Part 0

Synopsis: Stephen leads a disastrous raid on the military establishment responsible for Operation Malthus. His capture risks Kershia's cover and both their lives.

Background Information. The year is 2017. Mass Breakout began in the year 2010, and although the media knew of its occurrence, it was another two years before the general population began to appreciate what this really meant for the future of the planet. The Sap authorities themselves have not welcomed the news that a new species of man is preparing to take over the world. Using genetically engineered children as carriers, they plan to infect the unsuspecting population with a virus that will attack the brains of potential TPs and prevent breakout. Five years ago, a lone TP agent infiltrated the British military with the intention of gaining information about this new Sap threat.

This is the second story in the Kindred Spirits universe and it is advisable for you to read:
1.Kindred Spirits - Two Aims, One Destination, prior to reading this story.

Thanks to both Elizabeth and Anyta for beta reading this story, and especially to Elizabeth for making this universe come to life.

Disclaimer: The concept of 'The Tomorrow People' belongs to Roger Price, Thames TV & Freemantle Media. All original story ideas and new characters are copyright to Elizabeth Stanway and Jackie Clark. (© Oct 2003).

E-mail Address(es):
tiylaya@yahoo.com
Jackie@the-tomorrow-people.co.uk

Materialising in the bathroom, Kershia turned off the shower that she had left running for nearly two hours, and cracked open the door. David was lying on the bed in the recovery position, just as she had left him. Phew, she thought. I'm in luck that the psionic suggestion worked so well. Hopefully he'll never even know I was gone.

Running through a mental meditation, she pulled her shields up tightly, burying the memories of the TP meeting. She'd prepared well for the ordeal of explaining Operation Malthus to the assembled TP representatives from across the world, but spotting her friend Abby in the crowd had almost shattered her resolve to return to her double life. Still, they needed an insider in the Sap camp and for now she was it. Nostalgia for her lost past was self-indulgent and dangerous. This was her life. She was Keetia Ahren, government agent with a level six security rating, working on the most important defence project the Saps had ever embarked upon. She held the fate of TP's everywhere in her hands and that was something she was prepared for. She was certain she could handle it. If I'm going to see this job through, no one must ever know who and what I am, especially not David, she thought. I couldn't bear it if he knew.

Falling for one of the Sap agents was a complication she had not intended, something she knew John would never approve of, but it had given her the opportunity to get closer to Operation Malthus than even he had planned. I can manage, she told herself forcefully. The mission will always come first.

Removing her clothes, she wrapped a huge fluffy bath towel around her naked body, flung open the door noisily and padded across to where he lay. "Wake up, sleepyhead," she called, bending down to kiss him on the forehead. "It's halfway through the day. You can't still be tired!"

David grunted and stirred. "Wha...." he said sleepily, as he opened his eyes and looked up into her smiling face. "What happened? What time is it?"

"It's nearly three o'clock. You had such a skinful last night, you've been sleeping it off all day." She grabbed a nearby pillow and swiped him playfully around the face.

"Did I?" he asked, sitting up abruptly and clutching his hands to his temples. Swaying as the pain in his head increased, he lay back again. "Oh yeah, I remember it now. You dared me to drink you under the table. I've never known a girl who could hold her liquor like that."

Kershia walked over to the wardrobe and pulled out some fresh clothes. Smiling to herself as she dressed, she was aware of his eyes studying her. "I left you for as long as I could, but we do need to get a move on. They'll be expecting us back at HQ in a few hours."

David had sat up in the bed by now; still unsure why a few pints had left him feeling so tired. Dismissing it as the consequence of his recent work pressures, he studied Kershia's lithe form as she wriggled into her skin-tight jeans. "Yes," he said mischievously, "I suppose you're right. A weekend pass isn't long enough, really. This operation is far too important for two of its top people to spend all weekend in bed."

"You said it, sleepyhead," replied Kershia, brushing her long brown hair and tidying it into a neat bun on the crown of her head. "I'll go make us some coffee and food while you take a shower." Turning around, she winked at him and trotted happily out of the room.

*****

Stephen stepped down from the jaunting pad and waved for Marc to follow him.

"Well, what d'you think?" he asked with a smile. "This is the place where it all began."

"I can't believe I'm here. I mean, it's not much different to our Lab in Toronto, but this is The Lab. The London Lab. The nerve centre of..." He was suddenly interrupted by the familiar sound of someone else jaunting in. "Oh my!" he said, as Abby and John materialised just behind him. "That was close." Stepping down quickly, he moved further into the room and looked back at the new arrivals.

"I will take Abigail to the conference room, before leaving for the Trig," said John sternly. "We have much to discuss." Taking her hand in his, he was the perfect gentleman as he led her from the jaunting platform towards the stairs.

As they passed Marc winked at Abby. (Enjoy yourself,) he pathed.

(I would hardly call discussions about the future of our species enjoyable!) reprimanded John. Then, switching to speech, he added, "TIM, contact his Excellency Timus Irnok Mosta and explain what has happened. Request a long-range teleporter beam in three hours from now. I think it would be best if we discussed this new Sap threat in person."

Once they had climbed up the staircase and disappeared from view, Marc let out a sigh. "I didn't mean to..."

"I know," laughed Stephen. "And I'm sure John didn't mean to be rude either. He's got a lot on his plate at the moment." He paused and drew in his breath. "We all have." Looking up he smiled at Marc. "D'you fancy helping me out for a while? They'll probably be up there for the whole three hours and I could use some suggestions about how we deal with these genetically engineered kids."

Marc shrugged. "Sure. But I'm just an administrator. You're the one with all the experience in this sort of thing."

Stephen nodded slowly. "I think I'm getting a bit long in the tooth for all this cloak-and-dagger stuff. A younger man's perspective is most welcome."

"You, old?" Marc chuckled. "In no way. You're a legend. You're one of those who outsmarted Colonel Masters, sent Jedikiah packing and took care of the Sorson threat. You've been off world, mixed with hundreds of alien species and helped countless new breakouts to come to terms with their new way of life." As he finished, Marc coughed nervously. He hadn't meant to let his boyhood adoration for Stephen show quite so much.

"I'm very flattered," replied Stephen. "Can I ask you a question, Marc?"

"Sure."

"Are you married? Do you have any kids?"

Marc was shocked by the direct nature of Stephen's enquiry. For the briefest of moments his personal shield slipped just slightly, and he allowed his eyes to wander towards the staircase that Abby had climbed just seconds before. "No. Why do you ask?"

"I often dream that I'm married with kids, that somehow my life had taken a different road. You may think it's one great adventure doing all those things you mentioned, but I always thought I'd end up like my parents. A country cottage, a huge shaggy dog to take for long walks... You know the sort of thing. But instead of all that, I have to face the greatest threat of my life. Kids born and bred as weapons. Innocent children who, given half the chance, will wreak havoc on our world. If the Saps succeed in their plan and do prevent any further breakouts, what chance have we as a species?" He paused. "How many TPs do you have in Canada?"

"About a hundred thousand that we're aware of and I guess another few thousand living in secrecy."

"There were one million TPs in the UK at John's last census, a further million scattered across Europe and perhaps another four or five million around Russia, Asia and the Baltic States. And how many Saps are there in the world?"

Marc prepared to answer, but realised from his companion's expression that it had been a rhetorical question. "I see what you're getting at now. Even if we all married one another and had 'des enfants', we'd still be a fragile minority on a planet full of prejudiced and hateful people capable of doing the one thing we can't do in this struggle for supremacy - killing their enemy. That's why, Marc, we need people like you and Abby. You are our future." He took a seat at the link table and Marc followed his lead. (Will you link with me? Help me plan a strategy?)

(It will be an honour, Stephen.)

Kershia looked up from her keyboard and smiled as David approached. "Hi, sweetheart," he called. "How's it going down here in Intelligence?"

"I guess I'm just about through. My final report went upstairs last week." Noticing his grim expression, she changed tack. "But that's not why you came down here to speak to me, is it?"

"Have you been reading my mind again, or something?" he replied good-humouredly.

"You know I can't do it with many people. It takes a lot of concentration."

"Don't stress, I was only kidding." He walked behind her and pulled back her chair. "I was sent down to Intelligence to get you. He wants to speak to you."

Kershia could hardly believe her ears. She'd worked undercover, as a field operative and analyst in the department responsible for Operation Malthus, for three years now and in all that time she'd never had even a hint of who was in charge. Something must have happened, she thought. Could they have found out about...? That idea was best kept deeply hidden in her unconscious; there were too many telepaths working for the government for her to get sloppy with her shielding at this crucial hour.

"Oh good," she replied. "A chance to impress the boss with my work. How on earth did you swing it?"

"I think you've got the wrong end of the stick, sweetie. I had nothing to do with it. He specifically asked to speak to you. To us - together."

Kershia's mouth went dry and her heart jumped into her throat, but on the outside she kept as cool an expression as she possibly could. "Well, in that case you better lead on. This could be my big chance for promotion."

*****

The office interior was warm and cosy. The walls were hung with huge paintings depicting battles ranging from the Boer War to the Gulf Conflict. Beneath each painting, a small silver plaque held an inscription: 'Presented to the Royal Fusiliers by Brigadier General Walthorpe on his dining out, 10th August 2005,' she read, while she waited for the General to arrive.

Kershia had been very disheartened when David had told her that she had to wait alone. Much to her relief, there was no armed guard inside the General's office, which somewhat reduced her suspicions that they had discovered her true identity.

The wait was still quite stressful, however. If the General didn't want to discuss her genetics, then what was it all about? Kershia had lived under the assumed identity of Keetia Ahren for over five years now. To work her way up from MOD receptionist to field operative and analyst had been an achievement. It was her limited - well, limited as far as they knew - telepathic skills that had got her where she was today. Working in the field, meeting unsuspecting TPs, reporting back the locations of their respective Labs. It wasn't much of a life, but it had got her into the position where she had learned about Operation Malthus and that was a definite gift from the gods.

A door at the back of the office that she had hardly noticed on her arrival suddenly opened, and in walked a smartly dressed young man. "Oh. Miss Ahren," he said nervously. "We didn't expect you so soon. The General will be with you in a ... Ah, here he is now."

Marching purposefully into the room, the General looked over at her. He was tall, probably over six feet, stocky but not fat, with a shaven head and big round eyes. "Surveying my art collection, I see? Good, good. A girl with some taste." Waving his Adjutant away, he sat down at the large cluttered desk. "Bring us tea and cake. Chocolate cake" The General looked at Kershia as she crossed the room and sat on the opposite side of the desk. "That's it, my girl, make yourself comfortable. I take it that you do like chocolate cake?"

Kershia smiled and nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, please."

"Well, step to it, man. We've got lots of things to get sorted before the end of the day."

Once the Adjutant had left them alone, General Walthorpe looked at her keenly. "Keetia, isn't it?" She nodded, but remained silent. "You've been with us for quite some time now." She nodded once again. "And you and David have been together for three years."

His comment made her sit bolt upright. What has this got to do with my relationship with David, she wondered.

"David is one of my top people. He's been doing a fantastic job on the implementation stage of Operation Malthus. You weren't naive enough to think that we don't keep a very close eye on the private lives of all our operatives."

This statement was a wake-up call for Kershia. That the General was a fellow telepath was in no doubt. Locking her shields down tight, she knew that at the next sign of danger she would have to jaunt out of the office and out of David's life forever. "Of course you do," she replied flatly. "I wouldn't expect anything less. This project, whatever it is, has half the British Secret Service buzzing around like flies. Preparing for some sort of counter-attack, I suppose?"

"Very astute of you, young lady, very astute indeed. I always knew David had good taste in women." He paused when the Adjutant reappeared carrying a tray that he placed on the desk between them. Waving the man away again, the General poured her a steaming cup of the brew. "Now, where was I? Oh yes, I was about to show you this." Pulling open the desk drawer, he removed a small conical device not unlike an air-freshener, which he placed on the desk. Releasing a panel in the base of the contraption, he removed a phial containing a small quantity of dark grey powder.

"What is it?" she asked, sipping her tea politely.

"Barlumin. I don't expect you to know about it," he chuckled. "No one outside this research establishment knows about it."

Taking a large piece of the cake in an attempt to look slightly disinterested, she studied the phial more closely. "And what does it do?"

"That, my girl, is the clever bit. I'm told that it emits a kind of radiation that blocks the Tomorrow People's psionic powers. I've seen it tested on some TPs we rounded up in the early days. Very effective it is too. That's how we plan to contain them, you know. We've developed both emitters like this that disperse the powder into the atmosphere, and hand-held sprays that propel a jet of the powder towards a specific target. In high enough quantities it turns them into quivering wrecks, barely conscious and totally incapable of logical thought. But amounts such as this simply render their telepathy and teleportation abilities ineffectual."

His admittance to experimentation with Barlumin on captured TPs was something she had already suspected. What she hadn't known, until now, was how advanced the Saps were in their development of Barlumin weaponry.

Kershia's mind was in total panic. This is it! He knows everything about me. I've let them all down. We're all done for, she thought frantically.

The General saw the concerned look on Kershia's face and reached out to calm her down. "Don't fret, my dear," he said. "It may take your telepathy away for a few minutes, but it's necessary while we talk. We don't want any TP agents to overhear the important things I have to tell you, do we? These emitters are the best form of anti-TP bugging device I've ever come across. Such an innocent looking powder, but it can help us turn the tide on these so-called Homo superiors."

Pulling open the phial, he tipped a tiny amount of the Barlumin onto the tea tray and Kershia immediately felt a pain in her temples. "I'm sorry about the discomfort, my dear, but it is necessary, I'm afraid. You see, we're at the point of deployment in our operation. The children we've been training at our special school down there in..." he paused momentarily "...in the West of England, are ready to fly the nest. Ready to go out into the world and begin the second phase of their lives as the adoptive children of couples like yourself and David."

She looked at him in shocked disbelief.

"Once the kids are deployed and settled in their new homes, we'll release the ST4 that our top scientists have been working on for the past two years and it will activate the virus into its most virulent form. The medical services are gearing up as we speak for the biggest outbreak of neurological virus in the history of the world. But they'll be ready; I have total confidence in them. Once it's done, we'll not only have halted nature's little evolutionary gamble, but established once and for all how widespread this TP threat really was."

Kershia relaxed just slightly. From his comments and general demeanour she concluded that her cover story was still very much intact and that his use of the Barlumin was no more than a necessary security measure. Despite this, she was feeling very apprehensive at the news that the children were ready to be deployed, and what was most frightening was the logical assumption that she was being briefed to take on the role of adoptive parent to one of these monsters.

There was a long silence during which he studied her face intently. "Well?" he asked at last. "What do you have to say? You're an intelligent young thing. I'm sure you've worked out why I asked you here. David is very keen for the two of you to take in one of these kids, but I need to hear it from you in person. Do you fancy becoming the parent to our most precious and secret weapon?"

"How dangerous are they? I mean, when you activate the virus with this... ST4, did you call it?"

He nodded. "Yes. We've been working on it for a while now. We didn't want the virus to be active straight away. As soon as the first breakout - if you'll pardon the pun - was reported, they'd have time to prepare an antidote. We needed some way to spread the virus in its dormant state. Who better to target children with than other children? Then once we're sure it's spread sufficiently, we can release the ST4 and wait for children everywhere to fall ill. It won't be pretty, having half the kids in Britain and around the world fall ill at the same time, but it's a necessary means to an end." He sipped at his tea awaiting her response, but soon realised that one was not forthcoming. "Why don't you discuss it with David? Take the rest of the day off. Go home and have a long chat about it. I know that asking you to become an instant parent is a tall order, but remember you'll be doing it for King and country."

She rose to her feet in silence, too choked by this news to make an intelligent reply. "Yes. I promise we'll talk about it." Turning around, she walked quickly to the door. "Thank you, General."

Stepping out into the corridor, she ignored David's outstretched arms and just stood with her back to the wall, breathing heavily. Pele, if you can hear me now, I need your strength and guidance more than at any time in my life. I had no idea that D-day was this close. I have to get a message out, to warn them before it's too late.

David walked over and cuddled her lovingly in his arms. "What's got into you, sweetheart? I thought you'd be pleased at the opportunity to do your bit for the project. I understand how frustrating it's been working as an analyst all these years while I was involved on the front line, so to speak. But we've been given a fantastic opportunity to show them what we're made of. And what's more, we'll become an instant family. I thought that was what you always wanted?"

Kershia looked up into his eyes. "Take me home, David. I think we have a lot to talk about."

They were barely through the door when the argument started.

"How dare you make decisions like this without even consulting me!" Kershia screamed hysterically.

"I thought that this is what you always wanted, for us to be a family?"

"Yes, I want a family. A family of my own children, not some man-made abomination!" She threw her bag on the dining table and watched as the contents spilled onto the carpet. Bending down to pick them up, she was aware of David's intense glare on her back. "Besides, it's not like this kid was some homeless orphan in need of a loving family," she continued angrily, "it's a living time bomb carrying the most virulent strain of neurological virus man has ever created. A virus specifically designed to target other poor innocent kids!"

Marching round to face her, David grabbed her arm forcibly and pulled her upright again. "If you don't like the nature of your work, you're always free to resign," he snapped. Then, calming down, he sighed, "But that's not the issue here. When General Walthorpe asked us to take on one of the kids he was bestowing a great responsibility on us. These kids aren't abominations, as you call them. They are highly specialised agents with one very specific mission to accomplish: to save the human race."

Pulling herself free from his grasp, Kershia rubbed her bruised arm but continued to stare at him intently. "Who said the human race was worthy of saving?" she spat.

David threw his arms into the air in despair. "Look at you, Keetia. You're standing there defending the Tomorrow People as if they were your best friends. After all these years working on Operation Malthus, are you telling me you don't even agree with what we're trying to achieve?"

Kershia's mind was in turmoil. She had meant to keep the argument on the topic of their prospective adoptive child, not to let it wander into the ethical issues surrounding the project. Deep down she knew that, as a Tomorrow Person, she could never, ever sanction what the Sap authorities proposed. But somewhere in her rational mind she did understand why they were doing it. Realising that David was waiting for her reply, she gave him a weak smile. "Sorry, David. I never meant to question the project. It's just that I don't like the use of children against other children."

He stepped forward and patted her shoulder reassuringly. "I know, sweetheart. I didn't approve either, in the beginning. But it's only a flu-like virus, not the bubonic plague. Besides, this is a battle for survival. Look what happened to the dinosaurs."

"The dinosaurs?" She walked away and flopped down onto the sofa. "What have they got to do with any of this?"

David sat beside her and took her hand. "The dinosaurs ruled this planet for millions of years, but where are they now?" She began to respond, but he put his fingers to her lips. "No. Let me finish, please?" She nodded. "If someone had looked at the Earth back then, they would probably have decided that the dinosaurs were the most advanced species likely to evolve on this planet. After all, they had developed into many different kinds, adapted to many different climates and dominated all other life for many, many years. Then one day a meteorite comes along and bam!" He made a fist and punched it into the opposing hand. "No more T-Rex. It was a freak of nature that wiped them out. If evolution had continued on that path we'd probably not be here having this conversation. The dinosaurs didn't have the one thing that we do have. They didn't have the technology to protect themselves from that natural disaster and therefore became extinct, but if they had had it, I don't doubt they would have used it and life on Earth would be very different today."

"So you're telling me that just because we do have the technology, we have every right to use it to stop the threat from the Tomorrow People?"

"Yes. This is a battle against nature. And it was nature that provided us with the means to survive. But there's nothing in the universe that says they've got any more right to this planet than we have. They are nature's experiment, and not a very good one at that. Like the dinosaurs, they too are an evolutionary dead end. Just look at them, Keetia: a species unable to kill, unable to defend themselves in a hostile world full of predators - that just isn't a viable option in today's climate. If it weren't for us protecting this planet, these superior beings would lead the entire human race into extinction. Just like the dinosaurs."

Unable to contain herself any longer, Kershia dived in with her own opinion as soon as David finished his diatribe. "So why not make peace with them? Offer to share the planet? Do we have to resort to such drastic measures as infecting half the population with a dangerous pathogen? You sit there and tell me that all this will cause is a flu-like illness, but even that is capable of killing the sick!"

David stared at her sympathetically "Yes, the release of this virus will, no doubt, kill some kids. But most of them will recover and live long and productive lives, never missing something that they never had."

"What if it was your child - our child - that this harmless virus struck down? I could not bear to watch while some disease, that I had helped create, attacked my child's brain. You don't really know how much pain and suffering it's gonna cause, do you?"

David sounded cold and detached as he made his response to her outburst. "No, we don't, but that's not the issue here, because we don't have any kids of our own. Personally, I'd rather my child suffered from the virus than became one of these Tomorrow People, living a hopeless existence in a world set against them. You have to admit that prejudice and discrimination has been the cause of too much suffering in this world. By doing what we're doing we have a chance to halt it right here and now, before the situation gets out of control." Suddenly his eyes dropped and a wave of deep sadness passed across his features. "No one wants to be ridiculed for being different, Keetia. Even you can appreciate that."

Kershia shrugged, knowing that this was an argument she could not win without giving away too much about her own past. For now she would have to control herself and play along with David's scheme. "I suppose so," she replied softly, looking up into his eyes. "But that doesn't change the fact that you agreed for us to take on one of these kids without my input. What I don't understand is why they chose us in the first place."

"I'd have thought that was obvious. It's because you're a telepath."

Her jaw dropped in surprise. "So they want parents who can keep a close eye on their protégés? A telepath who can monitor the kids' thoughts and make sure they do their duty properly?"

David grinned. "You've got it, kiddo. They want us... no, they want you, because you're one of their best telepaths; you've interacted with more TPs in the field than any other operative in the department. General Walthorpe has been very impressed by your work these past few years, and this is a way of showing how much faith he has in you, in us!"

She rubbed her hands together and laughed. "Then this is a promotion?"

"If you want to look at it like that, yes."

"But what about the virus? Will this kid be dangerous to have around?"

Now it was David's turn to chuckle. "No, not at all. Not until the Serpent's Tooth is released."

Kershia screwed up her nose. "The what?"

"It's just a little nickname the boys in the lab gave to the ST4. They spent two years trying to develop a trigger agent. This is the fourth incarnation of the formula. Someone thought the name sounded too boring for such a wonder drug and named it Serpent's Tooth... I think it comes from Shakespeare."

Kershia look at him sideways. "You're enjoying this, aren't you? You know full well that I'm gonna agree in the end. What else can I do? I was just upset that you discussed something so important without me. You do seem extremely friendly with the General lately."

He kissed her gently on the cheek. "Haven't you realised it yet? I'm the General's top man. Second in command on the project. I couldn't tell you before, for security reasons. But now that you're being upgraded, so to speak, I think it's time I told you all about it."

*****

For three hours Kershia listened intently. Eventually she gleaned from David every sordid detail of the Saps' plan for planetary supremacy. With each detail he had described about the virus, about the projected dissemination of the Serpent's Tooth and the exact skills and training given to the children, she had become increasingly sickened. Not only were these children being used to aid the spread of the virus into the general population, by being encouraged to mix with as many different social groups as possible, they had been taught specialised skills that mimicked a TP breakout. Once their job as living 'test tubes' was complete they would continue to live amongst the existing TPs, seeking them out and reporting their whereabouts to the authorities. It was just as she suspected. The Saps were determined to stop at nothing until every single Tomorrow Person was eradicated as potential usurper of Sap authority.

When the clock struck 8 pm she stretched and looked about her. It was dark outside now, and her chances of finding an excuse to go out alone for a while were diminishing rapidly. "I'm hungry," she remarked. "It's too late to cook anything, and this is our last evening alone together. Let's order in pizza, shall we?"

David scratched his head indecisively. "I'm not sure I really fancy pizza. How about going out to eat?"

She gave him her sweetest smile. "Daddy better get used to eating pizza," she said in a fake baby voice. "Junior will probably demand it every day."

He sighed. "Oh, go on then. Any flavour will do, as long as it has lots of cheese. You call them while I open a bottle of wine. "

Knowing that this was her one and only chance to get a message out, she picked up the phone tentatively and dialled the number of the local pizza delivery service. Pele, if you're listening, now would be a good time for a miracle, she thought. Please let TIM be monitoring my line.

"Good evening, this is Cheryl speaking. Can I take your postcode?" said a young woman's voice on the other end of the line.

"It's W5 7JP."

"That's fine, Miss Ahren. We have your details on our computer. What would you like to order?"

"I'd like an extra large Hawaiian, with mountains of cheese. How long will it take?"

"It'll be with you in twenty five minutes."

Kershia found the wait almost unbearable. The girl on the phone had sounded the same as usual. There was no indication that TIM had intercepted her call and understood the cryptic nature of the order. Was she being too careful? Should she have taken a bigger risk and called him telepathically? Now that David had fully briefed her, she had inside knowledge that was vital to the TPs in their struggle against the Saps. But she also know that if David got even the slightest hint that she was a double agent he would not hesitate in his duty - a duty she found it almost unbearable to think about.

She nearly jumped out of her skin when the doorbell eventually rang.

"I'll get it," she called, leaping up from the sofa. "You go get some plates while I pay."

David strolled innocently towards the kitchen. So far, so good, she thought.

Opening the door, she was disappointed to see a young man in motorcycle gear carrying a huge pizza box. "Miss Ahren?" he asked in a strangely familiar foreign accent. "Extra large Hawaiian with extra cheese?"

Kershia couldn't hide the disappointment on her face. It was more than she could have hoped for that TIM would send someone she knew to her door.

Nodding silently, she took the box from the man. "How much do I owe you?"

Tearing off his cumbersome leather gloves, he fumbled in his pocket. Pulling out a tatty receipt, he read the figures nervously. "Fifteen pounds and seventy five pence, please."

Kershia mumbled something about getting her bag and started to walk away.

"Strange weather we're having."

Kershia was so shocked by what she heard she almost dropped the pizza onto the lounge floor. Turning back towards the deliveryman, she could hardly speak as she made her reply. "Yes. Pele must have sent the rain again."

"But the dragon..."

"Shhhhhhhh, " she interrupted, "let me get my bag."

Returning, she took out a twenty-pound note and handed it to the stranger. As he accepted the payment, their fingers brushed for the briefest of moments and in that instant she forged a strong link directly with his mind.

(I didn't think you'd get my message.)

(We nearly didn't. We're all a bit preoccupied tonight with the discovery of the first agent at a Lab in Australia.)

(Oh.) She looked shocked, but forced her mind back to the task at hand. (I need you to get an urgent message to Stephen. Tell him his team has to be ready to go by tomorrow.)

The deliveryman gasped. (So soon?)

(Tell him the kids are ready for deployment, but not to worry about any immediate contagion. The Saps have developed a trigger agent called ST4 that will also need to be destroyed, along with all the records of its development. If we can get the kids away to a place of safety, as well as taking care of the ST4, then we'll have stopped Operation Malthus dead in its tracks.)

(Where are these children now?)

(I don't know. They're kept in a secret facility somewhere in the West of England. But I'm being taken to meet them tomorrow. If TIM keeps a lock on me, then Stephen's team will be able to jaunt in when I give the signal.)

(What signal?)

Kershia looked down, desperate for some kind of divine inspiration. (I'll path NOW!) she replied, before looking up again at his amused expression. (OK, I know it's not very original, but it's the best I can think of.)

The young man smiled and returned to speech. "I'm so sorry, Madame, I do not have change for such a large amount of currency."

(Good. We've lingered too long. Just make sure that Stephen gets my message.) "Here, let me see if I have anything smaller," Kershia replied, fumbling in her bag for some loose change.

(It's lucky I brought this with me.) The deliveryman pulled out a cardboard box from his satchel. On the side it read: 'Spicy Chicken Wings.' (Eat the top one,) he pathed with a wink. (It's got a homing device in it for you to swallow. That way TIM can get a tight fix on your location and we'll jaunt right into the room where 'les enfants' are being kept.) Switching to speech, he said, "Compliments of the management for the delay in our delivery. These chicken wings are no charge."

"Thanks," she said, accepting the additional carton and placing it precariously on top of the pizza box, which she was still holding.

The kitchen door suddenly flew open and David's head appeared. "Come on. Don't chat all night. My dinner's getting cold."

Kershia turned back to the deliveryman and he smiled warmly. "Thank you for the generous tip, Madame. I hope you enjoy your meal. Don't forget about the spicy chicken wings."

"I won't," she replied. (And you'd better not come on the raid tomorrow, either. He's seen you now and will be able to recognise you again. By the way, what's your name?)

(I am Marc of Canada. It was Abigail who understood your message and asked me to come to you tonight.) Turning around, he headed out into the night and Kershia felt a wave of telepathic empathy pass between them, a sensation she had not felt in over five years, and which comforted her more than any physical contact could have done.

"Goodnight, then. Enjoy your meal," he called as he opened the gate.

Kershia was still smiling to herself as she closed the door and walked towards the kitchen. There's something I forgot, she thought, something about the Bar... oh, my God! The Barlumin. I didn't warn them that the Saps have got Barlumin.

But it was already too late. By now she was seated at the table with David, and the most important thing to think about was how to eat a spicy chicken wing, containing a homing-device, without choking.

*****

"That's a bit of a tall order," remarked Jimmy, reaching out for one of the huge mugs of tea that TIM had just provided for them. "Couldn't she give you any idea of what we're jaunting into?"

Marc shrugged. "No, she's as much in the dark as we are. All she had time to convey to me telepathically was the urgency for getting prepared to remove these children and destroy this chemical called ST4."

The small group of assembled Tomorrow People mumbled to one another, but TIM's authoritative voice drowned out further conversation. "Our agent is working under the most difficult circumstances. She has been living amongst the Saps for five years now. Pretending to be one of them cannot be easy. That she has been fortunate enough to bring us this limited amount of information about Operation Malthus is highly commendable. If it weren't for her..."

"Yes, TIM, we get the picture," interrupted Stephen irritably. "But to put a team together by morning, amongst everything else that's been going on lately..." He sighed. "What with John and Liz still away on the Trig, Andrew, Mike and Hsui Tai relocating refugees on Sophostria, Tricia's team up to their ears with new breakouts and Elle and Paul sorting out the mess in Australia, deployment of these kids couldn't have come at a more inconvenient time, could it?"

TIM sounded hurt as he responded to Stephen's comments. "I am fully aware of the pressure you are all working under at the moment."

Stephen looked up at the glowing globes that hung overhead. "Sorry, TIM. I didn't mean for that to sound so..."

"Apology accepted, Stephen. May I suggest that you settle on a final list of names for your raiding party, so that Jimmy, Stephanie and Ben may return to their respective Labs and contact them before daybreak?"

Pulling himself up in his chair, Stephen yawned. "A good suggestion, TIM. We have you three, of course." He looked each of the local Lab representatives seated with him at the table in the eye, before glancing across at Marc and Abby who sat on the nearby sofa. "It would be best if you two get back to Toronto and start rooting out any Sap spies in your own Labs. After the incident in Melbourne none of us are safe in our beds any more."

Abby nodded apologetically. "I know, Stephen; we live in such troubled times. And as our mutual friend said to Marc, he's recognisable by the Sap authorities now."

Stephen nodded and continued studying the list of possible names provided by TIM. "What about Roger Finn? It says here he's a probationer with the Met police who broke out six months ago. Does anyone know him? Has anyone witnessed him jaunting?"

"He's OK," responded Stephanie. "I helped him with his breakout, taught him to jaunt myself. I'm sure I can persuade him to join us."

"Good. Just two more then."

It took a further half an hour for the full list to be drawn up. Satisfied at last that they had a group who could handle the pressure of this dangerous assignment, as well as coping with the kids themselves, Stephen drew the conversation round to possible locations for storage of the virus-infected children. The argument between the assembled group was furious. Jimmy pointed out that the obvious course of action was to transport them to the Trig, but Stephen reminded him that their affiliation with the Federation authorities was strained enough already, by the influx of refugees. Finally Jimmy agreed that requesting asylum for the carriers of a potentially lethal virus would be straining the relationship just a bit too far. Sophie put forward a strong humanitarian argument for the children's right to remain on Earth, living as normal a life as was possible, but this also seemed too difficult to arrange in the time available. Eventually the group bowed to Stephen's authority and agreed that for the time being, the children would be kept unconscious in incubators in a sealed room deep below the Highland Lab. This at least was as far away from highly populated areas as they could get at short notice.

There was just one thing to be decided upon now: the exact approach they would take once TIM had tracked their operative to the secret Sap facility.

"Are we to assume that when she paths 'Now!' that we simultaneously jaunt into the room where she is located with stun guns blazing and just hope that we knock out all the kids, as well as any Sap guards, before they realise what is happening?" Ben didn't sound convinced that this plan had very much chance of success. "We don't even know where they are being schooled. At least some idea of the layout might give us a fighting chance. All these kids are telepathic, right." The others nodded. "What if one of them has time to blow the whistle on us? What if they know we're coming and pick us off as we emerge from Hyperspace? 'Now' isn't a very unusual phrase. Anyone could be sending it to us, luring us into a trap!"

Stephen looked at him angrily. "You're right. This could be a trap, but that's not gonna stop us from trying, is it?"

Ben shrugged and looked down into his empty mug. "No, of course not," he mumbled.

"I have a suggestion," said Jimmy, who had remained surprisingly quiet for the past few minutes. "Why doesn't one of us go in ahead of the main party and get some idea of the whole set-up?"

"And I suppose, Jimmy, you think you're the man for the job?" laughed Stephanie, digging him in the ribs.

Stephen coughed to gain their attention and a broad smile spread across his face. "Thank you, Jimmy. I was just about to propose that myself, but I wouldn't expect any of you take such a great risk." He looked up at the glowing globes overhead. "TIM, can you provide me with the correct uniform and ID to pass as a member of the military?"

"Certainly, Stephen, but remember that most military personnel retire at fifty five years of age, at the latest," replied TIM.

Stephen was quiet while he considered this news. "Well then, you'd better make me a Major or something acceptable for someone in his senior years."

At this point the entire gathering erupted in floods of uncontrollable laughter.

Stephen blushed a rather bright shade of scarlet and looked quizzically around the group. "I don't know what you lot think is so funny." But deep down he knew that this laughter was a welcome release from the imminent stress of the day ahead. A day when some of them could possibly die and the future success of their entire race hung in the balance. "Go on, away with you all." He motioned them towards the jaunting pad. "Get some rest and I'll see you at 9 a.m. sharp."

Kershia stepped from the helicopter on the dreariest Dartmoor day she could have imagined. Rain lashed down, soaking through their shower-proof jackets in an instant and sticking her neatly combed hair to her head in a sodden mass. Hurrying after David, she could just make out the bleak hills in the distance, their stony peaks dull and lifeless, standing as if braced against the biting wind that whipped around their rocky crevices.

Shuffling past armed guards, who looked cold, wet and bedraggled, she entered a brightly lit reception area. Immediately a young female officer was at her side, removing her coat apologetically and handing her a large fluffy, but predictably green towel.

"The General is expecting you, Sir," she reported to David, in a clipped voice. "He's gone over to the labs to check the transportation arrangements for the ST4. He said he'll meet you in the nursery in about ten minutes."

David nodded at the young woman and she saluted, then turned sharply on her heel and disappeared with their sodden coats through the nearest door. Turning towards Kershia, he smiled and took her by the hand. "Well, sweetheart, this is it. Come with me and I'll introduce you to our little boy. His name is Alexander and he's really looking forward to meeting you."

Kershia allowed herself to be led forward in silence.

They walked along the corridor for five minutes without meeting anyone, then turned a corner and pushed through two heavy security doors into a covered walkway. Thankful that the nearby building afforded some protection from the rain, David's pace increased to avoid them becoming too wet again. With eyes lowered, neither of them noticed the uniformed soldier as he trotted through the driving rain and leapt beneath the cover, almost colliding with them in his haste.

"Watch out!" snapped David angrily.

"So sorry," replied the soldier. "I didn't mean to startle you, but it's a bit wet out there."

Kershia felt David's whole body stiffen. "I can see that for myself -" He glared at the rank insignia on the front of this intruder's camouflaged waterproof. "- Major. Who are you and what are you doing in a restricted area?"

The soldier came to attention and looked up into David's eyes belligerently. "Major Phillips. I arrived by transport just a few minutes ago and was told by the gate to report to the C.O. But in this damn rain I seem to have got myself a bit lost. Can you point me in the direction of the C.O.'s office?"

It was then that the resemblance struck her and Kershia almost stumbled backwards in shock. Before her, dressed from head to foot in green, was Stephen. His presence here, alone and before she sent out her signal, was something totally unexpected.

Regaining her composure, Kershia dropped David's hand, pulled up her mental defences as tightly as she possibly could and tried to look nonchalantly about her. Stephen, on the other hand, simply looked at her with a puzzled expression, undoubtedly confused by her refusal to reply to his telepathic enquiries.

"I wasn't aware that anyone was being transferred to this base until we've all cleared out," remarked David suspiciously, pulling his revolver from its holster and pointing it menacingly at Stephen. "Show me your ID and orders immediately."

"Of course, Sir," replied the soldier, delving into his inner pockets, pulling out a very damp-looking memo and passing it to David for closer inspection.

"Hmmm. Well, this looks OK. But it still doesn't explain why you were asked to report today. Our operation is not due to finish until Wednesday."

"If you're not satisfied with his credentials, why not ask Miss Ahren to probe his mind and find out if he's telling the truth. That should certainly clear things up in a hurry." This remark came from the General, whom neither of them had noticed approaching along the walkway behind them.

Swinging around, David gave a curt nod of recognition. "An excellent idea, Sir."

Kershia's mind was in turmoil. She had felt Stephen's highly focussed attempts to penetrate her tight shielding for the past few minutes, but was acutely aware that he had no idea that the General was a fellow telepath, capable of picking up any exchange between them, however mundane. It would only take the slightest hint of recognition on Stephen's part for both of them to become compromised. And if this happened, the whole building would be locked down so tight with Barlumin emitters they'd never be able to jaunt in the raiding party. All she could hope for was that Stephen would give up in his attempts to make contact and allow her to signal in some subtle but vocal way about the imminent danger of using telepathy.

The General stood by Kershia's side and looked Stephen up and down. "Well, what do you say? We've been employing telepaths as security officers for years now. This can't be the first time you've been probed, so to speak, as part of a security sweep?"

"No, sir. It is not," replied Stephen mischievously, before turning to face Kershia directly. "Go ahead and read my mind. I'm certain that you can confirm who I am and what I'm doing here. Then perhaps we can all get inside out of this damn rain."

No, thought Kershia. You mustn't ask me to do this. You don't understand that as soon as you open your shields he'll be able to read your mind too. Frantic for some excuse to delay the mind probe, Kershia seized on the only escape available to her. "I can't possibly read this gentleman's mind here outdoors. The rain is very distracting. Can't we go inside, where it's warm and dry?"

"Of course, my dear. Of course, I understand. I don't know why David didn't suggest it to you earlier."

A few minutes later Kershia, David, General Walthorpe and the fake Major Phillips entered a nearby office and shook the rain from their respective clothing. Stalling for time, Kershia walked across to the desk and made herself comfortable in the large leather chair on the far side. "That's better," she said. "If you could hold the prisoner still for a moment, I'll prepare myself mentally."

Watching as David took hold of Stephen's arms, she could see the look of confusion on her friend's face. He must think I've betrayed him, she thought dismally. I only hope he's preparing to jaunt out of here; even that would be better than giving us both away. But she also knew that such an act would deny them any chance of removing the virus-infected children before their deployment amongst the general population.

Sitting with head in hands and eyes lowered towards the desk's surface, she tried to look as if she were preparing for the mental rigours of the mind probe. It was then that she caught sight of the conical-shaped Barlumin emitter at her side. Realising that here at last was her one and only chance to save both their lives, she snatched it up, removed the phial of Barlumin and threw it at Stephen's feet.

As the cloud of powder drifted into his face, the effect was immediate. His entire body began to convulse and he let out a yelp of pain before collapsing on the tiled floor in a quivering heap.

The General clasped his hands to his temples as the Barlumin affected his own limited telepathic brain, and sprang away from the worst of the dust particles.

David just stared incredulously from Kershia to the incapacitated Tomorrow Person at his feet and back again. "How did you know?" he stuttered.

Thankfully, it was the General who answered for her. "Because she's one of our best." He beamed at Kershia in admiration. "Such a sharp mind as hers could tell in an instant that this was an enemy spy sent to destroy our efforts here today. My own telepathy is far too rudimentary for such an achievement."

"Yes," replied Kershia. "As soon as I tried to probe him it was obvious that the strength of his mental shielding could belong to no other than a full TP. I'm sorry, General, that you had to be affected by the Barlumin, but it was my only chance of capturing him before he realised his cover was blown and jaunted away."

She emerged from behind the desk, to be patted on the back by a grateful and proud-looking General. "Hang onto this one, David," he joked, "she's a little treasure."

"Yes," replied David, in a faraway tone that did nothing to dispel the growing knot of anxiety in the pit of Kershia's stomach. "We can't let such a great asset get away, can we?"

Kershia didn't like the disbelieving look that passed across David's eyes and was thankful when more security guards arrived to drag Stephen off to the cells. The General ordered David to accompany them, which gave her a rest from his intense and suspicious glances.

"Don't worry," called General Walthorpe up the corridor, as the security detail disappeared around the corner. "I'll walk Keetia down to the nursery and introduce her to little Alexander for you."

With one crisis over, Kershia allowed herself to relax just a little as she followed the General up to the second floor of the building. Pausing for a moment outside a plain blue door with a sign that read 'No entry, Security Personnel Only', she sighed deeply. All she had to do now was give the signal and hope that the rest of Stephen's team trusted her enough to jaunt in and save what was rapidly becoming a complete shambles of a mission!

The room that the Saps referred to as a nursery was far more than that. As Kershia entered, she noticed that it was divided into three discrete areas. On the far left were groups of tables stacked high with scientific equipment, somewhat like a school science room. The walls were adorned with posters on every subject imaginable, including chemistry, astronomy, history and geology. On the far wall were detailed ordnance maps of every square inch of the UK, as well as certain parts of North and South America. The wall housing the door through which they had just entered was stacked from floor to ceiling with textbooks. The second area was laid out with comfortable chairs and sofas placed strategically around low circular tables that looked uncannily like the Lab's link tables. The furthest area from the doorway had a number of small cubicles with medical equipment, including an EEG machine.

Looking around eagerly, Kershia tried to pinpoint the children who were receiving all this impressive educational and medical care, but all she could see were a number of lab-coated nurses busily tidying away toys or equipment of one type or another.

The General walked further into the room and beckoned for her to follow. "They're playing hide and seek with me again," he whispered. "They love to do it with anyone they haven't seen in a while. They hide completely out of sight and use their telepathy to determine personal details about you, then jump out and scare you with comments about your deepest, darkest secrets. We had a lot of trouble with the staff in the early days." He chuckled at the memory. "They kept requesting reassignment because they just couldn't get any privacy from the little darlings." He sighed. "But that's the way we trained 'em, to scan the minds of anyone present with the special intent of identifying potential TPs."

"But we can't scan her," came an accusing female voice from behind the nearest sofa. "She's shielding from us."

The General stepped forward and held out his arms. "She's called Keetia," he said authoritatively. "She's one of our top telepathic agents, and I'd appreciate it if you stopped playing your little game and came out to greet her politely."

Slowly at first, then with gathering momentum, the children emerged one by one from under tables, behind bookcases and inside cupboards.

"That's better," said Walthorpe jovially. "Now, where's Alexander? I've brought Keetia here to meet him specifically."

There was a sudden tug on the back of Kershia's sweater and she spun around to see the large, bright blue eyes of an attractive fair-haired boy. Although she knew he was nine years old, he looked small for his age, with thin bony arms and legs that hung limply inside baggy jeans and football shirt. "Here I am, Miss Ahren. Or should I call you mummy?"

Gulping hard, Kershia looked down on the child intended to become her son. "Keetia will do for now."

"Well, Keetia," said the girl who had spoken before, "you're still shielding from us and we don't like that. It's rude to block another telepath."

Kershia shot the General a concerned look before she replied to the accusation. "I'm afraid to say that people in the real world, whether they are telepaths or not, prefer to keep their private thoughts private. You wouldn't want me to know everything you're thinking all of the time and I don't want you to know my thoughts either." As she finished, she was pleased to see Walthorpe nodding in agreement with her.

Alexander walked around and beckoned for her to bend down so he could whisper in her ear. "Perhaps we can link just my mind to yours? That way we can stay secret from them."

Kershia didn't know how to respond to this request. There was something uncannily disturbing about the intensity of this group of children. Perhaps it was the social isolation of their upbringing, or perhaps the consequence of genetic tampering with their intelligence, but instinctively she felt that it would be disastrous to ever let Alexander touch her with his mind.

Straightening up, she said aloud, "That would be rude to your friends, Alexander. Now, go and play for a while. I need to speak with General Walthorpe."

"Please yourself," replied the boy, as he walked over and slumped down on the nearest sofa. "But his mind is too easy to read. Anything you say, even if you think it's secret, we'll overhear anyway."

Shaking her head, Kershia looked at Walthorpe. "Is this true? Is their telepathy so advanced, even at this age, that they can read any mind around them?"

"Wonderful, isn't it? A marvel of modern science, that we've been able to prepare them so thoroughly for the task ahead. Those Tomorrow People don't know what's about to hit them."

"And the virus? Do the children know about that too?"

"My dear, how could we keep something as important as that from them? They knew that the ST4 was ready before the technicians had walked over to my office to tell me."

"And you don't find all this just a little unnerving?"

"You'll get used to it, my dear. But you do have one advantage over the rest of us. You are capable of shielding. What good would you be as a parent if Alex knew what you were thinking all the time?"

Kershia looked worried. "But I'm not the only parent, am I? What about the others? How many children are there?"

"We incubated ten foetuses in the beginning. Nine of these survived the implantation into the surrogate mothers and eight survived the birth. That's a small enough number for us to provide with carefully selected telepathic agents as parents and to give maximum coverage for distribution of the virus throughout the entire UK."

Kershia was alarmed "Only eight! What about the rest of the world? I thought Operation Malthus was a world-wide, co-ordinated project."

"It is, my dear. We in the UK are a few years ahead of the rest, that's all. It was us who developed the genetic splicing techniques that allowed modifications to the telepathic parts of the developing brains. It was us who engineered a virus that could lay dormant in the host and target a specific gene sequence in its potential victim. And it was the boys in our labs that worked tirelessly for two years on the Serpent's Tooth. Someone needs to test it out and the UK is determined to rid itself of these Tomorrow People before any other nation. It'll give us a strategic place on the world's political stage for many years to come."

As he was speaking, Kershia became aware that the assembled children had gathered in a circle around one of the tables and were linking their minds in a concerted effort to break through her shielding. Time was running out; the focussed energy of their collective psionic talents was almost too much for even her highly trained mind to overcome. This is too reminiscent of that old black and white movie, 'The Village of the Damned,' she thought with a wry smile. I must think of a brick wall... must think of a brick wall. Walking across to the nearest window, Kershia looked out into the afternoon rain, which had eased slightly since her arrival at the base. For the briefest of moments the memory of Stephen bumping into her and David, followed by the image of his anguished face as he was hit by the intensity of the Barlumin cloud, spun in her mind. She also knew that she had a job to do and Stephen, as much as anyone, understood the risks inherent in any attack on the Saps.

Gathering all her reserves, she opened her mind to the widest frequency available and pathed at full volume (NOW! FOR GOD'S SAKE, GET HERE NOW!)

The group of children jumped to their feet in alarm as they picked up her deafening call to the Tomorrow People. Thankfully, that was all they were able to do before the room exploded into a multitude of stun gun beams that spat towards everyone, freezing them in an instant of time.

Kershia dived to the floor as soon as she felt the incoming raiding party. Lying perfectly still with her eyes closed, all she could do was pray that Stephen's team could pick off the telepathic children, nurses and Walthorpe himself, before anyone raised the alarm.

Much to her relief, in a matter of seconds it was all over and she began to stand up again.

"Hold it," shouted Ben from across the room, levelling his stun gun at her in a manner not unlike that of a Wild West cowboy.

"Don't shoot, I'm one of you," she said soothingly. "It was me who sent the message."

"Don't trust her." This comment came from Stephanie, who was busily strapping a matter transporter belt to each of the children. "How do we know she's one of us?"

"Stephen will know." Only now noticing the absence of his team leader, Jimmy looked around the room, then back towards Kershia. "Where's Stephen? What have you done with him?" he demanded.

Kershia took a few casual steps forward, but was halted as Ben jaunted directly behind her, grabbing both her arms in a vice-like grip. "Stay right where you are," he said menacingly, raising the stun gun to her temples, but this just made Kershia smile - he was obviously enjoying his role as secret agent a little too much.

"If you could please calm down, I'll explain everything." She looked back over her shoulder at Ben. "Although I'd appreciate it if you could let me go first."

With Stephen missing, it was clear that someone had to take charge and Jimmy realised it would have to be him. Pulling himself up to his full height, he stepped forward. "Let her go, Ben. But keep her covered with your stun gun," he ordered. "Steph, you and Roger better start taking the kids to the holding facility before they wake up. Sophie, you tie up the General here and those nurses, then set about erasing their memories of our little visit while Cole checks outside." There was a moment of complete silence while the raiding team looked at one another. "Well, step to it, people. We don't have all day," he barked.

While the others busied themselves with their respective tasks, Jimmy walked over and looked up into Kershia's face. "Okay, you have two minutes to tell me exactly what's going on here."

Kershia sighed at the rather inept, and in her opinion immature, way these Tomorrow People were conducting themselves. "As I've already told you, I was the one who pathed the signal. I'm the undercover agent who's been working with the Saps for the past five years. I take it that you do know about me? Stephen did brief you before recruiting you for this little jaunt?" Sensing Jimmy's increasing anger, she decided that sarcasm was not the best policy to use with these inexperienced TPs. Pausing, she decided to change tack. "Perhaps this will convince you?" She immediately jaunted from directly in front of Jimmy to directly behind him; he was visibly shaken by the unexpected move.

"How..." he stuttered.

"Because I'm telling you the truth. No Sap is capable of jaunting, even you know that!"

"I still don't trust her. She's been living with the Saps for five years. What if she's working for them too?" asked Ben accusingly.

Kershia sighed. What will it take, she wondered, then an idea suddenly popped into her mind and she smiled. "Strange weather we're having," she said, her voice loud enough for everyone working in the room to hear.

Relieved, she watched as a grin spread across Jimmy's face. "Yes, Pele must have sent the rain again," he replied.

"But the dragons will blow it away," she concluded.

Ben also relaxed and dropped the stun gun to his side. "Okay, I accept you're one of us, but that doesn't explain what's happened to Stephen. I can't even feel his presence in my mind."

"That's because he was captured and they're keeping him under the influence of Barlumin," replied Kershia softly. "It's my fault, in a way. He ran into me..." she noticed their confused expressions. "Yes, literally ran into me out there in the rain. He was trying to path a message, but didn't realise that the General there is a Sap telepath. It would have blown this operation wide open if I'd let him open his mind, so I had to find a way to stop him."

Jimmy looked angry enough to explode. "And you thought that draining his powers with Barlumin was a solution? Do you know how agonisingly painful that is?"

Kershia walked into the centre of the room and placed her hands on her hips authoritatively. "Yes," she snapped angrily, "and if Stephen were here, he would agree with me on this. It was the only solution that would retain some hope for a successful mission. This isn't some kiddies' day out. It is a dangerous assignment to save our race from annihilation by a deadly enemy. War isn't pretty; you have to face the fact that we're all risking our lives just by being here."

The others nodded in silent agreement.

"Good," she continued, grateful to have salvaged some consensus after the earlier arguments. She knew that she had probably hurt both Ben and Jimmy's feelings, but the apologies would have to come later - the longer they delayed, the greater their chances of discovery. "We've wasted enough time bickering over this. I'm taking charge of this mission and think it's about time we put phase two into operation."

Jimmy opened his mouth to protest at her audacity in taking command, but suddenly thought better of it and backed off a few paces. "What phase two?" He sounded confused.

"Now that Steph has got the kids out of the way, we need to find the storage facility for the ST4 and destroy it!" She walked over to the largest of the sofas, where the still unconscious General Walthorpe and the other Saps had been bound and gagged. Looking up, she smiled at the Tomorrow Person called Sophie and was shocked to see that the young woman was no more than nineteen years of age. Couldn't Stephen find anyone else, she thought anxiously. Quickly dismissing her fears for the success of their mission, she placed her hands on the top of the General's head and entered his mind.

"What's she doing?" whispered Sophie, to no one in particular.

Kershia answered the question herself before any of the others could. "I'm searching his long-term memory to find out the exact location of the ST4 holding facility. That way we can jaunt right into the room and place some incendiaries before anyone finds out we're here."

"Wow!" Sophie's admiration for Kershia's mental abilities was evident in her expression. "You certainly know your stuff."

Removing her hands, Kershia smiled. "It's easy once you know how, and I've been doing it a lot longer than you."

Huddled as they were around the General, none of them had noticed the door inch open slowly. In a sudden rush six heavily armed Sap guards burst into the room, firing indiscriminately towards the small group of TPs.

One bullet caught Jimmy in the shoulder, throwing him backwards, another whistled past Ben's ear, causing him to dive for cover behind the nearest chair. There was a flurry of activity and a tangle of flailing arms and legs, followed by the familiar tingling sensation as all but Sophie jaunted out to safety.

Kershia swung around and noticed David running forward, his revolver lined up squarely on Sophie's chest, murderous intent in his eyes, and all the while Sophie stood petrified in front of her attacker, too panicked to think herself away from the scene.

What Kershia did next was done as much out of instinct as from self-sacrifice. She lunged at Sophie, throwing herself between the young woman and the approaching bullet. Each heartbeat became an eternity, each thought one of protection of an innocent. As the bullet brushed past her left arm and smacked into the floor, she was totally transfixed by the intense emotion in David's eyes. He was just a few feet away now and she could see his finger tighten once again on the gun's trigger. Then, unexpectedly, Sophie's mind cleared of its earlier shock and she jaunted from beneath Kershia's bulk, leaving her to fall heavily onto the cold floor.

David dropped the gun, ran to Kershia's side and bent down to lovingly inspect her for injuries. "Are you all right?" he asked. "I wasn't aiming for you, I was trying to get the TP."

"I know, David," she replied, sitting up and wincing at the pain from the flesh wound in her upper arm. "I know." She hung her head, overcome by exhaustion.

"What I don't understand is what you were doi..." He broke off suddenly, realisation and dismay flooding his expression. Pulling back from her sharply, he looked at her sternly. "You're one of them. It all makes sense, now. You're working for the Tomorrow People." Grabbing something from inside his jacket, he pulled out a Barlumin weapon and squirted her with the powder. "Sweet dreams, my love," he murmured, watching Kershia flop down his arms like a lump of quivering jelly, the psionic energy drained from her brain by the effects of the radiation.

Kershia awoke to find herself bound to a chair in a small cell. Across the corridor, she could see Stephen staring at her from his own prison. His face was ashen and covered in cuts and bruises, his clothes were torn and bloodstained and his thinning hair thick with sweat. He caught her eye and a questioning look passed between them, then she nodded gently.

"Well, well, well," David said suddenly from behind her, making her jump and pull against her bonds. "Now I have two enemy agents to interrogate."

Straining to look around at her tormenter, Kershia sighed. "What is all this, David? Why have you got me tied up like this? You know I can't leave while there's Barlumin powder in the air."

He marched around the chair and leaned in close to her face. "So you're not denying that you're a TP, then?" he sneered.

"Is there any point?"

"None whatsoever, my dear. But I still need to know what you've done with Alexander and the other children. Are you going to tell me like a good girl, or do I have to get nasty, as I did with him?" He jerked his head up and looked across menacingly at Stephen. "He's important to them; I can tell that from his age. Probably one of the first TPs to breakout in England, I'd say." Noticing a momentary flash of concern on Kershia's face, he paused and walked over to the metal bars, leaning against them nonchalantly before continuing. "Thank you, Keetia - if that is your real name - thank you for confirming my suspicions. This is definitely going to be easier than I originally thought."

Kershia was shocked; she had known David for three years and never in all that time had he displayed such a cold and callous streak as he was doing now. The more she considered his words, the more resentful she became of the effort she had put into their relationship. That he was so capable of hiding this side of his nature was astounding; she had always thought she understood him so well. Then again, she had to admit that she too had been living a lie for all these years too, pretending to be faithful to the true intent of Operation Malthus. The one thing she did know was that her deep feelings for him were far from pretence. David was a Sap government agent, a man more dangerous to her kind than anyone else in the world, but he was also kind, gentle and supportive and those were the qualities she had grown to love.

Looking towards Stephen once again, she saw the look of resigned failure in his eyes. I only hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for what I'm about to do, she thought. And that you trust me enough to take the biggest gamble of my life; of both our lives.

Turning towards David, she fixed him with a hard stare. "Why on earth should anything be difficult? I may be a TP, but I'm still an operative in your department. One who's as loyal to Operation Malthus as you are. I've been working closely with you now for three years. Do you think that if I was on the side of the Tomorrow People that I'd have stuck around that long, giving you intelligence about the locations of their Labs, amongst other things? I may be one of them, yes, but all I'm guilty of is not telling you that much. I love you, David. I've always loved you and I want to stop the TP threat to this planet just as much as you do."

*****

Cole looked at Ben, then down towards Jimmy lying on the bio-bed. "I'm so sorry," he whimpered. "They were on me in an instant. I was scouting around in the corridor, keeping watch on the stairs, when they came at me from behind. There wasn't time for me to telepath a warning; all I could do was jaunt away." He hung his head in shame. "It's all my fault, and now Jimmy's hurt."

"Jimmy is going to be all right," interrupted TIM from above. "The wound in his shoulder is quite easily healed. No one is to blame."

"It was lucky the advance party were only armed with conventional guns, not Barlumin pistols," commented Stephanie from the couch, where she was comforting a distraught Sophie. "We're lucky to have got out of there at all."

Sophie sobbed, tears running uncontrollably down her face. "But we didn't all get out. They've still got Kershia, and it's all my fault."

For the first time, Roger stood and moved across to join the others. "Yeah, but we don't even know if she's working for us or really working for them. She told us herself that Stephen's capture was all down to her. How else did they know we were there? Maybe she tipped them off."

"Kershia is one of John's most trusted agents," said TIM huffily. "She would never harm any other Tomorrow Person intentionally." The others didn't look convinced. "I have been attempting to communicate with the Trig since your return, but there is too much interference in hyperspace at the moment. As soon as I do make contact, I'm certain John and Elizabeth will return to give you their advice; until then, I suggest we do nothing. Kershia has always been dependable. If there is a way for her to rescue Stephen herself, then I am certain she will find it. "

"I know it's difficult for you to accept this, TIM, but you have to admit that a lot could have happened in five years. The bottom line is that we just don't know whose side she's on any more."

"If John were here..." began TIM.

"Yeah, but he's not," snapped Jimmy, who had reawakened to catch the tail end of the team's arguments. "And that means it's up to us to save Stephen. With or without this Kershia's help!"

*****

"Now, after all this time, you tell me you love me and think that it will make everything all right?" David was scathing as he laid into Kershia. "And what, precisely, do you propose to do to convince me of this sudden loyalty to Operation Malthus?"

Kershia looked across at Stephen. His head hung down in total despair but she knew that, behind the saddened eyes, his mind would be searching for a way out of this mess. Hold on, Stephen, she thought, knowing that they were both still suffering the effects of the Barlumin and he could neither hear her thoughts nor respond telepathically. Trust your instincts, they've never let you down before. Looking up at David, she said, "I know what you want: you need to find out the location of the children, but I'm afraid that is something I just don't know. But if you trust me, I can find out for you."

"Trust! You talk about trust!" David began to pace up and down the small cell like a caged animal, ready to pounce on his one-time love at any moment.

"Okay. Trust may be too much to ask for right now, but the least you can do is hear me out. Let me explain why I never told you I was a TP and why I think we can use it to our advantage, not just to retrieve the children, but to capture a lot of potential TP spies."

Stopping his pacing abruptly, David looked across at her. "All right," he said at last. "I'll listen to your story, but it'd better be good, or you and your friend over there will not see the light of day for a very long time."

Kershia cleared her throat. This was going to be one of the hardest things she'd ever done. She only hoped that Pele, the Goddess of Fire, was watching over them both and would protect her as she walked through the flames of David's disbelief, somehow persuading him to accept her story.

"My real name is Kershia," she began. "I broke out at the very beginning of the mass breakout in 2006. Yes, I fell into the usual TP way of life - living out of a Lab, helping other TPs through their own breakout, but none of that ever challenged me. As the pace of the breakouts increased, I had less and less time to develop my own career, less time to build a life for myself, away from the incessant interruptions of their telepathy. You don't know what it's like, living with all these kids intruding on your personal thoughts every minute of every day." She looked up to see him smiling at her. "David, you're not taking me seriously, are you?" she asked, feigning hurt feelings.

He nodded gently. "Yes, I am. I was just thinking that you remind me of the Keetia I thought I knew. The ambitious go-getter, always looking for a step up." He laughed and sat down on the floor opposite her. "Well, you've got my interest now. You'd better finish telling me all about it."

"Well, five years ago I'd just about had enough of them and quit my local Lab to go it alone in London."

David held up his hand. "Sorry to interrupt, but if you broke off contact with the other TPs, then who exactly is this man?"

Kershia smirked. "That's Stephen Jameson. One of the..."

"Is it, indeed?" interrupted David, excitedly. "I know all about him. He was one of the original TPs who, back in the 70's, took on Colonel Masters. His file is mandatory reading for all new recruits. Well, well. Stephen Jameson himself."

At the mention of his name, Stephen jerked upright in his chair and glared at Kershia, mouthing a silent obscenity.

"He doesn't seem to like you much, my dear." David added.

Despite Stephen's obvious contempt for her, his actions came as a welcome relief. That's it, she thought gleefully. The more you show your hatred for me, the more convinced he'll be by my story.

"Shall I continue?" she asked David, ignoring Stephen as he spat onto the floor in front of his chair. David nodded. "So I needed a job and this opening came up in the MOD. When I'd left my Lab they insisted on me taking on a new identity so that I could never lead the Sap authorities back to them. This suited me fine, but I soon realised how hostile the world was for a telepath, given the new climate of fear that had swept the country. So I hid my abilities until I'd worked my way up into a more comfortable job. When I saw the internal memo advertising a position in your department, I never even realised what it was all about until it was too late. But the more time I spent with the people there, and with you -" she smiled her sweetest smile and was certain he blushed just slightly "- well, I came to realise what a mess these TPs were making of the planet. All this civil unrest, violence, mob lynchings and so on. And I came to think, like you, David, that the world would be better off without them. I still don't like the idea of using children as the carriers for the virus, but I certainly hope that Operation Malthus works. Once the breakouts have halted, this country can get some stability back. We can all return to living normal lives."

He stood up and began to loosen the bindings on her wrists. "Okay, I can see your point, but I thought all TPs would be against the Saps."

"That's where you've got it wrong. There are plenty of Tomorrow People who feel like I do. They are fed up with the hatred and prejudice against them. They also hate the 'Goody Two Shoes' attitude of their leaders. You can only take so much preaching about love and harmony between all humanoids before it makes you sick. What the Saps don't realise is that TPs are actively discouraged from drinking, taking drugs, gambling, or having any real fun. Not everyone is cut out to lead a totally virtuous life, you know." She freed her hands and rubbed them together to relieve the circulation. "Well, I'm not, anyway."

"So why did you keep it quiet?" David asked. "Even from me?"

She sighed. "What else could I do? The more involved we became in this project, the more convinced I was that if I told you I was a TP you'd just see me as a security risk and lose me a very promising job. So I kept up the pretence until just now, when they jaunted in and kidnapped the children."

"But when I came in, it looked like you were helping them to me."

"I didn't have any choice. They guessed I was a TP immediately. There's a certain telepathic signature given off by the mental processes of all true psionic beings. They kept me covered with a stun gun while they brought in matter transporters for the kids. I knew that once the TPs whisked the children away, they could be taken anywhere, even off world, and that would be the end of the entire operation. My only hope was to convince them that I was an insider working for them and get them to give away the location of where they were holding the kids."

David looked at Kershia excitedly. "And did they?"

"Of course not, or I'd have told you about it straight away. They were about to when one of your goons burst in and started shooting at us."

David looked down apologetically at his boots. "Yes, I'm sorry about that, but it's only a flesh wound; nothing time can't heal." He paused and looked across at Stephen. "So when he turned up at the base, did you know who he was immediately?"

She nodded. "Yep, but I also knew he didn't recognise me. He's a valuable catch; I bet he knows where they've taken the kids. If he'd got even the slightest hint that his cover had been blown, he'd have jaunted out of here, so the most obvious thing to do was trap him with the Barlumin. Walthorpe himself told me that emitters are kept in most offices as a security device. All I had to do was get him close enough before he suspected anything and - wham! One TP spy for you to glean all sorts of interesting information from."

"Yes, so true. You could be right; he might know where they're holding the kids and give us the opportunity to snatch them back."

Kershia walked across the small cell and glared at Stephen, who just looked back at her belligerently. "But I don't think that beating him up will extract the information you require."

David came close and put his arm gently around her waist. "No, my dear, but a large dose of Sodium Pentathol definitely will."

Roger and Cole helped Jimmy down from the bio-bed. Although TIM had healed his shoulder wound, it still felt sore as he struggled back into his sweatshirt and jacket.

"You're a marvel, TIM," he said, rubbing his stiff muscles.

"I do my best."

"So," began Stephanie from her seat beside Ben at the link table, "what do you propose we do now?"

"The only thing we can do," answered Ben, resignedly. "We jaunt back in there and snatch Stephen from under their noses."

"Not forgetting to destroy the ST4 along the way," added Jimmy, as he too climbed on a seat around the table. "That, after all, was the original purpose of this mission. We may have these infectious kids locked up tight in Scotland for the time being, but we can't keep them that way forever."

"Too right," agreed Cole, pulling up a chair and squashing in between Roger and Ben at the small round table. "Now that the Saps know we've got them, it's only a matter of time, perhaps only hours, before they release the ST4 into the atmosphere."

Jimmy looked pensive. "I don't think they'll do that just yet. They must realise that we know these kids are a threat to us - why else would we have taken them? So they probably know that as long as we keep them isolated, no potential breakouts can be infected by this neurological virus."

Now Stephanie looked concerned. "You're not suggesting that we'll have to keep the kids in incubators indefinitely? That's barbaric, and makes us no better than the Saps themselves. These are a bunch of nine-year olds, who were being used by the Saps -" she spat the word, visibly disgusted by the intentions of Operation Malthus "- to spread a deadly virus, with the specific intention of destroying the potential futures of other children."

Jimmy placed his hand reassuringly on her arm. "We don't really know that it's deadly," he soothed.

"That's not my point," she sneered at him angrily, then sighed and softened a little, grateful for his comforting gesture. "These children may be dangerous, but it's not their fault. I don't think we have the right to deny them a decent future, even if they are a threat to future Tomorrow People. It would make us as bad as the people we rescued them from."

"May I add something?" enquired TIM from above.

"Of course, TIM. We could do with all the help we can get on this," replied Jimmy, glancing at the others for quiet.

"As you all appear determined to continue with the mission without requesting additional help, I feel that I must point out that these children may not be as secure in their current location as it may seem."

"How come, TIM?" asked Roger.

"You have dismissed Kershia as a reliable source of aid in the destruction of the ST4 and subsequent release of Stephen, and I can accept your logic on this point. She has been living amongst the Saps for many years and so is incapable of revealing many of the details of our recent operations. Stephen, on the other hand, is one of the founder members of this very Lab. He holds countless items of vital strategic information in his brain, including the location of the Highland Lab. It won't take long before the Saps realise who he is and begin to extract that information from him."

As he finished the entire group gasped, realising the implications of TIM's comments. Looking from one to the other, their gaze eventually settled on Jimmy, who had previously taken on the role of team leader in Stephen's absence. It was a while before anyone could articulate his or her anxious thoughts.

"TIM's right," commented Stephanie, with renewed unease. "We can't afford to sit around here discussing what to do with these kids in the long term. We've got to move them right now. Evacuate and seal the Highland Lab, and relocate most of the Scottish TPs to a place of safety." She glanced again around the circle of tired and anxious faces, before meeting Jimmy's firm gaze. They were all new to these dangerous trials but Jimmy, more than any of the others, seemed to be standing firm under the weight. Someone had to take the lead and despite Jimmy's occasional arrogance, Stephanie could see that there was only one candidate. She spoke directly to him. "What are your orders? What shall we do first?"

While the others had been discussing their plans, Sophie had been lying down silently on the makeshift bed in the alcove on the far side of the Lab. She now sat up abruptly and coughed to gain their attention. "Kershia was right when she warned us about the dangers of war. Stephen knows this too. He'd rather die than put any of us in jeopardy, but he may not have any choice if the Saps force him to talk. As I see it, the first thing we've got to do is choose a place to hide these kids that even Stephen wouldn't know about. A place where the Saps can never find them."

Jimmy pulled himself up in his chair, eager to take on his new role as team leader, but also apprehensive of the increased responsibility this entailed. He knew the others were looking to him to make the necessary decisions, but as a result of this pressure his mind suddenly went blank. All he could think of suggesting was the plan rejected by Stephen a day earlier. "What about the Trig?" he asked desperately, looking up towards TIM's glowing spheres for support. "Have communications improved at all since this morning?"

"I regret that I am still unable to make contact with John or Elizabeth," replied TIM, in his usual composed manner. "You will have to rule out the possibility of transporting these children to the Trig." Tim paused, concerned by his inability to aid these young Tomorrow People in their mission. "For the time being, at least," he added reassuringly.

"All right, people," Jimmy said sharply, nodding in recognition of TIM's encouragement. "We all know that this mission rides on what we decide here today. We have a lot to do. Let's get to it!"

Once a plan was formulated, Jimmy delegated tasks and the entire group flew into action. No longer were they acting like a dishevelled bunch of inexperienced juveniles. The enormity of the task ahead, and for some of them the memory of Kershia's words back in the Sap nursery, spurred them on with purpose and in the knowledge that they alone could save the future of TPs everywhere.

*****

"What do you mean, there was no one there?" barked General Walthorpe down the phone. "Are you sure it was a real TP Lab?"

David strained to hear the sergeant's report on the other end of the phone line.

"Yes, yes," Walthorpe nodded. "We underestimated how quickly they'd get organised. They've probably changed their entire set-up in the past few hours." There was a further inaudible comment from the man on the other end of the line. "I'm amazed how quickly they gave up on a comrade. They probably think he's dead by now, anyway," replied the general coolly.

Replacing the handset in its cradle, General Walthorpe looked thoughtfully at David. "What state is the prisoner in? How much Sodium Pentathol did you have to use to get that information?"

David shook his head. "Too much; his brain's all messed up and he's useless to us now. I must commend him on putting up a gallant fight against it for so long."

"And what about Kershia? Do you still trust the girl? Can we rely on her help?"

David stood up and walked across to his superior's desk. "I know how it looks, General, but I do sincerely think she's on our side. She sat there throughout the interrogation, helping me to ask the right questions. No Tomorrow Person that I've ever heard of would be willing to put a fellow TP though so much suffering, unless they thought it was for a very good cause." He drew in his breath between gritted teeth. "I really do believe that she wants Operation Malthus to work, that she sees it as the best way forward, for all our sakes. Let me speak with her again. I'm sure she'll agree to work with us."

Walthorpe nodded. "Very well. You go and plan our next move. I'm calling up HQ to request reinforcements. We don't want them coming back here and getting hold of the stocks of ST4 as well!"

*****

Trying to meditate was having no effect on the intrusive images of Stephen that persistently encroached on Kershia's mind. She had known, when she chose this path earlier in the day, that it was fraught with danger and only hoped that, once it was all over, Stephen could find it within himself to forgive her for the suffering he had endured at her command.

His interrogation had taken place in a sealed room in the basement of the military building. While he lay restrained on a bed, wired up to a heart monitor and EEG machine, they had administered the drug. And all the while Kershia had been forced to watch from the far side of the room.

When David had taken her into the room she had noticed the door being locked by means of a key-coded security device. The degree of Barlumin contamination was much less in this sealed environment, allowing both Stephen and herself to feel more alert. There was still enough residual radiation, however, caused by particles in the air, to nullify their powers, making it impossible to overpower David with TK, open the lock and afford their escape. Under these circumstances, she was forced to continue the pretence that she was working for the Saps, aiding David in his interrogation of the injured and demoralised Stephen.

She had almost given up hope that Stephen could understand her reasoning behind such a betrayal. As the drug took effect and he writhed painfully under his bonds, resisting the pointed and cruel questions put to him so adeptly by David with every fibre of his being, she had attempted to break through the Barlumin and support him telepathically in his efforts. Eventually she was forced to give up this futile gesture and just watch in horror as he continued to suffer the agonising pain.

With each minute that passed she felt more miserable. She hardly needed special powers to feel empathically for his suffering; it showed in every grimace on his face as he revealed yet more details of the holding facility in Scotland prepared to receive the children, every flinch of his body as he fought to hold back information about locations of Labs worldwide, and eventually in his welcome release into unconsciousness.

Left alone at last, while David reported to General Walthorpe, Kershia was able to move across and wipe his brow with her hand. If only I could heal your wounds, she cried inwardly. If only I could take away the pain and make your mind whole again. You are the strongest and bravest man I've ever known and I'll tell John how proud we can all be of you, as soon as I get us both the hell out of here. Even given the gamble Kershia had taken in maintaining her undercover role, this seemed unlikely in the near future. She had bargained on them needing her to find out the location of the children, thus affording her the luxury of returning to the Lab to brief the raiding team on the whereabouts of the ST4, not on having to witness first-hand the barbaric interrogation of a true and loyal friend.

Looking down pityingly at Stephen, she hardly noticed as David returned to the room. "How is he?" His enquiry made her jump.

"Still unconscious." She looked up. "You can't expect me not to feel sorry for him. Despite my loyalty to this operation, it doesn't stop me being a TP who cannot stand to see another person suffer."

"I know, sweetheart." He gave her a half-hearted smile. "That's why the General sent me down to speak with you. We're not as barbaric as these Tomorrow People think we are. Any further intervention by us, and this man will probably die. So I've come to ask for your help. Our SWAT team found the Scottish Lab cleared out. There was evidence that the kids had been kept there, but everything, even their biotronic computer, was gone. So now we need your help to get the children back. The General and myself are both convinced, Kershia, that you're the girl who can make it happen."

Roger looked up as the jaunting pad activated unexpectedly. Diving across the Lab, he grabbed a stun gun and pointed it threateningly towards the intruder.

"Am I glad to see..." began Kershia, relieved that her plan was bearing fruit at last. Noticing the stun gun, her momentary smile changed to a frown. "What on earth is that for? I thought we sorted this out already?" She tried to step down from the platform, but was repelled by a force field hastily thrown around it by TIM.

Kershia looked most perplexed by this turn of events. Shaking her head in disbelief, she glanced at the glowing spheres that hung in the centre of the Lab. "Not you too?" she remarked irritably. "I can understand that they find it hard to trust me - after all, they hardly know me - but, TIM, we've worked together for years. You were here when John and I dreamt up this scheme to send me undercover. Surely you haven't forgotten the importance of my mission?"

TIM's commanding voice was calm as he replied, "No, Kershia, I have not forgotten. But in John and Stephen's absence, and in the absence of all other senior TPs, I am bound to respect the orders of those present. Jimmy, Ben and the others have decided that you are a security risk and therefore I cannot allow you further into the Lab."

Kershia gave a resigned sigh. "Very well, then, I'll accept it, but I've got to speak to them, to brief them on the next phase of the mission."

An urgent call from Roger had brought Jimmy, Cole, and Sophie back from their errands around the extended Lab complex. Startled by the sight of their unexpected visitor, Jimmy had stopped in the doorway of the room, but now he stepped forward, shaking his head in disbelief. "Well, well," he said sarcastically, "the wanderer returns." He motioned for Roger to lower his gun. "If TIM's got her trapped in a force-field, that hardly seems necessary." Watching while Roger replaced the gun into the recharge rack, Jimmy was obviously relishing his moment of power over her, however small. He walked over to face Kershia directly and fixed her with an icy stare. "Okay, you're here now. Tell us what you came for and we'll consider whether the information is worth listening to."

Kershia pulled her long mane of dark hair away from her face and prepared to speak. I've only got one shot at this, she thought. For Stephen's sake, they must believe me. Smiling reassuringly at Jimmy, she began, "After you jaunted out, they realised that I was a TP and took me into custody under the influence of Barlumin. That's how they're keeping Stephen." She paused. "But that's not all they're doing with him." She noticed anxious looks pass across their faces. "I know about the attack on the Scottish Lab. I'm so thankful that you got the kids away from there before the Saps arrived. Was anyone hurt?"

Ignoring Jimmy's attempt to control the situation, it was Sophie who spoke out first. "No, we were lucky. As soon as we realised that the facility we'd planned to use was compromised, we evacuated all personnel and collapsed the tunnels. We took the kids -"

"Sophie!" shouted Jimmy, swinging around to glare at her angrily. "What are you doing? If she's working for the Saps, she'll go straight back and tell them where we've moved the children to!"

Sophie was visibly shaken by his tirade. "I wasn't going to tell. I'm not that stupid, you know."

Kershia coughed. In the absence of more experienced operatives, Stephen had probably chosen these people as the best he could get at short notice, but it was obvious that they were struggling to cope with the responsibility of such a task. In the light of the increasing Sap threat, it was probably time that the Tomorrow People started training specialist SWAT teams of their own. Even Homo superior, with their inability to kill, were going to have to learn to toughen up and deal effectively with dangerous and challenging situations. Still, that was something they could debate once this current crisis was over. For now, all she was concerned about was galvanising this assortment of well-intentioned individuals into an effective fighting force. "Shall I continue?" she asked and Jimmy nodded. "As you can probably guess, they used a mixture of torture and drugs to extract certain information from Stephen. He was very brave and put up a good fight, but he's now trapped under the influence of Barlumin. I'm very fearful that if we don't get him out of there soon he'll suffer irreparable brain damage."

It was TIM who interjected at this point, his previously calm voice showing deep concern for his old friend. "What drugs did they use, Kershia? How long do you think he can survive without treatment?"

Shaking her head again, she looked down at the flickering platform beneath her feet. "Not long, TIM. I'm no medical expert, but they weren't gentle with him - his physical injuries alone are pretty severe. They gave him huge doses of Sodium Pentathol and now he's unconscious."

Jimmy took a few steps forward. "Okay, we get the picture. So how do you suggest we go about saving Stephen? If the place is shrouded in clouds of Barlumin, we can hardly go jaunting in there indiscriminately, can we?"

"Stephen's rescue is not the only reason why I came back here today." She sighed deeply. "I've known Stephen since the first few days after my breakout. In some ways he's been like a father figure to me, but personal loyalties have to take second place. We're facing a threat to millions of future Tomorrow People and possibly the future of our entire race." She shrugged, hoping that the assembled group understood the enormity of the task facing them. "The Saps know that you've moved the kids and are desperate to get them back. They've still got stockpiles of ST4, which is useless until the virus is disseminated amongst the population. They've taken nine years to grow and train those children for the task and they aren't prepared to wait another nine. They'd probably be overrun by breakouts by then, anyway. If they can't get the children back quickly, they will probably start systematic attacks on all Labs. They'll stop at nothing until they find the children and can implement Operation Malthus effectively."

"But they don't know the location of all the Labs." This comment came from a worried-looking Ben, who had come to stand immediately behind Jimmy's left shoulder. "We can keep moving the kids to stay one step ahead of them."

"You're not seeing the bigger picture," chastised Kershia. "They've still got Stephen and they'll attempt to extract more information from him as soon as his condition stabilises. They only need to surprise one small group of TPs and capture them, and then they can start to use drugs on them too. These Saps are determined killers. They see it as a war and are quite prepared to sacrifice people for the cause. Are you?"

"So what are you saying, exactly? Should we abandon hope of saving Stephen and concentrate on this ST4?" Jimmy had lost his earlier arrogance and sounded much more concerned as he realised the implications of Kershia's words.

"I hope that we can do both." She gave them a weak smile and felt their mood lift slightly. "I didn't have time to tell you before, but I know where they are keeping their stockpiles of the chemical and where the research data is stored. Of course, when they let me come here they had no idea that I'd already read the General's mind and gained this knowledge."

"They let you go?" Sophie was astonished. "Why would they do that if they thought you were one of us?"

Kershia inhaled noisily, knowing that what she was about to tell them would be difficult for them to accept in their current frame of mind. Here goes nothing, she thought. "Because I helped them with Stephen's interrogation. They were completely fooled into believing I'm actually working for them. They sent me to negotiate a bogus hostage exchange and think that I can find out where the kids are kept, as well as luring you all back to their base."

"And how do we know that's not what you intend to do?" snapped Jimmy.

"Because," she told him simply, saddened by his continued suspicion towards one of his own kind, "I'm one of you. Everything I've done, however sinister it may appear, has been for one purpose. To aid the Tomorrow People in their struggle against the deadliest enemy they've ever faced."

(This deception must have been exceedingly difficult and traumatic for Kershia to pull off.) The unknown telepathic signal rang out around the Lab, clearly transmitted from some external source. The assembled group quickly huddled at the link table, joining minds as they made their reply.

(Who are you?) asked Sophie, once again speaking before Jimmy or the others had a chance to respond, and causing Jimmy to glare at her resentfully.

(I am Abigail Rollinde, from Canada. Some of you met me when you and Stephen were planning this whole business; others amongst you don't know me, but I spoke out at the recent mass meeting. John and I also consulted at length on this matter, before his rapid departure for the Trig.)

Kershia let out a huge sigh of surprise and relief. (Thank you, TIM,) she pathed on a private channel and a smile spread across her face.

(I thought you needed a little support,) he replied compassionately.

Abigail continued earnestly. (Five years ago, Kershia saved my life and I have total confidence in her judgement. I know that you're going to tell me that five years is a long time, but a Tomorrow Person is a Tomorrow Person for life. Can you imagine doing what you accuse Kershia of, even after five years of isolation? Kershia is a TP. If she found it necessary to convince the Saps that she was working for them, then I fully accept that as a consequence of the dangerous situation she was facing. Once you have destroyed the ST4 and all records of its development, Operation Malthus will be halted. The Saps will have no need to search for these children and therefore the level of threat to all of us will diminish. Everyone at the meeting understood the threat Malthus posed and the dangers we would have to face - I'm sure you all do too. Kershia knows the risk she is taking by her actions, but I for one would rather trust her with my life than any other person alive. And in my opinion, you must too.)

The sincerity and deep emotional commitment Abby transmitted with the message had a profound impact on the small team of Tomorrow People. They all looked at one another, but it was Jimmy who spoke wholeheartedly on their behalf as he made his reply. (Thank you, Abigail. We've clearly been foolish to mistrust Kershia. We promise we'll give her all the help necessary to stop the Saps' threat. I never appreciated the complexity of this mission until now. I'm so sorry.)

Having been released from the force field, Kershia stepped down and came across to the table, joining their telepathic link. (There is no need to apologise,) she pathed warmly, (but we do need to get our skates on. General Walthorpe has called for reinforcements and the base will be crawling with Barlumin-wielding soldiers within hours.)

(Do you need further help from Marc or me?) asked Abby.

(No. You two get on with the important task of securing your own Lab. We can deal with things here. And Abby - thanks. May Pele watch over you.) In the last moments of their telepathic contact Kershia passed a wealth of unspoken gratitude and deep friendship towards the woman with whom she had never actually linked before, and was delighted when a wave of understanding and warmth was returned.

(May Pele watch over all our endeavours,) replied Abby, who despite the formality of the remark, knew that Kershia understood the significance of her reference to the Goddess of Fire.

Pulling away from the link table, Kershia glanced upwards. "TIM -" her voice carried an air of excitement, "- give me an aerial view of the Dartmoor base on the viewer, please. I have an idea..."

Kershia reappeared in the sealed room where the Saps were holding Stephen. Shocked by her sudden arrival, the nurse attending to his wounds leapt backwards, quickly opened the door and ran up the corridor towards the guards.

Kershia bent down and inspected the leather restraints that still held Stephen prostrate on the bed. Brushing back the hair from his eyes, she noticed a slight movement in response to her touch and was relieved by this improvement in his condition. Not long now, my friend, she thought.

Hearing someone enter the room behind her, she ignored their presence and continued to stroke Stephen's brow.

"Well," demanded David, "did they believe you?"

"I delivered the message for you and they fell for the bait with no problem." She swung round and looked at him enquiringly. "But you do promise that when they arrive, no one will die? I'm still a TP and it would be more than I can bear to think that I'm responsible for their deaths."

David walked across to her side and placed his hand reassuringly on her shoulder. "I promise. The General promised too. When they arrive to rescue Stephen, we'll be ready and waiting with Barlumin emitters. They're much more use to us alive, anyway."

She smiled and sat in the chair on the far side of the room. "You were right, you know: they are very gullible. When I explained that you'd sent me to them to set up a hostage exchange, their immediate response was to try and outwit you by snatching Stephen back without releasing the children. I doubt that they could even comprehend that it was all a ploy to lure them here. They still think I'm loyal to them, even after all they've seen."

"We've been studying the Tomorrow People since the mid-seventies. In every encounter the government has had with them, the TPs have always been over-confident in their belief that with 'Special Powers' they could outwit us. But they are just too predictable in the way they respond to crises. And this time their well-intentioned plan to save him as well as the children will be their undoing." David bent down and kissed her. For the briefest of moments, Kershia's emotions ran riot in his sensual embrace and she reciprocated his desire fully. Then, regaining some inner composure, she withdrew emotionally from the encounter and waited for him to release her.

"So what time can we expect their arrival?" he asked, embarrassed by the intensity of their exchange.

"Nine o'clock. I told them that I'd return and stall you by saying that they were considering the swap. We planned for me to say that they want some kind of assurance that Stephen is safe and well before they'll release the children. With the Barlumin in the air, they'll use matter transporters to jaunt into the compound at the evening shift change and use the slight lag in security to make their move."

He smiled. "Well done. It sounds like you really convinced them that an escape attempt was possible. What about the children, did they tell you where they're being kept?"

Kershia shook her head. "No, even they're not that stupid. They knew that I was coming back here and you could interrogate me into revealing the location, but I'm absolutely convinced that the team who plan to come on this raid are the same ones who jaunted in here earlier today - and they do know the children's whereabouts. It looked to me like the whole TP set-up is facing a personnel crisis at the moment. These operatives are very young and inexperienced. Capturing them should be easy for your guards."

He walked away, smiling. "Well done, Kershia. I'm very impressed and the General will be too. You look tired, d' you want to get some rest? I can have a bed made up for you in my office, if you like."

She shook her head. "No, thanks. I'd rather wait here and watch over Stephen. He's still in a critical condition and I can't help feeling personally responsible for that."

A look of baffled disgust crossed David's face, then he nodded sympathetically, realising the conflict she suffered between nature and duty. Placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, he replied, "Well, how about a cup of strong coffee then?" She nodded enthusiastically. "Okay, I'll pop up top and report to Walthorpe that you're back, then he can get the ball rolling for our little ambush. I'll collect coffee and something to eat from the NAFFI on my way back." He punched his code into the door-locking mechanism. "I'll have to leave you locked in, I'm afraid," he said apologetically.

"That's okay. I'm used to it," she replied, trying to convey complete acceptance of her situation.

Once David had disappeared up the corridor, Kershia returned to Stephen's bedside. "So far, so good," she whispered, as he stirred once again.

*****

Finishing the last of the ham sandwiches, Kershia glanced across at Stephen. "I think he's waking up," she remarked to David, standing up and approaching the bed. "Is it really necessary to keep him trussed up like that?" she asked, with a note of pleading in her voice.

David considered her request before replying. "Although the Barlumin will stop him communicating with his friends, he's still a well-trained psionic being. With their attack imminent, I think it's best to keep him subdued for the time being."

Kershia shrugged. "It's your call," she replied calmly.

Although some of the colour had returned to Stephen's cheeks, he still looked bruised and frail, his face lined with pain. She was certain that he had suffered internal injuries as a consequence of his earlier treatment, as well as the deep cuts to his face and arms. She could hardly imagine the damage caused by the mental struggle he had endured against the truth serum. "Water," he mumbled softly. "Thirsty... please?"

Glancing over her shoulder, she looked questioningly towards David and he nodded his agreement. She poured some water from the nearby jug into a glass and supported Stephen's neck while he sipped tentatively at the drink. With her back to David she then took the biggest gamble of the entire day and mouthed, "Trust me." There was a momentary flash of comprehension in Stephen's eyes before he lay down again, licking his parched lips with his tongue.

Suddenly, a huge explosion rocked the building, knocking Kershia off her feet and sending David flying into action. "This is it!" shouted David, above the din of the alarm. "They're a little early, but we're ready for them." Scooting across to the glass-panelled door, he pulled his revolver from its holster and looked out excitedly.

Kershia pulled herself upright using one of the chairs. "What's going on?" Knowing full well what her comrades had planned, she tried to sound scared. "What could they be blowing up?"

"Don't fret," replied David calmly, not taking his eyes off the corridor for a second. "They probably blew up the ammo dump or something as a diversionary tactic. A very predictable move on their part, but now they're within the compound there's nowhere for them to run to that's not covered by a guard with a Barlumin emitter. It's only a matter of time."

Kershia joined him at the doorway, craning her neck to see what was happening outside. "Someone's coming," she hissed, as the entrance at the end of the corridor flew open and a group of heavily armed soldiers ran down towards them.

Stopping immediately outside the sealed room, the soldier lowered his weapon and came to attention. "We have the area secured, Sir," he reported curtly. "The TPs are cornered over by the hospital wing. General Walthorpe is just negotiating their surrender and sent me to fetch you."

David beamed at Kershia and typed his key code into the door mechanism. Opening it victoriously, his smile turned to horror as he noticed the soldiers brandishing stun guns. "Wha...!"

Pushing in through the now open door, Jimmy gave Kershia a nod of acknowledgement. "Step back please, Sir, or we'll be forced to shoot you." The derision in his tone, as he grabbed the pistol from David's hand and threw it onto the floor, was music to Kershia's ears.

Sighing, David retreated into the small room and capitulated while Jimmy tied him to the nearest chair. "You'll never get out of here alive," he muttered defiantly. "There's too much Barlumin in the air for you to jaunt."

By now Ben had also joined them in the confined space and Kershia watched as he started to cut Stephen's bonds with a laser pencil. "Yeah, but we've got matter transporters and the concentration of particles is much lower out in the open. We're certain we can manage."

Now it was David's turn to scoff at his captor. "You don't stand a chance out there. We've got a hundred or more guards surrounding this building."

Ben smiled smugly, then looked at Jimmy. "Can I tell him?" he asked eagerly. "Please let me tell him." Jimmy nodded, delighted to see the tables turned on the Sap who had caused Stephen so much pain. "You may think that you called for reinforcements earlier today, but the people who arrived on those trucks were not just any old soldiers; they were Tomorrow People who left the army once they broke out. We provided them with perfect fake IDs and you innocently welcomed them into your camp." He chuckled at the ingenuity of the plan. "You'll find your men thirty miles down the road. We had to strip them of their uniforms and equipment, I'm afraid, so they'll all be suffering from exposure by now, but as soon as we're clear we'll send their location to the appropriate authorities and you can pick them up. We wouldn't want to be responsible for any of them dying of hypothermia, would we?"

As Ben finished cutting the last of the straps, Stephen struggled to sit up and Ben helped him. Grateful for Ben's strong arms, Stephen gave him a broad, but pained grin. "Well done. I couldn't have thought of a better plan myself. So have you taken over complete control of the camp?"

"As good as," replied Jimmy proudly. "We've been here for an hour, slowly picking off the real guards and replacing them." He turned towards Kershia, who had stood motionless at the back of the room all this time. "We took care of that other little matter too." He gave her a cryptic wink, deciding that it was prudent not to mention the complete destruction of the ST4 and all the associated research material, in front of David.

As they helped Stephen down from the bed, Cole and Roger came forward, placed a matter transporter round his waist, and prepared to support him back up the corridor. "Well, in that case," said Stephen triumphantly, as he hobbled along - his pride making him determined that the others would not have to carry him - "there's nothing more keeping us here. Let's get back to the Lab where we belong."

Kershia was the last to leave the room. Turning back to David, who was still confined in the chair, she looked saddened at the outcome of the day's events. "I'm so sorry it had to end like this," she whispered. "I know you won't believe me, but I really do love you. I've enjoyed the years we spent together and was telling the truth when I said I liked this job. But, you see, I'm a Tomorrow Person first and foremost and the implications of Operation Malthus were just too immense to allow you to get away with it." She hung her head, fighting back the tears as they began to well up inside. "Goodbye, David. If only you'd been..." Sealing the door behind her, she ran through the mental meditation she had practiced so often since childhood, banishing the anguish to a place in her mind that the others could not read, then followed them towards the exit.

Opening the heavy metal door a fraction, Jimmy was knocked backwards by incoming fire. "Get down!" he shouted and they all dived for the floor. Ben crawled up to his side and peered through the crack at the scene outside. "What's happening?" hissed Jimmy in his ear. "I thought you'd secured the entire base."

"We thought we had." Ben was most contrite in his response. "I can see stun gun fire and..." he paused in shocked revulsion at the scene. "There's a group of Saps shooting from the rooftops, picking off our people as they try to cross the compound." He gasped and slammed the door shut again. "Oh God, there are bodies everywhere!"

"Pull yourself together," shouted Kershia angrily, from behind them. "They're not necessarily our people. They could be stunned Saps. Where is the radio? You did bring a radio with you?" Fumbling in his jacket, Cole produced a walkie-talkie style handset, which she grabbed from him. "This is a general message to all TPs," she ordered into the speaker. "Evacuate immediately. I repeat, evacuate immediately. If you can overcome the Barlumin, then jaunt out of here to safety while you still can." She turned to look at Stephen, who was leaning wearily against Roger. "We all knew this was a gamble. I only hope enough of them picked up my message."

Stephen stretched out a trembling hand. "I'm certain they did, Kershia," he said, struggling against the waves of agony that racked his entire body. "They're just doing their duty to protect us, giving us time to get away." He slumped down on the floor, slipping into unconsciousness once again.

Realising that their futures lay in her hands, Kershia now stood and took charge. "Back," she cried. "Get back down the corridor and look for an alternative exit."

While Ben, Cole and Jimmy searched for another way out, Kershia and Roger barricaded the entrance as best they could with furniture carried from the nearby rooms.

"That's not gonna hold them for long," commented Roger, as he placed the last of the chairs on top of the pile.

"I know, but if we can just clear the air in here we'll all be able to jaunt out." She did her best to hide the growing distress she felt at the knowledge that she had led them all into a trap.

After a few minutes of futile searching they realised with dismay that the building was completely sealed off. The only exit on this floor was the one now surrounded by Saps.

"What are we going to do?" asked Ben, as he knelt down to check on Stephen.

Roger held up his hand and they all looked around. "What's that up there?" he said, pointing towards a vent in the ceiling.

Jimmy gave Roger a look of disbelief. "You're not suggesting we crawl out of here? What about Stephen? He's in no fit state to do anything at the moment."

Roger ignored his friend's curt remark and spoke directly to Kershia. "You said we need to clear the air..."

"Air conditioning!" she interrupted him excitedly, running down the corridor, throwing open the doors and peering into each office "We've got to find the control box. On full blast it won't take long to suck the residual Barlumin particles out of the atmosphere. Spread out, everyone, and search."

It was Ben who found the control box first, situated as it was just inside the doorway of the second office along the corridor. As the fans sprang into life, they could hear the Saps just outside the door attempting to break into the building. The waiting was almost unbearable. As they felt their minds begin to slowly clear, each one of them strained their psionic resources to cut through the effects of the radiation and jaunt away.

After a few tense minutes, they decided to sit in a circle, Stephen supported between Jimmy and Cole, while they held hands and linked. Gradually, as if emerging from a dense fog, their minds cleared further. Meanwhile the sounds of the Saps grew louder behind them.

"Almost there," cried Jimmy desperately. "I can feel the effects wearing off. We'll be out of here in no time."

"You're not going anywhere!" David barked as he approached at full tilt up the corridor towards them, brandishing the revolver in his hand.

Kershia was dumbfounded. "How did you...?"

"It was easy once the Barlumin cleared in the sealed room. The air con is so much more effective in a confined space."

She stared at him, unable to comprehend the significance of what he was saying. "But why would Bar..." Her face flashed with a dozen emotions: fear, outrage, betrayal, and, underlying them all, love. Gulping hard, she looked both pleased and relieved at this unexpected turn of events. "You're one of us. You used TK to escape."

"Elementary, my dear Kershia. While you were lying to me all these years about being a TP, did the thought never cross your mind of how I got involved in Operation Malthus in the first place?"

Jimmy and Ben exchanged fraught glances, but it was Jimmy who articulated their thoughts. "We can't sit around here discussing this all day. The Saps are breaking in and we've got to try to jaunt out of here while we can!"

"Wait," begged Kershia, panting wildly, frantic to understand the turmoil in her thoughts. "Give me a minute to sort this out."

David took a step closer, raising his revolver to point directly at her. "There's nothing to sort out, Kershia. I may have some TK, but I'm not one of you. I'll never be one of you, and I can never fit in. This is my life, this is my career." A flash of uncertainty passed across his face, for he too was contemplating the consequence of returning with her. Suddenly he seemed to make up his mind. "I must do my duty," he added sombrely.

"But you can change... we'll find a new job for you..." Kershia's words gradually faded as the realisation of the situation finally sank in.

"We can't take him with us. We can't trust him," shouted Jimmy from beside her. "He's the one who tortured Stephen, he's the instigator of this entire project. He'll lead the Saps right back to us and to the children." Jimmy could see the confusion in Kershia's eyes. He pitied her dilemma, but he also knew it was too much of a risk.

There was a loud shout from the end of the corridor. Cupboards, chairs and other office paraphernalia were sent flying as the Saps finally forced their way through the barricade.

Kershia looked around at the approaching soldiers, then back to David's face. His expression was fixed and determined, but in his eyes Kershia could see the anguish of the man she had loved for so long. Fixing her with one final longing stare, he shook his head and mouthed the words, "I'm sorry." Then he raised the revolver and pulled the trigger.

Everything around Kershia went deathly silent. Her eyes perceived the flash of the gunpowder and the recoil of the barrel as the bullet was discharged. In a microsecond she knew that this was the moment of her death, a death at the hands of someone who had seemed so close to her and yet in reality was a million miles away.

The gulf between them was one that neither of them could ever cross.

In the next instant her body lost its substance - as TIM activated the matter transporters under remote control - and she was swallowed up by the swirling nothing of hyperspace, leaving the bullet to whiz through thin air and bury itself harmlessly in the floor.

Epilogue

General Walthorpe threw the file down on his desk and looked up at David. "Well," he said after a long pause. "So much for Operation Malthus."

David sighed, his face displaying his great disappointment. "I'm sorry, General. Did they give you a reason for its cancellation?"

Walthorpe coughed noisily. "Money. It's always money. To start the research for the ST4 all over again will take more than they're willing to give us. And it'll take too long to grow a new set of children."

David refilled Walthorpe's cup with tea, took his own cup and returned to the large leather seat on the opposite side of the desk. "But what about the other countries involved in the project? They're only a few years behind us in deployment."

Walthorpe nodded. "I know, but without the ST4 they've decided to abandon the entire idea. That's politicians for you; they're happy that we managed to infiltrate so many Labs with enhanced telepathic agents, but for now no one is willing to give us the funding we require to carry on the research."

Leaning back in his seat, David sighed. "So, I guess that is that! We're under orders to close down operations and ship out of here." He paused thoughtfully. "How long have we got?"

"I'm staying on for another week to cross the T's and dot the I's on this one," he smiled. "But you, my lad, are reassigned straight away."

"Reassigned?" David sat up alertly, the disbelief evident in his tone. "How come?"

General Walthorpe gave a wry smile. "Because you're off to Canada tomorrow to deliver a very important package for me."

"What sort of package?"

"It's such a shame, you know," Walthorpe shook his head, "that things didn't work out better for you and Kershia, what with the TPs stunning her and taking her back with them. I suppose they'll re-educate her, or whatever they do with disloyal people, and that's the last we'll ever see of her."

"Yes," mumbled David, grateful that the distortion of truth in his final report had been accepted so easily. "She was a good girl. I tried to force them to release her but..."

"I know, David. And I'm sorry that you miss her so much. If you had remained together I would have allowed the two of you to take charge of this particular package yourselves. But as it is, I've found a most suitable couple. The father is a Captain in the air force who's just transferred to a posting in Canada. The mother works in our embassy over there. What better place for them to bring up a growing son than the clear fresh air of the Rockies?"

David's jaw dropped in disbelief. "You mean that one of the kids escaped?"

General Walthorpe nodded emphatically. "This little chap was away having some dental work on the day of the TP raid. I thought you'd realise that when they managed to snatch only seven of the kids."

Putting down his cup unsteadily, David sat bolt upright. "No one ever counted the children. I don't think the TPs even knew that there was one missing."

"Well, David, God finally seems to be on our side for once. And tomorrow it's up to you to take Thomas to his new home."

Standing abruptly, David came to attention. "Thank you, Sir. Thank you for this opportunity. I'll not let you down."

As he strode out into the bustle of the busy corridor, his mind was flooded with the new possibilities that were opening before him. Suddenly this optimism was tinged with deep regret for the loss of someone so close. Sighing, his thoughts were filled with sadness as he recalled the look of horror on Kershia's face when he pulled the trigger. It was for the best, sweetness. I had to make them believe... couldn't let them know how close I came... Wherever it is that you jaunted to, I only hope you can find peace of mind amongst your own kind. David swallowed hard, assuring himself that he had made the right choice, and walked on up the corridor, thinking about his new assignment. Oh my, Kershia, he thought. Are you and the other Tomorrow People really prepared for what lies ahead?

Comments on this story will be most gratefully received. Please mail me at: Jackie@the-tomorrow-people.co.uk