rooms in the middle of the night.
Satisfied that he could justify his presence here, David walked over to the table and flicked on the lamp. Looking about him, he nodded his approval at the understated decoration. "You always did have good taste, Kershia," he chuckled as he began his task in earnest.
An hour later, David had almost completed his work. He'd positioned some of the Saps' most sophisticated bugging devices into strategic places about the apartment as well as searching for incriminating evidence. Of course, Kershia's apartment revealed nothing more sinister about her lifestyle than an unhealthy love for chocolate chip cookies. When he began this personal campaign he had known that there would be nothing to find. Even without the presence of the biotronic unit known as TIM, the TP had access to far more sophisticated data storage devices than the Saps. If she were involved in any kind of underhanded activity, he knew in his heart, that a search of her apartment would yield nothing of any significance. And future surveillance operations would undoubtedly corroborate that idea.
So why am I here? The question confused him as it shaped itself in his mind. Why didn't I simply ask her about the rumour before she left for China? With a sigh, David's thoughts formed their own wordless reply. He was here because this was her apartment. The answer was as simple as that.
Shuffling through the last of the desk drawers, he reached into the furthest corner and pulled out a small leather pouch. Retrieving it for closer scrutiny, he moved over to the lamp and opened the worn clasp. Held securely within the leather sleeve was a three dimensional image of a group of TPs. In the foreground stood Stephanie, holding a baby in her arms as she grinned proudly at the man beside her. Behind them were other Tomorrow People; some recognisable as the security team who had interrupted the United Nations Assembly Hall fifteen months ago, while others were unknown to him. David's eyes were suddenly drawn to the smart figure of Kershia standing in the back row of this holographic line-up. On one side of her were both Abigail and Marc, familiar figures to him now. And on the other... Staring at the image in disbelief, he noticed that Kershia stood hand in hand with the man beside her.
David's mind grasped the significance of her posture immediately, causing scenes of the desolate Canadian Camp to cascade across his thoughts. That bitter night when this man had reached out and taken Kershia away... ["Promise me you'll take care of her." David had given a half-hearted smile and the man nodded in response. "I promise. She means a lot to all of us." Slowly Jimmy had turned and walked away, carrying Kershia as she sobbed gently in his arms.] So at last David knew the meaning of the cryptic smile on Jimmy's face. It wasn't 'us' that Jimmy was referring to as he snatched Kershia from David's life, it was 'me'. All these years David had wondered, and now he knew for certain. Jimmy was the man that now commanded Kershia's affections. The tell tale signs had been there for everyone else to see all these years, but David, fool that he was, was the last to recognise it!
Turning the leather pouch over in his hands, he noticed another photograph tucked behind the holographic one. Taking the corner gently he pulled it free from the wallet and stared open-mouthed at the image. Smiling back from the worn photograph was his own face, and beside him, a much younger Kershia was beaming at the lens. A sudden wave of remorse caused David to stumble forward. Catching himself on the table, he stood panting heavily for many minutes. He could hardly believe that she would still possess this keepsake after all these years. Here was proof that what ever had happened between them, Kershia still remembered the times they spent together.
Regretting his earlier suspicions, David mouthed a silent apology. She didn't deserve this. She had never been anything than kind towards him. He tucked the photograph into his jacket pocket, carefully replaced the leather wallet in the back of the drawer and prepared to leave. Kershia is a gentle and loving person who deserves to recapture the happiness we once shared, he thought, as he closed the front door behind him. She doesn't need me any more. If Jimmy can bring her that happiness then who am I to stand in her way?
Buoyed by his own declaration, David strode from the building. Whatever the rumours of a threat might lead to, this intrusion into Kershia's privacy was unacceptable. If there was one thing he was more certain of now more than ever before, it was that he had let her get on with her life.
*****
Since you've gone I've been lost without a trace
I dream at night I can only see your face
I look around but it's you I can't replace
I feel so cold and I long for your embrace
I keep crying baby, baby please
Thursday 4 a.m.
David lay curled in the foetal position beneath the thick duvet, his eyes transfixed by the illuminated face of the digital clock. He counted down the passing seconds, sighing as the display changed. Three fifty nine a.m. had now become four a.m. and still his body refused to relax. Was this all that the night held for him, he wondered? To lie awake watching the passing moments in some vain attempt to quell the whirlwind of thoughts intruding on his mind
In all honesty he knew better than to try and suppress his feelings. In the brightness of morning he was capable of controlling the dreams that chased one another around his skull, but here and now, wrapped in the thick cloak of night, there were no distractions upon which he could focus. Without them the inevitable happened and his mind started to race with a dozen thoughts at once. Thoughts which he knew were fed by his closeness to the object of his affections, fed by the longing to turn back time and relive those halcyon days in London, fed by the daily grind of working side by side with the beautiful and intelligent Ms. Kershia - he swallowed hard - Agenwala.
David sat up abruptly, his earlier disquiet tumbling into uncontrolled mirth. That name doesn't even suit her, he thought. What a stupid fool I've been all these years. To me she is, and will always be, Keetia Ahren: my assistant, confident and my love. She thinks that by changing her name she can erase the past we shared. That by burying herself in obligations and duties she can remain so close to me, yet maintain an emotional distance. He chuckled aloud. Who does she think she's kidding? This is me, David Barton: the man who shared her life and her bed for almost three years.
Who is she kidding!
Throwing off the covers, David swung his legs to the floor and fumbled around for his dressing gown. Pulling the cosy toweling robe around his shoulders he shivered in the chill of early morning before walking over to the refrigerator on the far side of the studio apartment. Jerking open the door in an exaggerated movement, he grabbed an open carton of milk and began to drink deeply.
His thirst satiated, David slammed the fridge door and tossed the now empty carton into the overflowing rubbish bin. "Who is she kidding?" he repeated aloud, hoping that through forceful words he could throw off the gnawing depression that grumbled in the pit of his stomach. "I understand you better than you understand yourself, Kershia. I know that underneath all that formal bravado you still feel as deeply for me as you did all those years ago."
In a rush, which took him totally by surprise, a wave of despair flew through his thoughts. What was he doing? He should have moved past these pathetic attempts to convince himself of her love. She had moved on; they had both moved on, physically as well as mentally. He was lusting after a past that should stay just there... in the past! This is the darkness talking, he chastised himself. The stress of work is distorting my sleep patterns. And if that weren't enough, these unsubstantiated reports of a security breach are causing paranoid suspicion that is twisting my mind.
The Keetia I knew has long gone. She's found a new life, a new path: one in which I'm nothing more than an irritating distraction. If she can find the strength to go it alone, then I, with my trained military mind, am certainly capable of doing the same. David sighed. Despite the fighting talk, he realised that the lifestyle Kershia had chosen meant that she was far from alone.
By now he had crossed the living space and flopped down onto the sprawling leather sofa that dominated the room. Beating himself up like this night after night was doing no one any good. He was stronger than this, he was capable of much more. He didn't need her as a yardstick for measuring success in his life. With head in hands, body slumped forward, David begged himself to listen to reason. How many times had he lain awake like this, watching the clock's display tick away the night. How many times had he awoken the next day with renewed strength to put the past behind him. In the morning he would face the trials of his solitary life once more. He would do his duty, following up on the rumours as if Kershia were the same as any other of his staff. And if those rumours came true, he would face the consequences. At least he knew that even without him, she was well protected. He had managed alone for years and he would continue to do so. He didn't need her any more.
Standing, David moved quickly to the wardrobe and pulled out a tracksuit. "Sitting around here is doing me no good," he muttered. "What I need is a good long run to exorcise her ghost from my system once and for all!"
Pulling on his trainers and grabbing his keys, David headed out onto the bitter cold streets of London. Determined, as he had been so many nights before, that this was the last night he would allow thoughts of her to disturb his sleep.
*******
O can't you see
You belong to me
How my poor heart aches, with every step you take...
Wednesday 10.15 p.m.
Closing the door behind her, Kershia dropped the heavy carrier bags laden with shopping and reached out telekinetically towards the light switch. Nothing happened! Straining, she focussed her mind more intently upon the task: but still the room remained in darkness.
"Damn it, the fuse must have blown!"
Leaving the shopping bags, she stretched out her psi-awareness allowing her to cross the living space without bumping into the furniture. After just three steps, she gasped as her senses caught the faint and characterless edges of someone's shielded mind. (Who's there?) she called, straining to suppress the adrenalin-induced foreboding that swept her body. (Come out and reveal yourself. There's nothing to be scared of.)
A hand suddenly grabbed her shoulder and forcibly swung her around (It's not me who should be scared. Have you forgotten all your training? You're far too trusting, Kershia!)
(Jimmy!) Despite the darkness, he could almost see the huge, welcoming grin that spread across her face. (What on earth are you doing here? Why didn't you call me?)
(You know the answer to that question already.) Jimmy's mental tone was harsh and uncompromising, scolding her for dropping her shields so easily.
Falling into his arms, Kershia felt him relax slightly. (I know, Jimmy, but you have to appreciate that the war is over. There's no need for us to be as cautious as we used to be.) She sighed and nuzzled her face into his strong shoulder. (I'm one of the Novus Committee, now, and that means I'm quite well protected.)
(Not as well as you think you are. It didn't take a lot of effort for me to jaunt in here undetected and sabotage your lights.)
Pulling away from his embrace she gave a mocking smile. (I know that you like to be cautious, Jimmy, but was that really necessary? Times have changed and whether you want to accept it or not, we all have to live in the world as it is now.)
His thoughts were abrasive as he made his reply. (Yes, it was necessary. You may be working openly for the Saps, but I don't have that luxury. My team needs to maintain its anonymity if it's to do any good.) Sensing her overwhelming anxiety, and just the hint of pity at his choice of activities, Jimmy softened his mental voice. (Even without the lights. I know every line of your face, every curve of your body.) - his thoughts now took on a more sensual tone - (When have we needed daylight before?)
Kershia shook her head, struggling to remain calm as her body reacted to the insinuations in his telepathy. (Stop trying to cloud the subject. As you say, Jimmy, you know me very well. And there fore you also know that I'm not happy with you working under cover like this, and neither is Abby. Can't you at least accept that with the Alliance fleet watching over us, the Saps wouldn't dare make a move against the TP's?)
(Maybe not openly, no, but they're not as cooperative as you like to make out. Take that Mr. Lee who approached you today...)
Kershia stared wide-eyed into the darkness between them. (How did you kno... unless you were there?) she caught the fleeting acknowledgement in his thoughts. (... or maybe one of your team?)
Jimmy pulled away, walking carefully over to the sofa and Kershia followed suit. Settling themselves down, Jimmy placed an arm around her shoulders. (I know you don't approve of my living under cover, but it has to be done, for all our sakes. Let's not go back over old ground. We've been agreeing to disagree on this for months, now, and I don't see us coming to an accord any time soon.)
Kershia nodded into the darkness and sighed. Deciding to change the subject, she wriggled closer to her companion. (It's good to see you again, Jimmy. My work's been rather stressful these past few weeks. A change of company is very welcome.)
Cuddling her to him, Jimmy's telepathy filled with a warmth that she had seldom felt from him before. (Are you having trouble with David? Working that closely with the man can't be easy.)
(Not trouble, exactly. Sometimes I catch him staring at me with the most peculiar look on his face... It's difficult to hold myself back from reading his mind, that's all. But he deserves privacy as much as everyone else.)
(Privacy, yes. But trust no. Have you forgotten all the things he did in the Camp? The sanctioned murders he condoned in the name of security? I know that you were close once, and that he's been invaluable with the relocation process, but there are things I can never forgive the man for doing to our people. I'm shocked that you can bring yourself to speak with him!)
Kershia found her temper suddenly rising. (What I choose to do with my life, and whom I choose to be friends with, is on my own conscience. No one has the right to tell me who I can and can't speak with.)
(As head of security I have every right!) barked Jimmy angrily. (If anyone - and that includes you, Abby and Marc - become a security risk... I'd have an obligation to do my duty...)
(And what on earth does that mean?) Kershia's mental voice was rapidly rising in pitch as her anger spilled out into her thoughts. (Who do you think you are, coming in here unannounced, insinuating that I'd ever betray the TPs? I thought we understood one another better than that, Jimmy. You seem to have forgotten that you're not head of security any more. You chose to leave us remember? If you can't accept that my working with the Saps - whoever they are and whatever they did in the past - is a necessity, then I think you better leave right now!)
At last Kershia's words seemed to have an impact on her old friend. He suddenly lowered his shields to allow her to feel his anxiety for her personal safety. (I know, Kershia... I know. I'm sorry I sounded so damning. I understand that you have known David for a long time, and that he's made personal sacrifices just to help out our cause. I never meant to be angry with you.) He hesitated for a moment and she allowed him some mental distance. (It's just that I can't forget how close Operation Malthus came to stopping the mass breakout. To know that you work with the person behind that project worries me, that's all.)
Kershia thought over Jimmy's harsh words. In some ways she could sympathise with his feelings. After all, David was one of the senior personnel at Operation Malthus, as well as the commander of the Canadian Camp for many years. Marc had personally witnessed the brutalising behaviours exhibited by everyone who worked at that camp. Then again, there were TPs who'd done equally sordid deeds in the name of freedom. Who was she to judge? Pulling her thoughts together, she shrugged off her earlier bad mood and turned back towards Jimmy. (Just look at the two of us, arguing like an old married couple and you've only just arrived.) She gave a short laugh, and then sat up abruptly; calling the bags of shopping towards her with TK. (I have to leave for Beijing early tomorrow, but I've not eaten yet. Why not stay for dinner? Then we can catch up on everything that's been happening in our respective lives.)
Jimmy reached out and pulled her into an embrace. The heavy carrier bags dropping onto the floor and spilling their contents as she lost concentration. (Yes, I'll stay. But who needs food? I had other things in mind...)
Slowly at first, then with increasing frenzy they began to kiss. Their previous anger toward one another washed away is the rising tide of passion.
**********
Below the window, the tall figure pulled up the collar of his jacket and stepped out of the shadows. Scanning the street with alert eyes, he sighed. Everything was quiet, and by the look of things would stay that way for some time. There seemed little point in his remaining out here in the damp winter night when a warm bed and strong cup of coffee was beckoning him homewards.
Waiting for the passing traffic to subside, the man trotted across the road and disappeared around the corner.
*******
Every move you take
Every vow you break
Every smile you fake
Every claim you stake
I'll be watching you
I'll be watching you...
Wednesday 5.30 p.m.
"Fancy joining me for dinner? My treat. I've heard that there's a bistro around the corner that has a desert called Death by Chocolate. How can you resist an offer like that!" David smiled and held out Kershia's coat, eager to appear the gallant gentleman.
She frowned while she struggled to manoeuvre herself into the sleeves of the jacket, all too aware that her difficulties were caused by him holding the garment just a little too close to his own chest. "Well..." she began softly. "I did plan to..."
David stepped away from her and pouted. "Come on Kershia, no strings attached. Just a meal with a friend."
Making up her mind, she nodded her agreement and they walked from the office.
The corridor was a seething mass of humanity. People jostled one another as they tried to push through the crowd on their way from the building. The London base of the Foreign and Commonwealth office was always like this at home time on a weekday, it was just another thing that Kershia had had to adjust to since leaving Luna. After all these years, she'd hardly expected to find herself in a nine-to-five job. Then again, she thought, the crowds were reminiscent of the life she'd left behind on the moon and somehow comforting - in a strange sort of way.
Looking around them, David took her by the arm as he attempted to push through the crowd toward the elevator. Noting that there was little hope for success in this path he nodded toward the staircase, before steering her towards it. "I don't know where all these people came from!" he shouted above the din of chatter made by the other employees.
"There's been an open house meeting today. The public gallery was heaving with spectators," she replied, equally loudly.
Glancing about anxiously, David assessed the potential threat from an assassin lurking in the crowd and quickened his pace.
By now they had reached the door that led to the stairwell and without hesitation David reached out to turn the handle. "I don't believe it!" he bawled. "The bloody thing's locked! When I get my hands on the building's security chief... this is a major violation of health and safety law. What if there was an emergency?"
Kershia smirked at her companion. His anger was well justified, but seeing him seething over such an insignificant thing... She sighed and reached out her mind. A quick burst of TK unfastened the crude lock and the door swung open. "Age before beauty..." she said jokingly. The cruelty in her own thoughts suddenly caught her by surprise. It can't have been easy for him to come to terms with the loss of his abilities, even if he did pretend not to care about it. Deciding not to dwell in the point, she stepped through into the relative quiet of the stairwell.
By now, David's anger had subsided. He looked up and down the seemingly never-ending staircase; all too aware of the vulnerability in being caught unprotected in this out of the way part of the building's infrastructure. "Why don't you jaunt to the foyer from here? There's no point in us both plodding down all fifteen floors. Don't mind me, I need the exercise, but it's a shame for you to have such a useful talent at your disposal and not use it."
This time it was Kershia who took David's hand and led the way, regret at her impulsive display of TK softening her expression. "Nonsense, I use my powers all the time, and believe it or not I also need the exercise. What's the saying? A minute on the lips a lifetime on the hips?"
They had descended three floors before either of them spoke again. "Are you happy, Kershia?" David's question brought her to a standstill.
"Where did that come from?"
"That didn't come out quite as I planned. What I mean is..." He hesitated, uncertainty showing on his face. "I know that you never asked for this sort of job. You were always so ambitious. Now you're stuck here sorting out refugee issues, liasing with local and national governments. After all that's happened I'm surprised you weren't bored with it all months ago."
"Neither of us planned to be working here. You were ambitious too. I remember the day your long-service medal arrived. Colonel by thirty, you said... whatever happened to that plan?"
David sighed and began to head down the stairs one again. "I hardly expected to find myself stuck in the Canadian Camp for three years," he muttered bitterly. "Times have changed; the army isn't what it used to be."
"None of us are..." She smiled and felt his mood lifting. "Do you ever wonder what might have happened if...?"
David stopped dead once again and turned to look up at her standing a few steps above him. "I think about it all the time. But we both know that we can't go back. Too much water has flowed under the bridge for you and I."
Reaching out, Kershia brushed her fingers softly over his cheek. "I used to know that look so well."
"And now?"
Withdrawing her hand, she straightened up and trotted past him. "As you said too much water..." Suddenly picking up pace, Kershia concentrated upon the descent once again. There was too much pain behind David's sad eyes, too much turmoil broadcast by his mind. And it was far too tempting for her to reach out telepathically to ease that anguish. But in her heart of hearts she knew that to do so would be wrong. Once upon a time she had playfully manipulated his thoughts, an activity she could never reveal to another living soul, not even her closest friends. Those had been the days when working under cover was a necessary part of her daily life and David's continued interest in her was an easy way to gain access to the Sap's military secrets. Times had definitely changed and no TP could justify misuse of the powers at their disposal, not even her.
Thankful that they had almost reached the bottom of the stairwell, Kershia ran the last few steps and pushed her way out into the busy lobby. She was immediately stopped dead in her tracks as a figure materialised directly in front of her.
Protectively, David pushed past Kershia as if his physical presence could defend her from any potential threat. "Who the hell are you?" he barked.
Placing a hand on either side of David's waist, Kershia pulled him out of her way. This allowed her to inspect the newly arrived TP directly. The man was short, no more than five foot five tall, she surmised. He was undoubtedly Chinese in origin; although there was something strange about the way he carried himself. Something that took a few seconds for her to figure out. It's almost as if he's spent time in a place with different... she thought, and then it hit her. That's it! He's been off world!
She smiled warmly at the man as the pieces fell into place. Extracting his native language directly from the man's lexicon she telepathed a greeting in Cantonese. (Good day, Sir. It is always a pleasure to meet one of the refugees recently returned from Adonisia. I trust that your journey was trouble free?)
The man's weathered features cracked into a bleak yet courteous smile. Even without direct mental contact, it was obvious that he was far from happy. He bowed politely before responding. (Ms. Agenwala, I was told that you could help me. You are indeed right that I have recently travelled back to Earth from that distant and most humble of worlds. The journey itself was uneventful and of little significance to me. I have sought you out because I have a personal problem and you are the only person that I believe can help me.)
(Go on,) she 'pathed, noting that he chose to communicate in very accomplished English.
(You see, when I was evacuated three years ago, I was forced to leave my wife and child to their fate in the Beijing Camp. Since my return I have endeavoured to find them both, and although the files show that they were indeed interned there, no one has any record of where they went after the Camp was disbanded. More than that, no one who was in the camp has any recollection of actually seeing them there. My own investigations have revealed that they were rounded up along with other TPs from our province, but that unlike many of their compatriots, my wife and child never actually arrived at the Camp. I believe that something happened to them in transport, something sinister and undisclosed by the Chinese authorities.)
During the brief telepathic exchange, David glared at the intruder menacingly. How dare he interrupt their conversation? Especially tonight, when Kershia had agreed at long last to dine with him. Sucking in his breath he placed a hand on Kershia's shoulder to gain her attention. "I realise how easy it must be for you two to converse telepathically, but if I have to stand here like a lemon, I'd appreciate the courtesey of at least being introduced."
Kershia jumped at his interruption, then immediately looked into his eyes apologetically. "Oh yes, how rude of me. David, may I introduce..."
(Lee, my name is Shen Yuan Lee.)
"Mr Shen Yuan Lee," she concluded with a nod of gratitude to the Tomorrow Person before her. "He is recently returned from Adonesia, and has come to me for help with a personal problem."
"Can't it wait? At least until the morning?" David looked at her, both his eyes and tone conveying his impatience to escape from the overcrowded office building. "You've done your bit for the cause, Kershia. Someone else can deal with this."
"(Typical Sap military arrogance! You're no different from those who govern my own country.)" Shen Yuan spoke and telepathed simultaneously, his thoughts shocking Kershia with their vehemence. "You're just like all the others, eager to accommodate us when you wanted us to defend the planet, but not intelligent enough to appreciate a fellow human being in need. I may have been away from Earth for three years, but I will never forget who it was that drove me away." He sighed and Kershia felt him suppress a wave of hatred towards the Saps. "What your kind did to me and my family is indelibly imprinted on my mind. I may not have proof yet, but it's only a matter of time before we expose the torture, experimentation and brutalisation that our people endured at the hands of Sap scientists. One day you and your kind will pay for every atrocity you condoned!"
Anxious that this conversation was rapidly spiralling out of control, Kershia opened her mind to the stranger's pain, enfolding his consciousness in a blanket of kindness and understanding. (He's incapable of feeling for others as we can,) she pleaded in David's defence. (He doesn't understand what he's saying. Please let's not argue here in the corridor. I promise that I will take your plight personally to the Chinese authorities. If they're responsible for your wife and child's disappearance then they will be exposed for the crime. I promise.) She looked around at David. "Mr Lee has made some very serious accusations against the Chinese Government. This is an international matter and one which I cannot ignore until morning." She sighed heavily. "I'm sorry, David, but our meal will have to be postponed.
Not for the first time that day, David found himself impressed by Kershia's commitment to duty. They had both had a long and tiring day, yet she found it within herself to sympathise with this stranger. Watching as the two Tomorrow People continued their telepathic conversation, David was struck by how different their two species were. He knew that the Saps had carried out unethical experiments, not just in recent years during the TP conflict, but also in the past - whenever science had promised some advantage over potential enemies. Homo sapiens was capable of any lengths to win its battles, even against others of its own kind. Yet the Tomorrow People, Homo novus, demonstrated much greater compassion towards each other. To many of his one-time colleagues that trait alone had been seen as their greatest weakness, but here, now, watching Kershia give up her own needs to help a complete stranger... He nodded slowly to himself. Your people are truly remarkable, he thought. You are truly remarkable...
Stepping away, David swallowed hard. "Please accept my deepest apologies, Mr. Lee. I did not realise the seriousness of your predicament. Of course Ms. Agenwala must help you immediately. The mandate of this office is to see the smooth transition of power from a Sap dominated planet to a fully integrated society. Any crimes committed against humanity deserve to be exposed and punished accordingly."
Astonished by his sudden turn around, Kershia blinked at David in surprise. "Well," she mumbled, "that's settled then. Mr. Lee, would you please accompany me upstairs to my office where we can discuss your situation in private."
The man nodded, his humble and polite posture returning once again before they both disappeared.
Watching the residual energy dissipate as the two TPs vanished, David shrugged and headed out into the street. The crowds were beginning to disperse now, and a gentle rain was starting to fall. For the briefest of moments his well-honed instincts warned him that he was being watched. Spinning around rapidly, he caught sight of a figure ducking out if sight in the doorway of a nearby newsagents. How sloppy, he thought, his irritation at the ease with which he spotted the surveillance operative dislodging his previous disquiet over Kershia. I'll have words with your superior tomorrow. And besides, I'm hardly the person who needs to be kept under surveillance.
*******
Every bomb you make
Every job you take
Every heart you break, every Irish wake
I'll be watching you...
Wednesday 4.30 pm
The front page of the report read 'TOP SECRET: EYES ONLY' in large red letters.
It had been many years since David had received anything quite like this. His past as an intelligence operative was now well behind him, replaced by chairing the Novus committee. That such a document would even find its way into his hands was astonishing. And more worrying still were the accompanying orders. Which read: 'Major D. Barton. Immediate action required to ensure safety of all personnel associated with Novus committee.'
A shiver ran up his spine as he turned the page and began to read...
************
Replacing the last of the documents into the file, David walked across to the shredder and disposed of the paperwork. Watching pensively as the machine chewed the pages, he sighed. Even at the height of the Sap/TP war, he had never received such a specific threat as was contained in the file he had just read.
Yes, he knew of the rumours that there were both Sap and TP groups unhappy with the fragile peace enforced upon their planet by the continued presence of the Alliance fleet. But after all that had happened, it did seem logical for humans to put their differences aside and at least try to work together. The Mass Breakout had continued to increase in rapidity in recent years and showed no sign of slowing down. The planet was just too small for both species to live in isolation from one another.
When all this began, David had believed the TPs to be an evolutionary dead end destined to destroy his world. Now even he was forced to admit that they did seem likely to inherit the Earth. Whether that Earth remained a place fit to live very much depended upon how the current generation handled the difficult hand over of power between their two races. Recalling a conversation held with Kershia a long time ago, David smiled to himself. I likened your people to dinosaurs, he chuckled, a species fated to become extinct. I was terrified back then that the Tomorrow People would damage my world in that process. How wrong I have been.
Noting that the last of the pages had been successfully destroyed, David's mind returned to the very disturbing intelligence report. Terrorists had been around as long as human societies had lived in settlements larger than a few family groups. Human beings had a natural tendency towards competitiveness and hostilities with rival factions. The weekly fights at the local football stadium were evidence enough for that. But the situation now revealing itself was very different. The terrorist group rumoured to be working in and around most major cities of the world was not made up of religious or political extremists. It was created from ordinary citizens unable to accept the fait acompli that their own governments had agreed to in the name of peace. Not aware of whom their fellow members actually were they continued to fight for the same old prejudices that had plagued the world for the past decades. As yet the intelligence picture was unclear, but it was known that this group was preparing to take action, and soon.
Moving across to the office window, David looked skyward. The weather was fine and crisp, a perfect autumnal day. Despite the brightness of the sunshine, high in the pale-blue sky, the crescent of the early moon could be seen.
"I wonder whether you're looking down on our planet with as much distrust for us, as our people have for one another?" he said aloud. "I'd always wondered what would happen the day aliens visited Earth, but I guess no one ever thought that creatures from across the Galaxy would become both our judges and our jailers. And quite so easily."
Mulling over the implications in the security report, David sighed. Do you up there on your moon base also see the factions gathering to wreak havoc on our world? Do the terrorists even realise that they're bringing the wrath of species more powerful than they imagine down on their own heads? When the bloodshed flares up once again, I wonder what you'll do to our insignificant little planet. What retribution will you bring down on the Earth if this peace mission fails?
Turning away, David walked back towards his desk. Now it seemed that those most likely to pay for the human's inability to settle their own disputes were his own team. The intelligence report brought incriminating information regarding both Saps and TPs, alike. But most disturbingly, it seemed that someone on the committee itself may be involved. The report suggested that the terrorists were preparing to put a stop to the work carried out by the Novus committee itself. And that this attack could come from anywhere, even from within!
David didn't care much for his own safety; he'd lived with the threat of assassination before. But there were others... others too vulnerable and far too trusting who did need to be looked after.
"Damn you. Damn the lot of you!"
Snatching up the phone, he requested access to a secure line. Once he was connected to the operative at the other end, he quickly fell back on the well-honed training of his former life. "Sergeant, I want an MRT-64 surveillance unit at my office in half an hour. Yes, Sergeant, I said half an hour. Do I make myself clear?"
*********
Every wall you build
Every one you've killed
Every grave you've filled, all the blood you've spilled
I'll be watching you...
Wednesday 9.45 a.m.
The door flew open and Kershia rushed towards the podium. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry... I overslept!" she called, waving her hands in the air in apology.
David glanced down at his watch and tutted. "It's a quarter to ten! The meeting starts in fifteen minutes, " he snapped.
Ignoring his harsh words, Kershia suddenly became engrossed in searching through her bag. "Where is it?" she mumbled. "I had it just yesterday."
"Where's what?"
Kershia triumphantly pulled the data chip from the floppy cloth bag, and held it aloft. "My presentation," she replied cheerfully.
Scowling once again, David approached the podium. "You look tired, Kershia. Are you certain you want to make this address? I can just as easily give our annual report myself."
Kershia continued to ignore him while she fiddled about with the computer and projector equipment. Once she had finished uploading data form the chip, the large screen behind her was illuminated with the welcome page of her presentation. "I'm fine. I had a bit of a late night, that's all," she conceded at last. "I do have a life outside this place, you know."
David bit his tongue in an attempt to quell his rising anger. Throughout their time working together in the Nova committee, Kershia had been nothing but professional in every aspect of her work. It had only been in recent weeks that he had noticed she was becoming more and more distracted from her assignment. Sighing inwardly he continued to study her while she prepared for the meeting ahead. Of course, he mused, it isn't the fact that you're having a social life that bothers me; it's whom you are seeing so furtively behind my back. Admonishing himself for the thought, he suppressed his agitation. "What exactly were you doing last night, that it made you late on the most important morning of the year?"
Shocked by the direct nature of his question, Kershia's face lost the happy-go-lucky smile that she had carried since entering the auditorium. "What gives you the right to question what I do in my own time? You don't own me, David. This job doesn't own me. " Shaking her head, she took a few paces backwards and studied his face intently. "Oh, I see. You're jealous of me having friends, now. Is that it? Well let me remind you, that we stopped being a couple many years ago. The day you fired that revolver at me, to be precise. You may be my boss, but that doesn't give you the right to interfere with anything other than my work." She looked up as the first of the delegates entered the room. "I've never given this office any less than one hundred and ten percent. If you want to question me about my commitment, then you'll have to wait. I have a speech to make."
Turning around, David also noticed the approaching dignitaries as they started to take their seats. "Very well. Go ahead and give the address. We'll discuss this later."
Kershia's tone suddenly became sarcastic, a trait that he had seldom seen in her before. "You can count on it!"
Withdrawing from the podium, David took his seat in the front row of the audience and watched while the last remaining delegates did the same.
While he was waiting, David looked down into his lap, eager to project an air of calm authority to the various officials beside him. She's right, he thought, she's given more than most people towards making this mission a success. She doesn't need me questioning her every move.
Suddenly aware that Kershia had come to stand directly in front of him, he glanced up, caught her eye, and smiled reassuringly. She looked very attractive and business-like in her smart suit and high heels. It was almost as if she'd taken on a new persona from the playful and impetuous woman he knew.
Taking in the sight of his one-time love, David felt his emotions rise. Here was the woman with whom he had shared his vision for the future. The person he felt closer to than any other living soul. Yet, circumstances had conspired to keep his heart's desire away from him, and he understood all too well what those circumstances were. Why, oh why, were you born a TP, he thought. Of all the people in the world you could have been; you had to be one of the enemy.
If only things had worked out differently... David sighed at his own ill fortune. He knew that if Kershia had been any less than herself he would not have fallen in love with her. It was the tenacity, ingenuity and sheer guts of this young woman that had drawn him to her and those traits were certainly reinforced by her TP nature. Maybe it would have been better if you'd died from that bullet?
Aware that the audience was applauding, David's attention was dragged back to the meeting. Pushing aside his earlier disquiet he buried his feelings deeply.
**********
Ten minutes later:
"I also have to praise my colleagues for their excellent work with the Adonisian authorities. I can report that all refugees have now returned to Earth, although a small number did decide to settle permanently on that planet.
"A further positive achievement this year has been the demolition of internment camps in Canada, Beijing, Moscow, Pau - Southern France, Bosnia, Washington, Sydney, California and Brazil. Camps in India and Africa are partially evacuated with the local TPs taking control during the resettlement process. In addition over 10,000 children have now been relocated to new homes across the world."
The screen behind Kershia changed to reveal a list of statistics and she paused while the audience read this new information. "Here is the breakdown of exact relocation statistics." A ripple of applause went around the room, and Kershia waved for calm before continuing.
As the room settled down once again the image dissolved to reveal yet more details of her department's successes. "Seventy five Labs, in the locations marked here, have now been opened to the general public and are quickly becoming tourist attractions in many countries."
"Excuse me?" shouted a voice from the back of the crowd. "Ms. Agenwala, may I ask a question?"
Kershia hesitated momentarily in her pre-prepared speech. She glanced towards David, and he nodded his agreement. "Yes, of course. What would you like to ask?" she replied, scanning the audience for the source of the voice.
The middle-aged Indian woman rose to her feat, the shawl of her Sari falling from her shoulders to reveal her ample proportions. "Since when has the Lab network been part of the remit of your committee?"
"Well... I..." stuttered Kershia.
"Never mind, my dear. I appreciate how difficult it is for a Tomorrow Person to abandon her connection to such hallowed ground." A gentle murmur of amusement spread across the room. "That aside," continued the Indian Foreign minister. "What I really wanted to ask you, as representative and one time leader of the Tomorrow People is this. Why does Homo novus still require secret bases? As I am certain everyone here knows, there are many more than seventy-five Labs in the world. Why haven't more become open to public scrutiny?"
Shaken by the comment, Kershia's mind flew into turmoil. Every TP understood the reason why the entire Lab network could never be exposed completely. How could she possibly convey to the people here that despite everything that had occurred, the TPs still didn't trust the Saps? Rallying her thoughts, she snatched at the most logical response she could find. "The answer to your query is quite simple, Madam. The Alliance fleet will not allow us to reveal alien technologies to you. I can assure you that as soon as permission is granted, all Labs will be made open to public inspection. Although I feel that I should also point out that many of the Labs are used as permanent residences. Would the honourable delegate appreciate a group of strangers trudging through her home?"
The Indian representative frowned, obviously not satisfied with Kershia's answer.
"As you have raised this issue," continued Kershia, eager to divert attention from her lie. "May I suggest that I timetable an immediate meeting between yourself and an Alliance representative to discuss the matter further?"
Nodding in satisfaction, the Indian woman took her seat once again and Kershia let out a visible sigh of relief. "On a much sadder note, I have to report the findings of our committee regarding the casualties incurred during the recent Sap/TP conflict..."
It took a further half an hour for Kershia to complete her presentation. Relieved that she had made it though unscathed, she stepped down and approached the seating area.
David rose from his own chair and walked slowly to the front of the room. "Thank you for your report Ms. Agenwala. I think we all appreciate your commitment to the Novus committee. I now open this meeting to questions from the floor."
A dozen hands immediately flew into the air, and David chose the first question. Thankful that her part was over, Kershia flopped down into the empty chair.
It was an hour later that the room began to settle down once again and the last of the delegates was called to speak. "It seems to me that you are overstepping the mandate of your appointment," began the junior minister representing New Zealand. "I put it to you that the Novus committee has been going beyond its original and intended responsibilities."
David looked towards Kershia, not knowing quite how to react to this accusation. Sensing his dilemma, she stood and jaunted directly onto the stage beside him. "I see it as my duty to help all human beings on the planet; be they TP or Sap," she began, almost as soon as she stepped from Hyperspace. "And the best way to serve them all is to keep the Alliance fleet at bay. In my opinion, they are just waiting for us to fail in our task. The Adonisians and Critons cannot keep the other races in check forever. Do you really want a massacre on your hands?"
A murmur went around the room as everyone present recalled the Chilean incident that happened eight months earlier. The government of that country had refused to integrate returning refugees and an Alliance ship has descended from orbit, blasted the government building out of existence and returned to Luna before Earth authorities even had time to exert pressure on that country's officials.
David felt his pride swell as Kershia responded to their critic. He stepped up to the microphone and leaned forward, to offer his support. "Ladies and Gentlemen. As my esteemed colleague has said so eloquently, we on the Novus committee take our duties very seriously. When we were appointed by the Secretary General there was no way of telling how involved we would become in government policies, but I can assure everyone here that there isn't a member of my team who does not feel as fervently as miss Agenwala about their commitment to helping our planet fight off the potential threat hanging over all our heads. If anyone here feels that they could do a better job, then I request that they speak up now and we will gladly step aside."
The hall fell into utter silence, and David delighted in waiting for the longest time possible before speaking again. "Very well. I then officially close this meeting. I will look forward to seeing you all in a years time."
The assembly disbanded then, delegates huddling together in private conversation while they waited for a passage to the exit. Turning towards Kershia, David smiled. "Well, that's it. I wonder whether we'll still be here this time next year?"
For the briefest of moments, Kershia felt a prickly sensation at the edges of her psi-awareness, but instantly dismissed it as caused by caffeine withdrawal. "Before we start speculating about the next twelve months, we've got to get through the rest of the day, first. And before I do anything I need a strong cup of coffee, want to join me?"
Stepping down from the platform, she followed the last few delegates towards the exit. Noticing that David had remained behind she halted and glanced back over her shoulder. "You're acting really weird today. Is there anything wrong?"
He shook his head and his expression took on the emotionless mask that she had seen many times before when he was troubled. "No. Not at all," he replied, as they headed towards the door. "Everything's just fine."
*******
(I never knew you cared.)
(There are a lot of things about me that you don't know...)
(Then maybe it's time you opened up?)
(Yes, I think it is!)
(What shall we do about...?)
(We'll talk things through, all of us. Together!)
(You really think that talking will make a difference?)
(I lost five years of my life because I was too scared to talk: five good years. You, me, even him... we've been burying our collective heads in the sand for too long, running away from the truth. But the time for running is over. We must face up to the changes in our lives. And to do that we have to clear the air... Yes, talking will help. I'm sure of it.)
(I'm amazed. I've never heard you speak like this before.)
(I guess I should have told you how I felt long ago, but that was just another thing that I was running away from. But not anymore.)
(And how exactly do you feel?)
(You'll see... you'll see...)
*******
© Jackie Clark November 2004
Your comments will be gratefully received mail to: Jackie@effdee.demon.co.uk