Cara sat up straight in bed, legs stretched out before her. She was in pj's, but she hadn't slept. She was being extra vigilant and had caught Amy leaving the lair. She hadn't interfered, knowing something was going on. She had ostensibly gone to bed at her usual time, but stayed alert.

She strained her powers to the utmost, listening for Charlotte and Jerry along with Amy. It struck her as wrong that the two youngest members of the lair had seemed so standoffish to the newcomer. Something wasn't quite right. She couldn't put her finger on it, but she knew.

She caught the distinctive mental signature that was Amy when the girl returned. The change astonished her. There was a brilliance, a force to her that she hadn't noticed before. She had suspected the girl was hiding her powers, now she had confirmation.

She concentrated, but was unable to pick up the conversation. Suddenly Amy relaxed her control and Cara, exerting every last bit of her power, was able to pick up her thoughts.

Her pupils dilated with shock. Turmoil reigned, as her mind darted in different directions.

She had always cherished a secret hope that they were not alone. That they did not fight this fight in isolation. She never had full confidence in Roger Price returning to miraculously save them, but she couldn't believe that all the others that had come before them had been fooled by the Founder. And now to learn there were others, and they had a plan. A plan that was coming to fruition!

This girl was their savior and not just their savior?

The Founder was actually planning to eliminate Homo sapiens? All of them? He was insane. He had to be stopped. I thought we were the endangered species. What about my father? Stephen's family? All those innocent people? He has to be stopped.

Her mind jumped. Her sister? Sophie? That was how they trapped John?

Oh, John! Trust you to sacrifice yourself for me. She bit her lip. How well you know me. I would have rushed in to save her without caring about my safety. I guess I have to thank that . . . that whatever she is . . . for letting me find out this way.

Her thoughts shifted. So, the little bitch is going to spill the beans. Accidentally, of course. Hoping I'll do something stupid. Rush into a trap.

Cara had to give the devil her due. If she hadn't been forewarned she might have done just what the girl expected her to do. She coolly analyzed the situation. Sophie was safe where she was. John would never endanger her sister, and now she would not be fooled into doing anything stupid.

Cara's eyes narrowed. I will work with you to save our people and humans, Amy, but you will not take from me what I love! Not without a fight!

Cara's face hardened with determination. Let's just see what tomorrow brings. But make no mistake about it, Amy, I'll do my best to make sure that tomorrow, that tomorrow you think you having coming with John, never comes for you.

~ FIN ~