For Sarah I love you

contents

chapter one chapter two chapter three chapter four chapter five chapter six chapter seven chapter eight chapter nine chapter ten chapter eleven chapter twelve The H.I.V.! Series in rea"ing or"er #ersonal File $etails of H.I.V.!. Stu"ents an" Instructors %"verts

chapter one

twenty years ago

%s the well&"resse" ol" wo'an left the restaurant( she "i"n)t notice that she was *eing watche" fro' the "ar+ alley across the street. The wo'an pulle" her long coat tighter aroun" herself an" set off "own the street( o*livious to the s'all( "ishevelle" figure following her. The young girl was "resse" in "irty ,eans an" a threa"*are ,u'per that loo+e" several si-es too large( her long "ar+ hair hanging "own over her "irt&strea+e" face. She gaine" on the wo'an *ut was careful not to 'ove too .uic+ly for fear of attracting attention. %s she "rew closer she gave a s'all flic+ of the wrist an" a +nife appeare" in her han"( as if fro' thin air. The girl increase" her pace( finally *rea+ing into a run only when she was ,ust a couple of 'etres fro' her target. The +nife flashe" through the air slicing cleanly through the strap of the wo'an)s han"*ag as the young girl sprinte" past her( snatching the *ag *efore it hit the groun". In the split secon" that it too+ for the wo'an to realise what ha" happene" the thief was alrea"y twenty 'etres away. /Hey( stop her0 She)s got 'y *ag0) the wo'an yelle" helplessly. % 'an wal+ing on the sa'e si"e of the street 'a"e a gra* for the girl *ut she eva"e" hi' *y leaping on to the *onnet of a par+e" car an" vaulting over his hea" in a single flui" 'ove. The 'an turne" an" gave chase as the girl ran roun" the corner( weaving *etween pe"estrians. She sprinte" across the roa"( "o"ging the traffic( hea"ing for the *rightly illu'inate" re" 1 sign on the other si"e of the street. Two police'en were stan"ing near the entrance to the 1etro( tal+ing to a ho'eless 'an. /Hey0 2fficers0 That girl( she)s a thief0 She ,ust stole that *ag0) the 'an shoute"( pointing at the girl. The police'en ran to intercept her *ut she hur"le" the railing of the stairwell lea"ing "own into the 1etro station( lan"ing gracefully on the steps five 'etres *elow. The police'en struggle" past the passengers co'ing up the stairs. She sprinte" through the un"ergroun" train station( passing *y the ela*orate staine" glass win"ows set into the 'ar*le walls( hea"ing for the platfor's. She leapt on to the s'ooth 'etal slope that separate" the escalators an" "roppe" on to her *ac+( sli"ing "own *etween the startle" passengers an" hitting the groun" running. %t the en" of the lower concourse she stoppe" for a 'o'ent( listening to the soun"s of the trains as the two police'en pushe" their way on to the escalator. She stuffe" the ol" wo'an)s *ag insi"e the waist*an" of her ,eans an" ran towar"s the platfor' on her right ,ust as the train starte" to pull out of the station. She stoppe" running( watching as the train accelerate" away fro' the platfor'( waiting for the perfect 'o'ent. 3ust as the police'en roun"e" the corner *ehin" her she *egan to run again( leaping into the air at the precise instant that the last carriage whistle" past in front of her. She caught the han"les on either si"e of the "oor on the rear of the train an" hung on as it shot into the "ar+ene" tunnel. /$o svi"aniya0 ) she shoute" at the two astonishe" police'en stan"ing on the platfor' as they "isappeare" fro' view. She clung on to the *ac+ of the train as it thun"ere" through the tunnel( waiting patiently for the light that woul" signal their arrival at the next stop. %s they pulle" into the next station an" the train slowe" to a halt( she hoppe" on to the platfor' an" ,oine" the crow" of people hea"ing for the surface. She wal+e" up the stairs lea"ing out of the station an" "eci"e" to 'a+e her way ho'e. % few 'inutes later she was cli'*ing up

the fire escape on the si"e of a "isuse" factory *uil"ing lea"ing to the roof. She "roppe" "own through one of the "irty s+ylights an" on to the floor of the long&a*an"one" attic that was her current *olt&hole. She hea"e" over to a ta*le on the far si"e an" pic+e" up a *ox of 'atches an" lit the oil lantern that stoo" on it. In the s'all pool of yellow light she exa'ine" the contents of the stolen *ag. /How 'any ti'es have I got to tell you() a voice sai" fro' the sha"ows( /you "on)t wor+ on 'y turf.) The girl spun roun" as four *oys in their late teens e'erge" fro' the "ar+ness at the other en" of the roo'. /4hat5 $i" you thin+ that I woul"n)t *e a*le to fin" you5 6ou thieve on 'y patch an" I will always +now where you are. 7ow we)re going to have to teach you a lesson( you +now( ,ust to 'a+e sure that you un"erstan" the rules() the lea"er sai" as he wal+e" towar"s her. /I)' sorry( 8oris() the girl sai"( as the *oys 'ove" to surroun" her. /I)ll give you a cut of 'y ta+e. Hey( have it all if you want. I "on)t want any trou*le.) /Too late for that 9 you ha" your chance. In fact( I thin+ that this ti'e I will *e the one giving you a cut (yes5) he sai"( pulling a +nife fro' his poc+et an" hol"ing it up in front of hi'. 2ne of the other *oys lunge" for the girl *ut she .uic+ly "o"ge" si"eways an" punche" hi' in the 'outh. He staggere" *ac+war"s clutching at his 'outh( *loo" oo-ing *etween his fingers. 8oris watche" as the other two unin,ure" *oys ran at the girl an" she "roppe" low( her foot lashing out at one of the *oys) an+les an" sen"ing hi' flying. %s he hit the groun" with a thu" the other *oy gra**e" the girl)s ar' an" she spun roun"( "riving her fist straight into his nose an" +noc+ing hi' *ac+war"s. She turne" *ac+ towar"s 8oris ,ust in ti'e to see hi' co'ing *efore he sla''e" into her an" +noc+e" her to the groun". He pinne" her "own an" hel" the +nife in front of her face( the reflecte" light fro' the lantern glinting in its *la"e. /%n" now I)' going to 'a+e an exa'ple of you() he sai"( *ringing the tip of the +nife to within a couple of 'illi'etres of her eye. There were four 'uffle" pops an" a loo+ of surprise on 8oris)s face as a *loo"&re" patch *egan to sprea" across the white 'aterial of his T&shirt( "irectly a*ove his heart. The girl crie" out in fear as 8oris)s *o"y topple" forwar" on to her. She pushe" hi' off( leaping to her feet as two figures e'erge" fro' the "ar+ness at the other en" of the roo'. The 'an was tall an" 'uscular with "ar+ hair that was peppere" with grey. He sli" the silence" pistol *ac+ into the shoul"er holster that he was wearing *eneath his i''aculately tailore" suit. He ha" e'otionless eyes which gave hi' a terrifying air of ruthlessness. The wo'an stan"ing *esi"e hi' was e.ually tall an" stri+ingly *eautiful( her long "ar+ hair hanging straight "own to her shoul"ers. The suit she wore was clearly ,ust as expensive as the 'an)s. :nli+e the 'an( however( she was s'iling. The girl *ac+e" away fro' the' as they wal+e" towar"s her( al'ost tripping over the *o"y of another of the four *oys that they ha" ,ust 'ur"ere". /Hello( 7atalya() the wo'an sai"( still s'iling. /I cannot tell you how gla" I a' to have finally foun" you.) /Stay away fro' 'e() the girl replie"( still retreating. /Stay away fro' 'e( I)' warning you.) She snatche" 8oris)s +nife fro' the floor. /I 'ean it. I)ll cut you if you co'e any closer.) /7o( you won)t() the 'an sai" cal'ly( still slowly wal+ing towar"s her. /6ou 'ay try *ut it won)t 'a+e any "ifference.) The girl felt genuine fear now as she slowly steppe" *ac+war"s( hol"ing the +nife "efensively in front of her. /4ho are you5 How "o you +now 'y na'e5) /1y na'e is %nastasia Furan an" this is 'y *rother( #ietor() the wo'an replie". /I

have *een searching for you for a long ti'e( 7atalya. I want you to co'e with us.) /4hy woul" I go anywhere with you5 I "on)t even +now you() the girl replie". /I a' going to 'a+e you an offer( 'y "ear. 6ou can co'e with 'e now an" let 'e try to channel your o*vious talents 'ore. . . effectively ( or I can wal+ away an" #ietor will shoot you an" "u'p your *o"y in the 1os+va river() %nastasia replie". The fact that she "i"n)t stop s'iling 'a"e the threat even 'ore terrifying. /So I "on)t really have a choice() 7atalya replie". /6ou will fin" as you grow ol"er that choice is rarely 'ore than an illusion( 7atalya() %nastasia replie"( hol"ing out her han". /Shall we go5)

The van pulle" to a stop an" the rear "oors opene". 7atalya s.uinte" at the su""en *rightness. The *ac+ of the van ha" no win"ows an" "uring the ,ourney the only light ha" *een fro' a s'all grille that separate" the front of the vehicle fro' the rear. She steppe" out into the co**le" courtyar" of what coul" only *e "escri*e" as a castle. The 'ain *uil"ing in front of her was surroun"e" *y a high wall cappe" *y *attle'ents that were *eing patrolle" *y ar'e" guar"s. %t regular intervals along the walls were high towers toppe" *y guar" posts with searchlights on their roofs. 7atalya ha" never seen anything li+e it *efore an" she stoo" gaping for a 'o'ent *efore #ietor Furan 'otione" for her to hea" through the large woo"en "oors that le" into the 'ain *uil"ing. Insi"e they passe" through a security chec+point *efore wal+ing into the central yar" where "o-ens of chil"ren of all ages were sparring. They wore grey co'*at fatigues an" *lac+ *oots an" were respon"ing .uic+ly to the *ar+e" co''an"s of the instructors who were "otte" aroun" the area. Furan wal+e" through the cloister surroun"ing the yar" an" le" her up several flights of stairs to a "oor la*elle" /"or'itory). She wal+e" insi"e *ut Furan re'aine" outsi"e. /6our *e" an" loc+er are at the far en"() Furan sai". /6our unifor' is on the *e". ;et change" an" return to the co'*at training area.) He close" the "oor *ehin" her as 7atalya wal+e" the length of the "or'itory. %t the far en" she foun" a unifor' i"entical to the ones she ha" seen the other trainees wearing. She .uic+ly slippe" out of her tattere" street clothes an" pulle" on the new unifor' *efore hea"ing "own to the training area. There she foun" #ietor Furan stan"ing in front of a group of chil"ren who all see'e" to *e a*out the sa'e age as her. So'e of the' glance" at her with curiosity as she approache". /!yes forwar"() Furan *ar+e". /The next hour will *e spent in full&contact sparring. 6ou will swap partners every five 'inutes. %ny sign of hesitation or 'ercy for your opponent will *e punishe". 8egin0) The chil"ren all "ivi"e" into pairs in silence as 7atalya watche". % *oy approache" her an" gave a s'all no" of the hea" *efore "ropping into a fighting stance. 7atalya *arely ha" ti'e to react *efore he launche" a punishing volley of lightning fast punches an" +ic+s( +noc+ing her to the groun". He offere" her his han" an" pulle" her up fro' the groun". /$i'itri() he whispere" as he helpe" her to her feet. /7atalya() she whispere" *ac+. /4hat is this place5) /They call it the ;lasshouse() $i'itri sai"( glancing nervously towar"s Furan who was watching the trainees on the other si"e of the area. /%ttac+ 'e( .uic+ly.) 7atalya threw a couple of wea+ punches at $i'itri which he *loc+e" with flui" ease. /4hat was that5) Furan snappe" angrily as he 'arche" towar"s the'. /Hit hi'0) 7atalya threw another punch( which again $i'itri *loc+e". /I sai" hit hi'( not pec+ at hi' li+e a raven pec+ing at a corpse() Furan sai". /%gain0) 7atalya attac+e" $i'itri again( trying har"er to 'a+e any of the *lows count. Still she coul" not get through his "efences.

/Still it is pec+( pec+( pec+() Furan yelle". /I)' trying0) 7atalya turne" an" yelle" angrily at hi'. Furan *ac+han"e" her har" across the face( +noc+ing her to her +nees. She taste" *loo" in her 'outh. /How "are you raise your voice to 'e() he sai"( stan"ing over her. /7o 'atter. In ti'e you will learn so'e respect( 'y little raven( that 'uch I can pro'ise you.)

7atalya collapse" on to her *e" exhauste". The first "ay of training ha" *een *rutal an" relentless. Her 'uscles were sore an" she +new that *eneath her unifor' she ha" to *e covere" in *ruises. /Sorry a*out earlier() $i'itri sai" as he approache" her *un+. /If I)" let you hit 'e( Furan woul" have *eaten the snot out of 'e.) /I woul" love to tal+ *ut I)' afrai" it 'a+es 'y face hurt() 7atalya sai" with a paine" s'ile. /$on)t worry() $i'itri replie"( /it gets easier. 4ell( 'ay*e not easier so 'uch as you notice the pain less.) /Is he always li+e that5) 7atalya as+e". /4ho5 Furan5) $i'itri as+e". /6es( I)' afrai" so. 6ou "on)t want to get on the wrong si"e of hi'( trust 'e. He)s not the really scary one though. That)s his sister( %nastasia. She)s the one who 'a+es 'y *loo" run col".) /6es( we)ve 'et() 7atalya replie". /%n" I +now what you 'ean. So how "o I get out of here5) /4hat5) $i'itri as+e" with a frown. /I "on)t +now a*out you *ut I)' not planning on staying() 7atalya replie". /So how "o I get out of here5) /Shhh() $i'itri whispere"( sitting next to her on the *un+( /tal+ li+e that will get you +ille". It)s not li+e we "on)t all thin+ a*out it *ut( if they fin" out you)ve *een tal+ing a*out it( you)ll en" up in the hole or worse.) /So it)s i'possi*le() 7atalya sai". /I "i"n)t say that() $i'itri replie" with a win+( /you ,ust have to *e careful who you tal+ to a*out it.) /$i'itri( $i'itri0) %nother *oy shoute"( running "own the "or'itory towar"s the'. /Have you hear"( there)s a new girl here( she was *rought in *y Fur. . . oh( hello.) The *oy *lushe" as he saw 7atalya. /%n" this i"iot is 'y frien"( Tolya() $i'itri sai" with a lopsi"e" s'ile. /Hi( I)' the new girl() 7atalya sai". /7ice to 'eet you() Tolya replie". /Sorry( I "i"n)t realise you were going to *e in our "or'itory.) /6es( this is 'y *e" an" if you guys "on)t 'in" I)' afrai" I)' going to have to use it right now. I)' exhauste"() 7atalya sai". /2f course() $i'itri sai" with a s'ile. /See you later( 7atalya.) 7atalya gave a s'all wave as she rolle" over in her *un+( not even *othering to put on the py,a'as that were in her loc+er. 4ithin secon"s she was asleep. %s she slept( 7atalya "rea't she was in a snow&covere" fiel"( watching %nastasia an" #ietor Furan stan"ing over her corpse an" laughing as a raven fe" on it. %nastasia Furan stoppe" laughing( turne" towar"s 7atalya an" spo+e. /#ec+( pec+( pec+( little <aven( pec+( pec+( pec+.)

chapter two

now
The 'ain hall at H.I.V.!. fell silent as $r 7ero wal+e" across the stage to the lectern. Stan"ing in neatly or"ere" rows on the polishe" *lac+ granite floor in front of hi' were the thir" year stu"ents of H.I.V.!. They ha" co'e fro' all four corners of the glo*e *ut were unite" *y one thing. They were the chil"ren who ha" "e'onstrate" a gift for the nefarious or so'e talent for villainy( so'ething uni.uely special that ha" attracte" the attention of H.I.V.!.( the Higher Institute of Villainous !"ucation. They were all *eing traine" in the art an" science of villainy( *eing prepare"( upon gra"uation( to ta+e their place within the organisation +nown as ;.=.2.V.!. The ;lo*al =eague of Villainous !nterprise was the 'ost powerful clan"estine group of international 'ega&villains that the worl" ha" ever +nown. The hea" of its ruling council( an" also the hea"'aster of H.I.V.!.( was 1axi'ilian 7ero( the very 'an who now stoo" in front of this particular group of stu"ents. He wore an i''aculately tailore" *lac+ suit with a white shirt an" at his nec+ was a *loo" re" cravat. 2nly the wi"e strea+s of silver running through the ,et *lac+ hair at each te'ple woul" have given an o*server any hint as to his age. /;oo" 'orning( stu"ents() he sai". /I +now that you are all *usy stu"ying for the forthco'ing exa's *ut I have gathere" you here to"ay to 'a+e a couple of i'portant announce'ents. Firstly( we will soon *e welco'ing so'e new arrivals to the school. 1ost will *e ,oining the lower years *ut a few will *e ,oining you. These stu"ents will *e unfa'iliar with H.I.V.!. an" will "ou*tless re.uire so'e assistance a",usting to their new ho'e. I +now it)s unusual for us to ta+e new stu"ents into the higher years of the school li+e this *ut I will still expect you to ensure that your new class'ates are given a war' welco'e.) There was a *rief 'ur'ur of "iscussion as 7ero pause" an" scanne" the crow". /Secon"ly() 7ero continue"( as the stu"ents fell silent once 'ore( /I wante" to infor' you that the groupings will shortly *e announce" for the fiel" assess'ent exercise or to use the 'ore luri" nic+na'e it see's to have attracte". . . the Hunt. For 'any years this exercise has *een an i'portant part of the training for every stu"ent at H.I.V.!. an" I have no "ou*t that so'e of the ol"er stu"ents will have ta+en great pleasure in infor'ing you a*out what it entails. For those of you who "o not +now( the Hunt is an assess'ent of *oth your wits an" your physical fitness. 6ou will *e ta+en to an un"isclose" wil"erness location an" given a one hour hea" start *efore elite ;.=.2.V.!. forces( le" *y <aven( are sent after you. 8eyon" that there are no rules( you 'ust si'ply eva"e capture for as long as you possi*ly can. In all the years that we have *een running the Hunt no one has eva"e" the trac+ers for 'ore than twenty&four hours. That is a recor" I woul" *e "elighte" to see *eaten *y so'e*o"y in this roo'. 6ou have one wee+ *efore the Hunt *egins 9 further "etails will *e sent to your 8lac+*oxes shortly. If you have any .uestions please "irect the' to H.I.V.!.'in". #lease re'e'*er that this is 'erely the first stage of your exa'inations an"( while I un"erstan" that the Hunt has a certain notoriety in the school( I "o not want you to focus exclusively upon it. %""itional ti'e is *eing allowe" within your existing ti'eta*les for extra revision perio"s an" I urge you to ta+e full a"vantage of the opportunity for extra stu"y. I will expect you all to excel in your exa'inations( failure will have. . . conse.uences. $is'isse".) 7ero turne" an" wal+e" off the stage as the stu"ents "isperse" to their first lessons of the "ay a'i"st a *u-- of excite" chatter. <aven was waiting for hi' at the si"e of the

stage. %s usual( she was wearing a *lac+ *o"ysuit that was covere" in poc+ets an" pouches fille" with various ite's of lethal e.uip'ent. Sheathe" across her *ac+( attache" to her tactical harness( were the twin crosse" +atanas that rarely left her si"e. She was wi"ely regar"e" as the worl")s "ea"liest assassin *ut( 'ore i'portantly to 7ero( she was also his 'ost truste" ally. /7atalya() 7ero sai" with a s'ile as he approache"( /is everything set for our trip to =on"on5) /6es( *ut "o I really have to wear that outfit5) <aven as+e" with a frown. /6ou can har"ly atten" the opera "resse" as you are( 'y "ear() 7ero sai". /I suppose. $i" 4right tell you what it is that he wants to "iscuss5) /7o( *ut I can 'a+e an e"ucate" guess() 7ero sai" with a slight sigh. /I +now this 'eeting 'ay *e pointless *ut 3oseph serve" ;.=.2.V.!. loyally for 'any years. I shoul" at least hear what he has to say. I owe hi' that 'uch.) /It coul" *e a trap() <aven sai". /4hich is why I)' *ringing you along() 7ero sai" with a s'ile. /8esi"es( I haven)t seen $on ;iovanni in years.)

/%s if we "on)t have enough to worry a*out with the exa's() 2tto sai" with a sigh as he wal+e" along the corri"or lea"ing to the Villainy Stu"ies "epart'ent with 4ing an" Shel*y. /7ow we have to go an" play hi"e an" see+ with <aven in so'e go"forsa+en corner of the planet as well.) /I thin+ it 'ight actually *e .uite fun() Shel*y sai" happily( /an" I "on)t +now why you)re getting so worrie" a*out the exa's( co'puter *rain. >an)t you ,ust( I "on)t +now( "ownloa" the entire li*rary or so'ething5) 2tto "i"( in fact( have so'ething of an unfair a"vantage over his frien"s when it ca'e to stu"ying. He ha"( after all( *een genetically engineere" fro' *irth to act as a physical host to an insane artificial intelligence. Than+fully( since the final "estruction of 2verlor" several 'onths earlier( he no longer ha" to worry a*out that horrific possi*ility *ut he still carrie" the har"ware aroun" insi"e his s+ull that woul" have 'a"e it possi*le. The organic super co'puter i'plante" in the centre of his *rain 'a"e hi' capa*le of near instantaneous co'prehension an" perfect recall. It was so'ething which he ha" always ta+en for grante" an" he so'eti'es forgot that his frien"s pro*a*ly still foun" it slightly o"". /I)" happily swap all the suffering that this thing in 'y hea" has cause" for having to "o a *it of revision( *elieve 'e() 2tto sai" with a sa" s'ile. /4e all +now that( 'y frien"() 4ing sai"( putting his han" on 2tto)s shoul"er. /7one of what happene" with 2verlor" was your fault.) Their final encounter with the psychotic artificial intelligence ha" cost the life of their frien" an" fellow %lpha stu"ent( =ucy $exter( a loss which they all still felt acutely. /I 'ust a"'it though that I too( li+e Shel*y( fin" the prospect of this Hunt intriguing.) /6eah( well( it)s all well an" goo" for you wanna*e nin,as() 2tto sai" with a s'ile. /So'e of us actually "on)t fin" the i"ea of *eing chase" through the wil"erness *y <aven an" a *unch of ;.=.2.V.!. goons particularly exciting.) /That)s 2?( you can act as a "iversion() Shel*y grinne". /The ten 'inutes that it ta+es <aven to catch you will *e ten 'inutes she)s not searching for 'e. I want that twenty& four hour recor" an" every little helps.) /%n" the selfless spirit of tea'wor+ continues to *urn *rightly at H.I.V.!.() 2tto sai". /6ou +now( it)s actually .uite 'oving.) /Hey() Shel*y sai"( /it)s not 'y fault you)re the slowest -e*ra.) /Spea+ing of helpless prey. . .) 4ing sai" as they roun"e" the corner lea"ing to the classroo'. %t the far en" of the corri"or =aura was wal+ing out of an office with her

hea" *owe" as a wo'an in an orange ,u'psuit han"e" her 8lac+*ox *ac+ to her. The wo'an was >hief $e++er( H.I.V.!.)s new hea" of Security an" so'eone who was rapi"ly *eco'ing a 'a,or hea"ache. She was tall an" painfully thin with short grey hair an" eyes that always see'e" so'ehow to *e watching you. She ha" *een appointe" after the unti'ely "e'ise of H.I.V.!.)s for'er hea" of Security( >hief =ewis( an" she ha" *een a thorn in their si"es ever since her arrival at the school. She ha" 'a"e it a*un"antly clear that 2tto an" his frien"s were right at the top of her to&"o list an" that was proving to *e a rather unpleasant place in which to fin" oneself. She scowle" at the %lphas *efore closing the "oor to her office as =aura wal+e" towar"s the'( loo+ing shell&shoc+e". /4hat "i" the 4ic+e" 4itch of the 4est want this ti'e then5) Shel*y as+e" as =aura approache". /2h( ,ust the usual() =aura replie"( soun"ing rather sha+en. /4here have I *een( where a' I going( let)s ,ust chec+ that on your 8lac+*ox( shall we5 6ou +now.) /;ee-( what)s her pro*le' with us exactly5) Shel*y sai"( soun"ing angry. /It)s not li+e we)ve "one anything to "eserve this. . . well( not "one anything recently at any rate.) /She "oes see' to rather have it in for us. I can)t i'agine why() 2tto sai". /I suspect that it 'ay have so'ething to "o with the fact that we have *een "irectly involve" with the near "estruction of H.I.V.!. on at least four separate occasions() 4ing sai" 'atter of factly. /6eah( I suppose that 'ight have so'ething to "o with it() 2tto replie" with a croo+e" s'ile.

2tto lay on his *e" in the .uarters that he share" with 4ing rea"ing a *oo+ calle" International 8an+ing@ Supervillainy for the Twenty&First >entury . To a casual o*server it woul" have loo+e" li+e he was ,ust searching for a certain place in the *oo+ as he flic+e" through it( turning the pages at the rate of two per secon". The strange truth was that he was actually rea"ing. It was ,ust one 'ore si"e effect of the unusual a*ilities that he *een *orn( or( 'ore accurately( engineere" with. 4ing( 'eanwhile( was sat at his "es+( loo+ing slightly frustrate" as he stu"ie" his notes fro' one of their recent Science an" Technology lessons. /%nything I can help with5) 2tto as+e"( noticing the loo+ on his frien")s face. /I a' fin"ing the 'athe'atics of at'ospheric re&entry rather perplexing() 4ing replie" with a sigh. /I tol" you() 2tto replie"( /,ust start with the si'ple stuff( 7ewton)s laws of 'otion an" universal gravitation an" its application to or*ital "yna'ics.) /2h yes() 4ing replie"( rolling his eyes( /the si'ple stuff.) /4ant a han"5) 2tto as+e" again. /7o() 4ing replie" fir'ly( sha+ing his hea". /6ou will not *e a*le to help 'e in the exa's. I 'ust try to un"erstan" this for 'yself.) /2?( let 'e +now if you change your 'in"() 2tto sai". He was ,ust starting to feel slightly guilty as the exa's approache". He 'ight fin" the' trivially easy( *ut he +new that all of his frien"s were getting extre'ely stresse" at the prospect of the loo'ing tests. There was a *eep fro' the "oor an" 4ing got up an" presse" the unloc+ *utton *esi"e it. /Hi( guys() =aura sai". /6ou *usy5) /Hey() Shel*y sai"( stri"ing past her( /they)re never too *usy for us( right5) /2ur lives woul"n)t *e co'plete without you() 4ing sai" with a wry s'ile. /%www( you)re so cute() Shel*y sai"( giving hi' a pec+ on the chee+. /4hat)s up5) 2tto as+e" as =aura wal+e" insi"e an" close" the "oor *ehin" her. /4ell( I)ve ha" an i"ea *ut it)s so'ething that I)" nee" so'e help with so I ,ust wante"

to run it past you guys an" see what you thought() =aura sai". /Sure() 2tto replie". /4hat have you got in 'in"5) /4ell( ,ust li+e the rest of you( I)' getting really sic+ of the har" ti'e we)re all getting fro' >hief $e++er at the 'o'ent an" I rec+on that it)s ti'e we too+ her "own a peg or two.) /;o on() 2tto sai"( putting "own his *oo+ an" leaning forwar"( su""enly intereste". /So I was thin+ing a*out the fact that she)s *een put in charge of security for the exa's an" it struc+ 'e how it 'ight *e really( really e'*arrassing for her if so'eone was to( I "unno( *orrow the exa' .uestions.) /=aura 8ran"( that is one of the 'ost "ishonest an" "evious things you have ever suggeste"() 2tto sai". /I love it0) /That)s what Isai"() Shel*y grinne". /H'''() 4ing sai" with a slight frown. /4oul"n)t that *e cheating5) /It)s calle" securing a tactical a"vantage() 2tto replie" .uic+ly. /4ith the a""e" *onus of ru**ing $e++er)s nose in it. 2nly pro*le' with that is the exa' papers are store" in H.I.V.!.'in")s core 'e'ory which is the 'ost secure "ata storage in the school.) /How "o you +now that)s where they are5) Shel*y as+e". /4ell() 2tto replie"( loo+ing slightly shifty( /I 'ight have alrea"y. . . er'. . . consi"ere" this possi*ility 'yself an" 'a"e so'e very gentle pro*es of the networ+ to see if I coul" fin" the exa' papers( you +now( lying aroun" anywhere.) /I a' surroun"e" *y "ishonoura*le people() 4ing sai" with a sigh. /Hey( honeychee+s( this is the Higher Institute of Villainous !"ucation() Shel*y sai". /That)s +in"a the point.) /The pro*le' is that ever since I ha" H.I.V.!.'in" as a passenger up here() 2tto tappe" the si"e of his hea"( /I can)t access anything other than the school)s 'ost *asic networ+ layer without ol" wirefra'e&hea" +nowing. I have no i"ea how we)" get access to his core 'e'ory without hi' noticing. I even trie" ,ust as+ing hi' for the exa' papers *ecause he still owes 'e for letting hi' ri"e aroun" insi"e 'y hea" a few 'onths *ac+. He tol" 'e that even if he wante" to he coul"n)t. He)s un"er "irect co''an" fro' 7ero to +eep the exa'ination papers secure within his own core 'e'ory. I "ou*t it)s a coinci"ence that)s the one place that 7ero +nows there)s no way I can get at the'.) /I 'ight have a way roun" that() =aura sai" with a s'ile( /*ut we)re going to nee" so'e e.uip'ent that coul" *e "ifficult for us to get our han"s on an" at least two 'ore people to help out.) /If only we +new so'eone who specialise" in procuring har" to o*tain ite's() Shel*y sai" with a grin. />o'e on( tell %unty Shel*y. 4hat "o you nee"5)

$r 7ero "i" not turn as the "oor to the private *ox opene" *ehin" hi'. He "i" not really want to *e "istracte" fro' the final 'o'ents of his favourite opera. There was so'ething that appeale" to 7ero a*out $on ;iovanni)s sha'eless refusal to repent his wic+e" ways as he was finally "ragge" "own to the un"erworl". 4hen the ti'e ca'e( 7ero i'agine" that he woul" pro*a*ly feel ,ust the sa'e way. 3oseph 4right( the for'er hea" of ;.=.2.V.!.)s 8ritish operations( sat "own in the seat next to 7ero)s. /I)' sorry I coul" not get here earlier 9 so'ething ca'e up() 4right sai" .uietly. /I hear that this new *aritone is .uite talente".) /In"ee"() 7ero replie"( not ta+ing his eyes off the stage. /4hat can I "o for you( 3oseph5 4hile I 'ust a"'it that spen"ing an evening in =on"on is always a pleasure( I got the i'pression fro' your 'essage that you ha" so'ething rather urgent to "iscuss.) /6es( of course() 4right replie". /I wante" to see if I coul" 'a+e one last atte'pt to

persua"e you to stop this 'a"ness an" reinstate the for'er 'e'*ers of the ruling council while there is still ti'e. I un"erstan" that the events of the past few 'onths have *een "ifficult for you( as they have *een for all of us( *ut I still *elieve that there has to *e another way.) /If that is all you *rought 'e here to "iscuss then I fear we have *oth 'a"e a waste" ,ourney() 7ero replie". /1y "ecision to "is*an" the council was final. I have no intention of changing 'y 'in".) /#lease( 1ax( listen to reason. $o you really *elieve that all of the 'e'*ers of the council are si'ply going to wal+ away fro' their for'er lives5 They have too 'uch investe" in ;.=.2.V.!. for that. They)re angry( 1ax( an" they)re not( generally spea+ing( the sort of people who try to resolve their pro*le's peacefully.) /I a' .uite aware of the way in which 'y for'er colleagues usually "eal with these situations() 7ero replie"( /an" that is part of the reason that I have replace" the'. The ruling council was "esigne" to act as a 'echanis' to control the worst i'pulses of our villainous *rothers an" sisters an" in that it largely succee"e"( *ut we *oth +now that ;.=.2.V.!. was "ying. 4e ha" *eco'e too set in our ways( too co'forta*le with our power. 4e were *lin" to what was happening aroun" us as 2verlor" an" his $isciples rose to power an" it very nearly cost the lives of every hu'an *eing on this planet. ;.=.2.V.!. ha" to change@ it nee"e" new *loo"( new lea"ers who woul" un"erstan" the "angers of such co'placency.) /4ith you in charge() 4right sai"( a slightly *itter note in his voice. /That)s very no*le of you( 1ax.) /For now() 7ero replie"( still watching the conclu"ing ense'*le of the opera. /8ut I have no "esire to stay as the hea" of the council for any longer than is a*solutely necessary. %s soon as the new 'e'*ers of the council have a little 'ore experience an" I have i"entifie" which of the' woul" *e *est suite" to replace 'e I will step "own. I "o have a school to run after all.) /% school that traine" every single 'e'*er of the new ruling council. $o you un"erstan" what that loo+s li+e to the people they replace"5 Try to loo+ at it fro' their perspective.) /4hat are you as+ing 'e for( 3oseph( an apology5 For 'e to change 'y 'in"5) 7ero as+e"( turning an" loo+ing 4right in the eye for the first ti'e. /7o( I +now you too well for that( 1ax. I ,ust hope" that I coul" 'a+e you see sense *efore this situation gets any worse. I can see now that I was wasting 'y ti'e.) He stoo" up to leave. /;oo"*ye( 1ax.) 7ero sat in silence as the opera finishe"( applau"ing as the cast too+ their final *ow. He ha" suspecte" that this was what 4right ha" wante" to "iscuss with hi' an" he was .uite aware of the events his refusal to change his 'in" 'ay set in 'otion. In so'e ways it was inevita*le *ut it "i" not 'a+e the prospect of open conflict *etween ;.=.2.V.!. an" the for'er 'e'*ers of its own ruling council any 'ore pleasant. He 'a"e his way "own fro' the private *ox an" through the foyer of the 2pera House *efore stepping out into the cool night air of >ovent ;ar"en. %s usual in =on"on the streets were still *usy even at this late hour. /I wish you)" let 'e sit in the *ox with you() <aven sai" as she ca'e an" stoo" *esi"e hi'. She was wearing a stunning *lac+ coc+tail "ress( as "ifferent as one coul" i'agine fro' her usual unifor'. /I appreciate your concern() 7ero replie" with a slight s'ile( /*ut I thin+ that 'ight have 'a"e 3oseph rather nervous.) /;oo"() <aven replie" with a frown( /he shoul" *e nervous. He practically threatene" you in there.) /4e +new it 'ight co'e to this( 7atalya() 7ero replie" as a *lac+ executive saloon car pulle" up to the +er*. /7ow we ,ust have to wait an" see what they "o next.) 7ero

ushere" <aven to the waiting car an" they *oth cli'*e" insi"e. /Ta+e us to the ren"e-vous point() 7ero instructe" the "river. There a Shrou"( one of H.I.V.!.)s stealth "ropships( was waiting to transport the' *ac+ to the school. /$o you really thin+ it)s wise for us to wait for the' to 'a+e the first 'ove5) <aven as+e" as the car 'a"e its way through the *usy streets. /I will not *e the one to "eclare war() 7ero sai"( sha+ing his hea". /#erhaps conflict is inevita*le *ut I won)t *e the one that starts it.) /It coul" 'a+e us loo+ wea+() <aven sai". /=et the' 'a+e their 'ove an" then they will see how wea+ we are() 7ero replie". <aven recognise" the steely "eter'ination in 7ero)s voice( the very sa'e "eter'ination that ha" propelle" hi' to the hea" of the 'ost powerful cri'inal organisation on !arth an" then +ept hi' there. /4hy are we slowing "own5) <aven as+e" the "river as she felt the car su""enly "ecelerating. /<oa")s *loc+e"( 1iss() the "river sai"( pointing to the roa" ahea" where a lorry was unloa"ing car"*oar" *oxes on to the pave'ent. <aven stare" at the 'en unloa"ing the lorry an" felt the hairs on the *ac+ of her nec+ stan" up as one of the' glance" at their car for ,ust a 'o'ent too long. /;et us out of here0) <aven snappe". The "river hesitate" for a 'o'ent an" then saw <aven)s expression. He threw the car into reverse an" hit the accelerator ,ust as two high&si"e" vans pulle" into the roa" *ehin" the'( *loc+ing the' in. The "oors in the si"e of the vans sli" open an" half a "o-en 'en in *lac+ *o"y ar'our leapt out raising assault rifles. /;et "own0) <aven yelle" as the sol"iers *ehin" the' opene" fire. The car rattle" an" shoo+ as the high velocity roun"s struc+ it. The car was ar'oure"( of course( *ut there was still a li'it to how 'uch "a'age it coul" ta+e *efore it was "isa*le". The "river threw the car into a forwar" gear an" floore" the accelerator( ai'ing for the narrow gap *etween the lorry ahea" of the' an" the par+e" cars that line" the streets on either si"e. <aven saw one of the 'en reach into a *ox on the pave'ent. He pulle" out a long tu*e&shape" o*,ect( placing it on his shoul"er as he turne" towar"s their spee"ing vehicle. There was a *right flare fro' the rear en" of the tu*e an" a 'issile shot "own the street an" struc+ the front of the car. The explosion flippe" the car over an" it lan"e" with a sic+ening crunch on its roof( sli"ing to a halt thirty 'etres further "own the roa"( its whole front en" now little 'ore than a twiste" shell of *urning 'etal. The gun'en fro' the two vans wal+e" slowly towar"s the *urning re'ains of the vehicle. The point 'an signalle" for the other sol"iers to sprea" out aroun" the car as he approache" the passenger "oor. He +nelt "own an" carefully peere" insi"e. He i''e"iately saw that the passenger co'part'ent was e'pty an" the "oor on the other si"e was a,ar. There was the su""en clin+ing soun" of so'ething 'etal hitting the roa" *ehin" hi' an" he spun roun" ,ust as the flash*ang stun grena"e "etonate". He "roppe" to one +nee( trying to regain his co'posure as *right swirling *lo*s of colour fille" his vision( his retinas te'porarily overloa"e" *y the overwhel'ingly *right flash fro' the explosion. %t first there was nothing *ut ringing in his ears *ut that slowly cleare"( replace" *y startle" screa's an" snappe" *ursts of what soun"e" li+e uncontrolle" panic fire fro' his own tea'. He ru**e" his eyes as things slowly ca'e *ac+ into focus. % *lurry figure stro"e towar"s hi' hol"ing a pair of long( thin o*,ects glowing with purple light. /Such a sha'e( I was starting to really li+e this "ress() a wo'an)s voice with a <ussian accent sai"( still 'uffle" slightly *y the ringing in his ears. Then there was a flash of purple an" everything went *lac+. <aven steppe" *ac+ as the last 'e'*er of the assault tea' topple" forwar" on to the roa" in a pool of his own *loo". She glance" up the roa" towar"s the 'en aroun" the

lorry an" saw that they were pulling 'ore weapons fro' the *oxes on the pave'ent. She "uc+e" *ehin" the still *urning wrec+ of their car an" "ashe" *etween the par+e" cars at the si"e of the roa". 7ero( who <aven ha" "ragge" fro' the *urning wrec+age( was unstea"ily getting to his feet( an angry expression on his face. /The "river5) he as+e" an" <aven si'ply shoo+ her hea". /Ti'e to go() she sai"( pulling the sheaths for her +atanas fro' the *ac+ of the ruine" car an" strapping the' on to her *ac+. /$o you actually go anywhere without those5) 7ero as+e"( gesturing to the glowing purple *la"es of <aven)s 'o"ifie" swor"s. /I "i"n)t wear the' to the opera( if that)s what you)re as+ing() <aven replie"( loo+ing "own the street towar"s the 'en fro' the lorry who were cautiously a"vancing towar"s the *urning car( weapons raise". /I left the' in the car. I thought they 'ight "raw a little too 'uch attention.) /It is a sha'e a*out your "ress() 7ero sai" as they hurrie" "own the pave'ent away fro' the a"vancing assassins( using the par+e" cars for cover. <aven)s "ress was scorche" an" torn in several places. /6ou can *uy 'e another one when we get out of here() <aven replie" as she glance" towar"s the far en" of the roa" where she coul" see flashing *lue lights. /Hol" these.) She han"e" 7ero her swor"s. The police'an was ,ust cli'*ing off his 'otor*i+e as <aven ran towar"s hi'. /2h( officer( please help() she sai" in a frightene" voice as she approache" hi'. /There)s *een a terri*le acci"ent.) /It)s 2?( 'iss() the officer sai". /3ust cal' "own an" try to tell 'e exactly what happene". %'*ulances are on the wA) He woul" later tell his colleagues that he ha" no 'e'ory of how he ha" *een +noc+e" unconscious. It was less e'*arrassing than a"'itting he)" *een suc+er punche" *y a *eautiful <ussian wo'an in a coc+tail "ress. /;et on() <aven sai"( ta+ing her swor"s *ac+ fro' 7ero an" strapping the' to her *ac+ *efore cli'*ing on to the unconscious police'an)s 'otor*i+e. /%n" signal the Shrou".) /6ou are aware( of course( that I hate 'otor*i+es() 7ero sai" with a sigh as he cli'*e" on to the *ac+ of the *i+e. He reache" into his insi"e poc+et as <aven starte" the *i+e an" hit the e'ergency signal on his 8lac+*ox. <aven gunne" the engine an" the *i+e shot away "own the roa". /This is not "ra'atically i'proving 'y opinion of 'otor*i+es0) 7ero yelle" fro' *ehin" her as she wove at high spee" through the slow&'oving traffic ahea" of the'. <aven glance" at the rear&view 'irror an" caught a gli'pse of so'ething 'oving 'ore .uic+ly through the traffic. There were three 'otor*i+es *ehin" the'( each with a passenger ri"ing pillion. <aven +new that they ha" to *e the *ac+up tea' that woul" *e sent after the' if they ha" so'ehow escape" the roa"*loc+. She +new this *ecause it was exactly what she woul" have "one. /4e)ve got co'pany0) she yelle" to 7ero( who twiste" roun" an" loo+e" *ehin" the'. /Frien"s of yours5) 7ero replie". /6eah() <aven sai" with a gri' s'ile( /I thin+ they)re ,ust trying to return so'e *ullets they *orrowe" fro' 'e. . . at a*out nine hun"re" an" fifty 'etres per secon".) <aven ,a''e" the throttle open( su""enly grateful for the *ig engine in the police *i+e. She roare" up the on&ra'p lea"ing up to one of the elevate" stretches of high spee" "ual carriageway that crosse" central =on"on. The traffic was not really any lighter up on this new roa" *ut it was at least 'oving 'ore .uic+ly. <aven glance" in the rear&view 'irror again an" saw that their pursuers were still gaining on the' "espite the fact she was at full throttle. There was a 'u--le flash in the rear&view 'irror an" a split secon" later the sa'e 'irror explo"e" into a thousan" pieces as it was struc+ *y

one of the *ullets that whistle" past the'. <aven weave" left an" then right( trying "esperately to 'a+e the' as "ifficult a target as possi*le. $espite their situation( she al'ost laughe" out lou" as she caught a fleeting gli'pse of the astonishe" loo+ on the face of a passenger in one of the cars they screa'e" past. %ny*o"y woul" have thought they)" never seen a wo'an in a coc+tail "ress an" a 'an in a "inner suit on the *ac+ of a stolen police 'otor*i+e. She +new that they were running out of ti'e. The *i+es *ehin" the' were gaining an" it woul" only ta+e one *ullet to en" this chase very a*ruptly. She +ept sweeping left an" right across the roa" as another *ullet pinge" off the *o"ywor+ at the rear of the *i+e. Su""enly a portal appeare" to open in the s+y a*out fifty 'etres ahea" of the' as the rear hatch of the cloa+e" Shrou" "ropship that ha" *een su''one" *y 7ero)s e'ergency signal sli" open. The pilot was trying to stay at the sa'e spee" as their *i+e *ut the loa"ing ra'p lea"ing up into the aircraft)s interior was still a couple of 'etres off the groun". <aven +new that if the Shrou" flew any lower it woul" ris+ a collision with one of the vehicles on the roa" ahea". She accelerate"( closing the "istance to the open hatch( her 'in" racing. How were she an" 7ero going to *oth get on *oar"5 % cra-y i"ea flew through her 'in" an" in the sa'e instant she realise" that it 'ight *e their only chance. /;et 'e the pilot of that thing on your 8lac+*ox() <aven yelle" to 7ero. %fter a couple of secon"s he passe" her the sli' "evice. <aven .uic+ly shoute" instructions to the pilot *efore han"ing the #$% *ac+ to 7ero. She pulle" one of the swor"s fro' her *ac+ an" set the control on its hilt to switch the varia*le geo'etry forcefiel" that ran along its e"ge to its sharpest setting. <aven swerve" the *i+e left( towar"s the safety rail that ran along the si"e of the raise" carriageway as yet another volley of *ullets chewe" up the tar'ac where the *i+e ha" *een ,ust a split secon" earlier. She hel" out the glowing *la"e an" *race" herself as its 'ono&'olecular e"ge slice" through the steel uprights that hel" the safety rail in place. The *la"e passe" through support after support( each one giving way with a s'all shower of spar+s. %fter a few secon"s she +ic+e" out an" sent ten 'etres of the unsupporte" safety *arrier tu'*ling over the si"e of the roa". /?eep your hea" "own() <aven yelle" to 7ero as she *ra+e" har" an" spun the *i+e roun" to face the "irection they ha" ,ust co'e fro'( leaving a s'oul"ering se'icircle of *lac+ tyre ru**er on the roa". /This coul" get a little *u'py.) The *i+es that ha" *een chasing the' were now only a hun"re" 'etres away as <aven gunne" the engine an" sent the police *i+e shooting *ac+ "own the "ual carriageway( straight towar"s the'. <aven swerve" har" to the right as a *ullet passe" *y her hea" so close that she hear" it *u--ing li+e an angry hornet. She ai'e" the *i+e straight for the gap she ha" ,ust carve" out of the safety *arrier an" hel" her *reath. %s the front wheel of the spee"ing *i+e passe" over the e"ge of the tar'ac the "i'ly illu'inate" interior of the Shrou" rose into view an" the *i+e vaulte" the gap. %fter what see'e" li+e an inter'ina*ly long secon" hanging in the air( the *i+e)s front wheel sla''e" "own on the "ropship)s loa"ing ra'p as <aven ,a''e" the *ra+es on har"( "itching the *i+e on its si"e an" pushing her an" 7ero away fro' it. The pair of the' sli" to a halt as the *i+e cartwheele" through the Shrou")s cargo *ay *efore sla''ing into the *ul+hea" at the far en" with a 'etallic crunch. /;20) <aven yelle" towar"s the coc+pit( leaping to her feet an" slapping the *utton that close" the rear hatch. She "uc+e" "own as the pillion gun'en on the two *i+es on the roa" *elow opene" fire. They were wasting their ti'e. The Shrou" was too well ar'oure" to *e ta+en "own *y s'all ar's fire. The hatch close" with a clun+ an" <aven *race" herself as she felt the Shrou")s huge tur*ine engines rotate fro' their vertical hover position to full forwar" thrust as the invisi*le aircraft roc+ete" up into the night s+y. 7ero slowly sat up an" *rushe" hi'self "own.

/7ot a typical trip ho'e fro' the opera() he sai" with a wry s'ile. /%re you 2?5) <aven as+e". /% few *ruises in the 'orning I shoul" i'agine() 7ero replie"( getting slowly to his feet. /8ut other than that I)' fine.) /;oo"() <aven replie". /I thin+ we *oth +now what that was.) /In"ee"() 7ero sai" with a frown. /It appears that the ti'e for "iscussion has passe". If it)s a fight that our for'er allies want then that( 'y "ear( is exactly what we are going to give the'.)

chapter three

/I still thin+ it woul" *e easier to ,ust revise for our exa'inations() 4ing sai" with a sigh. /%n" again he 'isses the point() Shel*y sai"( grinning. They sat on the *e" in 2tto an" 4ing)s roo' in acco''o"ation *loc+ seven an" watche" as =aura an" 2tto wor+e" carefully on the "is'antle" "evice on the "es+ opposite. /It)s not cheating() =aura sai" "efensively. /It)s a*out seeing whether or not it can *e "one. It)s the intellectual challenge of it.) /%n" the cheating() 2tto sai" .uic+ly( /"on)t forget the cheating.) /H'''() 4ing sai" with a loo+ of o*vious "isapproval on his face. /6ou)re not helping( you +now() =aura sai"( el*owing 2tto in the ri*s. /4hat5) 2tto sai" as he finishe" sol"ering one of the contact points on the "evice in front of hi'. /It)s not li+e we)re *eing traine" to follow the rules here. If anything( I thin+ 7ero shoul" rewar" us for our "eter'ination an" initiative.) />an you fit B"eter'ination an" initiativeC on a hea"stone5) =aura as+e" as she leant in to exa'ine 2tto)s han"iwor+. /7ow who)s not helping5) 2tto sai" as she peere" through the 'agnifying lens at the "evice. /=oo+s goo"() =aura sai". /4e)ll 'a+e a hac+er out of you yet( 1alpense.) /Stop( you)re going to 'a+e 'e *lush() 2tto sai" with a grin. /%ll "one then5) Shel*y as+e"( stan"ing up an" wal+ing over to =aura an" 2tto. /8ecause you +now how 'uch I en,oy sitting an" listening to you two rattle on a*out .uantu' phase "isco'*o*ulators an" all( *ut I)' exhauste".) /$o we really nee" to stop now5) =aura as+e". /4hat ti'e is it5) /Ten 'inutes till loc+"own() Shel*y replie" glancing at her 8lac+*ox #$%( /an" I for one "o not want to en" up *eing escorte" to 'y roo' *y security.) /6eah( let)s ,ust try an" stay un"erneath $e++er)s ra"ar as 'uch as possi*le for the 'o'ent( shall we5 I "ou*t that she)" *e happy to fin" out what we)ve *een wor+ing on() 2tto sai" as he opene" one of the "es+ "rawers an" lifte" out the false *otto' that he ha" recently installe". He place" the "evice insi"e the hi""en co'part'ent along with the various tools that they ha" 'anage" to ac.uire fro' aroun" the school. /6ou are( of course( assu'ing she "oesn)t alrea"y +now() 4ing sai" with a slight frown. /Hey( loo+ on the *right si"e( *ig guy() Shel*y sai"( .uic+ly +issing hi' on the chee+( /if she "oes +now( at least we)" *e loc+e" up together.) /H'''() 4ing replie"( still frowning. />o'e on( Shel() =aura sai"( trying har" not to laugh at the expression on 4ing)s face. /=et)s leave these two to get their *eauty sleep. Heaven +nows they nee" it.) /Funny() 2tto replie". /7o really( you)re funny. =oo+ at 'e laughing.) /%www( "i" she hurt your feelings5) Shel*y sai" as =aura wal+e" out of the *oys) roo'. /$on)t worry( we love you really. !ven with that face.) /1issing you alrea"y() 2tto sai" as Shel*y hurrie" after =aura. /2r it 'ight ,ust *e sto'ach cra'ps( it)s har" to tell( to *e honest.) 2tto put the rest of the contents of the "es+ "rawer *ac+ in place( 'a+ing sure that the hi""en co'part'ent was properly conceale".

/%re you sure that this is wise5) 4ing as+e"( gesturing towar"s the "rawer. /!specially if >hief $e++er is watching us as closely as you *elieve she is.) /#ro*a*ly not() 2tto replie"( /*ut let)s face it( it)s har"ly the first ti'e that we)ve "one so'ething that was a *it ris+y.) /I suppose() 4ing replie"( /*ut I have actually *een .uite en,oying the fact that the past few 'onths have ha" a lower than average a'ount of 'ortal peril. In"ee"( I a' al'ost at the point where I have forgotten what it is li+e to *e afrai" for 'y life or those of the people I care a*out.) /$on)t worry() 2tto replie" with a s'ile. /I)' sure that so'ething spectacularly "angerous will happen soon enough. 4e woul"n)t want life to get *oring( now woul" we5) /I li+e *oring() 4ing sai"( raising an eye*row. /In fact( I woul" go so far as to say that I a' *eco'ing a genuine fan of *oring.) /I)ll *e sure to let Shel*y +now ,ust how *oring you thin+ the past few 'onths have *een() 2tto sai"( grinning. /I)' sure she won)t 'in".) 2tto never li+e" to 'iss a chance to tease his *est frien" a*out his relationship with Shel*y an" this was too goo" an opportunity to pass up. /I)" rather you "i"n)t() 4ing sai"( the tiniest s'ile appearing on his face. /I a' still training her in the art of self&"efence an" our sparring sessions are .uite painful enough as it is( than+ you.) /6ou guys are still getting on 2?( I assu'e5) 2tto as+e" as he pulle" his 8lac+*ox out of his poc+et an" place" it on his *e"si"e ta*le. /6es( though it is occasionally pu--ling() 4ing sai" with a slight frown. /It so'eti'es appears that what Shel*y says she wants an" what she actually wants are two entirely "ifferent things. It can so'eti'es lea" to. . . confusion.) /I really hate to tell you this( 4ing() 2tto sai" with a grin( /*ut I thin+ that)s actually the way it)s suppose" to wor+.)

$r 7ero loo+e" up fro' the ta*let "isplay he ha" *een stu"ying as <aven wal+e" into his office. He no""e" towar"s the seat on the other si"e of his "es+. /I)ve receive" wor" fro' other 'e'*ers of the new ruling council() 7ero sai" as <aven sat "own. /There were assassination atte'pts on several of the' at exactly the ti'e that we were attac+e" in =on"on. Two were successful. 3aco*s an" 1ilton are "ea".) /$a'n it() <aven sai" softly. /4hy "i" we not see this co'ing5) /To *e honest( I "i"() 7ero replie"( /*ut there was still a part of 'e that was hoping it woul" not co'e to this. The for'er council 'e'*ers 'ay not *e a part of ;.=.2.V.!. any longer *ut they still have consi"era*le resources at their "isposal an" they are of course inti'ately fa'iliar with the way in which our organisation operates. They will have operatives within ;.=.2.V.!. who are still loyal to the' an" I woul" expect the' to ruthlessly exploit any wea+ness that those infor'ants expose. There coul" har"ly *e a 'ore "angerous ene'y.) /I coul" try to root out any traitors who are fee"ing the' infor'ation() <aven suggeste". /7o() 7ero replie"( /the last thing we nee" ,ust now is a witch hunt. That)s exactly what they want( us turning inwar"s an" fighting a'ongst ourselves. 4e ,ust nee" to *e "ou*ly cautious an" ensure that we control precisely who has access to sensitive infor'ation at the 'o'ent. Spea+ing of which( I)ve ,ust *een reviewing the "ossiers of the latest inta+e of stu"ents.) So'e of the' have great potential.) /6ou still want to go ahea" with the retrieval of the new inta+e un"er the circu'stances5) <aven as+e".

/6es() 7ero replie". /I will not let this "isrupt the nor'al running of H.I.V.!. The new inta+e procee"s as planne".) /:n"erstoo". The retrieval tea's are all on stan"*y() <aven answere" with a no". /3ust give the wor" an" we can *egin the operation.) /;oo"() 7ero sai". /I trust that you "on)t foresee any particular pro*le's.) /7o( a couple of the targets have proven to *e so'ewhat. . . elusive( *ut it)s nothing I can)t han"le.) /2f course() 7ero replie". He ha" learnt over the years that there were very few pro*le's that the wo'an sat opposite hi' coul" not resolve. /%n" preparations for the Hunt5) /!verything)s in place() <aven sai" with a slight s'ile. /I)ve reconnoitre" the operational area an" it)s all clear. I)ll *e rea"y to run the first assess'ent exercise as soon as the new stu"ent recruit'ent is co'plete. 6ou +now( in a strange way I)' actually .uite loo+ing forwar" to spen"ing so'e ti'e in that part of the worl". It)s really .uite *eautiful( you +now. It will al'ost *e li+e a holi"ay.) /<e'in" 'e to never let you select 'y vacation "estinations() 7ero replie". /If I "i"n)t +now *etter( I)" say you were getting soft( 1ax() <aven sai" with a wry s'ile. /6ou shoul" co'e along an" 'onitor the Hunt in person. ;et out fro' *ehin" that "es+ for a while.) /I)' .uite happy *ehin" this "es+( than+ you() 7ero replie"( raising an eye*row slightly. /%n" I)ll *e perfectly content to trac+ the progress of the Hunt fro' a secure an" 'ore i'portantly war' 'onitoring station.) /$efinitely getting soft() <aven sai"( her grin wi"ening as she stoo" up to leave. /So( "o you want 'e to launch the retrieval operations5) /6es( *ut 'a+e sure that the catch s.ua"s un"erstan" the nee" for caution at the 'o'ent( 7atalya() 7ero sai". /There are .uite enough ruffle" feathers out there alrea"y without us a""ing any 'ore fuel to the fire.) 7ero was particularly +een to 'a+e sure that the operation to forci*ly recruit the latest crop of stu"ents for H.I.V.!. went s'oothly. The school nee"e" new *loo" now 'ore than ever. !vents surroun"ing the "e'ise of 2verlor" ha" le" to hi' ta+ing the highly controversial "ecision to "is*an" the ruling council of ;.=.2.V.!.( the ;lo*al =eague of Villainous !nterprise. To say that "ecision ha" cause" chaos a'ongst the ran+s of the worl")s villains was an un"erstate'ent. % few of the 'e'*ers of the council ha" agree" with his reasoning an" were cooperating with his plan to re*uil" ;.=.2.V.!. as a 'ore sta*le organisation( without the treachery an" "eceit that ha" run li+e a cancer through the ol" league. 1ost( however( ha" argue" that what he was atte'pting was little 'ore than a 'assive coup ")Dtat an" that he was si'ply trying to consoli"ate his own power *ase. He ha" to conce"e that he coul" un"erstan" why so'e people woul" see it that way. He 'ay have +nown that his 'otives were genuine *ut it ha" proven i'possi*le to convince 'any of ;.=.2.V.!.)s for'er lea"ers that that was the case. 2ne of the si"e effects of all of this was that H.I.V.!. ha" lost a significant nu'*er of stu"ents. 4hile 'any of the chil"ren at the school were recruite" against their will after "isplaying so'e particular talent for villainy( so'e were what 7ero referre" to as legacy stu"ents. They were the stu"ents whose parents were alrea"y part of the glo*al villain co''unity an" ha" electe" to sen" their offspring to H.I.V.!. so that they coul" *e prepare" for entry into the fa'ily *usiness. % significant nu'*er of those stu"ents ha" *een with"rawn fro' the school in protest at 7ero)s "ecision to "is*an" the council. The last thing he nee"e" at the 'o'ent were any further co'plications. /Trust 'e() <aven replie"( /no one will ever +now we were there.)

/2*serve0) #rofessor

#i+e yelle" over the high&pitche" whine fro' the generator. /The

*ea' is .uite capa*le of cutting through a foot of stainless steel an" yet the refractive coating on this *ac+plate ren"ers it co'pletely har'less. This allows frien"ly units to *e protecte" against the effects of the weapon without re.uiring heavy ar'our plating.) The *right green *ea' fro' the 'assive pro,ector at the far en" of the Science an" Technology "epart'ent la*oratory lit the entire roo' with an eerie glow. The %lpha stu"ents who were watching the "e'onstration stoo" with their *ac+s presse" against the opposite wall( as far away fro' the "evice as hu'anly possi*le. They ha" learnt fro' *itter( often painful( experience that it was never wise to stan" too close to one of #rofessor #i+e)s experi'ental "evices. 4aiting for eye*rows to grow *ac+ was an inconvenience *ut waiting for li'*s to grow *ac+ was another 'atter altogether. /2nce in or*it( the weapon can *e use" for precise stri+es on specific targets() the #rofessor continue"( /'ini'ising the nee" for 'essy collateral "a'age. 1r %rgent*lu'( woul" you *e so +in" as to "i' the lights please so that I can "e'onstrate the i'portance of a precise refraction in"ex.) Fran- nervously sli" along the wall towar"s the light switch *y the la*oratory "oor. He flic+e" the switch an" the roo' "ar+ene"( the powerful *ea' of laser light now provi"ing the only illu'ination. Fran- starte" to sli"e *ac+ along the wall towar"s the other %lpha stu"ents. Su""enly he felt his foot catch on so'ething an" he stu'*le" over one of the trailing ca*les that lay across the la*oratory floor. The ca*le went tight an" pulle" one of the instru'ents 'onitoring the *ea' over( sen"ing it falling si"eways an" +noc+ing the e"ge of the fra'e that hel" the refractive shiel"ing plate in position. For what see'e" li+e a very long ti'e the stan" wo**le" *ac+ an" forth *efore it tippe" slowly *ac+war"s with a crash. /Ta+e cover0) #rofessor #i+e screa'e"( "iving *ehin" one of the near*y wor+*enches as the other %lpha stu"ents scattere"( trying to shiel" the'selves *ehin" the 'ost soli" o*,ects they coul" fin". The *ea' punche" straight through the la*oratory wall in a clou" of vapour an" alar' +laxons starte" wailing all over the school. #rofessor #i+e scra'*le" across the floor towar"s the *un"le of thic+ power ca*les that le" to the super&laser( pulling the' fro' the *ac+ of the 'achine an" extinguishing the *right green *ea'. /2ops() Fran- sai" as the e'ergency lighting +ic+e" in an" the rest of the %lphas slowly e'erge" fro' their hi"ing places. %t the *ac+ of the roo' there was a perfectly circular( twenty&centi'etre hole in the wall surroun"e" *y scorch 'ar+s. /I a' thin+ing that this is not *eing goo".) 2tto wal+e" cautiously up to the s'oul"ering hole( glancing nervously over his shoul"er at the *ea' e'itter that was 'a+ing a gentle clic+ing soun" as it coole" "own. /4oah() he sai" as he peere" into the hole. >learly visi*le were a series of further holes *eyon" that got s'aller an" s'aller with perspective. $i'ly visi*le at the far en" was what coul" only *e a s'all circle of *right "aylight. /!r'( I "on)t +now how to tell you this( Fran-() 2tto sai"( turning towar"s his frien" with a *roa" grin on his face( /*ut it loo+s li+e you ,ust 'a"e a hole in the school.) /2h "ear() #rofessor #i+e sai"( co'ing up *esi"e 2tto an" also peering into the hole. /I "o hope that we haven)t "a'age" anything i'portant.) /2r any one i'portant() Shel*y a""e" as she an" the rest of the %lphas gathere" roun". /It is not *eing 'y fault() Fran- 'oane". /I a' tripping over the ca*le.) % couple of 'inutes later( the "oor at the far en" of the la* hisse" open an" >hief $e++er ca'e running into the roo'( flan+e" *y two guar"s in their fa'iliar orange ,u'psuits. 2tto an" the others wince" as they saw her. It was well +nown alrea"y that she ha" no particular love for H.I.V.!.)s %lpha strea' an" she see'e" to have a special "isli+e for their year in particular. /4hat happene"5) she "e'an"e" as she stro"e across the roo' towar"s the

#rofessor. Her thin( tight lips an" sharp chee+*ones gave the i'pression that she was so'eone who)" hear" of this thing calle" s'iling *ut ha" "eci"e" that it was not for her. /There was a slight. . . er'. . . 'alfunction() the #rofessor replie" with a fleeting glance in Fran-)s "irection. /Has anyone *een in,ure"5) /It "oesn)t loo+ li+e it() $e++er replie" tersely( /*ut I thin+ it)s safe to say that >olonel Francisco won)t *e using that particular toilet cu*icle again.) Fran- visi*ly pale" at the thought of the >olonel fin"ing out that he ha" *een in any way responsi*le for whatever in"ignity he ha" ,ust suffere". He ha" a su""en horri*ly clear vision of 'any laps of the school gy' so'ewhere in his not too "istant future. /#lease apologise to the >olonel for 'e() the #rofessor sai" .uic+ly( seeing the expression on Fran-)s face. /I ta+e full responsi*ility. I 'ust not have secure" the shiel"ing properly.) /6ou)re sure there was no stu"ent involve'ent5) $e++er as+e"( glaring at 2tto an" the others. /Euite sure() the #rofessor replie". /7ow if there)s nothing else I can help you with( we shoul" start clearing this 'ess up.) $e++er stare" at 2tto for a couple 'ore secon"s an" then turne" an" 'arche" out of the roo'. /2h( she)s "efinitely got the hots for you() Shel*y whispere" to 2tto as the "oor hisse" shut *ehin" the new Security >hief. /6eah( great( ,ust what I nee"() 2tto sighe". /2?( everyone() #rofessor #i+e sai"( /class is "is'isse" until we get this 'ess sorte" out. #lease use the rest of the 'orning for constructive stu"y. <e'e'*er that you all have exa's co'ing up.) 2tto an" the others hea"e" out of the la*( leaving #rofessor #i+e to coor"inate with the 'aintenance an" repair tea' that ha" ,ust arrive". /;oo" wor+( Fran-() Shel*y sai" with a grin. /I)ve always sai" that H.I.V.!. nee"e" 'ore win"ows.) /I a' ,ust *eing gla" that >olonel Francisco will not "iscover that I was *eing involve"() Fran- sai"( sha+ing his hea". /6eah() 2tto sai" with a chuc+le( /*ut I woul" have pai" goo" 'oney to see the loo+ on his face when it happene".) /%t least no one was hurt() =aura sai". /That)s the 'ain thing.) /In"ee"() 4ing sai" with a no"( /though I a' not sure that it is a positive thing that what .ualifies as a goo" "ay at H.I.V.!. is one where no one was either +ille" or per'anently 'ai'e".) /So are you guys going to hea" to the li*rary5) 7igel as+e". /8eause I coul" "o with a han" with so'e of the political an" financial corruption coursewor+. I still "on)t un"erstan" so'e of the corporate *an+ing loopholes.) /$oes anyone5) 2tto as+e". /I can *e helping with those() Fran- sai" happily. /It is actually *eing .uite si'ple.) /I)' gla" you thin+ so() Shel*y sai" with a sigh. /It 'ight as well *e a foreign language to 'e.) Fran- ha" actually always shown a talent for that particular sphere of villainy. He excelle" in "eveloping new an" inventive ways of hi"ing an" then "iscreetly "istri*uting vast su's of 'oney. It was a su*,ect that even 2tto foun" *affling at ti'es *ut it see'e" to *e al'ost secon" nature to Fran-. The six of the' 'a"e their way through H.I.V.!.)s twisting volcanic roc+ corri"ors until they eventually arrive" at the li*rary. The large glass "ou*le "oors( engrave" with ;.=.2.V.!.)s glo*e&s'ashing fist logo hisse" apart an" they hea"e" insi"e. The cavernous cha'*er *eyon" was fille" fro' floor to ceiling with countless shelves of *oo+s. <o*otic ar's sli" *ac+war"s an" forwar"s along rails 'ounte" in front of the

shelves( re'oving an" returning volu'es for the stu"ents who sat at the hun"re"s of "es+s arrange" in clusters across the cavern floor. There was a "efinite at'osphere of *arely suppresse" panic that coul" only 'ean one thing. !xa's were co'ing an" ti'e for revision was running out. 2tto an" the others sat at the far en" of the roo' an" starte" unpac+ing notepa"s an" *oo+s fro' their *ac+pac+s. /Isn)t all this stu"ying a *it pointless if the plan to. . . *orrow the exa' papers wor+s5) =aura whispere" to 2tto as he sat "own an" opene" one of his text*oo+s. /1ay*e() 2tto whispere"( /*ut we have to +eep up appearances.) He no""e" towar"s one of the 'any security ca'eras that line" the walls. /They)re going to *e loo+ing out for anyone who)s not *othering with revision. 4e nee" to try not to attract any unnecessary attention. 8esi"es which( if the plan goes wrong( I "on)t want to *e going into the exa's having "one a*solutely no revision at all. I "on)t +now a*out you *ut that)s the +in" of thing I have night'ares a*out.) /I a' having night'ares a*out sitting 'y exa's na+e"() Fran- sai" with an earnest expression as he sat "own across fro' the'. /1ost "istur*ing.) /If it)s any consolation I have night'ares a*out Fran- sitting exa's na+e" too() Shel*y whispere" to =aura. /2ne)s where I)' sat at the "es+ right *ehin" his.) /2h( than+s very 'uch forthat 'ental i'age. !specially when I)' trying to concentrate() =aura sai". /Thing is() Shel*y whispere"( /in the "rea' he)s really nervous *ecause of the exa' an" so he)s sweating a lot. ) /2?( I a' really not listening to you any 'ore() =aura sai"( gri'acing. /It gets worse *ecause then he. . .) Shel*y leant over an" whispere" so'ething in =aura)s ear. /Is =aura 2?5) 4ing as+e" 2tto .uietly on the other si"e of the cluster of "es+s. /She appears to have su""enly gone .uite pale.) 2tto loo+e" over at =aura who was now repeate"ly hitting Shel*y with one of her notepa"s. Shel*y 'eanwhile was laughing uncontrolla*ly at the loo+ of pure "isgust on =aura)s face. /Shel*y Trinity( there is so'ething seriously wrong with you() =aura sai"( sha+ing her hea". /6ou +now( I a' thin+ing =aura is struggling to *e coping with the stress of the exa's() Fran- sai" sa"ly as he watche" =aura ru**ing at her te'ples as if "esperately trying to erase so'ething fro' her *rain.

/It was an unfortunate acci"ent() #rofessor #i+e sai"( loo+ing slightly unco'forta*le. /That)s one way of "escri*ing it() $r 7ero sai" as he stu"ie" the "a'age report on his ta*let "isplay. He wal+e" to the other en" of the Science an" Technology la* an" exa'ine" the recently patche" hole in the wall. /I "on)t really want to have to review the safety proce"ures for your "epart'ent yet again( #rofessor. !specially when you)ve *een "oing so well with the "epart'ental fatalities.) /2nly three this year0) the #rofessor sai"( s'iling happily *efore noticing the loo+ on 7ero)s face. /4hich is( of course( three too 'any.) /% certain level of staff an" stu"ent 'ortality is to *e expecte"( #rofessor() 7ero sai"( /*ut it)s *est if we can try an" avoi" it where possi*le. >olonel Francisco was extre'ely luc+y.) /6es( he see'e" rather angry when I saw hi'() the #rofessor sai" with a frown. /He sai" that it was a goo" ,o* he was sitting "own when it happene". I suppose it 'ust have *een .uite a shoc+ for hi'.) /6es( I thin+ that)s safe to say() 7ero replie". The la* "oor hisse" open an" >hief

$e++er 'arche" into the roo'. /%hh( >hief( you sai" you wante" to see 'e.) /6es( $octor 7ero() $e++er replie". /I want to re.uest that I *e allowe" to put so'e new security 'easures in place in the lea" up to the exa'inations. I)ve *een running inventory chec+s an" so'e unusual pieces of e.uip'ent have gone 'issing fro' the school storeroo's. I)" li+e your per'ission to search certain stu"ents) .uarters an" see what they 'ight *e hi"ing.) /%*solutely not() 7ero sai"( sha+ing his hea". /8ut( sir() $e++er sai"( /if we "on)t. . .) />hief $e++er() 7ero sai" fir'ly( interrupting her( /you have only *een with the school for a few 'onths so I a' aware that there are still certain things that you 'ay fin" "ifficult to un"erstan"( so allow 'e to explain. H.I.V.!. is not a prison. >ertainly the stu"ents are *rought here against their will an" they are 'ost "efinitely not allowe" to leave except un"er the closest of supervision *ut that is where the si'ilarities en". The stu"ents are entitle" to a certain a'ount of free"o' an" privacy an" that is why I have 'a"e it the policy of this institution that stu"ents) .uarters are not to *e searche" unless there is une.uivocal proof of a "irect threat to the safety of the school. That 'ay see' li+e a strange "ecision to you *ut it is 'y *elief that if we treat our stu"ents li+e co''on cri'inals that is exactly how they will *ehave. 4hat I want H.I.V.!. to pro"uce is unco''on cri'inals. 7o searches without 'y explicit per'ission an" that is 'y final wor" on the 'atter. $o I 'a+e 'yself clear5) /6es( sir() $e++er sai" with a curt no". /:n"erstoo". I "o have one other concern though. I have reviewe" the file on 2tto 1alpense an" if everything that I rea" a*out his a*ilities is true I)' worrie" that there is no 'eaningful way to secure the school)s networ+ against his intrusion. ;iven the sensitivity of the "ata that)s store" there( how "o we ensure that he won)t *e a*le to gain access to it5) /H.I.V.!.'in"() the #rofessor replie". /6ou will have rea"( no "ou*t( a*out everything that too+ place "uring our final confrontation with 2verlor". So you will +now that H.I.V.!.'in" was store" te'porarily within the organic co'puter that is i'plante" insi"e 2tto)s *rain. 2ne of the si"e effects of that has *een that H.I.V.!.'in" is now uni.uely attune" to 1alpense)s *rain patterns. %s long as H.I.V.!.'in" is active there is no way that 2tto can access the school)s networ+s using his a*ilities without *eing i''e"iately "etecte". 2ne of H.I.V.!.'in")s pri'e "irectives is to protect certain pieces of sensitive "ata at all costs. The exa'ination papers are one such piece of "ata. 2tto can)t access the' with his a*ilities an" he will +now that.) /7evertheless( 'y instincts tell 'e that he)s up to so'ething() $e++er sai" with a frown. /I)' not sure what yet *ut if I coul" ,ust search his .uarters. . .) /6ou)re al'ost certainly correct( >hief() 7ero sai" with a slight s'ile( /*ut( to *e honest( I)" *e 'ore worrie" if your instincts were telling you that he wasn)t up to so'ething. 2tto 1alpense)s "efault state is Bup to so'ethingC an" I woul" have it no other way. Is there anything else5) /7o( sir() $e++er replie". /Very well. If you "o fin" positive evi"ence of whatever it is that 1r 1alpense is planning( then "o please let 'e +now. I)' sure it will *e entertaining at the very least.) $e++er no""e" an" 'arche" out of the roo'. /I "on)t 'uch li+e her( 1ax() the #rofessor sai" as the la* "oor hisse" shut *ehin" the >hief. /I "i"n)t thin+ 'any people woul". >hief =ewis was a "ifficult 'an to replace() 7ero sai". /However( she co'es highly reco''en"e" an" she)s exceptionally goo" at what she "oes an" ,ust at the 'o'ent I nee" so'eone who will +eep this school safe. 7o 'atter what the cost.)

<aven watche" fro' the 'onitoring station in the *elly of the Shrou" as retrieval tea's all aroun" the worl" provi"e" constant status up"ates on their operations. She was not the sort of person to suffer fro' stress *ut this was the one occasion every year which( she conce"e"( she foun" slightly worrying. #art of it was that there was no way that she coul" *e there for each retrieval operation personally *ut the other part was that she +new how i'portant it was to 7ero that every one of these chil"ren *e retrieve" successfully. She ha" stoppe" worrying a*out the rights an" wrongs of recruiting H.I.V.!.)s new stu"ents in this way 'any years ago. They were *eing save" fro' lives of 'e"iocrity an" *eing given the sort of opportunity that woul" change their lives for the *etter for ever. 8esi"es which( all of the' ha" "one so'ething to earn their place at H.I.V.!. 7one of the' were angels. She continue" to scan the reports co'ing in. She wasn)t worrie" a*out the legacy stu"ent retrievals. They were si'ple since they occurre" with the full +nowle"ge of the parents or guar"ians of the chil"ren involve". 7o( the tric+y ones were the other stu"ents( the chil"ren who ha" earne" their place through 'erit( if that was really the right wor" un"er the circu'stances. Those were the operations that <aven watche" 'ost closely. /Tea' nine( retrieval co'plete() a voice crac+le" over the co''s syste'. Tea' nine( 8ra-ilian girl( ran a tea' of pic+poc+ets in the favela. !xceptional lea"ership s+ills( 'aster of stealth an" evasion( highly a"ept thief. %lpha strea' can"i"ate. /Tea' seventeen( retrieval co'plete() another voice reporte". Tea' seventeen( %'erican *oy( son of a wealthy *an+er. Siphone" nearly a 'illion "ollars fro' the accounts of his father an" his golf clu* *u""ies *y cloning their cre"it car"s while they were out on the fairways. #olitics an" Finance strea' can"i"ate. /Tea' twenty&nine( retrieval co'plete.) <ussian *oy( assassin for the 'o*. :se" age as cover to get close to targets. Highly s+ille" with pistols an" +nives. Hench'an strea' can"i"ate. That was one she)" *een worrie" a*out. %n" so the reports continue" to roll in. 7o pro*le's so far *ut there was plenty of ti'e yet. /4e)re over the target area() a voice in her earpiece sai". /<oger that() <aven replie"( pulling the *lac+ 'as+ over her hea". The *lac+ lenses activate"( giving her perfect twenty&twenty( full&colour night vision. She wal+e" towar"s the rear of the passenger co'part'ent an" chec+e" her e.uip'ent rig one last ti'e. Satisfie" that everything was in place she slappe" the hatch release an" steppe" out on to the ra'p. The groun" was only a couple of 'etres *elow an" she ,u'pe" "own an" lan"e" silently. /<aven "own() she reporte". />lear an" stay on station.) /<oger() the pilot of the Shrou" replie" as the hatch whirre" shut an" the Shrou" cli'*e" silently to a hol"ing altitu"e. <aven chec+e" her surroun"ings. The surveillance tea' ha" reporte" that her targets ha" entere" the un"ergroun" par+ing garage ,ust a few 'inutes earlier. Targets( plural 9 that was why she was here. $ou*le retrievals were unusual an" "ifficult. She ran "own the ra'p an" scanne" the garage( her lenses instantly a",usting to co'pensate for the fluorescent strip lighting overhea". She hear" the roar of a powerful engine fro' one of the lower floors an" flattene" herself against one of the support colu'ns next to the exit ra'p. She peere" roun" the colu'n)s e"ge ,ust in ti'e to see an expensive Italian sports car power&sli"ing roun" the corner at the far en" of the garage. <aven too+ a "eep *reath an" steppe" out into the 'i""le of the exit ra'p. The "river of the car instinctively swerve" to avoi" the *lac+&cla" figure that su""enly steppe" out into the roa" in front of hi'. %s the car shot past her <aven)s swor"s flashe" an" the front right wheel "isintegrate". The car went out of control an" "rove straight into another vehicle par+e" *esi"e the ra'p with a crunch. 8oth the air *ags in

the car "eploye" with a *ang an" <aven ran for the "river)s "oor( pulling the Sleeper pistol fro' the holster on her thigh. The "river was halfway out of the car when there was a -apping soun" an" the Sleeper)s neural shoc+ pulse "roppe" hi' unconscious to the floor. <aven 'ove" .uic+ly roun" the car an" saw that the passenger "oor was alrea"y open. Su""enly a girl with *right pin+ hair poppe" up fro' *ehin" the car that the sports car ha" "riven into. There was so'ething in her han". <aven twiste" instinctively as there was a popping soun" an" two "arts( trailing wires( shot fro' the o*,ect the girl was hol"ing. The "arts struc+ <aven in the shoul"er( triggering the taser)s 'assive electrical "ischarge( sen"ing <aven to her +nees. She curse" un"er her *reath in <ussian as she fought to stay conscious( reaching slowly for the two wires that traile" fro' the "arts e'*e""e" in her s+in. Fighting to control her convulsing 'uscles she too+ a fir' hol" of the wires( gritte" her teeth an" pulle". The young girl watche" in wi"e&eye" astonish'ent as <aven threw the "arts to the groun" an" slowly got to her feet. /That hurt() <aven sai"( raising the Sleeper.

chapter four

2tto sat "own next to =aura( placing his tray on the ta*le. She was rea"ing a *oo+ fille" with circuit "iagra's an" technical sche'atics. /%ny goo" ,o+es in that5) 2tto as+e" with a s'ile. /2h yeah() =aura replie". /Intercontinental *allistic 'issile gui"ance syste's are a real laugh fest.) /I can i'agine() 2tto sai"( stic+ing a for+ into the foo" on his plate. The "ining roo' was *ustling with lunchti'e activity. %ll aroun" the' stu"ents fro' each of H.I.V.!.)s strea's were eating an" chatting. It was one of the few ti'es that the strea's 'ixe" li+e this *ut even now 'ost of the ta*les arrange" aroun" the giant cavern were occupie" *y groups fro' ,ust one strea'. 7ear*y a group of Hench'an stu"ents in their "istinctive *lue ,u'psuits were sitting roun" a ta*le having a noisy argu'ent a*out exactly who ha" achieve" the 'ost +ills in their latest holographic co'*at training session. 7ext to the' was a ta*le fille" with stu"ents fro' the Science an" Technology strea' who were having a 'uch .uieter "iscussion a*out the "iffering properties of various for's of ther'al shiel"ing for reactor cores. They all wore white ,u'psuits an" woul" occasionally glance nervously at the Hench'an stu"ents at the next ta*le. 2tto "i"n)t *la'e the' for feeling slightly unco'forta*le. The 'e'*ers of the Hench'an strea' were notorious for their constant *ullying of stu"ents fro' the other groups. They ha" an unpleasant ha*it of pic+ing on the SciTech stu"ents in particular or as they calle" the'( /the ner" strea'). 2tto so'eti'es won"ere" why $r 7ero tolerate" the aggressive *ehaviour of the Hench'an stu"ents. He suppose" there ha" to *e a reason 9 with 7ero there see'e" to always *e a reason for everything. /I)ve *een thin+ing a*out our plan() 2tto sai" .uietly. /I thin+ we shoul" "o it sooner rather than later. I)' getting nervous a*out the special attention we)re getting fro' $e++er.) /%ye() =aura replie"( /I +now what you 'ean. If we)re going to "o this we)" *etter "o it *efore she puts us all un"er loc+"own.) /I)' thin+ing to'orrow night() 2tto sai". /$o you thin+ you)ll have finishe" the new co"e for the "evice *y then5) /There)s ,ust a couple of *ugs to *e wor+e" out() =aura replie"( glancing aroun" to 'a+e sure that they were not *eing eaves"roppe" on. /4e can)t ris+ hoo+ing it up until we)re one hun"re" per cent sure that 8ig 8lue won)t feel it.) 8ig 8lue was =aura)s affectionate nic+na'e for H.I.V.!.'in". He was 'uch 'ore than ,ust a piece of software( acting as he "i" as a "igital guar"ian( protecting an" securing the entire school. He ha" also *eco'e a frien" to 2tto an" the others( saving all of their lives on 'ore than one occasion. /6eah( well( we woul"n)t have to *e *othering with all of this if he)" ,ust *een a little *it 'ore cooperative() 2tto sai". /2h( co'e on( 2tto( you "i"n)t really expect hi' to ,ust give you the exa' papers *ecause you as+e" hi' nicely( "i" you5) /It was worth a try. He still owes 'e() 2tto replie". /6ou +now he can)t ignore a "irect co''an" fro' 7ero() =aura sai". /It)s not his fault.) /I +now() 2tto sai" with a sigh. /7ow we)re ,ust going to have to "o it the har" way.) /I thin+ it)s *een 'ore fun this way actually() =aura replie" with a s'ile. /I)ve really

en,oye" us wor+ing on the "evice together. I 'ean. . . the intellectual challenge of it. . . you +now.) /6eah( 'e too() 2tto sai". /It)s *een fun "oing it the ol"&fashione" way.) /4hat "o you 'ean ol" fashione" 5) =aura sai" with 'oc+ in"ignation. /I)ll have you +now that this is cutting&e"ge stuff we)ve *een wor+ing on.) />utting e"ge foryou 'ay*e. . .) 2tto sai" with a grin. /<ight( that)s it( no 'ore sol"ering for you( 'y *oy() =aura sai"( fol"ing her ar's an" leaning *ac+ in her chair. /I)' revo+ing your tin+ering privileges.) /I)' not interrupting anything( a' I5) a voice with an %'erican accent as+e" fro' *ehin" 2tto. 2tto turne" roun" an" saw a tall *oy with neatly tri''e" *rown hair stan"ing *ehin" hi'. His grey ,u'psuit 'ar+e" hi' out as a stu"ent fro' the #olitics an" Finance strea' an" the pips in his collar in"icate" that he was in his fifth year at the H.I.V.!. 2tto ha" seen hi' aroun" on occasion *ut he ha" no i"ea who he was. /Hi() the *oy sai" with a s'ile( exten"ing his han". /I "on)t thin+ we)ve 'et. I)' >ole Harrington an" you 'ust *e the infa'ous 2tto 1alpense. 1in" if I ,oin you5) /%ctually we were ,ust having a conversation() 2tto sai"( glancing *ac+ at =aura. /It)s fine() =aura sai"( putting her *oo+ in her *ac+pac+ an" pic+ing up her lunch tray. /I nee" to go an" "o so'e revision anyway. I)ll catch up with you later( 2tto.) She glance" over at Harrington who was sitting "own in the seat opposite 2tto an" raise" a .ui--ical eye*row as she left. /It)s a pleasure to finally 'eet you in person() Harrington sai"( still s'iling. /I)ve hear" a lot of stories a*out you.) /1ost of the' not true( I)' sure() 2tto replie". There were co'paratively few people at H.I.V.!. who really +new the precise "etails of the inci"ents that 2tto ha" *een involve" in since his arrival at H.I.V.!. an" so the ru'our 'ill ha" fille" in the *lan+s with little regar" for accuracy. If 2tto ha" actually "one half of the things that he was suppose" to have "one then he woul" have either *een expelle" or execute" long *efore now. %lthough( in fairness( at H.I.V.!. they were often essentially the sa'e thing. /1ay*e( *ut 'y sources tell 'e that you)re still a very useful person to +now() >ole sai"( /especially with the exa's co'ing up( if you +now what I 'ean.) /I)ve got no i"ea what you)re tal+ing a*out() 2tto sai"( su""enly feeling slightly unco'forta*le. /2f course you "on)t. Hu'our 'e for a 'o'ent though an" ,ust preten" that you "o. =et)s ,ust i'agine that actually you have so'e sort of plan for getting hol" of the exa' .uestions. %n" then( having i'agine" that( let)s also i'agine that there was so'eone who 'ight *e a*le to rewar" you han"so'ely for sharing that infor'ation with hi'. >an you i'agine that( 2tto5) /2h( I have a very active i'agination() 2tto replie"( /*ut what 'a+es you thin+ that I woul" *e intereste" in sharing any such infor'ation with 'y new i'aginary frien"5 It)s not li+e there)s anything he coul" offer that I really nee". 7ot while I)' stuc+ here at least.) /That)s ,ust where you)re wrong() Harrington sai". /There are all sorts of ways that a person)s life at H.I.V.!. can *e 'a"e easier.) He pause" for a 'o'ent( the previous frien"ly war'th in his expression su""enly vanishing( replace" *y so'ething 'uch col"er an" har"er. /3ust as there are all sorts of ways that a person)s life at H.I.V.!. can *e 'a"e 'uch( 'uch har"er.) /%re you threatening 'e5) 2tto as+e"( loo+ing Harrington straight in the eye. /2f course not() Harrington replie"( the *roa" s'ile returning. /I)' ,ust clarifying your options for you.) /;oo"() 2tto replie"( /*ecause it woul" have *een really( really stupi" of you to threaten 'e.)

/Is everything 2? here5) 4ing as+e" as he approache" the ta*le an" notice" the expression on 2tto)s face. /!verything)s fine() Harrington sai" as he stoo" up. /4e were ,ust "iscussing a little *usiness. $o let 'e +now what you "eci"e( 2tto. I)' sure you)ll 'a+e the right "ecision.) /4ho was that5) 4ing as+e" as he watche" Harrington wal+ away. /% future #resi"ent of the :nite" States() 2tto replie" with a frown( /an" ,ust possi*ly a really *ig pro*le'.)

<aven tightene" the final strap on the stretcher( 'a+ing sure that the unconscious *oy lying on it was fir'ly secure". She chec+e" the pulse on his nec+ an" was please" to feel that it was stea"y an" strong. The Sleeper guns were "esigne" to incapacitate their targets as safely as possi*le *ut she "i" not want to ta+e any chances. She 'ove" further along the Shrou")s passenger co'part'ent an" repeate" the chec+ on the young girl who ha" tasere" her. She ha" a s'all *ruise on her chee+*one fro' falling against the car when <aven ha" hit her with the Sleeper *ut nothing 'ore serious than that. <aven ha" to a"'it to a gru"ging respect for the spee" an" accuracy of the girl)s shot with the taser. It wasn)t often that so'eone caught her *y surprise li+e that. <aven hea"e" *ac+ to her seat an" pic+e" up the ta*let "isplaying the latest reports fro' the retrieval tea's. !verything see'e" to *e progressing s'oothly. The vast 'a,ority of the operations ha" *een co'plete" successfully an" there ha" only *een a couple of 'inor in,uries. 7ero woul" *e please". She place" the ta*let *ac+ on the seat an" cli'*e" up the la""er to the Shrou")s flight "ec+. The two pilots sat in the "ar+ene" coc+pit( the only illu'ination provi"e" *y the *an+s of vi"eo "isplays an" hun"re"s of illu'inate" switches that line" the control panel in front of the'. /How long until we)re *ac+ at H.I.V.!.5) <aven as+e". /Three hours() the pilot replie". /;oo"() <aven sai". /7otify 'e when we)re five 'inutes out.) /:n"erstoo"() the pilot replie" with a no". <aven cli'*e" *ac+ "own to the lower "ec+ an" sat on one of the seats opposite the young girl. She loo+e" li+e she was si'ply in a "eep sleep( her chest rising an" falling rhyth'ically( her expression peaceful. <aven watche" her for a few 'inutes *efore she close" her eyes an" leant *ac+ in her seat. She was too wire" to sleep *ut she ha" taught herself over the years to use these 'o'ents of rest to clear her 'in" an" centre herself. 7or'ally it was easy *ut for so'e reason tonight she was fin"ing it "ifficult. She coul" not sha+e off the i'age of the girl)s face fro' earlier that evening as she ha" pulle" the trigger on the taser. :nafrai"( "eter'ine"( efficient. It re'in"e" her of so'ething( a place that she ha" trie" very har" to forget over the years. Tonight though( for whatever reason( she coul" not stop the 'e'ories floo"ing *ac+. 1e'ories of the past. 1e'ories of the ;lasshouse. . .

eighteen years ago

/7atalya() the *oy whispere"( urgently sha+ing the shoul"er of the girl lying on the top of the steel&fra'e" *un+. /7atalya( wa+e up0) /4hat is it( Tolya5) 7atalya groane" as she reluctantly opene" her eyes. The *oy stan"ing next to her *e" was loo+ing roun" anxiously. They woul" *oth *e punishe" if they were caught tal+ing after lights out an" she was alrea"y physically exhauste" *y

the "ay)s training without a""ing punish'ent exercises on top of everything else. /It)s $i'itri( he)s gone() Tolya whispere". /4hat "o you 'ean BgoneC5) 7atalya as+e"( pushing herself up in her *e" an" loo+ing "own the "or'itory that was only "i'ly lit *y the watery 'oonlight pouring through the s+ylights far overhea". /I 'ean he)s gone( not here( vanishe"( what "o you thin+ I 'ean5) Tolya sai" i'patiently. /% noise wo+e 'e up an" when I loo+e" across at $i'itri)s *un+ it was e'pty.) /If this is so'e +in" of ,o+e( Tolya( I)' telling you now that it)s not very funny() 7atalya whispere"( getting up out of her *un+. The pair of the' crept through the roo' as .uietly as they coul". It was always col" in the "or'itory an" the plain cotton py,a'as that they wore "i" little to +eep the' war' now that they were out fro' un"er the heavy woollen *lan+ets on their *e"s. They arrive" at $i'itri)s *un+ an" sure enough( it was .uite e'pty. /6ou chec+e" the toilet5) 7atalya as+e"( no""ing towar"s the "oor in the corner of the roo'. /7o( I suppose he coul" *e in there() Tolya replie". /Tolya( you i"iot() 7atalya sai" with a sigh( /if you)ve wo+en 'e up ,ust *ecause $i'itri nee"e" a pee I a' going to hurt you really .uite *a"ly.) 7atalya wal+e" over to the "oor to the *athroo' an" loo+e" insi"e. /$i'itri() she whispere"( /are you in here5) There was no reply. She wal+e" "own the long line of cu*icle "oors an" chec+e" that none were occupie". /See( he)s not here() Tolya sai"( soun"ing rather relieve". /Then where is he5) 7atalya sai". /He can)t have ,ust vanishe" into thin air.) Su""enly so'ething caught her eye. /4hat)s that5) she as+e"( pointing into the gloo'. /4hat5) Tolya sai"( loo+ing in the "irection she in"icate" *ut seeing nothing. 7atalya wal+e" over to the corner of the roo' an" with a rush of excite'ent she realise" what it was. Hanging "own fro' one of the *racing gir"ers that ran across the space *elow the s+ylights was a thin rope. 7atalya tugge" on the rope experi'entally an" foun" that it felt fir'ly attache". /4here)" that co'e fro'5) Tolya as+e". /The rope fairy 'ust have left it() 7atalya sai". /4hat5) /It)s $i'itri( you i"iot() 7atalya sai" i'patiently. /He 'ust have foun" a way out.) /:p there5) Tolya sai" with a loo+ of "is*elief. /2nly one way to fin" out() 7atalya sai" as she gra**e" the rope an" *egan to haul herself towar"s the ceiling. She stoppe" halfway up an" loo+e" "own at Tolya who was stan"ing at the *otto' of the rope loo+ing extre'ely nervous. />o'e on() she sai"( /what are you afrai" of5) /It)s not what I)' afrai" of() Tolya 'uttere" to hi'self as he gra**e" the *otto' of the rope( /it)s who.) 7atalya reache" the top of the rope an" haule" herself up on to the "usty gir"er. It was pro*a*ly only ten 'etres to the concrete *elow *ut that see'e" .uite a long way "own fro' up here. She coul" also see the rows of *un+s on the other si"e of the partition wall that separate" the' fro' the toilets an" she was gla" to see that no one else see'e" to have *een wo+en *y their creeping aroun". % few 'o'ents later Tolya pulle" hi'self up on to the gir"er *esi"e her. /4here "i" $i'itri 'anage to fin" a grapple5) Tolya as+e" .uietly as 7atalya exa'ine" the hoo+ that secure" the rope to the gir"er. 7atalya ha" no i"ea *ut then she rarely ha" any i"ea how $i'itri 'anage" to get his han"s on the things that he "i". He ha" *een one of the first frien"s she ha" 'a"e when she arrive" at the ;lasshouse

two years ago an" without hi' an" Tolya( 7atalya "ou*te" that she woul" have survive" the first six 'onths. He was one of the few people she +new who ha" not ha" his spirit *ro+en *y this place an" she love" hi' for it. /4e can as+ hi' when we fin" hi'( can)t we5) 7atalya sai" with a s'ile. /=oo+.) She pointe" over at one of the near*y s+ylights. The pa"loc+ that ha" secure" it hung open an" it was proppe" open( ,ust a crac+( with a thin piece of woo". 7atalya crept carefully along the gir"er towar"s the s+ylight. She sli" her fingers into the narrow gap an" lifte" it open very slowly as its ol" hinges crea+e" in protest. />o'e on() 7atalya sai"( as she steppe" on to the roof outsi"e( hol"ing the s+ylight open for Tolya. He hesitate" for a 'o'ent( loo+ing uncertain. /This coul" *e our chance to get out of here.) /2?() Tolya sai" with a slight sha+e of the hea" as he cli'*e" out after her( /*ut I 'ust *e cra-y.) /%fter two years in this place I thin+ cra-y is actually pretty nor'al() 7atalya replie" as she crouche" "own an" crept over to the parapet that ran along the e"ge of the roof. She peere" over the top of the "irty *ric+wor+ an" "own into the 'oonlit courtyar" *elow. !verything see'e" .uiet. There were no signs of any unusual activity. 8eyon" the courtyar" was the peri'eter wall an" she watche" as the guar"s who were suppose" to *e patrolling it( stoo" sharing a cigarette an" chatting. 2n the other si"e of the wall was another fence an" *eyon" that 'any 'iles of fro-en forest. They woul"n)t 'a+e it 'ore than a couple of 'iles in the py,a'as they were wearing( so their first priority ha" to *e fin"ing war'er clothes. She +new that there was a storeroo' on the east si"e of the courtyar" that hel" ,ust what they nee"e". 7ow all she ha" to "o was figure out how to get "own there. /4hat now5) Tolya as+e" as he too peere" "own into the snow&covere" courtyar". /First we nee" to. . .) 7atalya stoppe" as the courtyar" was su""enly floo"e" with *right( white light. % s'all figure *olte" out of the storeroo' she ha" ,ust *een planning to loot an" sprinte" across the co**les towar"s the peri'eter wall. He was wearing full survival +it with one pac+ on his *ac+ an" was carrying another two *ulging pac+s( one in each han". /$i'itri0) 7atalya gaspe" as she recognise" the *oy running across the *rightly lit s.uare. There were shouts fro' the guar"s on the wall as they raise" their rifles to their shoul"ers. $i'itri slowe" to a halt( "ropping the other two pac+s to the groun" an" raising his han"s in surren"er. /4hat)s he "oing5) Tolya as+e"( soun"ing *ewil"ere". /6ou i"iot( $i'itri() 7atalya sai" un"er her *reath. /4hy "o you always have to play the hero5 4e shoul" have all gone together.) 8ut she +new what he ha" "one. He ha" *een trying to get the gear that all three of the' woul" nee" to escape. He ha" 'ore chance of successfully escaping on his own *ut he was going to co'e *ac+ an" ta+e her an" Tolya with hi'. That was why he ha" proppe" the s+ylight open an" left the rope in place instea" of ta+ing it with hi'. /2h no() Tolya whispere" as he recognise" the two figures that were wal+ing out of the front "oor of the co'poun")s 'ain *uil"ing. %nastasia an" #ietor Furan. They wal+e" towar"s $i'itri who stoo" his groun" "efiantly( hea" hel" high. #ietor Furan raise" his han" an" "elivere" a scything *ac+han" fist to the *oy)s ,aw( +noc+ing hi' to one +nee. $i'itri slowly stoo" *ac+ up as %nastasia put a restraining han" on her *rother)s ar'. She *egan to tal+ to $i'itri an" 7atalya straine" to 'a+e out any "etails of the conversation fro' her high vantage point *ut it was pointless( they were too far away. Her 'in" race" as she watche" the scene unfol"ing *elow. There ha" to *e so'ething she coul" "o to help hi'. %nastasia turne" away fro' $i'itri an" reache" insi"e her long white coat. 7atalya felt the screa' issuing un*i""en fro' her lips as she saw the wo'an raising a pistol towar"s $i'itri)s chest.

/7ooooo0) 7atalya screa'e"( stan"ing up an" watching powerlessly as %nastasia Furan)s hea" turne" slowly towar"s her. The wo'an stare" at 7atalya( loo+ing her straight in the eye as she pulle" the trigger. 7atalya felt her legs give way un"erneath her as $i'itri fell *ac+war"s( the white snow *loo'ing with cri'son re" *eneath hi'. 7atalya san+ to the floor( turning her *ac+ against the parapet an" wrapping her ar's roun" her +nees. She sat there staring vacantly into space as Tolya( tears strea'ing "own his face( gra**e" her *y the shoul"ers an" shoo+ her. /7atalya( please( we have to run( now0) he plea"e"( +nowing in his heart that there was really nowhere to run to. She "i"n)t offer any resistance as the guar"s poure" out of the near*y "oor on to the roof an" "ragge" her "own the stairs to the courtyar". 4hat was the point5 The guar"s haule" her across the snow&covere" co**les an" threw her to the groun" in front of %nastasia Furan. The ol"er wo'an leant "own an" cuppe" 7atalya)s chin in her han"( raising her face until she was loo+ing "irectly into her eyes. /4hat a terri*le waste() %nastasia sai" as she loo+e" towar"s $i'itri)s *o"y( /of a *ullet.) $eep insi"e 7atalya so'ething *ro+e( so'ething that woul" never again *e truly whole. She let out a screa' that turne" the near*y guar"s) faces pale as she launche" herself at %nastasia Furan with every intention of +illing her where she stoo" with nothing *ut her *are han"s. #ietor sla''e" 7atalya to the groun"( pinning her against the col" co**les as she fought fruitlessly to get free. Tolya coul" "o nothing *ut watch in horror as he saw his frien" 7atalya replace" *y so'eone. . . no( so'ething. . . "ifferent. /I won"ere" how long it woul" ta+e us to fin" the ani'al insi"e you( 7atalya() %nastasia sai"( a chilling s'ile on her face. /%n" now I have 'y answer.) 1ore guar"s helpe" #ietor to restrain the feral girl. /Ta+e the' *oth to the "etention *loc+() %nastasia sai" with a "is'issive wave as she turne" to leave. /In"efinite isolation.)

There was no such thing as ti'e to 7atalya any 'ore. There was no "ayti'e or night& ti'e( ,ust unrelenting *lac+ness that was *ro+en for a few secon"s each "ay *y the shaft of light that poure" into the cell through the hole in the "oor when the guar"s use" to give her foo" an" water. She slept only fitfully 9 the night'ares that plague" her were too terri*le to grant her even that refuge. $ays passe"( then wee+s( or so she guesse". There was no way of +nowing for sure. There was a part of her that ,ust wante" to fa"e away( here in the "ar+ness( shrin+ing to nothingness( *ut there was another( stronger voice in her hea". That voice tol" her to hol" on( to not let the "espair an" the isolation *rea+ her. She ha" a 'ission( one that only she coul" co'plete an" so she coul" not surren"er to the pain. ?illing %nastasia Furan( that was all that 'attere". She woul" not let the' *rea+ her( she woul" not give the' the satisfaction. Then( one "ay( without warning( the "oor to her cell was opene". There was no one on the other si"e( ,ust a corri"or that see'e" i'possi*ly *right. She steppe" out into the light( s.uinting in pain as the glaring *rightness see'e" to al'ost press "own on her. The "oor at the far en" of the corri"or was open an" she wal+e" slowly towar"s it. 8eyon" that "oor was a circular roo'( its s'ooth concrete walls lea"ing up to a cage" gallery ten 'etres a*ove. %s 7atalya entere" the roo' the "oor sla''e" shut *ehin" her an" loc+e". She stoo" staring up at the gallery a*ove as %nastasia an" #ietor Furan appeare". 7atalya trie" to spea+( *ut her voice was little 'ore than a croa+y whisper. It ha" *een a long ti'e since she ha" use" it. /4hat was that( 7atalya5) %nastasia sai" with a s'ile.

/I sai" you shoul" have +ille" 'e() 7atalya whispere". /7o( 7atalya() %nastasia replie"( /you have too 'uch potential for that. I saw it in you the first ti'e we 'et. >all it instinct if you li+e *ut I can always spot a +iller. I loo+ at you an" I see 'yself 'any years ago.) /I a' nothing li+e you() 7atalya sai"( her voice see'ing to grow stronger again each ti'e she use" it. /7ot yet perhaps( *ut you will *e in ti'e an" to"ay you ta+e the first proper step on that path.) The "oor set in the opposite roo' of the circular pit swung open an" a *arely recognisa*le figure staggere" into the roo'. /Tolya() 7atalya gaspe". There was no hint of recognition in his eyes as he loo+e" at her( ,ust a terri*le *lan+ stare that 'a"e the hairs stan" up on the *ac+ of her nec+. /4hat have they "one to you5) /He has receive" exactly the sa'e punish'ent as you( 'y "ear() %nastasia sai"( /*ut I)' afrai" he lac+s your strength. They say that if you leave a person in "ar+ness for long enough they will always carry so'e of that "ar+ness aroun" insi"e the'. I fear that in this poor *oy)s case it has consu'e" hi'.) Tolya 'a"e a terri*le low guttural growling noise( 'ore *east than hu'an an" he ran at 7atalya. She "o"ge" to one si"e( pushing hi' away fro' her an" into the wall. He spun an" lunge" *ac+ towar"s her with an infuriate" roar an" she *ac+e" away( circling hi'( trying to stay out of his reach. /Tolya( it)s 'e( 7atalya() she sai" as they circle" each other. /4e)re frien"s( please( try to re'e'*er.) /=et)s spee" things up shall we() %nastasia sai" as she watche" 7atalya "uc+ away fro' another of Tolya)s lunging gra*s. She signalle" to Furan an" he opene" a section of the cage that surroun"e" the upper wal+way an" threw two o*,ects into the centre of the pit. 7atalya stare" at the glea'ing pair of *la"es that lay on the floor *etween her an" Tolya. He "ashe" forwar" an" snatche" the twin +atanas fro' the floor *efore 7atalya coul" react. She "uc+e" *ac+war"s as he swung the *la"es wil"ly at her. She felt the concrete wall at her *ac+ an" he lunge". The tip of one of the *la"es slice" into her chee+( leaving a long curve" gash( an" she hit *ac+ *lin"ly( punching hi' in the face. Tolya staggere" *ac+war"s as 7atalya a"vance" feeling the *loo" tric+ling "own her chee+. The training she ha" receive" over the last two long years su""enly +ic+e" in an" she "elivere" a series of precise punches an" +ic+s to Tolya)s torso. He flaile" at her with one of the swor"s an" she "uc+e" *eneath the wil" swing an" ,a**e" at his wrist( paralysing his han" an" sen"ing the *la"e clattering away across the floor. He swung at her again with the other +atana an" she "uc+e" *eneath the sweeping *la"e an" rolle" towar"s the swor" lying on the floor. She scoope" it up( "espite the fact she ha" never fought with a swor" in her life( an" turne" *ac+ towar"s Tolya who charge" at her with an ani'al roar. She *rought her swor" up in a vain effort to "efen" herself as he hit her li+e a freight train an" she felt a su""en( shu""ering i'pact run through her weapon. She struggle" to throw hi' off her as she felt his han"s closing aroun" her throat an" s.uee-ing. She coul"n)t *reathe( feeling panic as the fringes of her vision starte" to *lac+en. Then Tolya)s grip slac+ene" an" ,ust for a 'o'ent 7atalya thought she saw a flic+er of recognition in her frien")s eyes. He gave a s'all paine" gasp an" then collapse" on top of 7atalya with a final rasping sigh. 7atalya rolle" Tolya)s li'p *o"y off fro' on top of her an" staggere" to her feet. She gra**e" the hilt of the +atana that protru"e" fro' her "ea" frien")s chest an" pulle" it free *efore pic+ing Tolya)s swor" up fro' the floor. She loo+e" up at %nastasia Furan( half her face covere" in *loo" an" with a swor" in each han". She "i"n)t say anything( she "i"n)t nee" to( her expression 'a"e the "epth of her hatre" perfectly clear. /She)s going to *e "angerous() #ietor Furan sai"( loo+ing "own at 7atalya.

/7o( #ietor( she is going to *e 'agnificent() %nastasia replie" with a s'ile.

now
<aven caught the Shrou")s co&pilot)s wrist in a vice&li+e grip a 'o'ent *efore he actually touche" her shoul"er. For a fleeting instant there was a loo+ of such un*ri"le" 'alevolence in her eyes that he felt his heart .uic+en *ut then her expression softene". /I)' sorry to wa+e you() the 'an sai" slightly nervously. /I wasn)t asleep() <aven replie"( trying to sha+e off the feeling of lingering "espair that always acco'panie" the 'e'ories of her chil"hoo". /%re we nearly ho'e5) /6es( 'a)a'() the co&pilot replie" with a no". /Five 'inutes.) /Than+ you() <aven replie"( stan"ing up an" hea"ing over to the stretchers on the opposite si"e of the passenger co'part'ent. She chec+e" the unconscious *oy)s pulse 9 still strong. /I +now you)re awa+e() <aven sai" to the girl in the other stretcher( s'iling to herself. /So feigning unconsciousness will not catch 'e off guar".) The girl)s hea" turne" so that she coul" see <aven. /4here are you ta+ing 'e5) the girl as+e"( straining against the straps that secure" her to the stretcher. /6ou)ll fin" out very soon() <aven replie". /If you stop struggling( I)ll un"o those straps.) The girl stare" at <aven for a 'o'ent an" then lay still. <aven 'ove" over to her stretcher an" release" the straps one *y one. The girl sat up an" loo+e" at <aven( as if si-ing her up. /4ho are you5) the girl as+e"( frowning slightly. /6ou 'ay call 'e <aven.) /4hy have you +i"nappe" us5 4ho "o you wor+ for5) the girl "e'an"e". <aven coul" not help *ut a"'ire her apparent lac+ of fear. /=et)s ,ust say that I wor+ in. . . recruit'ent() <aven replie" with a slight s'ile. /<ecruit'ent for what5) the girl as+e"( loo+ing roun" the "i'ly lit interior of the Shrou". The *oy in the other stretcher let out a low 'oan an" his eyes fluttere" open. <aven 'ove" over to his stretcher( un"i" the restraining straps an" helpe" hi' to sit up. He was tall an" han"so'e with a thic+ 'op of *rown hair that hung "own over his forehea" an" his "ar+ *rown eyes. He see'e" totally "isorientate" for a 'o'ent or two an" then his eyes wi"ene" an" he pushe" hi'self *ac+ against the *ul+hea" away fro' <aven. /4hat)s going on5) he sai"( soun"ing *ewil"ere". /I)ve alrea"y as+e" her that() the girl sai" as she sat "own next to the confuse"& loo+ing *oy. /I)' afrai" straight answers "on)t see' to *e her speciality.) There was a su""en soft thu" as the Shrou" touche" "own an" <aven 'ove" over to the *oar"ing ra'p release switch. /6ou)re a*out to get all the answers you coul" possi*ly want() <aven sai" as she hit the *utton an" the ra'p *egan to "escen". /#lease( after you() she sai"( gesturing for the' to procee". The girl helpe" the *oy get unstea"ily to his feet an" they wal+e" "own the slope. %t the *otto' were several security guar"s ar'e" with Sleepers. /This way please() one of the guar"s sai"( gesturing for the' to follow. They followe" hi' without .uestion( eyes wi"e an" 'ouths hanging open in a'a-e'ent as they trie" to ta+e in the scene that greete" the'. $o-ens of slee+( *lac+ insectile "ropships li+e the one they ha" ,ust "ise'*ar+e" fro' were sprea" out aroun" the floor of the huge hangar that surroun"e" the'. There was a ru'*le fro' high overhea" an" they loo+e" up to see two 'assive reinforce" shutters sli"ing together far a*ove the'( sealing the'

insi"e the enor'ous floo"lit cavern. Several other chil"ren were cli'*ing "own fro' the strange aircraft an" following security guar"s across the hangar floor towar"s a 'assive opening in the roc+y wall. They share" the sa'e loo+ of "u'*struc+ awe. /%ll retrieval tea's report for "e*riefing() a soft( vaguely synthetic voice sai" over spea+ers hi""en so'ewhere in the walls. /%ll flight crews to perfor' post&flight chec+s.) <aven watche" as the pair of new stu"ents who she ha" recruite" ,oine" the group of twenty or so other chil"ren who were *eing her"e" towar"s the 'ain 'eeting hall *y their security tea' escorts. She followe" along *ehin"( .uietly ta+ing up a position at the *ac+ of the enor'ous cavern that was use" for all full school asse'*lies. There was a low&level *u-- of nervous chatter now as the new inta+e of stu"ents was arrange" in lines in front of the lectern at the far en" of the roo'. 8ehin" the lectern was a sculpture "epicting a fist ha''ering "own upon a crac+e" glo*e( the sy'*ol of ;.=.2.V.!. %t its *ase was inscri*e" the ;.=.2.V.!. 'otto@ /$o :nto 2thers). % 'o'ent later the "oor at the si"e of the stage hisse" open an" $r 7ero stro"e over to the lectern. He pause" for a 'o'ent( loo+ing at the array of *ewil"ere" *ut curious faces that stare" *ac+ at hi'. /;oo" 'orning( la"ies an" gentle'en() 7ero *egan. /4elco'e to H.I.V.!. an" the first "ay of the rest of your lives.)

chapter five

% few hours later the two new stu"ents who ha" *een retrieve" *y <aven sat "own on one of the sofas in the atriu' of acco''o"ation *loc+ seven loo+ing exhauste" an" overwhel'e". They were *oth now wearing *lac+ %lpha strea' ,u'psuits. /4ell() the *oy sai" with a sigh( /I thin+ it)s safe to say that to"ay coul"n)t possi*ly get any weir"er.) /%n" that)s ,ust where you)" *e wrong() the girl sai"( loo+ing at so'ething over his shoul"er( a *roa" grin sprea"ing across her face. /I "on)t *elieve it.) The *oy stoo" up an" turne" roun" as his co'panion ran past hi'. /4hat on earth are you "oing here5) 2tto sai" with a grin as the girl hugge" hi'. The girl steppe" *ac+ an" the *oy gra**e" 2tto *y *oth shoul"ers. /3ee-( 2tto( we won"ere" where you)" got to( *ut I thin+ it)s safe to say that this is ,ust a *it stranger than any of the theories we ca'e up with.) /%re you gonna intro"uce us5) Shel*y as+e" as she an" =aura exchange" confuse" loo+s. /2f course( sorry() 2tto replie". /;uys( this is To' an" this is #enny an" let)s ,ust say that we use" towor+ together.) /6ou 'ean we use" to nic+ stuff for you() #enny sai" with a grin. /I was trying to 'a+e it soun" 'ore classy() 2tto replie" with a chuc+le. /6ou guys +new each other *efore this place5) =aura as+e"( still loo+ing slightly confuse". /6eah an" I suppose this is exactly the sort of place that I shoul" have expecte" 2tto to en" up in when I actually stop an" thin+ a*out it. #enny <ichar"s( please" to 'eet you.) She stuc+ out her han". /=aura 8ran"() =aura sai"( sha+ing her han"( /an" this is Shel*y Trinity.) /Hi() Shel*y sai" with a little wave. /Hi to you too() To' sai" with a s'ile. /To' <anso'( a pleasure to 'eet you *oth.) /So when "i" you get here5) 2tto as+e" as they all sat "own on the cluster of sofas. /This 'orning() #enny replie". /=et)s ,ust say that it)s *een a pretty strange twenty&four hours.) /I can i'agine() 2tto sai". /I can see you ha" a *it of a rough "ay.) He gesture" towar"s the *ruise on #enny)s chee+*one. /6eah( I thin+ that <aven wo'an 'ust not have *een too please" when I tasere" her() #enny replie" with a lopsi"e" grin. /6ou are tasering <aven0) Fran- sai" slightly too lou"ly as he sat "own on the sofa. /This is not *eing a clever thing to "o.) /That)s one way of putting it() 7igel sai" as he sat "own next to Fran-. /;la" to see that you still have all your li'*s at least.) /I "ou*t that <aven woul" have resorte" to "is'e'*er'ent except un"er circu'stances of extre'e provocation() 4ing sai" with a slight frown. /I was ,o+A 7ever 'in"() 7igel sai"( rolling his eyes. /%n" here)s the rest of our 'otley crew() 2tto sai". /To'( #enny( this is 4ing( Franan" 7igel.) /% pleasure to 'eet you() 4ing sai" with a slight *ow. /I *elieve that 2tto has 'entione" you to 'e *efore. 6ou live" in the sa'e orphanage *efore he ca'e to

H.I.V.!. "i" you not5) /6eah() To' replie"( /goo" ol" St Se*astian)s.) /How is 1rs 1c<ee"y these "ays5) 2tto as+e". /Fine( though she was rather sa" to lose her *est revenue strea' when you "isappeare"() #enny sai". 1rs 1c<ee"y ha" *een the hea" of 2tto)s ol" orphanage or at least that was what she an" 2tto let the rest of the worl" *elieve. In reality 2tto ha" *een essentially running the place at the ti'e he was recruite" *y H.I.V.!. while 'a+ing sure that 1rs 1c<ee"y was living the affluently co'forta*le lifestyle to which she ha" *eco'e accusto'e". They ha" an unspo+en agree'ent that she shoul" not en.uire too closely a*out where the 'oney for all her little luxuries ha" co'e fro'. /So are you guys still living there5) 2tto as+e". /7o( we "eci"e" to 'a+e our own way in the worl"( if you +now what I 'ean() To' replie". /4e)" ha" enough of the a'ount of 'oney that so'e of the people in the >ity were getting pai" so we starte" our own wealth re"istri*ution progra''e.) /The papers even gave us our own nic+na'e BThe Hoo"sC() #enny sai" with a grin( /as in <o*in Hoo".) /I have hear" of this legen". He was a 'an with an a"'ira*le goal() 4ing sai"( /stealing fro' the rich to give to the poor.) /6eah( we were ,ust li+e hi'() To' sai"( su""enly loo+ing slightly unco'forta*le( /except for the giving to the poor *it.) /4e were .uite poor when we starte"() #enny sai" "efensively. /%n" we "i" give so'e of it to charity. . . eventually.) /%n" I suppose that)s how you en"e" up getting our estee'e" hea" teacher)s attention() 2tto sai"( trying not to laugh at 4ing)s loo+ of slightly confuse" "isapproval. /I suppose so() To' sai"( /*ut( co'e on( 2tto( tell us what exactly happene" to you5 6ou announce one "ay that you)re going on a trip to the seasi"e an" no*o"y hears anything fro' you ever again. I thought you)" finally got caught an" en"e" up in so'e young offen"ers) institution so'ewhere.) /4ho says he "i"n)t5) =aura sai"( gesturing at the surroun"ing walls. /=et)s ,ust say that I got involve" in politics() 2tto sai" with a grin. He "eci"e" that he "i"n)t really want to go into too 'uch "etail a*out his part in the very pu*lic an" very hu'iliating "ownfall of the 8ritish #ri'e 1inister at that precise 'o'ent. 8esi"es which( he)" pro*a*ly caught 7ero)s attention well *efore the events of that particular "ay. That was ,ust when <aven( .uite literally( turne" up on his "oorstep. /So what a*out the rest of you5) #enny as+e". /How "i" you all en" up here5) 2ne *y one they gave accounts of the various fa'ily connections or acts of nascent villainy that ha" le" to the' *eing recruite" *y H.I.V.!. Shel*y was the last to explain her reasons for *eing at the school. /I guess I was a *it li+e you guys() she sai" with a s'ile. /I was into what "i" you call it. . . wealth "istri*ution too. I 'a"e a *it of a na'e for 'yself on the high value heist circuit. 8efore I ca'e here people use" to call 'e the 4raith.) /21;() #enny gaspe". /6ou were the 4raith5 =ove your wor+0 6ou have to tell 'e. . . the ;uggenhei' ,o* in 8il*ao( how "i" you pull that off5) /4hen we)ve got a spare couple of hours I)ll give you all the "etails() Shel*y sai" s'iling. /=et)s ,ust say that it too+ 'e a wee+ to get the s'ell of sewage out of 'y hair.) /!www() =aura sai"( wrin+ling her nose. /6ou "on)t +now the half of it() Shel*y sai"( pulling a face. /I thought there woul"n)t *e enough sha'poo in the worl".) They were all still chatting as >arla Trieste( one of the senior year %lpha stu"ents( wal+e" up to the group an" interrupte". /;la" to see that our new %lphas are 'a+ing frien"s() she sai"( /*ut I)' suppose" to

show you two to your new sleeping .uarters. 4oul" you co'e with 'e please5) /Suppose we)" *etter go an" see who our new roo'&'ates are going to *e() #enny sai" with a s'ile. /;reat to see you again( 2tto( an" it)s *een lovely to 'eet all of you guys. 6ou +now( this place su""enly "oesn)t see' .uite so *a". >atch you later.) /6eah() To' sai" with a *roa" s'ile. /Than+s for the war' welco'e. See you all soon I hope.) /6u'() Shel*y sai" as she watche" To' leave. /%ye( he is .uite easy on the eye() =aura grinne"( *lushing slightly. /H'''() 4ing sai"( frowning slightly. /%www( "on)t get ,ealous( *ig guy() Shel*y sai" putting her ar' aroun" hi'. /6ou +now I only have eyes for you. He)s all yours( 8ran".) /I "i"n)t 'ean that I wante" to. . . you +now. . . well. . .) =aura sai" unco'forta*ly( her face going still re""er. /6eah() 2tto sai"( /why "on)t we let people settle in for a few "ays *efore we start arranging their love lives for the'. >o'e on( =aura( let)s go an" finish the "e*ugging on our pro,ect.) /%www( young ner"s in love() Shel*y sai"( as =aura an" 2tto wan"ere" off. /6ou +now( it)s actually +in"a cute.) /I thin+ it woul" perhaps *e *est if you were to refrain fro' teasing =aura li+e that() 4ing sai". /7ot everyone wants you to select a ro'antic partner for the'( you +now.) /%ctually( I woul"n)t *e 'in"ing() Fran- sai" hopefully.

3oseph 4right stoo" on the *alcony of the la+esi"e villa( sipping fro' a tu'*ler of excellent whis+y an" listening to the soun" of the waves washing against the shore. This particular safe house was one of his favourites( not least *ecause a*solutely no one +new of its existence. He +new that 7ero woul" have correctly assu'e" that the atte'pt on his life in =on"on ha" *een arrange" *y hi' an" he was "a'ne" if he was going to 'a+e it easy for 7ero( or worse( <aven( to fin" hi'. He ha" to a"'it that the assassination atte'pt ha" *een an act of "esperation on his part. =i+e 'any of the for'er 'e'*ers of the ruling council he was "eter'ine" that 7ero was not going to strip hi' of all the power that he ha" 'anage" to accrue over the years. He ha" hope" that if 7ero coul" *e ta+en out of the picture that the new ruling council woul" have "isintegrate". 7ero 'ay have *elieve" that a council 'a"e up of his own %lpha strea' gra"uates woul" *e fit to replace the "eparte" lea"ers of ;.=.2.V.!. *ut they all +new that it woul" only wor+ if 7ero was there to gui"e the'. 4ithout his han" on the ru""er the ship woul" soon *e "rifting ai'lessly an" the ol" guar" woul" once again *e a*le to sei-e control. It was a nice theory at least *ut 4right +new that 7ero woul" prove 'ore "ifficult to "islo"ge with each passing "ay( while his own power an" that of the other for'er 'e'*ers of the ruling council woul" only "i'inish with ti'e. The 'o*ile phone on the glass ta*le *ehin" hi' *egan to ring( startling hi' fro' his *roo"ing an" 4right loo+e" at the "isplay. It rea"@ >%==!< :7?7247. /Hello() 4right sai"( putting the phone to his ear. /;oo" evening( 1r 4right() a "igitally "istorte" voice on the other en" replie". /4ho is this5) 4right "e'an"e" i'patiently. /1y na'e is 1inerva() the voice replie"( /an" I represent a group of people who woul" very 'uch li+e to "iscuss the possi*ility of for'ing an alliance with you an" the other 'e'*ers of your organisation who have *een har'e" *y 1axi'ilian 7ero)s clu'sy gra* for power.) /<eally() 4right sai"( soun"ing sceptical( /an" who exactly 'ight this group of people you represent *e5) /4e are people who share a co''on interest in the "estruction of 7ero() 1inerva

replie". /I suspect you 'ay have hear" of us 9 we are calle" the $isciples.)

/6ou 2?5) =aura as+e"( as she loo+e" up fro' the lines of co"e "isplaye" on the "evice)s screen an" caught 2tto staring off into the "istance. /Sorry( what5) 2tto sai"( his eyes focusing on her. /I as+e" if you were 2?() =aura sai". /6ou were 'iles away.) /6eah( sorry( I)' fine. It was ,ust a *it weir" to see To' an" #enny again() 2tto sai" with a sigh. /It ,ust see's so long ago( you +now( life *efore this place. So'eti'es I feel li+e I)' never going to see the real worl" again. That I)' never going to leave. $o you +now what I 'ean5) /2f course I "o() =aura sai". /I)' sure we all feel li+e that so'eti'es *ut there)s going to *e a life after H.I.V.!. you +now. For all of us.) /%ssu'ing we survive till then() 2tto sai" with a wry s'ile. /4ell( there is that() =aura sai"( /although it)s *een several 'onths since anyone trie" to +ill us so that has to *e a goo" sign.) /%n" yet here we are wor+ing on a "evice that will pro*a*ly en" up getting us +ille". It)ll either explo"e or $octor 7ero will catch us with it. !ither way we)re "ea"() 2tto sai" cheerily. /I)ll have you +now that there)s a re'ar+a*ly low chance of this explo"ing() =aura sai" with 'oc+ in"ignation. /If you)" "esigne" it on the other han"( well( then we 'ight as well *e playing hopscotch in a 'inefiel".) /2uch( suppose I as+e" for that() 2tto sai" with a grin. =aura stare" at the lines of co"e on the "isplay. /2tto( can I as+ you so'ething5) =aura sai" after a few secon"s( still staring at the screen. /Sure( what)s the 'atter5) 2tto as+e"( sensing the change in her tone. /$o you re'e'*er when we were in 8ra-il an" you were still infecte" with the %ni'us flui"5) =aura sai" .uietly. /8its of it() 2tto sai". /It)s not so'ething I particularly li+e to thin+ a*out( to *e honest.) The whole experience of *eing turne" against his frien"s *y %ni'us an" then *eing nearly ta+en over *y 2verlor" was not so'ething that 2tto was +een to relive. /I +now( I)' sorry( it)s not fair of 'e to as+. Forget a*out it() =aura sai"( sha+ing her hea" slightly. /7o( it)s fine( it)s in the past. 4hat was it you wante" to as+5) /6ou were really( really ill an" you were starting to slip away an" we all. . .) =aura pause" for a 'o'ent an" then loo+e" hi' straight in the eye. /4e all thought you were going to "ie an" ,ust *efore you lost consciousness you whispere" so'ething to 'e. $o you re'e'*er what you sai"5) /I. . . I)' not. . . yes() 2tto sai"( loo+ing "own at the floor. /6es( I re'e'*er.) /I +now you were "elirious an" it was pro*a*ly *ecause of that *ut. . . I nee" to +now. . . "i" you 'ean what you sai"5) 2tto stare" at her for several long secon"s( trying to fin" the wor"s he wante". /I. . .) /4oah() Shel*y sai" as the "oor sli" open an" she saw 2tto an" =aura. /Sorry. . . er'. . . wrong roo'. I)ll. . . err. . . co'e *ac+ later.) /7o( it)s all right() =aura sai"( loo+ing at 2tto. /I thin+ we)re finishe" here.) 2tto loo+e" li+e he was going to say so'ething an" then he stoo" up. /%re you sure( *ecause I can go hit the *oo+s in the li*rary if you guys still nee" so'e ti'e to. . . er. . . "e*ug() Shel*y sai"( loo+ing .uestioningly at =aura. /7o( it)s 2?( the "evice is rea"y() =aura sai"( pic+ing it up an" han"ing it to 2tto. /4e)re all going to nee" a goo" night)s sleep if we)re seriously going to pull this plan off

to'orrow night.) /=aura)s right() 2tto sai"( slipping the "evice into his ,u'psuit poc+et. /I shoul" go. See you guys to'orrow.) /6ou all right5) Shel*y as+e" as the "oor hisse" shut *ehin" 2tto. /6eah. . . no. . . oh( I "on)t +now() =aura sai"( sitting "own on the e"ge of her *e". /4ant to tal+ a*out it5) /7o( not right now() =aura sai" with a sigh. /7ot right now.)

/6ou shoul" have seen your face() #enny sai" with a grin as the %lphas wal+e" out of their Stealth an" !vasion class. /How was I suppose" to +now5) To' as+e"( loo+ing e'*arrasse". /7o one tol" 'e.) /4ell( at least now you)ll always *e re'e'*ere" for so'ething() 2tto sai" as he put his *ac+pac+ on his shoul"er( /To' <anso'. First H.I.V.!. stu"ent to actually stro+e 1s =eon.) /The loo+ on your face when she as+e" you what you thought you were "oing. . . priceless() =aura chuc+le". 1s =eon was H.I.V.!.)s Stealth an" !vasion teacher who( as a result of a frea+ acci"ent involving one of #rofessor #i+e)s experi'ents( ha" foun" her consciousness transferre" into the *o"y of a cat. :nfortunately To' ha" not realise" that when he first encountere" her. /I)ve never actually hear" an %lpha class all gasp at once li+e that *efore() Shel*y sai". /That)s goo" going.) /It)s going to ta+e 'e a while to live this one "own( isn)t it5) To' 'oane". /It coul" have *een worse() 2tto sai". /6ou coul" have given >olonel Francisco a nec+ ru*.) /#lease not to *e 'entioning the >olonel() Fran- sai" with a sigh. /So'ehow he has *een fin"ing out that I was responsi*le for the toilet "estruction inci"ent an" we all have a gy' session this afternoon. I a' alrea"y feeling the pain.) /2h great( a wor+out with an angry Francisco( ,ust what 'y "ay nee"e"() 7igel sai" with a sigh. /I "on)t suppose there)s any chance he)s going to have "evelope" a passion for yoga( is there5) /7ot unless so'eone)s "evelope" so'e for' of co'*at yoga() 2tto replie". /%ctually( you +now( that 'ight *e .uite cool. Fourteen ways to +ill a 'an fro' the lotus position.) /So what)s our next lesson5) #enny as+e" as they all wal+e" "own the corri"or. /Holographic training session() =aura replie". /It)s actually pretty cool. It)s where they train us to "o all the stuff that woul" *e too "angerous or i'practical to "o for real. They)re teaching us how to pilot helicopters at the 'o'ent.) />an I politely re.uest that so'eone else *e 2tto)s co&pilot this wee+() 4ing sai" with the tiniest hint of a s'ile. /=ast wee+)s lesson was a little too. . . eventful for 'y tastes.) /Hey0) 2tto sai". /The lan"ings are tough.) /6es() 4ing replie"( /*ut the rotor *la"es are suppose" to *e on top when you lan"( are they not5) /!veryone)s a critic() 2tto replie". /2?( so I a"'it it wasn)t perfect.) /I *elieve that what the instructor actually sai" was. . . now let 'e get this right. . . instantly lethal to the crew an" anyone stan"ing within one hun"re" 'etres of the lan"ing pa"() 4ing sai". /I)' sure he sai" so'ething a*out a fiery *all of explo"ing "eath too() =aura sai". /Soun"s li+e fun() To' sai" with a grin. /2h( you)re going to fit right in aroun" here() 7igel sighe". %s 2tto an" the others arrive" at the entrance to the holographic training cavern( the previous group of stu"ents were ,ust leaving. 2tto frowne" slightly as he saw >ole

Harrington wal+ing straight towar"s hi'. /;oo" to see you( 2tto() Harrington sai" as he approache". /Have you got two 'inutes5 There)s so'ething we nee" to "iscuss.) 4ing loo+e" at 2tto( raising an eye*row .ui--ically. /6ou guys go ahea"() 2tto sai". /This won)t ta+e long.) The other %lphas hea"e" into the training area while 2tto an" Harrington waite" for the corri"or to clear. /So( I was won"ering if you)" ha" enough ti'e to consi"er 'y offer fro' yester"ay() Harrington sai" with a col" s'ile. /I "on)t +now where you hear" that I was the person to tal+ to a*out this() 2tto replie"( /*ut I "on)t have the exa' papers an" even if I "i" I woul"n)t share the' with you.) /%n" that)s your final "ecision() Harrington sai". /There)s nothing I can "o to change your 'in"5) /7o() 2tto sai"( loo+ing the other *oy straight in the eye. /That)s a sha'e() Harrington sai"( the s'ile "isappearing. /6ou)re going to regret this. Trust 'e.) /That)s the secon" ti'e you)ve threatene" 'e() 2tto replie". /6ou shoul" +now that I)ve *een threatene" *y far 'ore "angerous people than you. $o you +now what none of those people have now5) /4hat5) /% pulse() 2tto sai" col"ly. /Is that suppose" to frighten 'e5) Harrington sai" with a sneer. /I "on)t +now() 2tto replie"( /*ut I have hear" that it)s har" to scare people with low intelligence.) /6ou)re going to regret this() Harrington sai"( his eyes narrowing( /*elieve 'e. 6ou %lphas are all the sa'e 9 you thin+ you)re in control *ut you)re not.) /I "on)t care who)s in control() 2tto sai" cal'ly *efore turning an" hea"ing into the training cavern. /3ust as long as it isn)t so'eone li+e you.)

The li'ousine "rove *etween the warehouses( slowing to a halt outsi"e the final set of rolling shutters. The "river soun"e" the horn once an" as the 'etal shutters rolle" upwar"s he pulle" insi"e( par+ing in the 'i""le of the loa"ing *ay. 1o'ents after the shutters hit the groun" the floor *eneath the li'o *egan to "rop into a conceale" shaft *elow. %fter a 'inute or so the hi""en lift ca'e to a stop an" another set of gates in the wall of the shaft opene" up( allowing the car access to the par+ing area on the other si"e( which was alrea"y half full with e.ually expensive vehicles. The chauffeur steppe" out of the car an" opene" the rear "oor for the single passenger within. 3oseph 4right steppe" out an" wal+e" .uic+ly towar"s the ar'oure" "ou*le "oors on the far si"e of the garage. He place" his han" in the recess next to the "oor an" felt a tiny pric+ in one of his fingertips as a "rop of his *loo" was extracte". /$7% scan co'plete() a "igitise" voice sai" after a few secon"s. /%ccess grante". ;oo" evening( 1r 4right.) The heavy "oors ru'*le" open an" 4right wal+e" insi"e. The roo' was alrea"y fille" with the hushe" 'uttering of several su*"ue" conversations that were ta+ing place *etween the "o-en 'en an" wo'en alrea"y present. /=a"ies an" gentle'en() 4right sai"( after loo+ing roun" the roo'( /please ta+e your seats. !veryone see's to *e here an" we have 'uch to "iscuss.) The various 'en an" wo'en sat roun" the large conference ta*le that occupie" the centre of the roo'. /First I woul" li+e to than+ you all for co'ing() 4right sai". /I +now that things have *een so'ewhat chaotic over the past few 'onths *ut I *elieve that now is the ti'e to

put that *ehin" us an" focus instea" on the future.) /;et on with it( 4right() =uca Venturi( the for'er hea" of ;.=.2.V.!.)s Southern !uropean operations sai" i'patiently. /I "on)t +now a*out anyone else *ut I have an organisation to try an" re*uil" an" I really "on)t have ti'e for this. I)' sure everyone hear" a*out your *ungle" atte'pt on 7ero)s life. I)' not surprise" that you woul" rather focus on the future when the past is littere" with failure.) /6ou tal+ of re*uil"ing( =uca. 4ell( that is exactly why I as+e" all of you here tonight() 4right replie" .uic+ly. /4e)ve all suffere" as a result of 1axi'ilian 7ero)s "ecision to "is*an" ;.=.2.V.!.)s ruling council. 4e have all watche" as the cri'inal e'pires that we each wor+e" for "eca"es to *uil" were un"er'ine" *y the actions of ,ust one 'an. 4e were thrown to the wolves( left to fen" for ourselves as the organisation that we *uilt was stolen fro' us *y 7ero an" his lac+eys. 4ell( starting tonight I propose that we pool our resources an" *egin the *attle to ta+e *ac+ what is rightfully ours. %re we really going to stan" *y while 7ero appoints a new council entirely 'a"e up of for'er pupils of that "a'ne" school of his5 #eople who have not earne" the positions to which they have *een appointe". 7ero an" his council are wea+ 9 the ti'e to stri+e is now.) /I hate to *rea+ it to you( 3ospeh() Felicia $ia-( one&ti'e co''an"er of ;.=.2.V.!.)s operations in South %'erica( sai" with a sigh( /*ut even if we were all to wor+ together( we woul" still not have the resources to ta+e on 7ero. He still controls ;.=.2.V.!. an" you +now as well as I "o that the loyalties of the organisation)s 'e'*ers are co''an"e" *y one thing. . . strength. 2nce upon a ti'e people 'ay have respecte" our strength *ut now they +now what the true *alance of power is. The new ruling council that 7ero has asse'*le" 'ay *e inexperience" *ut as long as 7ero sits at the hea" of the ta*le the people who report in to the council 'e'*ers will follow their instructions. 7o one wants to 'eet the sa'e fate that *efell >arlos( wa+ing up one 'orning to fin" a wal+ing( tal+ing "eath sentence stan"ing at the en" of your *e".) There was a 'ur'ur of agree'ent roun" the ta*le as the for'er 'e'*ers of the council recalle" the gri' fate that ha" 'et >arlos >have-( $ia-)s pre"ecessor( when he ha" *etraye" 7ero. /I thin+ it)s safe to assu'e we woul" all rather avoi" an encounter with 7ero)s pet assassin *ut I "i" not gather us here this evening for nothing. I *elieve that there 'ay *e a way to shift the *alance of power. I have *een approache" *y an organisation that woul" li+e to assist us in regaining control of ;.=.2.V.!.( an organisation that has *oth the resources we re.uire an" the willingness to use the'.) 4right reache" insi"e his ,ac+et an" pulle" out a s'all "isc&shape" "evice( placing it in the centre of the ta*le. % 'o'ent later the "isc lit up with a *right white light an" a holographic i'age of a "igitally "istorte" face appeare" hovering in the air half a 'etre a*ove it. /;oo" evening( la"ies an" gentle'en() the hovering face sai"( its voice also electronically "isguise". /1y na'e is 1inerva an" I represent an organisation that so'e of you will alrea"y *e fa'iliar with. 4e are calle" the $isciples an" we woul" li+e to offer you our assistance in overthrowing 1axi'ilian 7ero an" restoring control of ;.=.2.V.!. to its rightful 'asters. 6ou.) /%re you insane( 4right5) =uca Venturi as+e"( clear astonish'ent in his voice. /These people were the servants of 2verlor". I 'ay "isagree with what 7ero has "one *ut these lunatics were intent on han"ing the worl" over to an insane( genoci"al artificial intelligence. 4hat on earth 'a+es you thin+ that we can trust the'5) /2verlor" is "ea"() 1inerva sai" cal'ly( /an" with his "estruction ca'e a change in the priorities of our organisation. There were 'any of us that "i" not agree with what 2verlor" ha" planne" an" saw hi' as 'erely a 'eans to an en". 4e saw *eyon" the "estruction that 2verlor" woul" have wrought an" sense" the opportunity to change things per'anently. 7ero wishes the forces of glo*al villainy to re'ain hi""en in the

sha"ows( frightene" to show our true power for fear of inviting the retri*ution of the worl")s govern'ents. 4hy5 4hat "oes that achieve5 4hen will we finally *e allowe" to show the worl" what we are truly capa*le of an" ta+e the reigns of glo*al power for ourselves5 4e are tire" of hi"ing. The ti'e has co'e to step out of the sha"ows an" sei-e the power that is rightfully yours. However( to achieve that power we 'ust wor+ together. 6ou nee" our resources an" we nee" allies *ut( 'ore than that( we nee" lea"ership. That is why we are turning to you. 2ur assets( *oth hu'an an" financial( are consi"era*le( *ut we lac+ the networ+s an" contacts that you have *uilt up in your 'any years of service to ;.=.2.V.!. There is a uni.ue opportunity now for us to pool our resources an" create a new organisation that will not suffer fro' the frightene" paralysis that 7ero favours. ;.=.2.V.!. was "esigne" to stop you fro' achieving your true potential an" that is why it 'ust *e swept away an" replace" with an organisation that is not paralyse" *y fear *ut will instea" rule through fear.) /Fine wor"s() Felicia $ia- sai"( staring at the holographic pro,ection( /*ut why shoul" we trust you when you will not even show us your true face5) /4hat "ifference woul" that 'a+e5) 1inerva replie". /Surely the only thing that woul" really prove to you that you can trust us is if we give you a 'eaningful "e'onstration of what we are willing to "o for you.) /Such as5) $ia- as+e". /Such as the "estruction of 7ero() 1inerva sai" cal'ly. /1any have trie" to +ill 1axi'ilian() =uca Venturi snorte". /2*viously( all have faile". 4hat 'a+es you thin+ you will *e any 'ore successful5) /I "i"n)t say we woul" +ill hi'() 1inerva replie". /I sai" we woul" "estroy hi'. If we were to assassinate hi'( one of his acolytes woul" si'ply step forwar" an" ta+e his place. >ertainly ;.=.2.V.!. woul" *e wea+ene" *ut not to the "egree that we nee". So( instea"( we 'ust 'a+e sure that he is cripple" so co'pletely that it will paralyse ;.=.2.V.!. per'anently. That is when we will stri+e an" replace the' once an" for all. 8y the ti'e we are finishe" 7ero will not *e "ea" 9 he will ,ust wish he was.)

chapter six

/6ou sure we can trust the'5) Shel*y as+e". /%s sure as I can *e() 2tto replie". He leant on the *alcony railing( loo+ing "own at the atriu' area of acco''o"ation *loc+ seven where To' an" #enny were chatting with 7igel an" Fran-. /I +now you guys only 'et the' yester"ay *ut I)ve +nown the' for a lot longer. 8esi"es( it)s not li+e we)re as+ing the' to "o anything really "ifficult 9 they)ll ,ust *e *ac+ing up 7igel an" Fran-. 4e coul" with a couple 'ore pairs of han"s for that part of the operation anyway.) /Shoul" we not *e 'ore concerne" with whether or not they will wish to ta+e part in such a ris+y venture at all5) 4ing as+e". /They have( after all( only ,ust arrive".) /I "on)t thin+ they)ll 'in"() 2tto sai" with a s'ile. /It soun"s li+e they were .uite use" to ta+ing a few ris+s in their lives *efore they were *rought here. 8esi"es( as I recall there was a certain *unch of newly recruite" stu"ents who hatche" a plan to escape fro' H.I.V.!. within ,ust a couple of wee+s of arriving. =et 'e thin+( who was that5) /#oint ta+en() 4ing replie". /I)' with 2tto() =aura sai" with a no". /!ven if they "on)t want to get involve" I)' pretty sure that we can trust the' not to tell anyone what we)re up to.) /Soun"s li+e we)re agree"() Shel*y sai"( loo+ing at the other three. /4ho)s going to *rief the'5) /I)ll "o it() 2tto sai". /It 'ight soun" a little less cra-y co'ing fro' so'eone they)ve +nown for 'ore than twenty&four hours. I)ll fill the' in on the "etails 9 you guys 'a+e sure that you)ve got everything else we nee". 4e go at 'i"night.) 4ing( Shel*y an" =aura all no""e" their agree'ent an" hea"e" *ac+ to their .uarters to 'a+e their final preparations. 2tto wal+e" "own the stairs at the en" of the lan"ing an" across the atriu' towar"s where To' an" #enny were sitting with Franan" 7igel. /Hey guys() 2tto sai" as he approache"( /how)s it going5) /Fine( than+s() #enny replie". /Fran- was ,ust telling us how he single&han"e"ly save" the school when it was ta+en over *y an ar'y of ro*ot assassins.) /4hether we li+e it or not() 7igel sai"( rolling his eyes. /I a'( of course( usually *eing reluctant to tal+ of 'y heroic actions() Fran- sai" with a "is'issive wave( /*ut To' an" #enny are insisting that I give the' all the "etails.) /2f course they were() 2tto sai"( trying not to laugh at the slightly straine" s'iles on the new %lphas) faces. /Hey( I was ,ust won"ering if I coul" have a wor" with To' an" #enny in private.) /Sure( no pro*le'() 7igel sai". /4e were ,ust going to hea" up to our .uarters anyway.) /6es( we are nee"ing to get rea"y for a goo" night)s sleep() Fran- sai"( ,ust slightly too lou"ly an" with a painfully o*vious win+ at 2tto. /6ou "o that() 2tto sai". /4e will 72T *e seeing you later() Fran- sai" as 7igel "ragge" hi' away. /Is Fran- always so. . . er'. . .5) #enny as+e" as 2tto sat "own. /6es( always() 2tto replie" with a s'all sigh. /$on)t worry( you get use" to it. . . eventually.) /4hat can we "o for you5) To' as+e".

/4ell() 2tto replie"( /there)s so'ething that a few of us have *een planning for a while an" we were won"ering if you two 'ight want to *e involve".) /4hat +in" of so'ething5) #enny as+e". /The +in" of so'ething that I thin+ 'ight appeal to you guys() 2tto replie" with a s'ile. /2?( I)' intrigue"() To' sai"( leaning forwar". /Tell 'e 'ore.) 2tto spent the next ten 'inutes "escri*ing exactly what it was that he an" the others ha" planne" for later that night. /That)s insane() #enny sai" as 2tto finishe". /I love it0 I)' in.) /1e too() To' sai" with a grin. /6ou +now( I thin+ I)' going to li+e it here.)

7ero wal+e" into the conference roo' an" was please" to see that the other 'e'*ers of ;.=.2.V.!.)s new ruling council ha" alrea"y arrive". #erhaps arrive" wasn)t .uite the right wor" since none of the' were there in person. They were ,ust three&"i'ensional pro,ections create" *y the holographic "isplay unit 'ounte" in the ceiling a*ove the centre of the long ta*le( *ut this was as close as they coul" get to 'eeting in the flesh at short notice. %s ever( 7ero woul" have preferre" to have gathere" the' all in person *ut for now this woul" have to "o. /;oo" evening( la"ies an" gentle'en() 7ero sai" as he too+ his seat at the hea" of the ta*le. /I will *e *rief as I +now that you all have other pressing 'atters to atten" to. It cannot have escape" your notice that there are two vacant seats at this ta*le tonight. %s I)' sure you are aware this is a result of actions *y at least one for'er 'e'*er of this council. 2ver the past few hours so'ething even 'ore trou*ling has co'e to 'y attention. I receive" a 'essage fro' an ol" an" truste" ally of this council an" I have as+e" you all here so that he can share the sa'e infor'ation with you.) 7ero presse" a *utton on the control panel 'ounte" in the ta*le in front of hi' an" the large "isplay screen at the other en" of the roo' lit up with a fa'iliar face. /#lease go ahea"( $ia*olus.) /Than+ you( 1ax() $ia*olus $ar+"oo' replie" with a no". /%s so'e of you 'ay +now( I have *een wor+ing over the past few 'onths to fin" out 'ore a*out the group +nown as the $isciples. %t first it was "ifficult to "iscover anything 'ore than the ru'ours an" 'isinfor'ation that we were alrea"y aware of. 4hat we "i" +now was that they were followers of 2verlor" an" appeare" to have a wi"esprea" an" capa*le networ+ of operatives. Initially I ha" hope" that the reason it was proving so "ifficult to "iscover anything was that their organisation ha" collapse" after the "estruction of 2verlor" at the %"vance" 4eapons #ro,ect facility in >olora"o. ;ra"ually it *eca'e clear that this was( unfortunately( not the case. The $isciples ha" not *een "estroye"( they were 'erely regrouping. The first unpleasant evi"ence of this was the "isappearance of several infor'ants who ha" *een provi"ing us with infor'ation to trac+ "own the re'aining 'e'*ers of the group. Soon after that other 'ore su*tle *ut e.ually "istur*ing signs *egan to e'erge. I uncovere" evi"ence of a 'ar+e" increase in glo*al weapons thefts an" *lac+ 'ar+et sales. 4e)re not tal+ing a*out a few shipping containers of %?&FGs here. These were *lee"ing e"ge weapons syste's an" tactical e.uip'ent. The sort of stuff that so'e of the worl")s 'ost powerful nations woul" *e please" to get their han"s on an" yet no*o"y see's to +now where they)ve gone.) /%re we sure that the $isciples are responsi*le5) one of the 'e'*ers of the council as+e". /It)s i'possi*le to *e sure *ut we are aware of no other group with either the will or the resources to pull off these +in"s of operations. 2ther than ourselves( of course. 4ithin the past twenty&four hours things have ta+en a 'ore sinister turn. %s you all +now( 'ost of the for'er 'e'*ers of this council were less than happy with $octor

7ero)s "ecision to "is'iss the' an" asse'*le a new council. %fter the events surroun"ing 2verlor")s "efeat they were force" into hi"ing. 2verlor" ha"( after all( reveale" all of their i"entities to the worl")s security services. $espite that( $octor 7ero an" 'yself ha" wor+e" har" to +eep ta*s on their wherea*outs an" activities. They are too "angerous for us not to. The reason I a' here tal+ing to you to"ay is that since last night they have also "isappeare". 4e have lost contact with the operatives who were trac+ing the' an" the few 'e'*ers of the previous council who were sy'pathetic to $octor 7ero)s "ecision have *een assassinate". %t exactly the sa'e ti'e we lost all contact with the ;.=.2.V.!. operatives who ha" *een assigne" to further investigate the $isciples. It is highly unli+ely that this was a coinci"ence. The conclusion we have *een force" to "raw is that the for'er 'e'*ers of the council 'ay have allie" the'selves with the $isciples. 4hile I have no "irect evi"ence of it( every instinct is telling 'e that they are preparing for so'ething *ig an" that we are clearly the 'ost li+ely targets.) /Than+ you( $ia*olus() 7ero sai"( loo+ing roun" the ta*le. /This is worrying *ut not entirely unexpecte". 4hat concerns 'e far 'ore is their potential alliance with the $isciples 9 a group of people who were assisting 2verlor" in his insane plans( who woul" have stoo" *y an" watche" as the whole worl" *urne".) /So how "o we react5) another council 'e'*er as+e". /How "o we fight an ene'y we can)t fin"5) /4e can)t() 7ero replie"( sha+ing his hea". /4e can only *olster our "efences an" wait for the' to 'a+e their 'ove. 7or'ally I woul" *e reluctant to ta+e such a passive approach *ut until we have *etter intelligence on what we are up against I)' afrai" that we have little choice.) /I assu'e that our efforts to locate the 'issing for'er council 'e'*ers are still ongoing5) so'eone else as+e". /In"ee"() 7ero replie". /4e are using every 'eans at our "isposal to relocate the' an" when we "o they will face. . . vigorous .uestioning. I will see to that personally. In the 'eanti'e you shoul" all 'a+e a special effort to watch for any unusual activity in your own territories. The $isciples will have to *rea+ cover at so'e point an" when they "o we will *e waiting for the'. Than+ you for your ti'e. $o unto others.) /$o unto others() the 'e'*ers of the ruling council repeate" the ;.=.2.V.!. 'otto as the holographic pro,ector "eactivate" an" they fa"e" fro' view. /Is there anything else you nee"( 1ax5) $ar+"oo' as+e"( seeing the concern in his frien")s expression. /7o() 7ero sai" with a sigh. /6ou can see where this is hea"ing( I assu'e.) /This isn)t a war yet() $ar+"oo' replie". /4e can still "efuse this situation *efore it co'es to that.) /I hope you)re right( $ia*olus() 7ero sai"( sha+ing his hea". /I really "o.)

/2ne 'inute() 2tto sai"( loo+ing at the ti'er on his 8lac+*ox as 4ing chec+e" the contents of his *ac+pac+ for the final ti'e. /I woul" wish us goo" luc+ *ut I +now you "o not approve of such things() 4ing sai"( s'iling. /If success is "ictate" *y luc+( then it isn)t really success at all() 2tto replie"( still staring at his 8lac+*ox. /So you have sai" 'any ti'es() 4ing sai"( raising an eye*row( /*ut I woul" still rather have it than not.) /Having sai" that( Fran- "oes play a significant part in this plan so 'ay*e a little *it of luc+ actually woul"n)t hurt.) /#ersonally( I thin+ that it is goo" that Fran- is so +een to *e involve". He has *een 'ost. . . enthusiastic.)

/6ou say enthusiasticH I say li+e a really( really excite" puppy in that split secon" *efore it pees on you.) /Than+ you( 2tto() 4ing frowne"( /for putting a cal'ing 'ental i'age in 'y hea" ,ust 'o'ents *efore we are to e'*ar+ on such a perilous enterprise.) /%ll part of the service() 2tto sai" with a grin as his 8lac+*ox e'itte" a single soft *eep. /2?( it)s ti'e.) 4ing hit the light switch( plunging the roo' into "ar+ness as 2tto pic+e" up the "evice that he an" =aura ha" secretly *een wor+ing on for the last couple of wee+s. 2nce upon a ti'e it ha" *een a 8lac+*ox *elonging to >olonel Francisco that Shel*y ha" /*orrowe")( *ut now it was *arely recognisa*le. 3ust a*out the only thing that re'aine" the sa'e was the high&resolution touch&screen "isplay. The rest of the "evice was covere" in wiring an" pieces of expose" circuit *oar". 2tto an" =aura ha" even given it a new nic+na'e( the Hac+*ox. 2tto touche" a co''an" on the screen an" it *egan to "isplay a series of status 'essages.
S!>:<! >211:7I>%TI27S #<2T2>2= !ST%8=ISH!$ 128I=! 7!T42<? !ST%8=ISH!$ >277!>TI7; T2 S=%V! $!VI>!S 1%=#!7S!( 2 >277!>T!$ 8<%7$( = >277!>T!$ F%7>H:( 4 >277!>T!$ T<I7IT6( S >277!>T!$ $%<?$221( 7 >277!>T!$ %<;!7T8=:1( F >277!>T!$ <%7S21( T >277!>T!$ <I>H%<$S( # >277!>T!$ %== S=%V! $!VI>!S S:>>!SSF:==6 >277!>T!$ S:<V!I==%7>! =22# %>TIV%T!$ 2#!7I7; %>>2112$%TI27 8=2>? G $22<S IJ( JK( FI( GI %7$ GL.

The "oor to 2tto an" 4ing)s roo' hisse" open. />o'e on() 2tto sai" as he hurrie" out of their .uarters. They ran "own the lan"ing an" 'et Shel*y an" =aura co'ing the other way. /So far so goo"() Shel*y whispere". /If you 'ean that we)ve ,ust successfully passe" the first of four hun"re" an" seventy& three separate potential failure points in this plan( then yeah( so far so goo"() 2tto replie". /Than+s for the 'orale *oost( <o*oto() Shel*y sai". /Hush up( you two() =aura sighe". /I)' as 'uch of a fan of snar+y *anter as the next girl *ut we)ve only got an hour until the surveillance loop expires. >o'e on.) They hurrie" along the lan"ing to Fran- an" 7igel)s roo' where they foun" only 7igel waiting. /4here)s Fran-5) 2tto as+e" with a frown. /He)s Bscouting ahea"C apparently() 7igel sai"( sha+ing his hea". /I tol" hi' to wait here *ut he sai"( an" I .uote( BThat "anger lur+s roun" every corner an" that he was on pointC.) /2h no() 2tto cringe". /<eally5) /$on)t *la'e 'e() 7igel sai". /I wasn)t the one at the planning 'eeting who tol" hi' to Bchannel his inner nin,aC.) /I was only +i""ing() Shel*y sai" "efensively. /2?( let)s get To' an" #enny an" roun" Fran- up *efore he attac+s any security guar"s() 2tto sighe". They all hurrie" "own the stairs to the next lan"ing where To' an" #enny were waiting. /6ou 'anage" to get out without wa+ing up your new roo'&'ates then5)

/6eah() #enny replie"( /though I thin+ it 'ight have ha" so'ething to "o with the se"ative "rops on their pillows. 6ou sure that one "rop will *e enough to +eep the' un"er5) /Shoul" *e 'ore than enough() 2tto replie"( as they continue" "own the stairs to the atriu'.54e)re not going to *e gone that long.) /4here exactly "i" you get that stuff fro' anyway5) =aura as+e". /It was so'ething that I)" *een. . . wor+ing on() 2tto replie" slightly unco'forta*ly. /4hy were you wor+ing on a new for' of se"ative5) 7igel as+e". /It wasn)t really suppose" to *e a se"ative( it was ,ust suppose" to relax the airways an". . . er'. . . control snoring.) /2tto( is there so'ething you woul" li+e to tell 'e5) 4ing sai" with a slight frown. /=oo+( there)s Fran-() 2tto sai" .uic+ly. Fran- was "ashing fro' sha"ow to sha"ow( slowly 'a+ing his way towar"s the huge steel "oors that seale" off the acco''o"ation *loc+ at night. /4hat)s he got on his face5) Shel*y as+e". /$on)t as+() 7igel sai". %s they approache" they coul" all see that Fran-)s entire face was *lac+. /Fran-( what have you "one5) =aura as+e"( stifling a giggle. /I a' ensuring that I a' *len"ing with the sha"ows() Fran- sai". /It is increasing 'y stealthiness.) /4hat "i" you use5) 2tto as+e"( staring at hi' in 'il" "is*elief. /I a' using the 'ar+er pen *ut I a' *eing very careful not to get any in 'y 'outh *ecause the la*el on the pen is saying that it is ine"i*le() Fran- sai" with a serious expression. /In"eli*le( Fran-( in"eli*le() 2tto sai". /2h no() 7igel sai"( putting his han" over his eyes. /4hat is this in"eli*le 'eaning5) Fran- sai" as he notice" the 'ixture of a'use'ent an" horror on the other %lphas) faces. /7ever 'in"() 2tto sai". /4e)ll "eal with it later. 4e nee" to +eep 'oving. =aura( get the "oor.) 2tto han"e" the Hac+*ox to =aura an" she wal+e" over to the nu'eric +eypa" that serve" as a loc+ for the 'assive "oor. She touche" a series of *uttons on the "evice)s screen an" a couple of secon"s later the "oors *egan to slowly ru'*le apart. /2?( no alar's going off( so I)' going to assu'e that the ghost interface is wor+ing() =aura sai". /I never "ou*te" you for a 'o'ent() 2tto sai"( s'iling at =aura. /<ight. !veryone +nows where they nee" to *e. 4e have. . .) 2tto loo+e" at his 8lac+*ox( /fifty&three 'inutes. ;oo" luc+.) 2tto( 4ing( =aura an" Shel*y ,ogge" away "own the corri"or ahea" while 7igel an" Fran- hea"e" off "own another corri"or with To' an" #enny. 2tto reache" out with his 'in" an" his own strange a*ility to control electronic "evices allowe" hi' to hoo+ up "irectly to the Hac+*ox. It was safe for hi' to connect with it as long as he "i"n)t go a stage further an" connect "irectly to H.I.V.!.)s networ+. /<ight( give 'e a secon"() 2tto sai"( as he visualise" a three&"i'ensional i'age of the layout of H.I.V.!.( /let)s see what we can see.) 2n the 'ap in 2tto)s hea"( s'all points of 'oving light *egan to appear. There were *right *lue "ots that represente" the locations of his frien"s) 8lac+*oxes an" a scattering of re" "ots throughout the co'plex that showe" the current positions of the security patrols. He tilte" his hea" to one si"e slightly an" sent a live fee" of that infor'ation to the Hac+*ox which then passe" it on to the other 8lac+*oxes. /;ot it() =aura sai"( chec+ing the screen of her own "evice. /The Hac+*ox is trans'itting.)

/2?( that shoul" help us avoi" any patrols() 2tto sai". /7ow we ,ust nee" so'e new outfits.) The four of the' ran through the twisting 'a-e of corri"ors( stopping only *riefly to let security patrols pass *y ahea" of the'. They .uic+ly 'a"e their way "eeper into the *owels of the volcano that house" the school. The lower levels were 'ore "i'ly lit( with unifor' grey concrete walls an" floors. /It)" *e real easy to get lost "own here() Shel*y sai" as they ran "own yet another featureless corri"or. /$on)t worry( we)re nearly there() =aura sai"( loo+ing at the Hac+*ox. /7ext left.) They too+ the next *ranch in the tunnel an" the corri"or en"e" at a steel "oor with the wor"s /Storage %rea Four) etche" into its surface. /<ight( here we are() 2tto sai". /2pen sesa'e.) =aura tappe" at the Hac+*ox an" the "oor sli" open. %s the four of the' steppe" into the storage area( lights starte" to flic+er on overhea". /4oah() =aura sai"( pointing at the opposite wall( /are they what I thin+ they are5) Stan"ing against the wall were three of the hul+ing assault "roi"s that >ypher ha" use" in his assault on H.I.V.!. a couple of years *efore. /I ha" won"ere" if they)" +ept any of these() 2tto sai" as he exa'ine" one of the giant 'achines 'ore closely. /$o you thin+ they)re still functional5) /I suppose it woul" "epen" on the con"ition of the servos an" the 'usculature interlin+s() =aura replie"( tracing her finger through the "ust that covere" one of the huge 'achines. /Tic+ toc+( guys() Shel*y sai" as she loo+e" aroun" the roo'. /4e nee" to stay on sche"ule. %ny*o"y see what we)re here for5) /2ver here() 4ing sai"( *ec+oning the others. Hanging on a rac+ were a "o-en ther'optic ca'ouflage *o"ysuits. /;et change"() 2tto sai". /The other four shoul" *e in position any 'inute.) /I)' having a *it of trou*le here() =aura sai"( frowning at the "isplay on the Hac+*ox. /4hat is it5) 2tto as+e". /They nee" to get closer to the "oor to the >#> or else I can)t get a lin+ to the loc+ing 'echanis' fro' their 8lac+*oxes() =aura sai". 2tto loo+e" at the "isplay of his own 8lac+*ox. The security patrols aroun" that area were tight. 7igel an" the others ha" a win"ow of forty&five secon"s( a 'inute at the outsi"e( *efore another patrol arrive". He watche" as the "ots on the "isplay representing their frien"s 'ove" closer to their target. /=aura() 2tto sai"( frowning( /they nee" that "oor open now.) /I +now( I +now() =aura sai"( chewing her *otto' lip nervously.

/4ait() 7igel whispere" to Fran-( To' an" #enny( hol"ing up his han". %t the far en" of the corri"or a pair of security guar"s wal+e" past. 7igel waite"( stu"ying the "isplay of his 8lac+*ox. /;o() he sai" an" the four of the' hurrie" "own the corri"or. %hea" was a large "ou*le "oor that loo+e" li+e it woul" *e 'ore at ho'e in a *an+ vault./2?() 7igel sai"( /let)s hope this wor+s.) /It ha" *etter() To' sai"( placing a han" on the 'assive "oor( /*ecause we)re not getting through these "oors any other way. 7ot without enough explosives to *ring this whole place "own aroun" our ears anyway.) 7igel loo+e" nervously at his 8lac+*ox. There was another security patrol hea"ing their way. They only ha" a few 'ore secon"s. />o'e on( guys() 7igel 'uttere" to hi'self. Su""enly the thic+ steel ro"s that crosse" the "oor sli" *ac+ an" they *egan to open. 7igel an" the others hurrie" through the gap an" al'ost i''e"iately the "oors *egan

to close again. 7igel watche" the position of the security patrol on his 8lac+*ox( praying that the "oors woul" shut an" loc+ *efore the patrol ca'e roun" the corner outsi"e. %ll four of the' hel" their *reaths as the re" "ot 'ove" "own the corri"or on the screen( followe" *y a collective sigh of relief as the guar"s continue" along their assigne" patrol route. /Than+ you( =aura() 7igel sai"( /even if you "i" cut it a little close.) He thu'*e" the co''s *utton on his 8lac+*ox an" a secon" later 2tto connecte". /4e)re in() 7igel sai". /2ver to you.) /<oger that() 2tto replie". /See you on the other si"e.) 7igel turne" roun" an" trie" to ta+e in the scale of the roo' they were stan"ing in. Six 'assive circular tur*ines( each several storeys high an" thru''ing with power( too+ up the 'a,ority of the floor. Surroun"ing the tur*ines were huge towers with giant 'etal *alls on top of the' that "ischarge" arcing *olts of 'an&'a"e lightning fro' one to another. The roo' was only "i'ly lit an" the flashes of *right *lue&white light fro' the thun"erous electrical "ischarges threw o"" sha"ows on to the walls. This was the >entral #ower >ore( where the heat gathere" *y the school)s geother'al plant was converte" into raw power that was then "istri*ute" throughout H.I.V.!. If H.I.V.!.'in" was the school)s *rain( then this place was its *eating heart. /2?( #enny( you co'e with 'e to the control roo'. 6ou two go "own to the 'ain floor an" get rea"y *y those *rea+ers. <e'e'*er that you have to trip the' at the precise 'o'ent I say or 2tto an" the others are going to have a really unpleasant evening.) /6ou can *e counting on us() Fran- sai"( giving 7igel a thu'*s up *efore cli'*ing "own the la""er to the generator floor. 7igel an" #enny ran along the gantry accessway to the elevate" control roo' on the other si"e of the cha'*er. /If this place is so i'portant( why is there no*o"y here5) #enny as+e" as they entere" the "eserte" control roo'. /It)s all fully auto'ate"() 7igel replie"( searching for the right controls. /H.I.V.!.'in" runs it all. The 'anual controls are only here in case the co'puter syste's go "own for any reason. %t least that)s what 2tto tol" 'e.) 7igel foun" the correct panel an" .uic+ly i"entifie" the controls that 2tto an" =aura ha" *riefe" hi' on. /%re you guys in position5) 7igel sai"( spea+ing into his 8lac+*ox. /<ea"y() To' replie" after a 'o'ent. /I a' *eing rea"y too() Fran- sai". /2?() 7igel replie"( /now we wait for 2tto)s signal.)

2tto lay on his *elly insi"e the ventilation shaft( loo+ing "own through the grille into the roo' *elow. He was su""enly very gla" that he "i"n)t suffer fro' vertigo 9 the floor was a goo" fifty 'etres *elow the'. He reache" over his shoul"er an" un-ippe" the si"e poc+et of his *ac+pac+( pulling out a s'all steel 'ulti&tool. He unfol"e" a screw"river *la"e fro' the tool an" set to wor+ .uic+ly unscrewing the 'ountings that hel" the grille in place. He pulle" the loose grille free an" han"e" it *ac+ to 4ing. There was an o'inous crea+ing soun" fro' so'ewhere overhea". /6ou are sure this shaft is strong enough to support us all( aren)t you( 2tto5) =aura whispere" fro' so'ewhere *ehin" 4ing. /$efine sure() 2tto sai"( sli"ing forwar" an" popping his hea" through the hole in the floor of the shaft. /2h( great() =aura sighe". 2tto scanne" the roo' *eneath the'. This was H.I.V.!.'in")s pri'ary "ata hu* an" as such was one of the 'ost sensitive an" well&secure" locations in the entire school.

Thic+ translucent ca*les pulsing with *lue light le" "own fro' the ceiling in the centre of the *rightly lit roo' an" into a central colu'n. 8eneath the hu* 'ore ca*les le" "own to the floor far *elow an" fanne" out to an array of *lac+ 'onoliths arrange" in concentric circles. These *lac+ sla*s were H.I.V.!.'in")s storage cores an" insi"e one of the' was the "ata that they wante". There was ,ust one s'all catch. % 'etre a*ove the tops of the storage cores was what( fro' 2tto)s position far a*ove( loo+e" li+e a sheet of spar+ling *lue light. It was actually .uite *eautiful( a fact which conceale" its true purpose. 4hat it actually was( 2tto ha" "iscovere" "uring the planning of the operation( was a fine 'esh of high&powere" argon lasers that woul" instantly vaporise anything that touche" it. Its 'ain purpose was to stop anything that fell fro' a*ove "a'aging the precious storage cores *ut it also serve" as a highly effective security syste'. That wasn)t the only pro*le'. #ositione" at regular intervals ,ust a*ove the gantry that ran roun" the circular walls of the roo' were a "o-en sentry "evices with 'ounte" Sleeper pulse guns. They woul" trac+ the ther'al signature of anyone entering the hu* without the proper clearance an" neutralise the'. The fact that the entire roo' was chille" to ,ust a*ove free-ing point in or"er to +eep the hu*)s processors cool woul" 'a+e any such ther'al signatures incre"i*ly easy to spot. It was figuring out how to get past these syste's( an" not 4ing)s snoring( that ha" +ept 2tto awa+e at night. /2?( =aura() 2tto sai"( /signal 7igel once we)re in position. 4ing( Shel( fire up your suits. Ti'e to go.) 2tto pointe" the grappler unit 'ounte" on the forear' of his suit at the top of the ventilation shaft a*ove the opening an" fire". The 'etal "art punche" through the thin wall of the shaft an" cla'pe" on. 2tto activate" his ther'optic ca'ouflage syste' an" carefully sli" forwar"( lowering hi'self into the opening. The hea"s&up "isplay in his 'as+ starte" a five&'inute count"own. The suits that they)" *orrowe" fro' the storage roo' were o*solete( first&generation units which 'eant that they only ha" enough *attery power to run the ca'ouflage syste's for five 'inutes at a ti'e. 4hile they were active 2tto( 4ing an" Shel*y woul" *e effectively invisi*le not only to the na+e" eye *ut also to the ther'al sensors on the sentry guns. 7one of the' wante" to still *e in this roo' when that count"own expire". The incre"i*ly thin line spoole" out fro' the grappler unit as 2tto "escen"e" towar"s the glittering *lue laser fiel". %*ove hi'( first 4ing an" then Shel*y "roppe" through the opening an" *egan their own careful "escents. 2tto slowe" his "escent an" pointe" the grappler on his other ar' at the gantry that le" to the colu'n in the centre of the roo'. He fire" a secon" line an" slowly reele" hi'self over towar"s the gantry. He caught hol" of the railing an" cli'*e" over on to the wal+way lea"ing to the central hu* *efore releasing an" retracting his two grappler lines. He hurrie" over to one of the control panels 'ounte" in the colu'n an" pulle" a 'etal *ox with a s'all aerial fro' his *ac+pac+. %*ove the'( =aura watche" as her frien"s 'ove" into position. The co'puter& assiste" optics in the hel'et of her own suit allowe" her to see the' "espite the fact that they were currently invisi*le to the na+e" eye. 2nce 2tto was all set an" 4ing an" Shel*y were positione" ,ust a*ove the laser net( she hit the *utton on her 8lac+*ox to signal 7igel. /;o ahea"() 7igel replie" on the other en". /4e)re rea"y() =aura sai" .uic+ly. /Ti'e to turn out the lights.)

In the #ower >ore cavern 7igel hit the series of switches as =aura an" 2tto ha" "rille" hi'. It woul" have *een 'uch si'pler to ,ust cut the power supply to the entire school *ut that woul" have *een too o*vious. This woul" *e the first place that the security tea's woul" *e "ispatche" to an" without power the four of the' woul" *e trappe" insi"e this cha'*er ,ust waiting for the guar"s to turn up. They ha" to *e su*tler than

that. /2?( #enny() 7igel sai"( /when I say( throw that switch.) #enny no""e" an" place" her han" on the *right re" switch in the centre of the console on the opposite si"e of the roo'. 7igel place" his 8lac+*ox on the control panel an" use" it to signal Fran- an" To'. /2?( guys( here we go() 7igel sai"( his han" hovering over a green *utton. /Three( two( one( now0)

H.I.V.!.'in" +new so'ething was wrong. %ll of the syste' "iagnostics that he ha" run ha" co'e *ac+ clear. 7one of H.I.V.!.)s security syste's were reporting anything strange *ut he coul" not sha+e off the feeling that there was so'ething he was 'issing. If he were hu'an he woul" pro*a*ly have calle" it a hunch *ut( as he foun" he was having to re'in" hi'self 'ore an" 'ore fre.uently( he was not hu'an. 2nce upon a ti'e he woul" have relie" upon the si'ple facts that the "iagnostics were reporting to hi' *ut ever since he ha" share" consciousnesses with 2tto he ha" foun" hi'self 'ore prone to this erratic *ehaviour. He floate" through the "ata structures of the school( searching for the files he wante". He .uic+ly foun" the correct location an" *egan to strea' the raw footage fro' the school)s surveillance networ+. %ll was as it shoul" *e( the only signs of life were the security guar"s con"ucting their regular patrols. H.I.V.!.'in" fro-e the i'age of one of the guar"s wal+ing past. There was so'ething a*out it that was not .uite right. He was ,ust *eginning to stu"y the i'age in higher "efinition when su""enly everything went *lac+.

/There it goes() =aura sai" as the auto'ate" signal( alerting security that H.I.V.!.'in" was "own( flashe" across H.I.V.!.)s networ+. She watche" as the Hac+*ox intercepte" the signal an" "elete" it. They "i"n)t have long 9 the 'a,ority of H.I.V.!.)s syste's woul" auto'atically switch to the school)s lower&level co'puter syste's *ut sooner or later so'eone woul" 'a+e a "irect en.uiry to H.I.V.!.'in" an" then they woul" have only 'inutes *efore they figure" out what ha" happene". /7igel( H.I.V.!.'in")s "own() =aura sai" into her 8lac+*ox. />ut the power to the laser net.) In the cha'*er *elow the lethal *lue fiel" flic+ere" for an instant an" then vanishe". Shel*y an" 4ing "roppe" to the floor an" reele" in their grappler lines. 2n the gantry a*ove the' 2tto close" his eyes an" place" a han" on the control panel 'ounte" in the central colu'n an" reache" out with his a*ilities for the storage cores *elow. Insi"e his hea" he flew through the vast fiel"s of "ata that were store" in the *lac+ 'onoliths. :n"er other circu'stances he woul" have ta+en this opportunity to "elve "eep into the secrets of H.I.V.!. *ut they "i"n)t have ti'e for that now. 7ow he ha" to fin" the 'aintenance controls for the storage units. He race" through the networ+( scanning the control syste's at an inhu'an spee" until he foun" what he was loo+ing for. The instant that H.I.V.!.'in" was shut "own he woul" have perfor'e" an e'ergency core "u'p. !verything that was in his active 'e'ory at that instant woul" have *een copie" to secure physical storage so'ewhere in this roo'. 2tto accesse" the 'aintenance controls an" opene" the core containing the correct "rive. /It)s open() 2tto yelle" fro' the gantry. /4ing( Shel*y( get going.) 4ing an" Shel*y ran in opposite "irections( scanning the surfaces of the "o-ens of ,et *lac+ sla*s for the storage unit. :p on the gantry 2tto watche" the *attery ti'er in his H:$ "rop *elow three 'inutes. />o'e on( guys() 2tto 'uttere" un"er his *reath. /It)s got to *e "own there

so'ewhere.) Shel*y sprinte" past the 'onoliths( loo+ing for anything unusual. Su""enly so'ething caught her eye. #rotru"ing slightly fro' the surface of one of the sla*s was a s'aller *lac+ cu*e. /;ot it0) Shel*y yelle"( sli"ing the cu*e fully out of the sla* an" shoving it into her poc+et. She loo+e" upwar"s an" aligne" the laser sight on her grappler with the opening in the ventilation shaft far overhea" an" fire". The "art roc+ete" upwar"s( trailing its 'onofila'ent ca*le( an" struc+ ho'e( securing itself within the ventilation shaft. Shel*y shot upwar"s off the floor( flying past the gantry where 2tto was stan"ing an" up into the ventilation shaft. /#resent for you() Shel*y sai" with a grin( han"ing =aura the *lac+ cu*e as she cli'*e" insi"e the shaft. /;reat() =aura sai". /This won)t ta+e long.) She attache" a series of self&a"hesive pa"s to the surface of the cu*e an" hoo+e" the' up to ca*les "angling fro' the *ac+ of the Hac+*ox. /I still "on)t un"erstan" why we "on)t ,ust get 2tto to "o that with his electronic voo"oo() Shel*y sai" as she watche" =aura urgently punching co''an"s into the Hac+*ox. /8ecause he)" leave "igital fingerprints all over it() =aura replie"( staring at the tiny "isplay. /The 'o'ent that H.I.V.!.'in" is *rought *ac+ online he)ll *e restore" fro' the "ata in this cu*e. He)" +now instantly if 2tto ha" accesse" it. $on)t as+ 'e why( I "on)t really un"erstan" it 'yself( *ut 2tto assures 'e that H.I.V.!.'in" woul" +now. It)s so'ething to "o with this *on" they)ve "evelope".) /They "o 'a+e a lovely couple() Shel*y sai" with a grin. /I)ve always sai" they were 'a"e for each other.) /Transfer co'plete0) =aura yelpe" "elighte"ly. She han"e" the cu*e *ac+ to Shel*y who turne" an" loo+e" "own through the opening in the shaft. $irectly *eneath the' on the cha'*er floor far *elow 4ing stoo" waiting. /2?( *ig guy() Shel*y sai"( /hea"s up.) She "roppe" the cu*e through the opening an" it plu''ete" towar"s 4ing. 4ing watche" as it tu'*le" towar"s hi'( totally focuse". He caught the cu*e in a single flui" 'otion that ensure" it was not ,arre" *y the su""en "eceleration an" ran *ac+ towar"s the storage core that Shel*y ha" ta+en it fro' *arely thirty secon"s *efore. He sli" the cu*e *ac+ into the 'onolith *ut it "i" not insert fully( the rest was up to 2tto. 2n the gantry a*ove 2tto close" his eyes again an" accesse" the storage 'aintenance controls. The cu*e sli" s'oothly *ac+ into the *lac+ sla* an" 2tto "elete" the 'aintenance log that recor"e" the fact it ha" ever *een re'ove". 2tto opene" his eyes an" s'ile" 9 the count"own in his H:$ showe" a 'inute re'aining on the ca'ouflage syste')s *attery. 1ore than enough ti'e for the' to get out. /2?( 4ing( we)re goo". =et)s go0) 2tto yelle" "own to his frien". He ai'e" his grappler at the opening overhea" an" fire"( reeling hi'self in the 'o'ent the "art hit ho'e. He loo+e" "own as he cli'*e" into the opening an" saw 4ing ai' his grappler up at the'. He fire" an" the "art shot past 2tto an" into the shaft wall. % split secon" later( in the instant *efore 4ing coul" start his ascent( the laser net lit up again with a flash( severing 4ing)s grappler line instantly an" trapping hi' *eneath its lethal glow. /7o0 $a'n it() 2tto snappe"( /what happene"5 =aura( signal 7igel an" tell hi' to cut the power again.) 2tto watche" as the count"own in his H:$ "roppe" *elow forty&five secon"s. /2?() he sai"( loo+ing at the girls( /I thin+ we have a pro*le'.)

chapter seven

/Step away fro' the switch() the security guar" sai"( his Sleeper pointing straight at To'. 7igel an" #enny watche" in horror fro' the control roo' a*ove as To' steppe" away fro' the circuit&*rea+er which the guar" ha" ,ust force" hi' to reset. /4hat "o we "o5) #enny whispere". /I have no i"ea() 7igel replie". /4e ,ust have to pray that the others got out in ti'e.) %t that instant an inco'ing trans'ission re.uest fro' =aura flashe" up on 7igel)s 8lac+*ox an" he hit the receive *utton. /7igel() =aura sai" .uic+ly( /what)s going on5 The laser net ,ust reactivate" with 4ing on the wrong si"e of it.) /4e)ve got a *ig pro*le' here() 7igel explaine". /% guar")s ,ust co'e in an" caught To'. The guar" force" hi' to reset the circuit&*rea+er. There)s nothing we can "o.) /4eren)t you watching the patrols5) =aura as+e" irrita*ly. /I was() 7igel 'oane"( /*ut then I ha" to throw all those switches an" I got "istracte". I)' really sorry 9 I shoul" have *een paying 'ore attention.) /It "oesn)t 'atter() =aura replie"( /we ,ust nee" to get the gri" turne" off.) $own on the floor of the #ower >ore( the guar" reache" for the ra"io attache" to his *elt. /I)' going to call this in() the guar" sai". /$on)t 'ove a 'uscle unless you want to spen" the next few hours unconscious.) The guar" hit the trans'it *utton on the wal+ie&tal+ie. /This is !vans in the >#>. I)ve got a. . .) The guar")s eyes wi"ene" in horror as a screa'ing( *lac+&face" "e'on leapt fro' the sha"ows an" hit hi' li+e a truc+. He collapse" *ac+war"s un"er Fran-)s weight an" as he lan"e" flat on his *ac+ there was a 'uffle" -ap soun" as his Sleeper "ischarge". Fran- rolle" off the unfortunate guar" who ha" ,ust acci"entally ren"ere" hi'self unconscious with his own weapon. /8e throwing the switch() Fran- sai" as he cli'*e" to his feet. /Euic+ly.) To' *lin+e" once in astonish'ent *efore rushing over to the circuit&*rea+er an" throwing it *ac+ into the off position. :p in the control roo' 7igel grinne" at #enny. /6ou +now( we are never going to hear the en" of this.)

/>o'e on( guys() 2tto sai" un"er his *reath as he loo+e" "own through the opening in the ventilation shaft. The *attery counter on his H:$ tic+e" *elow ten secon"s. 4ing ha" exactly the sa'e charge re'aining an" the 'o'ent the *atteries faile" an" the ther'optic ca'ouflage "isengage" he woul" *e easy prey for the sentry guns on the walls. 2tto "i" not li+e to thin+ what the conse.uences woul" *e if 7ero realise" what they ha" *een "oing. He watche" the counter( feeling helpless. Five. . . Four. . . Three. . . Su""enly( the glittering laser net a*ove 4ing)s hea" vanishe". 4ing reacte"

instantly( ai'ing the grappler on his other forear' at the s'all opening far overhea". 2tto scoote" *ac+ fro' the opening as the grappler *olt struc+ the ceiling of the shaft. The *attery ti'er hit -ero an" the ca'ouflage syste's in his suit "isengage" an" 4ing *eca'e visi*le as he flew into the air an" shot up the line towar"s the opening. %s he reache" the shaft an" pulle" hi'self insi"e( four of the sentry guns *egan to trac+ his e'erging ther'al signature. They rotate" into position ,ust as 4ing)s feet "isappeare" into the shaft. The sentries scanne" the area slowly( loo+ing for any trace of the phanto' contact *efore giving up an" returning to their stan"*y positions. /That was too close() 2tto sai"( letting out the *reath that he)" *een hol"ing for the last thirty secon"s. /1ay we return to *oring again now() 4ing sai" with a s'all s'ile. /%*solutely() 2tto replie" with a grin. /8ut first we nee" to return these suits to the storage roo'. =aura( signal 7igel an" the others an" tell the' to restore the power "own there.) =aura no""e" an" pulle" out her 8lac+*ox as 2tto set to wor+ securing the ventilation grille *ac+ in place. If they were going to get away with this they woul" have to leave no trace of their presence. /How long have we got on the security ca'era loop5) Shel*y as+e". /Fifteen 'inutes. #lenty of ti'e.) 2tto replie".

H.I.V.!.'in" awo+e as the power flowe" *ac+ into his pri'ary syste's. He waite" as the core "u'p was uploa"e" *ac+ into his syste' an" his 'e'ory returne". He reviewe" his last actions *efore the unexpecte" power outage. He ha" *een chec+ing an inconsistency in the footage fro' the school)s security ca'eras. H.I.V.!.'in" stu"ie" the capture" fra'e of a security guar" wal+ing past the ca'eras. So'ething a*out it ha" caught his attention. He notice" the watch which was clearly visi*le on the guar")s wrist. The ti'e on the watch "i" not tally with the ti'e&sta'p on the footage. There was the possi*ility( of course( that the guar" ha" si'ply not set his watch correctly so H.I.V.!.'in" searche" the footage fro' the other ca'eras. There "i" not see' to *e any other inconsistencies *ut he coul" not sha+e the sense that so'ething was not .uite right. It was a perfect exa'ple of what separate" a true artificial intelligence fro' *eing si'ply a very powerful co'puterH the a*ility to feel an" then to act on those feelings instea" of ,ust col"ly processing the "ata that was presente" to hi'. He tappe" *ac+ into the live fee" fro' the ca'era networ+ an" stu"ie" it carefully. There was so'ething layere" within the "atastrea' *ut it was al'ost i'possi*le to 'a+e out exactly what it was. He *egan slowly to *rea+ the strea' "own an" analyse it. It was ti'e&consu'ing wor+ *ut he soon *egan to see a pattern e'erging.

2tto hit a *utton on the Hac+*ox an" the "oor to the storage roo' sli" shut an" loc+e" with a soli" soun"ing thun+. They ha" change" *ac+ into their stan"ar" issue *lac+ %lpha strea' ,u'psuits an" still ha" plenty of ti'e left to get *ac+ to the acco''o"ation *loc+ *efore the hac+ on the security ca'eras expire". 7igel( Fran-( To' an" #enny were waiting for the'. /!veryone 2?5) 2tto as+e". /6eah( we)re fine() 7igel replie"( /though we "i" leave an unconscious guar" in the #ower >ore.) /I a' *eing force" to use 'y elite co'*at s+ills to ta+e hi' out() Fran- sai" with a serious expression. /$o you thin+ he)ll *e a*le to I$ you5) 2tto as+e" with a slight frown. /He got a loo+ at 'e *ut it was "ar+ in there an" I rec+on fro' the loo+ on his face

that the only thing he)ll actually re'e'*er fro' the whole experience will *e Fran- flying at hi'() To' replie". /6ou nee" to get that stuff off your face( Fran-() 2tto sai"( /*efore that guar" wa+es up an" "escri*es the person that attac+e" hi'. 6ou)re not going to *e exactly "ifficult to pic+ out of a line&up at the 'o'ent. ;oo" wor+ in there 9 you really save" our *acon.) /It was nothing() Fran- sai" with a "is'issive wave. /So'eti'es the pure +iller instinct ta+es control an" I a' *eco'ing ,ust an unstoppa*le weapon. 6es5) /6es( well( anyway. . .) 2tto sai"( trying har" not to laugh. /6ou guys get *ac+ to your roo's. =aura an" I have to get ri" of so'e incri'inating evi"ence.) =aura pulle" the Hac+*ox fro' her *ac+pac+ an" they hea"e" over to one of the waste "isposal chutes in the wall near*y. She .uic+ly encrypte" the parts of the H.I.V.!.'in" core "u'p that they nee"e" an" then copie" the file fro' the ,ury&rigge" "evice on to her own 8lac+*ox. 4ith the "ata secure 2tto triggere" the Hac+*ox)s self& "estruct routine. The "evice *egan to spar+ an" hiss as its internal circuitry was re"uce" to 'olten slag. 2tto "roppe" the s'o+ing "evice into the chute. !ven if it were retrieve"( which was unli+ely( there was now no way that it coul" *e trace" *ac+ to 2tto an" his frien"s. /%ll that wor+ an" now it)s ,ust trash() =aura sai" with a sa" s'ile. /See's li+e a *it of a waste to *e honest.) /4e can *uil" a *etter one() 2tto replie"( /an" it)s prefera*le to 7ero catching us with it. There)s going to *e a security sweep when they fin" that guar" in the #ower >ore an" you can *et that we)re going to *e top of the list of suspects. 8est to ,ust get ri" of it.) /%ye() =aura replie"( /at least we got what we nee"e".) /1ore than we nee"e" actually. I ha" a .uic+ loo+ at the files an" that core "u'p inclu"e" a full copy of H.I.V.!.'in")s source co"e. I "on)t +now a*out you *ut I)ve always wante" to have a po+e aroun" in that an" fin" out what 'a+es hi' tic+. 6ou even 'anage" to get a copy of the operational plans for the Hunt.) /$i" I5) =aura as+e"( soun"ing surprise". /I was ,ust frantically copying everything as fast as I coul". I wasn)t really paying attention to what the files were.) /6ou "i" great() 2tto sai" with a s'ile. />o'e on( we)" *etter get *ac+ to our roo's *efore that guar" wa+es up an" they start turning the whole school upsi"e "own searching for whoever +noc+e" hi' out. They *oth turne" to hea" *ac+ up the stairs to their roo's when a voice stoppe" the' col". /Hello( 1alpense() >ole Harrington sai" as he steppe" out of the sha"ows. 4ithout warning( so'eone gra**e" 2tto fro' *ehin" an" wrappe" an ar' aroun" his throat. %t the sa'e instant( a giant han" cla'pe" over =aura)s 'outh( stifling her yelp of pain as her attac+er twiste" her ar' an" yan+e" it visciously upwar"s into the s'all of her *ac+. /I *elieve you +now 'y associates( 1r 8loc+ an" 1r Tac+le() Harrington continue" with an unpleasant s'ile. /They "on)t see' to li+e you very 'uch for so'e reason.) 2tto an" his frien"s ha" ha" several previous encounters with the Hench'an strea' stu"ents 8loc+ an" Tac+le( all of the' unpleasant. /If you try to call for help( 1r Tac+le will hurt 1iss 8ran" very *a"ly. $o I 'a+e 'yself clear5) /4hat are you "oing here( Harrington5) 2tto "e'an"e" angrily. /6ou)re not the only one who +nows how to open "oors in this place( 1alpense() Harrington replie". /Though 'y 'etho"s are so'ewhat si'pler. 6ou ,ust have to +now the right people.) /4hat "o you want5) 2tto as+e"( seeing the loo+ of paine" fear in =aura)s eyes. Harrington wal+e" over an" put his han" in =aura)s poc+et( pulling out her 8lac+*ox. /This() Harrington replie"( /or at least the files that are now on it. I was "elighte" to hear what you sai" a*out H.I.V.!.'in")s source co"e. Forget the exa'ination papers.

$o you have any i"ea what that co"e woul" *e worth on the *lac+ 'ar+et5 I 'ay not *e "ue to leave H.I.V.!. ,ust yet( 1alpense( *ut when I "o those files are going to 'a+e 'e richer than you coul" possi*ly i'agine.) /The files are encrypte"() 2tto snappe" *ac+( /an" there)s no way that I)' going to unloc+ the' for you.) /<eally() Harrington sai"( turning to Tac+le an" =aura. /2?( if that)s the way you want this to go. 1r Tac+le( I)' going to count to three an" then I want you to *rea+ her ar'. 2ne( two. . .) /Stop0) 2tto snappe"( +nowing full well that Tac+le woul" not hesitate to carry out Harrington)s co''an". /I)ll "o it( ,ust "on)t hurt her.) Harrington han"e" =aura)s 8lac+*ox to 2tto an" watche" as 2tto opene" the file an" type" in the "ecryption +ey. He s'ile" as he too+ the sli' "evice fro' 2tto an" inspecte" the unloc+e" files. /;oo"() Harrington sai" with a s'ile. /7ow I)' afrai" that we)re going to have to 'a+e sure that you "on)t "o anything stupi" li+e tell anyone what I)ve got here.) He thought for a 'o'ent an" then loo+e" at 8loc+. /Ta+e the' up to the top *alcony an" throw the' off.) /Hol" on( you "i"n)t say nuffin+ )*out +illing )e'() 8loc+ sai" with a frown. /6eah( what if we get caught5) Tac+le sai"( no""ing. /6ou won)t() Harrington sai"( sha+ing his hea". /1alpense 'ust have "isa*le" the security ca'eras in here or he)" alrea"y have *een caught. 7o one will ever +now we were here. I)ll "ou*le what I)' paying you( ,ust "o it.) 2tto too+ a *reath *ut 8loc+ cla'pe" his han" over his 'outh *efore he coul" call for help. /%ll right( *ut you)" *etter 'a+e sure that 'oney is where you sai" it woul" *e when we get out of here() 8loc+ sai". /Trust 'e() Harrington sai" with a s'ile( hol"ing up =aura)s 8lac+*ox( /with what I)ve got here( I)' goo" for it. 7ow stop wasting ti'e an" get ri" of the'.) 2tto struggle" to *rea+ free of 8loc+)s vice&li+e grip *ut it was useless. The two Hench'en "ragge" the' across the atriu' towar"s the stairs lea"ing upwar"s. There was a loo+ of panic+e" fear on =aura)s face as she too trie" "esperately to get away fro' Tac+le *ut the huge Hench'an was far too strong for her. Su""enly( wailing sirens *egan to soun" all over the school. /Security alert( full loc+"own in progress() H.I.V.!.'in")s voice state" cal'ly over the tannoy syste'. Harrington loo+e" "esperately over at the "oors to the acco''o"ation *loc+. There was no way out of here now( even with the access co"e he ha" *ought. 2n the other si"e of the atriu' 8loc+ hesitate" an" loo+e" at Tac+le in confusion. /4ha""a we "o now5) he as+e". 2tto felt the pressure fro' 8loc+)s han" on his 'outh ease slightly an" he sei-e" the opportunity( *iting "own on 8loc+)s fingers so har" that he "rew *loo". 8loc+ pulle" his han" away instinctively an" 2tto snappe" his hea" forwar"s an" then *ac+ with as 'uch force as he coul". The *ac+ of 2tto)s hea" 'a"e contact with 8loc+)s face with a crunch an" 8loc+ i''e"iately let go of hi'( staggering *ac+war"s howling in pain as *loo" strea'e" fro' his s'ashe" nose. 2tto turne" to face the hul+ing Hench'an( unsure of what to "o next. He +new that there was no way he coul" 'atch 8loc+ in a straight fight. 8loc+)s han"s "roppe" fro' his face an" *alle" into fists as he wal+e" towar"s 2tto with a loo+ of 'ur"erous rage in his eyes. 2tto *ac+e" away fro' 8loc+ as Tac+le stoo" *y( still restraining =aura. 2tto felt the wall *ehin" hi' as 8loc+ raise" one of his 'assive fists. /6ou)ve ha" this co'ing for a long ti'e( 1alpense() 8loc+ sai". There was a su""en -apping soun" an" 8loc+)s eyes rolle" upwar"s as he collapse" to the groun" unconscious. 8ehin" hi'( >hief $e++er stoo" with her Sleeper raise".

/=et her go() $e++er sai"( pointing the gun at Tac+le. He "i" as he was instructe" an" release" =aura as 2tto ran over to her. 2tto was a'a-e" *y how .uic+ly $e++er ha" respon"e" to the alar'. /%re you 2?5) he as+e". /6eah() =aura sai"( her voice sha+y. /I thin+ so.) /4oul" so'eone care to tell 'e exactly what)s going on here5) $e++er sai"( her Sleeper still traine" on Tac+le. /H.I.V.!.'in" triggere" the alar' when he "iscovere" that the security ca'era syste' ha" *een co'pro'ise". I assu'e that was so we woul"n)t see what was going on here.) 2n the other si"e of the atriu'( Harrington crept towar"s the open "oor of the acco''o"ation *loc+. $e++er ha" not seen hi' when she entere" an" she ha" conveniently left the 'assive "oors that usually seale" their living .uarters wi"e open for hi'. He +new he ha" to get out of there *efore anyone "iscovere" what ha" ,ust happene". He sli" along the wall towar"s the "oor( +eeping his eyes on $e++er who still ha" her *ac+ turne" towar"s hi'. /;oing so'ewhere5) a voice *ehin" hi' as+e". Harrington spun roun" an" saw <aven stan"ing in the "oorway. <aven shove" hi' ahea" of her as they wal+e" across the atriu' towar"s $e++er an" the other stu"ents. % 'inute or so later $r 7ero stro"e into the roo' with a furious expression on his face. /H.I.V.!.'in"( please "eactivate the alar's() $r 7ero sai" into his 8lac+*ox an" the alert sirens stoppe" wailing as he wal+e" towar"s the'. /7ow I)" li+e to hear your explanation of exactly what)s going on here.) /1alpense tol" 'e to co'e here() Harrington sai" .uic+ly. /He trie" to sell 'e the exa' papers that he an" 8ran" ha" stolen *ut when I sai" I wasn)t intereste" he attac+e" 'e. 1y two frien"s here ha" co'e along to help 'e get the 8lac+*ox with the stolen "ata off the' so that I coul" turn it in. They were protecting 'e so that I coul" *ring you this.) Harrington han"e" 7ero =aura)s 8lac+*ox. /4hy( you lying little. . .) =aura sai" angrily. /2tto( tell the' what really happene". . . 2tto.) =aura turne" to 2tto who ha" a faraway loo+ on his face for a 'o'ent *efore he focuse" on her with a single *lin+. /Is this true( 1r 1alpense5) 7ero as+e". /2f course not() 2tto sai". /It was Harrington who stole the "ata *ut it wasn)t really the exa' papers he was after. He)s also stolen H.I.V.!.'in")s source co"e( an" he)s planning to sell it on the *lac+ 'ar+et. He ca'e an" unloc+e" 'ine an" =aura)s .uarters an" *rought us "own here to the atriu'. He thought that with our a*ilities we)" *e a*le to help hi' trans'it the source co"e off the islan". He offere" us a cut of the profits an" showe" us the files 9 they)re all on his 8lac+*ox. 4hen I sai" I was going to report hi' he +new he ha" to silence 'e an" so he trie" to get these two i"iots to "o his "irty wor+ for hi'.) 7ero loo+e" at 2tto an" Harrington( unsure what to *elieve. /4ell( I can see that there)s only one way that we)re going to resolve this() 7ero sai" with a frown. 7ero steppe" over to one of the access points on the wall near*y an" hit the call *utton. % 'o'ent later the *lue wirefra'e hea" of H.I.V.!.'in" appeare" on the screen. /How 'ay I *e of assistance( $octor 7ero() H.I.V.!.'in" as+e". /I want you to run a scan of the 8lac+*oxes *elonging to stu"ents 1alpense( 8ran" an" Harrington to i"entify any unauthorise" files() 7ero sai". /Scanning() H.I.V.!.'in" replie". Harrington loo+e" at 2tto with a nasty s'ile. /Scan co'plete() H.I.V.!.'in" replie". /1iss 8ran")s an" 1r 1alpense)s 8lac+*oxes

are free of unauthorise" files. 1r Harrington)s 8lac+*ox( however( contains copies of the papers for the upco'ing exa'inations( "etails of the location for the assess'ent exercise +nown as the Hunt an"( 'ost "istur*ingly( a copy of 'y own syste' source co"e.) /4hat0) Harrington shoute". /That)s i'possi*le. 1alpense( what "i" you "o5) /Stoppe" you fro' stealing incre"i*ly sensitive "ata *y the loo+s of it() 2tto sai" with a s'ile. /I)" say that 'uch is o*vious.) /The evi"ence is in"isputa*le() H.I.V.!.'in" replie" cal'ly. /The ti'e&sta'ps on the files in"icate that they were copie" "irectly fro' 'y own core syste's to 1r Harrington)s 8lac+*ox thirty&three 'inutes ago. That was "uring the ti'e power was cut to 'y syste's.) /That)s not true. I was here half an hour ago( waiting for 1alpense to show up() Harrington sai". /%ctually( the positional logs on your 8lac+*ox in"icate that you were in the >entral $ata Hu* at the ti'e in .uestion() H.I.V.!.'in" replie". /Stu"ents 1alpense an" 8ran"( accor"ing to their own logs( have not left their acco''o"ation *loc+ since overnight loc+"own *egan.) /It soun"s li+e you have so'e explaining to "o( 1r Harrington() 7ero sai" with a frown. />hief( ta+e hi' an" his acco'plices to the "etention area. I shall .uestion hi' 'yself later. 1r 1alpense( 1iss 8ran"( you will return to your .uarters. I a' please" to see that you "i" not involve yourself in whatever it was that 1r Harrington was planning. 7ee"less to say I will not *e using these exa' papers now that they have *een co'pro'ise". They will all have to *e rewritten. $is'isse".) /$o you get the feeling that we 'ay not have the full story5) <aven sai" as she watche" 2tto an" =aura wal+ away. /In"ee"() 7ero replie"( /*ut ,ust occasionally I fin" 'yself thin+ing that 'ay *e for the *est.)

Shel*y leapt up off her *e" as =aura wal+e" into their .uarters. She loo+e" pale an" exhauste". /4hat happene"5) Shel*y as+e"( as =aura sat "own on her *e". /I hear" the alar's. $i" you guys get *uste"5) Shel*y sat "own next to =aura as she "escri*e" the events of the past few 'inutes. /2h no() Shel*y sai". /=aura( I)' sorry. I ,ust thought you)" got hel" up tal+ing to 2tto or so'ething. If I)" ha" any i"ea. . .) /It)s 2?() =aura sai". /I ,ust can)t *elieve we went through all of this for nothing.) Su""enly( out of nowhere( she starte" to cry. /Hey() Shel*y sai"( putting her ar' aroun" her( /it)s 2?. >o'e on.) /I)' sorry() =aura sai" after a 'inute( stopping crying with a sniff an" a sigh. /It)s ,ust. . . I "on)t thin+ I can. . .) /It)s all right. 6ou)ve ha" a shoc+. That)s all.) Shel*y sai"( hugging her. /Hey( co'e on( it)s not li+e it)s the first ti'e anyone)s ever trie" to +ill you. I)" have thought you)" *e starting to get use" to it *y now.) /I suppose I shoul"() =aura chuc+le" an" wipe" her eyes. /It)s ,ust with everything that)s going on with the exa's co'ing up an" the Hunt. I "on)t +now. I guess( I ,ust nee"e" this to wor+.) /4ho)s 'y favourite control frea+5) Shel*y sai"( grinning at her. /%nyway( I)' the one who shoul" *e worrying a*out the exa's( not a *rainiac li+e you. 4hat)s the worst that coul" happen5 6ou get a 8. I +now that woul" *e unprece"ente" *ut it woul"n)t *e the en" of the worl"( you +now. 7ow( I "on)t +now a*out you *ut I)' rea"y to hit the hay. It)ll all *e 2? to'orrow.)

/6ou soun" li+e 'y 'u'. She always says that things will loo+ *etter in the 'orning() =aura sai" with a sa" s'ile. /4ell( your 'o')s o*viously nearly as s'art as your %unty Shel*y. 7ow try to get so'e sleep.)

The next 'orning 2tto sat with the other %lphas( .uietly explaining the events of the night *efore. /So while Harrington was telling 7ero his version of events I copie" the files fro' =aura)s *ox to his an" 'a"e a few 'inor changes to his position log() 2tto sai" with a grin. /I only ,ust 'anage" to finish 'a+ing the changes *efore H.I.V.!.'in" scanne" *oth the *oxes. He al'ost caught 'e.) /I thought it was an o"" ti'e for you to "rift off li+e that() =aura sai". /I shoul" have realise" that you were up to so'ething.) /I)' ,ust gla" you)re *oth 2?() Shel*y sai"( sha+ing her hea". /I can)t *elieve I was up there getting rea"y for *e" while you two were "own here nearly getting 'ur"ere" *y Harrington an" those two 7ean"erthals.) /I also regret that I was not a*le to offer any assistance() 4ing sai". /If I)" ha" any i"ea what was happening. . .) /Hey( it wasn)t your fault() =aura sai". /They ,u'pe" us. There was no way for any of us to +now what Harrington was planning.) /Hey guys() 7igel sai"( as he sat "own on the sofa next to the'. /4here)s Fran-5) 2tto as+e". /6eah. How is our favourite nin,a warrior this 'orning5) Shel*y as+e" with a grin. /Fine() 7igel sai" with a sigh( /consi"ering that he)s *een up all night trying to get that stuff off his face. 6ou)ll *e gla" to hear that it "oes co'e off. . . eventually. I hear" what happene" with Harrington. 4hat a ,er+.) /I)' ,ust upset that *ecause of hi' we went through all that for nothing() =aura sai"( loo+ing sa". /7ow 7ero)s having the exa' papers rewritten an" we)ve got nothing whatsoever to show for all of this.) /%ctually( that)s not entirely true() 2tto sai" with a sly s'ile. /6ou see( I ha" a chance to ta+e a .uic+ loo+ at the file on this year)s Hunt *efore I copie" it to Harrington)s *ox. I +now where we)re going.) /2h( than+ ;o"() =aura sai"( loo+ing relieve". />o'e on( tell us then( where are they sen"ing us5) /I can "o *etter than that() 2tto sai"( chec+ing to 'a+e sure that he coul" not *e overhear" *efore pulling a fol"e" piece of paper fro' his poc+et. /I have a 'ap.) 2tto unfol"e" the paper to reveal a 'ap of an area of rugge"&loo+ing wil"erness( criss& crosse" *y rivers an" with several large 'ountains. /4here is that5) #enny as+e". /Si*eria() 2tto replie". /The Hunt)s ta+ing place in Si*eria. These coor"inates here give the precise location.) /6ou "rew this yourself5) To' as+e"( staring at the 'ap in surprise. It loo+e" li+e it ha" ,ust rolle" off a laser printer. /I have a pretty goo" 'e'ory for this +in" of thing() 2tto replie". /4e nee" to fin" out a*solutely everything there is to +now a*out this area. 4e nee" "etails of exactly what resources will *e availa*le to us. %re there any particularly goo" places to hi"e5 %ny 'an&'a"e structures( any unusual natural features( a*solutely anything that 'ight give us a tactical e"ge over <aven an" her hunters.) /I can "o that() =aura sai" .uic+ly. /If I can *orrow this( I can hit the li*rary an" "o so'e research.) /2?() 2tto sai"( han"ing =aura the 'ap. /8e careful though. 4e "on)t want 7ero

fin"ing out that we +now where the Hunt)s ta+ing place. $o you want any help5) /7o( it)s fine() =aura sai". /6ou +now what I)' li+e when I get into stu"y 'o"e. $on)t worry( I)ll *e careful.) /2?() 2tto sai"( /=aura)s going to get so'e *ac+groun" for us *ut then we have to 'a+e so'e plans. 4e)re going to *e the first people to *rea+ that twenty&four hour recor" an" this ,ust 'ight give us the e"ge we nee". The Hunt starts in less than forty& eight hours an" when it "oes we)ll *e rea"y.)

2tto ha" chec+e" all of the spots in the li*rary that =aura nor'ally li+e" *ut there was no sign of her. He pulle" his 8lac+*ox out of his poc+et with a frown. He was a*out to as+ H.I.V.!.'in" for =aura)s current position when he saw her wal+ing in through the li*rary)s engrave" glass "oors. /I was ,ust won"ering where you were() 2tto sai" with a s'ile as she approache". /8athroo' *rea+() =aura replie"( *lushing slightly. /I "i"n)t realise you)" *e chec+ing up on 'e. $on)t worry( I)ve got plenty of info on you +now where.) /I never "ou*te" you for a secon"() 2tto sai"( /*ut( actually( there was so'ething else I wante" to tal+ to you a*out. 6ou got a 'inute5) /Sure() =aura sai". /4hat "o you nee"5) 2tto steere" =aura over to a .uiet corner of the li*rary an" sat "own next to her at one of the "es+s. /I)ve *een thin+ing() 2tto sai"( /a*out what you as+e" 'e the other "ay.) /2h( that() =aura sai"( /"on)t worry a*out it. I was ,ust curious if you re'e'*ere" what ha" happene" when the %ni'us ha" ta+en over your syste'( that)s all.) /I +now() 2tto replie"( loo+ing her in the eye( /*ut I never really gave you an answer. 6ou as+e" 'e if I 'eant what I sai". 4ell. . . I "i". %fter everything that happene" with =ucy I was. . . I "on)t +now. . . frightene"( I suppose. Frightene" that so'ething woul" happen to you too. I "i"n)t want to feel that pain again. I "on)t thin+ I coul" stan" it. 8ut I want you to +now that I 'eant what I sai" then an" I 'ean it now. . . I really "o love you.) =aura stare" *ac+ at hi' for several long secon"s *efore giving hi' a sa" s'ile an" placing a han" on his chee+. /2h( 2tto() she sai"( /you sure +now how to pic+ your 'o'ents( "on)t you. =isten( can we tal+ a*out this when we get *ac+ fro' the Hunt5 There)s ,ust so 'uch going on at the 'o'ent that I can *arely thin+ straight. It)s not that I "on)t feel the sa'e way( it)s ,ust. . . it)s har" to focus on anything.) /I)' sorry() 2tto sai"( loo+ing slightly unco'forta*le. /I "i"n)t 'ean to put you on the spot li+e that. I un"erstan" if you "on)t feel the sa'e way.) /It)s not that() =aura sai"( sha+ing her hea". /It)s ,ust that. . . we)ll tal+ a*out it when we get *ac+( 2?5) /6eah( 2?() 2tto sai"( soun"ing slightly "isappointe". />o'e on() =aura sai"( stan"ing up( /we shoul" go an" *rief the others on all the info I)ve foun" on the target area.) /I)ll *e along in a 'inute() 2tto sai". /I ,ust nee" to "ig out a couple of *oo+s that 4ing wants for his revision.) /2?( see you *ac+ at *loc+ seven() =aura sai"( *efore turning an" wal+ing away. 2tto watche" her leave *efore he let out a long sigh. /S'ooth( 1alpense() he sai" to hi'self( sha+ing his hea"( /real s'ooth.)

/I "on)t suppose

there)s

any point 'e as+ing

how you got your han"s

on this

infor'ation5) 3oseph 4right sai" as he stu"ie" the "ata scrolling past on one si"e of the flat&screen "isplay 'ounte" on the wall. The other half of the screen was fille" *y the "igitally "istorte" face of 1inerva. /=et)s ,ust say that we have a relia*le source() 1inerva replie". /They have given us everything we nee". 2ur operatives will *e waiting 9 they won)t stan" a chance.) /I have hear" that *efore where <aven is concerne"() 4right replie". /6ou woul" *e foolish to un"eresti'ate her.) /4e are .uite aware of that( 3oseph( *elieve 'e() 1inerva replie". /$on)t worry( we)re not ta+ing any chances. I shall *e overseeing the operation personally. That particular piece is a*out to *e re'ove" fro' the *oar" once an" for all.) /%n" what then5) 4right as+e". /$o you inten" to 'ount a stri+e on 7ero i''e"iately5) /%ll in goo" ti'e() 1inerva replie". /First we "estroy his power *ase an" un"er'ine the other 'e'*ers of ;.=.2.V.!.)s confi"ence in hi'. If we succee" in our plan( they 'ight even "o our ,o* for us.) /4e shall see() 4right sai"( with a slight frown. /I suspect that eli'inating 7ero 'ay *e rather 'ore "ifficult than you expect.) /6ou worry too 'uch( 3oseph() 1inerva sai". /%n" you "on)t worry enough() 4right snappe". /<eport in to 'e when the operation is un"er way.) He severe" the connection an" sat "own with a tire" sigh in one of the leather ar'chairs near*y. He coul"n)t sha+e the horri*le creeping feeling that he 'ight have 'a"e a "eal with the "evil when he allie" hi'self an" the other for'er 'e'*ers of the ruling council with the $isciples. 2nly ti'e woul" tell if he was right.

chapter eight

7ero watche" as the %lpha stu"ents asse'*le" in H.I.V.!.)s hangar *ay. %ll aroun" the' technicians were wor+ing feverishly to prep the Shrou" "ropships that woul" carry the' to the start point of the Hunt. The expressions on the faces of the stu"ents were a 'ixture of excite'ent( curiosity an" nerves. They ha" "ou*tless hear" the various stories that ha" circulate" roun" the school regar"ing the exercise. If they were all true then <aven woul" actually *e even 'ore terrifying than she alrea"y was( 7ero thought to hi'self with a s'ile. The truth was that the Hunt playe" to all of 7atalya)s strengths an"( while she woul" never a"'it it( he +new that she was ,ust as "eter'ine" to preserve the twenty&four hour recor" as the stu"ents were to *eat it. There was a certain a'ount of professional pri"e at sta+e after all. /The ;.=.2.V.!. troops are in the air an" rea"y for you to trans'it the "estination coor"inates() >olonel Francisco reporte" as he approache". /Very goo"() 7ero sai". /I)ll sen" the "ata as soon as the %lphas are air*orne. That shoul" give our hunters plenty of ti'e to prepare the lan"ing site for their arrival.) /:n"erstoo"() Francisco replie". /I)ll 'a+e sure that they)re fully *riefe".) 7ero no""e" an" wal+e" over to where <aven was chec+ing her pac+. /6ou shoul" *e careful that no one notices you s'iling li+e that() 7ero sai" .uietly as she loo+e" up at hi'. /They 'ight realise how 'uch you actually en,oy this.) /I li+e a challenge() <aven replie"( /that)s all.) /4ell( you)ll certainly get that fro' so'e of these stu"ents() 7ero sai"( glancing over her shoul"er at where 2tto an" his frien"s were gathere" in a tight +not( tal+ing .uietly to one another. /3ust try to 'a+e sure that you *ring the' all *ac+. I still thin+ that the su*&"er'al trac+ing chips 'ight have *een a goo" i"ea.) /It)s no fun if I only have to loo+ at 'y 8lac+*ox to see where they all are() <aven replie". /I)ve never lost any *efore( 1ax( an" I)' not going to to"ay.) /2f course you won)t() 7ero sai"( still loo+ing at 2tto an" the others. /I)ll ,ust *e intereste" to see if any of the' can 'a+e it to the twenty&four hour 'ar+. #rofessor #i+e an" I have a s'all wager ri"ing on it( in fact.) /4ho)s your 'oney on5) <aven as+e"( raising an eye*row. /That woul" *e telling() 7ero replie" with a croo+e" s'ile. /!xcuse 'e( sir() a technician sai"( /the Shrou"s are all preppe" for launch. They)re rea"y when you are.) /;oo"() 7ero replie" with a no". /I shall *e with you in a 'o'ent.) 7ero wal+e" over to the staircase that le" up fro' the hangar "ec+ an" turne" towar"s the asse'*le" %lphas. /=a"ies an" gentle'en() 7ero sai"( /you are a*out to ta+e part in one of the 'ost challenging exercises that you will face in your ti'e at H.I.V.!. 6ou will have hear" the ru'ours an" the legen"s *ut none of the' can .uite prepare you for what lies ahea". I coul" offer you a"vice to *etter prepare you *ut it is 'ore i'portant for 'e to see how you as in"ivi"uals react to this test. 6ou are %lphas 9 I expect the *est fro' you. I +now you will not "isappoint 'e.) He no""e" to the security guar"s aroun" the roo' an" they *egan to gui"e the stu"ents to their "esignate" transports. /I thin+ you pro*a*ly +now which group I woul" li+e you to +eep a particular eye on()

7ero sai" as <aven wal+e" over to hi'( slinging her pac+ over her shoul"er. /$on)t worry( I)' *ringing 1alpense an" co'pany in first() <aven sai" as she watche" 2tto an" the others cli'*ing the *oar"ing ra'p of their Shrou". /If anyone can 'a+e it to the twenty&four hour 'ar+( it)s going to *e the' an" I inten" to 'a+e sure that they "on)t.) /6ou +now I have every faith in your a*ilities( 7atalya() 7ero sai" with a s'all s'ile. /%n" yet( so'ehow( I "ou*t that it)s going to *e .uite as straightforwar" as that.)

The Shrou" carrying a "o-en han"&pic+e" 'e'*ers of <aven)s hunter s.ua" touche" "own on the roc+y groun" an" the loa"ing ra'p at the rear of the passenger co'part'ent whirre" "own. />oul"n)t they have chosen so'ewhere war'er5) one of the 'en co'plaine" as he wal+e" "own the ra'p. /6ou)re sure we have the right coor"inates( I suppose.) /)Frai" so() another 'e'*er of the s.ua" replie" as he followe" his tea'&'ate "own the ra'p. /<e'in" 'e why we agree" to "o this again.) /8ecause <aven as+e" us to() the first 'an sai"( /an"( I "on)t +now a*out you( *ut I)' not in the ha*it of refusing re.uests fro' her.) The 'en all file" off the Shrou" an" procee"e" to sprea" out an" set up a peri'eter. /I foun" a hot tu* an" several cases of *eer over here() one of the 'en reporte" over the co''s syste'. /Scratch that( 'y 'ista+e( it)s actually countless 'iles of fro-en forests an" 'ountains. 4oohoo0) />ut the chatter( hunter four() the co''an"er of the s.ua" sai". /6ou shoul" *e happy we)re all alone out here. So'ething tells 'e that our <ussian frien"s woul"n)t *e too please" if they +new we were here.) /This is 8lac+ Seven( I thin+ I 'ay have so'ething here. It)s. . .) The co''an"er tappe" his earpiece as the co''s signal su""enly "issolve" into a stea"y hiss of white noise. /<epeat that last( 8lac+ Seven() the co''an"er sai". /I)' losing your signal.) There was no reply( ,ust static. The co''an"er was a*out to signal the Shrou" when there was a su""en shi''er in the air an" a figure appeare" "irectly in front of hi'( a pistol raise". There was a flash fro' the suppresse" 'u--le of the gun an" the hunter tea' co''an"er fell lifelessly to the groun". The assassin wal+e" to the Shrou" an" cli'*e" insi"e. The co&pilot turne" as the 'as+e" 'an entere" the coc+pit an" slu'pe" *ac+ in his chair as the silence" pistol coughe" once. The pilot spun in his seat( raising his han"s as the assassin turne" towar"s hi'. /I nee" you to sen" a 'essage() the assassin sai" with a <ussian accent. /I strongly suggest you "o as I say.)

<aven wal+e" "own the passenger co'part'ent of the Shrou"( chec+ing on the other stu"ents. They all wore *lac+ environ'ental suits over their unifor' ,u'psuits( which woul" provi"e the' with so'e protection fro' the free-ing te'peratures at their "estination. /I see you two have fitte" right in() she sai" as she approache" To' an" #enny. /I)' not sure if that is a goo" thing with this particular group or not.) /2h( yeah() #enny replie". /2nce we got past the whole *eing *rutally +noc+e" unconscious an" +i"nappe" stage it was surprisingly easy to settle in.) /7ot to 'ention that we)re ,ust such a great *unch of people() Shel*y sai". /4ho coul" fail to *e won over *y our easy&going char'( goo" loo+s an" confi"ence5)

/%n" the overwhel'ing 'o"esty() 2tto sai"( /"on)t forget the overwhel'ing 'o"esty.) /Fran+ly( we ,ust feel luc+y to *e allowe" to co'e along on such an exciting a"venture() To' sai" sarcastically. /6ou +ow( it)s funny( it was only the other "ay that I was saying to #enny that what our lives were 'issing was the opportunity to *e "roppe" in the 'i""le of nowhere an" then *e hunte" "own *y a tea' of special forces sol"iers. It)s actually .uite uncanny. 4e can)t *elieve our luc+.) /2h( "on)t worry() <aven replie"( /you won)t *e out there long. I shoul" have roun"e" this whole group up within. . . oh( I "on)t +now. . . two or three hours. The a'ount of hot air you all generate shoul" 'a+e your ther'al signature .uite easy to trac+.) /4as that a <aven ,o+e5) 2tto as+e". /I can never tell.) /2h( you can always spot 'y ,o+es( 1r 1alpense() <aven sai" with a col" s'ile. /They)re the ones where you "ie laughing.) /#oint ta+en() 2tto sai" with a slightly nervous s'ile. /She see's to *e. . . "are I say it. . . in a goo" 'oo"() 7igel sai" as <aven wal+e" *ac+ towar"s the coc+pit. /?in"a scary( isn)t it() Shel*y sai". /It)s a *it li+e a shar+ s'iling.) /6ou 2?5) 2tto as+e" =aura as the others continue" chatting. /6eah( I)' fine. 4hy "o you as+5) =aura replie". /6ou ,ust see' .uiet( that)s all() 2tto sai". /Sorry( I "on)t 'ean to *e() =aura sai". /I)ve ,ust got .uite a lot to thin+ a*out than+s to a certain person I shan)t 'ention.) /Sorry( I +now it wasn)t *rilliant ti'ing() 2tto sai". /6ou were right though( let)s tal+ a*out it properly when we get *ac+.) /Than+s() =aura sai" as she put her han" on his an" s'ile". 2tto 'ove" across the co'part'ent an" sat "own next to 4ing. /Is everything 2? with you an" =aura5) 4ing as+e" .uietly as 2tto sat "own. /6ou can( of course( tell 'e to 'in" 'y own *usiness *ut I have "etecte" a slight change in your "e'eanour aroun" each other.) /1ay*e() 2tto replie"( soun"ing slightly unco'forta*le. /I)ll let you +now.) /Shel*y will *e 'ost please"() 4ing sai" with a s'ile. /$o 'e a favour an" "on)t say anything to her ,ust yet() 2tto sai". /I "on)t nee" the whole of H.I.V.!. +nowing.) /I shoul" warn you that she is re'ar+a*ly a"ept at spotting when I a' concealing so'ething fro' her() 4ing sai". /:n"er such circu'stances she has *een +nown to e'ploy physical torture.) /6ou 'ean she tic+les you() 2tto grinne". /%s I say() 4ing replie" with a s'all no"( /physical torture.)

7ero an" >olonel Francisco watche" the large ta*letop "isplay in the centre of H.I.V.!.)s security control roo'. Technicians scurrie" aroun" the'( ensuring that all of the syste's fee"ing "ata into the huge console were functioning correctly. /<eal&ti'e uplin+ with ;.=.2.V.!.net spy&sat esta*lishe"() a near*y technician reporte". 2n the "isplay an i'age of the selecte" site for the Hunt *ase ca'p appeare". The Shrou" that ha" transporte" <aven)s hunters to the site was visi*le to one si"e of the lan"ing area. /This is Shrou" 2ne to Hunt control() a voice ca'e crac+ling over the co''s syste'. /This is Hunt control( Shrou" 2ne() the co''unications officer to 7ero)s left replie". /;o ahea".) /=an"ing area is secure( H.I.V.!. transport flights are cleare" for approach() the pilot of Shrou" 2ne reporte". /<oger that( Shrou" 2ne. <e'aining flights are on final approach 9 they shoul" *e

with you in less than five 'inutes() the co''s officer replie". 7ero glance" at the ra"ar "isplay positione" alongsi"e the satellite i'agery of the *ase ca'p. The Shrou"s were fully cloa+e" an" therefore co'pletely invisi*le to ra"ar *ut the ;.=.2.V.!. satellite coul" still "etect their transpon"ers an" show their position. For the *riefest of instants there was the flic+er of a faint ra"ar signature so'ewhere near the *ase ca'p)s position. /4hat was that5) 7ero as+e" with a frown. /=oo+e" li+e a glitch() one of the technicians on the other si"e of the console replie". /#ro*a*ly ,ust a floc+ of *ir"s or so'ething.) /;ive 'e i'agery of that area() >olonel Francisco sai"( noticing the frown on 7ero)s face. /2ne secon"() a technician replie". /<epositioning ca'era now.) 7ero an" Francisco exchange" concerne" loo+s as the i'age on the "isplay *lurre" an" then resolve" again. /There0) 7ero snappe"( ,a**ing his finger at the "isplay. /Moo' in.) The area that 7ero highlighte" expan"e" to fill the screen. >learly visi*le were two helicopter gunships hovering *ehin" a hill less than a 'ile fro' the Hunt *ase ca'p. /;et 'e <aven now0) 7ero snappe".

High a*ove the Si*erian wil"erness in a geostationary or*it( the ;.=.2.V.!. surveillance satellite traine" its incre"i*ly powerful ca'era on the situation that was "eveloping six hun"re" 'iles *elow. There was no way for it to +now that it was *eing targete" *y another satellite that was in a slightly higher or*it. This satellite ha" only one purpose an" it ha" ,ust receive" the co''an" fro' its *ase station to carry out its 'ission. Tiny ,ets a",uste" its rotation( *ringing its targeting syste's to *ear on the ;.=.2.V.!. 'achine. In fractions of a secon"( those syste's calculate" the "ifferences in their co'parative velocities an" fe" a firing co''an" to the central processor. % single sli' "art shot fro' the array of tu*es slung *eneath the +ill&sat)s solar panels an" shot towar"s its target. The tiny 'issile covere" the "istance *etween the two 'achines in ,ust a few secon"s. It struc+ the ;.=.2.V.!. surveillance satellite an" it "isintegrate" silently into thousan"s of tiny pieces of "e*ris( now ,ust another clou" of space ,un+ or*iting the !arth.

<aven watche" through the coc+pit win"ow as the other Shrou"s transporting %lpha stu"ents uncloa+e" an" touche" "own at the Hunt *ase ca'p *eneath the'. /Ta+e us "own() <aven sai" to the pilot. /I)ve got an urgent 'essage fro' H.I.V.!.() the co&pilot sai" su""enly. /#ut it on spea+er() <aven sai" .uic+ly. /<aven( this is 7ero( get out. . .) The 'essage "issolve" into nothing *ut static. /4hat)s wrong5) <aven "e'an"e". /So'ething)s ,a''ing the co''s signal() the co&pilot replie". <aven i''e"iately hit the switch that woul" connect her to the other Shrou"s. /This is <aven to all transports( a*ort( a*ort( a*ort0 Site is co'pro'ise"( repeat( site is co'pro'ise".) /Inco'ing0) the pilot yelle" an" <aven gra**e" for a near*y han"hol" as he *an+e" the Shrou" sharply( ,a''ing the throttle up to full power. There was an enor'ous *ang as so'ething struc+ one of the Shrou")s engines an" the coc+pit was fille" with the *laring soun"s of auto'ate" warnings.

2n the groun" *elow( a volley of 'issiles strea+e" into the Shrou"s that ha" alrea"y lan"e"( an" they "isappeare" *eneath a *losso'ing clou" of fire an" *lac+ s'o+e. /;et us out of here() <aven yelle" at the pilot. /I)' "oing 'y *est() the pilot shoute" as he fought with the controls( sen"ing the woun"e" Shrou" "iving into the valley *elow. He ,a**e" at another *utton on the control console an" turne" to <aven( his face "ar+. /4e)ve lost the cloa+.) /I)ve got two faint ra"ar contacts() the co&pilot reporte". /2ne)s co'ing after us.) /I)' going *elow to chec+ on the stu"ents() <aven snappe". She sli" "own the la""er to the passenger co'part'ent. The *ay was alrea"y filling with acri"( *lac+ s'o+e. /Is anyone in,ure"5) <aven yelle" a*ove the screech of the Shrou")s one re'aining engine. /7o( we)re 2?() 2tto shoute" *ac+. /4hat)s happening5) /4e)re un"er attac+() <aven shoute". /4e 'ay have to "itch. If we 'a+e it "own in one piece( trigger the e'ergency hatch release an" get out of here as .uic+ly as possi*le. :n"erstoo"5) <aven turne" an" hea"e" *ac+ towar"s the coc+pit. Su""enly there was an explosion of "e*ris as heavy cannon fire *lew holes in the fuselage. The Shrou" lurche" "run+enly an" <aven leapt for the coc+pit la""er( "ragging herself up it as the whole co'part'ent *egan to tip. She pulle" herself into the coc+pit only to fin" a scene of carnage. 8oth the pilot an" co&pilot were "ea"( the win" howling through the shattere" re'ains of the coc+pit canopy that ha" *een shre""e" *y the ene'y cannon fire. <aven "ragge" the pilot)s *o"y out of the flight&seat an" pulle" har" on the control yo+e. The Shrou")s single tur*ine screa'e" in protest as she levelle" the Shrou" out ,ust a few 'etres a*ove the valley floor. % wasp&li+e helicopter gunship covere" in angular *lac+ panels "rew alongsi"e the Shrou")s coc+pit thirty 'etres to <aven)s right. The heavy cannon 'ounte" *eneath its chin rotate" towar"s her as <aven pulle" *ac+ har" on the controls. The lethal torrent of tracer shells passe" ,ust *elow the Shrou" with an explosive roar. <aven *an+e" har"( trying to get out of the gunship)s line of fire. She ,a''e" on the air*ra+es an" rotate" the engine into a lan"ing position as the gunship shot past *eneath her. It *egan to *an+( turning *ac+ towar"s the' as <aven *rought the stric+en Shrou" lurching "own towar"s the groun". There was a *ang as the un"ercarriage crunche" "own on to the roc+y valley floor. /;et out( now0) <aven yelle" "own to the passenger co'part'ent as the ene'y gunship *egan another attac+ run. 2tto leapt out of his seat an" slappe" his pal' "own on the e'ergency hatch release. The explosive *olts on the hatch fire" instantly an" the whole ra'p flew away fro' the *ac+ of the Shrou"( *ouncing away across the groun". /;20) 2tto shoute" an" the %lphas "ashe" out of the hatch an" scattere" across the rough terrain outsi"e. 2tto ran as fast as he coul" towar"s the cover of so'e near*y pine trees. He glance" over his shoul"er ,ust in ti'e to see a pair of 'issiles strea+ fro' the un"ersi"e of the helicopter gunship an" stri+e the "owne" Shrou". The Shrou" vanishe" in an incan"escent *all of fire( the shoc+ wave fro' the explosion +noc+ing 2tto flat on his face. The helicopter 'ove" slowly along the valley towar"s the *la-ing wrec+age. /;et into the trees0) 2tto yelle" to the others who were running for cover as fast as they coul". He +new that it pro*a*ly woul"n)t "o 'uch goo" *ut any cover fro' the gunship)s weapons was *etter than none at all. /=aura0 ;et "own0) Shel*y screa'e"( sprinting towar"s her frien" as the gunship rotate" towar"s the'. She sla''e" into =aura an" pushe" her "own *ehin" a large *oul"er as the helicopter)s chin cannon opene" fire. The fire tore up the groun" all aroun" the'( the air filling with cho+ing clou"s of "irt an" stinging stone chips. 2tto +new what he ha" to "o. Shel*y an" =aura only ha" a few secon"s *efore the

gunship 'ove" into a position which woul" leave the' with no cover at all. He ha" to act now. He ran towar"s the gunship( praying that he was close enough. He close" his eyes an" reache" out with his a*ilities( straining to connect with the sophisticate" co'puters that controlle" the helicopter)s flight control syste's. He coul" feel nothing@ it was as if the co'puters on&*oar" the helicopter si'ply "i"n)t exist. They ha" to *e using so'e sort of shiel"ing that was stopping hi' fro' accessing the'. The gunship starte" to turn towar"s 2tto an" he realise" that there was no way that he coul" get to cover *efore it opene" fire. Su""enly a thought race" through his hea". They 'ight have ta+en the precaution of shiel"ing the gunship)s syste's against his a*ilities *ut perhaps they)" not shiel"e" everything. He reache" out again with his senses an" foun" what he was loo+ing for. They were unshiel"e"( ,ust as he ha" hope". The gunner insi"e the helicopter *rought the cannon to *ear( his cross hairs centre" on the white&haire" *oy stan"ing out in the open. He watche" as the *oy pointe" a han" at the gunship( his forefingers exten"e" as if to 'a+e a chil")s i'aginary pistol. /8ang() 2tto sai" as he si'ultaneously triggere" the "etonators in all of the helicopter)s re'aining 'issiles. The gunship "isappeare" in a *all of fire( "e*ris *ouncing across the valley floor. 2tto "ive" to the groun"( his han"s over his hea"( as huge chun+s of *urning 'etal flew past hi'. %fter a few secon"s he loo+e" up an" slowly cli'*e" to his feet. #ieces of tangle" 'etal lay everywhere 9 it was a scene of total "evastation. /2tto0) 4ing shoute"( running towar"s his frien". /%re you 2?5) /6eah( I)' fine() 2tto sai"( "usting hi'self off. /$i" everyone 'a+e it out5) /7ot everyone( I fear() 4ing sai"( loo+ing towar"s the s'oul"ering wrec+age of the Shrou". There was no sign of <aven. /Then we)re on our own() 2tto sai" gri'ly( trying to ignore the churning feeling in his gut. /4e have to get 'oving. There)s no way we can go *ac+ to the original lan"ing site. 4hoever a'*ushe" us is sure to *e waiting there an" we can)t stay here either. The people this helicopter *elonge" to are *oun" to co'e loo+ing.) /%gree"() 4ing replie". /$o you still have the 'ap5) /6es() 2tto sai" as he reache" insi"e his insulate" *o"ysuit an" pulle" out a fol"e" piece of paper. /=et)s gather everyone up an" we can 'a+e a "ecision on our next 'ove.) Slowly the %lphas gathere" un"er the trees. They all loo+e" shoc+e" *y the events that ha" ,ust unfol"e". /4hat "o we "o now5) 7igel as+e". /4e have to get away fro' here() 2tto sai"( s'oothing out the 'ap on the groun". /2ur *est *et is to hea" this way through the forest an" towar"s the 'ountains here.) He pointe" at the 'ap. /They pro*a*ly have other helicopters an" we have to assu'e that they)ll also have forces on the groun". 4e can)t go *ac+ to the lan"ing site( it)s o*viously *een co'pro'ise"( so we +eep 'oving through the *est natural cover we can fin" an" hope that H.I.V.!. co'e loo+ing for us.) /4oul"n)t it 'a+e sense to try an" hea" for the nearest settle'ent an" see if we can fin" so'e way to contact H.I.V.!. "irectly5) To' as+e". /The nearest town is over two hun"re" 'iles away() =aura sai"( sha+ing her hea"( /an" that)s exactly where they)ll expect us to hea". I thin+ 2tto)s right 9 the 'ountains will give us *etter cover an" 'ore places to hi"e if they are searching for us fro' the air.) /4ith <aven gone we are having no way for H.I.V.!. to trac+ us() Fran- sai"( soun"ing worrie". /How will they *e fin"ing us5) /Fran- is right() Shel*y sai". /The har"er we 'a+e it for our attac+ers to fin" us( the har"er it)s going to *e for whoever 7ero sen"s after us.) /That)s assu'ing that they "on)t ,ust fin" the wrec+age of the Shrou" an" write us all

off as casualties anyway() #enny sai" gloo'ily. /2?( loo+() 2tto sai". /I +now that this see's *a" *ut we)ve got to try to stay positive. I "on)t +now a*out you guys *ut I)' not ,ust going to light a ca'pfire an" sit aroun" waiting for whoever sent that helicopter after us. That)s not an option. 4e get 'oving an" we +eep 'oving an" we try to stay one step ahea". It)s not a*out *rea+ing a twenty&four hour recor" any 'ore.) He stoppe" an" loo+e" at each of his frien"s. /It)s a*out survival.)

The co''an"er of the $isciple stri+e tea' surveye" the scene at the Shrou" lan"ing area. The *urnt&out shells of the H.I.V.!. "ropships still s'oul"ere" as his one re'aining helicopter gunship circle" overhea". 3ust as they ha" hope"( they ha" caught the H.I.V.!. forces co'pletely *y surprise. 2n the other si"e of the lan"ing area half a "o-en of his 'en surroun"e" the han"ful of H.I.V.!. stu"ents who ha" *een the only survivors of the attac+. So'e lay groaning on stretchers *ut even the ones who were unin,ure" still loo+e" "isorientate" an" frightene". %s well they 'ight( he thought to hi'self with a gri' s'ile( given the fate that awaite" the'. % transport helicopter woul" *e there to ta+e the' to their new ho'e shortly. /Sir() one of his tea' sai"( approaching hi' hol"ing a ta*let "isplay( /I)ve reviewe" the gun ca'era footage fro' the "owne" helicopter)s flight recor"er. 4e *elieve <aven was piloting the Shrou" that was "estroye" in the air( *ut there)s so'ething you shoul" see.) His 'an han"e" hi' the "evice an" the co''an"er watche" the sha+y vi"eo. He saw at least half a "o-en H.I.V.!. stu"ents( possi*ly 'ore( running for cover as the gunship *egan its final attac+ run an" then the ca'era swivelle" to focus on a *oy with white hair pointing a finger at the ca'era. There was a *right flash an" then the screen went *lac+. /2tto 1alpense() the co''an"er sai". /6es( sir( he appears to have *een responsi*le for *ringing "own our aircraft.) /I thought the gunships were shiel"e" against his a*ilities.) /They are( sir( *ut we overloo+e" so'ething() the sol"ier replie". /The flight recor"er in"icates that the "etonation circuits on the aircraft)s 'issiles were triggere". The helicopters are shiel"e" *ut the 'issiles aren)t. %s I say( it was an oversight on our part.) /4e cannot affor" 'ista+es li+e this to"ay. Have the other gunships lan" an" unloa" their 'issile rac+s() the co''an"er sai" with a frown. /1a+e sure that 1alpense won)t *e a*le to use that tric+ again. In the 'eanti'e have the trac+ing tea' hunt our runaways "own.) /$o they have sanction5) the sol"ier as+e". /6es() the co''an"er replie"( /except for 1alpense. 1inerva woul" rather he was ta+en alive if possi*le.) /:n"erstoo"() the soli"er replie" with a no". The co''an"er pulle" the ra"io fro' his *elt an" thu'*e" the trans'it *utton. /Frost*ite 2ne to co''an"( over() the co''an"er sai". /This is 1inerva() the "istorte" voice on the other en" replie". /;o ahea".) /4e)ve ta+en the lan"ing site. Fifteen of 7ero)s stu"ents have *een capture"( at least six are on the run an" the rest are "ea". I)ve "ispatche" 'y *est 'en to trac+ "own the runners. They shoul" *e neutralise" *efore nightfall.) /1alpense5) 1inerva as+e". /2ne of the runners 9 he won)t get far.) /See that he "oesn)t() 1inerva replie". /%n" <aven5) /4e *elieve she was piloting a Shrou" that was "estroye"() the co''an"er replie". /6ou *elieve5 6ou "on)t have her *o"y5) 1inerva snappe".

/The Shrou" she was piloting was "estroye". Her *o"y woul" have *een incinerate".) /=isten to 'e very carefully( co''an"er() 1inerva sai" angrily. /I "on)t care if you *ring 'e a *ag full of charre" *ones( I want her *o"y foun". $o I 'a+e 'yself clear5) /2f course() the co''an"er replie". /I)ll sen" a tea' to retrieve her re'ains i''e"iately.)

/I nee" to +now what)s happening "own there() 7ero sai" angrily. The i'ages fro' the ;.=.2.V.!. spy&sat ha" cut out at the precise instant that they ha" lost co''unications with <aven. /I a' currently re&tas+ing all availa*le ;.=.2.V.!. surveillance satellites() H.I.V.!.'in" replie" cal'ly. /!sti'ate" ti'e until the first availa*le asset is on target is one hour( three 'inutes an" fourteen secon"s.) /Still nothing on co''s() >olonel Francisco sai"( sha+ing his hea". /I can)t tell if we)re *eing ,a''e" or if there)s ,ust no*o"y there.) /=et)s hope it is the for'er() 7ero sai" with a sigh. /4here are our nearest tactical tea's5) /4e have assault tea's in >hina an" #olan" that can *e on site in a few hours *ut we 'ay as well sen" an assault tea' fro' here. 4e)" get there ,ust as fast an" we)re *etter e.uippe"() Francisco replie". /$o it() 7ero sai" with a no". /I alrea"y have() Francisco sai". /4e)ll *e in the air in ten 'inutes. 4e)re ,ust prepping an assault Shrou" for launch.) /I shoul" have sent so'e escorts for the transports() 7ero sai"( sha+ing his hea". The ar'e" assault Shrou"s were rarely use" for such si'ple transport 'issions as they were slower an" less agile than the nor'al Shrou"s "ue to their heavy ar'our an" weapon syste's. /4e weren)t expecting trou*le( 1ax() Francisco sai". /There was no reason to sen" an ar'e" escort.) /They were waiting. This was a pre&planne" a'*ush() 7ero sai" angrily. /How "i" they +now where the Hunt was going to ta+e place5 4e +ept the "etails co'pletely confi"ential to avoi" a situation ,ust li+e this. The only people that +new the location were 'e( <aven an" H.I.V.!.'in". So how the hell "i" they fin" out5) /Harrington() >hief $e++er sai". /He ha" access to the file with the operational "etails of the Hunt for a short ti'e. He 'ust have so'ehow trans'itte" the infor'ation to the'.) /I suppose it)s possi*le() 7ero sai". /I want hi' interrogate". >hief 9 see to it personally. If he)s responsi*le for this I)ll 'a+e sure that he lives ,ust long enough to regret it.)

seventeen years ago

/%gain() #ietor Furan *ar+e" as the three *oys pic+e" the'selves up off the groun" an" a"vance" cautiously towar"s the girl. 7atalya stoo" in the centre of the enclose" ring( her *reathing slow an" stea"y as her eyes flic+e" *etween her attac+ers. The three *oys were 'uch larger than her physically *ut they were also slow an" pre"icta*le. %ll that she ha" to re'e'*er was to use their own si-e an" weight against the'. The first two *oys lunge" at her si'ultaneously while the thir" hel" *ac+ loo+ing unsure. She pivote" on one leg an" swung the other leg upwar"s( "riving her heel straight into the first *oy)s sto'ach. He "ou*le" over an" <aven spun *ehin" hi'( "riving an el*ow into

the s'all of his *ac+ an" sen"ing hi' to his +nees. The secon" *oy al'ost stu'*le" over his fallen co'ra"e an" 7atalya sei-e" the opportunity. Ta+ing two leaping steps an"( using her "owne" attac+er)s *ac+ as a spring*oar"( she launche" herself into the air an" "rove her foot into the centre of the secon" *oy)s chest. He collapse" *ac+war"s( gasping for *reath( all the air +noc+e" fro' his lungs. 7atalya turne" towar"s the thir" *oy with a growl( ta+ing a single step in his "irection. The *oy *ac+e" away( hol"ing up his han"s in surren"er. 7atalya stoppe" an" loo+e" in Furan)s "irection. /Finish hi'() Furan sai". /2r I will finish you.) 7atalya sai" nothing 9 she ,ust stare" *ac+ at Furan. /6ou three( out of the ring() Furan sai" as the two in,ure" *oys helpe" each other to their feet an" staggere" towar"s the rope la""er that ha" *een "roppe" "own the wall of the pit. Furan pulle" off the ca'ouflage ,ac+et he ha" *een wearing to reveal a white vest un"erneath an" then ,u'pe" "own into the pit. /6ou will learn o*e"ience() Furan snarle" as he steppe" towar"s 7atalya. She "roppe" into a "efensive stance as he a"vance". /7ot *efore I ta+e your other eye() 7atalya replie" with a col" s'ile. Furan raise" a han" to the star&shape" scar that surroun"e" his *lin"( 'il+y white right eye. It ha" *een six 'onths since 7atalya)s last unsuccessful atte'pt at escape fro' the ;lasshouse. She ha" 'a"e it past the fences an" was fleeing through the woo"s that surroun"e" the facility when Furan an" his 'en ha" trac+e" her "own. She ha" ta+en his eye that "ay an" he ha" shot her in the shoul"er( a woun" that she ha" only recently fully recovere" fro'. /!nough tal+() Furan sai"( col" fury in his voice. He 'ove" with a spee" that was at o""s with his si-e( ai'ing a series of *lin"ingly fast punches at 7atalya)s torso. She 'ove" ,ust as .uic+ly( her ar's 'oving in a *lur as she "eflecte" the flurry of *lows. She countere" with a flat&han"e" ,a*( her fingertips ai'e" at his throat. Furan caught her han" ,ust 'illi'etres fro' its target an" twiste". 7atalya grunte" in pain an" Furan swung a +nee into her si"e( win"ing her. Furan too+ a"vantage of the opening an" "elivere" a vicious *low with his forear' to the si"e of her hea". 7atalya staggere" away fro' hi'( seeing stars an" sha+ing her hea". Furan +ic+e" with al'ost i'possi*le spee" at one of 7atalya)s shins an" she collapse" to one +nee( gasping in pain as he put a foot on one of her shoul"ers an" pushe" her flat on her *ac+. He loo'e" over her an" presse" his *oot "own on her nec+. /7o s'art wor"s now( 'y little <aven5) Furan sai" as he presse" "own har"er with his foot. 7atalya clawe" at his leg( fighting "esperately for air. /#ietor0) a voice *ellowe" *ehin" hi'. He turne" to see his sister %nastasia loo+ing "own into the ring with a furious expression. He too+ his *oot off 7atalya)s throat an" she rolle" over on to all fours coughing( her chest heaving. Furan loo+e" "own at her with a "is'issive sneer *efore he turne" an" cli'*e" out of the ring. /She 'ay very well *e the *est natural fighter I have ever traine" *ut she is too strong&wille"() #ietor sai"( gesturing towar"s 7atalya( who was now slowly cli'*ing to her feet. /I still thin+ we shoul" "ispose of her.) /I +now you are angry *ecause of what she "i" to you() %nastasia sai"( gesturing towar"s his ruine" eye( /*ut she is not to *e eli'inate". I have so'ething very special in 'in" for her( you +now that.) /%n" when it is "one5) Furan as+e"( loo+ing over at 7atalya as two guar"s 'otione" for her to cli'* out of the other si"e of the pit. /Then you 'ay "o whatever you want with her() %nastasia sai" with a s'ile.

7atalya lay on her *un+ curle" into a *all. She "i" not want to sleep 9 her sleep was still

haunte" *y night'ares( vivi" "rea's of her "ea" frien"s. It ha" *een nearly a year since $i'itri ha" *een execute" an" she ha" *een force" to +ill Tolya an" she was still haunte" *y the 'e'ory of the loo+ of recognition in his eyes as he "ie". She +new that in that instant he ha" seen exactly who it was who ha" +ille" hi'( she ha" seen his confusion( his fear( his "is*elief. It ha" left its 'ar+. Since the events of that "ay she ha" foun" that she ha" no "esire any longer to try to socialise with the ;lasshouse)s other trainees. There was no point in 'a+ing frien"s with people who you 'ay then *e or"ere" to execute at any 'o'ent. So'ething ha" change" insi"e her( she +new that. 4hen she loo+e" at the other chil"ren now she no longer saw people *ut instea" she saw wea+ points an" vulnera*ilities. That *oy favoure" his right&han" si"e( that girl was easily "istracte"( that guar" ha" a slight li'p fro' an ol" woun". She was *eing turne" into a weapon an" the tiny voice insi"e her that use" to howl in protest at that fate was growing .uieter with each passing "ay. /It wasn)t your fault() $i'itri sai"( sitting "own on the e"ge of her *e". /=eave 'e alone( $i'itri() 7atalya whispere" .uietly. /I "on)t want to tal+ to you any 'ore.) /6ou have to tal+ to so'eone() $i'itri replie". /It 'ight as well *e 'e.) /I)' going to +ill her( $i'itri() 7atalya sai" .uietly( her eyes close". /1a"a'e Furan( I)' going to +ill her for you.) /It won)t 'a+e it *etter( you +now() $i'itri replie". /It won)t *ring anyone *ac+.) /I "on)t care() 7atalya replie". /I ,ust want to *e the last thing she ever sees.) /7atalya( this is not you. 6ou are not a +iller. $on)t let the' turn you into one() $i'itri sai" sa"ly. /;o away( $i'itri() 7atalya sai" angrily. /I sai" I "on)t want to tal+ to you any 'ore.) /4hy not5) $i'itri as+e". /8ecause you "ie"0) 7atalya sat up an" screa'e" at the e'pty space at the en" of her *un+. /%n" so "i" I0) There were 'ur'urs fro' the *un+s all aroun" her. /4hat)s going on5) a voice fro' a *un+ further "own the "or'itory as+e". /;o *ac+ to sleep() a *oy calle" Valerian sai" fro' the *un+ opposite. /It)s ,ust 7atalya acting cra-y again.) So'ething finally snappe" insi"e 7atalya as all of the casual cruelty( all of the heartless *rutality of the ;lasshouse finally too+ its toll. She stoo" up an" sprinte" across the roo'( leaping on top of Valerian an" pinning hi' to the *e". She cla'pe" her han"s aroun" his throat an" s.uee-e" har". /#lease( 7atalya( no. . .) Valerian gaspe". /1y na'e is not 7atalya0) she screa'e" as she felt the wil"ly thrashing *oy)s win"pipe collapse *eneath her thu'*s. /1y na'e is <aven0)

/The *oy nee"e" an e'ergency tracheoto'y() #ietor Furan sai" as he loo+e" through the glass at the girl cuffe" to the *e" in the cell on the other si"e. /He)s luc+y to *e alive.) /The attac+ was unprovo+e"5) %nastasia as+e"( stu"ying 7atalya. /%pparently he 'a"e so'e sort of vaguely insulting re'ar+ an" she attac+e" hi'() #ietor replie". /The other chil"ren sai" she was li+e an ani'al. She was apparently yelling at the in,ure" *oy that her na'e was not 7atalya *ut <aven.) /!xcellent() %nastasia sai"( a *roa" s'ile sprea"ing across her face. /She is very nearly rea"y.)

chapter nine

now
<aven wo+e with a start( her hea" thro**ing. She was strappe" into the Shrou")s e,ector seat *ut she was lying on her si"e( her hea" resting on the roc+ that ha" +noc+e" her out when she lan"e". She ha" +nown it was al'ost suici"al to atte'pt to e,ect fro' an aircraft at very low altitu"e( let alone one that was actually on the groun". She re'e'*ere" the heat an" the shoc+ wave fro' the Shrou" explo"ing *eneath her an" then she ha" *een spinning violently( which ha" 'eant that the chute ha" not "eploye" properly fro' the *ac+ of the seat. The last thing she re'e'*ere" was falling 'uch too fast towar"s a thic+ stan" of pine trees an" then nothing. She hit the release on the seat harness an" rolle" away fro' it( *efore sitting up an" loo+ing aroun". There was no sign of anyone else near*y. %*out half a 'ile away( a*ove the treetops( she coul" see a colu'n of *lac+ s'o+e rising into the air. That ha" to *e the wrec+age of the Shrou". She slowly got to her feet an" was relieve" to fin" that other than so'e cuts an" *ruises an" a thro**ing hea" she was relatively unscathe". She also still ha" her tactical harness an" the swor"s strappe" to her *ac+. 7ot exactly the perfect e.uip'ent for surviving in the Si*erian wil"erness *ut it woul" have to "o. She loo+e" at the e,ector seat an" a thought occurre" to her. She pulle" out one of her swor"s an" use" it to cut into the *ac+ panel of the seat *efore reaching insi"e an" retrieving a s'all 'etal *ox with a *attery attache" to it. She "etache" the *attery an" slippe" it an" the *ox into her poc+et. She loo+e" at the sun( low in the s+y to the west( it was alrea"y getting gloo'y. =ate autu'n in this part of the worl" 'eant short "ays an" long nights. <aven 'a"e her way silently through the trees until she ca'e to the e"ge of the forest where it 'et the valley floor. % hun"re" 'etres away were the s'oul"ering re'ains of the Shrou". She scanne" the surroun"ing area carefully( there was no sign of anyone. She 'ove" .uic+ly to the Shrou" *ut it was i''e"iately o*vious that there was no hope of salvaging anything fro' the wrec+age 9 it was gutte"( co'pletely *urnt& out. 4hat was 'ore intriguing was the fact that not all of the twiste" pieces of "e*ris that littere" the valley floor appeare" to have co'e fro' the Shrou". So'e of it was clearly fro' the helicopter gunship that ha" attac+e" the' which 'eant that so'eone or so'ething ha" *rought it "own. She ha" also *een relieve" to not fin" any *o"ies. She +new that it "i"n)t necessarily 'ean that the %lphas ha" got away *ut it was at least a slightly positive sign. That feeling of cautious opti'is' was increase" when she wal+e" towar"s the treeline on the other si"e of the valley floor. There she foun" trac+s( footprints that were too s'all to have *een 'a"e *y a"ults. 4orryingly( however( there were a"ult footprints too. Fresher( *ut hea"ing in the sa'e "irection as the s'aller trac+s. She ha" no intention of returning to the original lan"ing site 9 it woul" *e suici"e at this point. !ven if there ha" *een survivors of the initial attac+ she +new that they were sure to *e heavily guar"e" *y the forces that ha" attac+e" the'. 8etter instea" to follow the trail an" save those that she coul". She was still stu"ying the 'ar+s in the "irt when there was a tiny noise fro' so'ewhere *ehin" her. In a single( i'possi*ly fast 'otion( she "rew one of the swor"s fro' her *ac+ an" spun roun". There was a tiny flic+er at the very point of her *la"e. /$on)t 'ove a 'uscle() <aven sai"( pushing the tip of her *la"e forwar" ,ust a 'illi'etre or two. % single "rop of *loo" appeare" out of thin air. /Turn it off( now.) There

was another flic+er an" a figure in a ther'optic ca'ouflage suit appeare"( <aven)s swor" tip presse" into his nec+. His han" was fro-en halfway towar"s the pistol holstere" on his *elt. /Ta+e the 'as+ off() <aven sai". The 'an "i" as he was tol"( revealing a face that was never going to win any *eauty co'petitions. /4ho "o you wor+ for5) /I)' not going to tell you() the 'an sai" with a heavy !astern !uropean accent. /2h really() <aven sai"( pressing the tip of her swor" ,ust a 'illi'etre further into the 'an)s nec+( /an" why is that5) /8ecause you)re alrea"y "ea"() the 'an sai" with a s'ile( his eyes flic+ing towar"s so'ething over <aven)s shoul"er as she felt so'ething col" an" har" press into the *ac+ of her hea". /I)ll give you this() <aven sai"( "ropping her swor" an" raising her han"s( /you)re .uieter than your frien" here. I)' i'presse" that you got so close to 'e. Too close for your own goo"( actually.) <aven twiste" with lightning spee"( rolling insi"e the invisi*le gun'an)s ar' an" "ropping her ar' over an" aroun" his. She twiste" har" an" lifte" an" there was a crunch an" a *ang. The visi*le sol"ier *ehin" her "roppe" to his +nees an" fell slowly forwar" on to his face with a thu". /2h "ear() <aven sai"( /it appears you have ,ust shot your frien".) She lifte" the alrea"y *ro+en ar' again an" the invisi*le 'an screa'e" in pain an" "roppe" his gun. <aven rippe" his 'as+ off with her free han". /7ow you)re going to tell 'e who you wor+ for() she sai" as she pushe" the cripple" 'an away fro' her an" "rew the other swor" fro' her *ac+( /or you( 'y frien"( are going to experience so'e very( very "ra'atic weight loss.)

/#lease( I a' having to stop( ,ust for a 'inute() Fran- sai"( leaning against a tree an" *reathing heavily. It was really "ar+ now( especially "eep within the forest. They were force" to 'ove 'ore slowly as it *eca'e 'ore "ifficult to pic+ out a path through the trees in the gloo'. /7o( we shoul" +eep 'oving() 4ing sai". /2ur pursuers will have little "ifficulty trac+ing us through this terrain.) /Two 'inutes() 2tto sai"( /every*o"y ta+e a *reath *ut we can)t stop for any longer. 4ing)s right( we have to try to get to the 'ountains *y nightfall. 4e nee" to fin" shelter.) 2tto +new full well that this was not a part of the worl" where you wante" to *e out"oors at night if you coul" help it. The only consolation was that the sa'e woul" also *e true for their pursuers. /4ho "o you thin+ attac+e" us5) To' as+e"( sitting "own on the trun+ of a fallen tree. /I have no i"ea() 2tto sai"( sha+ing his hea"( /*ut whoever it is they)re unusually well e.uippe". That helicopter gunship was state of the art an" its on&*oar" syste's were shiel"e" against 'y a*ilities. I)ll tell you one thing though( they)re certainly not a'ateurs.) /$o you thin+ any of the other %lphas escape"5) =aura as+e". /I "on)t +now() 2tto replie". /I hope so.) The others continue" to rest for a 'inute as 2tto wal+e" over to 4ing who stoo" silently watching the forest in the "irection they)" ,ust co'e fro'. /6ou see so'ething5) 2tto as+e"( searching for any sign of 'ove'ent a'ongst the trees. /7o() 4ing replie" with a frown( /*ut so'ething is not right. 4e shoul" get going.)

The co''an"er of the $isciple assault tea' watche" as the last of the capture" %lpha stu"ents were force" on to the heavy transport helicopter. % few secon"s later the twin rotors of the giant 'achine *egan to slowly rotate. He turne" his *ac+ an" wal+e" towar"s the other transport that the rest of his 'en were *oar"ing. His earpiece e'itte" a soft *leep an" he tappe" it once to receive the inco'ing co''unication. /;o ahea"() the co''an"er sai"( raising his voice over the noise of the transport)s thu'ping rotor *la"es. /Sir( we)ve foun" the 'en who were sent to retrieve <aven)s *o"y() the voice on the other en" reporte". Those 'en ha" *een sent out an hour ago an" ha" not chec+e" in. The co''an"er ha" "espatche" another tea' to investigate. /They)re *oth "ea". 2ne was shot an" the other appears to have *een +ille" with an e"ge" weapon.) /She)s alive() the co''an"er sai" angrily. /;et *ac+ here( we nee" to 'ove to the ren"e-vous point *efore ;.=.2.V.!.)s forces arrive.) /<oger that() the sol"ier on the other en" replie". The co''an"er hurrie" over to the other si"e of the clearing where the crew were watching the last of the 'issiles *eing re'ove" fro' their helicopter gunships. /I nee" you in the air now() the co''an"er sai" to one of the pilots. /<aven is so'ewhere out there an" I nee" eyes in the s+y.) /4heels&up in five 'inutes() one of the pilots replie". /;oo"( the ren"e-vous point is set up an" rea"y. <eturn there to refuel an" rear' when necessary.) /:n"erstoo"() the pilot replie" with a no". The co''an"er switche" channels on his co''unicator an" waite" for a secon" as the "evice connecte". /This is 1inerva( go ahea"() the voice on the other en" sai". /It appears that <aven survive" the "estruction of her aircraft() the co''an"er replie" slightly nervously. The $isciples were notoriously intolerant of failure an" the conse.uences for "isappointing the' were always harsh. /I see() 1inerva sai" cal'ly. /I "i" warn you that she woul" prove to *e a 'ore challenging +ill than you expecte". 4e have lost the ele'ent of surprise. She will *e consi"era*ly 'ore "ifficult to eli'inate now.) /Shoul" we a*ort5) the co''an"er as+e". />ertainly not. I sai" she woul" *e "ifficult to eli'inate co''an"er( not i'possi*le() 1inerva sai" i'patiently. /$o you have any i"ea of her current location5) /7o( *ut I *elieve she will atte'pt to ren"e-vous with the group of H.I.V.!. stu"ents that we)re currently trac+ing() the co''an"er sai". /;oo"( if she 'eets up with the' it will 'a+e her 'uch easier to trac+() 1inerva replie". /She will not a*an"on the' an" we will use that fact to our full a"vantage.)

2tto ,ogge" along *esi"e 4ing as they struggle" to pic+ out a path through the forest in the "ar+ness. The other %lphas followe"( so'e fin"ing the "e'an"ing pace that 4ing was setting easier to 'aintain than others. /I a' thin+ing I a' having the heart attac+() Fran- sai"( his face re" with exertion. /Hey( this is goo" exercise() Shel*y sai" with a grin. /I "on)t +now a*out anyone else *ut I)' really starting to feel the *urn here.) /I a' still hoping to *e avoi"ing the *urning() Fran- replie" *reathlessly( /an" the shooting an" the sta**ing an" the strangling an". . .) /2?( Fran-( we get the i"ea() 7igel gaspe". 4ing su""enly stoppe". /4hat is it5) 2tto whispere". 4ing coc+e" his hea" to one si"e( as if listening to so'ething.

/!very*o"y get "own0) 4ing yelle"( pushing 2tto to the floor. The %lphas "roppe" to the groun" ,ust a split secon" *efore the forest *ehin" the' explo"e" with the soun" of gunfire( lighting up with 'u--le flashes. 2tto scra'*le" to cover *ehin" a tree as *ullets *u--e" through the air all aroun" hi'. He loo+e" for 4ing *ut his frien" was nowhere to *e seen. /Hol" your fire() a voice shoute" an" the gunfire stoppe" i''e"iately. /Surren"er now 9 you have nowhere to run. The next ti'e we open fire we will not 'iss.) The lea"er of the $isciple trac+ing tea' stu"ie" the heat signatures of the chil"ren who were lying on the groun" or hi"ing *ehin" trees thirty 'etres away. The night vision syste' in his suit)s 'as+ was goo" *ut it was i'possi*le to tell at this range which one was 2tto 1alpense. His instructions ha" *een clear@ once he ha" 1alpense the other H.I.V.!. stu"ents were to *e eli'inate". /=ast chance() he yelle"( /three( two. . .) 4ing struc+ without 'ercy( silently "ropping fro' the trees overhea"( an" "elivering a scything chop to the s.ua" lea"er)s throat. The 'an e'itte" a strangle" gurgling soun" as he "roppe" his assault rifle an" clutche" at his throat. 4ing rippe" the sol"ier)s 'as+ off as he collapse" to the groun". He pulle" the 'as+ on an" the previously invisi*le sol"iers lit up in front of hi'( five of the' in a tight group( their *ac+s turne". /Sorry( *oss( "i"n)t get that. 4hat "i" you say5) one of the other 'en in the s.ua" sai"( turning his hea". He ,ust ha" ti'e for a frightene" yelp as he saw the figure leaping towar"s hi'. 4ing gra**e" the *arrel of the 'an)s rifle as it swung towar"s hi' an" wrenche" it upwar"s( the shoul"er rest s'ashing into the sol"ier)s chin an" +noc+ing hi' clean off his feet. 4ing +ept 'oving( swinging the rifle li+e a ha''er into the ri*s of another sol"ier( while "elivering a vicious +ic+ to the si"e of his +nee. %s the cripple" 'an "roppe" to the groun"( screa'ing in pain( 4ing swung the rifle into the si"e of his hea"( +noc+ing hi' out col". There was a *urst of panic fire fro' one of the other 'en as 4ing "ive" for cover( rolling towar"s the nearest one of the $isciple troops who was still stan"ing. He leapt up( "riving the heel of his pal' into the 'an)s nose( shattering the *ones with a crunch. The 'an s.uee-e" the trigger of his gun instinctively an" the wil" shots cut "own one of his own tea'&'ates. 4ing "elivere" a *ac+han"e" fist to the si"e of the gun'an)s hea"( "ropping hi' li+e a stone. 4ing spun towar"s the last re'aining unin,ure" 'e'*er of the s.ua" *ut the $isciple sol"ier ha" hi' col"( his rifle ai'e" straight at 4ing)s hea". His finger was tightening on the trigger as( fro' nowhere( a glowing purple *la"e flashe" through the air. The rifle "roppe" to the groun" as the sol"ier topple" over( a*out a foot shorter than he ha" *een ,ust a 'o'ent *efore. /I a' relieve" to see you are unhar'e"() 4ing sai" cal'ly. /=i+ewise 1r Fanchu() <aven replie" with a no". 2tto an" the others slowly *egan to e'erge fro' cover as 4ing an" <aven wal+e" towar"s the'. /I ha" a feeling we ha"n)t seen the last of you() 2tto sai" with a grin. /Six hours an" thirteen 'inutes() <aven sai"( loo+ing at her watch. /=oo+s li+e 'y twenty&four hour recor" is safe. To *e honest( I was expecting slightly *etter fro' this group.) /Very funny() 2tto sai". /I "on)t suppose you have a plan for getting us out of here alive( "o you5) /6es( first we ta+e anything that 'ight *e useful fro' our frien"s *ac+ there() <aven replie"( gesturing towar"s the *attere" re'nants of the $isciple trac+ing tea'. /Then( we run.) /I was *eing afrai" you were going to say that() Fran- 'oane".

/>o'e in( Frost*ite Three() the co''an"er of the $isciple troops sai" urgently into his co''unicator *ut there was no reply. They ha" lost contact with the trac+ing tea' half an hour ago an" there *een no co''unication since. They were the last of his troops e.uippe" with the new ca'ouflage suits which were suppose" to 'a+e the' un"etecta*le an" he was starting to worry that so'ething ha" happene" to the'. He ha" "ispatche" his helicopter gunships to the scene *ut they woul" soon have to return to *ase if the winter stor' that they were flying through continue" to "evelop. /4e)re nearly at the ren"e-vous point() the pilot of the transport helicopter reporte". /!T% two 'inutes.) The co''an"er no""e" an" hea"e" *ac+ into the cargo co'part'ent of the chopper. Insi"e were a "o-en of his 'en. They ha" *een traine" *y the *est an" they were extre'ely well e.uippe" *ut he ha" starte" to won"er if that woul" *e enough. <aven an" the re'aining H.I.V.!. stu"ents were proving to *e "ifficult( "angerous prey. /4e)re hea"ing to the secon"ary staging area() the co''an"er sai". /4e will rest overnight there an" restart the search for our re'aining targets in the 'orning. This stor' shoul" have *lown itself out *y then. It is li+ely that( *y then( there will *e ;.=.2.V.!. forces in the area searching for their people. If you encounter the' you are cleare" to engage.) /I assu'e she)s still out there( sir() one of his 'en as+e". /6es( we *elieve that <aven is still active() the co''an"er replie". /6ou have all *een *riefe" on her capa*ilities. I)' sure that I "o not nee" to re'in" you of the threat she represents. $o not engage her without *ac+up.) /There)s a trans'ission co'ing in for you( co''an"er() the pilot shoute" *ac+ fro' the coc+pit. The co''an"er tappe" his earpiece. /This is Frost*ite 2ne( go ahea".) /;oo" evening( co''an"er() 1inerva replie". /I hear you have lost contact with one of your trac+ing tea's.) /6es( I)" li+e to call off the search for <aven an" the H.I.V.! stu"ents for the night. This stor' is too intense for air*orne operations an" visi*ility on the groun" will *e no *etter. The weather shoul" have i'prove" *y the 'orning an" we can relaunch the search then.) /Very well() 1inerva replie". /I too will *e arriving at the ren"e-vous point in the 'orning.) /6ou)re co'ing here5) The co''an"er as+e"( soun"ing surprise". /6es() 1inerva sai". /I want to 'a+e sure that you an" your 'en are sufficiently. . . 'otivate".) /:n"erstoo"() the co''an"er sai"( swallowing nervously. /4e will prepare for your arrival.)

/:p there() <aven shoute" over the howling win". She pointe" towar"s a "ar+ene" hollow in the 'ountainsi"e a*ove the'( *arely visi*le through the increasingly heavy snow. /4e have to fin" shelter. This stor' is going to get worse *efore it gets *etter.) The %lphas followe" *ehin" her as she pic+e" her way carefully up the roc+y slope. The trees were thinner here an" provi"e" less protection fro' the free-ing win". !ven with their specially a"apte" environ'ental suits it was getting un*eara*ly col". They were exhauste" *ut +new that they coul" not stop until they)" foun" a safe place to rest. <aven reache" the 'outh of the cave an" peere" insi"e. She pulle" a glowstic+ fro' her tactical harness an" lit it up( *en"ing it until the glass tu*e insi"e crac+e" an" then sha+ing it to 'ix the phosphorescent che'icals. #ulling one of the swor"s fro' her *ac+ she a"vance" into the cave with the glowing stic+ hel" high( the eerie green light fro' the plastic tu*e casting unsettling sha"ows on the walls as she went "eeper. The

cave went 'uch further *ac+ than it ha" see'e" it woul" fro' the outsi"e. 8y the ti'e they reache" the *ac+ of the cave the soun" of the howling win" outsi"e was little 'ore than a "istant 'oan. /4e shoul" *e safe here() <aven sai"( stic+ing the light in a s'all recess in one of the roc+y walls. The tire" %lphas leant the rifles they ha" ta+en fro' the $isciple sol"iers against the wall *efore fin"ing places to rest on the gravel&strewn floor. /4e can)t ris+ a fire( I)' afrai"() <aven sai". /7ot that we coul" gather firewoo" in this *li--ar" anyway. 3ust stay close to one another to conserve your *o"y heat an" you)ll *e fine.) /4ho were those guys5) 2tto as+e" as <aven sat "own near*y. /2l" frien"s of ours() <aven replie". /The $isciples.) /I was hoping we)" seen the last of the' when 2verlor" was "estroye"() 4ing sai" with a frown. /It woul" see' not() <aven sai". /$i" any of the other %lphas escape5) =aura as+e". /I "on)t +now() <aven sai"( loo+ing at the groun"( /*ut the initial 'issile attac+ on the other Shrou"s was. . . so'e 'ay have survive"( *ut 'any will not. I fear our casualties will *e heavy. This was a well&planne" a'*ush. ;o" only +nows how they foun" out where the Hunt was ta+ing place. 2nly 7ero( H.I.V.!.'in" an" 'yself +new the location. %ll I can thin+ is that they 'anage" to trac+ the ;.=.2.V.!. Hunt tea' here so'ehow *ut I "on)t see how.) /So what "o we "o now5) #enny as+e". /4e stay here overnight an" hope that this stor' *rea+s() <aven replie". /Then we 'a+e ourselves as easy for H.I.V.!. to fin" as possi*le.) /6ou 'ean hea" *ac+ to the lan"ing site5) 7igel as+e"( loo+ing confuse". /7o() <aven replie"( /too ris+y. 8esi"es( we "on)t nee" to.) She reache" into one of the poc+ets on her tactical harness an" pulle" out a s'all 'etal *ox. /4e have this.) /4hat is it5) 2tto as+e". /It)s the ho'ing *eacon fro' the e,ector seat that I use" to escape the Shrou" *efore it was "estroye". It)s suppose" to help with locating "owne" pilots *ut we can use it too. It won)t activate again until I reattach the *attery *ut when I "o it will give H.I.V.!. our exact position.) /So why haven)t you activate" it5) Shel*y as+e" with a frown. /8ecause it will tell everyone else exactly where we are() 2tto sai". /<ight5) /!xactly() <aven no""e". /4e nee" to fin" so'ewhere we can hole up( so'e +in" of fortifie" position( *efore we activate it. 4hen we "o we)ll *e *roa"casting our location to the $isciples too so we have to fin" so'ewhere that will allow us to hol" the' off until H.I.V.!.)s forces can get to us.) /2?( so where "o we go5) Shel*y as+e". /There)s an a*an"one" <ussian ar'y training *ase on the other si"e of these 'ountains() <aven sai". /I)' not sure exactly what +in" of facility it was *ut it)s pro*a*ly the *est option if we want to 'a+e a stan".) /%n" then we ,ust hope that H.I.V.!. gets to us *efore the a''unition runs out() 2tto sai"( gesturing towar"s the rifles stac+e" against the wall. /;reat() Shel*y sai"( /nothing I li+e 'ore than a hopeless last stan" against overwhel'ing o""s.) /4ay to *oost 'orale( Shel() =aura groane". /Sorry( what I 'eant to say was that it)s a *rilliant plan an" I "on)t see how it can possi*ly fail.) /So'ehow( that)s actually worse() 7igel sai" with a sigh. /2?( try to get so'e sleep() <aven sai". /4e have a long cli'* to'orrow. I)ll +eep watch.)

He +new he woul"n)t *e a*le to sleep. There was a pro*le' that ha" *een nagging at hi' an" so'ething that <aven sai" ha" 'a"e it *u**le *ac+ to the surface. 2nly she( 7ero an" H.I.V.!.'in" ha" +nown a*out the location for the Hunt *ut 2tto +new that wasn)t entirely true. !veryone in the cave ha" +nown. %s he loo+e" at his frien"s settling "own to try an" get a few hours) sleep he realise" so'ething horri*le. There was only one explanation that 'a"e any sense. So'eone here ha" sol" the' out. 2ne of his frien"s was a traitor.

The following 'orning 2tto wo+e with a start. 4hat little sleep he)" 'anage" to get ha" *een plague" *y night'ares. <aven was still watching the entrance to the cave through which the grey light of "awn was now visi*le. /;oo" 'orning() she sai" .uietly. /How)s the weather5) 2tto as+e"( slowly getting to his feet. He felt stiff an" unco'forta*le after the night spent on the roc+y floor of the cave. /1uch i'prove"() <aven replie". /4e shoul" *e a*le to set out for the a*an"one" facility shortly.) /I)ll wa+e up the others() 2tto sai". % few 'inutes later the %lphas were all awa+e an" getting rea"y for the tre+ that lay ahea" of the'. /I)' starving() To' 'oane". /I suppose it was too 'uch to as+ that one of those $isciple sol"iers 'ight have *een carrying so'e rations.) /I *elieve that part of the challenge of the Hunt was that we were to fin" our own sources of foo"() 4ing sai"( /though I conce"e that foraging pro*a*ly isn)t very wise un"er the circu'stances.) /I a' thin+ing that I a' actually *eing too frightene" to *e hungry() Fran- sighe". /2?( that)s it( we)re "oo'e"() Shel*y whispere" to =aura. /There are five rifles left() <aven sai"( slinging one of the salvage" weapons over her shoul"er. /So three of you will have to re'ain unar'e". 4ing( I +now you won)t ta+e one even if I tell you to so I nee" two 'ore volunteers.) /I)ll pass() #enny sai". /I)ve never fire" a gun in 'y life. I)" pro*a*ly only en" up shooting 'yself.) /I "on)t nee" one either() =aura sai". /I)' no goo" with the "a'n things anyway.) The other five %lphas all too+ one of the rifles. To' pic+e" one up an" gave 2tto an e'*arrasse" loo+. /I "on)t suppose you)ve got a 'inute to. . . er'. . . show 'e the *asics have you5) he as+e" .uietly. /Sure() 2tto sai"( /it)s a piece of ca+e really. Safety)s here( white "ot 'eans that the safety)s on( re" "ot 'eans it)s off. 8est to leave it on until you)re rea"y to shoot. Sights are here 9 ,ust 'a+e sure that you +eep whatever you want to hit in the 'i""le of the' *ut never point your weapon at anything you "on)t want to +ill. ?eep your finger outsi"e the trigger guar" until you want to pull the trigger. I)ve *een chewe" out too 'any ti'es *y >olonel Francisco for *a" trigger "iscipline to forget that. <ight( 2?( pull the stoc+ tight into your shoul"er. That)s it. It will +ic+ a *it so lean into the rifle as you s.uee-e the trigger. S.uee-e( not pull( gently "oes it. Try to use short controlle" *ursts of fire 9 you haven)t got enough a''o for spray an" pray. 2?5) /How "o you +now all this5) To' as+e"( loo+ing at 2tto with a slightly *e'use" expression. /8enefits of a goo" e"ucation() 2tto replie" with a s'ile. /2?( ti'e to go() <aven sai". /?eep together an" +eep up.)

7ero stare" at the satellite i'age of the Hunt *ase ca'p as Francisco)s assault Shrou" touche" "own. Two 'ore hovere" near*y( scanning the area for any sign of hostile forces. 7ero watche" the >olonel)s 'en 'ove aroun" the wrec+age&strewn site. /It)s *a"( 1ax() Francisco sai" over the co''s syste'. /There are a lot of *o"ies. %ll the pilots an" security personnel are "ea" an" we)ve foun" nearly twenty "ea" stu"ents. The others are all 'issing. <aven)s Shrou" see's to have escape" the initial attac+ at least. 4e)re going to sweep the area an" see if we can fin" any sign of it.) /$a'n it0) 7ero shoute"( sla''ing his pal' "own on the "isplay. />olonel( I want you to fin" the people responsi*le for this atrocity an" I want you to 'a+e sure they suffer *efore they "ie. $o I 'a+e 'yself clear5) /It will *e 'y pleasure() Francisco replie". /4e)re going to start our search i''e"iately *ut it)s going to ta+e so'e ti'e. There)s a lot of territory to cover.) /<eport anything you fin"() 7ero sai" angrily. /:n"erstoo"( Francisco out.) /H.I.V.!.'in"( *egin scanning the satellite i'agery of the surroun"ing area() 7ero snappe". /=oo+ for so'ething that 'ight give us an i"ea where these people are or where they 'ay have ta+en any survivors.) 7ero stoo" in the 'i""le of the control roo' an" felt pure rage welling up insi"e hi'. /Su''on the ruling council() 7ero *ar+e" at a near*y co''unications technician. /Tell the' I will *e sen"ing Shrou"s to pic+ the' up i''e"iately for an e'ergency 'eeting at H.I.V.!.) If it was war that the $isciples wante"( it was war they were going to get.

chapter ten

2tto trie" to ignore the free-ing win" as he pulle" hi'self up towar"s the next han"hol". He was also trying very har" to ignore the fact that there were no safety lines protecting hi' fro' the increasingly long "rop to the ,agge" roc+s *elow. In fact( 2tto thought( there were all sorts of things that he woul" rather ignore at the 'o'ent( given the choice. %*ove hi' <aven( 4ing an" Shel*y were pic+ing their way up the roc+ face with an ease an" grace that 'a"e the rest of the' loo+ clu'sy. /I suppose it)s pointless to as+ the' to slow "own() #enny sai" as she haule" herself up alongsi"e 2tto. /I thin+ the i"ea is that we go faster() 2tto replie". /2h( I coul" go 'uch faster() =aura sai". /%ll I have to "o is let go. 2?( I)" *e travelling in the wrong "irection *ut I)" *e going really( really fast.) /7ot for very long though() 2tto replie" with a grin. /In fact( I thin+ you 'ight fin" that eventually you)ll co'e to a rather su""en stop.) /I a' *eing gla" that everyone is fin"ing the i"ea of us *eing plu''eting to our "oo' so highly a'using() Fran- 'oane". /Fran-( I thought we agree" not to use the wor" Bplu''etingC again until we reache" the top() 7igel sai". /%h( yes( sorry.) 2tto loo+e" upwar"s an" saw Shel*y pulling herself on to a wi"e le"ge *esi"e 4ing an" <aven. />o'e on( guys() 2tto sai". /3ust a few 'etres then we can rest.) % 'inute later 2tto pulle" hi'self over the e"ge of the outcropping an" stoo" up. They were now a couple of hun"re" 'etres a*ove the cave they ha" sheltere" in overnight an" the view *ac+ "own into the valley was i'pressive. <aven stoo" silently loo+ing out across the valley. /See anythA) 2tto *egan to as+ *efore <aven raise" a single finger to her lips. /=isten() she whispere". %t first 2tto coul"n)t hear anything over the win" *ut then very faintly he *egan to pic+ up another soun" 9 the "istant( regular thu'p of rotor *la"es. /!very*o"y on to the le"ge .uic+ly() <aven shoute" as the last stragglers scale" the final few 'etres. /;et "own.) They all lay "own as the soun" of the helicopter got lou"er an" lou"er. % 'inute later they watche" as a helicopter flew into the valley *elow at low altitu"e. The helicopter lan"e" on the valley floor an" a "o-en 'en in white poure" out of its rear hatch. The %lphas all +new who it was they were trying to fin". /4ell( that can)t *e goo"() Shel*y sai" .uietly. /4e have to +eep cli'*ing() <aven sai"( watching the $isciple troops fanning out across the valley floor *elow. /It won)t ta+e the' long to fin" our trail an" I "on)t want to get caught halfway up the si"e of a 'ountain *y that helicopter. =et)s go.) /I)ve got a really *a" feeling a*out this() =aura whispere" to 2tto as <aven steppe" up to the roc+ face an" *egan to cli'* again. /4ell( you +now what they say a*out *eing at your lowest point() 2tto replie". /4hat5) 2tto loo+e" at her an" then up the 'ountainsi"e.

/The only way is up.)

The s.ua" lea"er of the $isciple search tea' wal+e" up the steep slope to the cave that one of his 'en ha" foun" a few 'inutes earlier. Still clearly visi*le in the snow aroun" the cave 'outh were several sets of footprints. He followe" the trail for a few hun"re" 'etres an" it en"e" at the *ase of a steep roc+ face. He loo+e" upwar"s an" for an instant thought he saw so'ething 'oving. He pulle" the *inoculars fro' his *elt an" loo+e" through the'( scanning the roc+ face. There( clearly visi*le now( were several figures "resse" in *lac+ cli'*ing up the 'ountainsi"e. /Tell our sniper that I want hi' *ac+ on the transport chopper an" in the air() he sai" to one of his 'en. /I have so'e target practice for hi'.)

<aven pulle" herself over the e"ge of the plateau an" loo+e" *ac+ "own into the valley. She coul" *arely 'a+e out the shapes of the 'en searching for the' far *elow *ut what she coul" see were the rotors on the transport helicopter starting to spin. 4ithin ,ust a few secon"s the chopper *egan to slowly lift into the air. /Euic+ly() she sai"( ta+ing Shel*y)s han" an" pulling her up. 4ing cli'*e" up *esi"e the' as the helicopter starte" to ascen" rapi"ly towar"s the'. /They)ve spotte" us.) /;uys( co'e on() Shel*y yelle" "own to the others( who were twenty 'etres *elow an" still cli'*ing. /4e)ve got co'pany0) 2tto glance" over his shoul"er an" i''e"iately wishe" he ha"n)t. There was a helicopter a couple of hun"re" 'etres away at the sa'e height as the'. He *egan to cli'* again( as .uic+ly as he coul". %*ove hi' <aven unslung the assault rifle fro' her *ac+ an" ai'e" at the helicopter)s coc+pit. She fire" a three&roun" *urst that left a series of spi"erwe* crac+s across the curve" plexiglas an" the pilot tippe" the transport away fro' the 'ountainsi"e. <aven lowere" her rifle as Shel*y raise" hers. /$on)t *other() <aven sai" as the helicopter "roppe" *ac+ into a stationary hover a thousan" 'etres away. /That pilot +nows what he)s "oing( they)re out of range.) The si"e "oor of the transport chopper sli" open an" a few secon"s later there was a flash fro' insi"e. % 'o'ent later there was a *u--ing soun" an" a tiny clou" of "irt was +ic+e" up at Shel*y)s feet. /;et "own() <aven snappe" as there was another 'u--le flash insi"e the "istant helicopter an" a *ullet whine" past 4ing)s ear. The three of the' "roppe" to the groun" as it struc+ the e"ge of the plateau. /I thought you sai" they were out of range() Shel*y yelle" as a shot hit the groun" ,ust a few centi'etres in front of her. /They are() <aven sai". /:nfortunately we)re not.) 4hoever was firing at the' fro' the helicopter was o*viously ar'e" with a high& powere" sniper rifle with a 'uch greater effective range than the assault rifles they were carrying. They were far enough out that it woul" still *e har" for the sniper to hit anything with real precision( especially fro' a 'oving platfor'( *ut they woul" get luc+y eventually. 2tto reache" for his next han"hol". The roc+ ,ust to his right splintere" with a crac+ as a *ullet s'ac+e" into it. /?eep 'oving() <aven yelle" fro' a*ove. /<e'e'*er you)re ,ust an easier target if you free-e up.) /!asy for her to say() #enny 'uttere" un"er her *reath( hauling herself towar"s the top. />o'e on( Fran-() 7igel sai"( gra**ing his frien")s han" an" pulling hi' upwar"s.

/I a' *eing cli'*ing as fast as I can0) Fran- shoute". /I +now( *ut we have to get to the. . .) 7igel gaspe" in surprise as the *ullet hit hi' in the shoul"er. He slowly tippe" *ac+war"s away fro' the roc+ face an" fell. Fran- caught hi' with one han"( his +nuc+les turning white as they cla'pe" on to 7igel)s collar. Fran- clung "esperately to the roc+ with his other han" as another *ullet struc+ near*y sen"ing stinging stone splinters into his face. /H!=#0) Fran- yelle". /4e have to help the'() 2tto shoute" up to 4ing( <aven an" Shel*y. /Follow 'y lea"() <aven sai"( "etaching one of the grappler units fro' her forear' an" throwing it to 4ing. He .uic+ly strappe" it on to his wrist an" watche" as <aven fire" the *olt into the groun" at the e"ge of the "rop&off at the e"ge of the plateau. 4ing "i" the sa'e an" then chase" after her as she ran *ac+ away fro' the e"ge( the 'onofila'ent fro' the grapplers trailing out *ehin" the' as they went. /=oc+ your line() <aven sai"( hitting the control on her own grappler. /2?( follow 'e.) 2tto an" #enny pulle" the'selves up an" over the e"ge ,ust in ti'e to see <aven sprint towar"s the' an" launch herself over the e"ge of the "rop&off with 4ing ,ust two steps *ehin" her. They *oth flew outwar"s *efore "ropping an" swinging *ac+ in towar"s the roc+ face *elow as the grappler lines went tight. <aven hit the roc+s ,ust to the right of 7igel an" Fran- an" 4ing lan"e" on the other si"e. <aven swung closer an" wrappe" her free ar' aroun" 7igel)s waist. /Fran-( let go0) <aven shoute" as a *ullet whine" past her hea". /I)ve got hi'.) Fran- slowly release" his white&+nuc+le" grip on 7igel)s collar as <aven too+ the woun"e" *oy)s weight. /4ing( get Fran- up there() <aven shoute" as she pulle" 7igel closer an" hit the trigger on her grappler( reeling in the line an" roc+eting up the si"e of the 'ountain. />o'e on0) 4ing shoute" to Fran-( wrapping an ar' aroun" his waist. Fran- put one ar' aroun" 4ing)s nec+ an" grippe" on to his collar. 4ing hit the trigger an" reele" the' *oth in( sen"ing the' shooting upwar"s as a *ullet struc+ the roc+s precisely where they ha" *een hanging ,ust a 'o'ent *efore. 2tto helpe" 4ing an" Fran- *ac+ over the e"ge as *ullets continue" to +ic+ up plu'es of "irt fro' the groun" aroun" the'. 1o'ents later =aura an" To' cla'*ere" on to the plateau too as <aven an" Shel*y "ragge" 7igel *ac+ away fro' the e"ge. Su""enly #enny hisse" in pain as another one of the sniper)s *ullets foun" its 'ar+. She staggere" forwar" *efore falling to the groun"( clutching her thigh. /4e have to fin" cover0) <aven shoute"( hauling 7igel away fro' the e"ge as 2tto an" To' ran over to #enny. They pic+e" her up( an ar' over each of their shoul"ers as 'ore roun"s *u--e" through the air near*y. /Fran-0 4hat are you "oing5) =aura shoute" as Fran- unslung the rifle fro' his *ac+ an" wal+e" *ac+ towar"s the e"ge of the cliff. /I a' having ,ust a*out enough of you() Fran- 'uttere" un"er his *reath as he raise" the rifle an" sighte". /This is for hurting 'y frien".) He fire" one short *urst an" then another. /$on)t waste your a''o() <aven yelle" as she continue" to "rag the unconscious 7igel away fro' the cliff. /6ou)ll never hit the' fro' here.) Su""enly *lac+ s'o+e starte" to *illow out of the engine cowling on the "istant helicopter an" it *egan to slowly spin "own towar"s the valley *elow. /4ell( I)ll *e "a'ne"() Shel*y sai". /$i*s on getting to tell >olonel Francisco a*out this if we ever 'a+e it *ac+ to H.I.V.!.) /How is 7igel *eing5) Fran- as+e" as he slung the rifle on his *ac+ an" wal+e" over to <aven who ha" un-ippe" 7igel)s environ'ental suit an" was inspecting the woun" in his shoul"er.

/It coul" *e worse() <aven sai" as she pulle" a fiel" "ressing fro' one of the pouches on her tactical harness. /That was an excellent shot( 1r %rgent*lu'.) /That is not *eing i'portant() Fran- sai"( sha+ing his hea". /4hat is *eing i'portant is that 7igel an" #enny are 2?.) /2tto( use this() <aven sai"( throwing another "ressing pac+ to hi'. 2tto rippe" open the pac+ an" *egan to wrap the *an"age insi"e tightly aroun" the woun" in #enny)s thigh. 2tto coul" see through the tear in the leg of her suit that she ha" *een luc+y 9 the *ullet ha" ,ust gra-e" her. /$on)t worry() 2tto sai" as #enny hisse" in pain. /It)s ,ust a flesh woun". 7ot 'uch 'ore than a scratch really.) /2h( I a' sorry that 'y first gunshot woun" isn)t terri*ly i'pressive() #enny sai" with a paine" s'ile. /I)ll try to "o *etter for you next ti'e.) /I thin+ I)" rather avoi" there *eing a next ti'e actually() To' sai" frowning. Fran-( =aura an" Shel*y watche" as <aven finishe" "ressing 7igel)s woun". /Is he going to *e 2?5) =aura as+e"( soun"ing worrie". /I thin+ so *ut we shoul" still try to get hi' 'e"ical attention as .uic+ly as possi*le. It loo+s li+e a clean woun"( the *ullet went straight through( *ut I can)t *e certain that there are no internal in,uries. 4e nee" to get to the facility an" activate the *eacon as soon as possi*le.) % 'o'ent later 7igel)s eyes slowly opene" an" he loo+e" up at his frien"s. /4hat happene"5) he as+e"( soun"ing groggy. /6ou got shot *y a sniper an" fell off a 'ountain( Fran- an" <aven save" you fro' certain "eath an" then Fran- shot "own a helicopter() Shel*y sai" with a grin. /7o really() 7igel sai" with a frown( /tell 'e( what happene"5)

The %lphas tru"ge" through the snow towar"s the pair of huge ruste" 'etal "oors set in the si"e of the 'ountain. They ha" *een following the cru'*ling re'ains of a "isuse" roa" for the past twenty 'inutes. It was the first sign of hu'an ha*itation that any of the' ha" seen since they ha" arrive" in Si*eria an" 2tto felt that there was so'ething vaguely sinister a*out it. 4hat was it exactly that the <ussian ar'y woul" have *een so +een to +eep hi""en away out here5 /So you "on)t have any i"ea what this place is5) 2tto as+e" <aven as they wal+e" past the collapse" re'ains of a 'ilitary gatepost. /7o() <aven replie". /So'ething the authorities wante" to +eep hi""en o*viously *ut( *eyon" that( your guess is as goo" as 'ine.) /How "o we +now it)s not a nuclear weapons "u'p5) =aura as+e"( eyeing the heavy "oors with suspicion. /For all we +now this place coul" *e ra"ioactively conta'inate".) /$o you have a ;eiger counter on you5) <aven as+e". /!rr. . . no() =aura replie". /4ell then( I shoul"n)t worry a*out it() <aven sai" with a croo+e" s'ile. In the centre of the "oors was a large spo+e" wheel that was clearly suppose" to *e rotate" to release the huge 'etal loc+ing *ars that *olte" the "oor shut. In the 'i""le of the wheel was an o""( star&shape" +eyhole. /I)' guessing that no*o"y has a +ey( right5) Shel*y sai" with a s'ile. />o'e on then( out of the way( let)s have a loo+ at it.) The others steppe" asi"e an" Shel*y *egan to exa'ine the loc+. #enny sat "own on a low concrete wall near*y an" gently ru**e" her woun"e" thigh as Fran- helpe" 7igel sit "own *esi"e her. He was pale an" they coul" all see fro' his expression that he was in consi"era*le pain. /2?() Shel*y sai" after a couple of 'inutes( /anyone *ring any plastic explosives5) /2h( great() 2tto sai" with a sigh.

/3ust +i""ing() Shel*y grinne". /I a' going to nee" one of those though.) Shel*y pointe" at one of the silver cylin"ers on <aven)s tactical harness. /4oul"n)t it *e easier to ,ust cut our way in5) =aura as+e"( pointing to the +atanas strappe" to <aven)s *ac+. /Those things can cut through anything( right5) /That woul" 'a+e it rather "ifficult to secure the "oor again fro' the insi"e() <aven replie"( han"ing Shel*y one of her flash*ang grena"es. /Though I)' struggling to see how this will help.) /2h ye of little faith() Shel*y sai"( pulling the pin fro' the grena"e an" han"ing it to 2tto. /$on)t let go of that.) /2h( than+ you very 'uch() 2tto sai"( +eeping a tight hol" on the spring&loa"e" safety lever. /<ight then() Shel*y sai"( turning *ac+ to the loc+( /let)s crac+ this puppy.) She straightene" the loop at the en" of the safety pin an" then 'a"e a series of tiny intricate *en"s at the other en". /2h( that)s ,ust *eautiful() To' sai" a"'iringly as he watche" Shel*y wor+. /I)ve seen the 1axwell twist *efore *ut I never realise" that you coul" co'*ine it with a reverse 1ahler helix. That)s *rilliant.) /6ou +now( I)' really starting to li+e you() Shel*y sai" with a grin as she sli" the newly create" pic+ into the loc+. She close" her eyes an" slowly twiste" the pic+. /6ou "o +now that you stic+ your tongue out when you)re "oing that( "on)t you5) 2tto sai". /Seriously( 1alpense5) Shel*y sai"( eyes still close". /7ow you start with the "istracting *anter5) /Sorry() 2tto sai"( /it)s ,ust that I get nervous when I)' hol"ing live explosive "evices.) /Shhh( ,ust let %unty Shel*y wor+ her. . . 'agic0) There was a clic+ an" Shel*y steppe" *ac+ fro' the loc+. /% roun" of applause 'ight *e nice( you +now.) /$on)t() =aura sai" as To' raise" his han"s to clap. /6ou)ll ,ust encourage her.) 4ing steppe" forwar"( grippe" the spo+es of the wheel an" turne"( the large 'etal loc+ing *olts screeching in protest as they release" in a shower of rust. He pushe" har" an" the 'assive "oors slowly swung inwar"s with a paine" crea+ing soun". <aven crac+e" another glowstic+ an" wal+e" slowly into the "ar+ness *eyon" the "oors. /=ast one into the creepy( "ar+( possi*ly ra"ioactive a*an"one" 'ilitary facility is a loser() Shel*y sai" as she followe" <aven insi"e.

>olonel Francisco wal+e" towar"s the *urnt&out wrec+age of the 'issing Shrou" that was scattere" across the valley floor. /4e)ve foun" the pilot an" co&pilot)s *o"ies *ut there)s no sign of <aven or the stu"ents who were on&*oar"() one of the ;.=.2.V.!. troops reporte" as Francisco approache". /6ou)re certain5) /6es( sir( we)ve "one a full scan of the wrec+age. It see's that the Shrou" was hit while it was on the groun". 2ne of the e,ector seats is 'issing too. It loo+s li+e <aven an" the passengers have either *een capture" or they so'ehow 'anage" to escape.) /Sprea" out an" search for any signs of survivors() Francisco sai" to the rest of the troops. /4e nee" to +now what happene" here.) Francisco continue" wal+ing through the "e*ris fiel". =ying not too far fro' the Shrou" were the twiste" re'ains of a helicopter rotor *la"e. So'eone ha" clearly 'anage" to ta+e "own at least one of the ene'y helicopters. The .uestion was how5 The transport Shrou"s ha" no weapons. So'ething a*out the whole scene ,ust "i"n)t 'a+e sense. /2ver here() one of the ;.=.2.V.!. troops yelle".

Francisco hurrie" over to where the 'an was stan"ing an" foun" two "ea" *o"ies lying ,ust insi"e the forest. 8oth were wearing white ther'optic ca'ouflage suits. /4here "i" they get these fro'5) Francisco sai"( +neeling "own *esi"e one of the "ea" 'en. The technology *ehin" the suits) holographic pro,ection cloa+ was one of ;.=.2.V.!.)s 'ost closely guar"e" secrets. The fact that it ha" so'ehow fallen into the $isciples) han"s was "eeply worrying. 2ne of the 'en ha" *een shot *ut the other 'an ha" *een +ille" with a *la"e. The e"ges of the fatal woun" were cauterise" as if the *la"e ha" *een heate" or. . . Francisco su""enly realise" what weapon 'ight have cause" a woun" li+e that. He loo+e" at the groun" aroun" the two *o"ies an" saw several sets of trac+s lea"ing further into the forest. /I want the search continue" along that vector() he sai"( pointing into the trees. /4e 'ay have survivors in nee" of assistance.) He pulle" his co''unicator fro' his *elt an" thu'*e" the trans'it *utton. /;o ahea"( >olonel() 7ero respon"e". /1ax( I thin+ <aven)s alive an" even *etter( she 'ay not *e the only survivor.)

Shel*y loc+e" the 'assive "oors fro' the insi"e an" han"e" the i'provise" +ey to 2tto. /There you go() she sai" with a s'ile. /;ee( I hope you can get the pin *ac+ in the grena"e what with the pin *eing *ent now an" all.) /6ou +now you really are hilarious() 2tto replie"( as he force" the safety pin *ac+ into the grena"e. /Truly( si"e&splittingly funny. I hope that nothing *a" happens to you *ecause then who woul" 'a+e sure that I)' always in such a constant state of intense a'use'ent5) /If you two are .uite finishe"() <aven sai"( ta+ing the grena"e fro' 2tto an" reattaching it to her tactical harness( /I)' .uite +een to fin" out what sort of facility we)ve actually loc+e" ourselves insi"e.) <aven wal+e" "own the "ar+ene" corri"or ahea" of the %lphas( the green light fro' her glowstic+ "oing little to "i'inish the creepiness of the long "ar+ corri"or. 4ater "rippe" fro' the ceiling( pooling on the floor. They passe" several "oors that le" to e'pty loc+er roo's an" *arrac+s with rows of rusty iron *un+s. /Mo'*ies() #enny sai". /I 'ean( ,ust loo+ at this place. There)s "efinitely going to *e -o'*ies.) /I a' thin+ing this *ut I a' wishing that you are not saying it( yes5) Fran- sai" .uietly. /4hatever this place is no one)s *een here for a loooong ti'e() 2tto sai". /!xcept the -o'*ies() Shel*y sai". /2*viously( except the -o'*ies.) /#lease *e stopping it() Fran- sai" plaintively. Soon they ca'e to another heavy 'etal "oor *ut this one was not loc+e". %s <aven pushe" it open "i'( grey light ca'e fro' the other si"e. The roo' *eyon" was line" with control panels on three si"es *ut the fourth was a panel of "irty glass that loo+e" out on to a 'assive cavern. Set in the glass was a "oor that le" out on to a gantry running roun" the walls of the cavern. $aylight strea'e" "own fro' an opening so'ewhere overhea"( *ut what was truly *i-arre was sprea" across the cavern floor. %s they all wal+e" on to the gantry they loo+e" "own on to an i'possi*le scene fro' the past. =ai" out *efore the' was a perfect recreation of a s'all %'erican town fro' the early NOPQs. There was a "iner( a "rugstore( a church an" even what loo+e" li+e a fire station in the town s.uare. Surroun"ing the centre were acres of su*ur*an ho'es an" schools. It was exactly as if so'e*o"y ha" pic+e" up an entire %'erican town fifty years ago an" then "roppe" it in a cavern in Si*eria. The only slightly incongruous "etail were the a*an"one" <ussian 'ilitary vehicles that were "otte" aroun" the town.

Far overhea" was a huge geo"esic glass "o'e that allowe" the "aylight to shine through. So'e of its triangular panels were 'issing *ut otherwise it was intact. /2?( you +now what() 2tto sai"( /I wasn)t expecting that.) /2n the plus si"e( it isn)t -o'*ies() #enny sai"( una*le to ta+e her eyes off the *i-arre sight. /%lthough that 'ight actually have *een 'arginally less weir".) /4hy on earth woul" anyone *uil" this5) =aura as+e". /Training() <aven sai". /I)" hear" ru'ours a*out places li+e this *ut I)" always thought it was a 'yth. 8ac+ in the early sixties there were people in the <ussian 'ilitary who were convince" that a war with %'erica was not ,ust pro*a*le *ut inevita*le. That *eing the case( they ha" to fin" a way to train their 'en for an invasion *ut they ha" no towns that *ore any rese'*lance to s'all&town %'erica so they *uilt places li+e this. I suppose it)s not a 'yth any 'ore.) /4ell( it 'ay not *e a 'yth any 'ore() 2tto sai" with a s'ile( /*ut I)ll tell you what it is. % really( really goo" place to hi"e.)

The helicopter lan"e" in the centre of the ca'p( the "own "raught fro' its rotor *la"es whipping clou"s of snow into the air. % figure "resse" in a long *lac+ hoo"e" coat an" a "ar+ veil that covere" her face steppe" "own fro' the si"e hatch an" wal+e" towar"s the co''an"er. The co''an"er swallowe" nervously. The wo'an was 1inerva an" she ha" *een the hea" of the $isciples ever since the "isastrous events at the %"vance" 4eapons #ro,ect facility in >olora"o that ha" resulte" in 2verlor")s "estruction. He ha" goo" reason to *e nervous 9 she ha" a reputation for ruthlessness an" little tolerance for failure. /It is a pleasure to see you again( 'a)a'() the co''an"er sai" with a s'art no" as the wo'an approache". /4here are they5) 1inerva as+e". /4e)re. . . er'. . . not certain at the 'o'ent() the co''an"er replie" unco'forta*ly. /2ne of our tea's spotte" the' an hour ago cli'*ing a 'ountain near*y *ut they were una*le to neutralise the'.) /%n" you have not *een a*le to locate the' since5) /7o( we have sent gunships to the area *ut were una*le to fin" the'. It loo+s li+e they)ve gone to groun" so'ewhere.) /I a' losing patience( co''an"er() 1inerva sai". /6ou have ha" several chances to eli'inate <aven an" the last of 7ero)s *rats an" yet you see' to *e incapa*le of finishing the ,o*. This operation nee"s to *e a success. 4e have to prove to 3oseph 4right an" the rest of the "epose" ;.=.2.V.!. lea"ers that they were right to forge an alliance with us. $on)t 'a+e 'e regret putting you in charge of this operation 9 you shoul" +now that I a' not in the ha*it of living with 'y regrets. $o I 'a+e 'yself clear5) /6es( 'a)a'() the co''an"er replie". /I have trac+er tea's on the groun" at their last +nown location. 4e will fin" the'.) /=et us hope so( co''an"er( for your sa+e.)

2tto threw the switch an" there was a slight vi*ration fro' so'ewhere *eneath his feet as generators that ha" pro*a*ly not *een use" for "eca"es slowly ru'*le" into life. /;otta love <ussian engineering() he sai" to hi'self as the "usty control panels aroun" the roo' *egan to light up. He 'ove" to one of the panels nearer the win"ow an" threw another series of switches. 2utsi"e the control roo'( huge *an+s of floo"lights on the walls lit up an" floo"e" the cavern with light. 2tto wal+e" out on to the gantry an" loo+e" "own on the fa+e town *elow. 7ow it was lit up it loo+e" even 'ore

li+e so'e +in" of i'possi*ly ela*orate 'ovie set. He wal+e" along the gantry an" too+ the stairs "own to the cavern floor where <aven an" the rest of the %lphas were waiting. /I can)t *elieve that anything)s still wor+ing() =aura sai" as they wal+e" through the town. /They *uilt things to last *ac+ then() <aven sai". /!verything now is "igital an" fragile 9 when this place was *uilt things were less sophisticate" *ut they "i" not *rea+ .uite so easily. Fortunately for us.) /So what now5) To' as+e". /$o we ,ust activate the *eacon an" wait5) /7o( first we nee" to fin" goo" "efensive positions() <aven replie". /4e have to assu'e that the $isciples will get here *efore anyone fro' H.I.V.!. "oes. 4e also have to assu'e that they 'ight fin" a way in here so'ehow.) /There are plenty of places to hi"e here() =aura sai"( loo+ing aroun". /I)' getting tire" of hi"ing() 2tto sai". /I)ve got a *etter i"ea.) /%n" what 'ight that *e5) <aven as+e". /4ell( they say that offence is the *est for' of "efence( right5) 2tto sai" as they wal+e" into the 'ain town s.uare. /7or'ally I woul" agree() <aven sai"( /*ut the $isciples have us outnu'*ere" an" outgunne".) /7ot necessarily() 2tto sai" with a grin( pointing across the town s.uare. /It)s li+e you sai"( so'e things are *uilt to last.)

/I thin+ I)ve got so'ething() the ra"io operator in the $isciple co''an" tent yelle". /4hat is it5) the co''an"er as+e" .uic+ly. /It soun"s li+e a "istress *eacon of so'e +in"() the operator replie". /I)' not entirely sure what the source of the trans'ission is *ut it)s certainly not co'ing fro' any of our e.uip'ent.) /It has to *e <aven() 1inerva sai". /She)s signalling for help. >an you "eter'ine the position of the trans'itter5) /6es( it will ta+e a few 'inutes *ut it shoul" *e relatively straightforwar".) /;oo"() the co''an"er sai" with a no". /2nce you have a position relay the coor"inates to the gunships an" have the' chec+ the area.) He turne" to 1inerva. /I)ll get air*orne with the rest of our troops so we can *e on site as soon as we have the location.) /I will acco'pany you() 1inerva sai". /I want to *e there to personally ensure your success this ti'e( co''an"er.) /8ut( 'a)a'( it coul" *e extre'ely "angerous() the co''an"er proteste". /If I were you( co''an"er( I woul" *e 'ore worrie" for the safety of your own troops. <aven 'ust +now that you will *e a*le to trace the location of that *eacon. It is no acci"ent that she is telling you exactly where she is. $o not un"eresti'ate her or 7ero)s stu"ents. They are a "angerous co'*ination( as 2verlor" "iscovere" to his cost.) /I +now how "angerous they are() the co''an"er sai"( /*ut she is only one wo'an an" they are ,ust chil"ren. 4e will not fail.)

>ole Harrington sat in his cell in H.I.V.!.)s "etention wing trying very har" not to thin+ a*out what the future hel" for hi'. He ha" no i"ea how 2tto 1alpense ha" 'anage" to transfer the stolen H.I.V.!.'in" files to his 8lac+*ox *ut he +new that whatever 7ero 'ight have in 'in" for hi' it woul" not *e pleasant. He loo+e" up as the "oor to his cell hisse" open an" >hief $e++er wal+e" into the roo'. /4hat "o you want5) Harrington snappe" *itterly. /If it wasn)t for you I woul"n)t *e in

here.) /4hatever "o you 'ean5) $e++er as+e" with a s'ile. /6ou)re the one who tol" 'e what 1alpense an" those other %lphas were up to. 6ou were the one who tol" 'e that you coul" sell H.I.V.!.'in")s source co"e for so 'uch 'oney. It)s *ecause of you that I)' in this situation. 4ell(you)re going to get 'e out of this so'ehow or I)' going to tell 7ero all a*out your part in this. I)' not ta+ing the fall for this alone.) /6ou +now( it)s really very sa"() $e++er sai"( sha+ing her hea". /4hat are you tal+ing a*out5) /6ou o*viously coul"n)t live with yourself after *etraying H.I.V.!. so *a"ly() $e++er continue". /6ou confesse" everything to 'e( of course. How you)" foun" the propose" location for the Hunt a'ongst the files you stole fro' H.I.V.!.'in" an" then how you covertly trans'itte" the infor'ation to your contact. 6ou even tol" 'e exactly where in your .uarters you hi" the covert trans'itter that you ha" pai" one of the security guar"s to s'uggle into the school for you. $uring the course of 'y .uestioning I explaine" to you that the infor'ation you ha" unwittingly provi"e" to the $isciples ha" *een "irectly responsi*le for the 'assacre at the Hunt. 6ou tol" 'e how you ha" no i"ea that anything li+e that woul" happen an" that you "esperately regrette" your actions. Sa"ly you o*viously ,ust coul"n)t live with the guilt. If I)" realise" that you were a suici"e ris+ I woul" have +ept a 'uch closer watch on you. Such a sha'e.) /Suici"e5 4hat "o you 'ean suici"e5 I)" never. . . oh ;o" no.) $e++er wal+e" towar"s hi' s'iling nastily as the "oor hisse" shut *ehin" her.

chapter eleven

/%re you guys going to *e 2? in here5) 2tto as+e". He loo+e" aroun" the interior of the fa+e church an" was struc+ *y ,ust how 'uch attention to "etail ha" *een use" when the *uil"ing was constructe". /$on)t worry. 4e)ll *e fine() =aura sai"( helping To' lower 7igel on to the floor *ehin" the altar. /How are you feeling( 7igel5) 2tto as+e". His frien" loo+e" paler an" his *reathing see'e" 'ore la*oure". /I)ve felt *etter() 7igel sai" .uietly. /I "on)t thin+ I)" really reco''en" getting shot( to *e honest.) /It wasn)t actually that high on 'y list of things to try() 2tto sai" with a s'ile. /$on)t worry( help will *e here soon.) 2tto han"e" =aura one of the $isciple assault rifles. /I +now you "on)t want it *ut ta+e it anyway. If they get past us( then it)s up to you an" To' to protect 7igel an" #enny.) /Hey() #enny sai" with a frown as she sat "own next to 7igel( /I)' not that *a"ly hurt.) /I +now *ut you)re not in any con"ition to go running aroun" outsi"e either() To' sai". /$on)t worry( 2tto( we)ll *e fine.) /2?( I nee" to get *ac+ outsi"e an" 'a+e sure that 4ing an" Shel +now what they)re "oing() 2tto sai". /See you guys soon.) 2tto an" =aura wal+e" *ac+ towar"s the church "oors together. 2tto pulle" the "oor open *ut =aura pushe" it shut an" pulle" hi' towar"s her. /;oo" luc+() =aura sai" an" then she +isse" hi'. It felt ,ust li+e he ha" hope" it woul". It felt right. 2tto pulle" away fro' her an" stare" into her eyes. There was so'ething there that he ha"n)t expecte" 9 she loo+e" afrai". /Hey( "on)t worry() 2tto sai"( /we)re going to get through this. In a few hours we)ll all *e *ac+ at H.I.V.!. wishing we ha" so'ething 'ore exciting to "o.) /I hope you)re right() =aura sai" with a sa" s'ile. /)>ourse I)' right() 2tto sai" with a grin as he pushe" the "oor open again. /I always a'( re'e'*er.)

The $isciple co''an"er exa'ine" the enor'ous ruste" "oors. There was no "ou*t that the *eacon signal was co'ing fro' so'ewhere on the other si"e of the'. /The gunship)s reporting that there)s so'e sort of glass "o'e hi""en *etween the pea+s up there() his co''s officer sai"( pointing up to the roc+y slopes that loo'e" a*ove the'. /They)re saying that there)s so'e sort of artificial lighting insi"e an" what loo+ li+e *uil"ings.) /4hat is this place5) the co''an"er as+e" with a frown. /It)s not on any of the 'aps.) /That)s not unusual for the <ussian 'ilitary() the co''s officer replie". /%t least that)s who I)' assu'ing *uilt this.) /I want this "oor ta+en "own() the co''an"er sai". /;et a "e'olition charge set up.) /6es( sir( it)ll ta+e a few 'inutes.) The co''an"er wal+e" *ac+ "own the roa" towar"s the two transport helicopters that ha" *rought hi' an" his troops up the 'ountain. 1inerva waite" as he

approache". /4e shoul" *e insi"e shortly() the co''an"er reporte". /;oo"( the longer that *eacon is trans'itting the 'ore li+ely it is that ;.=.2.V.!. forces will "etect it. 4e cannot affor" a "irect confrontation at this stage() 1inerva replie". /7ero 'ust *e wea+ene" first.) 1inerva an" the co''an"er watche" as two of his 'en wor+e" .uic+ly to attach shape" charges to the 'etal "oor. %fter a couple of 'inutes they *oth hurrie" *ac+ towar"s the helicopters. The 'an hol"ing the re'ote "etonator loo+e" at the co''an"er an" he gave a .uic+ no". /Fire in the hole0)

/How "i" this happen5) 7ero as+e" angrily. /4hy wasn)t he searche" 'ore carefully when he was "etaine"5) He an" >hief $e++er watche" as two security guar"s carrie" a sheet&covere" *o"y on a stretcher out of the "etention *loc+. /I)' sorry( $octor 7ero() $e++er replie"( /it never occurre" to 'e that he 'ight have so'e sort of suici"e capsule. It 'ust have *een s'uggle" to hi' *y his $isciple contact. 4e +now that they ha" e.uip'ent *rought into the school for hi' *y his contact. 4e foun" a covert trans'itter hi""en in his .uarters. It see's that there was an awful lot a*out >ole Harrington that no*o"y +new.) /4hat a*out his acco'plices( the Hench'an stu"ents5) 7ero as+e". /%re they wor+ing for the $isciples as well5) /7o( I "on)t *elieve so() $e++er replie". /I thin+ they were ,ust unwitting pawns. In their case( very unwitting. I "on)t thin+ either of the' woul" even *e a*le to spell B$iscipleC 'uch less lea+ infor'ation to the'.) /That still 'eans that there is so'e*o"y insi"e the school who is wor+ing for the $isciples() 7ero sai" with a frown. /It has to *e so'e*o"y that has per'ission to leave the islan" or they woul"n)t *e a*le to get this e.uip'ent in the first place. 4hich 'eans that we)re either loo+ing for a 'e'*er of the teaching staff or so'eone on the support staff. !ither way we)re going to have to try an" flush the' out. 4e can)t affor" a traitor in our 'i"st( especially at the 'o'ent.) /I shall start con"ucting interviews with everyone who has *een off the islan" in the last six 'onths() $e++er sai". /This isn)t going to *e easy. That)s a lot of people when you consi"er how 'any of the teaching an" support staff have ta+en leave "uring that perio".) /I suggest you start i''e"iately( >hief. 4e have no ti'e to lose.) /:n"erstoo". I will sche"ule the first interviews for this afternoon.) /;oo". 7ow if you)ll excuse 'e I)' going to hea" *ac+ to the control roo' to see if there have *een any "evelop'ents in the search for <aven an" the surviving %lphas.) 7ero wal+e" out of the "etention centre an" hea"e" up the corri"or towar"s the control roo'( his 'in" racing. Things were 'oving too fast. He was use" to "ealing with casualties in his line of wor+ *ut he ha" never foun" it easy to accept the "eath of one of his stu"ents. The fact that the $isciples ha" 'ur"ere" or capture" al'ost an entire year of %lpha stu"ents was un*eara*le. $espite that( he +new that he ha" to stay focuse". If he "welle" too 'uch on the scale of the unfol"ing trage"y in Si*eria he woul" *e of no use to anyone. <aven an" the re'aining %lphas were still out there so'ewhere an" he woul" "o a*solutely everything in his power to ensure that they were returne" to the school unhar'e". He wal+e" into the control roo' an" one of the co''unications technicians hurrie" over to hi'. /$octor 7ero( we)ve ,ust receive" a trans'ission fro' >olonel Francisco() the tech sai" .uic+ly. /They)ve pic+e" up a Shrou" "istress *eacon in the 'ountains to the north

of their current position. They)re trying to get a fix on its location now.)

The $isciple troops pic+e" their way through the twiste" re'ains of the 'etal "oors in the 'ountainsi"e an" hea"e" "own the tunnel *eyon" with the co''an"er an" 1inerva ,ust *ehin" the'. !nough of the lights in the ceiling were wor+ing for the' to see that this was clearly a 'ilitary facility of so'e +in". There were roo's that were un'ista+ea*ly *arrac+s an" 'ess halls. The $isciple troops 'ove" slowly an" carefully( alert for any sign of *oo*y traps or an a'*ush. They +new that they coul" ta+e no chances( especially consi"ering the prey that they were hunting. !ventually they arrive" at the control roo' at the en" of the passage. The sol"iers too+ up "efensive positions aroun" the roo' as the co''an"er an" 1inerva loo+e" "own through the huge win"ow at the *i-arre scene *elow the'. /% slice of apple pie in the heart of the 'otherlan"() 1inerva sai". /I ha" hear" of such places existing *ut I ha" never seen one *efore to"ay. I expect the %'ericans ha" an artificial <ussian town ,ust li+e this hi""en away so'ewhere too.) /It 'ay *e a fascinating relic of the col" war() the co''an"er sai"( /*ut it is also a pro*le'. They coul" *e anywhere "own there.) /Then I suggest you start your search i''e"iately( co''an"er() 1inerva replie". /There is no ti'e to waste.) /2?. 4e)ll hea" for the town s.uare first() the co''an"er sai"( a""ressing his 'en( /then con"uct an expan"ing sweep search fro' there. =et)s 'ove out.) The co''an"er hea"e" out on to the gantry an" followe" his 'en "own the stairs to the cavern floor. They 'a"e slow *ut stea"y progress "own the 'ain street towar"s the centre of the town( chec+ing carefully for any sign of a trap. /How far to the *eacon5) the co''an"er as+e" as his 'en reache" the town s.uare. /It see's to *e co'ing fro' the church() his co''s officer replie"( waving a s'all electronic "evice *ac+ an" forth in front of hi'. /2?( I want four&'an fire tea's there( there an" there() the co''an"er sai"( pointing to positions aroun" the outsi"e of the s.uare. /2verlapping fiel"s of fire. I want this s.uare to *e a +ill *ox.) His 'en 'ove" .uic+ly towar"s the strategic locations he ha" pic+e" out. The co''an"er +new that ,ust *ecause the *eacon was in the church it "i"n)t 'ean that <aven an" the H.I.V.!. stu"ents woul" *e *ut( he was certainly not going to ta+e any chances at this stage. He nee"e" to "eactivate the *eacon *efore ;.=.2.V.!. coul" use it to pinpoint their location. /2?( let)s see if we can fin" that thing an" turn it off() the co''an"er sai". /1a)a'( I suggest you wait here.) 1inerva gave a .uic+ no" an" the co''an"er le" the rest of his 'en across the s.uare towar"s the church. They were halfway to the church when there was a 'onstrous roar fro' the "irection of the fire station on the other si"e of the s.uare. The co''an"er an" his 'en slowe"( trying to i"entify where the soun" was co'ing fro'. Su""enly( in an explosion of splintere" woo"( the "oors on the front of the fire station)s garage explo"e" outwar"s as a tan+ s'ashe" through the'. Insi"e the tan+ 4ing presse" har" on the accelerator pe"al( sen"ing the giant ar'oure" vehicle roaring towar"s the startle" group of sol"iers in the 'i""le of the s.uare. The troops scattere" in all "irections as the tan+ *ore "own on the'( a couple of the' s.uee-ing off pointless *ursts of fire fro' their rifles( the roun"s pinging har'lessly off the tan+)s ar'oure" s+in. /?eep the' away fro' the church() 2tto yelle" fro' the co''an" seat in the turret. 4ing swung the tan+ towar"s the church "oors( *loc+ing the way as 2tto *rought the 'ain gun to *ear on one of the fire tea's that the $isciples ha" set up at the e"ges of

the s.uare. /7ow( Shel*y0) 2tto yelle" over the growl of the giant "iesel engine. /Fire0) It ha" only ta+en 2tto a 'inute to rea" the thic+ operations 'anual that he ha" foun" insi"e the tan+( though it ha" ta+en slightly longer to try to show the others how the syste's they woul" *e operating wor+e". He "ou*te" that any tan+ crew ha" *een traine" in half an hour *efore *ut than+fully it ha" *een "esigne" an" engineere" to actually *e very straightforwar" to operate. 4hat 2tto was slightly less confi"ent of was whether or not the fifty&year&ol" vehicle)s 'ain weapon was still functioning correctly. /4oohoo0) Shel*y yelle" as she pulle" the trigger on the 'ain cannon)s firing controls an" the whole tan+ roc+e" with the recoil. 2n the far si"e of the s.uare the *uil"ing *ehin" the $isciple troops) position explo"e" in a clou" of "ust( shattere" 'asonry an" woo"wor+ flying in all "irections. 2tto rotate" the turret( towar"s one of the other $isciple positions. The 'en scattere"( running for cover. /Fran-( give 'e a sitrep() 2tto sai" into the throat 'ic of one of the co''unicators that they ha" o*taine" fro' the sol"iers in the woo"s the previous "ay. High a*ove the s.uare( in the church tower( Fran- scanne" the streets *elow with an ancient pair of *inoculars which he ha" ta+en fro' the tan+ earlier. /There is *eing one group hea"ing "own the roa" east of you() Fran- sai" as he watche" the $isciple troops fleeing through the streets( trying to hi"e fro' the ar'oure" 'onster that ha" su""enly attac+e" the'. /%n" there is *eing another group who are hea"ing south towar"s where <aven is waiting.) /2?( we)re hea"ing east() 2tto sai"( al'ost feeling sorry for the 'en who were fleeing south. /4ing( ta+e us through the "rugstore.) In one of the a",oining streets the co''an"er le" his 'en away fro' the s.uare at a run. They were not e.uippe" to ta+e "own a tan+ 9 they nee"e" to retreat an" regroup. He ha" seen other vehicles that ha" *een left aroun" the town "uring so'e long& forgotten 'ilitary exercise *ut it ha" never occurre" to hi' for a 'o'ent that there woul" *e anything as "ea"ly as a tan+. Su""enly the groun" *eneath his feet *egan to tre'*le an" then the tan+ explo"e" through the wall ,ust in front of hi'( *urying several of his 'en. He an" the rest of his 'en turne" an" ran as the tan+)s turret rotate" towar"s the'. There was a thun"erous *oo' an" the wall ahea" of the' explo"e". Several of his 'en went "own as the co''an"er "uc+e" into an a",oining alleyway( running for his life. To the south so'e of the re'aining $isciple sol"iers were gathere" in the *ac+yar" of one of the houses that 'a"e up the sprawling su*ur*s surroun"ing the 'ain s.uare. /4hat "o we "o5) one of the 'en sai"( soun"ing panic+e". /4e can)t fight that thing. 4e "on)t have any anti&ar'our weaponry.) <aven so'ersaulte" off the roof of the house *ehin" the' an" lan"e" ,ust a couple of 'etres fro' the startle" sol"iers( a glowing +atana in each han". /That)s the least of your worries() she sai" with a nasty s'ile. In the church tower Fran- watche" the purple *la"es slashing away for a few secon"s *efore he lowere" his *inoculars( loo+ing "istinctly pale. /6ou +now() he sai" to hi'self( /I a' really wishing that I ha"n)t *een watching that.) %'i"st the chaos unfol"ing in the streets *elow Fran- "i" not notice a figure "resse" in *lac+ hurrying across the s.uare( "ashing fro' cover to cover( hea"ing for the church "oors. Insi"e the tan+( 4ing wrenche" on the controls an" sent the tan+ s'ashing straight through a *rightly coloure"( ti'*er&cla" house as he continue" his pursuit of the fleeing re'nants of the $isciple forces. /Fire0) 2tto yelle" an" Shel*y pulle" the trigger. The shell struc+ the rear of one of the a*an"one" 'ilitary truc+s that ha" *een par+e" in the 'i""le of the roa" ahea" of the $isciples troops an" it flippe" up into the air *efore sla''ing *ac+ "own on the roa" in

a clou" of s'o+e an" fire. /2?( forget the Ferrari() Shel*y shoute"( a 'assive grin on her face. /The "ay I get 'y "riving licence( I)' getting one of these things.) /I)' not sure they)re that easy to *uy secon"&han"( Shel() 2tto yelle" *ac+( /*ut( yeah( I "o +now what you 'ean.) 8ac+ insi"e the church( To' an" =aura levelle" their rifles at the "oor at the far en" of the aisle as the han"le slowly turne". % wo'an with a veile" face( "resse" all in *lac+( wal+e" into the church. /$on)t 'ove0) To' yelle" at the wo'an. /6ou ta+e one 'ore step an" we shoot.) /2h( you "on)t want to shoot 'e( young 'an() 1inerva sai". /6ou see( the organisation I represent woul" not ta+e +in"ly to anything happening to 'e. They 'ight hurt all sorts of people if that were to happen. They 'ight even *e people that you care for( isn)t that right( 1iss 8ran"5) /$rop the gun( To'() =aura sai"( turning an" pointing her rifle at his hea". /I "on)t want to +ill you *ut I will if I have to.) /=aura() 7igel gaspe"( /what on earth are you "oing5) /The only thing I can. 7ow "rop the gun.)

2tto ai'e" the tan+)s cannon at the han"ful of re'aining $isciple troops as they *ac+e" up against the cavern wall. There was nowhere for the' to run. Su""enly Fran-)s voice crac+le" in his earpiece. /2tto( co'e in( 2tto() Fran- sai" urgently. /4hat is it( Fran-() 2tto replie". /There is so'eone who is wanting to *e spea+ing to you() Fran- sai"( soun"ing frightene". /4hat "o you 'ean( what)s going on( Fran-5) 2tto as+e". /Hello( 1r 1alpense() a "ry( rasping voice sai" in his ear. /1y na'e is 1inerva an" I woul" very 'uch li+e you to surren"er i''e"iately to 'y troops. If you "on)t I)' going to execute all of your frien"s who were hi"ing in the church one *y one while you listen. $o not 'a+e the 'ista+e of thin+ing this is a negotiation. I expect to see you shortly.) The line went "ea". 2tto sat there for a 'o'ent( his 'in" racing( trying to for'ulate so'e +in" of plan *ut he realise" there was nothing he coul" "o. 4hoever this 1inerva was( she su""enly hel" all the car"s. /;uys() 2tto sai"( su""enly feeling a sense of creeping "espair( /they)ve capture" the others. 4e have to give ourselves up.)

The $isciple co''an"er shove" 2tto roughly in the *ac+( pushing hi' towar"s the centre of the s.uare where his frien"s were alrea"y +neeling in a line with their han"s on their hea"s. /%hhh( 1r 1alpense( so goo" of you to ,oin us() 1inerva sai" as the co''an"er force" hi' "own on to his +nees. /4hat happene"5) 2tto sai"( loo+ing at To'. /4hy "on)t you as+ her5) To' sai" *itterly( no""ing towar"s =aura( who was stan"ing near*y( staring at the groun". /4hat are you tal+ing a*out5) 2tto as+e"( genuinely confuse". /=aura( what)s he tal+ing a*out5) /Tell hi'( 1iss 8ran"() 1inerva sai". /Tell hi' what a fool he)s *een. Tell hi' how you were the one that gave us the location of the Hunt. Tell hi' how you tric+e" hi' into o*taining that infor'ation for us. Tell hi' everything.)

/=aura() 2tto sai" plea"ingly( /what)s she saying5 That can)t *e. . .) 2tto fell silent as he realise" that this was exactly what he ha" alrea"y *egun to suspect. That so'eone within their group ha" *etraye" the'. 8ut it coul"n)t *e =aura( it ,ust coul"n)t. 7o 'atter how he trie" to "eny it( "eep insi"e he +new that it was true. He thought *ac+ to =aura persua"ing hi' that hac+ing into H.I.V.!.'in" woul" *e fun an" how she)" *een so relieve" that he)" 'anage" to "iscover the location of the Hunt when she)" thought they)" lost everything. 8ut 'ore than that he +new it was true *ecause he coul" feel his heart *rea+ing. /I)' sorry() =aura so**e"( still staring at the floor. /I ha" no choice.) /6ou ha" no choice5) 2tto shoute"( su""enly angry. /4hat "o you 'ean( you ha" no choice5) /They have 'y fa'ily0) =aura shoute" *ac+ at hi'( her voice fille" with anger an" "espair. /1y 'u'( 'y "a"( the *a*y *rother that than+s to H.I.V.!. I never even +new I ha"0 I 1!%7 I H%$ 72 8=22$6 >H2I>!0 They were going to +ill the'.) She *egan to cry( tears rolling "own her face. /They were going to +ill the' all unless I "i" exactly what they tol" 'e.) /2h ;o"( =aura() Shel*y sai"( tears in her eyes too. /2h hon( please tell 'e you "i"n)t "o this.) /8ut I "i"( Shel. This is all 'y fault() =aura so**e". /%ll those people "ie" *ecause of 'e. I ha" no i"ea what they were planning. If I)" +nown( 'ay*e I woul"n)t have. . . I "unno. . . 'ay*e I)" have *een a*le to stop all this. 7ow I "on)t thin+ I can live with all this *loo" on 'y han"s.) /=aura() 2tto sai"( /loo+ at 'e.) =aura loo+e" at hi'( her *right green eyes re" with tears. /This isn)t your fault( you "i"n)t +ill anyone. . . they "i".) 2tto pointe" at 1inerva. /%n" I pro'ise you( no 'atter what( we)re going to 'a+e the' pay for every last "rop of *loo" they)ve spille".) /Such opti'is'( 1r 1alpense() 1inerva sai" col"ly( /*ut I fear that the only way you are going to have your revenge on 'e is if you co'e *ac+ an" haunt 'e an" I)' afrai" I "on)t *elieve in ghosts. $on)t worry though I)' not going to +ill all of your frien"s. 1iss 8ran" has earne" a reprieve with her exe'plary service an" young 1r $ar+"oo' is worth far 'ore to 'e alive than "ea". These two() 1inerva gesture" towar"s To' an" #enny( /I "on)t +now these two. It see's they ha" nothing to "o with the "estruction of 2verlor" so I a' 'in"e" to spare the'. !specially when they are such pro'ising can"i"ates.) />an"i"ates5) To' as+e". />an"i"ates for what5) /2h( you)ll see( 'y "ear() 1inerva hisse"( /you)ll see.) She 'otione" to the co''an"er of the $isciple forces. /Ta+e these four to the transport.) /6es( 'a)a'() the co''an"er replie"( hauling =aura to her feet. She twiste" out of his grip an" ran to 2tto( hugging hi'. /It was $e++er() =aura whispere" in his ear. /$e++er wor+s for the $isciples. I love you.) The sol"ier pulle" her off 2tto an" "ragge" her away at gunpoint. %nother two sol"iers lifte" 7igel on to a stretcher. To' an" #enny followe" along *ehin" with their own ar'e" escort. /I +now you)re here() 1inerva su""enly shoute" to the air. /I +now you)re watching( <aven. Surren"er now or I put a *ullet in his s+ull.) She pulle" a pistol fro' insi"e her coat an" levelle" it at 2tto)s hea". /6ou have five secon"s. 2ne. . . two. . . three. . .) 2tto felt his heart sin+ as he saw <aven step out fro' the sha"ows of one of the *uil"ings "estroye" *y their tan+. She wal+e" towar"s the'( her han"s raise" in the air. /Far enough() 1inerva sai". /=ose the weapons.) <aven slippe" out of her tactical harness an" let it "rop to the groun". 2ne of the $isciple sol"iers ran over an" pic+e" it up as two 'ore +ept her covere" with their rifles.

/Han"s *ehin" your *ac+() 1inerva instructe". />o''an"er( tie her han"s.) The co''an"er wal+e" forwar" an" pulle" a thic+ ca*le tie fro' one of the pouches on his *elt. He loope" it roun" <aven)s wrists an" pulle" it tight with a -ipping soun". /6ou coul"n)t let the' "ie( coul" you() 1inerva sai"( wal+ing towar"s <aven. /Senti'entality was always your wea+ness( 7atalya.) /4ho are you5) <aven as+e"( her expression furious. There was so'ething hauntingly fa'iliar a*out the wo'an)s rasping voice. /$on)t you recognise your han"iwor+( 'y "ear5) 1inerva sai"( lifting up her veil. The hi"eously "isfigure" face *eneath was covere" in scar tissue( the relics of what 'ust have *een horrific *urns. $espite the "isfigure'ent there was one thing that ha" not change" 9 her eyes. !yes that <aven woul" never( coul" never forget. In that instant 2tto saw so'ething in <aven)s expression that he ha" never seen *efore. Fear. /That can)t *e. 6ou)re "ea". . . I watche" you "ie() <aven gaspe"( her eyes wi"e with horror. /7o( 7atalya() %nastasia Furan sai"( /you "i"n)t +ill 'e( you ,ust left 'e wishing you ha". 6ou *etraye" 'e( you +ille" 'y *rother #ietor an" you helpe" that *rat "estroy 2verlor". For that I a' going to 'a+e you watch 'e +ill these chil"ren with your own weapon.) She put her pistol *ac+ into the shoul"er holster insi"e her coat an" too+ one of <aven)s +atanas fro' the sol"ier that ha" *een carrying the'. /Then I)' going to use it on you.) %nastasia wal+e" towar"s 2tto( 4ing( Shel*y an" Fran-. /I)ll even let you "eci"e which one goes first() she sai" with a sa"istic s'ile. /3ust get on with it( you scar&face" ol" hag() 2tto sai"( his voice fille" with conte'pt( /or are you going to try to tal+ us to "eath li+e 2verlor" "i". I honestly can)t tell you what was *etter 9 the fact that 2verlor" "ie" in agony or that he was wearing your *rother)s *o"y li+e a cheap suit at the ti'e. I suppose you)" call it two *ir"s with one stone.) %nastasia turne" towar"s hi'( her face furious. /6ou o*viously have a "eath wish( 1r 1alpense() she snarle". /4ell( consi"er your wish grante".) She raise" the swor" a*ove her hea". 2tto close" his eyes. The worl" see'e" to slow as he use" every ounce of his 'ental strength to push past the electro'agnetic shiel"ing that #rofessor #i+e ha" installe" roun" the tiny *ut incre"i*ly powerful fuel cell that powere" the swor")s varia*le geo'etry forcefiel". He coul" not see *ut coul" sense the swor" swinging towar"s his nec+ in slow 'otion as he co''an"e" the fuel cell to "ischarge all the power it containe" in an instant. The han"le of the swor" "etonate" li+e a tiny *o'* with a *right white flash. Furan shrie+e" as the *la"e clattere" to the groun"( clutching at the shre""e" re'ains of her han". The sol"iers near*y staggere" *ac+war"s ru**ing their eyes( te'porarily *lin"e" *y the light of the "etonation. 2tto opene" his eyes an" leapt forwar"( sla''ing into her an" +noc+ing her off her feet. They tu'*le" *ac+war"s together as 2tto reache" insi"e her coat an" pulle" the pistol fro' her shoul"er holster an" presse" it to her forehea". /$rop your weapons( all of you() 2tto shoute" to the $isciple troops( /or I pull the trigger.) /Shoot hi'0) %nastasia hisse". /That)s an or"er.) 2tto coc+e" the ha''er on the pistol( pushing the 'u--le har"er into her scarre" *row. The sol"iers loo+e" to their co''an"er( unsure what to "o. The co''an"er raise" his rifle( ai'ing it at 2tto. In the split secon" *efore he coul" pull the trigger there was an enor'ous explosion a*ove the'. !veryone)s hea"s snappe" upwar"s ,ust in ti'e to see the *la-ing wrec+age of the $isciples) helicopter gunship crash into the glass "o'e overhea". The "o'e "isintegrate" as the "oo'e" aircraft hit it an" the *la-ing re'ains of the helicopter an" a shower of giant glass shar"s plu''ete" towar"s the startle" occupants of the s.uare *elow.

/<un0) 2tto yelle" at his frien"s as the $isciple troops scattere" in all "irections. 2tto leapt to his feet an" sprinte" for cover in the fire station garage as %nastasia Furan staggere" to her feet an" ran in the opposite "irection. The co''an"er of the $isciple troops see'e" fro-en in place as the *urning hull of the gunship fell fro' the s+y an" s'ashe" "own on top of hi'. The explosion +noc+e" 2tto an" his frien"s off their feet( sen"ing the' sprawling. 1assive glass sheets s'ashe" "own aroun" the'( explo"ing in sprays of "ea"ly crystal shrapnel. 2tto( 4ing( Fran- an" Shel*y all ran hea"long for the fire station garage. They "ashe" insi"e as 'ore an" 'ore glass tu'*le" into the s.uare( huge sheets i'pacting li+e 'ortar shells. %fter a 'inute or so the "ust in the s.uare *egan to settle an" the full extent of the "a'age *eca'e visi*le. The fla'ing "e*ris of the gunship lay surroun"e" *y tons of shattere" glass an" the church *uil"ing was on fire( the fla'es sprea"ing rapi"ly across its woo"en structure. Several of the re'aining $isciple troops ha" not 'a"e it to cover an" lay where they ha" *een cut "own *y the lethal rain of glass. /Stay "own() 2tto whispere" to the others as he saw $isciple troops starting to cautiously e'erge fro' the *uil"ings they ha" ta+en cover insi"e aroun" the s.uare. 2ne of the' pointe" over to the fire station. 2tto was ,ust a*out to shout to his frien"s to run when the air *ehin" the a"vancing $isciple troops shi''ere" an" one of H.I.V.!.)s assault Shrou"s "ecloa+e". The sol"iers never even +new what hit the' as the ;atling cannon un"er the chin of the "ropship spun up an" opene" fire. Secon"s later a "o-en 'en in *lac+ *o"y ar'our leapt fro' the loa"ing ra'p at the rear of the Shrou" an" sprea" out( for'ing a "efensive peri'eter. /=oo+s li+e the cavalry)s here() 2tto sai" with a relieve" sigh. /;uys( this is going to soun" weir" *ut "on)t tell the' anything a*out what =aura "i". =et 'e han"le it.) He loo+e" at his frien"s( seeing his own confusion( anger an" sa"ness reflecte" in their eyes. 2ne *y one they no""e" their agree'ent. /2?( let)s go.) 2tto( 4ing( Shel*y an" Fran- wal+e" slowly out of the fire station an" a couple of the ;.=.2.V.!. troops spotte" the' an" raise" their rifles. /Hey( sa'e tea'0) Shel*y yelle". /Hol" your fire() >olonel Francisco *ellowe" as he ran "own the Shrou")s loa"ing ra'p. /I thin+ I can honestly say that this is *eing the first ti'e I have ever *een happy to *e seeing >olonel Francisco() Fran- sai" .uietly( a relieve" s'ile on his face. /I)' gla" to see that at least so'e of you 'a"e it() the >olonel sai". /Sorry it too+ us so long to get here. If it ha"n)t *een for that *eacon( I "ou*t we woul" have ever foun" you.) /4ell( you can than+ <aven for that() 2tto sai"( su""enly frowning. /Hol" on( where is she5)

%nastasia Furan ran along the corri"or lea"ing out of the hi""en facility( trying to ignore the agonising pain fro' her shre""e" right han". She ha" en"ure" far( far worse *efore now. She reache" the shattere" exterior "oors an" steppe" out into the "aylight. The transport helicopter was waiting( its rotors spinning at full spee"( rea"y for ta+e off. She hurrie" across the snow&covere" groun" as the rear ra'p of the helicopter lowere" an" cli'*e" insi"e with the help of two of the $isciple sol"iers on&*oar". =aura( To' an" #enny sat hu""le" at the other en" of the co'part'ent with 7igel lying on the stretcher next to the'. /;et us out of here() she yelle" at the pilot who pulle" on the collective control an" sent the giant twin&rotore" chopper cli'*ing into the s+y. %nastasia loo+e" out of the rear hatch an" felt a chill as she saw a fa'iliar figure sprinting across the snow towar"s

the slowly cli'*ing helicopter. /4e nee" 'ore altitu"e() she yelle". 2n the groun" <aven ai'e" her grappler at the rear of the transport which was now twenty 'etres off the groun" an" fire". The "art attache" to the helicopter)s 'etal s+in an" <aven hit the retraction control( sen"ing herself shooting into the s+y( trailing *ehin" the helicopter as it tippe" forwar" an" swoope" away fro' the 'ountain. 2ne of the $isciple troops on the helicopter *race" hi'self ,ust insi"e the open hatch( "rew his pistol an" ai'e" at <aven as she whippe" aroun" on the en" of the 'onofila'ent line a "o-en 'etres *ehin" the helicopter. The 'otors in the grappler screeche" in protest as they trie" slowly to pull <aven towar"s the *ac+ of the transport( fighting against the 'assive tur*ulence that tosse" her aroun" li+e a fish struggling at the en" of a line. The sol"ier fire" an" 'isse" twice *efore Furan snatche" the gun fro' hi' with her goo" han". She "i"n)t ai' at <aven 9 instea" she too+ careful ai' at the silver "art e'*e""e" in the helicopter)s fuselage ,ust outsi"e the hatch. She fire" an" the *ullet struc+ the "art with a spar+( "islo"ging it an" sen"ing <aven tu'*ling away into the s+y. Furan ran to the rear hatch an" loo+e" "own at the "ar+ green treetops that flew past *elow. She han"e" the pistol *ac+ to the sol"ier an" hit the switch to close the rear hatch. /;oo"*ye( 7atalya() she sai" as the hatch close" with a thu".

/4e)ve finishe" our sweep( sir() the ;.=.2.V.!. sol"ier reporte". /There)s no sign of anyone else insi"e the facility. The Shrou" even perfor'e" a ther'al scan of the cavern fro' the air an" there)s nothing.) /:n"erstoo"( lieutenant() Francisco sai". /;et the rest of your 'en *ac+ on&*oar" the Shrou". 4e)re hea"ing *ac+ to H.I.V.!.) Francisco wal+e" up the ra'p to the Shrou")s interior an" watche" as the 'e"ic finishe" chec+ing over the four %lphas. /They all see' fine() the 'e"ic sai" as Francisco approache". /% little "ehy"rate" an" so'e cuts an" *ruises *ut nothing serious.) Francisco no""e" an" wal+e" over to where the four exhauste"&loo+ing %lphas were sitting. /There)s still no sign of <aven or the other 'issing stu"ents() Francisco sai". /I)' ta+ing you *ac+ to H.I.V.!. 7ero)s or"ers.) /4e)re ,ust going to leave5) 2tto sai" angrily. /How "o we +now that the $isciples aren)t hole" up so'ewhere near*y with =aura an" the others5) /4e "on)t have ti'e for a full search of the area an" $isciple reinforce'ents 'ight arrive at any 'o'ent() the >olonel sai"( sha+ing his hea". /4e have to get out of here.) Shel*y su""enly *urst into tears( her shoul"ers sha+ing as she so**e". 4ing put his ar's aroun" her an" hugge" her. /4e will fin" the'() 4ing sai". /I swear to you.) The last of the ;.=.2.V.!. troops file" on to the Shrou" an" Francisco hea"e" towar"s the rear. He wal+e" "own the ra'p an" loo+e" aroun" the "e*ris&fille" town s.uare. The fires starte" *y the "estruction of the gunship that they)" shot "own were sprea"ing an" there was little they coul" "o to stop the'. Soon the whole facility woul" *e a*la-e. He was ,ust a*out to hea" *ac+ up the ra'p when he saw a fa'iliar figure wal+ing slowly towar"s hi' across the s.uare. /6ou weren)t going to leave without 'e( were you5) <aven as+e"( raising an eye*row. She was wal+ing with a slight li'p an" her *o"ysuit was torn in several places( *loo" covering her face fro' a nasty gash in her hairline. /6ou loo+ li+e hell() Francisco sai"( s'iling. /4e)ll see how you loo+ after you fall fro' a helicopter() <aven sai". /The other

%lphas are gone. I trie" to stop the' *eing ta+en *ut I was too late.) /7ero)s or"ere" us *ac+ to H.I.V.!.() Francisco sai". /;oo"( I nee" to spea+ to hi'. 2ur situation 'ay *e worse than we thought() <aven sai"( frowning. /4hat)s happene"5) /=et)s ,ust say that a ghost fro' 'ine an" 1ax)s past has co'e *ac+ to haunt us.) <aven wal+e" up the ra'p an" into the Shrou"( Francisco ,ust *ehin" her. The >olonel close" the loa"ing ra'p an" the Shrou")s tur*ine engines roare" into life( lifting it into the air an" up through the shattere" re'ains of the glass "o'e overhea". %s it cli'*e" out of the cavern its cloa+ing syste's engage". It shi''ere" for a 'o'ent in the fa"ing autu'n light an" then vanishe".

chapter twelve

/How you "oing5) Shel*y as+e" 2tto as she sat "own next to hi'. They ha" *een in flight for 'ore than an hour an" he ha" *arely sai" a wor" to anyone. /I feel li+e an i"iot() 2tto sai"( staring at the "ec+. /How coul" I have not seen what was happening5) />o'e on() Shel*y whispere"( sha+ing her hea". /There was no way that any of us coul" have +nown what =aura was *eing force" to "o.) /I "on)t +now why she "i"n)t ,ust tell us.) /8ecause she was frightene"() Shel*y replie"( ta+ing 2tto)s han". /She coul"n)t "o anything that 'ight en"anger her parents an" her *a*y *rother. If she)" tol" us or even 7ero( how coul" she +now that the $isciples woul"n)t fin" out.) /2h( I)' pretty sure that they)" have foun" out() 2tto sai" with a sigh. He ha" tol" no one a*out =aura)s final wor"s to hi'. There was only one person he was going to give that infor'ation to an" he was going to "eliver the 'essage in person.

$r 7ero watche" as the assault Shrou" touche" "own on the crater lan"ing pa". The loa"ing ra'p whirre" into place an" 2tto( 4ing( Shel*y an" Fran- wal+e" "own it( closely followe" *y <aven. /4elco'e *ac+() 7ero sai". /I a' truly sorry that you have all ha" to en"ure such an or"eal. <est assure" that the people involve" will suffer for what they have "one. 2ur retaliation will *e swift an" "ecisive. I will also not give up on all of the stu"ents who have *een capture" *y these people. I cannot tell you how long it 'ight ta+e *ut I can tell you that we will not rest until they are returne".) /$octor 7ero( I nee" to spea+ to you in private() 2tto sai". /It)s extre'ely i'portant.) /2f course() 7ero replie" with a slight frown. /#lease wait outsi"e 'y office( 1r 1alpense( I shall *e there shortly. The rest of you shoul" return to your .uarters an" get so'e rest. I thin+ it)s fair to say that you)ve earne" it.) /4hat "o you nee" to see 7ero a*out5) Shel*y whispere" as the four of the' cli'*e" the stairs lea"ing up fro' the lan"ing pa". /I nee" to tell hi' a*out =aura() 2tto replie". /I thought we weren)t going to tell anyone() Shel*y sai". /I have to() 2tto sai" fir'ly( /*ecause it)s the only way he)ll *elieve what else I)' going to tell hi'.) /4hich is5) 4ing as+e". /I pro'ise I)ll fill you in later() 2tto replie". /I +now what I)' "oing( trust 'e.) 8ac+ in the hangar 7ero wal+e" over to a .uiet corner with <aven. /6ou sai" on the ra"io that there was so'ething we nee"e" to tal+ a*out() 7ero sai"( /though I still "on)t un"erstan" why you coul"n)t have ,ust tol" 'e then.) /Too 'any ears open near*y on&*oar" the Shrou"() <aven explaine". /1ax( I +now who)s running the $isciples. I 'et her a few hours ago in Si*eria( or( to *e 'ore precise( I 'et her again. ) /4hat is it( 7atalya5) 7ero as+e" with a frown( noticing her worrie" expression. /4ho is she5) /%nastasia Furan() <aven sai"( loo+ing 7ero straight in the eye. /She)s alive.)

/8ut that)s not possi*le() 7ero replie"( his eyes wi"ening in shoc+. /4e *oth saw her "ie( 7atalya.) /She survive". ;o" only +nows how *ut so'ehow she survive".) /%s if this situation wasn)t *a" enough alrea"y() 7ero sai"( sha+ing his hea". /I want to go after her( 1ax() <aven sai". /This is unfinishe" *usiness an" I inten" to *e the one to finish it.) /I un"erstan" how you feel( 7atalya( you +now I feel the sa'e way() 7ero sai"( /*ut this is no longer an isolate" s+ir'ish *etween ;.=.2.V.!. an" the $isciples. This situation has escalate" an" we nee" to consi"er our next 'ove carefully. I nee" you here for now. There is a war to *e fought an" you are one of ;.=.2.V.!.)s 'ost powerful weapons. I pro'ise you that when the ti'e co'es( when the axe "rops on %nastasia Furan( you will *e her executioner *ut for now I cannot affor" to lose you to a personally 'otivate" 'ission of revenge. $o you un"erstan"5) /6es() <aven sai" with a no"( /*ut( you are right( this is personal for 'e( in ways that you cannot even *egin to i'agine. I cannot. . . Iwill not wait for ever. I want *loo"( her *loo"( an" I want it soon.) She turne" an" wal+e" away. :n"er other circu'stances he 'ight have felt a vague sense of pity for anyone that <aven hate" with such a passion *ut %nastasia Furan was so'eone he too woul" never *e a*le to feel anything *ut hatre" for. She ha" 'ur"ere" the one wo'an that he ha" ever truly love" an" for that he coul" never forgive her.

The helicopter touche" "own on the ice sheet with a *u'p( its twin rotors slowing as the rear *oar"ing ra'p "escen"e". % pair of $isciple sol"iers shove" =aura( To' an" #enny "own the ra'p. The icy win" cut through even the insulation of their environ'ental suits( their expose" han"s an" faces stinging with the col". They tru"ge" towar"s a concrete *loc+( shrou"e" in ice with a heavy 'etal sla* set into it. %s they approache" the sla* slowly ru'*le" "own into the ice to reveal a steel&line" lift carriage *eyon". They were followe" into the elevator *y %nastasia Furan an" two 'ore $isciple troops who were carrying 7igel)s stretcher. 2nce they were all insi"e( a set of internal "oors close" an" the lift *egan to "escen". %fter a 'inute or so the lift stoppe" an" the internal "oors sli" open once again. Su""enly they were hit *y the noise of hun"re"s of voices as they wal+e" out on to a concrete wal+way that ran all the way roun" the outsi"e of the 'assive circular cha'*er in front of the'. % 'an in a white coat ran up to 7igel)s stretcher an" *egan to exa'ine hi'. /4e nee" to get hi' to 'e"ical i''e"iately() the 'an sai". /4ill he survive5) %nastasia as+e". /I "on)t +now() the 'e"ic replie". /It loo+s li+e he)s *lee"ing internally. 4e)ll "o our *est.) /See that you "o() she replie" with a frown. /This *oy is strategically valua*le an" he)s no use to 'e "ea".) /6ou nee" to get that han" loo+e" at too() the "octor sai". /I a' .uite aware of that( "octor() she snappe". %s %nastasia an" the "octor tal+e"( =aura wal+e" forwar" an" peere" over the waist& high concrete wall an" "own into the vast cha'*er *elow. The "rop to the large open area at the *otto' 'ust have *een at least a hun"re" 'etres an" "own there( far *elow( she coul" see tiny figures running assault courses an" sparring. !very floor of the structure was ringe" *y an i"entical wal+way( all line" with "oors an" regularly patrolle" *y ar'e" guar"s. Hanging fro' the centre of the ceiling a*ove the' was a 'ulti&storey glass structure that was occupie" *y what loo+e" li+e a high&tech control centre. Fro' where =aura was stan"ing the whole place loo+e" very 'uch li+e a prison. /4hat is this place5) To' as+e" as he an" #enny loo+e" "own into the pit.

/This is the ;lasshouse() %nastasia sai" with a col" s'ile( /the 'ost sophisticate" operative training facility on !arth an" also your new ho'e. Here you will *e hone" into weapons( those of you that are strong enough at least. Those who are wea+( those who fail( will perish( as they shoul".) She turne" towar"s the waiting sol"iers. /;uar"s( ta+e the girl with the leg woun" to the 'e"ical centre an" escort 1iss 8ran" an" the *oy to their new acco''o"ations.) The sol"iers steppe" forwar" an" gra**e" =aura( To' an" #enny an" 'arche" the' away. %nastasia loo+e" "own into the training area of the ;lasshouse an" foun" herself thin+ing a*out the previous facility that ha" gone *y that na'e. She thought of the fla'es consu'ing the *uil"ing aroun" her an" unconsciously she reache" up an" touche" the scars that covere" her face. Seeing <aven ha" *rought *ac+ 'any unpleasant 'e'ories. 7atalya ha" *een *oth her greatest success an" her 'ost "isappointing failure. The next ti'e that they 'et she woul" *e 'a"e to pay for everything she ha" "one( that 'uch was certain. This was( after all( ,ust the first stage of a 'uch larger plan an" *y the ti'e she was finishe" ;.=.2.V.!. woul" lie in ruins an" the worl" woul" *e hers for the ta+ing. Several floors *elow a guar" shove" =aura in the *ac+( pushing her insi"e a tiny( cra'pe" cell with a toilet( a sin+ an" a thin 'attress on a concrete sla*. /;et change" into these() the guar" sai"( pointing to the *oots( grey co'*at trousers an" white T&shirt that lay on the *e" insi"e the cell. /I)ll *e *ac+ in five 'inutes to ta+e whatever clothes you)re wearing now for "isposal.) The "oor to the cell sla''e" shut an" loc+e" with a clic+. =aura slowly strippe" out of her %lpha ,u'psuit an" put on her new unifor'. 4hen she ha" change"( she sat "own on the *e" an" pic+e" up her H.I.V.!. unifor'( staring at the silver fist an" glo*e *a"ge on the chest. %s she loo+e" at the *a"ge she *egan to cry( feeling for all the worl" li+e she 'ight never stop.

/7ow what was it that you wante" to "iscuss( 1r 1alpense() 7ero sai" as he sat "own *ehin" the "es+ in his office. He gesture" to the seat on the other si"e of the "es+. /7o( than+ you( I)" rather stan"() 2tto sai". /I nee" to tal+ to you a*out how the $isciples "iscovere" the location of the Hunt.) /4e have *een investigating precisely that in your a*sence() 7ero replie". /It appears that >ole Harrington 'ay have *een wor+ing for the $isciples an" that after he stole the infor'ation fro' H.I.V.!.'in" he trans'itte" it to the'. 4e su*se.uently foun" a hi""en covert trans'itter in his .uarters *ut *efore we coul" .uestion hi' any further a*out what he ha" "one he too+ his own life.) /There)s only one pro*le' with that story() 2tto sai" with a frown. /%n" what 'ight that *e5) /It)s co'plete ru**ish() 2tto replie" cal'ly. /Harrington never trans'itte" that infor'ation. He never even saw the location of the Hunt. He "i"n)t even steal the "ata fro' H.I.V.!.'in".) /Then who "i"5) /I "i"() 2tto replie". /I stole H.I.V.!.'in")s source co"e *ut only *ecause a core "u'p was the only way to get a copy of the exa'ination papers. 4e were all tire" of the har" ti'e that we were getting fro' >hief $e++er an" =aura suggeste" that we get our own *ac+ on her *y stealing the exa'ination papers. 4e +new that she ha" *een place" in charge of security for the exa's an" we figure" that getting the .uestions an" giving the' to everyone woul" 'a+e her loo+ stupi".) /I see() 7ero sai". /;o on.) /4ell( I 'anage" to get 'y han"s on the core "u'p *ut then Harrington an" those two 'orons( 8loc+ an" Tac+le( ,u'pe" us. 8efore I ha" a chance to retrieve the exa'

papers I was force" to use 'y a*ilities to copy the "ata fro' =aura)s 8lac+*ox to Harrington)s so that it woul" loo+ li+e he was the one who)" stolen the "ata. I "i"n)t feel too guilty a*out it consi"ering he was planning to +ill us so that he coul" sell H.I.V.!.'in")s source co"e to the highest *i""er. =oo+ing *ac+( I shoul" have realise" that there was no way he coul" have +nown a*out the core "u'p( inclu"ing H.I.V.!.'in")s source co"e( unless so'eone ha" alrea"y tol" hi' that was what we were planning to "o. The sa'e person who ha" tol" =aura that if she "i"n)t put this whole plan into 'otion an" get the location of the Hunt for the $isciples( they woul" 'ur"er her fa'ily. The person who sent Harrington after us to give her a cover for getting ri" of =aura. There was ,ust one thing that they "i"n)t allow for. They "i"n)t realise that H.I.V.!.'in" woul" figure out what was going on an" trigger the security alar's. 8efore they coul" +ill =aura an" 'e( since I was the only witness( the alar's went off an" they were force" to act as if they were ,ust reacting to the security alert. %t the ti'e I thought that they)" 'anage" to get to the acco''o"ation *loc+ incre"i*ly .uic+ly 9 H.I.V.!.'in" ha" triggere" a school&wi"e alar'( so there was no way anyone coul" have +nown exactly where in the school the pro*le' was. <aven only +new where to co'e *ecause H.I.V.!.'in" tol" her that the "oor to the acco''o"ation *loc+ ha" *een opene". $o you re'e'*er who it was that opene" the "oor5 4ho got there *efore anyone else5 The person who put this entire plan into 'otion an" then presu'a*ly +ille" >ole Harrington to cover her trac+s.) /$e++er() 7ero whispere". /8ingo() 2tto replie". /=aura tol" us that she ha" *een "ragge" into $e++er)s office ,ust *efore she ca'e up with the plan to hac+ into H.I.V.!.'in". I)' willing to *et that it was then that $e++er showe" =aura evi"ence that the $isciples ha" her fa'ily an" tol" her that if she "i"n)t "o exactly as she was tol" that they woul" *e +ille". $e++er)s run this whole thing. 4e stole the "ata( =aura gave the "ata to $e++er( $e++er sent the infor'ation to the $isciples.) 7ero pushe" a *utton on his "es+. % 'o'ent later <aven)s voice ca'e over the spea+er. /<aven here.) />oul" you co'e to 'y office i''e"iately please 9 there is so'ething that we nee" to urgently "iscuss.) 7ero loo+e" at 2tto( his expression furious. /$o you realise what your actions have cause"5) 7ero as+e". /%n entire year)s %lpha stu"ents( *ar six( 'issing or "ea". % 'assacre0 6ou 'ust realise how serious the punish'ent for everyone involve" with this will *e.) /6es() 2tto replie"( /*ut neither =aura nor I +new what was *eing planne". If we)" +nown( even for a secon"( what was going to happen( of course we woul" never have "one this.) /4ho exactly was involve" with the theft of H.I.V.!.'in")s source co"e5) 7ero as+e" angrily. /3ust 'e an" =aura() 2tto lie". /It was a hac+( a very clever hac+( *ut we were the only ones involve". That was why $e++er an" the $isciples choose =aura 9 she)s the *est hac+er in the school. If anyone was going to *e a*le to so'ehow hac+ into H.I.V.!.'in")s central core it was her. They also +new she was vulnera*le( *ecause they +new she ha" fa'ily.) The "oor to 7ero)s office hisse" open an" <aven wal+e" into the roo'. /4hat)s going on5) <aven as+e" with a frown. 7ero .uic+ly explaine" to <aven everything that 2tto ha" ,ust tol" hi'. /So how long "o you want 'e to 'a+e it last *efore I let $e++er "ie5) <aven as+e" angrily when 7ero ha" finishe". /She "oesn)t "ie *efore I +now a*solutely everything she "oes a*out the $isciples()

7ero replie". /:n"erstoo"() <aven replie". /There is so'ething else I wish to "iscuss with you() 7ero sai". /There is the s'all 'atter of 1r 1alpense)s punish'ent for his involve'ent in this situation. I fear that I have only one option even when your past service to this school an" ;.=.2.V.!. is ta+en into consi"eration( 2tto. There is( however( so'ething you 'ay "o to 'a+e a'en"s in so'e way for the chaos that your actions have cause". Here is what I propose. . .)

2tto wal+e" into acco''o"ation *loc+ seven an" saw 4ing( Shel*y an" Fran- waiting for hi' on their usual hang&out sofa. He "i"n)t .uite +now how he was going to tell the' what 7ero ha" ,ust "eci"e". /Hey() Shel*y sai"( /how)s it going5) /I)ve tol" 7ero a*out =aura() 2tto sai"( sitting "own( /an" I)ve tol" hi' that =aura an" I were the only ones involve" with the rai" on H.I.V.!.'in".) /It is not right that you shoul" shoul"er the *la'e for that alone( 'y frien"() 4ing sai"( frowning. /I woul" rather we ha" all ta+en our share of the responsi*ility.) /4ing is right. 4e are all *eing involve"( 2tto() Fran- sai"( no""ing. /6eah( stan" together( fall together an" all that stuff() Shel*y sai". /It)s a nice i"ea( guys( an" I appreciate the senti'ent() 2tto sai" with a sa" s'ile( /*ut I "on)t thin+ there)s 'uch point in us all getting expelle".) /4hat "o you 'ean5) 4ing as+e"( soun"ing shoc+e". /I)ve *een expelle"() 2tto sai"( loo+ing "own at the floor. /I)' leaving i''e"iately. I ,ust ca'e to say goo"*ye.) /2h ;o"( no( 2tto() Shel*y sai"( /that)s not fair. 6ou "i"n)t +now what was going on. It wasn)t li+e we helpe" the $isciples "eli*erately. It wasn)t even as if =aura ha" any choice. 4hat was she suppose" to "o 9 ,ust let the' +ill her entire fa'ily5) /$on)t worry() 2tto sai". /I get the feeling that the person who really cause" all this is a*out to have a really( really *a" "ay.) He explaine" .uic+ly to his frien"s a*out $e++er)s involve'ent in the whole affair. /I always +new there was so'ething funny a*out that witch() Shel*y sai" angrily. /6eah( well( <aven)s *een sent to as+ her a few .uestions so I thin+ it)s safe to say that she)s going to get what she "eserves() 2tto sai". /=oo+( I haven)t got long. I ,ust wante" to tell you all not to worry a*out 'e( I)ll *e fine. This isn)t the en". I)ll see you guys again. It)s a pretty s'all worl" for people li+e us.) He stoo" up an" loo+e" aroun" the acco''o"ation *loc+. /6ou +now( I never thought that I)" say this *ut I)' going to 'iss this place.) />o'e here() Shel*y sai"( wrapping her ar's aroun" hi' an" hugging hi' har". /4ho on earth a' I going to s.ua**le with now5 Ta+e care of yourself( 2tto.) She steppe" *ac+( her han" to her 'outh an" tears in her eyes. /8e having goo" luc+( 2tto() Fran- sai"( sha+ing his han". /6ou have *een a goo" frien"( I will *e hoping to see you again soon.) /1e too( Fran-() 2tto sai" with a s'ile. 4ing steppe" forwar" an" put his han"s on 2tto)s shoul"ers. /6ou are not ,ust 'y frien"() 4ing sai"( /you are 'y *rother.) He pulle" 2tto towar"s hi' an" hugge" hi' so har" that 2tto was afrai" he 'ight *rea+ his spine. /%n" *rothers are always together in spirit. 7othing can change that.) /Feeling)s 'utual( *ig guy() 2tto replie"( /feeling)s 'utual.) He pulle" away fro' 4ing an" gave the three of the' a *roa" s'ile. /;otta go( Shrou")s waiting.) He turne" an" wal+e" towar"s the exit without loo+ing *ac+. /2tto( =aura( 7igel( the whole of our year of %lphas( all gone() Shel*y sai"( fighting

*ac+ tears as she watche" hi' go. /4hat are we going to "o( guys5) /4hat we always "o() 4ing sai"( ta+ing her han". /Survive.)

/Hello( 1ax( what can I "o for you5) $ia*olus $ar+"oo' sai". /$ia*olus() 7ero replie"( /I)' afrai" I have to give you so'e very *a" news. 7igel has *een capture" *y the $isciples.) /4hat5) $ar+"oo' sai"( loo+ing stunne". /4here is he5 4as he hurt5) /He was shot( $ia*olus() 7ero sai" sa"ly. /His current con"ition will( I)' afrai"( "epen" very 'uch on how .uic+ly he receive" 'e"ical treat'ent. $ia*olus( there)s so'ething else you shoul" +now. He was capture" *y %nastasia Furan.) /That)s not possi*le() $ar+"oo' sai"( sha+ing his hea"( /%nastasia is "A) /That was precisely 'y reaction as well() 7ero sighe". /<aven was face to face with her 9 there is no "ou*t it was her. It appears that she is now at the hea" of the $isciples.) /$o you have any i"ea where 7igel is *eing hel"5) /7o( I)' afrai" not *ut I "o have an i"ea how we 'ight *e a*le to fin" out.) /<eally5 How5) $ar+"oo' as+e". /I)ll *rief you later() 7ero replie". /I)' ,ust putting things in 'otion at the 'o'ent.) /How "i" this happen5) $ar+"oo' as+e"( soun"ing *ewil"ere". /The Hunt was a'*ushe" *y $isciple forces after its location was lea+e" to the' *y >hief $e++er.) /I "on)t *elieve it() $ar+"oo' gaspe". /$e++er wor+e" for 'e for nearly fifteen years. I truste" her co'pletely( that)s why I reco''en"e" her to you.) /<aven is .uestioning her( $ia*olus( *ut the evi"ence we have so far appears "a'ning.) /;oo" ;o"( 1ax() $ia*olus sai"( sha+ing his hea"( /she coul" have *een fee"ing the' infor'ation for years for all we +now. She +new everything a*out 'y organisation.) /It 'ight help to explain how the $isciples got their han"s on the ther'optic ca'ouflage technology. Their forces were using it when they a'*ushe" the Hunt.) /This is a "isaster( 1ax() $ar+"oo' sai"( loo+ing su""enly tire". /4hat can I "o to help5) /3ust one thing() 7ero replie".

/4a+e up( $e++er() <aven whispere" in her ear as she crac+e" a tiny sti'ulant capsule un"er her nose. $e++er wo+e up with a start( struggling against the straps that hel" her to the chair she was sitting in. She saw <aven stan"ing in front of her with a nasty s'ile on her face. 4ithout hesitation she crunche" her *ac+ teeth "own har" on the hi""en co'part'ent in one of her 'olars. She close" her eyes again an" waite". % few secon"s later she opene" her eyes as she realise" nothing was happening. /=oo+ing for this5) <aven as+e"( hol"ing up the tiny capsule that she ha" re'ove" fro' $e++er)s 'outh while she slept. /2h( you "on)t get off that easily( $e++er. 7ow why "on)t you tell 'e everything there is to +now a*out the $isciples.) /;o to hell() $e++er snarle". /6ou +now( I was actually hoping that woul" *e your response. 2?( girls() <aven sai"( pulling the twin *la"es fro' the sheaths on her *ac+( /loo+s li+e we)ve got a long night ahea" of us.)

2tto wal+e" across the hangar *ay towar"s the waiting Shrou" with a *ac+pac+ slung over his shoul"er. 7ero stoo" *esi"e the loa"ing ra'p. /6ou have everything you nee"5) 7ero as+e" as 2tto approache". /6es() 2tto replie"( /as long as you)re sure that the school "oesn)t nee" what you)ve given 'e 'ore than I "o right now.) /#rofessor #i+e assures 'e that we will *e fine() 7ero replie". /8e careful out there( 2tto. It)s 'ore "angerous than you 'ight i'agine at the 'o'ent.) /$on)t worry() 2tto sai" with a s'ile. /I)' sure I)ll fin" so'eone to watch 'y *ac+.) 7ero stuc+ out his han" an" 2tto shoo+ it. /The school will not *e the sa'e without you( 1r 1alpense.) 2tto no""e" an" wal+e" up the ra'p. 7ero watche" 2tto "isappear fro' view as the ra'p whirre" shut. He wal+e" away as the Shrou")s engines increase" in volu'e an" the aircraft lifte" off the pa" an" soare" upwar"s an" out of the crater( leaving H.I.V.!. *ehin".

7ero gesture" for the other 'e'*ers of the ;.=.2.V.!. ruling council to *e seate" as he wal+e" into the conference roo'. /Than+ you all for 'a+ing the ,ourney to *e here to"ay. I +now it)s unusual *ut we have so'ething extre'ely i'portant to "iscuss. 6ou are all gra"uates of this school( in fact( you are all gra"uates of the %lpha strea' specifically. That is( in large part( why I selecte" you to 'a+e up the new ruling council after the events of Mero Hour. It was not a .uestion of trust or loyalty( it was *ecause you were the *est. %ll of you are therefore fa'iliar with the exercise +nown as the Hunt. 6ou have all ta+en part in it at so'e point an" you are all fa'iliar with the special place it has in the history of this school. It is 'y sorry "uty to infor' you that two "ays ago the $isciples a'*ushe" those ta+ing part in the Hunt. So far the toll of those "ea" or 'issing presu'e" capture" stan"s at sixteen support staff an" thirty&eight %lpha stu"ents. %l'ost the entire year of %lphas has *een wipe" out.) There were gasps of shoc+ an" "is'ay fro' the others roun" the ta*le. /4hen we last 'et I tol" you that we ha" no choice *ut to wait for the $isciples to 'a+e their 'ove. They "i". 7ow the ti'e has co'e for retri*ution. I a' not tal+ing a*out punish'ent or reprisals( I a' tal+ing a*out the wholesale "estruction of the $isciples once an" for all. 4e are going to wipe this scu' fro' the face of the !arth. =a"ies an" gentle'en( 'a+e no 'ista+e( as of now we are at war. This is one of the 'ost serious tests of strength that this organisation has ever face" an" we willnot falter in the face of it. 4e will nee" to give our fullest support to one another an" also call on the support of our allies. 4ith that in 'in" I have as+e" a veteran 'e'*er of this organisation if he woul"( "espite his reluctance( reta+e his seat on the ruling council. % 'an whose own son)s na'e is on the roll of the "ea" an" 'issing after this atrocity. $ia*olus.) /Than+ you( 1ax() $ar+"oo' sai"( his holographic i'age appearing in the seat at the far en" of the ta*le. /I always swore that I woul" not return to *eing a full 'e'*er of this council *ut the ti'e has co'e for all of us to put asi"e what we want an" "o what we 'ust. I "on)t +now if 'y son is alive or "ea" *ut I "o +now one thing. I +now that I)' going to 'a+e "a'n sure that the people responsi*le are going to pay. I "on)t care what it ta+es( they will *e hel" accounta*le.) /Than+ you( $ia*olus() 7ero sai". /6ou shoul" all +now that this happene" *ecause of a lea+ within H.I.V.!. That lea+ has now *een. . . plugge". The person responsi*le was so'eone we truste"( so'eone who ha" serve" ;.=.2.V.!. for 'any years. I "o not want to start a witch hunt within our organisation( *ut at the sa'e ti'e we have to *e aware of the possi*ility that there are other traitors in our 'i"st. 8e vigilant.)

7ero punche" a *utton on the console in front of hi' an" a holographic appeare"( floating in the 'i""le of the ta*le. /Here is what we are planning for the first wave of attac+s. . .)

glo*e

1ary an" %n"rew 8ran" sat hol"ing each other( as their *a*y son $ouglas slept in his 'other)s ar's. They ha" no i"ea how long they)" *een +ept there in the "ar+ness *ut it see'e" li+e a long ti'e since the group of ar'e" 'en ha" *ro+en into their house an" a*"ucte" the'. They ha" un"ergone a long an" terrifying ,ourney in the *ac+ of the van with *ags over their hea"s *efore a 'an in a 'as+ ha" ta+en their photograph an" then ,ust loc+e" the' here in this *are concrete roo' with a *uc+et for a toilet an" one 'eal a "ay. They ha" no i"ea why they were there. There were heavy footsteps outsi"e an" they hear" the soun" of the "oor unloc+ing. The lights in the roo' ca'e on an" two 'en entere" wearing *lac+ s+i 'as+s. They were *oth carrying pistols. /;et the +i"() one of the 'en sai". /1inerva wants hi' for the ;lasshouse.) /4hat a*out the'5) the other 'an as+e"( waving his pistol at 1ary an" %n"rew. /4e "on)t nee" the'() the first 'an sai"( coc+ing the ha''er on his pistol. /They)re expen"A) The two 'en *oth gaspe" as glowing purple *la"es *urst si'ultaneously fro' the centre of each of their chests. % 'o'ent later the *la"es "isappeare" again as *oth 'en topple" to the floor to reveal a figure stan"ing *ehin" the' in a s+in&tight *lac+ *o"ysuit an" a *lac+ 'as+( a glowing purple swor" in each han". /1y na'e is <aven() the figure sai". /I)' a frien" of your "aughter. 4e have to go. . . 7240)

two wee+s later

2tto wal+e" out of the tu*e station an" on to the street. #eople *ustle" aroun" hi' *ut he was slowly getting use" to *eing *ac+ in a *ig city after the co'paratively s'all co''unity he ha" *een part of at H.I.V.!. 4hat was har"er to ignore was the constant hu' of all of the "igital "evices an" networ+s that surroun"e" hi'( "ay an" night. He pulle" his wallet out of his poc+et an" loo+e" insi"e. He was getting low on cash *ut that wasn)t a pro*le'. He wal+e" for a couple of 'inutes until he foun" an %T1 on a slightly .uieter street. He waite" as the wo'an who was using the 'achine co'plete" her with"rawal *efore he steppe" up an" place" his han" on the nu'eric +eypa". He close" his eyes for the *riefest of instants an" connecte" to the 'achine. First he *ypasse" the security routines insi"e the ru"i'entary co'puter that ran the 'achine an" then he erase" the har" "rive insi"e it that was recor"ing the faces of everyone that use" it. He waite" as the 'achine counte" his 'oney an" then too+ the several hun"re" poun"s it gave hi'. For 2tto( it was li+e ta+ing can"y fro' a *a*y. He wal+e" away "own the street( stuffing the 'oney into his wallet. $on)t you ever feel li+e a *ully treating those poor 'achines li+e that5 H.I.V.!.'in" sai" insi"e his hea". /2h( co'e on() 2tto replie"( /it)s not li+e they)ve got feelings.) %s far as you +now. /4hat is this5 The "igital *rotherhoo" or so'ething5) 2tto as+e" with a grin. 6ou 'ay laugh *ut then you "on)t +now how close the internet is to *eco'ing self& aware. /The internet with a personality( now that is a scary thought.)

Su""enly the 8lac+*ox in 2tto)s poc+et *egan to vi*rate. He pulle" it out an" exa'ine" the screen. /=oo+s li+e we)re on() 2tto sai". I a' "ecrypting the "ata pac+et now( H.I.V.!.'in" replie". There appear to *e three separate $isciple cells active within the =on"on area at this ti'e. Shoul" I prepare infiltration para'eters for review5 /6eah( let)s see who the first luc+y $isciple we)re going to pay a visit to is() 2tto sai" as the infor'ation *egan to flow into his *rain. 2n a rooftop near*y a figure pulle" a *lac+ 'as+ over her hea" an" then "rew a glowing purple *la"e fro' the sheath on her *ac+. 8eneath her 'as+ a s'ile sprea" across her face as she watche" 2tto hea" off "own the street. /7ow it)s our turn() <aven sai" .uietly to herself. /=et)s go get )e'( +i".) She leapt fro' the rooftop an" "isappeare" into the night.

fifteen years ago

7atalya ran across the rooftop an" sprang into the air( s'ashing through the s+ylight an" "ropping to the tile" floor of the roo' *elow. She "rew the two swor"s fro' her *ac+ an" waite". 1o'ents later ar'e" guar"s *egan to floo" into the roo'. 7atalya "roppe" a cylin"er *illowing s'o+e to the floor an" explo"e" into action. She coul"n)t see the guar"s through the *illowing white fog *ut she "i"n)t nee" to. They were slow( clu'sy an" noisy. She trac+e" their 'ove'ents as they stu'*le" aroun" her an" closing her eyes( she "ance". Her swor"s sang as they swept through the air( 'oving faster an" faster( fin"ing their targets flawlessly. The screa's of the guar"s as they fell ,ust "rove 7atalya to 'ove faster an" stri+e har"er. In secon"s it was over( the s'o+e slowly cleare" an" she stoo" alone in the centre of the roo'( surroun"e" *y a "o-en *o"ies. She +new that her target was close now. She sprinte" up the near*y staircase an" stoppe" outsi"e the intricately carve" woo"en "oors at the top. She presse" her ear to the woo"( listening for any soun" fro' within *ut she coul" hear nothing. She slowly turne" the han"le an" ease" the "oor open. In the roo' *eyon" there was a single high&*ac+e" chair facing a roaring log fire. 7atalya wal+e" silently across the floor towar"s the chair. /Hello( 7atalya() %nastasia Furan sai"( getting up out of the chair an" turning to face her. /2r woul" you prefer <aven5) /1a"a'e Furan() 7atalya sai"( sli"ing the swor"s into the crosse" sheaths on her *ac+ an" "ropping to one +nee( hea" *owe". /6ou have passe" your final test( 'y "ear() %nastasia sai"( wal+ing towar"s her. /This is the 'o'ent you have *een traine" for. $o you feel rea"y5) /I want nothing 'ore() 7atalya replie". /Very well( *ut *efore I give you your first 'ission I want to as+ you so'ething.) /2f course. %nything() 7atalya replie". /Tell 'e( 7atalya( "o you still want to +ill 'e5) /Very 'uch() 7atalya replie"( hea" still *owe". /Then why "o you not cut 'e "own now( on this very spot5) /8ecause it woul" change nothing() 7atalya replie". /4oul" it not give you satisfaction5) /I feel no satisfaction in +illing. I a' an instru'ent( a tool( a weapon. If it is not you wiel"ing that weapon then it will ,ust *e so'eone else. 6ou tal+e" to 'e 'any years ago a*out the illusion of choice. 6ou were right 9 you have taught 'e well.) /Then truly you are rea"y() %nastasia sai" with a s'ile. She pic+e" up a large 'anila

envelope fro' the ta*le *esi"e the chair an" unseale" it( pulling a *lac+ photograph fro' insi"e. /This is your target. He 'ur"ere" so'eone I love" very 'uch( 'any years an elusive an" "angerous 'an an" that is why his execution 'ust *e 'erciless.) /2f course.) /His na'e() %nastasia sai"( han"ing 7atalya the photograph( /is 1axi'ilian

an" white ago. He is swift an" 7ero.)

The H.I.V.! Series

in rea"ing

or"er

Higher Institute of Villainous !"ucation The 2verlor" #rotocol !scape Velocity $rea"nought <ogue Mero Hour %ftershoc+

%nswer the following .uestions to fin" out which strea' you *elong in.
N.If you were an ani'al( which of the following woul" you *e5 %.#anther 8.<hino >.Spi"er $.Sna+e I.How 'ight you 'a+e one of your ene'ies sorry5 %.4ith a hypnotic trigger phrase 9 so that every ti'e so'eone says /#ass the salt)( they cluc+ li+e a chic+en 8.8rea+ every *one in their *o"y 9 even the ones they "i"n)t +now existe" >.<ewire their alar' cloc+ so that it always goes off at F a.'. $.$iscover their 'ost e'*arrassing secret( an" pu*licly expose it 9 after *lac+'ailing the' for a *rief( yet lucrative( perio" J.If you coul" choose any instru'ent to ai" you in your villainous cause( what woul" it *e5 %.7othing 9 your cunning is all you will ever nee" 8.% *a-oo+a >.% co'puter $.1oney 9 after all( it is the root of all evil F.6ou "eci"e to ta+e over your school. How woul" you achieve this5 %. Si'ply infor' the hea"'aster that you are in"isputa*ly the 'ost .ualifie" person for the ,o* 9 you ha" rea" every *oo+in the li*rary *y the ti'e you were four years ol"( an" have a *etter un"erstan"ing of the su*,ects than the teachers "o 8.Threaten to show the hea"'aster what hisRher spleen loo+s li+e if control of the school is not relin.uishe" i''e"iately >.Hac+ into the co'puter syste' an" rewrite all of the school)s files to show that you are( in fact( alrea"y the hea"'aster $.Infiltrate the local council an" appoint yourself as Hea" of !"ucation 9 why settle for ,ust your school5

If your answers are 'ostly %s . . . %lpha@ The %lpha strea' specialises in lea"ership an" strategy training. 6ou exhi*it certain uni.ue a*ilities which 'ar+ you out as one of the lea"ers of to'orrow. If your answers are 'ostly 8s Hench'an@ 6our aggression +nows no *oun"s( an" you are happiest when you)re "oing "a'age to so'ething( or 'ore li+ely( so'eone. 6our uncluttere"( unco'plicate" 'in" 'a+es you the perfect truste" su*or"inate. If your answers are 'ostly >s Technical@ There)s not a co'puter that you cannot hac+( or a *o'* you cannot "efuse Sor *uil"( for that 'atterT. 6ou put the /!!?0) in co'puter gee+. If your answers are 'ostly $s #oliticalRFinancial@ 6ou have a *rilliant hea" for figures Sas well as ways to fu"ge the'T( an" also happen to *e excessively char'ing an" a natural *orn liar 9 the perfect co'*ination for a successfully sinister career in politics or finance.

6our Strea' has *een selecte". 7ow ta+e the test to "iscover how villainous you are . . .
N.6ou fin" a wallet on the floor fille" with ten poun" notes( "o you@ %.I''e"iately ta+e the wallet to the police an" han" it over( still fille" with the 'oney 8.Help yourself to so'e of the 'oney an" then ta+e it to the police >.Ta+e the 'oney( throw the wallet in the *in an" spen" the cash on stolen *lueprints for the nearest *an+ I.6ou see a s'all chil" eating your favourite ice crea'( "o you@ %.%s+ the chil" where he got the ice crea' an" set off to *uy your own 8.!xplain to the chil" that ice crea' is *a" for the teeth an" 'a+e the' feel guilty enough to han" it over >.2rganise two hench'en to suspen" the s'all chil" upsi"e "own over a "uc+ pon" while you en,oy the icy goo"ness of their treat J.6our parents agree to *uy you any *irth"ay present you want( "o you as+ for@ %.7othing( you woul" rather your parents treate" the'selves 8.% new hi&fi an" ga'es syste' so you can loc+ yourself away in your *e"roo' >.% s'all islan" in the 'i""le of the #acific( fully e.uippe" with secret hi"eout( su*'arine *ase an" lasers F.4hen *uying a new house what roo' is your priority5 %.%n ecologically soun" conservatory 8.% huge co''unications roo' so you can spy on your nearest an" "earest >.%n un"ergroun" lair co'plete with torture "evices an" a shar+&fille" pool L.6ou have a re" *utton in front of you that you have *een tol" never to press( "o you@ %.Euietly rea" a *oo+( never giving the *utton a secon" thought 8.Stro+e the *utton gently( always feeling te'pte" to give it a goo" push >.Instantly press the *utton 9 you *uilt this "oo's"ay "evice so why shoul"n)t you use it0 P.%n ar'y of ro*ots is a*out to ta+e over your town( "o you@ %.Fin" a way to foil the ro*ots an" "estroy the' for ever 8.Fin" a way to foil the ro*ots *ut +eep one ,ust in case you 'ight nee" it one "ay >.Fin" a way to foil the ro*ots *ecause fran+ly your ar'y of ;I%7T S#%>! <282TS will "o a *etter ,o* G.6ou nee" to hire a hench'an( who "o you hire@ %.6our 'u' 8.% couple of ex&cons you foun" through e8ay >.% suita*ly su*servient wea+ling who will *ow to your every nee"s . . . an" a ;I%7T S#%>! <282T K.6ou have capture" your heroic foe an" can at last *e ri" of hi'( "o you@ %.Have a change of heart( let hi' go an" give yourself up to the authorities 8.;ive the hero five 'inutes to escape fro' a shrin+ing roo' while 'a+ing a .uic+ getaway >.Ta+e a long ti'e to explain your convolute" plans for ruling the worl"( realise the hero has escape" an" sen" your ;I%7T S#%>! <282T after hi'

If your answers are 'ostly %s . . . To *e fair you "on)t really have a villainous *one in your *o"y. In fact( I suspect you woul" rather share a cup of tea with your foe( tal+ a*out ol" ti'es an" generally have a nice ti'e. It)s pro*a*ly *est to give up villainy now an" try so'ething 'ore suite" to your nee"s( say +nitting or loo+ing after *unnies. If your answers are 'ostly 8s . . . 2?( so you have so'e villainous traits *ut you)re not .uite rea"y for *ig ti'e yet. 6ou)re the +in" of villainous soul that woul" pull only half the legs off a spi"er so they woul" have so'e chance of getting away. 4ith a little training you coul" *e a "ecent villain *ut you)re no way rea"y for the *ig league. If your answers are 'ostly >s . . . Hello future 'egalo'aniac an" ruler of the worl". 6ou are a vile villain through an" through. 6ou)ve pro*a*ly got so'e plans to ta+e over the worl" hi""en in a "raw so'ewhere an" if you haven)t alrea"y un"ergone training in %pplie" Villainy at H.I.V.!. then you shoul" *e applying for a place now. 2h( an" I hear that ;I%7T S#%>! <282TS are currently half&price at your local superstore.

ST:$!7TS
2tto 1alpense 2rphane" at *irth( 2tto is a cri'inal genius with a li'itless 'in"( photographic 'e'ory an" rare extra&sensory s+ills. :sing a ro*otic 'in" control "evice he coerce" the 8ritish #ri'e 1inister into 'ooning at a press conference( an" en"e" up in H.I.V.!. 4ing Fanchu 2tto)s *est frien"( 4ing was recruite" into H.I.V.!. "ue to his exceptional s+ill in 'artial arts an" nu'erous for's of self"efence. =aura 8ran" =aura has an uncanny expertise with co'puters( so 'uch so that she 'a"e it into H.I.V.!. *y hac+ing into an :S 'ilitary air*ase in or"er to use their 'ilitary fre.uency to fin" out if one of her frien"s was gossiping a*out her *ehin" her *ac+. Shel*y Trinity This all %'erican girl is actually a worl" renowne" ,ewel thief +nown as The 4raith. Shel*y stole her way into H.I.V.!. 7igel $ar+"oo' It)s tough following in your father)s footsteps( particularly when you)re s'all an" *al" an" your "a" is the infa'ous cri'inal 'aster'in" $ia*olus $ar+"oo'. 7igel has a lot to live up to. He "oes( however( have a talent for science an" a strange affinity with plants. Fran- %rgent*lu' Fran- is son an" heir to the largest 'anufacturer of chocolate in !urope. =i+e 7igel( his father is also a cri'inal 'aster'in". Fran- is 'ost easily recognise" *y his i'pressive si-e an" strong ;er'an accent.

I7ST<:>T2<S
$r 7ero $r 1axi'ilian 7ero is the foun"er an" hea"'aster of H.I.V.!. He also happens to *e one of the 'ost ruthless an" "evious 'en alive( an" is a senior 'e'*er of ;.=.2.V.!. <aven 7atalya Sa.+.a. <avenT is the 'ost feare" assassin in H.I.V.!. She was originally traine" in infiltration an" counter& intelligence in <ussia. She has a long( curve" scar that runs "own one chee+( although very few people woul" +now as 'ost people she /encounters) rarely get a chance to 'a+e note of their assailant)s appearance *efore they lose consciousness Sif they are luc+yT. >olonel Francisco Hea" of the Tactical !"ucational "epart'ent( >olonel Francisco is thought *y the stu"ents to *e one of the toughest teachers at H.I.V.!. #rofessor #i+e Hea" of the Science an" Technology "epart'ent( #rofessor #i+e 'ay appear "isorganise" an" "istracte"( *ut appearances are often "eceiving. He is one of the original creators of H.I.V.!.'in". 1s =eon >urrently( her consciousness is trappe" in the *o"y of her fluffy white cat Swith special than+s to #rofessor #i+eT. Ta*itha =eon is an expert at infiltration an" counter&surveillance. She teaches Stealth an" !vasion at H.I.V.!. H.I.V.!.'in" H.I.V.!.'in" is a first generation artificially intelligent entity an" the school)s o'nipresent super&co'puter. The purpose of H.I.V.!.'in" is to serve an" ensure the uninterrupte" functioning of the school.

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