Dear readers,

Thank you for keeping up with the story!

Just as a reminder, I wanted to draw your attention to the age of the characters. To fit the setting more logically, all the characters are older than in TAG. Thus, the youngest, Alan, is 18 as mentioned in an earlier fic. I will try to make a breakdown of my timeline as a future project.

Enjoy!

The faint light of the stars and the big blue planet were the only thing lighting the darkness of space. The space monitor never missed an opportunity to observe the world under his feet. John had always been captivated by Earth's beauty since his first space flight. There was not a day that went by when he did stop and look at it. From where he was, he could do everything imaginable: spy on communications, send probes to survey areas, see the seasons unfold without even moving from his station.

He enjoyed solitude. He felt space was the right place for him. Since the death of his mother, he withdrew himself from his brothers' presence, preferring to approach the situation with logic instead of emotions. Contrarily to all the boys who had a very fierce immediate reaction, he was completely detached. He loved his mother as much as his brothers did but he understood that it was not sadness that would honor her memory. Nonetheless, he ended up suffering in the end, even if he tried hard to hide it. His only consolation was that she had left him with a very deep knowledge of astronomy and a curiosity in the matter which pushed him to study it more and more, drowning his sadness into books.

Once in a while, Brains and Alan came over to help or deliver supplies. He was glad to see them but was anxious for them to leave. The only person he could tolerate hanging with was Ridley. She was the only person whose presence did not annoy him. The first time she visited Thunderbird Five, he was not as anxious to see her leave and, once she did, he would have wanted her to stay longer. She came back a few times; he entertained her with games, documentaries, discussions about astronomy, politics, the news…. He loved to speak with her. Her duty was requiring her to leave for a few days and patrol Earth's orbit; she always paid him a visit when she was in the area.

There was only one problem: EOS. The sentient AI understood what was going on between her creator and the Captain. It had tried to keep him for itself as a jealous child would be reluctant to share. John explained numerous times the difference in the relationships. The AI had built itself a logical database comprising of all the elements from that discussion, getting to the conclusion of her being a sibling to John rather than a lover. It had a lot of difficulties making the difference, but the algorithm seemed to adapt quite well to the changes. That was one less problem on his hands.

His attention was drawn to Star Alpha. After the communication defaulting done by Cloud Alpha's computer, he was more than curious about how it was done and why. Defaulting a signal was easy, provide you could use a land line to do it. But with long range communications, it was harder as the signal could be intercepted by any other receptor. What's more is he could not identify the protocol and the encryption used to protect the message. Even with his extensive hacking knowledge and skills, he could not find the key. He had to gain access to Star Alpha and try to get what Abigail called "Chronos". That would surely answer his question and also broaden his understanding in the matter of communications, something he was very proficient in.

The only person who could give him safe access to the station was Ridley. He had to make sure it would not be off limits if he was going to explore it. He called her. She smiled when answering.

- Captain Ridley O'Bannon speaking. What can I help you with, John?

He smiled in reply, happy to hear her voice.

- Hello, Ridley. How's it going?

- Nothing to report. Same old stuff as usual. No aliens, ghosts or pirates anywhere. Space is quiet and safe for the time being.

He sighed. There were no such things as ghosts, but one's mind can wander from being alone in the darkness for so long. He understood a bit too late that she was joking regarding his own fears.

- Good to hear all is well. I have something to ask you. Do you know about a space station at these coordinates?

He filled her in with the location of Star Alpha. She seemed puzzled.

- Are you sure about this, John? I don't see anything there. It is quite a stroll from my location. Do you have a visual?

- I have located something at these coordinates and I would like to know if you have any details about it.

Images which had been taken from his probe were sent to the Captain. She took a good look at them before answering.

- This station belongs to a research group, I believe. It is still active; it is giving me a reading and replying to my ping requests every time I go by. Nothing new about a bunch of scientists wanting to be left alone.

- Are you certain about this?

- More than certain. If there was no life inside that ship, I would not get those replies. You can try contacting them.

- FAB. I'll look into it.

Ridley's statement seemed to bother him. According to the black boxes, the station had been abandoned for nearly a year now, ever since the engineers decided to revolt against Marcus Holling. There was no record of what had happened to Star Alpha, but he began having doubts about it: all the staff could have fled back to earth or died on board. Either way, he had to see this through.

Traveling would not take long but it meant changing the location of the space station. He planned a course towards the lab and hopped in his flight gear. It took him less than ten minutes to make it there.

Star Alpha stood right in front of him, lighted as if it was completely operational. He began wondering if there really were people inside. As he neared the gateway, a computer prompted him with an authorization code. He had found a few random codes in the papers none of them was actually working. The access was denied, requiring a retinal scan and voice pattern to proceed. There was no way around it: he would need the help of the only person left alive to open it.

Upon returning to Thunderbird Five, he opened a comm to his brother Alan. The latter was enjoying a drink near the pool, sunbathing. He did not seem to notice the space monitor.

- Alan!

The young astronaut was startled and almost spilled his drink on himself.

- Wha.. What? John, don't scare me like this, phew!

- How's your flight training going?

- Never been better. I'll have to try the real deal soon. Can't wait!

- You'll have a chance to. I'll need you to fly Abigail up here. Star Alpha won't open otherwise.

Alan smiled.

- Finally! A real space mission! My kind of thing!

- Well, it's more like tagging along for some exploration in an abandoned space station.

- Cool! Want me to tell Scott about it?

- I'll fill him in. Just get Abigail and go to the living room. Meet you there in about ten minutes.

- FAB!

The space monitor disconnected as his brother got up with excitement, fetching his elder brother and Abigail. The astronaut returned in the living room with the bioengineer, his brother already speaking with Scott. Abigail listened to a part of their discussion and objected.

- W…wait. Space? You want me to go in space?

John answered.

- That's the deal, yes. Star Alpha is that space station right there and we need you to open the door.

- I… hum… really? There is no other way around this?

The space monitor looked at the young woman, intrigued.

- Are you backing out?

- No… it's not that. Everything is fine, really.

She smiled nervously. Alan looked at her and smiled.

- Don't tell me you are afraid of going in space.

Her face changed. He seemed to have struck a sensitive chord. She frowned.

- I'm not afraid. It's just that… I've never been up there. And… well… ah… When are we leaving?

- Don't change the subject. That can mean a lot. Are you afraid of going out in space?

She held back her response. Scott looked at her.

- It's not as dangerous as it used to be but the fact that you are afraid can be dangerous. It means that, in the case of a life-threatening situation, you might not be able to react appropriately. So, can you do it or not?

She took a deep breath.

- I can and will do it.

- Good. Alan, you will leave tomorrow morning. I'll have John fill you in with your takeoff schedule. Abigail, ask Brains to show you to the zero G and co-pilot simulator for Thunderbird Three. It's not that hard, but you'll need a bit of practice if you want to master a few basics.

She nodded, thinking: "I didn't have a star astronaut for a dad, you know". Space was the only place she had never insisted on going. It was dark, cold and unforgiving…

The small Philippinese clinic was bustling that morning as woman and children flooded the waiting room, lining up for checkups and vaccines. Doctor Chang's help was requested in backup as the regular doctors could not keep up with the demand. She lent a hand for a week, ending up taking the office of an American doctor who had resigned a few days earlier. Her days usually ended at nightfall. Food was brought to her by an attendant and she had to eat between two patients with little to no time to relax. The presence of a full-time doctor was required, but very little people wanted to come to such recluse villages: the pay was not good and the work conditions less than appropriate.

She astonished herself that evening in having wrapped up her clinic before sundown. It was a very unusual day as she did not expect it to finish so soon. She closed all the files and picked up her belongings before heading for the door. She came face to face with six men in the waiting room, dressed in formal black suits. With them stood a tall and handsome man in a grayish suit: it was Marcus Holling. She tried to back up inside her office but he caught up, stopping her from closing the door. He smiled.

- Doctor Chang, I assume? It was quite difficult to find you. Why run away? Don't you want to receive your prize?

She dropped her bag on the floor as two men entered after him. He began looking around.

- This place would be needing a makeover, don't you think? Your equipment is obsolete, your furniture came directly from the garbage...

He went back towards her, looking her in the eyes.

- I still owe you for the information you provided me. This is what I came to do here. The Holling Pharmaceutical division wishes to award you with a donation of two million dollars. How is that?

She approached him.

- We have talked about this, you were supposed to deposit the money….

He drew a finger to her lips.

- It is no legal practice. Threats are not, either.

- I could complain to the police about my abduction, too.

- That would not be wise. Peru is a country plagued with drug dealers, prostitution, and corrupted policemen. I doubt that would play in your favor. Try to appreciate the good side of this negotiation: you told the truth and I reward you with money. It is a very good deal.

- I never wanted to see your face again. What do you want now?

- A picture, for the news. Try to look happy, too. It would spoil the whole image if you did not express genuine joy from such a generous donation.

- And what else do you want? You did not come here only to take a picture with me. There is something else motivating your visit.

Holling laughed.

- Straight to the point already? I thought we could discuss it over a nice drink.

- Your presence is enough to spoil my thirst. Talk now.

He sat casually on the side of the desk.

- Negotiations were open with the government about accepting a partnership. Unfortunately, none of the dignitaries want to have anything to do with a foreigner. This is why I need you to obtain an audience with the Prime Minister and speak about all the perks in accepting our pharmaceutical division's help here.

Mei's eyes widened.

- To think you would come to me and talk such nonsense after what happened! Do you really believe I intend to help you?

Holling rose and started walking around slowly. He was upset.

- You have come to me to get your father's investment back. It was a relatively large investment and you expected me to surrender it nicely? You are bold, I must give you that; this is why you are the perfect candidate for that job.

- What if I refuse?

He turned around, signaling one of his goons with his chin. The man took out a gun. Mei gulped, rearing. Holling went towards her.

- You cannot. You are bound to me now. Any attempt to walk away would result in your own death. How about it?

She looked down, taking a deep breath before gazing into the businessman's eyes.

- Do not expect anything extravagant, I'm no politician.

- I expect you to do a good job. If the government refuses the deal, it will count as treason. The only available option is for the project to be accepted. Did I make myself clear?

She nodded reluctantly, shaking. He smiled.

- Good, very good. I entrust you with all the details and expect some news very soon. You have three days to give me a follow up on the case. If I learn that you have betrayed me, you shall pay dearly and your friends of International Rescue will, too.

The man sheathed his gun and gave Mei a data chip as Holling was heading towards the exit. He turned around for one last word.

- And don't think about breaking the news to them or even asking for help. They will have their hands full soon enough.

He exited the clinic with his suite, leaving the woman to wonder what mess she had gotten herself into. She dropped to her knees and cried.

It was the dead of night in England. The henchmen had made it as far as the coast and found themselves a cruiser boat to make their escape. Its owner did not seem to be anywhere around. Joseph Herring hopped on and made it for the pilot's wheel, groping around in darkness. The roar of engines overhead startled him as he was trying to jump start the motor. He laid low and waited, looking quickly to notice a large GDF aircraft patrolling the area. He went back towards Sheinor who was waiting in the car with the unconscious hostage. She had been striped of her clothing and dressed up with a dirty work uniform found in the trunk of the car. This would at least mask her scent a bit in case they would have to go on foot. As Herring came back, Sheinor cursed.

- Fuck, mate! Whatcha doin' there? You had to start the boat so we can get the bloody hell outta here!

- There is a patrol in the sky. We'll have to change plans.

- Those idiots are still on out tracks. Damn, we're not getting paid enough to do this.

Sheinor took out a tablet computer and began fiddling with it. He made sure to put the network offline not to be traced.

- The boss has sum warehouses north. We'll lay low there and find sum wings.

Herring took the wheel and began driving north, lights out. They went on for a couple of miles when the road became tortuous in between hills. The darkness was almost complete, they could barely make out the rocks from the rest of the pasture. It was too late when they noticed another car going around a corner. Both vehicles ended up crashing.

Sheinor cursed and screamed, getting out of the car and towards the other one, weapon in hand. There was only the driver inside, passed out from the crash, his forehead bloody as he hit the steering wheel before the airbags inflated. Herring was exiting the vehicle, stunned but able to move. He went towards Sheinor.

- What are you doing! We need to bail, now!

There was no vehicle coming from the road but the short dark-haired man was starting to become nervous. He kicked the car door in anger.

- Take the chick, we're bailing through the fields.

Herring grabbed the young woman on his shoulder and headed for the wilderness, followed by his boss. As they were making their way towards an old field barn, their hostage began waking up. Herring rummaged through his pockets, trying to find the sedative he had previously used; the remaining vials had broken during the accident. The young woman was moaning groggily, not fully awake. She was still tied up. Sheinor looked at her.

- Gag her. I'll try to get us a new ride.

Herring grabbed a handkerchief and tied it firmly around the young woman's head. They split up as the tall Irish man went inside the barn and Sheinor towards what a far away farmhouse.

He dropped the young woman in a heap of hay, sitting down not so far away from her. He had thought about knocking her unconscious but wounding her would was not part of the contract. He kept her in check instead.

Bright lights could be seen through the window, brushing against the old barn. Sheinor came back inside quickly.

- Herring! Two cops are coming. Let's get 'em.

The henchman got up and followed him, hiding in the darkness. They installed silencers on their gun; it made the weapon unconcealable but they had no choice at that point.

Two policemen entered the barn and began looking around with a flashlight. They noticed some movement in the hay. As they approached, they were startled by the young woman's presence. One of the officers was about to announce their finding on the radio when a gunshot was fired, traversing his skull and exiting his forehead. His colleague was startled but was felled quickly in a similar fashion. Blood spilled on the ground as the kidnappers came out of hiding. Remaining silent, they took the girl and exited the barn, making it for the vehicle.

Herring opened the trunk and dropped the hostage inside. He sat back in the passenger seat and watched as Sheinor began fiddling with the computer, programming fake sightings further in the west. This would give them time to reach the warehouse. The dark-haired man grinned.

- We go now before anybody else becomes curious.

They went back on the road again on board of the police vehicle. This would not let them go unnoticed, but until they would make it in the vicinity of the warehouse, they had to take any ride they could. The cover of the night would provide the rest.

Kayo and Gordon left the hotel in midday. The young woman had a restless night, exhibiting a very bad mood. Gordon had his troubles too; he had drunk a bit too much and ended up stripping while dancing on the bar. The three beautiful young women were all excited and wished to get a piece of him but is was one of the bouncers who did, taking him down from his perch and politely asking him to leave. He did not try to put up resistance, having no intention of ending up in jail. He walked back, having trouble remembering which door was his. He told Kayo in the morning over breakfast; it cheered her up and made her smile.

As they took place in the jet, Gordon was strangely silent. She inquired about it.

- It's not like you not to have anything to say.

He was gazing at the sky.

- I've been thinking about what you told me yesterday. It shook me a bit.

She sighed. He was a bit of a drama queen, it was to be expected that such news would affect him even if he was not concerned.

- Stop thinking about it and let my handle my problems. Everything will be fine but you must help me and keep your mouth shut about it. Promise me.

- Promised. I told you not to worry about it, Kayo. I'm not going to betray you or anything.

Everything he said had to be taken lightly. He did sell her out for a lot of things during their youth and she had learned not to rely on him for anything. This time, she had not a choice and would need to see if he really did grow up.

She landed the craft and drove it to the lower hangar near Thunderbird Two's launch bay. Gordon took care of the luggage while she went upstairs. Scott was sitting behind his father's desk, working. As he noticed Kayo approaching, he got up and took her in his arms. He held her close for a minute before asking:

- So, how did it go?

- It wasn't bad. I would have liked it if you would have come.

- You know I couldn't. I have to stay on watch and make sure everything is okay here.

The usual answer. This time, she wanted to cry. Instead, she asked:

- Would you want to go for a walk on the beach?

- Yes, of course. I'll finish this paperwork and meet you down there in about twenty minutes. Does it sound good?

- It does.

She went back to her room and put on a nice summer dress. The sun was still hot at the end of the day but the breeze from the ocean was balancing the heat in the air. It took her a few minutes to get ready before heading down and waiting in the shade, under a small thatched roofed hut. He came, wearing a light linen shirt and a pair of shorts. It was unusual for him to dress lightly but she enjoyed seeing him finally take some time off.

She took his arm as they began walking along the beach. He looked at the horizon before asking her:

- It was an awfully quick trip. I thought you would stay for a few days.

- I did not want to stay there by myself. Gordon isn't the type of company you would enjoy for a few days straight. He is a bit too much…

He laughed. Gordon was a party animal and never missed an opportunity to make a show of himself.

- Yeah, I know what you mean. You can't really rest with him around. On the other hand, you always did enjoy a bit of action.

She stopped. He turned towards her. She gazed at his sky-blue eyes.

- There is something I was meant to tell you, Scott.

He was looking at her, pushing strands of hair back over her ears as they were blown by the breeze. He smiled sweetly.

- I'm all ears.

She took a deep breath.

- I… I'm… expecting a child.

Her words were like a splash of cold water on him. His face changed suddenly from surprise to anxiety. He tried making sense of all this, the words seemed to mix in his mouth.

- You… I mean, are you sure?

She nodded. He rubbed his face in his hands. He was not talking it very well. She touched his arm.

- Scott, please. Calm down.

He slowly pushed her hand away.

- This… this can't be happening… I mean, it's not…

- Stop just a minute. Look at me.

He evaded her gaze. He could not look at her. This seemed too much for him to bear. She insisted.

- Look at me!

He turned, she was crying. He hesitated before approaching her and taking her in his arms. He kissed her head trying hard to remain calm.

- Tynusha… I… we can't to this. We just can't.

She held on tight to him. It was as she expected. She took a step back and looked at him.

- Then… what do you expect me to do now?

He sighed.

- Let me think, please. I just need some time.

He turned around and left. She remained on the shore, looking at the horizon before sitting down on the beach. It was no surprise to her: Scott had always been anxious and coping with such news would be difficult. She would need to leave him some time, but could not wait too long, either.

It was nightfall when she came back inside. The boys were enjoying an evening swim and Grandma had joined them. Brains was doing some work on the kitchen table. He was drawing something on a tablet computer and zooming blueprints on a holo-screen. It looked like an addition to Thunderbird Shadow. She sat down at the table and looked.

- What are you working on, Brains?

He was startled, so focused on his work he did not even see her arrive. He replaced his glasses.

- Oh, Kayo! Hap…py to see you are back! This is the n…new addition to Thunderbird Shadow: a missile jammer. Q…quite amazing, isn't it?

- This looks… complicated. You'll have to explain it to me once it's installed.

- Of c…course!

Abigail came through the kitchen carrying a towel. She looked at what Brains was doing.

- Missile Jammer… neat. Good addition to your ship, only, it won't work with tracking missiles. You need to hook a communication module as an add-on.

Brains looked at the bioengineer, looking very serious.

- I knew that. I'll make sure we can d…do something with Thunderbird Five. It's already p…planned.

The bioengineer turned towards Kayo.

- Care to join us for a swim?

The operative got up.

- No thanks. I'll get some rest instead.

- You okay?

- Yeah… everything is fine. Just tired, that is all.

She walked passed the people in the kitchen and went towards her room. Abigail followed her in the corridor. Once they were alone, she caught up with her.

- You don't look okay; your eyes are red. What happened?

She took a deep breath, not knowing if it was wise to speak to her about it, but she had to take it off her chest. Kayo opened the door to her room and went inside, followed by the bioengineer who was waiting for her to speak. She did, repressing her sobbing.

- I went to shore to get my mind off all that happened. Turns out, that was not all.

The box containing the test was lying around. Abigail noticed it but did not inquire about it. She waited for Kayo to speak up.

- I just learned some crushing news. It shouldn't have happened. The whole thing just messes me up.

Abigail took the box in her hand and opened it. She noticed the test results before looking back at her host. She thought for a moment.

- Well, I believe you should check out the data sheet of Rifampin, the antibiotics used to cure your sepsis. My guess is that it messed you up in some way.

- This… would explain it all.

- What's Scott thinking about that?

She sighed.

- He's lost it. He asked me to give him some time, but I don't think that would be smart. I don't really know what to think about right now.

- It is better to go one day at a time. Don't worry. If he cares about you, he'll be glad this happened.

- I… don't know. I guess I don't want to press it on him. International Rescue is a complex organization and I know it takes him all his energy to run it. But he must understand he's not alone and even after being terribly sick, he didn't take it as a lesson. He still blames himself for Alan's misfortune… We can't expect to spend our entire lives doing this.

Abigail smiled.

- You are right. You can't expect to put aside your normal life. Emergencies and disaster happen, but not every single day. You are all young and healthy now, but once you reach a certain point in your life, you'll all realize it will take its toll on your mind and bodies. Let's hope he does not find out too late.

- I'd like him to.

The bioengineer bit her lip before speaking.

- I'd recommend going through lab testing too, just to be sure. Even if pharmacy tests are becoming more accurate, you never know if it's not something else…

- What do you mean?

- Just… Meet me at the lab tomorrow.

Kayo nodded. Abigail went on.

- It's all settled then. Do you want to join us in the pool? It's part two of volleyball revenge against surfer boy and his partner the "Space Terror".

- No thanks, my mind is not really at play right now. I'll stay here.

- Suit yourself. Just, take it easy.

Kayo hugged Abigail. It seemed to make her feel better. They parted, the young agent seemed to feel better. The bioengineer smiled as she exited the room, heading back towards the terrace.

The kidnapping of Devika, the Minister's daughter, was all over the news. Penelope closed the video report of the recent findings about the case before delving in her own research. There had been no recent sightings of Bereznik agents by the Council or any involvement of their part in current incidents. She was beginning to become anxious to act and find out more for herself. That would require her to gain access to the Bereznik border, something she could not do. Her face was branded as an agent of the Council and if she ever crossed over to the foreign state, she might be murdered by anyone who recognized her.

As she was complementing her research with files from the Council's database, she received a call. It was the Director of the Secret services and Investigation division. She had not much choice but to pick up; he must have noticed her access.

Georges Henry Phelps, a renowned policemen and detective, decorated with many medals of honor for his lawful services to his country was nominated to be the Director of Secret services employed by the Council. After the war ended, many agents were unemployed and began taking freelance jobs, sometimes interfering with the Council's goals. The agency was created in order to recruit them and gain a precious force of undercover operatives and spies. Penelope had been drafted after going through the regular process but had a huge advantage: her aristocratic title made her a very good asset to infiltrate high end events without raising suspicions; going as far as approaching the Queen herself, something a commoner could not even think of doing without giving himself off.

He greeted her with the utmost courtesy and his usual severe look.

- Greetings, Lady Creighton-Ward.

- Greetings Director. What a pleasant surprise! What can I help you with?

He sat straight in his chair, clearing his throat.

- I have noticed your various accesses in the database in the last few weeks. I would appreciate an explanation.

She did not expect him to make such a statement. He was clearly looking to question her about something.

- Well, Sir, I have a lead on something and wished to verify the recent progress on the cases.

- A lead? Go on.

It was useless to try avoiding him, he would simply notice. He was incredibly skilled at reading people's intentions.

- I have a lead on Dasha Kaczynska. It seems that she has enlisted the help of German agents…

He interrupted her.

- What was your purpose in Eaux Claires?

She was caught off guard. Of course, the agents present on the site would have given their reports before they met their demise. She had to expect that much but was so engaged in finding what Dasha was up to that she did not consider they might divulge her presence. Making up a reason would only make matters worse. He went on.

- Lady Creighton-Ward, I cannot have agents do rogue work with the help of the Council's resources. You have to give me the right explanation for why you were there. Also, please identify the people accompanying you, especially that young woman who stopped the assassination attempt on Beaujolais.

- The people with me were some aides and personnel. That young woman did not know better; Beaujolais was enticed by her looks and her voice. Do not worry about them. We were on a mission to gather information about Marcus Holling. We thought we could get Beaujolais to speak about his partnership with him. The shooters cut us short. Luckily, we were able to get away before the avalanche hit. I believe he might have ties with the Bereznik state.

Speaking about International Rescue would not do her any good. He knew that she had close ties with them, that was certain, yet she did not want to create more confusion about the organization.

The director smiled.

- I see. You have very good assumptions. We know he does but not with her. It seems his contact inside the state is a rogue agent named Zeta. She has been leading a group of people who's only desire is to overthrow the government. Dasha Kaczynska's actions are futile as they stand; she mainly concentrates in growing the numbers of her bank account with her trade. That is not an immediate threat.

She was expecting a scolding but instead, his tone softened and he seemed pleased.

- Regarding Marcus Holling, I believe you are doing the right thing. This man could not be tried from lack of proof from the Council, even though we were aware of his direct implication in the Veterans and Olympus projects. He had spies working for him and immediately destroyed the evidence once he learned his time had come. I am hoping he will get what he deserves, but justice is blind. It requires proof, strong ones.

- In all do respect, Sir, I have gathered bits of information that are reliable and could be used against him in a future trial. But access to the Council's database has given me the possibility to validate such information. This is why I have need of this access.

He fiddled on a tablet computer and sent folder directly through a secured encrypted link connection. It was labeled with a lot of numbers and letters. She could not make out what it meant. Once it was all transferred, he deleted any traces of the transfer and connection.

- Please keep this secured. It was part of my own findings during the initial investigation. As you know, I was the one working on Holling's case. This is the file containing all the files that were deleted from either the Council's database or the worldwide web.

She began browsing through the file names, still labeled with numbers and letters. She was perplexed.

- Why... are you giving me this?

- As you know, the Minister of Defense's daughter has been kidnapped. His health is declining and soon he will have to abandon his seat on the Council. There will be someone appointed in his stead, yet we do not know who.

- Do you have a guess?

- I cannot say, but it is best if this information is not available when his successor will take the seat. I do not even know if I will remain head of the Services. Since cannot be sure if he will be an ally of Holling or not, it's best to do a cleanup…

He paused and resumed on a more formal tone.

- Good luck, agent Creighton-Ward. I hope your search will be fructuous.

He disconnected.

Penelope began browsing through the folder, thinking of herself as an archivist more than an agent. She had been doing paperwork for weeks now, and the existence of this file would keep her inside for a while still.

She ordered tea and began opening a few files randomly and laying them on a holo-screen. One retained her attention. It was financial information and a listing of the backer of the Veterans project. She suddenly gasped as she read.

One of the entries listed was "Tracy industries. Backer: Jeff Tracy".