 
## **Contents**

Title Page

Copyright

BOOKS BY STEVEN VS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

The Infinity Formula

Steven VS

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Copyright © 2015 Steven VS

All rights reserved.

License Notes

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. If you would like to share it with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the work of this author.

Cover design by Beti Bub

Edited by Meghan Hyde at Hyde'N'Seek Editing

The Kingdom Lights series (MG)

The Kingdom Lights

Earth One series (YA)

The Infinity Formula

Guns of Theta

The World Rift

The Multiverse Rush

The Multiverse Rush

CHAPTER ONE

Kyle Walker didn't look anything like his sister. Kyle was fourteen, though he looked slightly older, with dark eyes and thick, messy hair that hung slightly over one eye. He was dressed casually today in his faded jeans, The Flash t-shirt and grey sweater. He was built strong (a lifetime of foster care and having to fight off a dozen older, meaner kids can do that to you), but lean.

His sister, Lily, on the other hand, had grown too tall too quickly and, at thirteen, was more awkward than elegant. Her hair was a startling red, her thick rimmed glasses hiding nervous eyes. She, too, wore jeans and a T-shirt, though hers was about three sizes too big. Kyle had never seen his sister wear a dress - Lily had always chosen practical over pretty, at least that was what she told people.

Kyle and Lily didn't look anything alike, but then that was to be expected. They were foster sibling (neither had ever known their parents) but had lived together in the same home for the past three years. Kyle couldn't remember a time before Lily - she was all the family he'd ever had, or needed.

'Come on, come on!!' Lily tugged at his arm. 'I don't want to miss it!!' There was a thick crowd in front of them, the shutters and lights setting off from dozens of cameras. Somehow Lily was pushing her way through and she was taking Kyle along with her.

'Are you crazy, we aren't going to miss anything!' Kyle grinned at her enthusiasm and lifted her clear off the ground. 'Coming through! Heavy load!'

Lily's face spun around in a microsecond. 'Heavy?'

'Ah... figure of speech...'

Lily seemed to sag a little and Kyle put her down. 'I just can't believe we're here. I've always dreamed of it... and here we are.' She stopped a few inches in front of Kyle. 'It doesn't feel real...'

Kyle put his arm around her. He was two years older, but they were almost the same height. 'You're the reason we're here, Sis, you and that huge brain of yours.' He hugged her affectionately and Lily perked.

'Yeah,' she said. 'Yeah...' And then as though sparking instantly, she zoomed off.

'Wait up!!' he shouted, as a waiter passed him, almost spilling the tray of bubbling champagne he was carrying. 'Oh, sorry.' The waiter glared at him. Well, better make the most of it, thought Kyle, straightening up. 'I'll have two glasses of champagne. One for me and one for... my wife, the Duchess of... Eagleberry.' He cleared his throat. 'And I'm the Duke. Of Eagleberry, that is.'

'Sir, if you'd like a refreshment, might I point you towards the bar area? I think they should have something more to your...' he looked Kyle up and down. '...taste.' The waiter sped off, weaving through the crowd like a magician. A moment later Lily re-appeared.

'Are you coming?' she asked, holding out her hand. She was practically dancing on the spot.

'Sure thing,' said Kyle, taking her hand. 'Let's go!'

When Lily had first scrambled into Kyle's room jabbering at a hundred miles per hour about the competition he hadn't been sure what to think. Lily was a genius, there were no two ways about it. Kyle was... well... not, but Lily had managed to explain it simply enough that he almost understood.

Professor Velen, a pioneer in the field of nano-technology (really small machines, Lily explained), was on the cusp of unveiling a world-changing breakthrough in the field. What's more, she had hosted a competition where she put all of her formulas online for twenty-four hours, and whoever could come closest to solving the equation and working out what her breakthrough was, would be invited to London for the grand unveiling at the Fifty-Second Science World Expo.

Kyle hadn't been sure what to say. He'd taken a closer look at the competition and it was obvious from the outset that this was not something for teenagers. It was aimed at adults, university students, scientists, engineers... but he wasn't going to be the one to shatter her dreams. So Kyle had gone along with it, encouraged her - after all it was a worldwide competition. Even if you were the sort of person who had about ten letters after your name and a Nobel laureate, there was no guarantee you'd win.

But somehow - and Kyle would never know how, no matter how many times she explained it - Lily cracked the code, and in record timing. Before Kyle knew what was happening, they were invited to the World Expo in London - a far cry from their rickety flat in Devon. It was like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, though with a great deal less chocolate and a crazy amount of maths.

Still, thought Kyle, spying a passing waiter and deftly taking two eclairs. 'Thank you, good sir,' he said with a nod. There is chocolate...

Lily had taken out a crumpled piece of paper from her pocket. 'I think we're in the right place...'

'Honestly, would you relax?' Below them the World Expo was spread across an enormous auditorium as Kyle and Lily made their way upstairs to the V.I.P area where they'd been instructed to go. Gingerly, Kyle pried the crumpled invitation from his sister and smoothed it before showing it to one of the personnel. 'Lily Andrews, contest winner?' he said.

The man smiled, unclasping the barrier and letting them through. 'Please wait here, someone will come shortly to take you to Professor Velen. Everything is free, so please help yourselves.'

'Thanks,' said Lily, nervously eyeing the three tables laden with food. Kyle suspected she wouldn't have managed so much as a sausage roll. She was muttering something low under her breath, but Kyle knew better than to ask. This was just her process.

The music was blaring loudly above them with announcements every few minutes. There was an excitement in the air and even Kyle, who knew nothing about science, felt swept up in it. He went up to the bar, ready to order a coke, and that's when he saw her.

Her.

She was lightly tanned, her auburn hair cut short and choppy. Her eyes were smoky, her tight leather jacket unzipped revealing a t-shirt adorned with a pierced heart. She stood at the bar, nursing a drink in one hand whilst jabbing rapidly into her phone with the other.

Kyle took his shot. 'Interested in science?' He sidled beside her, trying to get the waiter's attention. Up close, Kyle saw that she couldn't have been any older than sixteen.'.

'We're at a science fair,' said the girl flatly, her eyes never leaving her phone. She took a sip of her drink. 'Take a wild guess.'

Kyle grinned. 'This place is pretty cool. Coke please.' The waiter nodded, producing a glass bottle. It was ice cold. 'Yeah, I'm pretty into science - some people call me a genius or whatever.' He shrugged.

'Is that right?' The girl put down her phone, turning to him, her eyebrows raised.

'Yeah, I sort of won this competition. Professor Velen. Ever heard of her?' He raised his hand before she could speak. 'She's just this Nobel prize winning scientist, don't worry about it. Anyway she put all of her equations on-line and I managed to solve them. It's why I'm here.'

Now she looked intrigued. Got her, thought Kyle, mentally doing back flips. Boom...

'That was you was it?' she asked. She turned her head, ever so slightly, to one side. 'You...'

'Kyle.'

'Beth.' She seemed to hesitate for a moment before sitting down on the barstool and removing her leather jacket to reveal toned, tanned arms. 'So tell me, how did you do it?' She gestured for him to sit, and Kyle, as nonchalant as he could muster, complied.

'Oh, you know - maths, science, a bit of luck.' He made a non-committal gesture. 'You don't want to hear about all that. So who are you here with?'

''No, I do,' insisted Beth. She was smiling. There was something dangerous about that smile. 'Velen's work on nano-tech, how she managed to modify the genetic architecture so that it wouldn't reject the nanite infusion - the Infinity Formula. That's what you're talking about right?'

Kyle blinked several times. For some reason everything had gone foggy. 'Yeah,' he muttered. Why does my mouth feel like it's full of sawdust? 'That old thing...'

'Yeah... you have no idea what I'm talking about do you?' said Beth slowly. She crossed her legs, waiting for him to respond. Kyle's mouth flapped open... but no words were coming out. Come on, think Walker, think! He was losing her, and before he could salvage the situation, Beth slipped on her leather jacket and got to her feet.

'Well,' she muttered. 'Thanks for wasting my time...'

'No wait! I do know, I just... err... forgot!' But she was gone, back to her frantic taps on her phone and ignoring him completely. Kyle sagged back down, taking a swig of his coke. 'Smooth Walker,' he said, screwing his eyes tight. 'Real smooth...'

'Kyle?' Lily had re-appeared, a tuna sandwich in her hand with a half-hearted bite taken from it. 'They want us to come.' She glanced around. 'Who were you talking to?'

'No-one at all, sis,' he replied. He got to his feet, finishing the coke. A little too quick. 'Come on, let's meet this Professor,' he said through a brain freeze.

The man who had led them into the V.I.P area had re-appeared and invited Kyle and Lily to follow him. Soon they had left the main floor of the auditorium, and the World Expo, and were heading further into the building. The sugary music was now a distant rumble, the announcements barely audible.

'This is Professor Velen's office,' said the man. He turned the brass knob of the door, placing a genial hand on Lily. 'Don't look so nervous dear, the Professor is very sweet and very much looking forward to meeting you.'  
'S-she is?'

They walked in to find an eighteenth century style study, the dying embers of a fire still crackling in the corner. The walls were covered from floor to ceiling with heaving book shelves filled with tomes. A woman who Kyle presumed was Professor Velen was sat behind a Victorian-era mahogany table, the computer before her looking completely out of place in the archaic study.

'You must be Lilyandra.' The Professor, a woman perhaps in her late forties, arose to her feet, looking genuinely pleased. She had thick spectacles and was dressed smartly in a pantsuit, but for all she had achieved, Kyle was surprised she was so young.

'Professor Velen.' Lily was quivering, star-struck. 'It's an honour to meet you...'

'My dear child.' The Professor spoke perfect English but there was the slightest hint of inflection, French, German, Kyle was unsure. 'The honour is mine. When I began the competition I did not think any would be able succeed, certainly not a child.'

'She's a genius,' said Kyle. 'There's no two ways about it. I'm her brother Kyle.'

Velen looked up, clasping his hand as well. 'Ah I see, and your parents?'

'They couldn't make it,' said Kyle quickly. Lily averted her eyes., staring hard into the ground. The truth? Their foster parents hadn't wanted them to go to London. It was too far, too expensive, but Kyle had known what it meant to Lily and had used his own money to buy them the train tickets. They had stolen off in the early hours of the morning before their parents could stop them.

'Ah, well, no matter. Come, Lilyandra. We have much to discuss...' The Professor ushered Lily through an archway into an adjacent room before turning back to Kyle. 'Pardon my rudeness - this really won't take long, but I would like to discuss with your sister alone. Just for a moment.''

'Go, go,' assured Kyle. 'Honestly, I'll just relax here. Catch some Z's.'

The Professor gave a curt smile before shutting the door behind her. Kyle twiddled his thumbs for a moment before setting off around the study. He sat down at the Professor's table, tapping on her computer but it was password protected. He leaned back, glancing around... and was promptly bored. He couldn't help it; Kyle had always had a short attention span. He glanced at the door Professor Velen had taken Lily through. How long were they going to be?

He sighed, realizing how stuffy it was in the study, and decided to open the windows.'. He released the catch and pushed them far out but as he did something dashed away, just out of sight. Startled, Kyle stuck his head out of the window catching the merest flicker of a person as they disappeared into the window beside his. There was a small balcony outside of the window and another beneath the one adjacent but between them was a distance some eight foot wide. No person could clear such a gap and yet for a moment, a split second, Kyle could have sworn he'd caught a flash of auburn hair... a tight leather jacket.

Beth?

CHAPTER TWO

He heard the door open behind him and hurried to shut the window, cringing as it slammed. A moment later Professor Velen and his sister re-appeared. Lily's cheeks were flushed; she looked as though she'd run a mile.

'I will see you both shortly,' said the Professor. 'I must go and prepare, but I have set aside seats for both of you at the front of the auditorium. Please come when you are ready.' Kyle nodded, his mind still very much on Beth as Professor Velen turned to leave. Her hand clasped the handle, but she lingered, turning back with a soft expression to Lily.

'Are you okay, my dear?' she asked.

Lily gave a shaky smile. 'Sure Professor.' Velen looked as though she wanted to say more, but simply smiled and was soon gone.

'So?' said Kyle brightly. Lily looked up, her eyes misty and very far away. 'What did the Professor say to you?'

'She, well...' Lily shook her head, a wild grin spreading across her features. 'She gave this to me.' She held out her hand, revealing something small and shiny, catching the light.

A ruby gleamed, encased in white gold that had been fashioned into the shape of a scarab. It was surprisingly light, held by long links of a platinum chain. 'She gave this to you?' Kyle held it up, watching the ruby spin. 'Must have cost a fortune...'

'She was so sweet,' gushed Lily. Kyle handed the pendant back to her, his sister rubbing her fingers giddily over the precious rock. 'Said I reminded her of herself when she was younger, that she had searched for someone like me for so many years...'

'Searched?' asked Kyle. 'Is that why she hosted the competition?' Maybe it really was like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Lily looked up and her eyes seemed to gleam brighter than the precious stone between her fingers. 'She wants me to come to Monaco with her.' Her voice was low, but Kyle could feel the rush radiating from her. 'Kyle, she wants me to help with her research!'

'Is that... how can she... what did she...' Lily was looking anxiously at him. What am I saying? 'That's incredible Lily!' He pulled her in, hugging her tightly. 'I'm so proud of you!'

She hugged him back, just as tightly. ''Kyle... If it hadn't been for you, I would never have...'

'Forget all that.' Kyle hugged her. 'That big brain of yours, that's what did all this.' Lily grinned. 'Just promise me when you make your first million, send a little my way. Deal?'

'Deal!'

They headed back down to the auditorium where the final preparations for Professor Velen's talk were under way. The main stage had been cleared and a vast screen now projected, blowing up the stage so that even those furthest back would be able to see with clarity. It seemed like everyone at the World Expo had descended into the small enclosure before the stage, the sugary music turned up even higher. Thankfully the Professor had been true to her words and a small area had been cordoned off for the V.I.Ps. Kyle saw some older men he recognized from the bar, all of them looking disgruntled. Vaguely Kyle wondered who they were as he and his sister took their seats. He'd been hoping to catch sight of Beth, but the mysterious girl, wherever she was, it wasn't here.

They took their seats and Lily put the necklace on, the pendant lying tucked beneath her shirt. She was glowing and Kyle could easily see why. He had always known his sister was incredibly clever, but to think a Nobel prize-winning scientist wanted to work alongside her...'

The music had begun to fade as the lights went down. A hush spread among the crowd, the excited chatter falling as spotlights erupted, powerful beams blasting up one by one, flooding the stage.

'Ladies and gentleman!' a crisp announcer began, his voice reverberating across the auditorium. 'Please welcome Professor Katrin Velen!'

Applause broke, with many of the crowd getting to their feet to welcome the Professor. Kyle and Lily arose as Professor Velen appeared on stage. She'd changed into a white turtleneck and jeans, a hands free microphone slotted on the side of her face. As she appeared on stage, her face was projected onto the huge screen behind her, the Professor smiling broadly. She allowed the applause to continue before settling it back down. Then she began.

'When I was a girl, my family and I lived in a small fishing village in East Germany. This was during the height of the Cold War, long before the Berlin Wall had fallen, and we had little of the luxuries that are taken for granted today.' Professor Velen walked smoothly across the stage and Kyle was impressed with the way she spoke, as though she were having a conversation with a friend rather than speaking to an auditorium packed with thousands.

'My father was a fisherman and my mother looked after myself, my three brothers, and my grandmother. When she could find the time, she would sew and darn the clothes of the people in the village, though she would never accept their payment.'

. So they would offer her gifts - a loaf of bread, a pair of shoes, a wooden toy for my brother Jacob. My grandmother would help, as well, and I remember many cold nights sitting by the fire, listening to her stories as she worked.' She smiled again, so brightly.

'It was a cold winter when my grandmother fell ill. They told me later it was pneumonia, a chest infection, but I did not understand such things then. I was afraid; my grandmother so full of light and life was feverish and unwell. It was as though one of the forest demons from our stories had taken a hold of her.'

'There was only one doctor in the town nearest, and using what money we had, we travelled to see him. I remember seeing him and feeling his presence in that white coat, standing tall. He seemed majestic, royal.' Professor Velen smiled. 'He spoke to my father, examined my grandmother and gave us medicine as well as explicit instructions on how to use it.'

'Penicillin.' Professor Velen turned to the crowd, as though measuring their response. 'Penicillin cured my grandmother, brought her,' the Professor underlined this point by bringing her fingers an inch part, 'from the brink of death. Magic, I told my father, this is magic. And he smiled at me and said no child, this is science.'

The stage began to whir, a kaleidoscope of colour shooting from the spotlights. High up on the screen Professor Velen's face disappeared as a number of coloured particles began to blast across, slamming into one another only to multiply again and again. Kyle hadn't a clue what it could mean, but Lily, along with many of the crowd, seemed to be drawn in by the sight of it.'

'But things are not as simple as they were. Bacteria grow ever more resistant to antibiotics, rendering our best weapon ineffective. Conditions once unheard of - heart disease, diabetes, cancer - are growing exponentially, burdening us beyond anything we have ever known. These are threats we face in the twenty-first century. I believe this, that the threat is not from an outside force, an invading army. No, the true battle lies within our very cells.'

The coloured particles began to disappear as three words appeared on the screen in bright white letters across a black background.

THE INFINITY FORMULA

'Nano-technology,' said Professor Velen. 'Tiny robots, billions of times smaller even than are own cells, are changing the way we look at treating disease. Instead of trying to fix these problems at a macroscopic level, with the power of nano-technology we can rewrite the very DNA of our individual cells. Make them stronger, resistant to infection, to cancers. Today, my friends, we can alter the very essence of what it means to be human.'

The crowd was whipped to frenzy. Kyle turned to Lily, shouting above the din.

'Is this what this was all about?! The Infinity Formula?' Lily smiled sheepishly at him, but said nothing.

'This is the dawn of a new age for humanity.' Professor Velen seemed lost in her own words and Kyle couldn't imagine how long it must have taken for her to get to this point. 'No longer will we suffer from within; no longer will our cells fail to protect us. We can make ourselves stronger at the cellular level. Today we begin mankind's journey to becoming something more.' Her eyes gleamed. 'More than human.'

The gunshot rang.

Lily...

He pushed her to the ground, covering her. Lily was shouting at him, but he couldn't hear, the crowd had erupted into a frenzy. Someone had a gun. Someone had fired... Have to keep her safe, get us out of here...

'Professor!!'

'Stay down!' Kyle's eyes went to the stage. There Professor Velen remained standing a look of confusion on her features. Something dark and red began to seep through, spreading across her white turtleneck and Kyle felt a cold sweat.

Lily screamed.

'We have to get to her!' Tears were running down Lily's eyes as she struggled madly against him. 'We have to save her!'

'No, we have to get out of here! Whoever shot her could still be out there!' His eyes turned up and he could see dozens of balconies, any one of them a potential sniper's nest.

'I'm not leaving her!' shouted Lily, and before Kyle could stop her, she had bolted to the stage.

'No!'

Kyle raced forwards, the crowd surging before him, throwing themselves over one another in their bid to escape. Chaos had descended on the packed auditorium, leaving Kyle's mind whirring. No, can't think about that, have to get Lily...

He pushed through, ignoring the tide of people going the opposite way, and headed up to the stage. The spotlights were blinding and when Kyle looked back he could see nothing of the seats below. He blinked several times, the after-images burned into his retina, but saw the familiar red hair crouched in the centre of the stage. Lily...

Lily had her hand placed beneath the Professor's head and Kyle was amazed to see she was still alive.

'Lily, you have to go.' The Professor's words were faint, and all colour had been drained from her face. 'Please...'

'I can't leave you here!' Tears were running down Lily's face, her glasses misted. 'Everything will be fine, Professor... we're going to Berlin, remember?'

Professor Velen gave a weak smile. 'So full of strength. Lily, I knew I was right. You are the one.' She placed a hand to Lily's cheek. 'I'm so sorry, I thought we would have more time. Lily, the Infinity Formula... don't trust anyone.' Her eyes unfocused, her hand slipping from Lily's cheek

Kyle took Lily's hand, squeezing it, as she looked up as though only then realizing he was there. 'She's gone. There's nothing we can do. Come on.'

'No! Kyle, look - she's still breathing! We can still save her!'

'We'll never make it,' said Kyle, harangued. 'Please Lily, let's just go...'

'No look!' Reluctantly, Kyle glanced down at the Professor. Her skin was slick and pale, her white turtleneck drenched in crimson. He looked at Lily, her eye's round and fearful. What do I do? His hands were shaking. Making up his mind Kyle took off his sweater and tied it hard around the Professor's abdomen where the bullet had hit her before taking her up into his arms.

'What are you doing?' Lily grabbed her glasses, shoving them on as Kyle got to his feet.

'We're saving her, remember?' The Professor was slumped in his arms, slick with sweat. 'Lily, call the hospital.'

'Kyle-'

'Now!!'

CHAPTER THREE

Kyle ran as fast as he could, considering he was carrying a dying woman in his arms. There was no sound at all in the auditorium, and here in the back rooms the deathly hush was eerie. He knew that whoever had tried to kill the Professor was likely still in the building, and that by trying to save her he had just made himself - and worse, his own sister - a target for the would be assassin. Well, let's just try not to think about that, thought Kyle dryly.

Lily, meanwhile, was frantically dialling. 'Hello? Hello? Yes, this is an emergency! My friend was just shot... I don't know - someone shot her. She's lost a lot of blood.' Lily's voice was shaking, but the two of them kept moving forward. They might have been moving deeper into the labyrinth, but Kyle didn't like the idea of standing still, imagining the assassin close behind, ready to finish what he had begun. 'We're at the Kaito building, Oxford Street, please hurry!' She put the phone down. 'They're on their way, but we need to get outside.'

'Easier said than done,' Kyle muttered. 'Do you know how we're supposed to get out of here?'

'I-I think I know the way,' stammered Lily.

'Then let's go.'

All thoughts had been pushed from Kyle's mind, and he knew the woman in his arms was dying. How quickly, he had no idea. Just have to keep moving, he thought as Lily sped ahead and Kyle fought to keep pace, moving through the labyrinthine back offices of the auditorium. It seemed to take hours for them to reach the entrance, but it had likely been no more than a few minutes. Then he saw the ambulance, the police cars just outside of the glass doors and felt a flood of relief surge through him. They'd done it, maybe it wouldn't all be for nothing, but they really would save her...

'Get down!!' Kyle tackled Lily, the two of them along with Professor Velen crashing to the ground. He tensed his arms, preventing the Professor from hitting the ground and heard the sonic boom of a bullet rip through the air. They'd ducked behind the reception desk, the shattered remains of the phone spread all around them like shrapnel.

The assassin had returned.

Kyle placed the Professor down, resting her head in Lily's lap. She looked up, fearful and confused. 'Stay here,' commanded Kyle.

'Where are you going?' she whispered frantically. 'Please don't go out there, he'll kill you!'

If I stay here, hell kill you, too, thought Kyle. 'The police are just outside, we're safe.' He kissed her on the forehead and sprinted out. You stupid, stupid idiot, thought Kyle grimly. He had made them all targets now; his blind act of heroism had endangered the one thing he truly cared about.

Why weren't the police and the paramedics rushing through? Kyle turned to see and quickly realized the doors were locked. It was still the middle of the afternoon... had the attack put the building on lock-down? Was there a way to override it? Kyle looked around frantically and saw a security station a few feet away. The deathly hush had descended once more. The assassin was still out there, but Kyle had no choice. He had to open those doors, or they were as good as dead. Well, here goes nothing...

He stormed out, sprinting as fast as his legs could muster, barrelling for the guard station. He saw the door override; it was just there...

Something hard smashed into his face and Kyle was sent on a shock wave, flying backwards. He looked up to see a man, dressed in what looked like body armour, silver and black interwoven along with combat boots, hidden beneath a long duster. His face was covered by some sort of high-tech ski mask, and his gun was pointed straight at Kyle.

'You're lucky,' said the assassin. 'I don't kill children.' His voice was distorted, his true voice hidden - but that was all the opening Kyle needed.

He burst from his feet, taking the assassin off guard, knocking him to the ground, his gun lost from his grip. Seizing his chance Kyle released the override switch, opening the doors to allow the police and the paramedics. The assassin then launched a flurried assault at him, Kyle reacting barely quickly enough to defend himself. A kick landed on his stomach, winding him and Kyle fought to attack, but his punches hit nothing but air. He felt one strike connect, out of sheer luck, staggering the assassin. Infuriated, the assassin pulled out a glinting combat knife, and Kyle raised his arm so that it slashed his shoulder and not his face. Still the pain was searing and Kyle gasped. The assassin grabbed him by the collar and threw him out of the security station and hard across the concrete floor.

'Well,' said the assassin. He had retrieved his weapon, clicking in the new clip and pointing it at Kyle. 'I can always make an exception.'

The air was filled with the sound of gunfire and Kyle readied himself for the worse... but it never came. He squeezed his eyes tightly but when he opened them the assassin was gone. The police had finally managed to breach the lobby, and it was them that were firing off shots, taking up positions behind columns. They continued their suppressing shots, but the assassin - whoever he was - had vanished like a ninja. He was strong, thought Kyle. Fast... Kyle knew he was lucky to be alive, a few more seconds and the assassin would have put a bullet straight through his eyes.

'Are you okay, son?' A police officer crouched next to him, picking him up, but Kyle winced from the pain, the gash across his shoulder searing.

'I'm fine, but my friend, she's lost a lot of blood.'

'We're taking her to the hospital now.' Lily had appeared and, before he knew it, Kyle was being pulled into a tight hug.

'Lily, that kind of hurts,' Kyle muttered.

'You were so brave!' she whispered. 'You saved Professor Velen, you saved us all.'

'Oh you know, whatever I can do.' Kyle tried to grin, but even that seemed to hurt. He wondered if he'd broken his ribs. 'Sir, is the Professor going to be okay?'

The police officer nodded. 'We'll do what we can. Do you know her? Did you see what happened?'

Did I? 'Someone shot her. Someone tried to kill Professor Velen.'

The police officer furrowed his brow. 'Why?'

That, thought Kyle, is the question. He looked at Lily, her eyes shifting, avoiding both his and the police officer's gaze. She knows something. Kyle's mind was too tired, but sometime soon, when he didn't feel like he was going to pass out, he was going to ask her what Professor Velen had told her. What secret was behind this Infinity Formula that was so enormous it had almost gotten them killed?

*

The rain was coming down hard, the sounds of the sirens blaring as they travelled across the city of London. The ambulance crew had done all they could to stabilize the Professor, and she looked almost unrecognizable hooked to an oxygen mask, her face clammy and grey. It seemed to take hours before they reached St. Thomas Hospital, the crew rushing to take Professor Velen through to the Emergency Department. Kyle and Lily tried to follow through as well, but a nurse stopped them before they could go any further.

'I know it's difficult,' said the nurse, looking at them both kindly, 'but you've done all you can. Let the doctors work now.'

'How long will it be?' asked Lily. She held on tightly to Kyle's arm, her eyes blotchy. 'Will she be okay?'

'As soon as I know anything, I'll come straight to you,' she said, placing her hand softly to Lily's face. Then she turned to Kyle. 'They told me what you did. You should be proud, you saved a person's life today.'

Lily squeezed his arm affectionately and Kyle shrugged, or at least made a solid attempt to as a searing pain cut through his arm. He winced, clutching at his shoulder.

'Are you okay?' The nurse looked gravely at Kyle's shoulder, and Kyle turned as well, growing dizzy at the sight of his own blood. 'What happened?'

'It's nothing,' dismissed Kyle. 'Really, it barely touched me.'

The nurse ignored him, removing his sweater to reveal a deep gash almost as though a feral creature had bitten him. The knife had been sharp enough to cut air, and Kyle realized that, if he hadn't put his arm up, he'd be quite a bit deader.

'We need to get this cleaned as soon as possible,' muttered the nurse. 'It's going to need stitches as well. Hold on, I'll get something for the pain...'

'Honestly, you really don't need to...' he protested, but he wasn't fooling anyone, least of all the nurse. Before he knew what was happening, he was being ushered into a side room, with Lily close behind.

*

He had fallen asleep and when Kyle roused he wondered how many hours had passed. It had been late afternoon by the time they'd arrived at St. Thomas', but when he glanced out the window, he saw the sky had darkened, a pattering of rain serving to sombre the mood. He glanced at his shoulder and saw that it had been stitched up and covered with a bandage. They'd given him some morphine as well, a small dose, but it had certainly worked wonders and was likely why he'd dreamed so floridly of fire-breathing cats. Well, one of the reasons...

Lily hadn't left his side, curled like a kitten in a chair beside him, fast asleep. She'd taken her glasses off, her face buried into her hood. A cold sweat ran through him when he thought of how stupid he'd been to put her in danger. I can't do that ever again, he thought, brushing her cheek. I promise Lily, I'll never put you in danger like that again.

His phone buzzed on the table beside him and he fumbled for it groggily. It was his foster parents, and when he checked his messages, he saw there were at least a dozen from them. The first few had been frantic, but they'd softened in the later ones and Kyle knew Lily must have explained what had happened. Kyle shot a quick text back and checked the time to see that a few hours had indeed passed.

He rested his head back, still groggy and more than a little sore. He looked again at his shoulder and was glad at least it hadn't been his other. Kyle's left shoulder had a tattoo of the roman numerals XII in thick black script. It had been there before Kyle could ever remember and although he'd never known what it truly was or who had put it there, he had come to think of it as his good luck charm.

He wondered how the Professor was. Lily beside him was fast asleep - mortal danger could do that to you. Kyle knew he should have probably tried to get some rest, but he was too anxious to try. He decided to go and see how Professor Velen was, and after a few quick directions from the hospital staff, he headed to the observation bay.

He found her, looking no better than before, hooked up to half a dozen machines. There was a man and two small children with her, and Kyle thought better than to intrude. He probed one of the passing doctors who told him that Professor Velen had undergone emergency surgery to remove the bullet. That was all he knew. Kyle thanked him, and continued to watch through the glass, his forehead resting against the cool surface.

'Those were some pretty sweet moves back there,' said a strangely familiar voice. 'I guess you aren't all flash.'

It can't be... Kyle looked up to see the familiar auburn hair and leather jacket. Beth. She was smiling.

'You!' Without thinking he grabbed her by the arm and forced them into a back storeroom. He'd clearly caught her off guard, but once she'd realized what was happening, she shoved him hard backwards and Kyle stumbled to regain his footing.

'Relax!' She put out a hand as though soothing a raging bull. 'I'm not here to hurt you.'

'I knew it was you!' Kyle fumbled for words, but his mouth was dry, no doubt the morphine's doing. 'You jumped across those balconies; you were trying to get into Professor Velen's office! Why?'

Beth straightened her jacket, apparently satisfied Kyle wasn't going to attack her again. 'Okay,' she said, leaning back against the wall. 'But first answer one question. Why did you risk yourself to save someone you don't even know?'

Kyle spluttered. What kind of question was that? 'Well let's say I have a soft spot for damsels in distress... I mean obviously I saved her, what was I going to do? Let her die?'

'That's what any sane person would do, especially when there's a gunman on the loose.'

'I guess I just throw myself into things head first,' muttered Kyle. This conversation was giving him a headache. 'Call it my mortal weakness.'

'I saw you,' she said. She was looking at him strangely, Kyle couldn't place it. 'You fought off the assassin, gave the police enough time to get in.'

'The assassin?' Kyle gave a sardonic laugh. 'I got my ass handed to me and literally ended up in hospital. Yeah, it went really well...'

'Do you have any idea who he is?' Beth looked incredulous. 'How many people he has killed? And yet somehow you, some teenager, managed to fight him. Tell me how?'

Kyle was exasperated. The truth was, Kyle had always been good at fighting - he'd had enough practice, what with other foster kids having attempted to make his life a living hell. Somehow Kyle had never lost a fight, no matter if it was one kid or a dozen. Kyle had always been stronger, faster - he'd always seemed to know where the next blow was coming from. Of course he'd never fought anyone that was trying to kill him...

'I've answered your question,' said Kyle finally. Who was this girl? He didn't owe her any explanation. 'Now tell me what you're doing here, why were you at the Expo?'

Beth narrowed her eyes. 'Okay, give me your phone.'

'What?'

She rolled her eyes. 'Just do it!' Still not understanding, Kyle complied, handing her his phone. She took it, tapping quickly and gave it back to him. 'This is my number, when you're ready to talk, call me.'

'This isn't my first rodeo; you know?' Kyle scoffed. 'How do I know this isn't a fake number?'

Beth gave a devilish smile as though she'd been hoping he'd ask that very question. She drew closely, so close he could smell her scent, her warm lips pressing lightly on his cheek. Then slowly, she whispered, 'I guess... you'll just have to find out.'

*

In another part of London, a man named Sam Shepard watched over the city.'. His office was on the fifty-fifth floor of Tower 45, one of the tallest buildings in England's capital, a place he rarely left these days. There was always a crisis, a matter that required his urgent attention, no matter how much he sought to leave, to delegate to others.

He was dressed crisply in a black suit and tie. He was the head of an organization that spanned the world, but the less notoriety he attained, the less people thought of him, the easier everything would be.

He heard the pneumatic hiss of the automatic doors opening. He didn't need to turn to see who it was.

'Any word from my brother?' he asked, his gaze remaining on the city line below.

'No sir. The man who'd entered was named Maxwell Autumn, and he too was dressed innocuously in a black suit. Shepard turned and Autumn handed him a tablet computer. 'It's not about that. There's something you need to see.'

'I thought I told you that all matters were to go to Hargreaves unless they were about my brother.' Shepard was irked slightly, but Autumn didn't flinch. Autumn had the constitution of a soldier, and besides, she knew Shepard had a reputation of someone whose bark was far worse than his bite.

'I know, but I thought you should see this. Look.'

Shepard settled down into his chair, a half glass of scotch perched untouched on his table. The tablet computer depicted several photographs from the Kaito building where a science Expo had been held that day by Professor Velen. Shepard had only met the Professor a few times, but he and his organization had kept a close eye on her and her promising research. But then there were countless others they were keeping an eye on - that was simply the nature of their organization.

Shepard swiped across and was presented with what looked like readings, next to a single name - Kyle Walker. 'What's this?' He didn't recognize the name at all.

'This boy was at the Expo today,' Autumn explained. 'There was an attempt on Professor Velen's life and this boy carried her from the auditorium to the front entrance.'

'So he's a fit boy.' Shepard placed the tablet computer down, taking the scotch in his hand. 'So what?'

'So not only did he do that, but he fought off Erron on his own.' Autumn pressed on the tablet computer, magnifying the readings. 'He was taken to hospital and a blood test was taken.' Autumn brought up another reading and matched them side by side. 'Sam, he's one of them. The test subjects. Project Chimera.'

'Chimera?' It was a name Shepard had not heard of in fifteen years. 'Impossible, my brother was the head of Project Chimera. We sunk a trillion dollars and three think tanks into it, but the reports all said the same. The technology wasn't just unfeasible - it was impossible.'

'Sir,' Autumn cleared his throat. 'In light of everything, don't you think it's possible he may have... distorted the truth on this one?'

Shepard considered this, looking up into Autumn's measured eyes. 'You think this boy is one them?'

Autumn nodded. 'It would explain how he managed to survive. From the records I have him down as an orphan, living in foster care. If we've discovered him, there's a chance your brother might have as well. Kyle Walker is in London, and I can have him here in under an hour.'

It was an intriguing prospect, but Project Chimera was lifetimes ago. Shepard had more pressing matters chasing long settled ghosts. 'Keep an eye on him,' he said. 'But leave him. Observe and leave your reports with Hargreaves.'

A muscle twitched in Autumn's face. 'Sir.'

Shepard brought the glass to his lips. 'I don't want you diverting attention to this. I want all resources available to finding my brother. Is that understood?'

'Yes sir.' Autumn was a soldier first and Shepard didn't question his loyalty. 'Good,' he said. 'Dismissed.'   
'Good,' said Shepard. 'Dismissed.'

CHAPTER FOUR

The doctors insisted Kyle rest overnight and by the time they left St Thomas's the next morning, the fugue caused by the pain medication had mostly worn off. Outside the city was filled with a sweltering heat, the storm clouds having abated. Kyle shielded his eyes from the sun's rays and looked for the nearest underground train station. This way, he thought, vaguely. Then that way...

'Kyle?' Lily stood herself before him, placing a hand on his shoulder. It was still a little sore, Kyle feeling a twinge at her touch. 'Where are we going?'

'Home sis,' replied Kyle brightly. 'And far from here.' He spotted the nearest station and motioned for Lily to follow, joining the bustling crowd. 'I think I've had about enough excitement for one trip.'

This stopped Lily in her tracks, startling the man behind her who spilled half his coffee in spectacular fashion. The man scowled and pushed past her, but Lily didn't seem to notice him at all. 'Kyle, we can't leave. There's something I need to tell you.'

'Of course we're going, Sis.' They hadn't chosen the best spot to stop and talk and Kyle pulled Lily to one side out of the steady current of people. 'Professor Velen's fine. She's in one of the best hospitals in the world and she's with her family. We don't need to stay.'

But Lily only shook her head lightly at his words. Absently her hand went to the necklace around her neck and Kyle saw the ruby pendant that the Professor had given her. 'No, you don't understand. It's about her research, what she planned to do...'

Kyle ran his hand through his hair, wondering what to say. She may look older, thought Kyle. But she's my kid sister. 'Lily, just forget it. Please?'

Lily seemed taken aback. 'But-'

'Whatever it is, whatever she told you, the best thing you can do right now is to just forget all about it.' Kyle glanced at the ruby pendant lying against her chest. Even here, away from the light it seemed almost to gleam. 'Someone tried to kill the Professor in the middle of a packed auditorium. We're lucky to be alive and I don't want to tempt fate a second time.'

'But we didn't!' insisted Lily. 'You saved us!' Her hands flailed as though she were grasping for words. 'If you would just let me explain, you'll understand...'

Kyle put his hand up. 'Look sis, I love you. I know how smart you are, and one day I know you're going to do amazing things. But whatever is going on here, it has nothing to do with us. It's too dangerous.' Lily's lip trembled and Kyle knew she wanted to say more. 'If anything happened to you...'

'Nothing's going to happen to me-'

'But if it did...' Kyle let the words linger. 'I couldn't live with myself. Please, let's just go home. Look whatever it is, it can wait a day can't it?'

Lily looked conflicted. She met his eyes, but slowly, reluctantly she nodded. 'Okay.' Kyle turned to leave, but Lily moved before him once again. She undid the clasp of her necklace and handed the jewel to him.

'Can you keep this safe?' she asked. 'It's... really valuable. Can you just hold it till we get home?'

Kyle was surprised, but agreed, tucking away the ruby pendant into his jeans. 'Sure sis. Now let's go home to a wonderful place where no-one is trying to kill us...' He said the words playfully, hoping to lighten the mood, but Lily looked to be in a world of her own. He wondered vaguely what the Professor had told her but decided against asking. Lily was shaken and, besides, there'd be plenty of time for that later. Right now they had a train to catch.

The London underground was as stuffy as Kyle had ever remembered it being as they descended into the bowels of the city. The trains at least ran regularly and in minutes they were speeding away. They needed to get to train station at London Victoria but that was all the way on the other side of the city.

They'd made it about halfway before being told to disembark - there were some sort of building works that were going on and a bus replacement had been prepared for them. Kyle checked his watch - they still had plenty of time. Better to be out in the sun, I guess...

But something didn't feel right. Kyle didn't know what it was at first, like a sensation in the corner of his mind. Lily's eyes were downcast beside him - she hadn't said a word since they'd got on the train. So what was it? Surreptitiously as he could, Kyle turned back but the crowd of people behind him were paying him no mind at all. Still, Kyle couldn't shake the feeling...

They headed up the long escalator, taking them from deep beneath the city back up to the surface. On one side, the commercials were changing rapidly on the displays, but Kyle put his back to them, leaning against the escalator. He pretended to gaze out blankly and saw immediately what he was looking for. Or at least thought he was looking for. On the escalator next to his, a man was staring straight at him, though his eyes quickly averted when Kyle looked over in his direction. Crap. They were being followed.

He took hold of Lily's hand and the two of them began striding up the escalator. 'Come on,' he said. 'We've got to move.'

'What are you talking about?' said Lily blankly. 'Hey!'

'Someone's behind us,' he said in a low breath, still holding her hand. 'Stay close to me Lily...'

Kyle was careful not to move too fast - he didn't want whoever was following them to know he'd been spooked. If I can just get us up into the crowd, he thought. There's no way they'll try something, not in the middle of the day...

They had arrived at Green Park station, the park itself a vast oasis in the middle of the city. A quick glance and Kyle saw people dotted all across the grass, enjoying the warmth of July. It seemed strange that he could feel such tension on a day as beautiful as this. The day was idyllic, the surrounding people oblivious to both him and Lily. There were families, children, couples... am I being paranoid? Kyle realized he was still holding Lily's hand and let go. He supposed he'd probably earned the right to a little paranoia what with someone trying to kill him. Can put a guy a little on edge, he thought banally.

Lily, having never been the most discreet of people, was looking around fervently. She looked like a rabbit who'd been spooked. Still confused, Lily turned her gaze to Kyle. 'What was that all about?' she asked. 'You're acting so weird, Kyle!'

'I am being weird, aren't I?' agreed Kyle. He was being ridiculous - no one was after them and it really was a beautiful day. Sure the previous day had been rough, but there was no reason they couldn't stay in London a while longer. 'Why don't we just stay here then?' he said. 'You know - get some ice cream, catch a later train. You can tell me what the Professor told you - sound good?'

Lily was visibly relieved. 'I want a double cone - and three flakes!'

'Well, you're paying,' quipped Kyle. 'So you can have whatever you like...'

They joined the crowd of people at the traffic light and headed across when the lights turned red. Kyle took a deep breath, only realizing then how hungry he was, when the deafening blast of engines filled the air. Confused, Kyle looked around to see four motorcycles heading in their direction. The lights were red, but the motorcycles were weaving deftly through the traffic...

'Kyle!!'

He threw himself to the side, the convoy of motorcycles hurtling for them. Other bystanders weren't so lucky and he heard a sickening crunch behind him. He sprung to his feet, that old, familiar fear rising up through him again.

'Kyle!!'

One of the motorcyclists had grabbed Lily, shoving her hard onto the back of another motorcycle. Kyle saw the panic in her eyes as her hands were bound but before he could move the motorcycle was speeding away, along with two others. There was one motorcyclist left, dressed in thick leathers, his face hidden by his helmet. He was five feet away, and Kyle knew he'd never reach him in time.'

His hand scrambled across the road when he found something. Someone had dropped their walking stick, a hard, silvery rod, its end fashioned into a lion's head. Feeling just a little guilty as he did, Kyle hurled at the walking cane like a javelin at the motorcyclist, catching him fully in the chest. He'd thrown it with the lion's head first and the blow knocked the man clear off his motorcycle. Seizing his opportunity Kyle sprinted for the motorcycle and floored it.

He'd only ever ridden a motorcycle once before. It had been two years ago and a ridiculous dare. One of the seniors at school had been picking on him and his friends, and to get back at them, they'd decided to steal his bike and drive it into the lake. Only when they'd gotten the keys, they'd all realized that none of them could actually ride a motorcycle. Kyle had taken matters into his own hands to work it out, all the while wary for the bike's owner to return. He'd gotten as far as the lake, but had a change of heart and rode it all the way back to school. He'd actually enjoyed himself, once he'd got the hang of it, the powerful cylinders between his legs, riding smooth at a leisurely pace.

But there was nothing leisurely about this. Twice Kyle had stalled the bike, and on the third attempt, having finally gotten it moving, Kyle put everything on the accelerator and felt shock waves as the motorcycle blasted off with a deafening crack. He could just make out the two motorcyclists ahead and saw that one had Lily bound at the back.

They raced across London, but the city was notorious for having some of the worst traffic in the entire world. Today was no different. Cars were packed in on all sides, and Kyle, barely able to control the bike, was forced to weave through. It was slowing the other bikes, as well, and Kyle fought to keep pace.

The two motorcyclists ahead had banked sharply to the right as the crushing traffic ground to standstill. Kyle was forced to break hard, almost losing control of the bike, but just managed to keep it up as the two men in front cut off across the sidewalk and into an alleyway, leaving only the echoing whine of their engines behind them. People threw themselves over one another to get out of the way, but one man had been knocked down as the motorbike cut across. By the time Kyle made his way to the alley entrance, the way had been cleared.

The alley was dark and gloomy, and Kyle hit the lights, bursting through on the other side to find they were on a road alongside the Thames river. The waters were choppy and dark and Kyle braked hard again to stop himself falling down. For a split second, he wondered where the other two motorcycles had gone when he spotted them. They were heading across the bridge, and Kyle went after them.'

He ramped his way up the bridge, speeding past cars in both directions. He heard the shattering of glass and winced when he realized he'd clipped a wing mirror. He was gaining on them now. He could see the motorcyclists drawing closer; the other one, with Lily, was still further ahead. Kyle slammed hard on the accelerator. Just a little closer...'

The motorcyclist had slowed till he was but a few feet from Kyle. They were level now when the motorcyclist turned abruptly, aiming something metallic and black right at him. Kyle tensed and hit the brakes, shooting backwards, the motorcyclist spraying bullets across the adjacent car. He heard alarms begin to blare and the piercing shatter of glass. The motorcyclist in front had clearly been thrown by Kyle's maneuverer. Kyle pressed his advantage and revved the engine, hurtling with speed at the motorcyclist. Before the man could react Kyle had barrelled straight at him, knocking them both off the bike and perilously close to the churning waters of the Thames below.

All around them, people were running from their cars as the blare of car alarms seemed to reach a crescendo. Kyle's head was spinning, and he shook it, his eyes snapping back to focus. The motorcyclist was groping at the ground and Kyle saw his gun within arm's length. Before the man could take another shot, Kyle grabbed the gun and threw it into the river below. Then he grabbed the motorcyclist himself, ripping his helmet off to reveal a man beneath, his lip bloody, a deep gash on his forehead. Kyle felt as though the whole of his left side was aflame from where he'd landed, so thankfully the motorcyclist had cushioned the fall.

'What are you going to do?' taunted the man. 'Kill me?'

Kyle grabbed him by the throat, applying pressure. 'Who are you?' he said, rapidly. 'Why did you take my sister?'

'I was hired.' The man shrugged. 'A job...'

Kyle tightened his grip, the man wincing in pain. 'Where?! Where did you take her?'

'Where?' said the man. He smirked. 'Somewhere far from here, but you don't need to worry about that.'

Kyle tensed. 'Why?' The man seemed to loosen before kicking Kyle hard in the stomach. He stumbled back to see the man fumbling for his holster. Without thinking, without contemplating for a second, Kyle shoved the man hard with all his strength and watched as he sailed over the bridge and sunk into the murky waters of the Thames river below. Kyle was alone, the carnage all around him of shattered glass, car alarms, and in the distance, the wail of police sirens. He wondered, in a somewhat surreal thought, whether he had just killed a man. I had no choice, he told himself. He zipped up his sweater and began to run for the far end of the bridge. The police sirens were getting closer and Kyle did not want to be there when they arrived.

CHAPTER FIVE

Kyle was sat at the back of the diner in a booth that faced away from the doors. It was late afternoon, and the place was mostly dead, a twilight period between the rush of lunch and preparation for the dinner time ahead. That suited Kyle just fine. After all that had happened, the last thing he needed was to be seen  
His immediate instinct had been to get back on the motorcycle and head off the man who had taken Lily, but even he could see that would have been crazy - he had no idea where the motorcyclist was headed, or who he was. He had no clue at all.  
So he'd simply walked, for how long he wasn't sure. He heard sirens in the distance and kept his head low, deciding against using the underground trains. The city was smaller than most people guessed, and besides, Kyle didn't like the idea of being in an enclosed place right now. He headed away from central and into one of the quieter boroughs.  
He'd found the small diner nestled away and saw that, aside from a few kids, the place was mostly deserted. He picked a booth at the back and ordered some food. Truthfully, he had no appetite at all, and though he felt mildly queasy, he managed to get through itched slumped back and put his phone on the table and felt something else digging into his leg. He fumbled in his pocket and realized he was still carrying Lily's ruby pendant.  
Kyle wondered if there was some clue or hint he might have overlooked. They'd attended Professor Velen's talk - something about the Infinity Formula and how it was going to get rid of diseases - someone had tried to kill the Professor, and then Kyle as well. Now someone had taken Lily. But why? None of it made sense. After all, before yesterday Lily had never even met the Professor. Kyle strained to think, remembering that the Professor and Lily had had a private conversation and that was when she had given Lily the pendant. What had they spoken about? What had been so important it had almost cost Professor Velen her life?  
He ran a hand through his hair. He probably needed a shower, but that was the least of his troubles right then. The ruby pendant glinted and Kyle weighed it in his hand... why did it feel so light? He held it up to the light, turning it one way and then the other, when something caught his eye. He peered closely at the pendant and saw there was a small groove, almost imperceptible, all along the precious stone. He narrowed his eyes and carefully pulled on the ruby and was startled to find it had broken neatly in two... then he saw what was inside.  
Jutting out of the ruby, embedded in the stone itself was the end of a memory stick. It had been cleverly concealed, and when Kyle looked to the other half of the ruby, he saw a perfect impression where the device was slotted. This was meant for Lily, he thought. Something the Professor didn't want anyone else to see. Velen had given Lily more than jewellery, but it still didn't help much. If only I'd listened, he thought. She tried to tell me what was happening and I wouldn't hear it...  
Someone approached his table. 'I'm good for now,' he said.  
'What no tip?' Kyle looked up as Beth slotted into the seat opposite him. She pinched a carrot from his plate.  
'Healthy stuff,' she noted.  
'Do I even want to ask how you found me?' There was a television screen behind the bar and Kyle had glanced at it every so often. The news had been switched on, and Kyle's escape on the Millennium Bridge was plastered across the screen. The television was on mute, but Kyle had caught enough of the story to know that they were looking for him.  
'You really should be more careful you know.' Beth looked sheepish. 'I put a tracker on your phone, simple enough. We've been keeping an eye on you ever since.'  
Kyle looked around. The kids were finally leaving and now the place was as deserted as an old Western saloon. 'I've had... kind of a rough day. So if we could skip all of this and get to the point, that'd be swell. What is it exactly that you want from me?'  
Beth shook her head slowly, her eyes never leaving his. 'It's not about what I want from you; it's about what we can do for each other.' She sat forwards. 'I know who took your sister and I know why.'  
If there was anything that could energize Kyle at that moment, it was those words. He bolted upright. 'Tell me.'  
'Not here,' she said. 'It's not safe, but I know a place, it isn't far...'  
Kyle settled up his bill and followed Beth out. He was relieved to see she had a car - public transport was the last thing he felt like facing. There were leather seats inside and wondrous air conditioning. Soon they were away, Kyle watching the people outside, his face pressed against the cool glass.  
They drove in silence for a half an hour, Kyle dozing more than once till finally they reached their destination. They were nowhere that Kyle recognized, but the buildings here were small and cramped, a far cry from the skyscrapers and municipal structures Kyle had always associated with the capital.  
They got out of the car and Beth beckoned for him to follow. She walked with such purpose, Kyle found it hard not to stare. They reached one of the houses, but instead of going inside, Beth lead him to the basement entrance, the door having been left unlocked. It was dark, a single flickering light bulb swaying above. There was an old laundry machine, open pipework, a mouldy couch and little else.  
'This is where you live?' asked Kyle, stepping over what he hoped was an old hat. 'It's... nice.'  
'Not quite,' Beth replied. She walked over to the washing machine, turning its knob for a few moments then stepped back. Kyle came to stand beside her, puzzled, then watched in amazement as the washing machine churned sideways, revealing further steps. Bright halogen lights illuminated the way and Beth headed down before he could question her further. Something witty about Alice and the rabbit hole came to his head, but just as quickly was gone.  
The steps didn't go far, leading them to a set of automatic doors. There was a high-tech camera in the corner and it followed them as they approached. Clearly someone was watching the monitors from the other side as the automatic doors opened crisply, letting them both in. 'Now this,' said Beth, 'is where I live.'  
Inside Kyle saw a strange juxtaposition between old and new. There were steel girders erected up out of the ground, forming columns of support and the old, chipped logos of the West Shipping Company. The new occupants had updated greatly, setting down a new carpeted floor, a lounge area complete with a mini kitchen, and in the very middle of the room, like a nerve centre, were three large monitors hooked to a central computer, which someone had taken the liberty of painting in a vivid clash of orange and green.  
'Welcome to the Bunker,' said Beth. She removed her jacket, throwing it down on the couch in the lounge area and headed to the kitchen. Kyle paced slowly inside, noticing the numerous cameras that had been installed, more computers at the back and a large server, more than eight feet tall, whirring to one side.  
'The Bunker,' murmured Kyle. Beth had re-appeared, throwing him a bottle of water. 'Okay, now I'm officially confused.'  
Beth took a sip of her own water. 'We have time to talk. I promised I'd explain things.' She motioned for him to sit, but Kyle shook his head.  
'No. Look... I'm sorry, but I have to find my sister. You said you knew who's taken her.'  
'No-one knows his real name.' A third person had appeared in the Bunker, a dark skinned boy who looked to be in his late teens. He was somewhat overweight, with a very round face and horn-rimmed glasses. 'He's one of the world's deadliest assassins, goes by the codename Erron.'  
Kyle raised his eyebrows. 'Thanks...'  
'Felix, it's err Felix...' The new boy fumbled across the room to shake his hand, and managed to knock a stack of his files, which flew down in a shower.  
'Kyle.' He shook Felix's hand and felt a very sweaty palm.  
'I know.' Felix pushed his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. 'I mean, I don't know you, but I've... well... we've been keeping an eye on you.  
'Right...' Kyle wasn't at all sure how to respond to this, but Felix continued to look at him expectantly. 'He's the man who put Professor Velen in the hospital. But why take Lily? She has nothing to do with this - I mean, before yesterday, we'd never even met the Professor.  
Beth had sat down at the computer system, slotting her phone into one of the decks. 'Erron is just a mercenary. He takes contracts and hires himself out to the highest bidder. He isn't behind this; he's working for someone.  
'If we can find out who that person is,' added Felix,' you know, follow the breadcrumbs, we'll be able to find your sister. Don't worry, we're good at this - it's kind of our thing.' There was a note of pride in his voice, but if this was intended to comfort Kyle, it didn't.  
'How do you know all of this? I mean,' he gestured to the Bunker, 'what is all this?'  
Beth and Felix exchanged a glance. 'You didn't tell him?' asked Felix.  
'There wasn't much time, what with everyone out there trying to find... or kill... us,' replied Beth. She settled back, placing her hands behind her head. 'Besides you love explaining things, I didn't want to deprive you of that.'  
'Haha, very funny. And take that thing out of my network - I told you everything needs to be scanned before going in.'  
'You kiss your mother with that mouth?'   
'Guys?' Kyle looked to Beth and then Felix. 'A little explanation thrown this way, that's all I'm asking.'  
'Ah, sorry. See, the thing is, this place was built for us... Beth and I, that is,' explained Felix.  
'This huge place, just for two people?' asked Kyle. Felix shifted uncomfortably and a dark look passed over Beth's features. 'What?'  
'There was another girl, Ibiye,' said Felix slowly. 'Kind of our leader but, well...'  
'She's dead.' Beth said it bluntly, with no hint of emotion in her voice. 'We were on a mission a few months ago, tasked with investigating an organization that, well, it hardly matters now. Enron was working with them. He was the one that killed her.' Kyle tensed a little, an uncomfortable air descending before Felix stepped in.  
'Right, yes, well, like I was saying, this place was built for us so we had a place to operate in London.' Felix ran his hand over the computer, the case sleek aluminium. 'We're just one cell; there are dozens of others all around the world.'  
'Right,' muttered Kyle. 'So I'm hearing you say words, but I'm not really understanding anything...'  
'There's a man, we don't know his real name, but we all just call him the Benefactor,' Beth went on. 'He finds us, young people with potential, and he gives us a new purpose - trains us, funds us - none of us were going anywhere, and he gave us a fresh start.  
'So this Benefactor, he trains kids?' said Kyle. 'Then he puts you all over the world, working for him.'  
'Well, not quite like that,' said Beth.  
'But something like that,' said Felix. 'It's why we call him the Benefactor, because he backs us. Without him, all of this,' he motioned to the advanced computers, the high-tech Bunker. 'None of this would be possible.'  
There were so many things that bugged Kyle about this - why did this Benefactor pick children and not adults? What was in it for him? He wondered if it was because young people were easier to train or control, but right then Kyle had more pressing issues at hand.  
'Fine, so here you guys are. Do you have any leads on my sister?'  
Felix shifted uncomfortably, looking at Beth. Beth wrinkled her nose at him before turning to Kyle. 'Well, not exactly.'  
'We were hoping you would have a lead,' blurted Felix. 'I mean I was hoping we could help each other out.'  
'I know it looks bad.' Beth got to her feet, squaring against Kyle. 'But you were out there, being hunted by the police. We might not have any leads right now, but... you know your sister. With Professor Velen in the hospital...'  
'And no-one knowing when or if she'll wake up,' said Felix  
'Your sister is our only lead.' Beth finished. 'Maybe there's something she told you, or mentioned? Some clue as to where they were headed?'  
Kyle knew he should feel angry, Beth having essentially lied to him to get him there. She didn't have any leads and, when he looked more closely at her, he could see the deep set fatigue. She was more tired than he was and he wondered why he'd never noticed before. But they were right - out there Kyle had been hunted, exhausted, out of ideas and pretty soon just plain out.  
But that still didn't change the fact that he knew zilch. He pressed his eyes against his palms, seeing stars. 'I really don't know anything. Lily won this competition on-line, solved the Professor's equation or something. Then they had this private conversation and Lily comes out, telling me the Professor wants Lily to work with her...'  
'It wasn't just some equation,' said Felix rapidly. 'It was the equation, the Infinity Formula. People have been working on it for twenty years and Velen finally cracked it. You were there at the World Expo; you know what it means. It's big, Rosetta Stone big.'  
'And your sister cracked it in a few days.' Beth turned her head, looking at him. 'I guess she got all the brains in your family.'  
'She tried to tell me, I wouldn't listen to her, if I'd only listened...' Lily had known something was going to happen, somehow she knew, had some inkling as to the true danger they were in...  
'Her Pendant!' Felix and Beth exchanged a dubious look. Fumbling in his pocket, Kyle removed the ruby pendant and took it apart to reveal the memory stick inside. 'Professor Velen gave this to my sister, maybe it has some kind of clue as to who took her and where.'  
'It's worth a shot,' agreed Felix. 'May I?'  
Kyle handed it to him and Felix slotted the memory stick into his computer. 'Hold on, hold on,' he muttered. He began typing lightning fast. 'Wow, I've never seen encryption like this.'  
'Encryption?' Kyle didn't like the sound of that. 'Like there's a key on it?'  
'It means the data on the memory stick is locked away by a code,' explained Felix. 'So we're going to need to break that code if we want to know what's on this. There's a password... the Professor must have given it to Lily.'  
'But you can get past it, right?' asked Kyle. 'Break the code?'  
'I have a way to break the algorithm, but this encryption is insane... it's going to take some time.'  
'Beth leaned over the table, glancing down at the screen. 'Felix, define some time.'  
Felix finished tapping into the computer before looking gravely at them. 'Eighteen hours.'  
*  
They got Kyle settled in and gave him Ibiye's room. Beth and Felix always hated going in there, but neither of them told Kyle this. It was going to be sometime before the encryption could be broken and, until then, there was nothing to do except sit on their hands. What made it all the more frustrating was how close they had been to capturing Erron. Now this memory stick, and whatever information it held, was their only clue.  
Felix had seen the recordings. Somehow Kyle Walker had managed to take on the feared assassin single-handedly and, well, not quite win, but at least lose with style. Though he did have great hair - how Felix envied that, running a hand over his closely cropped curls. He had to cut it regularly or it just went crazy out of control.  
Felix had asked for a blood sample from Kyle, telling him he was worried Kyle may have picked up an infection from his shoulder wound. He had even got a fresh bandage from the first aid kit but when he removed the bandage that was in place it was to find that the wound had in a matter of hours healed as though it had been left for months. Add accelerated healing to the list of powers, thought Felix as he ran the blood sample through the analyser. Truthfully, it was lucky this boy had come along. He would never have admitted it - or ever, ever mentioned it to Beth - but the two of them had been floundering without Ibiye. Perhaps Kyle could right their cosmic karma.  
He grazed on some almonds even though mostly hated them. Felix was perpetually trying to lose weight, but this was made difficult by that fact that Felix hated exercise. Not in a funny way, but in a very real and irrational and borderline worrying way. Still...  
'You got the blood sample, good.' Beth had appeared, her hair damp and tousled having showered. 'I want to know everything about this guy before we leave.'  
'He's pretty incredible isn't he?' asked Felix. On one of the monitors was aerial footage of the motorcycle chase across the Millennium bridge that had occurred earlier that day. 'He's strong, fast, and pretty fearless. I mean look at that!' He pointed to the screen, showing Kyle leaping from his motorcycle and barrelling the rider in front to the ground.  
Beth laughed. 'Wow, Felix,' she cooed, 'either you've been down here way too long, or I'm not the only one that has a crush on him.  
'So you do have a crush?'  
Beth wrinkled her nose at him. 'Figure of speech.'  
'No, Kyle's cool.' He switched from the screen depicting the motorcycle chase and brought up the blood analyser. 'It's kind of nice to have someone else down here, you know, since Ibiye...'  
Beth put her arms around him and kissed him lightly on the cheek. 'I know,' she said. 'It's late. Why don't you get some sleep? We're going to need to be well rested to figure out what to do once the memory stick is decrypted.  
'Yeah, I'm just going to finish up here.'  
'Okay,' said Beth. 'Night.'  
'Night,' he called back as Beth headed to her room. He strained to listen and waited till he heard the door shut before getting to his feet.  
The communications room had a fancier title than it really deserved. There was limited space in the Bunker, so the communications room was really little more than a broom closet with a conferencing screen that was linked by a separate network to the main server. The idea behind this was that, if the main server was to go down, they would still be able to communicate. Similarly, the communications room was hidden and appeared as simply part of the wall. Felix sat down and turned on the display. On the other end of the communicator, a man appeared on the screen. He was in his late forties, with olive skin, slick black hair, and eyes that had a strange copper hue to them. In the background, Felix could see that the man was somewhere temperate and sunny.  
'Benefactor,' greeted Felix. 'Nice tan.'  
'You should consider getting out of the Bunker every once in a while,' said the Benefactor, smiling easily. He was always warm, and in the past four years that Felix had known him, had been very much a father figure to Felix.' 'I didn't build that thing so you could stay down there forever, you know.'  
'I know,' said Felix. 'I just want to say thank you again. I know you weren't happy when Beth chose to cut off all communications with you.'  
'And you immediately re-opened those links.' The Benefactor nodded gratefully. 'I know it hasn't been easy for you, losing Ibiye and having to lie to Beth, but you've done the right thing. 'I told her not to go after Erron-'  
'She's just having a tough time,' blurted Felix. 'Ah, sorry, I just...'  
'We've been over this,' muttered the Benefactor. 'Now tell me about Walker.'  
Felix nodded. 'Uploading the data now,' he said, inserting a memory stick into the computer. 'It's all the files I have on him. I analysed his blood, like you told me to, and... well...'  
'What is it?'  
'There's something very strange about him,' said Felix. 'There's something about Kyle. I don't even think he knows. In fact, I'm sure he doesn't - no-one is that good a liar.'  
'Show me,' said the Benefactor. Felix waited for the data to be transferred and appear on the Benefactor's screen. The Benefactor's eyes narrowed, then he turned his gaze sharply to Felix. 'This can't be right, are you sure-'  
'I ran the analyser three times,' said Felix. 'I'm sure.'  
'Then that means-'  
'It means,' said Felix. 'That Kyle Walker has more to do with the Infinity Formula than anyone.'

CHAPTER SIX

Kyle awoke and for a moment was disorientated. The bed was large and comfortable, but the room itself was bare, with stone walls and a thinly carpeted floor. He felt something weigh heavily on him, blinking rapidly before he remembered. Lily.

'As Kyle slipped on his sweater, he noticed that the main room of the Bunker was deserted. He glanced at the computer screen and saw that there were still several hours left before Professor Velen's message was unlocked. 'He was surprised how early it was, considering he felt bright and alert despite only having slept for a few hours. Truthfully Kyle knew he wouldn't be able to rest properly until Lily was back with him.

Kyle could hear someone grunting. He headed towards the noise, through the narrow corridors and away from the Bunker's sleeping area. The place was like an ant farm and Kyle wondered just how far below the city they were. The grunting was getting louder as he headed through a low door where Beth and Felix were sparring, though perhaps that was a strong term. Felix was covered in so much padding he looked like a low budget marshmallow man in a theatre production of Ghostbusters. Beth was dressed simply in a green tank top and shorts, her choppy hair loose and frazzled looking.

'If you wear all that ridiculous padding, you're never going to hit me!' Beth taunted. Felix took an unsteady swing and Beth easily got below it, aiming some hummingbird fast strikes to his torso.

'One... step... at... a... time,' huffed Felix, staggering back. 'I'm too important to get injured!'

Beth was bouncing on the spot. 'I'm not going to hurt you; this is just training. You wanted to get into shape didn't you?'

'Not get hurt?' scoffed Felix. 'Look at those giant man arms of yours!'

'Very funny...'

Felix swung at Beth, who stepped back easily. Felix, however, carried on with his momentum, and ended up face planted on the floor. He lay there, breathing very hard, until he noticed Kyle.

'Beth's just showing me a few moves,' he said hastily. 'Some basic combat skills, for when we're out in the field.'

'Right,' said Kyle. 'Yeah, those were some pretty sweet moves.'

Felix looked crestfallen. Beth was clearly fighting back laughter. 'Oh, sorry, that came out wrong,' said Kyle.

Beth helped Felix to his feet. 'Felix was top of operations back at the Nest. You've got one of those brilliant minds, don't you?'

'Brilliant,' said Felix, dusting himself off dramatically, 'Is probably not strong enough a word, but yeah that's the gist of it.'

Beth shoved him and he promptly faced planted again. He turned around, glowering, and Beth smiled sweetly at him. 'Oh, sorry your excellency, my hand slipped...'

'You guys mentioned a Benefactor yesterday,' said Kyle, glancing around the training area. It was very modern looking with state of the art equipment. 'I'm just trying to wrap my head around all of this...'

'He just gave us a chance,' explained Felix. 'He found both of us when we were at a pretty low point in our lives. Kids, with no future, no-one looking out for us.'

'Back at the Nest, we were all like that,' said Beth. 'Lost kids, but the Benefactor saw something in each of us and gave us a chance to be something. He gave us more than hot food and a warm bed; he gave us purpose when the whole world had given up on us.'

'And he only picks children?' asked Kyle.

Beth nodded. 'I was ten when he took me, Felix even younger. Don't get me wrong - it wasn't a free ride, and a lot of kids didn't get through. But those that did became a part of something greater.'

Kyle still wasn't sure what to think, but this Benefactor, whoever he was, had clearly saved people from a life of hardship. Whilst it was true Kyle was an orphan and had bounced from foster home to foster home till he and Lily had finally settled, he'd never gone hungry, never gone without a place to sleep and rest. A lot of people, he knew, weren't so lucky.

'So, come on, superstar.' Beth took a sip of water, and threw a pair of padded gloves towards him. 'Show me your sweet moves.'

Kyle nodded, putting on the glove whilst Felix removed his padding, revealing the sweaty boy beneath. 'She's vicious, I'm warning you now,' huffed Felix.

'Ah, no, I'm a sweetheart,' said Beth, before cracking her knuckles. Kyle exchanged an alarmed look with Felix.

Beth cleared the distance between them, and aimed a strike at his chest, which Kyle was too slow to block. He stumbled back and threw up his arms, but Beth got beneath him with half a dozen lightning strikes to his stomach, winding him.

Kyle shook his head and saw Beth coming at him again. Kyle had been in more than a few scrapes, but Beth's movement were so unpredictable, and so quick in their execution, that Kyle had trouble even keeping up with her. She had put all her weight on her back leg, looking as though she were winding up like a spring but... no she was feigning the strike, she was coming at him from the right...

Kyle landed a single blow, but had struck without thinking, using all his force, almost crumpling Beth. He'd punched her square in the face and she'd staggered backwards. Felix's eyes widened, and he raced to help her up.

'Jesus, I'm so sorry!' Kyle tore off his gloves, tossing them carelessly aside as he helped Beth up. Thankfully she looked disorientated but no bleeding, no lasting mark.

'Don't apologize.' Beth rapped him playfully on the shoulder. 'That was one hell of a hit. I can see how you managed to keep Erron off.' She got to her feet and Kyle was relieved to see she appeared unhurt. 'You're strong and fast, but your form is all off. Have you ever taken any martial arts or self-defence classes?'

'I'm a pretty big fan of Arrow,' said Kyle. 'Does that count?'

Beth and Felix exchanged a dubious look. 'No,' they said in unison.

'Then... no.'

'You should let me train you,' said Beth. 'If you'd ended up in the Nest, you could have been one of the best.' That took Kyle by surprise and he tried not to feel too pleased with himself. She rapped him playfully again before heading off. 'Come on, let's hit the showers.' She glanced at Felix. 'In your case, maybe take two...'

'Very funny. You know that's not how showers work.'

'Woah, easy, I'm not the scientist here...'

'I'm not a-'

Kyle headed back to his room which had its own shower unit built into the wall. He felt powerful jets soak him and Kyle could feel the sweat and grime being pummelled off.

He tried to think back to his earliest memories but, as always, came up with a blank. He'd never told anyone, aside from Lily, but Kyle had always had trouble remembering anything before he was nine. It was as though he'd come into the foster care system a new person with no history at all. One day he was just there with that strange tattoo on his shoulder.

He wondered how his life might have been different had he attended this Nest, if this mysterious Benefactor had found him. I'd never have met Lily, he thought. My family, my best friend. Kyle had always found it difficult to make friends, and when he'd met Lily she'd been just as timid. They spoke a little, and then a little more, and pretty soon they had been talking for hours. Kyle had never felt such a connection with anyone, and when they'd asked if he and Lily had wanted to stay together, what else could he have said? Lily was all the family he'd ever had or needed.

He headed back to the main area of the Bunker, having washed and dried, to find a breakfast of scrambled eggs and sausages. Beth and Felix were already eating, and he thanked them before grabbing a plate. It was delicious and, between the food and the shower, Kyle felt revitalized. He held on to that feeling - he was going to need it for what was going to happen next.

'So I've got some good news and bad news.' Felix swivelled in his chair, adjusting his glasses. 'What do you want to hear first?'

'Good news,' said Kyle.

'Bad news,' said Beth.

Felix blinked at them. 'Look, this is some rock solid encryption; I've never seen anything like it. I've managed to decode part of it, but if I'm being honest, this is way beyond me.'

'Well, you've managed to unlock part of it, right?' It wasn't exactly what Kyle wanted to hear, but it wasn't like there was anything they could do.

'So, we waited all this time, and we're still no closer to finding out where they're headed?' Beth screwed her eyes tightly. 'Well, that was a waste of time...'

'Well, I did find something.' Felix sounded mildly affronted. He swivelled back to the computer console and tapped rapidly on the keyboard bringing up a video.

'What is it?' asked Beth, drawing closely.

Felix pressed play. 'A message.'

The video began, and he saw Professor Velen, looking much as she had when Kyle had met her two days before. She was sat in her study back at the Kaito building, and she was smiling warmly.

'Lily. In a few hours I will be meeting you for the first time. I will be meeting one of the finest minds in the world, something you yourself may not even know yet.'

'When I began the competition, I had hoped someone like you would be able to win. 'You have intelligence beyond your years, but it is your heart that defines you, your goodness. That is why I have dedicated my life to unlocking the secrets of the Infinity Formula - I wanted to bring goodness to the world.'

The Professor's smile faltered and Kyle felt himself tense. 'I don't know how much time we'll have together. The truth is I am in danger and I fear I have endangered you as well. The Infinity Formula... it is not just a way to fight against disease. It unlocks the very secret of our cells, and for all the good it can do in the world, it has the potential for a much... darker purpose.'

'That is why I encoded the Infinity Formula to ensure that it would be rendered impossible to use without me. But now that you have unlocked its secrets as well, I have made you just as much of a target as I am. Lily, I am truly sorry.'

'If anything should happen to me, you are the only who can unlock the Infinity Formula. If the worst should come to pass, then forget all you know of the Formula. Never tell anyone you can unlock its code. The man behind all this, Nathan Kreed, will stop at nothing to repurpose the Infinity Formula.'

In the video, there was a knock at the door and Professor Velen tensed, her eyes darting away from the camera. 'I will give you the means to unlock this message when I meet you, but it is too dangerous to discuss it now. I am sorry, this was meant to be happiest moment of your life, but I never thought... a child...' The Professor closed her eyes. 'Forgive me, Lily. I have done all I can to protect you, but I fear I may have simply made you a target as well.'

The video stopped, freeze framed as the Professor got to her feet to answer the door. A silence permeated the main area of the Bunker and Kyle, lightheaded, sat down at the edge of the table. Beth's eyes were narrowed.

'A dark purpose?' said Kyle. 'What does that mean?'

'The Infinity Formula, on its own, is meaningless.' Felix tapped on the video again, replaying it on mute. Kyle watched it, noticing now the fear in the Professor's eyes. He wondered if she'd known what was going to happen to her. 'It is simply the last part of a puzzle that scientists have been trying to complete for decades.'

'With the Infinity Formula, they're able to combine biological cells with nanites, tiny robots. It's something they've tried for years, but cells have always rejected the nanites.'

'Right,' said Kyle, remembering the Professor's talk. 'So, if we're sick, we can just make our cells stronger to fight infection, or cancer, or whatever. That's why people want it - I'm guessing technology comes with a hell of a price tag.

'No.' It was Beth who'd spoken. She turned to Kyle. 'The Formula doesn't just allow you to defend cells; it allows you to enhance them. Remember what Velen said? It can make you more than human. Stronger, faster, more intelligent than any human alive today.'

'And that's why they took Lily,' muttered Kyle. 'The Professor put some kind of lock on this Formula, and whoever tried to kill her had no idea. When they found out, they must have known Lily could unlock it too...'

'Nathan Kreed.' Felix had been typing into the computer and now all three screens on the computer terminal were filled with information on the man, including a high definition photograph of him. He looked to be in his forties, with sandy hair and a weather beaten appearance. He was holding up a number, and the photograph was in black and white, so Kyle knew Kreed had been a prisoner when the picture was taken.

'A prominent scientist in the mid-nineties,' Felix continued. 'Graduated from Imperial University with combined honours in biotechnology and mechanical engineering. He went on to become a leading authority in the field of genetic manipulation and, yep, nano-technology.'

Beth leaned over Felix, touching the screen and moving articles across with her fingertips. 'Doesn't exactly sound like Dr. Evil. Do we really think he's the one behind trying to capture Lily? Putting a hit on Professor Velen in broad daylight?'

'In a word, yes,' answered Felix. 'Look here - Kreed was discovered selling military grade secrets to the Russians in 2001. He burned down his own laboratory with his research inside. Nine people were killed and Kreed was found guilty of first degree murder and espionage. He was sent to a maximum security prison off the coast of Gibraltar, serving three life sentences without parole.

'Looks like be broke out,' muttered Beth.

'Broke out?' said Kyle, in disbelief. 'And they never tried to recapture him?'

'Says here that Kreed fled to Cuba and the Cuban government refused to turn him over.' Kyle drew closely to look as well. He didn't bother to ask how Felix had access to Interpol, but all the files on Nathan Kreed had been pulled from their secure servers.

Kyle took a deep breath, sitting down beside Felix. For some reason, Felix was looking at him nervously. 'Okay, well this is good. We know who took my sister, and why. And,' he added, looking at Beth, 'we found out who hired Erron. Beth nodded. 'Nathan Kreed.'

'Right. What's more, we know he won't hurt Lily. Kreed needs her, for... whatever it is he's got planned.'

'Look.' Felix dragged up the file from 2001. 'He was caught stealing secrets and selling them before. Whoever holds the Infinity Formula will be set for life. It's worth a fortune.'

'Try ten fortunes,' said Beth, turning her head to one side. 'Ball park figure.'

'And he's in Cuba?' said Kyle. Felix nodded. 'Then that's where we're going.' He gave a small laugh. 'Of course, that might be a little tricky. I'm not exactly flush with cash right now...'

Beth put her hands on his shoulders and Kyle looked up. 'Well, actually...'

Kyle didn't bother to ask. 'Man if I had a Benefactor, my life would have been a hell of a lot easier. Might even have got that official Captain America shield replica...'

'Why did you say the whole thing, then replica really quietly?'

'Huh?'

CHAPTER SEVEN

They gathered up their things, Felix uploading as much as he could onto his laptop. There was no telling when they would return, so he made sure that he would be able to access the Bunker's computer console from anywhere in the world. The laptop itself was custom made to his own specifications and could piggy back anywhere in the world there was a satellite overhead.

It was standard protocol to have different passports for different identities on hand, and Felix picked up one for himself and Beth. He had the computer create a separate and unique identity for Kyle who was still technically wanted by the police. It was actually Felix's private feeling that if Kyle simply went to the police, explained what had happened he could likely prove his innocence and show that he had acted in self-defence. However, this might take days, weeks - time none of them had.

The computer finished processing Kyle's new passport, using materials identical to a real one. Felix had been managed to get a hold of an old picture of Kyle so it looked as though the passport was several years old. Still... to get to Cuba meant going through a commercial airport, and they had some of the tightest security in the world. They would still be running an enormous risk.

'I finished making Kyle's passport,' said Felix. Beth glanced up before stowing her escrima sticks. She was packing light with only a rucksack to take on the plane.

'Good,' replied Beth. 'We leave as soon you're ready. Erron might already know we're coming. We can't let him slip away again.'

'Look, I know you want to catch him,' said Felix slowly. It was a touchy subject, and he knew he had to tread carefully. 'But we have no idea where he is.'

'So? Don't you want to catch him?'

Felix put his hands up. 'Of course I do! Ibiye was like a sister to me, you know that. But rushing in blindly like this... I'm just worried about you Beth. I'm worried you're not thinking clearly.'

Beth finished packing, tightening the clasps on her backpack. 'You know what we're up against,' she said quietly. 'And to think we came so close... I'm not losing him again. He's in Cuba now, but he could be anywhere in the world tomorrow.'

'Why don't we take a step back?' said Felix. 'You know the Benefactor can help us. I mean, we're running a risk just by taking a commercial flight. Let's just...'

'No!' Beth had tightened her fist at her side, alarming Felix. Their eyes met and Beth softened somewhat. 'I'm sorry...'

Felix said nothing, but he knew what troubled her. 'He's the closest thing you or I have ever had to a father. If you could just show him how much this means to you, to both of us, I know he'd help us catch Ibiye's killer.'

'He told us to leave it, or have you forgotten that?' asked Beth. 'He said if we pursued this, if we continued trying to find Ibiye's killer, he'd cut us off. We made our choice Felix and we have to live with that.' She slung her backpack over her leather jacket. 'I love you, Felix, but you know I can't ask him for help.'' She put her hands on his shoulders. 'We're in this together, till the end. At least we have Kyle now.' Felix thought he might protest, but he hung his head. There was no use arguing with her. 'When this is all over, we'll talk. Until then... well...'

Beth walked off, leaving Felix standing alone in the corridor. When will that be? he wondered.

*

It was early afternoon as they set off across the city in Beth's car. Kyle sat up front, talking lightly with the others, though his mind was very much elsewhere.

They pulled into the car park of Gatwick Airport, the weather muggy and thoroughly British. Beth parked the car and Kyle wondered when next he would see it. The Bunker had been a welcome respite, but now it was time to face reality.

They gathered up their belongings and entered through the automatic doors into the main area of the airport. They got into the check-in line, Kyle keeping his head low, attempting to draw as little attention to himself as possible. They were in line behind a large group of American tourists, decked out in Union Jack shirts, when Beth nudged him.

'Look over there,' she muttered. Kyle slowly turned his head and looked up to see a television screen showing the news and his own face plastered across it. The airport was filled with the murmurs of the crowd, as well as brisk announcements on arrivals and departures, so he couldn't hear the television, but he read the headline just below. Boy wanted in connection to motorcycle crash on Millennium Bridge. One dead, three hospitalized. Dread crept through Kyle.

'I knew it was crazy coming here,' said a mildly panicked Felix. An innocuous man talking on his phone passed and Felix grinned manically at him. The man promptly walked away. Beth grabbed Felix's jacket, pulling him close.

'Would you relax!' she hissed. 'These passports are fool proof. Just stay calm and we'll be in Cuba in no time.'

'Okay, I'm relaxed, so relaxed,' said Felix in a chant-like voice. 'Happy thoughts, happy place, woosah, woosah...' Beth rolled her eyes.

They were moving up the queue, Kyle keeping his head low. He was glad he was wearing a hat, a slightly moth eaten cap that had belonged to Ben, depicting his favourite sports team. Out of the corner of his eye, Kyle saw three police officers talking amongst each other, whilst one spoke into a radio. A German shepherd sat plaintively at their feet. A trickle of sweat beaded across Kyle's forehead.

'Sir?'

'Huh?' Beth nudged him and Kyle quickly realized they'd reached the very front of the queue. A young woman was smiling pleasantly at him. 'Passport and ticket please.'

'Oh, right sorry,' muttered Kyle, handing over his documents. He continued to watch the police officers in his periphery, but they were walking off now, the German Shepherd at their side. Relax, this is an airport, they're looking for terrorists or whatever, not some fourteen year old kid...

'See?' said Beth. 'You guys are ridiculous. I've got bigger balls than either of you.'

'Well you certainly have a bigger mouth,' said Felix under his breath. Kyle grinned.

Beth checked the time on her phone. 'We still have some time. Want to get some food?'

'Sounds good,' said Kyle. They'd managed to check in without so much as a hitch. Maybe this was all going to work out. With the panic having passed, Kyle felt ravenous. 'Hold on, I'm just going to go find the toilet...'

He kept his cap low shielding his eyes and entered the toilet. It was large and airy with the announcement of arrivals and departures coming in crisply over the intercom. There was only a father and his small son inside, and Kyle quickly used the toilet and went to wash his hands. Out the corner if his eye he saw the father and small child hurry out. What's that all about?

Kyle bent down, splashing water over his face when he felt something cold and metallic press against his spine.

'Stand up slowly,' said a low voice. Kyle raised his head and saw in the mirror that a man was stood directly behind him.

'This is very simple,' the man told him. 'I have a silenced 9mm pointed at you. It is very effective and very deadly. I know this because I have used it many times before. I have never killed anyone as young as you, but,' the man flashed a devilish grin, 'am intrigued to do so.'

'Now what is going to happen is that you are going to walk out of here and I am going to walk precisely five paces behind you. You need not turn, just know I am a man of my word. We are going to walk out of here, back to the main reception are and then into the car park. There are more men waiting for us there.'

'I am sure this is, how you say 'heavily implied,' but I shall make it explicitly so, ensuring that, between you and me, there is no confusion. If you try to run, I will shoot you. Should you attempt to alert anyone, I will shoot you. If I sneeze too hard - damn allergies this time of year - it is likely that I will shoot you. Therefore, it is in your interest not to do anything that might startle or otherwise upset me. Clear?'

Kyle's mouth was dry. 'Clear,' he heard himself croak.

'Very good, Mr. Walker. Now let us go.

They headed back to the airport, Kyle not daring to turn around. There was no doubt in his mind that this man would kill him here, in the middle of the airport, if he so much as flinched. Where were Beth and Felix?

The airport was just as crowded as it had been, but it seemed now to have been pressed to the back of his mind. He caught sight of more police officers, realizing he was going to pass directly beside them. He looked up, trying to catch their attention, but they were too engrossed in their own conversation to notice him at all. There was a buzzing in his pocket. My phone! It was too big and already slipping from his pocket. The buzzing became more insistent. If I can just time this, he thought. Keeping his hands at his side and a steady pace Kyle shimmied, rubbing against the phone and could feel as it came more and more loose...

'Hey!' One of the police officers was calling him. Kyle felt his heart quicken. 'Hey, I think you dropped this.'

Kyle stopped slowly, deliberately, before turning. The man with the gun was nowhere to be seen, but Kyle felt certain he was nearby.

One of the officers held out his phone and Kyle took it gratefully. 'Thanks,' he said, taking off his cap and wiping his brow. 'So clumsy... in a world of my own... you know...'

The police officer looked at him, stony-faced. 'Just be more careful, that's how you lose things.' Kyle nodded and was about to turn to leave, but now the officer was staring at him. Kyle backed away, nodding awkwardly, but the police officer's features had steeled. Then his eyes widened.

Kyle never knew what made him do what he did next - instinct, luck, all of the above - but he threw himself to his left, and dove headfirst behind a baggage trolley as several things happened at once. The police officer drew his weapon, aiming it squarely at Kyle, who skidded across the ground using the baggage trolley for cover. Several shots were fired and someone grabbed him. Kyle held on and pulled the man across and next to him. Now he was next to a rather surprised police officer, and Kyle gave him a shrug before striking him hard across the face, knocking him out. 'Sorry,' muttered Kyle. 'I promise I'm doing you a favour...'

A virtual stampede had erupted across the airport, the gunfire igniting a frenzy, and Kyle, seeing no way out, pushed through into the panicked crowds, keeping his head low. Another gunshot rang, and Kyle burst across the terminal, determined to put as much distance between himself and his assailants as he could, when once more his phone rang. This time, Kyle answered.

'Hello?!' he shouted, turning a corner and almost falling headfirst into a potted plant.

'Kyle, where the hell are you?' came Felix's brisk voice. 'We heard gunfire coming from the terminal. That wasn't you, was it?'

'Umm...' Kyle pulled the phone away from his ear as he leapt across an escalator and chanced a look back, only to see the man who had taken him at gunpoint fast on his heels, two men now flanking him. One of them aimed his gun and Kyle bolted down. 'Well, long story, can't really talk right now...'

There was a rustle and what sounded like a slap before Beth's voice sounded on the phone. 'Well, make it really, really short.'

'Bad guys, guns, trying to kill me, maybe worse!!' shouted Kyle.

'Kyle, meet us back at the car. We're getting out of here!'

'I will... roger that!' he answered frantically, as more gunfire filled the air.

But that was going to be a hell of a lot harder than it sounded. Kyle hadn't the faintest idea where he was, with each part of the airport looking much the same as the next. He sprinted and saw a stairwell to his left with a sign for the car park. Well, that'll have to do... He smashed it open, barrelling down the stairs, only to be confronted by three more police officers, all of them armed. Kyle's eyes widened as he turned back, finding the gunmen seconds behind.

Kyle jumped over the railing and simply let go, realizing in a moment of sheer delirium that he had zero idea how many floors he was about to fall down.

As it turned out there were three. Not enough to kill him exactly, but enough to really, really hurt. He heard gunfire from above and wondered, out of the assailants and the police officers, who was winning the battle, and decided it was probably not in his best interest to stick around and find out. Trying and failing to ignore the throbbing in his ankle, Kyle hobbled away, only to be grabbed and tossed against a concrete slab.

'You are a slippery one,' said the man. He seemed to be enjoying himself. 'You have made a mess. I don't like it, it looks unprofessional.'

'Oh yeah?' taunted Kyle. 'You know what else is unprofessional?!'

The man's eyes flashed. 'What?'

'Your face!' In hindsight, it probably wasn't the best one-liner, but it was all Kyle could come up with on short notice as he thrust forward, head-butting the man squarely across the nose. Kyle swept the man's legs and grabbed his pistol before he could react, pressing it against his head.

Here I am again, he thought, but there was going to be no time for an interrogation. The other assailants had disappeared, but more officers were coming, and soon Kyle would have nowhere to run. 'Your lucky day,' he muttered, knocking the man out cold.

'Put down the gun! We will use deadly force!' It was truly amazing, Kyle reflected, just how badly things were turning out.

His back was pressed against a ledge and this time he glanced down before jumping. One floor, well it would be better than his last fall.

It wasn't - in fact, with his already damaged ankle, this one had to be the most excruciating pain he had ever experienced. His eyes watered and he could barely see straight, let alone think, as he crumpled in a heap on the ground. Someone had given the police officer a microphone, but Kyle couldn't hear what was being said...

'Kyle!!' He forced his eyes to focus, on Beth's car pulling up, on the door flying open. 'Get in!!'

Half walking, half hobbling, Kyle got in the car, and slammed the door closed behind him. 'Hit it!'

Beth clearly didn't need telling twice, flooring the accelerator and smashing clear through a barrier, the wood splintering terrifically. There were sirens in the distance, but Beth, steely eyed, was clearly in a world of her own. Kyle felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see Felix in the back seat.

'Well,' said Felix in a bracing tone. 'If they didn't think you were a terrorist before, they definitely will now.'

Kyle didn't answer. The parts of his body that hurt now outnumbered the parts that didn't by about fifty to one. He wasn't sure if he wanted to scream or pass out, and in the end settled on a mixture of both.

*

Autumn watched the scenes of carnage on the monitor, a cold fury burning within him. Outwardly, he did not appear angry at all. In fact, there was no trace of emotion on his features. Instead, he watched the scene calmly, a news report from Gatwick Airport. There had been a shootout, armed terrorists had stormed the airport and had opened fire on the crowd with more than a dozen dead and a dozen more wounded and in critical condition. The reporter was now speculating as to who may have been behind these attacks - Al-Qaeda, ISIS, or the newest terror cell RAID - but none of the terrorist organizations had taken any sort of responsibility for what had happened. Autumn pressed mute on the news channel, settling back. Of course Autumn already knew who the men were, as he himself had given the order. But he had given explicit instructions not to use deadly force unless under severe duress.

'He wondered, then, what his options were. As a high ranking member of his organization, Autumn sanctioned dozens of covert operations around the globe, only this one had been in direct defiance of his superior and leader of the organization, Shepard. If Shepard were to discover what he had done... No, Shepard is in a world of his own... The man had lost his focus, Autumn could see that, with much of the day to day running left to himself and Hargreaves. Autumn reassured himself that there was no reason why Shepard would discover what he had done.

Thinking for a moment, Autumn activated a small communicator in his pocket. It was an unassuming black object that appeared as a piece of obsidian. It was one of only ten in the world, and it was able to contact the other nine no matter where they were in the world with an encryption so safe, no-one but they themselves could break it.

'The task was simple, no?' said the cold voice of the Benefactor. 'Three armed men against a child.'

Autumn felt that cold fury once more. 'They will be disciplined,' he replied calmly. 'Walker is proving to be remarkably resilient, aided by your own protégés.'

There was a slight pause. Then the Benefactor continued, 'I told you precisely where they would be and when they would be there, and ensured that Walker would be alone, away from the others. How is it possible that the boy evaded your agents?'

'I gave them explicit orders that Walker must live, that under no circumstances should his life be endangered. Clearly they gave him too ample an opportunity and Walker overpowered them, just as he did with Kreed's agents on the Millennium Bridge.'

There was a pause and Autumn wondered what his ally was thinking. 'You must know where they are headed next,' Autumn continued. 'Tell me and I promise you Walker will be taken in-'

'No.' The word was spoken softly, but firmly. 'You have had your chance, Autumn. Walker has outplayed you and now he has earned the right to finish his mission.'

Autumn was surprised. 'You'll deliver him to the hands of our enemy. Kreed will know he is coming.'

'So be it,' said the Benefactor. 'Walker is an unknown element. He may yet prove useful.'

'If he survives.'

'If he does not, then he is of no use to me. But if he survives, I shall have plans for him.'

The line was dead. The Benefactor had cut him off, no doubt a sign of his displeasure. Autumn mused for a moment on the men he had sent to intercept Walker, but soon pushed the thought from his mind. There would be another way, he was sure of it. There was always another way.

CHAPTER EIGHT

They lost the police somewhere along the M25 motorway, leaving the wide, crowded city roads for long stretches across the English countryside. Felix had given Kyle some painkillers, and a splint for his ankle, though Felix had fumbled somewhat and when Kyle had asked him if he'd ever actually done it before, the awkward silence he was met had not been exactly comforting.

He didn't bother to ask where they were headed; only knowing it was far from London. That was good enough for him. Outside pastures roiled past with long stretches of greenery filled with sheep, cows and trains crossing the nation. Kyle stared out, but stopped when he felt nauseous.'.

'So here we are,' said Kyle. 'Not on a plane to Cuba.' He paused, but neither of them spoke. 'I kind of feel like it's my fault.'

'It's not,' said Beth. 'They must have been Kreed's men.'

Felix was busy with his laptop in the backseat. 'I don't know how they found us, or even if they know who we are...'

'Erron must have told him,' said Beth. She looked worried. 'He must have seen me at the World Expo. I bet he sent those goons after us.' She hit the accelerator, the speed pulsing dangerously past a hundred and forty miles per hour.

'Yeah, you might want to slow down there,' said Kyle gently. Beth seemed to snap out of it, and the car slowed. Kyle thought back, to see if anything the man has said had given away who he was. He frowned.

'What?' asked Felix.

'I don't think they were trying to kill me,' said Kyle.

'Oh, right,' said Beth. ''So the gunshots - that was sort of a firm warning, was it?'

'No, look, the guy found me and he put a gun to my back, told me to come with him.'

'Where?'

'Well, I didn't exactly stick around to find out,' Kyle admitted. 'I just got the hell out of there and that's when all the shooting happened.'

'So they came after you,' said Felix softly. 'Only you. Hmm...'

The spoke at length as the sun came down, but were unable to come to any adequate solution. The only thing they agreed on was that things were getting too dangerous. It was time to leave.

Night had long since fallen by the time they reached their destination. However, the only thing to signal that they had arrived anywhere was Beth slowing the car. They were nowhere near a town or a city, not even a medium-sized village; they seemed, in fact, to be in the middle of nowhere.

There was a light snooze sounding from the back, and when Kyle glanced back he saw Felix wrapped in a Hello Kitty Island Adventure blanket, looking so snug and warm Kyle was reluctant to rouse him. Beth, however, did not share this sentiment, flicking him on the forehead, awakening him so suddenly that his head smacked straight into the roof of the car. He rubbed the spot, his eyes watering till he noticed where they were. He opened the car door, wrapping his jacket around him tightly.

'We should have come here first,' said Felix.

'Here?' asked Kyle. It was a black, cloudless night, and the temperature had plummeted. His breath frosted in the air and he dug his gloveless hands into his armpits for warmth. 'Here, where? All I see is... well... I don't see anything.'

'It's another Bunker,' explained Beth. Despite the chill she wore her leather jacket loosely and seemed not to notice the cold at all. 'I didn't want to come here, but it doesn't look like we have any choice.'

Kyle cast a dubious look at Felix. 'It's a hangar,' he explained. 'There's a plane here that will take us to Cuba.'

Kyle was dumbfounded, then angry, then confused, then angry again. He blinked several times, the words catching in his mouth. 'I'm sorry, but if you had this plane the whole time, then why did we bother going to the airport at all?'

Beth strode on ahead, wordlessly, but Felix sidled beside him, an uneasy look on his face. 'I'm going to level with you,' he said. He glanced ahead, but Beth was now a speck on the muddied trail before them. 'We want to rescue your sister, but the truth is we were after Kreed a long time before we met you.'

'I kind of pieced that together,' said Kyle sheepishly. 'Erron killed your friend, Ibiye, right?'

Felix nodded. 'The Benefactor - he trains us, supports us, but don't think it doesn't come without strings, because it does. We work for him, and when Ibiye died, he gave us explicit orders not to go after her killer. Well, you can imagine how Beth took that...'

Kyle could indeed imagine how that went.

'We've been cut off from him ever since, on our own. Beth's been trying her hardest to not use the Nest resources.'

' Felix frowned as though searching for words. 'It's hard to explain to someone that didn't come from the Nest, but I guess the Benefactor is like our father. So this thing between them, it's like a parent arguing with their child.'

'No it's not,' said Beth's voice through the darkness ahead, crisp and clear.

'She hears like a hawk,' muttered Kyle. Felix nodded dismally.

They reached the Bunker, though if Beth hadn't left the door wide open, Kyle could easily see how someone might miss it entirely. It had been built into the side of a hill and he had to bend low to enter. The inside, however, was just as sleek and high-tech as the Bunker back in London, with soft halogen lights into a small room. There was a door leading off to one side and another that lead to a small flight of stairs. Through panoramic glass windows, Kyle saw the aircraft that was going to take them half way around the world.

It was unlike anything Kyle had ever seen - sleek, shaped like a teardrop - it looked more like a ship than an aircraft. It had been painted a blood red, with two large wings thrust out from either side, though instead of metal, they looked to be fastened with industrious-looking cloth.

'What is that?' murmured Kyle, walking towards the panoramic windows. 'I've never seen a plane like that.'

'The Benefactor has all sorts of resources,' explained Felix. 'No-one knows where that thing came from, or how it fell into the Benefactor's hands. All you need to know is that it's invisible to all forms of radar and digital surveillance.'

And you know how to fly that thing?' A long gangway extended from the side of the aircraft, and Beth was already making her way up.  
''Well it flies itself,' explained Felix, the two of them making their way across the hangar. 'You just have to know how to fuel it - it uses these weird crystal things - again, don't ask. Oh, and it's called a Skyrunner.'

'Skyrunner,' muttered Kyle as he made his way inside. 'Sweet.'

Kyle headed inside the craft to find a central area with a circular red, leather sofa. 'The lights hung low, giving off a soft, artificial light, and in one corner he could see a kitchen area. There was a circular stairwell in another corner, and two doorways - one that led forward, and the other further within the aircraft.

'Been a while since I've been on one of these,' murmured Felix. 'Never thought I'd actually get to fly in one.'

That wasn't particularly comforting to Kyle. 'You mean you've never actually flown in one of these sky-things?' he asked. What Kyle had first taken as homely and charming now seemed to him unwieldy and makeshift. There was a shudder from beneath their feet and Kyle felt his stomach churn. 'Please tell me we're not traveling half way around the world in some kind of untested tech.'

Felix looked at Kyle rather seriously. 'I won't tell you that,' he said, patting Kyle on the shoulder, 'but it won't make it any less true.' With that, he headed through the back doorway and further into the craft. Kyle headed forwards, bending low through a tight metallic corridor, feeling for all the world like a sardine packed into a tin. Beth, at least, looked as though she knew what she was doing as she sat in one of the two pilot seats. She was flicking switches and pressing buttons in an almost methodical way, glancing up at him as he entered.

'Take a seat,' she said, grinning. 'You're going to want to see this.'

'Really?' said Kyle uncomfortably. 'Something tells me otherwise.' He hadn't mentioned the fact that he'd never flown in an airplane let alone some sort of advanced alien tech. He sat down beside Beth in the co-pilot seat and felt as though he were almost lying down, the seat angled like that of a racing car.

'We all stocked and ready to go?' she asked.

'Good to go,' came Felix's confident voice.

'Then we're all set.'

The craft began to shudder more insistently and Kyle looked around for a seatbelt.

'You okay there?' asked Beth.

'Yeah,' said Kyle, his voice strangely high. ''I'm... you know... yeah, I'll be fine. Probably.'

'That's what I like to hear.' The glass in front was stretched out like a bubble, and Kyle peered through, wondering how they were going to get out, but all he saw was darkness. The craft began to hum, and he felt knots in the pit of his stomach. He looked out again as powerful lights blasted from the front of the aircraft. Kyle realized they were hovering in the air, shooting directly up. He gripped the seat so tightly his knuckles whitened.

Before he knew it, they were outside, the twilight beautiful, with a clear and cloudless night and the moon almost full. Of course, Kyle saw none of this, his eyes scrunched tightly, and he only vaguely heard Beth speaking beside him.

'All prepped and ready to go,' came Felix's voice over the intercom.

'Then let's hit it! Kyle peeked his eyes open to see Beth pull back had on a lever, and in the next instant, the Skyrunner was hurtling through the mist of what seemed a sharp angle They were powering through the mist, then they were above it, and soon England was disappearing beneath them. Within minutes, they'd reached altitude and began levelling out, the shudder abated. Kyle, meanwhile, decided to head back inside the craft's windowless main area. At least there he could pretend - or try to pretend - that he wasn't rocketing across the world with the only thing separating him from the deadly plummet being inches of metal. Yeah, he thought, definitely don't think about that....

'You can relax now,' said Beth. She grabbed a drink and offered one to him. Kyle wasn't particularly thirsty, but accepted it if only to take his mind off of... other things.

'I thought you were the strong, silent type, always brave in the face of danger.'

'I'm more sarcastic in the face of danger,' replied Kyle, totally serious. 'Effortlessly throwing around one-liners like they're going out of fashion.' He looked up at Beth, deadpan. 'Yeah, that's me.'

She grinned and took a seat beside him.

Kyle suddenly felt as though every muscle in his body was aching, and wondered why he'd never noticed before. No matter how fast this thing was traveling, he knew it would be at least a few hours till they reached their destination. With imminent danger - or at least people trying to kill or capture him - now vaguely distant, Kyle had time to take in his predicament. This apparently included just how much pain he was in.

'There weren't many guys like you at the Nest,' said Beth. They were all these strong, athletic guys - always so serious, always thinking about the mission, always trying to be better.'

'Oh, no,' said Kyle. 'Please tell me what you really think.'

Beth shook her head lightly, still with that grin on her face. 'I guess what I'm saying, in my own not-very-good-at-saying-it way, is I like having you around. With all the crazy stuff that's been happening, you've kept me sane. Which is good, because I pretty much just have Felix, and he drives me nuts...'

Kyle wasn't sure if it was the light, or that his mind wasn't preoccupied with where Lily was and how they were to going to reach her for once, but he was reminded of his first impression of Beth. She'd seemed cool and confident then, her face framed by those tussled bangs.

'What?' said Beth. Kyle realized he'd been staring. 'Something on my face?'

'No, no... I like your face.' It was a moment before his brain connected and he realized what he'd said. Beth looked down, smiling. I really am smooth, he thought.

'I mean... wow... there's really no coming back from that, is there?'

Beth looked back up, scrunching her face. 'There really isn't.' Kyle nodded, resignedly hoping she was seeing the humour in the situation. Thankfully she seemed to and moved on. 'You know what we talked about before, about how you took on Erron alone?'

'And remember what I said? That he pretty much wiped the floor with me?' Felix had re-appeared, stooping low to enter. 'I think I manage to land about a single sucker punch.'

'I've seen guy's years older than you with actual combat training who wouldn't have lasted ten seconds against that guy.' She gestured to him. 'You lasted a whole minute.'

'If that's your ideas of giving a compliment,' said Felix, lying down on the couch opposite, 'no wonder you're single.'

'The point is, you have raw skill,' continued Beth, as Kyle's mind went into overdrive registering that fact - she's single! 'Strong, fast - with the proper training, there's no telling what you could do. Ever thought about that?'

'Honestly?' Kyle sat up. 'Not really. This will be hard to believe to people like you, but we didn't all grow up in Ender's Game. Before all this, no-one had ever tried to kill me. 'I mean, yes, people have wanted to kill me,' he corrected himself, 'but they weren't the kind of people who would follow through. So it was more of a vague, you know, abstract threat.'

'You've got a raw talent,' said Felix. 'It's a good place to start.'

Kyle did his best not to feel too happy about this, but failed fairly miserably, doubly so when he noticed the way Beth looked at him. He glanced back, but her eyes averted so quickly he wondered if he'd imagined the whole thing.

The night passed on, the three of them talking for some hours whilst outside the skies were darkened, making it impossible for Kyle to tell how much time has passed.

For some reason, Kyle ended up talking about himself - he chalked it up to the tiredness - how he had never known his true parents and how his earliest memories were of when he was around eight or nine, arriving at the foster home for the first time. He remembered even now, feeling so lost, so very out of place. He remembered nothing of his parents, or even his past. Kyle had always assumed this meant that childhood had simply been unhappy and that some part of him was simply suppressing it. 'These days, Kyle pretty much only counted life after he met Lily, anyway. The only thing that linked Kyle to his past was his tattoo, but he had grown so used to it, it may as well have been a birthmark.

He told them how he had first met Lily, how they had become inseparable friends. They had never been similar, with wildly different interests, but they had been like two souls finding one another. Kyle had always looked out for Lily, and she had done the same for him. Lily, too, had never known her parents, and had bounced around from foster home to foster home. Despite never staying in any one school for longer than six months, Lily had still managed to become one of the smartest people Kyle had ever known, one of the smartest people anyone had ever known.

It felt good to talk, taking Kyle's mind off of the reality of their situation, and whilst his fear of flying had slowly abated as the Skyrunner fell to a steady, almost graceful flight, where they were headed, that was a different story.

Kyle felt wide awake, even hours later, but had largely run out of stories.

He'd learned a little about Beth, a lot about Felix, and really did get the impression that they were like brother and sister. He could feel it; their bond ran deep.

'So what about this Ibiye girl?' asked Kyle finally. 'What was she like?'

'Beth had let out a yawn, and Felix, too, looked sleepy, but when he asked, it was as though a klaxon had sounded. They looked shiftily at one another. Felix looked as though he was about to answer when Beth shot him a look Kyle couldn't see. Felix fell quiet and Kyle felt sure he was missing something important.

'I'm going to make sure the Skyrunner's heading in the right direction,' said Beth, somewhat abruptly. 'Make sure we're not headed to Easter Island or something...' And with that she got to her feet, leaving the two boys behind. Kyle had been lying down after a dinner of burger and chips, but swivelled to sit.

'Something I said?' ventured Kyle.

'She doesn't like talking about her,' replied Felix quietly.

'Yeah,' muttered Kyle. 'I get that. I mean what's the deal?'

'I think she blames herself for what happened,' said Felix. 'Like she should have... well, she's never really gotten over it.'

Kyle picked up a chip, though it was sodden in ketchup. Gingerly he put it back down. 'What happened?'

Felix leaned back, wiping his hands of grease and setting his own food aside. He glanced at doorway leading to the front of the craft, but the door was firmly shut. 'It was about a year ago. The three of us had been sent to set up a base of operations in London. The Benefactor had already built the Bunker - it's one of several throughout the world.' Again, Kyle found this concept bizarre, but chose to leave it.

'We were put on our first assignment. We were to infiltrate Imperial University and steal research from a scientist. It wasn't supposed to be difficult. Beth and Ibiye had been on a huge number of operations like it before'

'I'm guessing it didn't all go to plan.'

Felix grimaced. 'Yeah. 'I still don't know what happened. We were never supposed to hurt the scientist, but he was there that night in his lab, one thing led to another and... well... he ended up dead. There were security guards, lots of them, police as well. 'In all the confusion, no-one knew who had killed him, whether it'd been Ibiye, Beth, or one of the police.' He glanced at the doorway to the cockpit.

And you never asked, thought Kyle.

'Turns out the scientist had some pretty powerful friends. Ibiye and Beth were out one night when he attacked.' Felix's eyes hardened and Kyle knew who he was referring to. 'He took a shot at Beth, wounding her, and Ibiye went after him. By the time Beth had got to them, Erron had gotten the upper hand, overpowering Ibiye and sending her headfirst off a skyscraper.'

'Beth has been wracked with guilt ever since. And she's never stopped chasing him.' Felix shook his head. Sometimes I wonder if I'm doing the right thing by helping her, but... Ibiye was my friend, too. My family.

'Yeah,' muttered Kyle. He wasn't sure what to think, but then again, if it hasn't been for Ibiye, neither Beth nor Felix would be helping him right now. I suppose I owe her as well...

'Okay now, I'm really pooped,' said Felix, stifling a yawn. He got to his feet, heading to the back of the Skyrunner. 'There's a few beds back there. I'd get some rest if I were you. Who knows what's waiting for us when we reach Cuba.'

Kyle watched Felix leave, but lingered awhile. He thought of going through to the cockpit and talking to Beth, or rather enjoyed the idea of the two of them alone. Ultimately, he decided against it, a guilty pang coming over him. I need to focus on Lily, he thought, chastising himself.

When he had her back, safe and sound, then I'll start thinking of other stuff. He thought briefly of his moment with Beth and smiled in spite of himself.

Kyle headed back to his room, the hum of the engine almost soothing to him now. It was remarkably warm here, and he soon felt the fatigue set in, deep into his bones, when there was a buzzing from his pocket. In a half sleep, Kyle checked it to see a single mail icon in the top left corner. Curious, he pressed to see a single message emblazoned on the screen, his heart catching as he read the words.

I'm safe. Don't come for me, it's a trap. He wants you. Please. Lily.

CHAPTER NINE

They came to a shaky landing, though how much of that was due to Beth, and how much was down to the autopilot on the strange contraption, Kyle didn't know. The gangway extended, and he felt the humidity seep through him. Well, he thought, I'm not in Devon anymore.

He stepped out, staring across the landscape. 'In the distance, he could see what looked like a brightly coloured town, with each of the houses painted vibrantly. The heat rose up, the ground shimmering.

'Testing, one, two, testing, one, two...'

A buzz came from Kyle's ear and he put his finger to the small receiver he'd been given. He saw Beth do the same. 'This is Charlie Fox to Big Brown and Momma Bear, do you read me?'

Beth cleared her throat before answering.

'I read you loud and clear, vaguely racist home base.' She grinned at Kyle and he gave her a thumbs up.

'Sure you wouldn't rather join us on our little excursion?' asked Kyle.

'Someone needs to stay at home base and keep watch over you guys,' replied Felix. 'It's a tough job, but someone has to do it.'

'Those extra fun size bags of Cheetos aren't going to eat themselves, huh?' muttered Beth.

There was a buzz of static, then, 'Momma Bear, please keep this line for operations only.'

Stifling a laugh, Kyle followed Beth as they headed to the nearby town of Trinidad. From the Interpol files Felix had accessed, they had learned Kreed owned a facility near the town and that many of the employees lived here. They'd begin their search there.

Kyle felt hot in his jeans and T-shirt, but had declined the clothes that Felix had offered him. Kyle just didn't wear shorts, but Beth hadn't been near as choosy. She'd switched her leather jacket for a tank top, shorts and a pair of durable looking boots. She carried a satchel over one shoulder, her eyes hidden beneath a pair of dark sunglasses. She glanced over and handed him a pair, Kyle taking them gratefully.

Once in town, they hired a car. They'd assumed this would be a difficult step, but it soon became clear that the only issue was how many dollars they had. Within the hour, they'd acquired a 1960s Ford M model that looked as though it had been battered and rebuilt about a hundred times.

'It's cute,' Beth defended it when Kyle had mentioned as such. 'I like it.' Beth got into the driving seat and Kyle took the passenger seat. 'It's got personality.'

'I like it too. Anything that you can't wildly drive at a hundred miles per hour is good in my book,' said Kyle.

A devilish grin spread over Beth's face. 'Don't tempt me, Walker.' She reversed out, and they drove down the cobbled roads of Trinidad. It was peaceful here and, after the cramped streets of London, it made a welcome change.

Don't come for me, it's a trap. He wants you.

Kyle had left his phone back on the Skyrunner. With Felix's communicator in his ear, it wasn't as though he needed it anyway, and yet Lily's message continued to plague his thoughts. The night before, he'd hardly slept, wondering at the meaning of the message, but no matter how he looked at it, it didn't make any sense

Lily was the scientist; she was the key to the Infinity Formula.

'Kyle was just her brother - her goofy, very un-genius sibling. What could Kreed possibly want with him? Kyle had decided it was a deception - after all, Lily had been held prisoner for several days now. There was no way they'd let her hold on to her phone or have any kind of communication at all.

No, they had come after Kyle at Gatwick airport and now they knew what he was capable of What's more, Kreed must've known that Kyle was on to him and that he was heading for Cuba. He wasn't sure whether this made him feel better or worse - that Kreed thought him enough a threat to try to stop him from coming, or that Kreed possibly knew exactly what they were up to. Ultimately, he decided to simply not think about it. That was always the best way to deal with things.

He hadn't mentioned anything to Felix or Beth. He hadn't mentioned anything to Felix or Beth. Yes, he'd reasoned, completely and utterly failing to convince himself, that makes sense...

They drove out of Trinidad a few miles or so. It wasn't difficult to find Kreed's facility, but then, if he was truly in league with the Cuban government, Kyle supposed there was little point making his operations clandestine. It was an enormous facility that had been built beside a pristine lake. It shimmered in the sunlight, the entire thing built from white concrete.

Beside him, Beth pulled out a set of binoculars, adjusting the zoom.

'Tell me what you see,' said Felix in their ears.

'Four guard stations: two along the west, one on the east, and another facing the lake. They all have reflective panels, but I'd bet anything there were snipers waiting in each of them. There's a chain fence ten-foot-high surrounding the whole complex, probably electrified. There are also... yep, guard dogs.' She put the binoculars down, settling back. 'Well,' she said. 'This is going to be fun and easy, just like everyone said it would be.'

'What about the lake?' said Felix. 'Can you see anything?'

Kyle shrugged. 'No, not really.'

'Take a closer look.'

They headed out, careful to ensure they were driving at a similar speed to other cars - the last thing they wanted was to draw attention to themselves. By the lakeside, Beth took out her high power binoculars once more. Kyle decided to look more closely at them, but when he glanced at the lens, all he could see was a shimmering green reflect back.

'Looks like they're putting a lot of waste out into that lake,' muttered Beth. 'I can see pipes pumping straight into the water. Wait, there's some kind of canal opening. Might be a way in.'

'Hmm...' Felix didn't sound convinced. 'We're going to need to do some more reconnaissance before we try hitting that facility. We're only going to get one shot at this.' There was a pause, then, 'So, Bethany, how's your Spanish?'

'Si claro,' she replied in a flawless accent. Beth caught Kyle's eye. 'What?'

'Nothing,' replied Kyle quickly. He'd been staring again. I really got to stop doing that. 'You just keep surprising me, is all.'

'Hold on to those happy thoughts,' said Beth, putting the beat up M Ford into gear. 'There won't be many where we're going.'

*

'The plan is simple. We need the schematics to that building, then we'll be able to plan our attack. Somewhere inside that facility are Lily and the men who took her. There's a hall in town which will hold the blueprints to every building in the district. That's where we need to go.'

'If we break into the hall, it might tip off Kreed that we're coming for him. So the easiest thing to do is steal a key card from one of the officials that works there.'

Things were hardly moving as fast as Kyle would have liked them to have, but having seen the security on Kreed's facility, he knew it would be nothing short of suicide to try to storm it After all, it was one thing taking on two or three guys, but from the look of things, Kreed had an entire army on retainer. They needed to be smart.

They found the town hall easily enough and began their stakeout across the street It was roasting in the car, so they sat down in the shade of the nearby ice cream parlour.

'The first three officials who looked as though they might hold what Kyle and Beth needed were no-goes, driving off immediately, but the fourth walked into town. Kyle and Beth hurried to follow him and saw him enter a street bar and order a mojito, the national drink of Cuba. The glass was glistening and looked incredibly refreshing, especially with its sprig of mint. Kyle reminded himself it was alcoholic and that now probably wasn't the best time to start drinking.

Kyle took two steps when a hand pressed against his chest. Beth appeared beside him, wrinkling her nose. 'What?' he said. 'I'm going to get that key card.'

'Maybe let me?' said Beth gently. 'I think I may have more luck, you know.'

'Kyle felt puzzled, but then slowly nodded. 'Right, right,' he muttered. 'You speak, Spanish, don't you?'

Beth began pacing backwards slowly. 'Sure,' she said. 'That's why, clearly...' Then she slunk away completely. Not wishing to draw attention to himself, Kyle pretended to look at a selection of big, wide brimmed hats, that gave him a good view of the bar opposite.

He watched as she sat casually beside the official, putting up her ring and middle finger to make a two sign. She flexed her arms, the official noticing her all too obviously. The waiter brought out two drinks and placed them out before Beth as she offered one to the official. Memories of Kyle's first meeting with Beth were suddenly brought up - and painfully. At the time he thought he'd been smooth, but now he couldn't help but wonder if Beth had played him like he was playing this guy.

No, he thought I'm nothing like that guy. Still he decided not to watch the rest of the interaction and found himself looking through the selection of hats so thoroughly that he actually decided to pick one out. It had colourful straw woven into it and pleased Kyle greatly. Clearly he was delirious and dehydrated, but goddamn did that hat look fly.

Beth reappeared ten minutes later, a key card in her hand and that devilish grin on her face. 'You got it?' asked Kyle. 'Do I even want to ask how?'

'Yes to the first, probably no to the second.' She glanced up noting Kyle's new hat. 'Nice, makes you look like a spy.'

He drew the hat across his eyes like a cowboy and Beth drew in, pressing lightly against him.

'I like it,' she said, kissing him lightly on the cheek.

'Good, you got it,' said Felix. 'Also glad I don't speak Spanish, though I think I gathered more than enough by the tone.' Kyle couldn't see him, but he imagined Felix shivering. Beth looked over at Kyle and shrugged innocently. Now you need to go back to the town hall. Better to go after dark. Head back to base till then.

Roger that... whatever your codename was,' said Kyle. 'Rolling Thunder? I'm sure it was something like that...'

They got back in the beat up Ford M. As the evening drew on, the temperature had taken a nose dive till it was perfectly cool now, causing goose bumps along Kyle's arm. He could still feel the spot where Beth had kissed him, but was trying not to feel too pleased with himself.

They got back on the road, as a thought swirled in Kyle's mind. It was something he had thought of before, but has pushed down. Now, however, it seemed to preoccupy his mind.'

He glanced at Beth.

'You know, there's something I've been meaning to ask you... no, that came out wrong. I mean, there's something... well, can I ask you something?'

'Can you?' answered Beth seriously. 'You still have a brain freeze from that ice-cream?'

Kyle grinned. 'Look,' he began, 'it really doesn't...' He felt the shudder first, the piercing screams as metal was crushed. Then gravity seemed to shift, till up was down and down was up, and he knew they were spinning, with every landing sending shock waves bursting through his body. They finally skidded to a stop, the battered car offering little resistance, and Kyle saw what had happened. A behemoth of a truck had smashed straight into their side, and although it hadn't been traveling fast, its momentum had been more than enough to topple the old car and send them flying. It seemed to loom over them like a cat toying with its prey. He felt hot trickles down the side of his forehead and looked over at Beth, but she was already getting to her feet, kicking out the shattered glass.

'Let's go!'

Kyle shook his head, wiping the blood away. He didn't feel hurt, though in the last few days he'd been so battered he supposed his body had simply given up alerting him to pain, resigned to its fate. Beth was scrambling through an alley and Kyle hurried to follow her as men appeared, climbing from the truck. They were dressed in dark combat fatigues, their guns drawn shouting angrily in Spanish. Yeah, I don't want to be here, he thought.

The two of them raced through the colourful streets of Trinidad, Beth slightly ahead. Kyle glanced back, disheartened to see they were being pursued, giving himself an extra spurt of speed. They reached a dead end, Kyle looking at Beth frantically. 'Through there!' she shouted.

They entered an outside bar area where the music was loud and the people were merry. They were in high spirits and Kyle saw a woman in a wedding dress. None of them seemed to notice the two dishevelled teenagers weaving through the crowd, but when the armed men appeared, the wedding party fled in droves, and Kyle heard glasses smash, screams echoing across the tranquil Cuban night.

They'd run into the bar, racing through a busy kitchen, with one irate cook attempting to take a swing at them with a ladle, but the two of them got through reaching what looked to be a storage area. It was cool here, and Kyle spied a large chilled area where frozen meat was hung. There was only one way out, and Beth tried it. She fumbled with the handle and, when she realized it was locked, she threw herself against the door frame.

'Shit!' she cried. 'We're really stuck...'

Kyle pulled her out of the way and body slammed the door, his momentum carrying him straight through and out the other side. The splintered remains of the door were strewn across the ground and Beth helped him up.

'Felix!' Kyle didn't need to look back to know they were still being pursued. 'Exit strategy?'

'Working on it!' came Felix's frantic tone.

They stayed off the street, moving to the building adjacent. Kyle kicked in the door and slammed it close once they were inside He was drenched now - even as the sun had set, the Cuban air remained humid. He was breathing hard, and he looked up to see Beth's eyes in the gloom, reflected like a cat's. She put a single finger to her lips and Kyle nodded. Keep quiet.

Kyle strained to hear. There were more barks in Spanish and hurried footsteps, but they seemed to be getting further and further away. He could feel his own heart pounding, or perhaps he was hearing Beth's...

The window shattered as something hard and round sailed through the air A moment later, Kyle was blinded, his eyes watering and his lungs tightening as smoke filled the air 'His lungs were on fire, and he had no choice, moving from cover and back out onto the Cuban street. He fought to breathe, when a lightning strike came at him, and Kyle barely managed to throw his hands up, blocking the attack. He looked up to see a chillingly familiar sight. Erron.

The assassin had returned, sending a flurry of blows at Kyle, till Beth appeared from behind, sweeping Erron's legs and forcing him to the ground She kicked down hard, but Erron grabbed her leg, forcing her down as well before rolling back onto his feet. Kyle moved in, aiming a blow that glanced off of Erron's side, but followed this up by grabbing the assassin and attempting to throw him back down. But Erron was too quick, flipping over, and now Kyle was the one forced painfully onto the ground.'

The assassin closed in for a deadly strike, but Beth struck him hard across the face, and Kyle followed up with a powerful kick to his abdomen, sending the assassin flying. Erron recovered quickly as Kyle and Beth stood side by side. The assassin seemed to hesitate for a moment before closing in. He seemed to go for Kyle, but feigned and struck Beth hard in the face, blood spraying across the air. Erron turned his attention back to Kyle, who launched at the assassin, enraged at his attack on Beth. Kyle was fast, but he was quickly outmatched. For all of his strength and speed, truthfully Kyle had never been trained to fight and Erron had. He realized now what a difference that made. Erron let him tire himself out before aiming a swift flurry across his side, and then another strike that hit him like a sledgehammer across the face. Kyle went flying when Beth reappeared, a knife in hand. She caught Erron by surprise, jamming the knife straight into Erron's back and forcing him down to his knees.

'I've got you, you son of a bitch!' There was nothing of the Beth Kyle knew, and when he looked at her face, all he could see was her rage. 'You're going to pay for what you've done.'

'You should have stayed at home,' said Erron through laboured breathing. Beth turned the knife and Erron went down to his knees.

'Beth!'

There were urgent footsteps now and, as though they'd been waiting the whole time, the armed men in their combat fatigues reappeared. There were dozens of them and soon Kyle and Beth were surrounded. One of the men spoke in rapid Spanish, pressing the barrel of his gun against Beth's head.

Seeing no way out, Beth retracted the bloodied knife and let it fall to the ground. Then she was on her knees as another man handcuffed her Kyle, too, was being dragged and cuffed as Erron got to his feet. The soldiers forced them roughly into the back of the truck, bloodied and bruised. The engine started, and as they drove away, Kyle couldn't help but think how very far from home he was.

CHAPTER TEN

Felix hadn't bothered to turn the lights on. Instead he sat in the near pitch darkness, a half-eaten burrito steaming at his side, the glare from his laptop providing all the illumination he needed.

Almost an hour had passed since Kyle and Beth's capture, with Felix having gone through various stages of panic in the meantime There was disbelief, anger and finally fear The fear, to be fair, had lasted pretty much the whole time, till this too abated and Felix began to regain some composure. He thought of what had happened, thinking long and hard before formulating a plan.

Felix was, after all, a self-proclaimed genius. Sure he was alone in a foreign country with no combat experience himself, two of his friends having been captured by a private military... but he could work this out. It was just Sudoku, only on a much bigger scale and, yes, if you got to the fine details, mortal scale but several false starts and two games of Angry Birds later, Felix conceded, having come up with precisely nothing. He was all alone; there was nothing else he could do. 'Need back up,' he muttered, though this had been the one thing Beth had forbid him to do.

'Yeah, well, she's not the boss of me,' he said, definitely to no-one at all. 'I'm the boss of me. And now she's gone and got herself captured. This wasn't strictly true, but Felix found talking it through a viable coping strategy. He would save despair and crying in the foetal position for plan B.

*

They drove up in silence, but Kyle knew exactly where they were headed. 'Ironic that they had spent the whole day figuring out a way into Kreed's complex and now they were simply going to drive in. The truck was open to the Cuban evening and Kyle was battered from his fight against Erron. Beth fared a little better, though she kept her head down There were a dozen soldiers around them, but none of them spoke, either. They arrived at Kreed's complex and were ushered inside Beth was lead off elsewhere. Kyle looked at her, though she simply shook her head as if to say not yet. Kyle nodded back.

He hadn't the faintest idea where they were taking him nor why They were speaking to one another now, but in Spanish, and Kyle could hardly pick out a word in twenty. They'd searched him as soon as he'd gotten into the truck, taking his communicator and his only way of contacting Felix. Kyle Walker was on his own.

The complex looked distinctly rugged, having been built by the Spaniards during the eighteenth century. 'It had been greatly modernized, however, the insides gutted and completely overhauled. The walls were sleep and, as they walked along, Kyle could see large viewing windows where scientists worked in long rowed laboratories.

Finally, they took him to his cell and one of the guards unlocked his handcuffs. Kyle stood where he was in front of the door and refused to move in. One of the guards barked at him in Spanish, whilst another aimed his weapon straight at his face. Kyle looked up and sagged before thrusting forwards and knocking the guard down. His retribution was swift and brutal, with a sharp blow to the head and a shove, forcing him into the cell. The door slammed behind him.

Kyle played possum till the footsteps had died away. He took a deep breath; the gamble having paid off. They had gone to this much effort to bring Kyle here alive, and he was sure they wouldn't have killed him, or else they would have already done so. His fumble with the guard had earned him another bruise but it he'd also managed to steal one of the soldier's knifes. It was a small thing, but it was better than nothing.

Kyle looked around his cell and had to admit it wasn't bad as far as incarcerations went. It looked more like a hotel room with a plush bed, wardrobe and a modern-looking bathroom leading off. There was even a towel that had been folded to look like a swan. Kyle frowned, trying one of the taps. Whatever, he thought, stepping beneath the powerful jets of water. If I'm going to die, I may as well die clean.

He got changed into a fresh pair of clothes and when he stepped out of the shower, his heart seemed to leap into his throat at who was waiting for him.

'I knew you'd come for me!' Lily bounded across the room, hugging him tightly. She pulled back, and there she was: red hair, glasses, freckles, and all. Lily.

'What are brothers for?' he murmured. Lily smiled, though just as quickly it was gone.

'Didn't you get my message?' she asked. 'My warning?'

Well, between the shootings, police, and everyone seeming like they wanted to kill me, I was having some trust issues. He sat down on the bed, ringing the water from his ear. 'I couldn't be sure it was even you. I mean, I hadn't heard from you in days... Lily, what happened?' His sister ran her hands through her hair, her eyes closed as though she were composing the right words. The men who took me, they were working with that masked man, the one who tried to kill Professor Velen.

Kyle nodded. 'Erron.'

'Right,' said Lily. 'He told me to stay calm, that he wasn't going to hurt me, that they needed me for the Infinity Formula. That's why she started the competition, to show the whole world, to show everyone watching, that the code was unbreakable to anyone but her.'

'Except it wasn't, was it?'

'They took the Infinity Formula and...' Her eyes were downcast. 'Kyle, I had no choice. They said they would kill you, and everyone I loved, if I didn't help them.'

Kyle pulled his sister in closely. She was crying. 'You have nothing to be sorry for,' he said and meant it. You did nothing wrong. It's my fault for letting them take you in the first place.'

Lily drew back and now there seemed to be panic in her eyes. You don't understand. We finished the Infinity Formula two days ago. He kept me here because he knew you were coming. Kyle, he wants you.'

'What are you talking about? What does he want with me?'

The door opened and Erron appeared. 'Walker, with me.' Kyle looked back at Lily, but she simply shook her head. Seeing no other way out, Kyle got to his feet and followed Erron. Well at least I have that knife... He had hidden the blade in the bathroom ceiling. It wasn't much of a plan - in fact, it wasn't any plan at all - but if he needed it there it would be.

'You're a pretty good henchman,' said Kyle casually. Erron walked beside him, with three other soldiers flanking them. 'I thought you were supposed to be a hired gun. 'This all seems a little... beneath you.'

'He pays well,' replied the assassin. 'Good health benefits. Dental, too.'

Kyle shook his head dismally. 'Look at what our world has come to. All you care about is money.'

'All men must die.'

'You just up them on the schedule huh? And what about Ibiye? Did she deserve to die as well?' Erron didn't respond and Kyle shook his head, walking the rest of the way in silence. The arrived at the entrance way and Erron beckoned him inside.

'He's waiting.'

Kyle was greeted with a large circular room with plush carpet, leading to a central dining area. There a table had been prepared with various dishes hidden beneath silvery lids. 'And you got all washed up. Looking good, kid.'

Kyle walked in, but there was only one man here, no soldiers at all. He was perhaps in his late forties, a handsome man with thick black glasses, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and white chinos. He was holding a glass and gesturing to Kyle. 'You must be famished. Please, come.'

Still unsure as to what was happening, Kyle sat down at the dining table, a man appearing beside him to lift up the tray. From the elegant arrangement and silverware, he'd been expecting something fancy. Instead, there was lasagne, cut up hot dogs, and crispy chicken nuggets. A waiter had appeared, removing the lid from the other man's plate, revealing the same meal.

'I hope you don't mind. I asked my chef to prepare your favourite meal and, well, it looked so gosh darn tasty, I had to try it myself.' He picked up a fork, digging into the lasagne and gestured for Kyle to eat as well.

'You're Nathan Kreed.' A hot shower and now a hot meal? 'Whatever dangerous game this man was playing, Kyle was going to play it.

'Right, although technically Dr. Kreed,' he answered between mouthfuls. 'Of course, after that whole incident, Imperial has probably disallowed my doctorate, but oh well.'

'What do you want with me?' asked Kyle. He was in no mood for games. 'Lily's helped with the formula, so why are you keeping us here?'

Kreed smiled. 'You like school?' He put up his hand. 'What am I saying? Everyone likes school. So how about a history lesson?'

Kyle sat back, crossing his arms. Guess its monologue time.

'You know; the Infinity Formula has been around a long time. Ever since Crick and Watson unlocked the secrets of the double helix, we've been trying to find a way to marry nano-tech with the cells of our own bodies. For more than half a century, scientists around the world have put their heads together, hoping to crack the formula, change the very idea of what it means to be human.'

'And we did - or nearly did it,' Kreed corrected himself. 'Fifteen years ago. It wasn't without a price and I mean literally. It cost a fortune - enough to buy a small planet or a big country.' He laughed, sipping his wine. 'So we went to a private backer and they...backed us.'

'It still took a while, of course, but soon we had it perfected. After many,' he scrunched his eyes as though to delineate this point, 'many failures, we finally did it. The first people in history to have nano-tech woven into their very genetics! 'It still took a while, of course, but soon we had it perfected.'

Kyle was too hungry, even now, to make a moral stand. He'd finish the chicken nuggets, then take the high ground, he decided. 'Let me guess, something went wrong.'

'I'm not a boastful man, but it was pretty much all me. 'I cracked the Formula. I deserved the credit, but our backers, they didn't see it that way. 'I thought we'd go fifty-fifty on this, but they, instead, decided to have us all murdered and steal our research.' Kreed leaned back, as though considering this. 'As you can imagine, I was a little upset.'

So I did what any sane person would do - I beat them to it. I burned all my research, destroyed the labs. It was mine anyway. I mean, I am the Infinite Formula.'

'Then, well, you know how it goes. I spent a few years on the run, but by Osiris, those guys are tenacious! But you know what? They never found me. I guess I can be tenacious, too.'

'So why kill Velen?' said Kyle. 'Were you really so insecure you couldn't handle the fact that someone else had cracked the formula?'

It happened for a split second, but Kyle saw it. A flash in the pan flaring across Kreed's face. Yeah probably best not to antagonize the one person keeping me alive, he thought privately.

'Everything Velen did, she did on the back of the work that I and Sokolov did. I knew they were getting close and I couldn't have that. That's why I had her executed - as publicly as possible. So the world would know just how dangerous the Infinity Formula is.'

He got to his feet, looking at Kyle strangely. 'I still remember the labs burning you know. And it's not what you would imagine. The smell, that's what I remember so vividly...'

'There were exactly fifteen test subjects, all of them successfully integrated with the nano-tech architecture. I know because they were marked.' Kyle shifted uncomfortably. 'All our years of work, all of them within the cells of those individuals. And now, after so many long years, one has come back to me.'

His eyes went to Kyle's shoulder, and he knew exactly what Kreed was looking at.

'Welcome home, my son.'

CHAPTER ELEVEN

They had taken Kyle, where Beth had no idea. The soldiers that held her hadn't let up, frog marching her to her cell. They shoved her roughly inside, and barred the door behind, though truthfully, as far as cells went, this one wasn't terrible. It seemed more like a regular hotel suite, with a bed, a table, and when she looked around further, she saw that there was a bathroom leading off. She massaged her wrists, sore from where the cuffs had been, and noted the food on the table - some sort of rice dish - but Beth ignored it.'

She quickly turned on the shower, stripping off her sticky clothes, and got in. The steam rose, and soon Beth was beneath, feeling the powerful pulses of water over her. There was no time to enjoy it, however, and Beth quickly got to work. She put her finger into the back of her mouth, between the side of her cheek and her teeth, and dislodged the small object that was there. It was a trick she had learned all on her own, that the communicators were waterproof. As soon as they'd started running, Beth knew there was a high chance they'd be captured, and had taken her own communicator and shoved it in her mouth. She'd banked on them not searching there and now her precaution would pay off.

Or at least she hoped it would.

Beth pressed the communicator but nothing happened. Panicking slightly, Beth wondered if it had been damaged in the fray. Where's Felix when you need him? she thought. She was no technician, and hadn't the faintest idea how the device worked. She looked at the communicator and gave a shrug before proceeding to bang it against the wall of the shower 'She waited a few moments, holding her breath, and then saw the tiny light diode whir on. Success! Who says I don't get science? She pressed it into her ear, keeping the water running around her. She assumed the cell was fitted with cameras and microphones, so the only safe thing to do was try to get through to Felix whilst staying beneath the water.

'Papa Bear, Papa Bear, you read me?' but Beth was met with nothing but static. 'Goddamnit Felix, come in!!'

'Beth!' She had never felt so relieved in her life. 'What the hell is that? Sounds like you're in a waterfall or something.' 'They got to me and Kyle,' said Beth rapidly. 'They've taken us up to Kreed's facility by the lake.'

'Where's Kyle?'

'I don't know, we got separated. I have no idea where they've taken him. Felix, tell me you've got a plan, because I am really out of ideas here...' I was so stupid, she thought. Now I've put us all in danger...

'Okay, well I have a plan,' said Felix. There was a slight pause. 'I don't think you're going to like it.' Beth gave a small laugh. 'Trust me, Felix, whatever will get us out of here, I'm all for it.'

'Hello, Bethany,' came a familiar voice.

Beth screwed her eyes shut. 'Okay, I take it back.'

You've gone and really screwed yourself over, huh?' said the voice, clearly enjoying herself. 'I always said you'd drag Felix down with you, and now this new guy Kyle.'

He's kind of cute...'

'Thea! Jesus, get to the point will you?'

'Really, Bethany, is that anyway to talk to a girl who's going to save your scrawny butt?'

*

'Haven't you ever wondered who you were? 'Creed spoke the words softly, but to Kyle, they seemed almost to echo.' 'What that symbol means? 'Why you were always so... remarkable?' None of this makes any sense... 'What I can do?' Kyle raised his eyebrows. 'I can't do anything, except get my ass kicked spectacularly. That's a real super power...'

Kreed smiled. 'You really have no idea, do you? You are strong and fast, your reflexes heightened beyond those of any human. All of this comes from the Infinity Formula within your very veins. You, Kyle Walker, are more than human.'

Kyle felt dizzy. He quickly gulped down some water, but that seemed to make things worse. 'I don't understand,' he muttered. 'You did all of this, attempt to kill Professor Velen, capture Lily, all of this just to get to me?'

Kreed shook his head, getting to his feet. He gestured for Kyle to follow. 'No Kyle. My attempts to eliminate Velen, capturing your sister, and enlisting her aid in completing the Infinity Formula, all of that had nothing to do with you. But when I discovered that you were alive, how successful my own Infinity Formula had been... you became my priority.'

Kreed got to his feet, gesturing for him to follow.

Still somewhat shell shocked, Kyle decided, as he had before, to go along with Kreed. If this was some sort of trick, there was little Kyle could do to stop him anyway. They headed out of the dining hall and back into the long corridor adjacent, the steel walls burnished, the long viewing windows open to the laboratories below. However, instead of heading back to the dormitories, Kreed inputted the keypad on the wall and lead them both down to the laboratories, as a small group of soldiers moved into step behind them.'

'Down in the laboratories, Kyle saw several areas with groups of scientists working together.' He couldn't have begun to guess at the work they were doing - a group here were crowded around what looked to be a metallic arm, its hand opening and closing like a real fist. In another area, long banks of computer screens showed mathematical equations, whilst beside them, long cylinders held a luminescent substance, reminding Kyle of a lava lamp. In another area, a different group of scientists wore full length, white sterile suits, looking down he ends of microscopes at various samples.

'Five years,' said Kreed. 'When my backers turned me loose, putting a bounty on my head, it was the Cubans who took me in. Cuba, the last great bastion against the enemy.' Kreed stood beside Kyle, regarding him. 'The world is changing Kyle, evolving, becoming more savage, more corrupt. One day this world will be gone.'

'So that's why you're here in this lab, tinkering away?' asked Kyle, as Kreed lead him through.

'Getting ready for the apocalypse, I take it?' Kreed gave a small laugh. 'There will be no apocalypse, no great war. No heroes, nor villains, because that's the way they want it. If you give evil a face, you give people something to rally against, something to unite them. Instead, they have created a world of chaos and fear, a world that only they may bring order to. And as our world evolves and changes, they are evolving along with it, like a symbiont, a parasite.'

'They,' muttered Kyle. They had come to the end of the laboratory, and had reached a platform open to the Cuban night sky. It was still warm, but pleasantly so 'It made a welcome change from the harsh light of the day.' 'You keep talking about them, this great enemy you face. Who are they?'

'Oh, you know who they are,' said Kreed. 'They have existed since the dawn of mankind. Kings and Emperors, rulers and conquerors, those that seek total control. 'Only now, in the age of globalization, when the borders between nations are eradicated, might they finally achieve their goal.' 'So you came here?' asked Kyle. He wasn't sure what to think, still unsure of how, or even if, he fit into any of this. 'Why?'

'They have resources and power beyond your imagining, Kyle,' said Kreed. 'But the Infinity Formula was a way to fight them, to empower those you could not defend themselves.' Kreed pressed a hand to Kyle's chest. The very power that lies within your veins, Kyle, that is what they crave. And that is why I came here.

'That is why I had Velen killed and captured your sister, because I could not allow my Formula to fall into their hands.' The air seemed to chill, if only for a moment. The dizziness had passed and now Kyle felt strangely tranquil Below, he could hear the lake and sewers that churned into them, the rushing water. The slightest breeze blew, pushing back Kyle's fringe. 'If all that you've said is true,' he began slowly, 'then what happens now, to me, to my sister?'

'That,' said Kreed softly, 'is up to you.'

*

Nathan Kreed had felt pleased, more pleased than he had in almost a decade 'Finally, the formula was within his grasp, far beyond the reach of his enemies, and now he had living proof as to what the Infinity Formula could do. The boy was remarkable. He appeared no different to any other fourteen-year-old, and yet what he could do, what Kyle Walker was capable of, was beyond anything he had ever dreamed. He appeared no different to any other fourteen-year-old, and yet what he could do, what Kyle Walker was capable of, was beyond anything he had ever dreamed Kreed had always known the nano-tech would improve the cells, enhance and repair them, but their real world manifestation... he never could have guessed they'd have equated to such amazing abilities. 'And it was only the beginning. The boy's nano-tech architecture was flawless, no doubt due to the fact that he had been given the Infinity Formula from birth. 'His scientists were working day and night, and soon they would be able to enhance Kyle even further. The possibilities were limitless, and this time he would have all the time in the world to perfect his plans'

'Sokolov,' he said, almost gleefully. 'If only you were here to see it.'

He sat alone in his study and heard a buzzing before Chambers, his lead scientist in the Chimera II project, walked in He had always struck Kreed as a twitchy individual, as though he were always on guard 'Dr. Kreed,' he began in mumbling tones.

'Speak, man, and clearly.' 'Well, ah, the thing is...' Why does he always have to mumble? thought Kreed irritably. 'Come on, man. This is supposed to be a champagne moment.'

'We have worked through the Professor's research,' explained Chambers. 'But her work is incomplete; it does not replicate the original Formula.'

A muscle twitched in Kreed's face. 'What are you talking about? She gave a freaking conference about the damn thing! Are you telling me her findings were lies?'

Chambers shook his head nervously. 'Not exactly. Professor Velen believed the Infinity Formula was complete, but it was only a very basic version. She only intended to use the Formula for medical purposes to which it would likely work well. 'To replicate the original Chimera Project, to create functional nano-tech architecture... her formula is still years away from that.'

The muscle tightened in Kreed's jaw. 'Years?' he repeated. 'Years? We don't have years! I need my formula now!'

'I know, sir, but... I'm afraid that is... impossible.' Chambers was trembling so much now, he seemed almost to slip from his chair.

'Oh, would you pull yourself together!' snapped Kreed. 'I'm not going to have you killed.' Yet, he thought privately. He took a deep breath, placing his hands before him in a steeple. This was displeasing news but... 'No,' said Kreed. 'We go ahead with our plans. I want Chimera II up and running by the end of the week.'

'But Doctor, I have already told you, Professor Velen-'

'Is a half-rate scientist who was given fire by Prometheus and is still scrabbling in the dirt for warmth.' Chambers stared at him blankly. 'Oh, never mind. No, fine, her work was a dead end, but it matters little now.'

It was regrettable, thought Kreed. In many ways, the boy was a son to him, his creation, his more profound achievement, but he knew in his heart that there was no other way.  I've come too far, sacrificed everything, they won't stop me, not now, not when I'm so close...

*

Night fell on Kreed's complex. Three soldiers moved through the complex, past the laboratories. They were always working, a skeleton crew remaining, many of them unaware of the late hour with all of their focus taken by the great work.

The soldiers headed towards the detention area. They did not speak to one another; all of them knew what was to be done. They reached the furthest cell and one of the soldiers slowly slid the door back. They left the lights off, and instead switched their visors to night vision. The world flashed green before returning, and now they could make out shapes and contours, till finally they could see all, even in the pitch blackness. One of them raised a hand, signalling to the others. The other two moved in, creeping quietly till they had the bed surrounded. The soldier nearest the head of the bed pulled out his rifle, this one custom made from carbon fibre. It had been originally created to hunt rare game on the African plains and was loaded with enough tranquilizers to bring down an elephant Their prey, however, wasn't even a man - just a boy - and the dose had been dropped to less than an eighth to compensate. They were to take the boy alive; there were to be no mistakes.

The soldier nearest the door raised three fingers before slowly bending them, counting down. The soldier holding the tranquilizer rifle nodded and aimed the weapon at the bed. The boy was fast asleep, hidden beneath the covers. The soldier privately felt it was likely better this way, the boy would feel no pain, he would simply never wake again. The other soldier finished counting, and he pressed down on the trigger loosing three rounds into the bed, each one accompanied by a pneumatic hiss.

The soldiers looked to one another One of them nodded, and ripped back the cover of the bed The soldier's eyes widened - the bed was empty. Pillows had been arranged against one another to give the appearance of a person. The soldier tensed and reached for his radio...

Kyle flew from the shadows, smashing against one of the soldiers with all his might, and watched as he battered into the wall. The other soldier pulled up his gun and Kyle pulled the soldier nearest, using him for cover, hearing the same pneumatic hiss as the tranquilizer darts went straight into his chest.

He let the soldier slide to the floor as the one nearest the door dashed away, but Kyle pulled the knife from his pocket and flung it straight at him. He heard the slice and watched as the last soldier slid to the ground. It had been a last resort, but even as Kyle's fingers trembled, he was absolved. The man had come for him under the cover of darkness, but Kyle Walker had been ready

Time to get the hell out of here.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Kyle checked the weapons and, with another thought occurring to him, checked the soldier's pocket. He pulled out a key card, stowing this, as well, before getting to his feet and peering through the half-open door.

Something hadn't felt right to Kyle and, that night, like a rebellious teenager, he'd arranged his bedding into the form of a person and waited The hours had passed, Kyle starting to feel a slight cramp in his leg, and as more time passed, he began to wonder what the heck he was doing. Somewhere around two in the morning, he had almost given up. Almost.

Kyle headed out into the corridor, lit softly by halogen lights. They flickered and Kyle listened for more soldiers, but the three that had attacked him seemed it for He had to find Beth and Lily, then a way out of here. Well, he thought, anxious and delirious all at once, one step at a time.

He glanced along the corridor and saw cells identical to his own They were thick, reinforced steel, strong enough to repel a rocket. Kyle, glowing at his own foresight, fished the key card out of his pocket and tried the door. Nothing Panicked slightly, Kyle moved along the corridor trying each door, till finally, in what seemed the last cell, he found her, her figure silhouetted. He went to rouse her, all the while listening for movement outside. Lily turned her head, her eyes meeting his, a look of confusion there. 'Am I dreaming?' she whispered.

'Sure,' answered Kyle, grinning. 'But this is the sort of dream where you need to get up and get dressed.' Lily's eyes widened, and she put her arms around his neck, almost dragging him down. 'Can't breathe...'

She drew back, then noticed the knife in Kyle's hand. 'What happened?'

'Lil' we can go into the where and how some other time, kind of tight schedule here. Kyle headed for the door. 'Get changed, we're getting out of here.'

A few moments later, Lily was dressed, and though she'd been roused in the middle of the night, she appeared fresh and alert. There were no sounds from within the compound, but Kyle knew they were on borrowed time.

'I've tried all these doors,' he said. 'They're keeping another girl here - she helped me find you.'

Lily cast her eyes around the detention area. 'They showed me around the place,' she said. 'It's build like an arc with the labs in the middle. There's another detention area on the other side.' Kyle checked the gun he'd retrieved from the soldier. It was unlike anything he'd ever seen, not that he was any sort of expert in firearms. He opened up the firing chamber and saw that instead of bullets there were small darts. They weren't there to kill me. He shook his head and the thought from it. Focus on staying alive and getting out of here, he thought. You can worry about the super villain's crazy plan later.

'Do you think you can find us the way out of here?'

Lily bit her lip. 'We can't leave yet. There's something I need to do.'

Kyle was incredulous. 'Sis, I know you don't like doing things by halves, but this is kind of an emergency. We don't really have time...'

'We have to! I'll... I'll explain later. Please, trust me.'

Kyle thought about trying to convince her, but thought better of it. Instead he nodded. 'Okay. Stay low, Sis.'

They moved further into the complex, with Lily showing him the way. He hadn't the faintest idea where he was going and, in the half-light, one corridor looked much the same as another. It was labyrinthine, but Kyle quickly realized where they were headed - the laboratories.

'It was deep into the early hours, and yet the laboratories churned on, the men and women working diligently inside This seemed to throw Lily, as well, who stopped in her tracks, hesitating.

'You need to get in there?' Kyle kept low, peering through the glass.

Lily shook her head. 'The whole complex is on a cloud server. I just need to access a computer.'

Footsteps sounded. Kyle grabbed Lily's hand and took them both into the nearest room, sliding the door closed behind them. He could hear his own heartbeat, unnaturally loud, somewhere around his throat. He put his finger to his lips, but thankfully the footsteps soon faded away.

'There's a computer here,' muttered Lily. She perched herself before it, tapping on the screen whilst adjusting her glasses. She began typing, whilst Kyle keeps a lookout, wary for soldiers that might be searching for them. How much time had passed?

The glare from the computer's screen reflected in Lily's glasses, her eyes luminescent and owl-like. She pressed down on the last key and got to her feet, a wry look on her face. 'I have complete faith in you, Kyle Walker, the toughest kid in the Devonshire.' 'Thanks for the vote of confidence, but we're pretty far from home right now...'

'I had a look through the security logs.' Lily got to her feet, pocketing a memory stick. She nodded at Kyle. 'I know where they're keeping her.'

They moved slowly, Kyle straining to hear. They passed a group of soldiers, but they were playing cards, an old baseball game playing on a fuzzy television.

'Its image flickered, till one of the soldier's struck it roughly.'

They moved on, the song of cicada greeting them as they entered a courtyard area. There was no-one inside and they quickly ran through. Somehow they'd reached the area where Beth was being kept without running into a single soldier and, miraculously, when he tried using the key card, it opened her cell as well. Kyle hurried inside, thinking things couldn't get any better when, in an instant, everything got a lot worse.

Erron appeared before them, his weapon pressed into Beth's neck. 'Nice and relaxed,' he said. 'You're going to put down your weapons and return to your cell.'

Heady on the tension of the night, Kyle acted without thinking, flinging the knife straight for him. It sped through the air like a bird in a death dive, but Erron caught it without so much as a twist.

'Do not try that again,' said Erron listlessly. 'Now.' He grunted and stumbled back. Erron seemed surprised, his eyes turning one way and then the next. Then he stumbled back several more times, as though an electric jolt was surging through him, before slipping to the ground. Beth exhaled and seemed to sag.

'He knew you were coming,' she said She glanced at Erron, now slumped on the ground. 'Jesus, how does he always know?

'Wait... what just happened? 'asked a bemused Kyle. He turned to see Lily looking just as shocked as him, the tranquilizer rifle in her hands. 'Lily?'

'I... I just panicked!' she said, rather quickly, then threw the rifle down as though it were a poisonous snake. Beth had already picked up Erron's gun and had cocked it, aiming it directly at the assassin's head.

Kyle grabbed her by the shoulder. 'We don't have time for this!'

'This will only take a second,' said Beth feverishly. 'It's over, you son of a bitch. We've got you.'

There was a flash, and Kyle's eyes began to water. He shut his eyes, but even closed he could still see the after-image burned into his retina. His sight returned to see Erron pushing Beth back and jumping from the window. Beth, disorientated, fired blindly, a single stray bullet catching Erron in the back. Then he was gone just in time for all hell to break loose.

The alarm was triggered, a klaxon wail sounding. It was clear Erron had hoped to take them all quietly. Well, that plans out the window, he thought, a little deliriously. Literally.

'The drainage pipes!' Beth looked wildly at him. 'It's the only way out!'

'Huh?'

Beth shook her head, moving out into the corridor. 'No time to explain, come on!'

Beth sprinted ahead with Kyle and Lily in tow. The sounds of a gunfight echoed ahead and Kyle saw Beth firing off. 'Go, go!' she shouted. Kyle didn't need telling twice.

He jumped down, the sounds of rushing water meeting him 'Drainage pipe... it leads out to the lake! Suddenly Kyle knew what they were doing here. He helped Lily down as an explosion rang. What the hell is that?!   
At first, he'd assumed Kreed's soldiers had moved on to some heavy armaments in their bid to stop the escapees, but when he looked up, he saw a spotlight. Beth barrelled down a moment later, firing off more shots till she was clicking away to blanks. Cursing, Beth threw the pistol down and made her way up the nearby ladder. Kyle helped Lily up first and headed up himself.

More soldiers were coming, the spotlight from above illuminating him He shielded his eyes until the brilliant light was cut, and Kyle saw the Skyrunner hovering just above them. The gangway extended and two figures appeared, both of them armed with what looked like automatic weapons. Beth grabbed Lily's hand, the two of them sprinting for the Skyrunner.

The gunfire reached a crescendo around Kyle, his ears ringing till he was deafened. Beth turned back, shouting at him, and Kyle realized he'd been rooted to the spot. There were more soldiers now - they were everywhere - and the Skyrunner was hovering unsteadily above them.  
With the last of his strength, Kyle burst into a dead sprint along a metal pass, ignoring everything around him, and leaped off, diving for the gangway Lily was lying beside him, grabbing at her own stomach. Kyle was fearful at first, worried that she'd been hit, but she was just seizing from a stitch. He smiled at her and Lily gave him a thumbs up.

'That was some jump.' One of the individuals who'd come to save them came a little closer, and Kyle was astonished to see it was a teenager girl. 'I didn't think you'd make it.'

'Neither did I,' admitted Kyle. The girl grinned, helping him up.

'Cute,' said the girl, whose long dark hair had been tied back in a plait I'm Thea and I, ah... careful. 'Kyle had stumbled and Thea caught him. Their eyes met.

'Oh would you leave him alone,' said an irate Beth. 'We're not out of danger ten seconds and you're already hitting on him...'

Thea's demeanour shifted from flirtatious to cool so quickly it was unnerving. 'Gee, that's some thanks for saving your ass again, Bethany.'

Beth glared at her. 'You know I hate being called that.'

'Oh, I know.'

Beneath them the Skyrunner seemed to shudder. 'What was that?' said Lily.

'Guys?' Kyle was relieved to hear Felix's voice over the intercom. 'I don't want to scare you, but there is a real chance we're about to go crashing down.' There was another shudder, this one more forceful than the last.

'Felix!' Beth got to her feet. 'What the hell is going on?'

'Well,' said Felix whose voice was strangely calm. There are two surface-to-air missiles headed at us, and I can't find the part in the manual on how to evade them. 'Ooh,' said another teenage boy Kyle didn't recognize. 'This thing has a manual?'

'Well,' said Beth, holding onto the side of the Skyrunner 'What are the chances you're going to evade them?'

There was an almighty lurch, a fiery blast having carved a hole into the side of the aircraft.

'You know I'm going to be a hundred percent honest,' came Felix's voice as they began spiralling to the ground. 'Not good.'

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The aircraft had four engines and one of them had been blown to small engine-flecked pieces, throwing the momentum of the Skyrunner completely off. Beth took hold of the stick, desperate to keep them up, but soon realized that another of the engines was so damaged it was barely functional in minutes they'd be down to two and whoever was firing at them wasn't giving up.

'We can't take another hit like that!' shouted Felix.

Add that to the list of things that are obvious, she thought dryly. This day was not going well.  
The third engine was spluttering and seeing it lost, Beth shut its power completely, diverting all available energy into the two remaining ones. Thankfully they were on opposite sides of the aircraft, which meant they were able to level out somewhat, but with so much strain, it was only a matter of time before the remaining engines blew as well.'

Well we're already in a death dive, she thought. May as well pee into the wind.  
She sank the craft, heading to the ground below, diving, then levelling in crazed loops. With only two engines, finesse went out the window, along with half the craft. A red light appeared on the dashboard informing her, a little passive-aggressively, she felt, that engine three was about to overheat

The skies parted and the ground rushed to meet them. They were far from civilization, with nothing below but a jungle underbrush and a muddied trail.

They were picking up speed, every fibre in her body shaking. 'Every part of her ached, but she ignored that, gripping the stick till her muscles were on fire.' 'Hold on!' she shouted, before pulling the stick back one last time, just stopping them from crashing headfirst into the world.

Instead they just crashed, Beth thrown clear from the pilot's seat. 'Pain seared across her side, but she was alive and, as far as she could tell, nothing was broken. 'She closed her eyes, slick with sweat and god knew whatever else.   
In the back of the craft, Kyle Walker, for what felt like the fifth time in as many days, was trying to see if he'd broken anything. He shook himself, which was painful, but he tried to take that as a good sign - it meant he still had limbs to feel. Lily, too, was safe, though her glasses had flown off and were now on the other side of the Skyrunner. He bent to pick them up, finding a sliver of a crack on the left lens. 'It's okay,' said Lily, putting them on. 'It could've been a lot worse.'

'You can say that again.' Thea popped her head up. 'I always said Bethany can't drive stick.'

Beth had reappeared, a sardonic look on her face. 'Real funny 'If it wasn't for me, we'd all be dead.'

'Right, we all almost died, so I can't make a little joke.' Thea shrugged, but Beth remained stony-faced. Thea turned to Kyle and said wryly, 'She never could take a joke.' Felix grinned 'I'm just glad we're all okay,' said Kyle. He sat down on the floor, wiping the sweat from his face with his T-shirt. 'Thanks, to all of you.' What followed was a slightly awkward pause. Now that they weren't all about to die horrible, fiery deaths, Kyle realized none of them had actually been introduced. 'And, um, who are you guys again?'

'Another Bunker,' explained Felix. 'Like the one we have in London.'

'Yes,' said Thea. 'Only we actually listen to the Benefactor, not like Hollywood over here.' She glanced at Beth.

'There's another Bunker, here in Cuba?' 'Kyle could feel a headache coming on, though whether it was due to his dehydration, near-death experience, or all of the above, he didn't know. 'I feel like there's a really obvious answer to this, but why didn't we all just team up from the start?'

'Oh you know Bethany; she's got this whole lone wolf thing going on.' Thea slumped down, laying her head against Kyle's shoulder. 'You got to cut her loose, Felix. We've talked about enabling, haven't we?' Felix nodded glumly.

'We should get off the road,' said one of the other boys. There were two of them, one was darkly tanned the other looked Asian. 'Put the Skyrunner in stealth mode if it's still operational. We'll have to leave it here.'

'Might be awhile before we can repair it,' said Felix thoughtfully. 'Why?' asked Lily. 'Who made it?'

'I don't know, some place far from here.' Felix paused. 'Maybe... Japan?'

In the Skyrunner's docking bay was a battered jeep that had taken a few knocks, but after some coaxing on Thea's part, they managed to get it running. Beth hopped in the driver's seat whilst the others got in the back. Thankfully the Skyrunner's stealth mode was operational, though Beth was unsure of how long the power would last. The craft turned invisible and, under any other circumstances, Kyle would have been amazed, but he was already up to ten on his weird-shit-o-meter, processing all the bizarre things he had seen in the past week.

Besides, if Kreed could send his agents against them in the middle of a British airport, then he would certainly have his men in the Cuban ones. The miraculous craft was their only way home.

They headed to a town a few miles east, taking a few rooms in a colourful hotel there. It was barely a town and very rural with chickens and pigs running through the streets.

Beth immediately took a room on her own, welcoming the solace

'The room was barely more than a bed and a weathered table, but there was air-conditioning, and after the humidity and baking hot sun, this was most welcome.'

A few moments later there was a knock at the door, but Beth ignored it.

'Ibs,' she whispered, hanging her head. 'I'm sorry.'

*

'It was still the middle of the day and the sun was riding high. Kyle took this opportunity to take a much needed rest before heading to Lily's room.'

'So,' she said slowly. Kyle realized this was the first time that he and his sister had been alone together since London

It felt like years, but in truth, only a week had passed.' One hell of a week, he mused.

He smiled at her and Lily looked warmly back. The two of them simply sat for a moment, a respite of warmth and comfort. 'So,' he agreed. 'Sorry it took me a little longer to get to you than I thought it would.'

'You always were a little slow,' said Lily.

'We can't all be geniuses.'

'They ordered food - some sort of rice dish with spam - but to Kyle it tasted wonderful.' The two of them sat together talking about nothing in particular, forgetting, just for a while, all that had transpired. By the time dinner was finished the sky was more red than blue, the sun almost set.

'You know, when there isn't an army of soldiers taking pot shots at us,' noted Kyle, 'this place is actually kind of beautiful.'

'We should come here again someday,' said Lily. 'Right now we need to find a way back.'

'Guess so,' agreed Kyle thinking of the craft that had brought them across the world, the craft that was currently riddled with bullets and rockets. 'There is a way home,' he said, after a time. 'In the craft that brought us here. The Skyrunner.'

'That thing isn't going to be flying any time soon.' Lily looked out across the landscape as though she could see the wreckage miles away.

'Just leave that to the others. They'll find a way. I mean, without them I would have made it this far.

Kyle thought about his narrow escape from London. 'Probably be in a cell or the bottom of the Thames by now...'

Lily's brow furrowed. 'I've been meaning to ask, just who are those guys? 'They're all kids, but they're flying planes and firing guns like, well... like nothing I've ever seen.'

'They're,' began Kyle, but stopped abruptly. 'Well, it's complicated, but they're here to help.' 'Anyway, there's something else I've been meaning to ask.'

Lily had been sitting back, her feet lying on the edge of the balcony, but she pulled back, seeing the look on Kyle's face. 'Yeah?'

'Do you remember anything before the home?'

'Huh?'

'I mean, do you remember your parents?' he added quickly, seeing the perplexed look on Lily's face. 'What's the first thing you can remember?'

'We're on the run from an evil genius and you want to talk about our childhood?' Lily touched his face softly. 'You're so weird sometimes, Kyle.'

He gave a bashful shrug. 'Humour me.'

Lily looked pensive for a moment. 'I can sort of remember my parents 'There was a house - a big one, I think - with a garden and a lake.' It was in the country.'

'I don't remember much, but you know they were in the car accident.' Lily ran a hand through her hair. 'I remember the foster homes, there were so many of them, so many kids. There was a house - a big one, I think - with a garden and a lake. Does that, in a roundabout way, answer your question?'

'So you do remember?'

'Well, yeah, of course.' Lily looked at him strangely. 'Don't you?'

'No,' muttered Kyle. 'I don't. I don't remember anything before I was nine. I used to think it was because... well, I guess I didn't really think about it. Put it down to trauma or stress or repressed memories, but now I think it's something different.'

Lily paused for a moment. Then she looked at him very seriously and said, 'It's about Kreed isn't it?'

Kyle nodded. 'He wanted me. When we escaped, he sent men for me with tranquilizers. He wanted me for something, and he said something to me.'

'Kyle...'

'There's a lot of things about my life that have never really made any sense, Lil', a lot of things that I tried not to think about, but there's something different about me, and I guess I should just be grateful. I mean, whatever I am, whatever I can do, I think it's kept me alive the past few days.'

'And me as well.' She squeezed his hand. 'You know; I've always wondered a little about you.'

That took Kyle by surprise. 'You have?'

Lily grinned. 'No, Kyle not at all. You're just my dopey brother.'

She rested her head against him and, at least for the moment, Kyle was content

*

'Beth had always been a terrible sleeper, and with everything on her mind, tonight was no different. So she'd taken to the roof, where a moonlit sky gave patchy illumination, and practiced her martial arts kata.' She moved gracefully through the motions more like a dancer than a fighter. Beth had practiced the moves thousands of times before, and executed each technique perfectly through muscle memory alone.'

It was too dark to see, but Beth heard the creak in the door and the movement of the air as something flew at her. She continued her movements before reacting at the last second and catching the water bottle. It was ice cold, and she uncapped it, taking a long drink. 'Thanks,' she said, throwing it back to the gloom.

'Any time,' said Thea, appearing beside her. 'Having trouble sleeping?'

'What do you want?' Beth continued through her movements as Thea moved into step beside her, executing each technique just as fluidly as her.

'I'm waving the white flag.'

Only hours earlier, Thea had refused, at point blank, to help Beth repair the Skyrunner. This had incensed Beth, as it was their only way out of the country, what with Kreed's men likely guarding the airport. The debate had quickly turned sour and ended only when Beth stormed off.

Beth finished her moves and turned to the other girl. Even now, the anger remained. 'Everything you are, everything you do, it's all tied to the Benefactor,' she said, continuing their argument. It was pointless, but if Thea wanted to pick a fight, she'd get one.

'After everything he's done for us? For you?' Thea scoffed. 'A little loyalty isn't going to break you, is it?'

Beth remained stony-faced. 'There's a difference between loyalty and obedience.'

'There really isn't.' Thea finished a few techniques behind, coming to a stop only moments after Beth had finished. 'Look, I didn't come here to fight.'

This time Beth scoffed. 'I find that hard to believe.'

'I've spoken to the guys and we're going to help you get back to England.'

Beth was dubious. 'After that whole 'ivory tower' speech, you're just going to up and disobey the Benefactor?'

'Look I know you don't like me,' said Thea. 'And I know it's because I'm prettier, smarter and generally better than you.' She put out a hand before Beth could speak. 'Let me finish!' She paused. 'Oh wait, maybe I was finished.' Beth rolled her eyes and began to walk away. 'Look, the point is: I know what you're up against! You know I didn't risk my neck because I was trying to mess with you. Beth, come on - we're friends, aren't we?'

'Sure, sure,' replied Beth reluctantly. She was too tired to do anything else right then.

'That's why we're going to switch Skyrunners. You'll take ours - you know, the functional one - and we'll take your crap heap and fix it up. 'You can't tell me that's not awesome of us?'

Beth turned, expecting the usual inane grin, but instead Thea looked almost sincere. It was unsettling. 'You'd do all that? Just to help us?'

Thea crossed her arms. 'That so hard to believe?'

Truthfully it was, but Beth wasn't about to burn a bridge she had only just learned existed. Thea extended her arms dramatically. 'Come on, lets hug it out. Hugsies, sisters for life.'

Reluctantly she let Thea wrap her arms around her. 'Thanks,' she said. 'I...look thanks, you know. And we are friends, I mean it. I won't forget this.'

'I know you won't,' replied Thea warmly. 'You know how I know?'

'How?'

'Elephants. They never forget.'

*

Nathan Kreed surveyed the damage that had been done to his facility. It wasn't too bad, he was forced to concede, and was at least confined to the sewage works area. None of the laboratories had been affected, and neither had any of the research. He looked down to see a pale mark that he knew had been blood wash away. A more whimsical man might have noted that blood never truly washed away, but Kreed brushed past this point.

A few soldiers had died, but there were always more. The men meant nothing, only the scientists. The work would continue with the most minimal disruption, all the better that they might finalize their goals.

'Tell me, how does mercenary work suit you?' Kreed inquired gently. 'Erron stood beside him, and Kreed imagined him to have a glum expression on his face, though whatever expression he might have been wearing was hidden beneath his mask.

'I wouldn't call myself that,' Erron replied.

'Oh no?' There was a giant hole in the sewage works where his escapees had blown apart in their bid for freedom. 'I always thought you were a mercenary in the sense that I would pay you handsomely and you would carry out orders.'

'In the most basic terms,' said Erron, his eyes also gazing skyward to the wrecked hole in the roof, 'that would be fair.'

Kreed smiled. 'Loyalty, it's a funny thing. Men always claim loyalty or fealty, but the days when that meant something are long past.'

In the end your only true loyalty is to your own beliefs. 'As you know - better than most, I would suspect - loyalties can change.'

Kreed had seen enough and headed back to the main facility, Erron continuing by his side. 'It intrigues me that you learned your skills from the Nest. How does it feel to fight against those you once called brothers and sisters?'

Erron did not respond immediately. 'I didn't think it would come to this.'

Kreed laughed and placed a hand to Erron's back. 'But how could you think it would not? 'You knew exactly the enemy you faced. That's why you came to me, isn't it? The enemy of my enemy and all that sort of biblical stuff. I know you're intelligent, Erron, and you know what I think? I think you knew it would come to this, but maybe you hoped it wouldn't.'

They reached the laboratories, the scientists working as diligently as they ever did. Our work here is almost done, thought Kreed. 'Things are never black and white, I guess,' replied Erron.

'Some things are.' Now there was no trace of humour in Kreed's voice. 'I promised to aid you, to help you bring down those who you believed had wronged you. I have shown you that I am more than capable of making good on this. But I gave you one simple instruction, and that was to ensure that Kyle Walker did not leave this compound. 'His friends, yes, were meant to escape, to believe they had evaded me. Walker...'

'Believe me, I know,' muttered Erron. He massaged his neck. 'He kicks like a mule, though his aim is twice as bad.'

'I'll put it down to a lapse in judgment,' Kreed continued. 'I am not always forgiving, but I know you were conflicted.' Now Walker and his friends have escaped and they have likely worked out what we were really doing here, what our plans are.' Kreed considered, before giving a non-committal shrug. 'Or at least half of our plans, and soon enough our enemy will know as well.'

'So, what now?' asked Erron. 'We have the Infinity Formula, right? You managed to finish it?'

'It is most fortuitous that we were able to get a blood sample from one of those errant bullets.'

Kreed glanced back at the soldiers. 'God, they shoot worse than Stormtroopers, but the sample wasn't enough.

'Honestly, even with Walker it might have taken years to perfect the Infinity Formula, but that's... water under the bridge.'

Erron seemed to hesitate. 'So, new plan?'

'The new plan,' said Kreed, placing a hand on Erron's back, 'is the old plan. By the time Walker and his friends have figured out what we were up to, it'll already be too late.'

Erron stepped closely to the glass, pressing his forehead against the cool surface and seeing his own eyes reflected. 'Out of the corner of his eye, Kreed wondered if he'd seen the merest flicker of doubt.'

'Let the games begin.'

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Thea had been true to her words and soon they were back in the skies, leaving Cuba behind. Lily was right. It was a beautiful place and Kyle thought of the day he might return, though hopefully under better circumstances.  
As sleek and powerful as their own, this Skyrunner was a little smaller, though it had been clearly designed to hold a larger crew. Kyle felt better, safer in the skies, happy to leave Cuba behind. He thought of the expertise of the Cuban Bunker - If only they'd come with us. We could've used some backup. The agreement, however, had been clear.

'This Skyrunner was a little smaller than the last, but could still have accommodated a full crew of twelve, so there was more than enough space for the four of them. They had left the Cuban Bunker who, whilst agreeing to let them commandeer the Skyrunner, would not come with them. This was just as well. After all, it was one thing to help Beth and Felix, but it was another thing entirely to disobey the Benefactor. Doesn't look like I'm blazing much of a trail, thought Beth, as she sat in the pilot's seat. It had been set to autopilot, the Skyrunner cruising somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, traveling much faster than any conventional aircraft. Beth liked it that way. It gave her time to think, something she had been doing a lot of recently.

She remembered vividly when she'd broken with the Benefactor. As much as she'd hate to admit it, Felix was right, the Benefactor had been the closest thing Beth had ever had to a father but at the same time she'd felt she'd had no choice. Ibiye's death was her fault, if she hadn't had been so careless, so reckless...Beth closed her eyes. She hadn't cared at all about the Benefactor, about the Bunker, about the big picture, whatever that might be. All that had mattered to her was finding Erron and avenging Ibiye's death. It had been her mantra, her single, resolute goal these past months.

Felix had come along with her, and though she knew he'd been reluctant, she was grateful that he hadn't wavered. Beth had no delusions. Without Felix, she'd never have made it so far. They were a team, and they needed each other. Felix loved the Benefactor, and she'd always known the difficult position she had put him in, to ask him to break with him as she had.

The Skyrunner hummed gently beneath her, the clouds pushed out gently in front as Beth came, once again, to the same conclusion. In reality, the truth was neither a revelation nor was it unexpected. In fact, if Beth hadn't been so caught up in her vendetta, she would have seen it was the only possible truth there was.  
Felix had never broken with the Benefactor at all. In fact, he had likely been in contact with him the entire time. More than ever, Beth felt like a child. She knew as well as anyone from the Nest just how powerful the Benefactor was, how far his reach extended. She had been so arrogant to think anyone could break with the Benefactor so easily without any consequences, that the Benefactor - who had made all of them - would allow any to leave so easily. It made her feel strangely light to think that the Benefactor had been keeping an eye on her the entire time through Felix. But now she saw all the events through this new lens and realized it was the only explanation as to how they'd managed to continue their operations, how the Bunker had continued to be supplied despite Beth's insubordination, why Thea and the others had rescued her and even allowed them the Skyrunner. Despite her - well, what amounted to a sulk - the Benefactor was still supporting her, protecting her. Maybe he really does love me, she thought. Maybe I was wrong about him.   
Kyle came to sit down beside Beth, who was so lost in reverie that she hardly noticed when he sidled up beside her. He gave a gentle nudge, and she came back with a small smile.

'A lot on your mind?' asked Kyle, staring out at the skies before them.

'Something like that,' murmured Beth. 'I'm just glad we've managed to find a way back to England. I think I've had enough of Cuba to last a life time.'

'Well, we didn't exactly catch all the sights.' Lily and I were talking about going back once all of this is over.'

Beth nodded. 'All of this. Still trying to figure out what all of this is...'

Kyle paused, wondering what he would say next Beth had always appeared so strong and confident to him, but since their escape from Kreed's facility, she has been quiet, almost withdrawn. 'I can't imagine what it must've been like to lose Ben,' said Kyle. Those days when they'd taken Lily, when I didn't know if I'd ever see her again, were the worst of my life

'It hasn't been easy,' admitted Beth. She lay down, rubbing her eyes tiredly. 'Especially knowing his killer is still out there.'

'I know how close you were to...' Kyle made a vague gesture. 'You know...'

'I know...'

'But, and I say this with absolutely no experience or authority, I think it's good that you didn't kill him.'

'How do you figure?'

'I mean...' What do I mean? 'Felix told me what happened I know you blame yourself, but it wasn't your fault. You've spent so long chasing after this ghost, but even if you found him, even if you killed him, it wouldn't change anything It won't bring Ibiye back.'

Kyle had said all of this perhaps a little too quickly, worried about a reprisal, but there was no flare of anger that he could see on Beth. Instead the girl seemed to sag a little. 'I know,' she said quietly. 'You know, I had him there, and I could have killed him. It's not like I haven't killed people before... but it's always been different.

Kyle said nothing. It wasn't like he could relate.

'It's difficult to explain to people who the Benefactor is, why he brings us to the Nest. I guess he sees potential in us and wants to draw it out 'When we're ready, he puts us out on missions, ones where you have to make that choice to defend yourself.'

That's the world the Benefactor wants us to know and understand.'

'But,' Beth continued wearily, 'I couldn't do it.' Even though he's scum, someone who kills for money, I knew I couldn't kill Erron, not when he was unarmed, defenceless.'

Kyle placed his hand on Beth's, squeezing it. 'It just means you're human. And there are worse things to be.'

Beth chuckled, her features brightening. 'You sure have a way with words, Walker.'

'Yeah, I'm one smooth operator,' agreed Kyle with a grin. 'You remember how we first met?'

'I do.' Beth sat up, squeezing Kyle's hand back. Their eyes met. 'Thanks, for everything.'

'Likewise.'

'I feel... well, I'm not really sure. I've spent so long trying to bring down Erron. It kind of makes me wonder what I'm supposed to do now, you know?' Kyle shifted, a little guilty, his eyes averting from Beth's for just a moment. 'What?'

'Well...if you're up for it, I think I know what you could do next,' said Kyle slowly.

Beth gave a shrewd look. 'I'm not going to like this am I?'

'Maybe,' replied Kyle, getting to his feet. 'But yeah, probably not.'

They headed back into what Kyle had come to think of as the operations room of the Skyrunner. There Felix and Lily were sat poring over the laptop together. They had become fast friends since the escape from Kreed's facility. Lily glanced up nervously as Kyle and Beth entered, taking a seat at the round table that was placed in the centre of the room.

'So?' said Beth, looking from Felix to Lily. 'What's this all about? All I've heard is you guys talking in the background for the past few hours with Firefly quotes sprinkled in.'

'God, I love that show,' said Felix in a faraway voice.   
'Lily took a deep breath, as though gathering her thoughts before starting.'. 'We know what Kreed's next step is.'

'Next step?' said Beth. 'What do you mean? I'm still not a hundred percent sure what his last step was.'

'We had it all wrong,' explained Kyle. 'We were supposed to believe that Kreed had stolen the Infinity Formula and had tried to sell it, but that isn't true. 'Kreed perfected the Formula more than ten years before Velen, but when his backers tried to take him out and take his Formula, Kreed let it all burn rather than let them have it.' He's spent the past fourteen years on the run.'

'He's become obsessed,' Kyle went on. 'He thinks of the Infinity Formula like his own kid, either he has complete control over it or no-one does.' Kyle remembered all too well the way Kreed had looked when he'd recounted his story. 'That's why he tried to take out the Professor as publicly as he did.'

'The Cuban government, or whoever is backing Kreed, believes he is finding a way to unlock the potential of the Infinity Formula,' Lily stepped in. All eyes went to her and, even though there were only the three of them, Kyle could sense how nervous she was. Lily faltered, her eyes going to Kyle, and he gave a small nod as if to say you can do this!

'Kreed is crazy,' conceded Lily. 'Brilliant... but crazy.' He's done things with nano-technology that are light years ahead of what any lab in the world is doing today.' Lily looked gravely at them, Kyle knowing full well what was coming next. 'He's created a weapon.'

'A weapon?' asked Beth.

'Well, not a weapon exactly.' Felix pushed his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. 'I suppose a better term would probably be superweapon.'

'I knew he'd been working on it,' explained Lily 'He never talked about it, of course, but when I was at his facility, he had to let me access his network to work on the Formula. There were all of these restricted files, something to do with a special project.'

Kyle knew now why Lily had risked so much to access the files before fleeing Kreed's facility. No-one would ever have doubted Lily's courage. Even after all she had been through, she'd been willing to risk her one shot of escape to find out what Kreed was planning.

'So what is this superweapon?' asked Beth. 'Nuclear? Biological?'

'No, it's something completely new, based on the Infinity Formula. There was never an official name, just a destination, but some of the scientists began referring to it as a Nanite Plague.' Lily looked at each of them in turn. 'And yes it really is as bad as it sounds, a bomb undetectable by any modern means because it is based on completely unheard of technology.'

''I don't understand. I thought Kreed wanted the Infinity Formula.' What does he want with a bomb?' asked Beth. 'What does he want to attack so badly that he invented a superweapon to do it?'

'It's more complicated than that,' explained Felix. 'Kreed is a crazy person, so there's a fair bit of conjecture here, but I think Kreed really doesn't like other people playing with his toys. He doesn't want anyone developing nano-tech or the Infinity Formula. He wants to scorch the earth, salt the fields, so that nano-technology ends up the same way as nuclear weapons - so devastating and evil the world will never want to use it again.'

'You really believe he'll do all that?' said Beth. 'Kill thousands, maybe more, all just to prove a point?' Her eyes met Felix's. 'Okay, point taken.'

'Anything with the word plague in it can't be good,' muttered Kyle. He turned to Lily. 'What did you find out in the files? Do you know what it is or how it works?'

'I'll need some more time analysing the data, but it's pretty clear Kreed has been working on this for some time. I'll need some more time analysing the data, but it's pretty clear Kreed has been working on this for some time.' Lily tapped on the laptop keyboard, her brow furrowed. 'From what Felix and I have been able to put together, the Nanite Plague, when detonated, releases a cloud of nannies, which corrupt anything they contact and turns them into mulch. And I mean anything - buildings, people, trees - the Nanite Plague won't differentiate. It'll be ground zero for miles wherever this bomb is set off.'

'What's worse is the nanites are self-sustaining. Each time they corrupt something, they replicate.' Kyle gave Lily a blank stare.

'Look, I totally understand,' he said. 'You know, definitely. But just in case someone else doesn't - not me as, like I said, I totally understand - want to explain that again?'

'Essentially it means the more stuff there is to change and corrupt, the more powerful the Nanite Plague will be.'

'So you drop it in the middle of a city,' murmured Felix, 'and it'll be like the Gods themselves have come down and reduced it all to a pile of salt'

There was what seemed to be a collective pause as everyone took this in.

'Well, we have the files and we have two of the smartest people in the world ready to find out just what the hell Kreed is planning.' Kyle looked to Felix and Lily, both of whom looked very pleased.

'Once we know exactly what this bomb is, we'll need to find it and disarm it.' He turned to Beth. 'How long before we get back to England?'

Beth glanced at her watch. 'I'd say another three hours.' She seemed to hesitate. 'Kyle, guys... I mean, if this Nanite Plague can really do all that, I'm sorry, but what are we supposed to do?' She glanced around, looking at each of them in turn. 'Kreed has a whole army, limitless funds, and the world's deadliest assassin backing him up. We're just...'

'A couple of kids,' finished Kyle. Truthfully he wasn't nearly as confident as he sounded, and he could already see the others sagging. They were scared and Kyle couldn't blame them. 'But we've already gone up against the both of them, and we've won.' We've shown him that we're a lot more than a couple of kids.'

'Kreed has shown what he's willing to sacrifice. He's spent more years that we've been alive being all emo about it. But right now we're the only ones that can stop him. And we can. Together.' Kyle put his hand out into the centre of the table. 'Team?'

Felix was the first to put his hand in. 'Team.'

'Well, I spent the past few months trying to kill someone,' said Beth, as a way of answer before putting her hand in as well. 'Might make a nice change of pace trying to save people instead. Team.'

'Lily didn't hesitate, and put her hand in as well. She looked up, nervous but excited. 'Team.'

'Okay,' said Kyle. 'Then let's get to work.'

*

They reached the English coast a few hours later, but with the smaller Skyrunner, were not able to reach all the way to the hangar where they'd originally taken off from a few days previously. Felix privately felt that this was because the Cuban Bunker hadn't maintained the craft nearly as meticulously as they should have, but either way it was a moot point. They needed a place to lie low and, having come in on the South West corner, Kyle reluctantly knew there was only one place they could go.

Kyle didn't fully understand how the Skyrunner worked, but then, neither did Felix or Beth, which made him feel mildly better. All he understood was that the aircraft's batteries needed to be recharged, though that would likely take no longer than a few hours at most. Till then they were grounded.

He had planned to go home once he'd got Lily back, but he'd always imagined the two of them safe and sound, rather than having a giant doomsday bomb hanging over their heads. Still, it was a nice feeling to head back home, even if it was a deserted home. Kyle had managed to feed his foster parents a story about how the Professor's people had opted to allow them to stay with her, all paid for by the Professor, of course, and he knew his foster parents were only too eager to have Kyle and Lily off their hands. It was the height of the summer holidays, and Kyle's foster parents had left on a trip to Paris, returning the following week.

They left the Skyrunner in stealth mode in a field just outside of Devon The size of the aircraft meant trying to land it anywhere inside the city would have been impossible, so instead they took out the old battered jeep again and rode into town. The climate was temperate and thankfully nowhere near the scorching rays of Cuba.

It was strange to see the house once again in all its unassuming, drab white glory. They got out of the car and Kyle unlocked the front door.

'Anyone home?' he called out There was no answer, not even their cat, Jinxy, who Kyle assumed his foster parents had sent to another house for looking after.

'So weird being back,' muttered Lily. Felix followed her in. 'Come on, we'll get settled up in the kitchen, finish cracking Kreed's files.'

Felix's stomach gave an audible rumble. 'I think my blood sugar's dipping a little low. Snacks first?' Lily opened up a cabinet and threw something to Felix. He took one look at it and glanced back, dubious. 'What's this?'

'Snack, duh.'

'I was thinking something along the lines of ice-cream or chocolate not,' Felix peered at the cereal bar in his hand. 'Peanut and raisin blast. Urgh.'

'Sorry, best I got.'

'I'll do a run into town,' said Beth. Kyle was about to offer to go with her - it was, after all, the town he had grown up in - but Beth was out the door before he could say a word. It was clear that there was still something bothering her. Perhaps Kyle just needed to give her space, but then there was something bothering Kyle as well.

He went into the kitchen, readying an excuse to get away, but Felix and Lily were fully engrossed, so he left them to it. He went up to his bedroom, which remained exactly as he had left it. He picked up his clothes from the floor, straighten out the posters on the wall, and opened up his wardrobe. He didn't have much in the way of clothes, but he pushed past those for the shoe box he kept at the bottom of the wardrobe that contained all Kyle knew of his life.

There were scattered photos of him from when he was younger, though he'd never remembered taking them. He was smiling in quite a few of them, so Kyle thought he must've been enjoying himself, whatever it was he was doing. He pushed past those, too, till he got to what he wanted, his birth certificate. He grabbed it and booted up his laptop.

He typed 'Nathan Kreed' into the search engine and more than a dozen articles appeared instantly. He clicked on the first one, which dated fourteen years previously, the title of the article reading 'Crazed Scientist Burns Down Own Laboratory.' The article itself was irrelevant. Kyle already knew all the information it was incorrect, all he cared about was the date.

He looked at the date on his birth certificate and the date of the article His date of birth was some months before the article, but it matched up. Kyle settled back, running a hand through his hair. It doesn't mean anything, he tried to reassure himself. Was it possible that Kreed was telling the truth? Did he really have something to do with Kyle...

'Kyle!' The shout made him jump. 'Kyle you up there?' came Lily's voice again. 'We found some stuff in the freezer. We're going to make dinner. You hungry?'

'Yeah, I'll be down in a sec!' Kyle shouted back. He looked down at the computer, then his birth certificate. 'Now I could go crazy trying to work this all out,' he told himself. 'No one would blame me if I did.' He frowned. 'Or I could just forget about all of this and not worry at all.' He thought about this for a moment before stuffing his birth certificate back into the shoe box at the bottom of his drawer. 'Yeah, I like that plan a lot more...'

Beth had returned from the store laden with snacks and the four of them sat down to eat They ate quickly, Felix and Lily anxious to get back to decrypting Kreed's files, whilst Beth took Felix out into the yard with the promise of showing him a few techniques of her own. Erron was still out there and now he was smarting, neither of them thought it likely that they would get the drop on him again.

Lily, meanwhile, had dragged her own laptop down and was sat beside Felix, the two of them working together. Felix had offered to make coffee, but Lily had tried it once and that was more than enough times for her to know she hated its bitter taste. The two of them worked diligently, but Kreed's code was something to behold, and they knew it would take time to sift through it all.

Lily tried to remember if there was anything she had heard or seen at Kreed's facility that might help her, but drew blanks. Kreed had allowed her to work on the Infinity Formula but the Nanite Plague had been worked on by a completely separate team in another laboratory.

Two hours later, Lily couldn't help but wonder how much progress she was actually making. She'd caught Felix dozing on more than one occasion.

'Maybe we should take a break?' asked Lily gently. Felix didn't respond, so she gave him a light poke.

'What?' Felix sat bolt upright. 'I wasn't sleeping. Why would you even ask that?'

'I guess you've made about as much progress as I have.' Lily gestured to the laptop screen. Felix nodded glumly. 'Let's take a break, we'll feel better after.'

'Sounds like a plan.' Lily went to the kitchen to find the snacks that Beth had brought earlier and headed back to the living room. Felix had switched on the television and was flicking through channels.

'Wait,' said Lily as something caught her eye. She out the snacks down on the table. 'Go back a channel.' Felix did so and a news channel came on the screen.

'-Ahead of the G8 summit later this year, world leaders are gathering in London for the L5 conference this Friday to discuss nano-technology, the much vaunted Infinity Formula and what it might mean for our world today.'   
There was a reporter on screen, but it now cut to a senior gentleman. 'No-one knew exactly what Velen and her team were doing,' the gentleman told the interviewer, 'But as the years passed, and she came closer and closer to cracking the Formula, her team got bigger, too. We were all racing for the finish line together, but Velen, she was already there, stretching for the next goal. Now she's ready to change the world.'

Lily had almost forgotten that the Professor had worked on the Infinity Formula for medical reasons, far and away from Kreed's super soldiers and Nanite Plagues.'

The television cut back to the reporter. 'The government is expected to vote on the new law after the L5 conference If passed, the new law will allow nano-technology to be integrated with human cells, creating new ways to fight infection and cancer that previously had only been the work of science fiction writers.'

Professor Velen, of course, is still recovering at the Royal Euston under a strict guard, though she had hoped to speak for the new law. Only time will tell whether she'll have the strength to do so. This has been Amy Carson for channel four news. Back to you in the studio.'

'Well at least now we know what they're targeting.' Lily glanced back to see Kyle and Beth, having reappeared looking out of breath.

If you want to turn public opinion against nano-technology, then what better target than the conference held to discuss its legal status. Felix settled back. 'Brilliant.' He seemed in genuine awe till Beth nudged him. 'I mean... not brilliant. Awful. I mean... you know what I mean.'

Lily did. If Kreed unleashed his nano-tech weapon against the L5 Conference, then the world leaders will unite No country will ever legalize the Formula and Kreed will have won.'

'The conference is taking place in London, too,' murmured Kyle. He sat down beside Lily, concern flickering across his eyes. 'Kreed sets off that bomb, a lot of people are going to die.'

Beth, too, settled down across from them, looking equally troubled. 'The conference is on Friday. That's only four days from now, and we still have no idea how Kreed plans to launch his weapons. It's not like he can just walk into one of the biggest cities in the world - he's wanted by every intelligent agency in the world.

Lily was also out of options. There was only one person to turn to, the person that it had all started with - Professor Velen.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Finding Professor Velen was not as difficult as any of them had anticipated. What was more difficult to figure out why it had been so easy to find her. Guess I'll just add that to the pile of mysteries, thought Kyle, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as the Skyrunner lowered through the fog, setting them down.

'You sure we shouldn't come with you?' asked Felix. Beth put the Skyrunner in stealth, setting them down in a field a few miles from the Professor's home. 'You know, for back up, stuff like that.

Beth shook her head. 'I know you have the heart of a lion, but you do your best work behind a laptop.'

'We shouldn't be splitting up like this.' Lily leaned against the door, her arms crossed. 'We've only just got back together,' she protested 'I know you have the heart of a lion, but you do your best work behind a laptop.'

Kyle slung his backpack on, opening the door to the jeep. 'I think you're forgetting how we got into this whole mess, ergo the kidnapping results in me having to chase you halfway around the world?'

'It's Professor Velen! I'm sure she'd want to see me. I know she'll want to see me...'

Beth clambered into the driver's seat, starting the ignition. 'And you will,' she said, 'but it's safer if you say here, for now.'

'Don't bother arguing, Lily. Mum and Dad have made up their minds,' said Felix without looking up. 'Come on, there's still plenty we need to do.'

They drove in silence for a while, with both Beth and Kyle having much on their minds. Kyle fumbled with the radio, but either they were in a really old car, or some kind of black spot, because all they got was garbled static. Eventually he gave up as Beth kept her eyes locked on the road ahead.

It wasn't long before they came up to the enormous white brick house beyond the gravelled drive. The air was cool, and Kyle's mind went to long summer days and never understanding the rules of cricket. Also being a terrible at cricket. The well-kept lawns stretched far behind the house, and Kyle wondered if a butler would answer the door.

They walked up, the big door ornate with something like a boar's head shaped into the brass knocker. Beth gave Kyle a dubious look and knocked.

There was no answer.

Kyle took a step back, peering up to see if there were any lights on. He strained to hear, but there was nothing. Then he did hear something, the dull whine of a mechanical motor. He turned to see a surveillance camera perched high up.

'Guess someone's home,' muttered Beth, motioning to the camera.

Kyle frowned, wondering if they might try a back door, when Velen appeared, the door swinging inward. She looked pale, her eyes full of surprise, but she was largely as Kyle remembered her.

'Kyle Walker,' she said Her eyes moved to Beth, who in turn gave an awkward wave.

'Hi, Professor,' greeted Kyle. 'You're looking well. I mean, a lot better than the last time I saw you.'

Velen was apprehensive. 'Come in,' she said, quietly. 'Please.'

The two of them followed her in. Velen had dark rings beneath her eyes. There they stood for a moment, an awkward air permeating, and it was then that it crossed Kyle's mind what a bemusing appearance this must have been.

'I'm... I'm glad you're okay,' said Beth, no doubt keen to dispel the awkwardness. Velen nodded, though remained ill at ease before motioning for them to follow. Kyle exchanged a look with Beth and they followed.

'Look Professor, this is all kind of hard to explain,' said Kyle. 'We need your help.'

'My help?' They came to a large kitchen with an island table. It looked as though they'd caught the Professor in the middle of dinner.

'Don't mind all that,' said Velen. The lights were dimmed, the dinner looked hardly touched and already cold. Beside it was an open laptop. 'Ah, can I get you anything?'

'No,' said Beth. Velen had a look of disquiet and Kyle realized that this was the longest conversation they had ever had. He decided it was best to steam on.

'Look, I know this must all seem a little strange,' said Kyle, 'but we really need your help. It's about the Formula.'

'The Formula?' Velen really did seem distracted. Kyle found it very off-putting, as though he wasn't really getting through to her.

'Look, we know who tried to kill you,' said Beth bluntly. That at least got Professor Velen's attention. 'He's planning to kill a bunch of other people as well.' That's why we need your help.'

She still looked startled, and Kyle felt faintly annoyed. He knew it was a lot to take in, but Velen was a world class mind. He'd hoped she would be a little more composed.

'That's... very well,' said the Professor. Absently, she closed the laptop and tucked it beneath her arm. 'Look, as you can imagine this is all quite a bit to take in. If you could just take a seat, while I just attend to some matters, and I'll be right back with you. There's drinks in the fridge. Please, help yourselves. 'Then she scurried from the kitchen, leaving the two of them there, the awkward air permeating.

'Well,' said Kyle, 'That went well.'

'What a big baby,' muttered Beth. 'It's not like we're the ones that tried to kill her. You saved her life. Why did she run off like that?'

Kyle opened up the fridge and threw a drink to Beth, taking one himself. 'I suppose it is a little weird,' he said. 'I mean, this whole thing is pretty weird, but this specifically. Anyways, she'll be back, once she's done doing... whatever it is she's doing.'

Beth shrugged, ignoring the drink Kyle took some small sips, though mainly for something to do.

Their plan to see the Professor had seemed very logical at the time, but something felt very off. It made no sense for Velen to hole up alone after the assassination attempt. Why hadn't she gone somewhere safer? He tried to remember if she had a family, or children. She was a prominent and important figure; surely she'd have been given some kind of protection?

He heard the sound of a mechanical servomotor, and turned to see another camera perched high up like a vulture in its nest, watching them. Kyle tightened his grip on his drink and stood up. 'Beth...'

'I know, I know wait for the Professor,' she replied, sounding harangued. Honestly, there was really no need to freak out like that. It wasn't like-'

'No, Beth...'

The kitchen flooded with light, or at least that was how it seemed. Kyle threw himself down, flattened against the ground. Beth had done the same, landing beside him, a weapon already in her hands. Their eyes met, though Beth's were clearly angrier than his, as they both came to the same thought. It's a trap.

'Drop your weapons and put your hands in the air immediately!' came an amplified voice. They were surrounded in seconds. None of them spoke, but all of them had weapons trained on Kyle and Beth. Beth carefully placed her weapon on the floor, shoving it to one of the men. Then they were taken.

*

They took his communicator and once more Kyle Walker was captured. His first thought had been that Kreed had gone ahead of them, had somehow gotten to Professor Velen before they had, but that didn't seem right. Kreed was one of the most wanted men in the world, Kyle couldn't imagine him simply waltzing into Essex and snatching Velen.

They lead him through the house and into what looked like a dining room. It had a look of elegance with crystal chandeliers high up, a long orange mirror on one side, and the windows flung open to the summery breeze. But it had been completely over run by a unit of men with laptops and other heavy duty equipment. Long wires were strewn haphazardly across the floor connecting to a bank of monitors. A quick glance showed Kyle that the cameras he had seen were newly installed and that their feed was directed straight here to the hive mind. On closer inspection, Kyle saw that some of the monitors were tuned into 24-hour news stations.

They hadn't handcuffed him, nor were they treating him roughly. Beth was beside him, still looking disgruntled, though more annoyed than concerned.

They were lead to a woman in her late forties. She was dressed in a pantsuit, her dark hair tied back. She was dressed in a pantsuit, her dark hair tied back. There was a file in her hands and she passed it off to one of her colleagues as the two of them approached.

'Kyle Walker,' said the woman. 'Not the first person I'd have expected here, but definitely on the list.' She nodded at the men behind them and they left. 'This your girlfriend?' she said, looking at Beth.

'Yes,' said Kyle

'No,' said Beth.

'Well, I'm sorry about the theatricality back there, but we had to follow protocol. Since the attempt on the Professor's life and moving up of the L5 conference, we're on high alert. We still don't know what we're up against.'

'You know who we are,' said Beth. 'It would help if you told us who you were.'

'Who do you think?' said another man. A little overweight with a thin moustache that didn't really suit him, this new man motioned for them to sit. 'The police. We're investigating the attempt on Professor Velen's life. I'm Captain West, and this is lieutenant Price.'

'Is it normal to set your task force up in the middle of the victim's house?' asked Kyle. From what he had seen it looked as though they had been there for some time.

'Well, no,' said Price. 'But I'm guessing you already know that something a little more is at stake here.'

Professor Velen appeared, and she immediately went to Kyle, grasping his hand. 'God, I'm so sorry about all that, I didn't know what to do! I never expected you to come here.'

'It's okay,' said Kyle. 'I could see why you'd be a little on edge.'

'Like I said, more at stake,' said Price. She produced a tablet computer and began flicking through before setting up a single photograph of a man Kyle knew all too well.

'Kreed,' said Beth.

Now knowing it was safe, Beth went back to bring both Lily and Felix to the Professor's house while Kyle got more acclimatized. He learned that the Professor had originally stayed with her family, but had sent them away for their own protection. The police had made their own connections, realizing that the attempt on Velen's life was tied to the Infinity Formula. After Kyle had disappeared, the national manhunt had been conducted for him, albeit a covert one.

'We contacted your parents first,' said West. 'But they weren't much help.'

'They're out of town,' explained Kyle. 'And they're my foster parents.'

'You know you did a hell of thing saving the Professor that day,' continued West. He was big and jovial and Kyle liked him immediately. 'But then there was that thing on the bridge and again at the airport.'

Price was stood by the window, her arms crossed. Kyle liked her less. She hadn't smiled once. 'Want to fill in the gaps?' The Professor too looked earnest so Kyle did as best as he could. He talked for some time, about how they'd taken Lily, ended up in Cuba and along the way discovered Kreed's end of the world weapon.

'And you managed to escape Kreed's facility?' asked Price. 'Just like that?'

'Just like that?' Kyle was incredulous. 'It was a little more than that! There were guns, soldiers, I'm pretty sure there were guard dogs too.'

'That's precisely it,' continued Price. 'From what we know, Kreed has amassed a small army. How could a group of children escape his own personal compound?' Her brow knitted. 'Kreed must have let you go. It's the only explanation.'

'Err only explanation?' Now Kyle felt like pushing her out the window. 'How about the more reasonable explanation that we're freaking badasses?' There had been more than a little luck but between the other's training at the Nest and Kyle being...well whatever he was (another thing on the ever growing pile of mysteries) they had only just got out.

Price, it seemed, was unconvinced. 'Now why would they let you go?'

Kyle decided to ignore her before an aneurysm popped in his head.

'I should have known they'd go after Lily,' said Velen. Her head was hung in a way that was strangely characteristic of Lily herself. 'I knew someone was after me. I put out that competition to show the world that without me there was no Formula. I never dreamed, my own arrogance I suppose, that anyone would unravel my formulas so easily, let alone a child.'

'She's a smart one,' murmured Kyle. 'Always was.'

'Tell me more about this bomb,' said Captain West. He had been typing at his laptop as Kyle had spoken and referred to it now. 'This...nanite weapon.'

'He's been working on it for a while,' said Kyle. It felt good to unload on to other people. He never would have admitted it, but there had been a dark feeling in the back of his mind at the thought of trying to stop Kreed alone. By speaking to others, gaining allies, Kyle thought they might just have a chance to stop him after all. 'It's based on nano-technology; turns everything it touches into mulch. That's about a sciencey as I can make it to be honest.'

A look consternation passed Wests features before turning to Velen. 'You're the world's leading authority on nano-technology,' he said. 'Is it possible? To build a bomb like that?'

'In theory yes,' admitted Velen. 'Though I have no idea how Kreed would build such a thing. What's more there would be no way to detect it. Nano-tech gives off no signature, no radiation, nothing that could be picked up on by any of our early warning systems.'

'Then that will have to be our priority,' said West. 'We need to find the bomb before it detonates. If we find it, we need to know how to disarm it. Professor, that will be your domain.'

Velen nodded. 'Yes Captain.'

'Maybe we could help with that?' Felix, Lily and Beth appeared in the doorway. Lily was very quiet, her eyes downcast.

'You wonderful thing,' said Velen. She got to her feet and Lily looked up, smiling nervously.

'Professor,' she greeted. Velen hugged her closely as a mother might a child and Kyle felt a small warmth within him.

'You brilliant thing Lilyandra.'

It looked like Lily was getting her wish of working alongside Professor Velen much sooner than she'd hoped. Though in her dreams Kyle doubted it had ever involved stopping a super weapon.

*

Felix could sense that much had been left unsaid between Professor Velen and Lily. They walked on eggshells around one another, though Felix supposed he could hardly have blamed either one of them. They had barely gotten to know each other and then life happened. Well, insofar as life was an attempted assassination and a successful kidnapping.

'I still find it amazing that you managed to escape Kreed's lab,' said Velen. She led them into her study, having left Kyle and Beth to debrief the captain and his team. 'I met him once years ago. He was a brilliant man, though I suppose that brilliant drove him... to what he is now.'

'I take it he wasn't always a super villain crazy person then?' quipped Felix. The Professor smiled weakly.

'Show me what you found.'

Felix and Lily got quickly set up in the Professor's office. They were far from the command centre that had that been set up in the living room. It was almost peaceful here. There was a photograph on the table of what was presumably the Professor's family, Velen with a man and two small children. Felix carefully laid that aside and put his laptop down.

'The whole thing,' said Lily, 'why Kreed is doing this, I mean. He feels wronged.' He told me he was the one who created the Infinity Formula more than a decade before you did.' If this news surprised Velen, she didn't let it show. Lily went on. 'He said his research was stolen, that they torched everything he did. 'Is it true?'

Felix carried on typing at his laptop, but his ears pricked like a cat. Velen glanced quickly at him before resting her eyes back on Lily.

'If Nathan truly believes that I stole his work, then he is grossly mistaken,' said Velen. 'The history of the Formula, which for many years was the holy grail of science, is fraught and complicated. Only Sokolov could claim to be the father of nano-tech, the one who created what would be the formula. All that came after him, including myself and Kreed, simply helped perfect his work.'

'Well, whatever really happened,' said Felix, 'he felt wronged enough to spend years creating a weapon to end everything.' He brought up the encrypted files that Lily had managed to steal from Kreed's facility. He highlighted the schematics and presented them to the Professor. Velen sat down, gently removing her glasses, her eyes faintly narrowed.

'I never would have believed...' she muttered. She tapped at the laptop, scrolling down. 'I don't understand. How has he possibly managed to...'

'I've been looking at it for days,' confessed Lily, 'trying to find a way to disarm it, to stop it somehow.''

'Well, Professor,' said Felix. Well, Professor,' said Felix. He was almost afraid to ask. 'Do you think there's a way to stop it?'

'I... I still need some time.' Felix nodded. It was the best any of them were going to hope for.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Felix, Lily and Velen worked long into the night. Felix hardly noticed as dusk fell, though this made little difference to the activity within the household. Time was running out, with West and his team working around the clock to find a way to stop Kreed. Their team, meanwhile, had unravelled gigabytes of schematics, looking for some way to stop the weapon. Fatigue had settled into Felix, so he told the others that he would need some time to rest The Professor had, by now, hit something of a breakthrough, or so it seemed, and was unwilling to stop working at such a crucial juncture. Lily, caught in this second wind of enthusiasm, stayed as well.

He headed back out through the command centre, but there was no sight of either Kyle or Beth. He headed for the door and predictably was stopped by one of the police officers. Felix explained that he needed to gather more equipment from their site, stopping just short of using the word Skyrunner. The officer agreed, but explained that he would need an escort. Felix nodded and was grateful as it saved it him the lengthy trek.

Once inside the craft, Felix washed his face and grabbed a bottle of water from the cooler. He blinked several times at the red swirl of sky outside, and realized he was really tired. He tried to wake himself up as the console flickered to life.

No-one knew who had really built the Skyrunner, nor where they had truly come from. Felix had been on them several times now, and in these quiet moments, he wondered about this. Their design was otherworldly, alien almost. The console, however, was mundane - a black-metallic thing - though this was unsurprising as it had been installed at the Nest.

Once activated, Felix inputted the ten-digit passcode, opening a secure line to the Benefactor. The only way to reach him was via such channels, making it impossible to arrange any sort of time to speak. It was never a given that the Benefactor would be there to answer, but this time Felix did not have to wait. His face appeared, lightly tanned, but whereas before the Benefactor had been on a beach, now he was back in his familiar office, dressed in a dark grey suit.

'Holiday all finished, I take it?' asked Felix. The Benefactor appeared a little weary, with the beginnings of stubble where he was typically clean shaven.

'Don't get me started,' he muttered. 'Update?'

Felix nodded. 'We've managed to make contact with Professor Velen. With her help, I'm hoping to find a solution, some kind of way of stopping Kreed's weapon. We believe he's planning to target the L5 conference in a few days' time. Show us the cards, so to speak, and turn public opinion against further development of the Infinity Formula.

'And the weapon,' said the Benefactor, 'the Nanite Plague? Kreed's been working on this for the past few years?

'From what I've managed to get out of the data we took Well, it was more Lily - nano-technology is really more her thing but I can make an expresso in two minutes flat, and no-one can take that away from me.'

'I wish I could put more teams on this,' the Benefactor rubbed his temple where deep lines had been etched, 'but there's no-one available. We have labs here. Have you tried sending Kreed's data again?'

Felix hung his head, giving an uneasy look. 'Creed's encryption is airtight. That guy has Lex Luthor levels of paranoia. We only just managed to crack it open, and there's no way I can send it to you, even through these channels.'

'Okay.' The Benefactor sat back, looking thoughtful. 'Keep working on it,' he said. 'Do all you can. If Kreed manages to find a way through, I'll put everything we have to mitigate it.'

'Yes, sir.' The Benefactor gave a nod before closing down the channel. Felix rubbed his eyes and then, with little warning, fell sharply to sleep.

*

It had been his third call of the day and Greywater, the man known only as the Benefactor to most, was beginning to feel that he was to easily contactable. Still, he liked it that way, allowing him to keep a ground's eye view of all that was happening in the world.

The communicators were flawless and didn't use any terrestrial channels. Completely untraceable, it also meant that anyone trying to contact him would have no idea where he was. Currently, he was in Seattle, on the rainy eastern seaboard of the United States.

Of course, there was little Felix told him that he hadn't already known.

His organization had known for years the work Kreed was doing - it was one of the reason he had been allowed to live. Still, even he was impressed that Kreed had been able to perfect the technology. Perhaps he did possess an iota of the brilliance to which he professed. Greywater sat forward, his fingers woven before him.

With all the power and resources of his organization, it would have been possible - not easy, but possible - to stop Kreed, but that would have been pointless. If the weapon was detonated, it's power demonstrated and realized, it would show the others that Greywater had been right all along, that nano-technology and the Infinity Formula were the means by which their organization would maintain absolute dominance well into the coming decades. If, by some miracle, Felix and his compatriots were able to stop Kreed, the Nanite Plague and all of his research would fall into Greywater's hands. It was a win-win either way, but then it always was. He had not risen to his position by leaving anything to chance.

They had become obsessed with ridiculous notions of magic and floating cities. Somewhere, somehow it had fallen to him to bring the organization under control. And with that final thought, he sent a message to Autumn instructing him, and the teams on the ground in the United Kingdom, to stand down. Kreed was to proceed unhindered, and Greywater felt a rare spark of pleasure feeling, for all the world, like the Emperor signalling the start of the gladiatorial games.

*  
Kyle really wished it wouldn't, but Captain Price's words had bothered him. They'd barely escaped Kreed's facility and, between the gunfire and the little issue of falling out of the sky, they were lucky to be alive. The thought that Kreed had allowed them to escape was crazy, and the last thing he wanted to think about. Especially when sparring with Beth.

Her blow caught him square on the chin, Beth carrying through with her punch and sending him flying back. When his senses returned, Kyle found her standing over him, arms folded, a cocky grin planted on her face.

'You could look a little less pleased,' chided Kyle. He put his thumb and forefinger an inch apart before him. 'You know, just a little.'

She helped him to his feet, her small size belying a bear-like strength. 'You weren't concentrating,' she said. You might've been able to take out those schoolyard bullies, but Kreed is going to come after us with everything he's got. You need to be ready.'

Kyle massaged his jaw. Man, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were enjoying this,' he said.

'It's necessary. You're strong and fast, but raw and untrained.' said Beth, stepping backwards, her hands back up in fighting position. Doesn't mean I can't enjoy it, though.'

They sparred some more, Kyle managing to land a few blows, though Beth was able to pepper a far greater amount, leaving him battered. Kyle, though, was holding back, unwilling to strike Beth with the full force of his blows. He tried to conceal this as best he could, though with the glee that Beth attacked him, he supposed she hardly noticed.

The clock was against them, the hands moving even loser to midnight, but there was nothing they could do but allow Lily and the others to find a way to stop the Nanite Plague. Talking to West and his team only made Kyle feel more anxious, though he had caught the tail end of their reports, which was easy when there had been precisely nothing to report. Kreed, wherever he was, whatever he was doing, was completely hidden to them.

The momentum felt as though it was fading, till late in the afternoon they appeared, breathless and heady, and finally with a solution.

Or at least part of a solution.

'First, we tried to find out the components of Kreed's weapon,' Velen explained. 'To find some way to neutralize it.'

That turned up precisely nothing, however,' said Felix.

'Thanks,' muttered Lily. 'Way to reduce an all-night of work into a single dejected sentence.'

Felix gave her a mock salute. 'It's what I do. Anyways, makes it all the more dramatic when we tell them what we did find. Or at least what you found.'

Lily blushed.

'What is it?' asked Captain West. 'A way to find the weapon? A way to disarm it?'

'Well, technically neither,' said Lily. She wrapped her hand around her arm and Kyle knew she was feeling nervous. He slipped his hand onto hers and gave it a squeeze. She gave him a small smile before seeming to gather herself and continue.

'The Nanite Plague is new technology and, like all new technologies, it's unstable.' Lily pulled up what seemed like a schematic of the weapon, though the words were far too cramped for him to read, the schematic too abstract for him to comprehend. 'And there was something I noticed when I looked over the plans in order for it to become operational, it needs to raise its energy levels considerably and in a short space of time, like nanoseconds short.

'So that's the problem?' asked Beth. 'Kreed needs some kind of super power source?'

Lily shook her head. No. From what I was able to pick apart, Kreed already has a power source, though it's something I've never come across before. She hesitated. 'Anyway, that isn't the problem. The problem is that kind of power, increasing at that sort of level, will just shred the Nanite Plague'

'Well, that's putting it lightly,' said Felix. 'The blast from the energy source will tear it apart, like tissue paper, along with a half block radius.

'And presumably Kreed has found a solution to this problem then?' interjected lieutenant Price. There was a notepad in her hand.

'This is where we get into the realms of conjecture,' admitted Velen. 'Of all the materials, natural or manmade, there is only one that would have the properties required to hold this device.' She adjusted her glasses, standing up and placing a hand on Lily's shoulder, as if to signal that she was taking over. 'Like I said, it's pure conjecture.

Captain West pinched the bridge of his nose. 'Would you please just get to the point?'

The point,' said Professor Velen, 'is that the only material capable of housing the device is K47-MNL.

Beth shrugged. 'I've never heard of it.'

'That's because technically it doesn't exist,' said Felix. The others looked at him and he shifted uneasily. 'It was only ever written about in one paper a few years back. Didn't gain much traction.'

'Why was that?' asked Kyle. He'd been hopeful, but none of this was going exactly how he'd imagined.

'K47-MNL was described in detail, but the author, a Doctor Stinton, was never able to reproduce its properties,' Lily explained. 'He wrote in detail about it and even claimed that he knew how to produce it, but hit a little snag.'

'Snag?' said Captain West.

'Snag, yes,' said Felix. 'To the tune of seven billion, the number of dollars it would take to produce the alloy. Naturally no-one wanted to take him up on this offer, and the paper fell into obscurity.'

Captain West leaned against the counter, drawing the laptop before him. His eyes faintly narrowed before pushing the computer away, dismissing it. 'I was hoping you'd have a little more than this,' he said.

'It's something!' protested Felix. If we can find Doctor Sinton, we find the Niridium and...'

'You understand what's going on here, don't you?' said Captain West. 'This weapon has the potential to wipe out an entire city and we have no idea how to trace it, let alone stop it. We can't let the security of this city fall to some obscure scientist no-one has ever heard of.' He got to his feet and turned to his lieutenant. 'Take over, I'm going to lie down.' Lieutenant Price nodded and allowed him to pass. It was clear to Kyle that this was not the response that Professor Velen and the others had hoped for.

'I know it's an impossible task,' said Price, her tone sympathetic, 'but like the Captain said, you know what we're up against.'

'That guy is a Grade-A asshole,' said Felix, exasperated. 'I explained it all to him, and he just shakes his dumb head. Why doesn't he get it?'

'No, he's right,' said Lily. Her eyes were downcast and Kyle knew she couldn't have taken the Captain's berating well. 'This was... we should have had something more concrete before bringing it to him.'

'You guys worked so hard,' said Kyle soothingly. He placed his hand on Lily's arm. 'Felix is right. We find Sinton, we find a way to stop the bomb.'

Rather than calming her down, this seemed to incense Lily, who shrugged him away. 'God, she said, 'do you always have to be so condescending?!'

Her eyed were red and puffy and Kyle, startled, was unsure how to respond. Lily blinked several times before becoming acutely aware of everyone else in the room currently staring at her.

'I... I'm sorry,' she said.

'Lily...'

'No, I can't do this...' Lily raced from the room, leaving the others in even lower spirits.

Kyle took a deep breath before turning back. 'Felix, you know where we can find Doctor Sinton?'

Felix nodded. 'Shouldn't be too hard to locate him.'

'Good, do that. So it's not a great lead, but it's our only lead, and we need to follow it up.' Suddenly he felt very tired. 'We'll have to split up. I'll try to track down Sinton, you guys stay here, see if you can find out anything else about the Nanite Plague.'

Beth got to her feet. 'I'm coming with you,' she said and Kyle felt relieved. At least there's one person that isn't pissed at me, he thought.

'Given the current circumstances,' said Professor Velen, 'I think this will be for the best.'

'Good,' muttered Kyle. 'Good...' Then he too left the room and went to search for his sister.

He found her sitting outside. A swing had been put up, hanging up against a tall oak. 'Lily's hands were intertwined with the ropes, her hair fluttering gently. The breeze was cool, and they were far enough from the house that Kyle could hear nothing of the bustle there. Here at least, there was peace.

'I didn't mean to sound condescending,' said Kyle He paced till he could see her face, but she kept her eyes on the floor.' 'I was just trying to be encouraging.'

'I wish you wouldn't,' replied Lily. 'I don't know. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have shouted at you like that.'

'I didn't know you could.' Kyle sat down on a grassy knoll. There was a fence just in front, a pony grazing absently there, paying neither of them any mind. 'I can't remember the last time you were so mad at me. Oh wait, I think it was the time I took apart your Lego mansion to build my spaceship.'

Kyle was pleased to see this elicit a smile. 'I was pretty mad,' admitted Lily. 'I'm not now, not really, at least I don't think I am. I just feel like this is all too much, like everyone was counting on me yesterday and I just fell flat on my face.'

'You can't believe that,' protested Kyle. Lily pushed her feet back, swinging gently. 'Without you, we would never have been able to get our hands on Kreed's information in the first place.'

'And I never would have gotten out of Kreed's facility if it hadn't been for you guys.' Still Lily seemed to brighten, if only a little. 'I wish we could just go back to it being me and you. They're all looking to me like I have all the answers, but I'm just as lost as they are.'

'You're wrong, Sis.' The breeze picked up as Lily turned to face him. 'You're right. You wouldn't have escaped without us. And if it hadn't been for Beth and Felix, I would never have made it to Cuba either.'

'We're all just here, doing our best, you know?' He met her eye and offered his hand. Reluctantly, she took it and Kyle put his arm around his sister, staring out at the field. 'We work together and we do our best - and somewhere along the line, we stop a crazed super villain

'But that's what scares me,' said Lily, resigned. She put her head against his shoulder. 'What if I can't find a way to stop Kreed's weapon? 'It'll be my fault. All those people...'

'We work together,' Kyle repeated, squeezing her shoulder. 'I promise you, we'll stop him. 'I mean, come on. We have the world's most renowned scientist on our side and, between Beth and Felix - and whatever Illuminati conspiracy is backing them - we've got some pretty good odds, too. Right?'

Lily seemed to gather herself. 'Right...'

'Come on, say it like you mean it...'

'Right!'

'There's the Lilyandra I know!'   
Lily rolled her eyes and Kyle let go of her. He'd sounded far more confident than he felt, but then it had always been like that.

Lily began walking up to the house, but Kyle told her to go on, that he would catch up. The pony had returned, resting its head over the fence, staring curiously at him.

Another life saved, he thought dully. He put his hand on the pony's head, scratching it affectionately. What happens when I can't go on? Who's going to give me the pep talk? Where's the White Wizard when you need him...

He signed and was resolute he would never let it happen, never let his spirit falter. He walked back to the house and decided to breeze past the insignificant detail of how exactly he was going to do this. He could figure it out later - right now, they had work to do.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The L5 conference was now less than two days away. Keeping to their plans, Felix and Lily stayed back to continue decoding Kreed's data. Kyle and Beth slipped away, heading for the Skyrunner wary that any of the police force might stop them. They needn't have worried and were allowed to leave unimpeded. As they left Velen's residence, Kyle privately wondered whether Captain West had any use left for them. He decided not - it was Kreed's data, and the team set to currently decoding it, that were of importance, not two errant teenagers

It hadn't taken Felix long to locate Doctor Sinton. He was a lecturer at Plymouth University, a port-side city at the south-west of England. It wasn't far from Kyle's home in Devon, and he had actually visited the city once or twice before, though he had been much younger and now had little recollection of it.

Landing in a small clearing, the two decided it was best to take the train further into the city Plymouth was a built up area and it would be far easier to navigate on foot. The university dominated the city anyway, Felix assured them. It would not be difficult to find.

'Now, you don't want to spook Sinton,' reminded Felix, 'so you've got to be really careful how you approach this.'

Kyle pressed his head against the glass windows. It felt like home and Kyle could almost pretend he was just on his way back to Devon.

'Oh, really?' said Beth in a sardonic tone. I was just going to ask about his space-alloy and whether he'd made any weapons of mass destruction lately.'

There was a buzz of static. Kyle grinned. 'Okay, sarcasm - super not helpful.' Felix made a noise between snort and a sigh. 'Anyway, I've been looking at the information available and I think I might have snagged as to why there was no follow-up to Niridium's discovery'

'What? Other than the biblical amount of cash needed to make it?' said Beth. The train was beginning to slow and Kyle could see the station just ahead, the signs on the platform welcoming them to Plymouth.

Okay, thought Kyle, I'll bite. 'Go on.'

'I've actually read the paper now,' said Felix, unsure, 'and it goes into some detail over Niridium's properties.

That it would resist electromagnetic fields and high energy spectrum, both material and immaterial

People were getting off now, and Kyle grabbed both his coat and Beth's leather jacket, slinging his own on. The air outside was brisk, a light English splattering to welcome them to the port side city.

'Immaterial energy spectrum?'

'In layman's terms?' Felix paused. 'Magic.'

Kyle laughed. He couldn't help it. 'This week just keeps getting better.'

'How about we put a little Felix shaped pin in the whole magic thing for now?' Beth drew her jacket up, shielding from the cold. 'A girl can only take so much madness in one day.'

'I will roger that...'

Plymouth was a beautiful city and was far more to Kyle's liking than the urban jungle of London. Every time he went to the nation's capital, he felt corralled. Here he could breathe and move freely, taking in the sea air. The smattering of rain hardly bothered him either, though Beth seemed faintly peeved.

'Look.' Beth pointed up, singling out a sign that read clearly Plymouth University. 'That way.' They started walking, Kyle digging his hands into his pockets.

So, what do we say when we get there?' he asked. 'Two prodigies on early entrance to the most prestigious college in the country?'

'Well I could probably just about pass as a university student,' replied Beth. She looked him over as though sizing him up 'Let's say...girl on open day with her out of town Canadian cousin.'

Kyle rolled his eyes, but smiled nonetheless.

They headed for the university, though at this time of year it was mostly empty, the students having left for their own summer holidays.

Slightly surprised, they found themselves on the university grounds without so much as an identity check.

They asked for directions and were able to find Doctor Sinton's lecture hall with ease. They slipped into the darkened lecture theatre catching what seemed the tail-end of his class. He was a lot younger than Kyle had presumed he would be, no older than his mid-thirties.

They waited till the very end, as the jubilant - or perhaps weary - students milled away and went to speak to the man they hoped held the answer. 'Yes?' There was a look of surprise as Dr. Sinton caught sight of them. Well, my students are certainly looking young these days.' He continued packing his belongings away, tucking his tie back. 'Come to wish me well?'

'Wish you well?' said Kyle. He looked dubiously, exchanging a look with Beth, though her eyes seemed to alight.

'Yes!' she said, not missing a beat. 'Exactly. Just wanted to say, you know, great job. You deserve...' She floundered for a moment. 'It... All of it... Congratulations!'

Dr. Sinton smiled. 'Always nice to hear from the students.' He slung a satchel across his shoulder, having stowed his laptop. 'Now, if that's everything...'

'There was one thing,' said Beth. She smiled, appearing a little nervous. Seems a little silly, but my friend here and I were wondering about a paper you wrote a few years back.'

'A few years back?' Sinton leaned back, folding his arms, plainly intrigued. 'During my PhD years? Can't think of anything particularly noteworthy that I'd written...'

Well, you're kind of a rock star around here,' Kyle cut in. He, too, could be charming (or at least he thought he was). 'So, a couple of us were just looking around.' There was this one paper that was really kind of intriguing. Some next generation alloy called K47-MNL.' Kyle gave a misty, faraway look. 'We wanted to ask about that.'

It was unmistakable, Sinton's pleasant disposition vanishing in an instant. He looked at them both, wary and cold. 'You are mistaken, I never wrote anything of the sort. My field, as you would know having attended my class, is inorganic chemistry.'

'I'm sorry,' said Kyle, taken aback. 'I didn't mean to-'

'I'm late for a meeting.' Dr. Sinton was abrupt. 'I bid you both a good day.' Without a word, he headed for the door, leaving Kyle and Beth befuddled

'Should have flashed him those big eyes of yours,' Kyle muttered dully. 'Didn't seem to like what I was offering.'

'I could've flashed him everything, I doubt it would've made any difference,' replied Beth. Her brow furrowed. 'Felix, any idea?'

'Right now, no,' said Felix. 'He was definitely the one that wrote that paper, though. Was it just me or was he acting kind of shady?'

'Not much of a poker face,' Kyle agreed. 'He knows about the Niridium.' A dark thought crossed his mind. 'What if he's already sold the alloy to Kreed?'

'Maybe we could try searching his office?' suggested Beth. Kyle shrugged but having no ideas of his own, agreed.

It was easy enough to find and they were soon inside the chemistry department. Beth picked the lock to Sinton's office (Kyle offered to smash the door, but Beth felt this may have alerted others to their presence) and they headed inside.

A decade old computer and a small bonsai plant were all that decorated Sinton's desk. 'Check those,' whispered Beth, motioning to a large stand of filing cabinets. 'I'll see if I can find anything on the computer.'

They worked diligently, Kyle finding his task a little daunting. He wasn't quite sure what he was looking for, and the sheer number of documents filed away was like looking for a single blade of grass in Somerset.

'Find anything?' whispered Kyle. He turned on his phone, using the light to peruse the documents. Beth didn't answer and Kyle realized she was speaking to Felix and tapping rapidly on the keyboard, searching for a way in. Kyle sighed, returning to his work.

He felt through the filing cabinet, his hand knocking the cabinet's floor. It gave a strange ring that did not sound quite metallic. He turned back to Beth, but she was still too engrossed in her work to pay him any mind. Gingerly, Kyle slid his hand along the bottom, pressing his fingernails into the side compartment and felt a give. The floor of the cabinet gave way, peeling away like a cover.

He shone the light and saw it was the same paper Felix had discovered, detailing Niridium's properties. So why was it hidden 'After all, a digital copy of the paper had been easy enough to find. He glanced over the paper for several minutes, but quickly saw it was identical to the digital one. Closing the paper, Kyle sighed glancing at the authors. Then he saw it.

There was another name that had been designated as lead author, a Dr. Tile. 'Felix!' He spoke up, cutting through his talk with Beth. 'That paper you found, the one that Sinton wrote. Who was the co-author?'

'There was no co-author,' replied Felix. He sounded hard-pressed. Trust me. That would have been the first thing I'd have looked for. Kyle dismissed this, and took a photograph of the paper, sending it to Felix. 'Take a look at this,' he said. 'It's the exact same paper, but Sinton isn't the lead author. It's someone else, here, Dr Tile.'

'Okay, looking for a Dr Tile...' Kyle could hear further rapping against a keyboard. 'A researcher at Plymouth university, just like Sinton. Only he fell into obscurity a few years ago. Widely discredited and... man, this does not look pretty.'

'How come?'

'Seems that Sinton and Tile had a falling out. Sinton rose to prominence, and Tile kind of fell off the map.'

'He'll have no love for Sinton then,' said Kyle. 'Know where to find him?

'Is he a lecturer, too?'

'No, they fired him. Right now, he's at the Fox & Hen, a little pub not too far from where you are.

'How do you know that?' said Kyle, impressed. 'Interpol keeps files that detailed?'

'No, it's on Twitter. There's a whole account dedicated to spotting lecturers in the wild...' Felix laughed. It's a big world out there. Make a big enough splash and someone is bound to hear the waves.'

Beth gave a dismal look. 'Sometimes, Felix, you say things and I swear they don't make sense.

'Most of the time, Bethany, they really don't.  
It was still early in the day and, with a few distractions, they found the Fox & Hen. It was a traditional English pub nestled on the corner, with the sort of rustic and established feel that made Kyle think it had likely been there for centuries. They headed inside, Kyle's eyes adjusting to the dim lighting. The stairs lead them down as though they were heading into a basement. Inside, a barman was wiping own a glass, looking up as they entered. The place was mostly empty - a few patrons sat alone, drinking listlessly. It was like high no-one in an Old West saloon - that is, if you were to trade the gunslingers for slightly overweight middle-aged divorcees.

A sports game was playing on a television above the bar, the sound muted. There was a buzz of radio in the background, though it was too low for Kyle to hear.

'How can I help?' said the barman, laying his hands on the table Kyle read this between the lines as 'don't even try to order anything more alcoholic than a tonic water.'

'We're looking for someone,' said Kyle. 'Heard he might be here. Leonard Tile?'

'Around the back,' replied the barman. 'Any drinks?'

'I'll have a coke,' said Kyle. He glanced at Beth. 'She'll have a hot chocolate. She likes those. Oh, and marshmallows too, if you have any.'

'So it didn't go so well last time,' said Beth in a low voice. 'We don't want to spook Tile like we did Sinton right?'

'Well, what do you suggest we try this time?' Kyle asked. They took their drinks and headed further into the pub. The light seemed even dimmer here. 'Casually bring up the Niridium?'

'You sir. Yes, you. Ever hear about Niridium?'

Kyle narrowed his eyes. 'Okay, guess we're doing this.' He turned to the source of the voice and in a half-gloom saw a dishevelled figure slunk low in a booth.

'Dr. Tile?' The dishevelled figure stirred, sitting up - or at least a close approximation of this. Kyle didn't need to get any closer to know that this man was blind drunk.

'In a past life, my sweet creature,' said Tile elegantly enough, though his words were out of cadence, inebriated as he was. Tile had a strong Scottish accent, perhaps brought out by the many, many drinks he seemed to have had. 'A man of high society and...' he hiccupped '... that sort of thing...'

'You said something about Niridium,' Beth pressed. They sat down at the booth. For some reason Kyle felt uneasy. He looked up, but there was no-one but the barman and his three abject looking patrons.

'A knowledgeable honey then...' Tile muttered lecherously, though Beth didn't seem bothered. Tile was sallow faced and unshaven, his red hair slightly matted. 'You know of my great achievement then.'

'Is that why you're here?' asked Kyle. 'Celebrating?'

'Bosh!' Tile made a motion as though to swat him away.

'Try not to antagonize our only lead, Walker,' Felix reminded him.

'Last day of the semester at my former college, you see,' Tile told him, bringing the beer to his lips and taking a hearty swig. 'Chased out by those usurpers... that snake Sinton...'

What was that? The feeling of unease would not leave him. Kyle noticed a mirror on the wall and surreptitiously looked up. He saw the barman with the phone to his lips, glancing in their direction, before turning away...

'The Niridium,' said Beth again, more insistently. 'We know you were the one who found it. We need to know - Have you spoken to anyone? Has anyone asked you to make it?'

Despite his inebriation, the urgency of Beth's words seemed to get a grip on Tile He studied her features, as though seeing her for the first time. 'What did you say your name was, young woman?'

Kyle kept his eyes on the mirror, so he knew precisely when the man would attack him.

Kyle moved, lightning fast, striking the man hard in the gut, then landed a strike on his face. Another man appeared from behind him, grabbing his arms. The first man shook his head and struck Kyle hard across the face.' The metallic taste of blood filled his mouth before the man let him go. Kyle went after the first man as he reached into his jacket pocket. He kicked the man's hand and grabbed his coat, slamming him into the bar table.

He turned to see Beth incapacitate the other man.

Tile blinked several times. 'That... that was all rather dramatic.' He peered at Kyle. 'That sort of thing... happens to you quite a bit, I take it?

'They're on to us,' muttered Kyle. 'We need to get out of here.' The barman had disappeared, now all too clear that he had been the one who had tipped off Kreed's men.

'Felix?' Beth spoke into her communicator as Kyle grabbed Tile, lifting him up to his feet.

Okay, okay, let me think,' Felix muttered. 'Train station's too far away, you'll never make it there. 'You need to get somewhere... Okay, the docks aren't too far.'

'I... I haven't quite finished my drink,' protested Tile lightly.

'Happy hours over, Doc,' replied Kyle, 'but I promise there are more drinks where we're going... '

'You are a kind-hearted child...'

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Kyle grabbed the doctor as Beth searched for a way out. The commotion had stirred the patrons, alarmed at the sight of the two unconscious men There were more footsteps coming from the stairs and there was no way they were getting out that way. Beth tried a door, and motioned for him to follow. They were back outside, on the streets of Plymouth.

'Are you sure this is the right way, young sir?' slurred Tile, still slumped over Kyle's shoulder.

'Sure,' Kyle replied distractedly. 'Almost there...'

They heard the roar of an engine, a black car pulling out in front of them, and saw three men jumping out.

None of them appeared armed, but Kyle knew better. 'Run!' he shouted, throwing off all pretense, and slinging Tile like a sack across his shoulders. Beth pulled out a sidearm, alarming Kyle, who hadn't even realized she'd been carrying a weapon. She fired two shots, and Kyle sprained ahead, not waiting to see whether she'd hit her mark  
The three men did not return fire, however, and Kyle suspected they did not want to draw attention to themselves, not yet at least.

There was no telling how many of them there were. There was something franticly buzzing - he realized Felix had been talking the entire time.

'Say again?' Kyle kept his eyes up noticing - half amused, half annoyed - that Tile had passed out.

'On your left!' shouted Felix. They had raced from the residential district, stumbling into a street market. Kyle glanced back as Beth tried the handle on the door beside them. It was locked or jammed, but Beth, undeterred, took the butt of her weapon and brought it down like a hammer taking the handle clean off

They entered the corridor of a derelict building and Kyle did his best to ignore the stench of rotting fish. Beth raced on ahead and Kyle fought to keep pace as a man appeared, knocking her to the ground. She quickly recovered, interlocking her legs with his, and forcing him down to the ground, striking him hard on the face. Kyle felt himself dragged backwards, at first thinking it was Tile, that he had stirred, but as he slammed to the ground, he saw that the three men pursuing them had caught up. One of them produced a handgun, firing furiously at Beth, who dove for the next room.

Kyle let go of Tile, slamming one of the men into the wall. He aimed a strike at another, who deftly dodged past and landed lighting blows to his side. There was a grunt as one of the men seemed to pirouette in the air - this time Beth had hit her mark Staying low, one of the men chased after her.

Kyle aimed another strike, but the man moved too fast, evading him, parrying and striking back. Kyle staggered back, grasping for a weapon, anything to tip the scale in his favour, his hand finding a vase that had fallen to the ground. Grabbing it, Kyle flung it at his assailant who brought his arms up defensively, the vase smashing to pieces. Seizing his opportunity, Kyle went for the man's leg in an unwieldy tackle. Kyle grabbed his head and smashed it onto the concrete, knocking him out cold Sweat trickled down his forehead, but when he went to wipe it away, it was warm, sticky... red. Another gunshot sounded. Beth.

She was fighting one of the men, both of them wresting for a gun. Beth brought her knee up into the assailants' underside, winding him before grabbing the gun and firing off in quick succession 'Breathing hard, she looked up at Kyle, but something stirred in the periphery of her vision. The man Kyle had fought had reappeared on the other side, a weapon in his hand. He had to reach the man, but he was too far...

It all seemed to happen achingly slow, but in truth, it was over in seconds. Beth was frozen, too far to reach cover, the man bringing the weapon to aim. Kyle's mind went blank and all he knew was a dread fear. He raised the gun, the shots deafening, the recoil causing his arm to writhe as though it were in seizure. Each shot rang true, and the man flew back, toppling against the hail of gunfire.

The weapon seemed to smoke in his hands and Kyle felt nauseous. He dropped the gun as Beth got to her feet. He was only vaguely aware of Felix speaking, then Beth, but all Kyle could think of was the man mere feet from him who had been alive and now was not.

He realized then that he was still pulling the trigger, though the chamber was empty. His hands were shaking as he let the gun fall to the ground.

'Everyone okay?' came Felix's voice.

We're... we're okay,' replied Beth She was still looking at him.

Okay, good,' said Felix. 'Keep moving. More of them will be on their way.'

A fugue seemed to have descended in his mind, and Kyle forced himself to look away from the man and, instead, bent low to grab Dr. Tile. He felt something warm take his hand, and looked down to see Beth's hand.

'You saved my life.' Kyle simply nodded, already feeling his voice crack. The adrenaline had faded and Kyle felt an impossible fatigue.

They weren't far from the docks now. The plan was to lie low and find out what they could from Tile. It wasn't safe to travel through Plymouth. There was no telling how many others were waiting to ambush them. Kyle wondered how Kreed had found them, but soon dismissed his own naiveté. 'If anything, Kyle emboldened that they were on the right track. Kyle couldn't believe that Kreed would have attacked them so openly, risked his men if they weren't.

The docks of Plymouth were full of ships and, with some direction from Felix, they are able to find their way through to a derelict one.

Beth turned the hatch, letting them both in. They found an empty cabin, the light above flickering and weak. This is hard for me to envision. He's laying him down on a cot, but lying down on another one at the exact same time? 'It was hard, the mattress devoid of blankets or pillows, but to Kyle Walker, right then it felt divine.

Kyle was out. Beth privately thought this was for the best. There really is Infinity Formula running in his veins, she thought, gazing at him. That guy is one of a kind. Beth thought of how wondrous it would have felt to lay herself down as well, but as she glanced at the rousing Doctor Tile, she knew there were things left to do.

Beth gave Tile a gentle nudge and was annoyed to see that he was snoozing. She prodded him again before giving a kick in frustration.

'What is the...' Tile rubbed his eyes, casting a dismal look at the surroundings. Oh, yes. Well done Leonard.

'Look, Doc.'' Beth lowered herself till she was level with Tile. 'I've had kind of a crappy day.' I've been chased through the city, I didn't even get to finish my hot chocolate - extra marshmallows - and my hair is doing this thing it does sometimes.' She pinched the bridge of her nose. What am I saying?

'Ask him about the Niridium,' whispered Felix. Beth nodded, Doctor Tile staring blankly at her.

'I would have to assume you are some illegitimate heir of mine?' supposed Tile. 'Apologies for my absentee status. The noughties... well, who can remember the noughties?'

'There's a man building a super weapon,' Beth cut through. 'That is to say, he built it.' His name is Nathan Kreed and his weapon is called the Nanite Plague. As you can imagine with "Plague" in its name, it's about as end of the world as you can imagine. Now the only way for this weapon to work is to build it using Niridium.' Tile seemed to be losing interest, but visibly perked at the mention of his creation. 'You are the only man in the world who knows how to build it, so we need to know - how did Kreed get his hands on it?'

'I should have guessed this might happen,' muttered Tile mutinously. 'Yes, I am the man who discovered Niridium, or at least was able to rediscover it.' Beth stared at him blankly, but Tile seemed to be talking to himself more than to her. 'Oh, I won't bore you with the details. I know what sort of attention span your generation possesses. Suffice it to say, there are great powers in our world, greater than your mind may comprehend, and Niridium was the only means by which we might fight them.'

'Yes,' admitted Tile. He seemed to be sobering, thought Beth, if only a little. 'I put forth my paper with Sinton, but from the beginning we had wildly different ideas as to what we might do with our creation. I wanted to make it available to all, Sinton disagreed. He ousted me, and for the past several years we have fought a series of legal battles that have left him respected and powerful, myself ridiculed and destitute.'

'So he wants to sell the Niridum?' probed Beth. 'That's what this is about? Money?'

'In a word, yes,' said a clearly embittered Tile. 'And he succeeded. Sold it to... well, I never learned who. And with the wealth he acquired, substantial as it was, he simply bought the prestige his feeble mind could never have obtained on his own merits.'

'He must've sold it to Kreed,' said Felix. 'We need to find Sinton. He'll know how to find Kreed.'

'And now he has turned my creation into an abomination.' Tile seemed to steel. 'I curse him!'

'Do you have any idea where he'll be?' asked Beth. 'We need to find him. He may be the only way we find Kreed and stop the Nanite Plague.'

'Oh, well that's easy enough.' Tile put his hand into his jacket pocket, taking out a small card. Beth glanced at it and saw that it was an invitation of some kind. 'Another sham honour to that villain. And he invites me to shame me publicly, as though he were Augustus and I Lepidus!' Tile snorted in derision. 'Well, I shall grant him no further victory, that snake!'

Beth took the invitation, and saw that it was for an awards ceremony to be held that very evening. It was clear now that Kreed knew they were in Plymouth, but what was less clear was how involved Sinton was. The best course of action, she realized, would be to confront Sinton now, before the ceremony, but this was plainly impossible. Kreed's men were still out there.

She sighed, reading the invitation. It was a big hotel in the city. There were sure to be plenty of people around. It was also the only place they could be sure to find Doctor Sinton. She thought for a while, glancing at Kyle, then to Tile, looking up with what seemed moderate interest. I've got it.

'Sinton ruined your life,' she said to Tile. 'Time to ruin his.'

Tile looked to her shrewdly, taking out a boiled candy and popping it in his mouth. 'Go on.'

'Well, the chance to expose him?' offered Beth. 'Have him branded a terrorist, a criminal?

'Sent to jail for, well, possibly forever?''

A devilish smile appeared on Dr. Tile's lips. Beth got to her feet, helping him up as well. 'What precisely, madam, do you have in mind?'

By the time Kyle came around, they had the information they needed and, what's more, a valuably new ally. He didn't ask how long he had been asleep, though it had been a restless one. Kyle couldn't remember the last time he had experienced nightmares, but knew he had then. He felt nauseous, and the sleep seemed to have sapped his strength rather than rested him. Put it out of your mind, Walker, he told himself. He got to his feet, massaging his neck from where he had slept awkwardly on it. Save the world, then worry about your own stuff...

And so she told him - that Dr. Sinton had been the one to sell the Niridium to Kreed. Small wonder Sinton had been reluctant to speak to them.

Beth had contacted Felix, but neither Velen, nor Lily, had made any further progress with Kreed's data back at their base. They were out of time and options - confronting Sinton was their only shot, no matter how slim it was.

Captain West had ordered them an escort and, as Kyle left the old derelict ship to a muggy evening, he wondered how many of Kreed's men were out there. Up close, Kyle could see the windows were tinted and, he was told, bulletproof. They headed back to Tile's home, escorted by an unmarked police car They'd thrown Kreed's men off the trail, but with the ambush earlier that day, it was likely they would attempt another attack.

'So Sinton is being honoured tonight?' said Kyle.

Beth sat up front and turned back in her seat. 'Right. He'll be here tonight. The event is behind hosted up at some big hotel. He sold the Niridium to Kreed and, if anyone knows where the Nanite Plague is, or how to stop it, it'll be him.

'I have decided now to join your merry band.' Tile turned to him cheerfully, rapping him on the shoulder. 'I have been invited to this sham procession. Your colleague,' he indicated Beth, 'has given me one of your fascinating communicators.'

'We're all on the same channel,' came Felix's voice. 'We'll work together on this one.'

Kyle had hoped to hear Lily's voice as well, but knew that she, along with Professor Velen, were still hard at work decoding Kreed's data.

'Very good,' said Tile. 'I shall enter the event, lure the charlatan, and allow you fine individuals to draw a confession from him.' Kyle was taken aback by the malice in Tile's voice.

'We draw a confession from him,' said Beth. 'Yes. But we also find out how to stop Kreed.'

'Okay great,' said Kyle. 'So how do we fit into all of this What, we pose was Tile's children? 'Beth grinned. 'Not exactly.' She turned her head to one side as though sizing him up. 'Tell me, how good are you at waiting?'

'Theoretically? Greatest waiter in the world,' replied Kyle. 'Reality? Terrible. Like, literally the worst.'

'Great.' Beth sat back in her chair. 'Then everything will run smoothly.'

CHAPTER NINETEEN

The police escort took them back to Tile's residence, where more plain clothes police officers had been stationed. They were let inside and Tile went up to get ready. One of the officers approached Kyle and handed him a duffel bag.

'Your disguise,' the officer explained. 'Under Captain West's orders, you two are to infiltrate the ceremony tonight. Don't worry - police officers will be stationed there as well.' Kyle took the duffel bag, opening it to find a waiter's uniform. 'You'll have back up this time.'

Kyle nodded, and Beth was handed a similar bag. 'Time to get ready,' said Beth. 'See you on the other side.'

He made his way to a musty downstairs washroom, slipping out of his shirt. A dirty mirror lay opposite and Kyle wiped away the grime, seeing his reflection. He ran the tap, the water scalding hot and began scrubbing the dried blood from his face. He felt better for a moment before looking up and into his own grey eyes.

'Kyle?'

'Sis? I thought you'd be with Velen, unlocking the secrets of the universe.'

Lily laughed. 'I was. I heard about what happened today. That you saved Beth's life, but she sounded worried.'

'When they took you that day in London, I went after them. We were on the bridge and the guy pulled a gun or a...' He closed his eyes. 'I killed him. I know I did it because they took you, Lily.'

'Kyle...'

'That guy today, he was going to kill Beth, but...'His mouth was dry. 'I don't know. I just feel like... something inside of me just broke when I pulled that trigger.'

'You didn't have a choice,' said Lily, though her voice was unsteady. 'You save people, Kyle. Me, Beth, you're a good person, I know it, we all do.'

Kyle cradled his head, his eyes pressed shut. 'I just don't know how to feel, sis. Lily, I need you so much right now...'

'I'm here for you.' Her words were so soft; Kyle could see her face, her red hair. 'I can't imagine what it must've felt like, to have to make that choice. But Kreed and his men won't stop till the Nanite Plague is detonated. They'll come after you - all of us with everything they have. And, if we don't stop them, a lot of good people are going to die.'

'When this is all over, and we're on a beach in Malta or something, we can talk all you want. But right now, you need to get up and go save the world. The world needs Kyle Walker.'

*

'Everyone here?'

'Beth, coming in.'

'Kyle here, good to go.'

'Leonard speaking, can you hear me? Am I talking loudly enough?'

Back at Velen's residence, Kyle could just imagine Lieutenant Price consternation. 'Just speak normally, we can hear you fine. Now remember - it's important you don't draw any attention to yourself.'

'Ah, yes.'. Very good, very good...'

Kyle wove in and out of the crowd serving drinks and foods There was no way he was passing for eighteen, but in his waiter's outfit, a silver tray in his hand, the people paid him no mind. This suited Kyle just fine.

'Remember, Sinton knows what we look like,' said Beth over the communicator. 'Keep a safe distance, wait for Tile to intercept.'

'Got it,' said Kyle. He strained a smile, pouring champagne for a woman who had clearly had several already. She thanked him with a lingering touch of his face before waltzing back off into the crowd.

'I will break him,' Tile muttered feverishly. 'Yes, yes...'

The night went on and it wasn't long before Dr Sinton appeared. He was dressed in finery tonight, greeting the crowds. He'd seemed mousy and hunched over when Kyle had met him earlier that day, but now seemed almost to gleam. 'This is Sinton's night, I guess,' muttered Kyle.

'His last night?!' spluttered Tile. 'Charlatan!'

'Tile, please,' muttered a beleaguered Lieutenant Price. 'Remember that they can hear everything you're saying. This is an undercover operation.'

'A thousand apologies ma'am...'

Kyle scanned his surroundings looking for any sign of Kreed or his men. There were several suited men dotted around the place, beefy and substantial. They were the muscle and though it would not have been particularly unusual to have security, something told Kyle that these men were something more.

An hour passed and, despite having spotted Sinton earlier that night, he was now nowhere to be seen.

Kyle continued on, staying out of the spotlight, weaving through the crowd. They were bringing out food now, tiny appetizers of thing Kyle had never heard of nor was able to, with any great confidence, pronounce.

Tile, too, was growing restless and what had begun as tiny sips of his drinks had descended into a blatant abuse of the open bar Price had warned him off this several times already, but Tile was clearly past caring.

'Is he coming back?' muttered Kyle.

'Maybe he's on to us?' wondered Felix aloud. 'You know, bolted till he knows it's all clear.'

Kyle spotted one of the beefy, suited men, and slipped into a crowd proffering appetizers till he passed It was definitely a possibility. Kyle still held a dark feeling that Kreed was several steps ahead of them. Had Kreed warned Sinton? After all, Kreed knew they were in Plymouth. It wasn't a particular stretch to think...'

'Look, something's happening,' said Beth.

'Ladies and gentleman, if you could please return to your seats,' said the woman on the stage.' 'We will now begin tonight's proceedings.'

Kyle and Beth joined the others as they got ready to prepare and serve the food. Beth nudged him from behind, gesturing into the crowd, and when Kyle turned to look, he was relieved to see Sinton sitting at one of the tables. Beth nudged him from behind, gesturing into the crowd, and when Kyle turned to look, he was relieved to see Sinton sitting at one of the tables He appeared eager, fresh even.

'No,' said Beth, her voice lowered to a growl. 'He has no idea the thunder we're about to bring.'

As they all knew would happen, Sinton was awarded his honour. He got to his feet, feigning (badly) shock, before pulling out a lengthy filibuster of a speech. Tile sat watching, cursing under his breath - all of this was, of course, caught on the communicator and Kyle grinned. 'It was some colourful stuff and only mildly racist.

'Now's your chance,' urged Beth. Sinton was coming down the stage. 'Tile, get him!'

'Right!' said Tile. He drained the last of his wine and went to confront his former partner. Kyle watched out of the corner of his eye.' 'My good doctor, I believe congratulations are in order.' Sinton's eyes were wide with surprise, before clasping Tile's hand.'

Leonard, I had hoped, of course, that you would come, but I thought...'

'That I might be drowning my sorrows in some seedy tavern?' finished Tile. Kyle was amused to see a look of supreme triumph on the doctor's face. 'Did you truly believe I would miss my most distinguished colleague becoming even more... distinguished?'

Sinton looked shrewdly at his old friend. 'As you say, Leonard. Well I do hope you enjoy the food and drink. Perhaps we can catch up-'

'Well, I was hoping we might have a word now,' interjected Tile. 'Surely you are not so busy as to refuse one of your oldest friends?'

Sinton was being called back by the people at the table where he was sat. He seemed to weigh his options up before clasping Tile on the shoulder. 'Of course not,' he said. 'Let's talk.'

'There is nothing I should like better.' Perhaps Sinton could not see it, but there was pure malice upon Tile's face. Kyle would have found it chilling if Tile's fury wasn't currently on their side.

'Good,' Kyle heard Lieutenant Price say over the communicator. 'Keep him talking. I'll have my people in position. Kyle, Beth, follow them.'

'We're heading for the penthouse suite!' whispered a frantic Tile. 'What? Oh nothing, I was sneezing! Atchoo!! Allergies, the blasted things...'

Kyle gave them some time to get ahead before putting down his silver tray and following them out. Kyle saw the suited, beefy men glancing at one another. One of them even gave him a small, curt nod and Kyle realized, for the first time, that they were not Kreed's men, but were in fact police officers. Surprised by this, but emboldened, Kyle caught Beth in the corridor outside of the main hall.

'They're heading for the penthouse,' said Kyle. Beth nodded, and the two made their way towards the elevator. They could hear Tile keeping Sinton busy in the background and, from the sounds of it, had just reached the penthouse floor.

Kyle leaned back against the cool wall of the elevator, taking off his tie and vest. He loosened his shirt as Beth retrieved a small pistol from her back.

'How do you want to do this?' asked Kyle. 'Good cop, bad cop? Double trouble?'

'He talks or I pound his face to a pulp,' replied Beth. 'Or I talk and then I pound his face to a pulp.'

'Twenty seconds,' came Felix's voice.

'My people are in position,' said lieutenant Price. 'All the entrances are covered; no-one is getting in or out.'

The elevator felt as though it were accelerating. Kyle felt his stomach swoop.

'Ten seconds.'

'Are you ready for this?' said Kyle.

'Sure.'

'Five.'

The elevator doors opened and the two of them entered the penthouse. In the background Kyle could hear music playing, a slow and gentle opera. The penthouse overlooked the city with crackling embers dancing in the fireplace. Other than the music, there was no sound at all.

Tile, come in. Are you there?' came the Lieutenant's urgent tones. 'Tile?'

Kyle felt a chill. There's no-one here, he thought. Beside him, Beth gripped her weapon, the two of them edging forwards, careful to check corners.

'Price?' said Beth urgently. 'Where are the police officers?'

'I'm trying to get into the camera feed,' muttered Felix. 'I... there's some kind of interference.'

'I... I don't know,' said Price. 'None of my men are responding.'   
Beth was still edging forward, but Kyle grabbed her shoulder. She turned back, irritated, but he slowly shook his head. 'We need to turn back,' he said. Something was very wrong.

'Wait, what is that?' said Felix. 'Oh no...'

'What is it?' said Beth. 'Are there soldiers coming? Felix?!'

'They're here!' Felix's voice was frantic. 'Kreed's men!'

'Price?' The opera music continued to play in the background, as Kyle's eyes seemed to lose focus. 'Lieutenant?'

'Find that goddamn bomb!' shouted lieutenant Price. 'That's the only thing that matters!'

'Felix!!' shouted Beth, throwing off all pretence of stealth. Kyle could see sweat percolate on her brow. 'Lieutenant? Felix? Anyone?' But there was no response, nothing but white noise. The communicator was no longer working. He took it out of his ear, stowing it in his pocket.

'What the hell is happening?' Kyle wondered aloud. Beth was still attempting to speak into her communicator. 'Beth,' he muttered. 'Come on! We need to find Tile and Sinton.'

'Oh you won't find them here. Very well done, though. Totally an A for effort.'

Kreed.

And there he was, not in a bunker in the Atlantic Ocean, not safe behind his walls at the Cuban complex. Nathan Kreed, ostensibly the most wanted man in the United States, was sat, pleasantly, on the couch in the Plymouth Hilton

'You seemed surprised to see me,' Kreed continued leisurely. 'Or are you? Young people, one expression for everything.'

'Where's Tile?' barked Beth. The gun was still in her hands and right now it was aimed straight at Kreed.

Kreed waved her away as though dismissing a toddler with a water pistol. 'You really won't be needing that,' he said, and rich ton cue, Kreed's men appeared, aiming their own weapons at the pair of them. One of them disarmed Beth. She offered no resistance - there were at least a dozen of them and, in the tight quarters of the penthouse suite, there would be no room to manoeuvre.

'I would like to offer my sincerest gratitude to you both,' continued Kreed. 'After all, if it hadn't been for my, my plans never would have come to fruition.'

'Glad we could help,' replied Kyle. 'I'd have preferred a fruit basket to all of this.' He gestured to the armed men. Kreed smiled a devilish smile.

'If you're going to kill us, then do it,' spat Beth. 'Don't waste your words.'

'Well, now let's not be too hasty,' Kyle interjected. 'I mean; I personally would rather you did waste a few words.'

'Oh, I'm not going to kill you,' said Kreed with what seemed genuine surprise. 'You two are far too valuable for that. Kyle Walker, the only boy to survive the Gemini Project, and Beth Lakemere, the Benefactor's prized student, if a prodigal one.

Beth's eyes betrayed her, flickering with surprise. 'Oh, you're wondering how I know about the Benefactor?' guessed Kreed. He was on his feet now, pouring himself a measure of brandy. 'Well, I suppose it is the nature of pawns to fight blindly for their kings.' He brought the brandy to his lips, sipping it gently. 'And, please, don't take that offensively. It is a simple fact.' He seemed to consider, for a moment, before shrugging. 'Regardless, I want you to know that, where you two are concerned, it was never personal.'

'It kind of feels personal,' said Kyle.

'Well, maybe with you, yes, a little, but not the others. If I had more time to explain that...'He made a vague gesture. 'Who has the time, right?'

'Where's the Nanite Plague?' Beth remained coldly defiant in the face of what seemed oblivion for them both. 'We know you're going to attack the L5 conference tomorrow.'

At this, Kreed laughed. Not the crazy, mirthless laugh of a psychopath, but one that was real and tender. 'Is that what you think? That I would waste my greatest weapon on a bunch of lobbyists?' He shook his head. 'No, no, no. I have far greater plans than that, and top of that list is the death of your beloved benefactor.'

'What has he got to do with any of this?'

Kreed's eyes seemed to gleam. 'In a word? Everything.'

Kyle Walker felt the pneumatic hiss of the tranquilizer fired directly into the small of his back, the pinprick pain lasting milliseconds. The cloud descended on his mind, the anaesthetic overpowering, and sending Kyle crashing to his knees.'

He was only vaguely aware of Beth lying next to him and Kreed standing there, utterly triumphant.

CHAPTER TWENTY

They'd had been traveling for hours, or at least that's how it felt to him. They'd come so suddenly and told him to take his things that he hadn't had a chance to pack properly. He'd left too much behind. The people had taken him, had told him he would be back soon, that he shouldn't worry. He knew they were lying. He would never see that place again.

The van was low lit with a separator shielding the men driving. He didn't recognize them anyway. Kyle was frightened, more than he would let them know. A small fold out bed had been set up for him, and Kyle had crawled in a few times, if only for the warmth.

The van came to a stop, the door sliding open. It was a grey autumn morning, the air muggy. Kyle pulled his coat tightly around himself as one of the men helped him down. Kyle remembered the warmth of the facility and felt horribly exposed here. He wanted to go back.

'It's okay,' said one of the men. 'You'll be safe here.'

'I want to go back,' insisted Kyle. 'I don't belong here.'

'You'll stay here for a little while,' said the other man, 'and we'll come for you.'

One of the men pointed to his new home. It was red bricked and terraced, identical to all the other houses along the street. The door was opening now, a woman appearing.

'Promise?' said Kyle.

The man looked down at him, placing a hand on his shoulder. 'Promise.'

*

The present rushed to meet Kyle Walker, and with it a throbbing pain across his entire body. For a moment, he was disoriented.

Great, he thought. Another cell.   
The memory of his encounter with Kreed and his goons came fresh to his mind.'

He had dreamed lucidly, the tranquilizer kicking like a mule. He'd even dreamed vaguely of his childhood, of a van and being brought to a house. Put that in a box, he thought. 'Save it for all the therapy I am definitely going to need after this...

There were no windows here, so it was impossible to know what time it was. They had taken his phone. Kyle got to his feet, taking in his surroundings - four slate grey walls and a single steel door.' This is hopeless, he thought. How did Kreed find us?

But Kyle knew that wasn't really the question. No, the real question was how the most wanted man in the world had entered the country undetected. 'If he's managed that, thought Kyle, then the plague weapon is with him.' How much time... Kyle tried to think.

'Have to get out of here right now.'

But there was the small matter of exactly how he was supposed to do that. Back at Kreed's Cuban facility, he had ambushed the guards, but there was no way that would work twice.' No doubt they'd have been warned of this. Besides, there was no guarantee anyone would come. He was Kreed's little science project and the mad scientist would probably just let Kyle languish in this cell until it was all over.

'Double crap,' he muttered. Phone gone, communicator gone - he couldn't reach the others. Kyle's eyes widened. 'Lily...'

He remembered now, they hadn't just ambushed Kyle and Beth, they'd raided Velen's estate as well. Now he really had to get out of here, but what was he going to do? Just turn the handle, open the door, and pop out?

Kyle turned the handle and with a lurch the door swung open. Silence met him as he stood there shocked. 'Okay, that was unexpected,' said Kyle to no-one in particular. So they'd gone to all the trouble of capturing him and now they were just going to let him go? Then he noticed the guard on the floor. Someone had freed him. Beth?

Lights were flashing above him, a steady throb of red. An alarm had been triggered and this prison, this facility, or whatever it was, had been compromised. Kyle searched the guard for a weapon, retrieving his gun. Hoping he wouldn't have to use it, Kyle stowed it in the back of jeans and started running.

Find the others, he thought. Stop Kreed. He ran as fast he could, repeating this mantra. The corridor opened up and Kyle, still unsure of where he was, turned into the nearest room. Inside he saw rows of monitors with cameras set up around the facility. He could see Beth in one, and in another, the girl from Cuba.' What the hell is she doing here, he wondered. There must be a way to get them out...

He sat down at the computer console when the door slammed open.

'Get on the floor!' but before he could comply, the chair was kicked out from under him and he was slammed to the ground. Kyle struggled to free himself, kicking his attacker hard in the gut and rolling back onto his feet. He retrieved the gun and steadied it in front of him, his heart sinking as he saw his assailant.

Erron, Kreed's attack dog, was flanked by no fewer than eight men. 'Not all of them were armed, but it hardly mattered. Kyle could still remember his last fight against the deadly assassin and he had barely escaped with his life.

'Erron,' said Kyle jovially, keeping his weapon trained at the assassin. 'Nice to see you up and about. Have you done something different with your hair?'

Erron motioned to one of the other men, ignoring Kyle's comment. 'Restrain the prisoner,' he said. 'And put that thing down,' he said, nodding at the gun in Kyle's hands. 'You're embarrassing yourself.'

'I think I'm fine where I am,' replied Kyle. Erron seemed to sag at his comment before, in a lighting strike, he grabbed the gun and pushed Kyle back, disarming him in an instant.' Erron's men rushed in to restrain Kyle, each one grabbing his arms and forcing them painfully up behind his back. Erron regarded the pistol before throwing it aside.

He moved closely to Kyle, till he could see the lines of Erron's mask. Doesn't he get hot underneath there? Kyle wondered deliriously. If it was a him - with his voice modulation, Erron could have literally been anyone.'

The others closed in, forming a tight semi-circle behind Erron. 'How did you escape?' barked the assassin. 'Who sent out the distress signal?'

'Would you believe me if I said the door was unlocked?' Behind him the two men tightened their cobra grip. Kyle knew he could probably break free, but it would have done him no good, so he held still... for the moment.'

Erron gave a small laugh, unnerving with the voice modulation. 'How an untrained child like you managed to get this far, I'll never know,' he said, venomously. 'Kreed wouldn't want me hurting his prize hog, not with that precious Infinity Formula running through your veins, but,' Erron cocked his head to one side, 'I hear you're really fast. Time to test that theory.'

He drew back before launching a lightning strike. Kyle had just time to brace himself...

'Walker! Now!' In a blink, Erron had struck not Kyle, but one of the men holding him. 'Then he launched himself backwards, thrusting four of the men to the floor. Confused, Kyle freed himself of the assailant, breaking his grip and sucker punching him. The soldier fired his weapon blindly, and Kyle quickly kicked it away as the other man launched at him.'

Kyle dove sideways, only vaguely aware of the tornado storm that was Erron as he took on the six other men single-handedly. Kyle moved in close, just able to deflect the kick, grabbing the man's leg. Kyle thrust him straight up and over his head, throwing him into the console. A gunshot rang and Kyle looked back to see Erron standing with a weapon in his hand, the last of the men hitting the floor. He threw the gun down and turned back to Kyle.

'What the hell was that?!' yelled Kyle. Now it was just him and the assassin. Their eyes met, or at least he looked to where Erron's eyes would be. ''It was you, wasn't it? 'You freed me, opened the door to my cell.'

'Yes,' said Erron. He moved to the computer console and began tapping rapidly at the keyboard. 'They were getting suspicious, and I needed a distraction,' he explained. 'Good distraction, by the way.'

'Umm, thanks?' Kyle just about managed. 'Want to tell me what the hell is going on? Don't take this the wrong way or anything, but I kind of had you pegged as the bad guy.''

'Long story, I'll tell you one day,' muttered Erron. 'Right now, all you need to know is Kreed has the Nanite Plague, and he's heading straight for London. He'll be there within the hour, unless we stop him.' Erron stepped back from the console, pressing a final key. 'There, the others are free now.'

'He's heading for the summit,' said Kyle. 'He's going to launch his weapon at the L5.'

Erron shook his head. 'No, Kreed's target is Tower 45.'

'Tower 45?'

'Look, we don't have much time. Kreed has a Skyrunner. It's how he was able to enter the country undetected. His weapon is on board and right now we are the only ones with the means to stop him

''I sent out the distress signal,' Erron went on, 'so the cavalry will be here soon.'.'

Kyle stared at the unconscious men scattered around the room. 'I thought you were the cavalry.'

'Kreed has fail-safes in place. Even if we take down the Skyrunner, the Nanite Plague will still activate unless I shut down the activation signal that's broadcasting from deep within the complex. I know this place. I'm the only one that can reach it in time,' he glanced up, 'but I can't be in two places at once.' He motioned to Kyle. 'Tell the other's Kreed's plan. Stop him and his weapon.'

'Why don't you just tell them yourself?'

'Somehow,' replied Erron, 'I don't think they'd believe me.'

'You have a point,' Kyle conceded.

'Good luck.' Erron adjusted his mask and headed for the door. 'I know you have no reason to trust me, but...'

'No, no,' said Kyle hastily. 'I trust you, like one hundred percent.'

'Oh.' A strange awkwardness descended between the two of them. 'Well, I'll see you then.'

'Bye! You can do it!' With that Erron left and Kyle rapidly wished his parting words hadn't been the most uncool thing ever uttered by man. 'I'll definitely say something cool next time I see him,' Kyle reassured himself. Then he remembered what the hell was going on.

He pressed the button of what looked like the intercom. 'Guys, if you can hear this, I've taken the facility.' That at least sounded pretty damn cool. 'So... um... head towards the control centre. I'll see you there.

It didn't take long before Beth, Thea and one of the boys from Cuba appeared. Before he could respond, Thea had thrown her arms around him and was kissing him passionately.

'Thank God!' said Thea. Kyle's head was spinning from the kiss. 'I thought we were goners!'

'I'm going to pretend I didn't see that,' muttered Beth. 'Kyle?'

'Kreed's heading for London. He's in a Skyrunner and it's how he managed to get into England undetected.

'Kreed wanted us to rescue you,' said the other boy, sombre and serious. They placed a tracker on the Skyrunner and almost immediately after you'd left, they were on us.

Thea grimaced. 'Took my baby, that son of a bitch.'

'So he's heading for the conference?'

Kyle shook his head. 'He's headed for something called Tower 45... any idea what it is?' The others blank looks were answer enough. 'Right, well, the only way to catch up to him is in our own Skyrunner.'

Thea gave what sounded like an exasperated laugh. 'Don't want to rain on your parade, handsome, but how exactly are we supposed to do that?'

'Oh, don't worry,' said Kyle, far more confidently than he felt. 'The cavalry's coming.'

And, right on cue, there was a loud crash and, with it, a giant hole in the ceiling. The Skyrunner hovered above, extending a rope ladder, and the four of them clambered aboard. The craft moved erratically, jostling at the lightest breeze. Kyle felt queasy.

'Could someone please take over?!' came Felix's frantic voice. ''I don't...' The Skyrunner shuddered. 'Anyone?!'

Beth sprinted for the cockpit. Lily appeared and Kyle hugged her tightly.

'You're okay! Everyone here?' asked Kyle. 'Where's the professor? Price, West?'

Lily shook her head sadly. 'We barely made it out. The police held them off so we could escape. If it hadn't been for the Skyrunner, we'd never have made it.'

'But you did,' said Thea. 'And now we take down that son of a bitch. Paul, you know how to track the other Skyrunner, right?'

The other boy nodded. 'I doubt Kreed knows how the Skyrunner really works. 'They can track each other, so we'll find him easily enough.'

'That's if we can even catch him,' said Felix, appearing. He looked very out of breath, but smiled broadly when he caught sight of the others.'

'Wotcha!'

'Wotcha to you too, handsome,' said Thea silkily. 'Now where are we anyway?'

'Just outside of Slough,' said Felix. 'Near enough to London. We'll catch Kreed.'

'It's going to be close,' said Lily. She put her hands out on the circular table, ready for war. 'Now let's get that son a bitch.'

Cheers rang out from all of them and Kyle grinned, catching Lily. 'Strong language, little lady.'

Lily smirked. 'Just... kind of felt right.'

Kyle put his arm around his sister, giving her a squeeze. 'Well, like you said, let's catch that son of a bitch.'

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Perhaps it was all that was at stake or, more likely, the several dozen concussions he had accrued over the past weeks, but Kyle Walker had finally realized the power of the Skyrunner. The craft shook with G-force, Thea gunning across London airspace in a mad rush to intercept the doomsday weapon.

Beside her sat Felix, his eyes fixed, frantically working across the Skyrunner console. The console stood out and was clearly not part of the original design. Whether it was a newer instalment, or simply deemed too important to languish in despair, it was certainly proving its worth now.

'You're sure this thing can track the other Skyrunner?'' Beth appeared behind Felix, staring out at the vista of clouds. 'I mean, I know the technology existed, but we've never used it before. I always figured there was a reason for that.'

'It works,' said Felix. Sweat beaded across his forehead. 'We just never needed to use it.'

'Until now,' muttered Thea.

It was early morning, the skies very much clear. Kyle couldn't tell how fast they were traveling, only that the clouds seemed to part with great alacrity. With a lurch, the Skyrunner dove, earthbound, till they were through the clouds, the city below appearing like a great concrete tangle.

'We made it,' said Lily. 'I had no idea these things had that kind of power...'

'Well we burned through about eight times as much fuel as we'd normally do,' said Thea, her arms shaking through the serpentine grip of the wheel. 'But all in all-'

'There.' Paul appeared up beside Kyle, staring far out ahead. 'It's them.'

Kyle squinted into the distance, at first wondering what it was the other boy had seen. The sun was against them, but just there he saw a dot against the blue sky. 'Kreed.'

'Okay.' They gathered around the table, Lily at its head. It had only been a few weeks, but Kyle could see the confidence she had gained. 'Their eyes met briefly as Beth and Paul joined them.

'I still say we blast him out the damn sky,' muttered Paul. Beth gave him a dubious look, but the boy simply shrugged.

'Normally I'd agree,' replied Lily, 'but there's no telling what will happen if that bomb falls to the ground. 'She looked gravely at them. 'We need to retrieve the Nanite Plague intact. It's the only way to ensure the safety of all the people below.'

'We need to find a way onto the other Skyrunner,' said Kyle, 'and disarm it from there.' He hadn't been looking forward to this part. 'And if you're thinking 'that'll be some trick when we're traveling at about a zillion miles per hour,' then you'd be right.'

'There is a way,' said Beth, 'for two Skyrunners to dock with one another, but it's usually done when neither of them are moving. At this speed...'

'Relax,' came Thea's silken voice from the cockpit. 'I can handle it.'

'Well, whatever you're going to do, you better do it fast,' came Felix's voice. We're almost on them.'

Beth nodded. 'Right, right. So we chase him up, come alongside him and boom!' She clapped her hands for dramatic effect. 'Clamp on barnacle style.' She looked triumphantly at their still dubious faces. 'What? Barnacles are super strong. Don't give me that look.'

'I'm guessing Kreed doesn't know half the functions of that thing, but even he'll realized when we're docked,' Kyle continued. 'That's our window, however small it is, to get on, get the bomb, and get the hell out.'

'I don't like this,' muttered Paul. He sat back, his hands rested behind his head. 'Not one bit.'

I know how you feel,' said Kyle gravely, 'but it's the plan. And right now it's the only one we've got.' Paul still didn't look happy, but he didn't argue, which was as good as they were likely to get.'

They geared up as the Skyrunner picked up pace. Kyle thought briefly of the man he had been forced to kill as he slotted the gun into his belt, hoping that he wouldn't need to use it. He looked up at Beth, who gave him a small nod.'

'Get ready!' shouted Thea. 'We're almost on top of them!'

'We'll extend the bridge,' said Felix. 'Keep it going for as long as possible.'

On their left-hand side what had looked like just another part of the craft's interior began to spiral out, with metal beams laying over one another whilst pushing out. Kyle felt a deep sense of foreboding as he saw the small cramped space that they would need to travel though.

Kyle could see Paul and Beth beside him, and quickly positioned himself so that he would be the first to enter. 'He spied Beth almost protest, but he simply shook his head.

'This is it!' shouted Thea again. 'Get ready!'

'In one,' said Felix, 'two, three...'

The bridge shot out from their craft, thundering like a harpoon into Kreed's a thousand miles above the world. The impact was great enough to knock Kyle to his knees. He shook his head and, without pause, jumped through the bridge.'

He felt as though he were traveling through dimensions, unable to orientate himself, to discern which way was up and which was down. All he heard was the rush of winds and the briefest glimpse of sky and air, before his feet hammered into something solid.'

He looked across and saw the bridge still extended from the other Skyrunner, catching sight of Paul as he shimmied across just as Kyle had moments ago. There was a violent shudder and Paul was tossed up against the roof of the small bridge. 'He landed painfully, staring across his eyes, meeting Kyle's.'

'Come on!' shouted Kyle, though with the rushing wind he couldn't hear his own voice. 'Quick!' The other boy extended his hand, edging forward before another violent shudder, stronger now, tore the bridge asunder. Kyle watched helplessly as both boy and bridge plummeted to the ground below.

'Kyle, find the bomb!' Felix's voice came in clear across the communicator. 'Disable it!'

Kyle Walker clenched his fists, getting to his feet. The Skyrunner's compartment was more cramped than theirs and all worries of trying to discover the Nanite Plague's location went out of his mind. It was displayed there like a trophy, a great mass of tangled metal and wires, a strange, emerald green glow pulsating beneath it.

'Like we talked about,' came Lily's voice. 'I'll walk you through it.'

Kyle focused on his own breathing, trying hard not to think of the boy who had died or the goons that were just behind that door, readying an ambush...

He placed his hands on the Nanite Plague, Lily walking him through the steps. She had been adamant that she be the one to disable it, but Kyle had vehemently disagreed. So, instead, Lily had walked them all through the steps necessary to disable the weapon.

He worked quickly, but diligently.'. Sweat beaded across his forehead as all concept of time evaporated. Each step was meticulous; any false move would set the Nanite Plague off. He focused on his work, focused on all that was at stake...

The bullet caught him in shoulder, the pain searing as muscle and bone were decimated. Kyle almost pirouetted, hammered to the ground before swiftly moving to cover.'

'Fool!!' There was no mistaking Kreed's voice, as more shots were fired. 'You have no idea what you've done!'

'I stand alone. My men abandoned me, my greatest lieutenant deserted...'

Kyle stayed where he was, straining to hear. A door slammed shut and, gingerly, Kyle got to his feet.' Kreed was gone and Kyle hurried to finish disarming the weapon.

'Oh no,' came Felix's voice, gravely. 'Oh no, no, no...'

'Weapon disabled,' said Kyle, wiping his sweat stained fringe from his eyes. Now how the hell am I supposed to get out of here...

'Kyle, Kreed is accelerating the Skyrunner... he's going to crash it!!'

A deep sense of vertigo overtook Kyle's senses as he the craft headed into a nosedive. His instinct took over as the Nanite Plague slid from the table and almost smashed to the ground, Kyle just managing to catch it, the searing pain in his shoulder almost causing him to lose consciousness.

'You need to get into the cockpit!' shouted Beth. 'You need to stop Kreed!'

He pushed past the pain, the blackout that threatened to overtake his senses. He ran for the cockpit door, but it was clearly locked, or else barred from the other side.' He slammed against it, feeling a slight give.

'Kyle! Get in there, now!!'

He fought past the delirium, remembering the gun he had brought. Taking it in his hand, Kyle emptied the entire clip into the handle, blasting it clean off. 'He kicked the door open, grabbing Kreed in his uninjured hand and struck him hard across the face. The look of surprise still there, Kreed slumped to the ground. Kyle pulled him from the seat and sat down, already overwhelmed with the Skyrunners controls.

He grabbed the wheel, bringing it up, the force against him causing the pain in his shoulder to intensify. Concentrate, Walker, concentrate...

'Kyle!'

'I'm... I'm okay,' muttered Kyle. Am I okay?

'Did you get Kreed?' asked Felix. Kyle glanced at the seemingly comatose body beside him before answering.

'He's out, we're... we're okay.'

'Great!' There was a pause before Felix continued. 'Okay, just relax. We're coming to get you. See the big blue button? It should be just above your head.'

Kyle blinked several times. He could feel it now. The pain was too great. He knew he was going to pass out.' 'I... I see it, Felix.'

'Press it,' said Felix. 'It's the autopilot.'   
With the last of the strength, Kyle edged his hands up, pressing the blue button, and thought of nothing at all as the last of his strength finally left him.

*

They found themselves in an old bunker built by the Benefactor. It had been infiltrated years ago, a bomb detonated, the damage so severe the Benefactor had simply sealed off the entrance claiming it lost.

It had been during her time with the Nest that Erron had made note of all the lost Bunkers. Most were beyond salvage, but those that remained still held secure locations. Erron had sought this one out, ensuring she knew every inch, every way in and out. If it came to an ambush or worse, she would be prepared.

She had expected to hear from Kreed eventually, though not nearly so soon. Two weeks had passed since Kyle Walker and the others had stopped him from detonating the Nanite Plague. Erron had been a part of the plan from the very beginning, an alliance against a common enemy, but when she had learned what the weapon would do, she had abandoned him, doing all she could to ensure her former ally would never succeed.

As she pushed through the wall grate into the abandoned bunker, Erron reflected on the trust she had placed on another and wondered if she might seek him out again. Kreed and his mercenaries were gone and Erron would soon need allies again.

'Come to gloat?' There was only quiet in the abandoned Bunker meters below ground, but there he was. Nathan Kreed sat before her, his hair dishevelled, his pallor strikingly white.

He peered at her, his voice barely more than a croak. 'We had him, all of them. We should have wiped them out. Ended it before it came to war.'

It was always going to be war, she thought, as she unhooked her helmet, revealing the girl beneath. Fifteen years old, with dark skin and a cropped afro, her true name was Ibiye, though it had been more than a year since anyone had called her that.

'You lost your way,' she said, 'became every bit the monster that he is.'

A flash of anger crossed Kreed's face, but was gone just as quickly. He shrugged. 'I suppose it hardly matters now. All that we set out to do, all my years of work, all of it is gone. And for what? 'He pointed a crooked finger at her. 'Abandoning those who needed you. How many times did you fight them? Those you called family?'

Ibiye's face was impassive, but the memory haunted her. The night she had let her best friends think she was dead, there had been no other way. Ibiye knew the enemy she faces and the loyalty Beth, and especially Felix, held for him. The only way to keep them from harm was for everyone to believe she was dead. She glanced at the mask, thinking of the day she had conceived Erron, the day Ibiye had died.

'I've taken the Nanite Plague and all the schematics.'

'And what will you do?' There was a taunting note to his words.

'I'll finish what I started. I'll stop him.'

Kreed laughed. 'How?'

Ibiye ignored him, retrieving her mask. Coming here had been a mistake. She went to leave and wondered, as she had many times these past few days, what exactly she was going to do next.

*  
It was a beautiful day, though, to Kyle Walker, every day seemed to feel this way. He smiled, staring out across the tarmac at Gatwick Airport, and thought fleetingly of the last time he was here 'Kyle?'

He came back from his reverie to see Thea standing across from him. She looked different today, younger with much softer features. Her hair was flat across her head, a large pair of sunglasses resting on top. She grinned at him.

'Just thinking,' he began. She walked towards him. 'Well, nothing important.'

She stood beside him, her arms folded. 'It's a pretty city,' she said. 'Well, not this part, but a lot of it is.' Nice to know it'll still be here when we head back.'

'You're not going back to the Cuban bunker?'

'No, changing things up. 'What about you, Walker? Big plans?'

Big plans? Truthfully Kyle was just happy for things to go back to some semblance of reality. As a reward for stopping Kreed, the Benefactor had bought them all first class tickets to a five-star resort in the south of Cuba. Kyle thought back to that morning, and the excited look on Lily's face There had been a letter addressed to him from the Benefactor himself. Kyle had been too nervous to read it and, instead, had brought it along, tucked inside his jacket pocket. I'll read it, he thought. I will...

'No plans, other than getting a tan,' replied Kyle. He looked back. 'We should find the others.'

'Relax.' Thea grinned. 'I told them to go ahead. I actually asked Lily to swap seats, hope you don't mind?' She turned her head to one side and took his hand.

He blinked several times. Keep it together, Walker... 'Of course not.'

'Good. 'She took a step forward and kissed him. Not in the passionate way she had when he had rescued her, but quickly and affectionately and infinitely better. 'Let's go, Walker.'

They made their way to the check-in and Kyle's thoughts turned briefly to Beth. Though she had agreed to meet them out there at the resort, she had chosen to fly out the next day. He had protested, of course, but she had been adamant and, in the end, Kyle had dropped it.

'There was a time when Kyle thought he might've had feelings for Beth, but since Kreed's defeat, he'd hardly heard from her at all. It had made him think of all their times together and he began to see that Beth only truly cared about one thing Finding Erron, avenging Ibiye.

It made him a little sad at first, but then he'd hardly really known her. Besides, as he boarded the plane, a beautiful, confident girl by his side, Kyle Walker couldn't help thinking how happy he was.

'This is last call for Gate B34, last call for Gate B34'

'Ready?' said Thea, squeezing his hand.

Kyle grinned. 'Ready.'

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