Perhaps there is, a mysterious, telepathic voice answered.
Ulysses knew about telepathy, he knew it was the way that the Radam communicated across great distances, or when they didn't want to be noticed. Who are you?! Ulysses demanded.
There is no need to shout, I can hear you quite well, the voice paused, seemed to consider something, then spoke again. As to who I am, you may call me Tekkaman Starfire.
Tekkaman? Ulysses wondered. Then he remembered something that had been ingrained into his mind, before the Radam had rejected him. The Tekkamen were the exact opposite of the Radam Empire; the two races had been enemies ever since the first Radam Teknoman had been created.
How can I be sure you're really a Tekkaman?
I suppose you cannot, Starfire said, not sounding offended in the least. You must either trust me, or ignore me. I cannot tell you what to do, I only hope that you do not regret your choices.
Well, I don't think that's something a Teknoman would say. You said your name was Starfire, right?
Yes. That is what I said.
Can you help me?
I will do what I can.
Ulysses didn't think that sounded very reassuring. All right, but what can you do, Starfire? Can you save them?
Only some, and even then I would not be able to remove them from this base.
Why not?
Starfire's voice lapsed into silence; he seemed to be considering not whether he would answer the question, but just how. Ulysses didn't understand why such a simple question would make the Tekkaman react like that.
For the simple reason that I am no longer on this plane of existence.
What do you mean by that?
In the crudest of terms, I am dead.
Ulysses said nothing, not knowing how to respond to a revelation like that. That's… too bad. Ulysses thought that that particular phrase was wholly and completely inadequate, but what did one say to someone who had just told you that?
I have grown accustomed to my situation, but I thank you for your sympathy.
Well, you're welcome. Now, what can you do for my family?
I can… help them in such a way that the Radam will not know until it is too late. If they ever realize it at all.
Let's hope for the latter, Ulysses paused. All right, do it.
Tell me which ones.
How many can you do?
Two, maybe three.
Why so few?
Telepathic control of Radam biotechnology requires a great deal of mental strength, as well as a pre-established connection to that which you wish to control. Without that… control is both hard and uncertain.
You mean, there's a chance that you won't be able to do this?
Yes. And there are also ways of finding out that a teknoplant has been tampered with. I hope to avoid detection, however…
There's no real way to be sure of that. Ulysses finished. Looking back at the rows of teknopods, Ulysses made his decision. In this case, a slim chance is better than none at all. Do it.