Big Ben was a colossal sight. Even though she'd already been in London
numerous times (eight, to be exact), Cassie had never been privileged with
an up-close glimpse of the immense clock tower.
The three security guards at the entrance informed her that no one was
allowed to go to the top floor of the tower. The closest she could get
without a government license was in a small, lobby sort of area slightly
like a museum, on the second floor. Cassie casually flashed her now-
defunct FBI badge at them, and they hastily assured her that she could go
up to the clock if she pleased, ma'am.
Silently thanking Matt Eisile for being so lackadaisical in deleting old
agents from the federal files, Cassie climbed what seemed like a million
stairs up to the clock. She watched, fascinated, as the huge cogs and
wheels spun slowly around. It was quiet.
"Thank you for responding to my call."
Cassie was suddenly struck by the huge desire to whirl around in surprise
at the sound of the voice right behind her, but detective training told
her the proper response was to nonchalantly reply, then turn to face the
person talking, no matter how surprised she was to find someone there
where there hadn't been anyone before.
She did so.
"You may be wondering," said the voice, as Cassie nonchalantly turned from
the view of Big Ben's clockwork towards the person, "why I would be able
to help you."
"And also," it went on before she could answer, "you are probably berating yourself for being such an idiot for traveling here to see this."
Cassie was mildly curious as to how the person knew this. He was correct, though. The man behind her was little more than four and a half feet tall. He wore decidedly expensive clothes that looked as if they were made for someone else, and his black hair was neatly combed. On the whole, she quickly appraised, he looks like an affluent Wall Street businessman, out for a day in the stock market. It was rather a disappointment.
"You were expecting a miracle, maybe?" the man raised his eyebrows.
"Not a miracle. Something more..."
"Large?" the man laughed softly. "You will find that size and age are relative terms, my dear young lady. Age is time, and time is only a mode of thought, you know. Size is matter in space, and facility of thought often precedes corporeal weight in value."
"Not meaning to be rude, sir, but I came for help to stop terrorists from destroying the world, and I don't have time for a philosopher trying to preach the validity of the unseen. So, if you'll please excuse me, I have a planet to save." Cassie tried to politely brush the little man aside so she could descend the stairwell.
"I did not come to preach to you," the man said, standing solidly in her way. "I came with an offer that I think you will not likely desire to pass up." His keen face watched her as she looked her disbelief.
"I can give you a team of the most intelligent human beings in the universe." His voice dropped to a whisper. "I can provide you with more technology then your wildest imagination can think possible. I can show you more amazing sights than you ever dreamed existed. Why am I offering this to you? I will not lie and say that you are the smartest, brightest, most gifted person I know of. No, compared to the standard of brilliant people nowadays, you are at the bottom of the list. But you are at least still on the list," he said, as she frowned darkly. "I believe that you have the right ideas about what needs to happen on this earth," he told her. "You are also the only one besides me and the Kor-Aldan who know of the impending bomb. I knew about their plans before you did, and now it is not you seeking my help, it is I asking for yours'. You have the choice: join with me in saving the world, or struggle to do it on your own, in vain. The decision is yours'."
Cassie stood in shocked thought. This man wasn't as useless as he looked. Unless, however, he was bluffing, in which case she would have to fight the Kor-Aldan on her own. But that's what she would be doing anyways, she realized. This way, even if the guy was false, there was still a chance of him telling the truth. Either way, she'd be trying to save the world.
She stuck out her hand.
The tense look on the little man's face relaxed into a cheerful grin. He chuckled and shook her hand. "You don't know how much this means to me," he said.
"I warn you though, if you try anything funny..."
"Yes, yes, I know, you'll blow my brains out. I've had my share of young, jumpy FBI and CIA agents. Now, I have some business to attend to. If you'd be so kind as to meet me here again tomorrow in the lobby downstairs, we can get straight to work. Oh, and I forgot one thing. My name is Marco. Marco Andretti."
"I'm Cassie..." she began, but he stopped her.
"Oh yes, I know who you are, I've been watching you for five months now. Well, I must be going. Tootles!" He walked down the staircase, whistling "O Solo Mio" in a high key.
Cassie stood a little while at the edge of the tower, staring down at smoggy London. She was rather astounded at the rapidity of events. She felt somehow that she ought to be more wary of strange men who offered their services and begged for her help, but at the same time she had a deep sense that what she was doing was right. She also felt guilty that she felt good about doing what she only felt, not knew, was right. And she felt confused that she felt guilty because she felt good about doing what she only felt was right...
"Boy, Cassie, this sure could screw up your life," she said out loud to herself. "What are you thinking, girl?" She couldn't answer that, so she asked herself another question. "What are you going to do if you get killed?"
"Nothing," she logically said.
"It would sure be nice to be able to talk about this to someone," she said a minute later. But no one she could think of would be interesting in listening to her, so she cancelled the idea with another one.
"The first person I meet that I know, I'll talk to them," she told herself, and left the clock tower. Chances were, she wouldn't meet a person she knew for a good long time, considering she knew nobody in London, and she was on a top-secret mission. Good. That would give her more time to think.
Walking into a teashop, she ran into Matt Eisile.
"So, do you always carry your secret handgun when you come on a 'little vacation' to London?"
Matt sat across from Cassie at a table in the teashop. He stirred sugar into his drink and thoughtfully munched on a biscuit. His blue eyes gazed at her intently.
"Of course," Cassie said icily, "just like you always twitch your ears when you get excited about a difficult case."
Matt frowned slightly and rubbed his ears. "Look, kid, leave me out of it. I'm asking the questions."
"Well, I don't choose to answer them," Cassie growled. "And stop calling me kid. I'm only five years younger than you."
"There's no need to be so uncivil," Matt said with infuriating calmness. "I just want to know what you're up to."
"Up to what? I'm not up to anything! I thought that a little relaxation would be nice. London is very diverting."
Matt eyed her. "You know that I'm not going to believe you."
Cassie shrugged. "Believe whatever you want, then."
"Hey kid, you've got to listen to me. I'm not out to get you."
"Then why did you fire me?"
Matt sighed. He sipped his tea. "I can't tell you that right now. You wouldn't understand. But I can say that I sincerely don't dislike you. And when you show up in London, I get a bit curious."
"Why are you in London?" Cassie smirked.
"Because I, in fact, AM on vacation. I took a break from paperwork and decided on a nice, quiet excursion in what was originally Cheapside. However, if you're doing anything interesting, I'd be more than happy to come along."
Cassie stared at him, taken aback. "Hey, I thought you hated me!"
"Nah, that was just, you know, friendly competitiveness. I really admire your talents and abilities."
The girl thought for a moment. "Nope. You can't come."
"Why not?" Matt pleaded earnestly. "I'd love to help!"
"Help what? Ruin my life? Go away." Cassie drank a huge gulp of scalding tea and promptly choked on the burning liquid. Matt handed her a napkin and patted her on the back reassuringly.
"Kid, I'm on your side. Really, I am. You've just gotta trust me for it."
Cassie recovered her breath. "That's great. Just great. Thanks for being on my side. A week ago you fired me from the only job I ever wanted." She stood and picked up her briefcase.
Matt slowly got to his feet. "Have it your way then. But Cassie..." he gently placed his hand on her shoulder. "If you ever run into any difficulties, I'm here."
Cassie rolled her eyes. "Thanks."
Matt watched her form melding into the colorful crowd on the English street. He clenched his fists.
Cassie checked her watch. She'd been waiting in the Big Ben lobby since sunrise for Marco Andretti. The berry croissants she'd eaten for breakfast settled themselves comfortably in her stomach, growling comfortably.
"Ah, thank you for waiting, my dear girl."
Marco appeared behind her in that swift, confusing way he had. "Today you will meet the other members of my team." He rubbed his hands together excitedly, beckoned her to follow him, and began to walk towards a taxi he hailed. Cassie picked up all her luggage and followed him.
"This will be a most thrilling time," Marco said exuberantly. He continued to chatter during their long ride. Sometimes Cassie struggled to understand him, only to realize that he had switched from rapid English to jabber in Italian.
"Ah, here we are!"
They had stopped at a house in a small, rustic neighborhood on the outskirts of London. Marco cheerfully dragged Cassie's suitcases into the abode. It had a thatched roof, a red wooden door, and the entrance hallway was the type you find a coat rack in with many bright colored, woolen scarves hanging on it. Talking her around the house, Marco deposited her things in a cozy bedroom overlooking a side yard hung with ivy and rosebushes. The place was a typical English country residence. A housekeeper beamed at Cassie as they rushed through the kitchen. Cassie had a quick glimpse of oatmeal cookies steaming on the stove.
"Now, since you're familiar with our home, I'll assemble the team in the parlor. Just wait here for one minute."
Cassie sat breathlessly down on the sofa. It was trimmed with pea- green ruffles, and matched the worn armchair and loveseat. Suddenly, she felt very alone. Ever since her parents had passed away, she'd been on her own, but never had many friends. If she disappeared off the face of this earth, the only person to know about would probably be the FBI. And what would they care?
Marco came back into the room with a line of people behind him. They all promptly sat down.
"This is Tacy," he said buoyantly. "She's our accountant. Keeps charge of all the expenses and budget. Makes sure we all have enough money." Tacy nodded at her. She was a blonde lady with an alert, quick look about her that showed proficiency in every move.
"This is Breydin," Marco indicated a young man sprawled in the armchair. His eyes, whose color could only be described as dark purple, starkly contrasted his flaming orange hair. Cassie stared in fascination.
"We only keep him because he's one of most ingenious inventors and mechanics of this decade," Marco grinned, "or he'd be back on the streets with his skateboarding friends, eating fast food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner." Breydin scowled, and the other members of the team chuckled. Obviously, Cassie noticed, it was a well-known fact that Breydin wasn't the most mature or sensible of the group.
"Here is Clay, our pilot. He can fly, drive, or maneuver any type of vehicle, ship, aircraft, you name it." Clay was a tall, stern man with graying hair. He bowed from his chair.
"This is Clair, our doctor and diplomat." Clair beamed at Cassie, who recognized her as the lady she'd thought was the housekeeper, baking cookies in the kitchen. Marco smiled. "She's also our cook."
"Do you have any questions?" Marco concluded.
Cassie felt jumbled. "Er...how old is everyone?" she asked lamely.
"I'm twenty-eight," Tacy said crisply.
"I'm old enough to be your grandmother," Clair said, her eyes twinkling. Cassie's heart hurt a little bit. She'd never known what it was like to have a grandmother.
"Forty-two," Clay said in his deep voice.
Breydin grinned impudently. "Twenty."
The other members of the team glared at him. He quailed slightly,
and coughed. "Um, I mean, nineteen."
They glared.
The boy shrunk down in his chair. "Eighteen?"
Marco tapped his foot.
"Seventeen?" Breydin offered in a small voice. Clay tapped his fingers warningly. Breydin gulped, eyeing the man's muscular arms with trepidation.
"Sixteen," he whispered. Marco's face relaxed. "There's a good lad. We don't keep any secrets from each other here. Remember what I always tell you, age is time, and time..." "...Is only a mode of thought. Yeah, yeah. I got it all memorized," Breydin chuckled under his breath. He looked at Cassie out of the corner of his purple eyes. "Well now, since you've all met each other, we can all go have dinner." "But, Marco, what...what am I supposed to do? What's the reason you want me here? How am I going to help?" Cassie found her voice. She found her hands were shaking, and sternly told them to stop. "You're here to help us with the hacking," Breydin said, snickering. "To help us with the computer work, he means," Marco smoothed over Breydin's comment. "Now, let's all go have some food." Dinner was a relatively silent meal. Clay and Tacy murmured to each other quietly. Clair made sure everyone's plate was full. Breydin kept glancing at Cassie. Marco cheerfully ate four helpings of everything. Cassie picked at her meat pie. Everything was happening too quickly. Suddenly, her cell-phone rang. Everyone jumped. Cassie took a peek at the caller ID and jumped up from the table. "Sorry, guys. Phone call." Outside in the ivy side-yard, she answered it. "Cassie speaking." "Hey, kid. You okay?" "Of course I'm okay. I'm always okay. Why wouldn't I be okay?" "You seemed...disturbed when you left in such a flippant manner yesterday. I thought you might not be very happy." "Matt, I told you I was FINE." "Since when have I ever believed you?" Cassie considered this. "True. Okay, so maybe things are a bit hectic, and unexpected events are happening with astonishing rapidity. But other than that, I'm coping." "Why do I feel like you're hiding something?" "Listen, just leave me alone," Cassie said tiredly. "I'm perfectly decent. If I need any assistance, I'll call you." "Do that." Matt hesitated a moment. "Kid, there are a lot of bad things that could happen to a girl out in this world. Be careful, will ya?" "Yeah. Thanks. Bye." Cassie hung up and pondered. "Cassie, are you as knowledgeable as you think you are? Or just extremely gullible and stupid?" "Both," she decided. She went back inside. The others were finishing up dessert. Marco pushed his chair back and patted his rotund front. "Ahhh, what a marvelous feast. Thank you, my dear," addressing Clair, "and now I'll be showing Cassie out to our shed." "Why?" Cassie said, instantly suspicious. "Don't worry," Marco said reassuringly, "You'll be fine." The garage was an extremely large building. It looked like it had once been another house, perhaps the guest quarters, but all the windows were blocked with boards. Cassie instantly noticed two huge sliding doors in the roof. She refrained any comment. They walked into the dark entranceway. Marco flipped on a light. "Our...mode of travel is in that main area," Marco said, indicating a locked door. "We will enter in a moment. But first, let me show you our computer room." Cassie gasped. Her eye was met with more than a dozen computer systems lining the walls. Switchboards, screens, and buttons covering the desk made it look like a scene out of Star Trek. Her fingers itched to test out the functions. "What do you use all these for?" she asked. "Many purposes," Marco explained vaguely, "that you will learn about in time. I'm sure you know how to operate them." "Now," he said, as they stood outside the locked door, "I want you to keep an open mind. What you are about to see is something that not many people might be able to handle. Just stay calm." He opened the door wide and ushered Cassie in. She saw a huge machine that looked like a mix between a spaceship, a stealth fighter, and a helicopter. It was huge and black and solid and...dirty. Cassie stepped forwards and looked closer. The entire outside hull was covered in a thin layer of reddish dust. She felt it. It was chalky, but at the same time spongy. Her hand tinged orange. "Where did this come from," she asked in a low voice. "There's no such kind of soil around here." "Of course there isn't. That kind of dirt isn't found anywhere in the world. We found it on Tamir XV" He smiled. Cassie's heart went cold. "Where's that?" "It's the third planet of the star Betelgeuse, of the constellation Orion." Cassie's world spun.
"And also," it went on before she could answer, "you are probably berating yourself for being such an idiot for traveling here to see this."
Cassie was mildly curious as to how the person knew this. He was correct, though. The man behind her was little more than four and a half feet tall. He wore decidedly expensive clothes that looked as if they were made for someone else, and his black hair was neatly combed. On the whole, she quickly appraised, he looks like an affluent Wall Street businessman, out for a day in the stock market. It was rather a disappointment.
"You were expecting a miracle, maybe?" the man raised his eyebrows.
"Not a miracle. Something more..."
"Large?" the man laughed softly. "You will find that size and age are relative terms, my dear young lady. Age is time, and time is only a mode of thought, you know. Size is matter in space, and facility of thought often precedes corporeal weight in value."
"Not meaning to be rude, sir, but I came for help to stop terrorists from destroying the world, and I don't have time for a philosopher trying to preach the validity of the unseen. So, if you'll please excuse me, I have a planet to save." Cassie tried to politely brush the little man aside so she could descend the stairwell.
"I did not come to preach to you," the man said, standing solidly in her way. "I came with an offer that I think you will not likely desire to pass up." His keen face watched her as she looked her disbelief.
"I can give you a team of the most intelligent human beings in the universe." His voice dropped to a whisper. "I can provide you with more technology then your wildest imagination can think possible. I can show you more amazing sights than you ever dreamed existed. Why am I offering this to you? I will not lie and say that you are the smartest, brightest, most gifted person I know of. No, compared to the standard of brilliant people nowadays, you are at the bottom of the list. But you are at least still on the list," he said, as she frowned darkly. "I believe that you have the right ideas about what needs to happen on this earth," he told her. "You are also the only one besides me and the Kor-Aldan who know of the impending bomb. I knew about their plans before you did, and now it is not you seeking my help, it is I asking for yours'. You have the choice: join with me in saving the world, or struggle to do it on your own, in vain. The decision is yours'."
Cassie stood in shocked thought. This man wasn't as useless as he looked. Unless, however, he was bluffing, in which case she would have to fight the Kor-Aldan on her own. But that's what she would be doing anyways, she realized. This way, even if the guy was false, there was still a chance of him telling the truth. Either way, she'd be trying to save the world.
She stuck out her hand.
The tense look on the little man's face relaxed into a cheerful grin. He chuckled and shook her hand. "You don't know how much this means to me," he said.
"I warn you though, if you try anything funny..."
"Yes, yes, I know, you'll blow my brains out. I've had my share of young, jumpy FBI and CIA agents. Now, I have some business to attend to. If you'd be so kind as to meet me here again tomorrow in the lobby downstairs, we can get straight to work. Oh, and I forgot one thing. My name is Marco. Marco Andretti."
"I'm Cassie..." she began, but he stopped her.
"Oh yes, I know who you are, I've been watching you for five months now. Well, I must be going. Tootles!" He walked down the staircase, whistling "O Solo Mio" in a high key.
Cassie stood a little while at the edge of the tower, staring down at smoggy London. She was rather astounded at the rapidity of events. She felt somehow that she ought to be more wary of strange men who offered their services and begged for her help, but at the same time she had a deep sense that what she was doing was right. She also felt guilty that she felt good about doing what she only felt, not knew, was right. And she felt confused that she felt guilty because she felt good about doing what she only felt was right...
"Boy, Cassie, this sure could screw up your life," she said out loud to herself. "What are you thinking, girl?" She couldn't answer that, so she asked herself another question. "What are you going to do if you get killed?"
"Nothing," she logically said.
"It would sure be nice to be able to talk about this to someone," she said a minute later. But no one she could think of would be interesting in listening to her, so she cancelled the idea with another one.
"The first person I meet that I know, I'll talk to them," she told herself, and left the clock tower. Chances were, she wouldn't meet a person she knew for a good long time, considering she knew nobody in London, and she was on a top-secret mission. Good. That would give her more time to think.
Walking into a teashop, she ran into Matt Eisile.
"So, do you always carry your secret handgun when you come on a 'little vacation' to London?"
Matt sat across from Cassie at a table in the teashop. He stirred sugar into his drink and thoughtfully munched on a biscuit. His blue eyes gazed at her intently.
"Of course," Cassie said icily, "just like you always twitch your ears when you get excited about a difficult case."
Matt frowned slightly and rubbed his ears. "Look, kid, leave me out of it. I'm asking the questions."
"Well, I don't choose to answer them," Cassie growled. "And stop calling me kid. I'm only five years younger than you."
"There's no need to be so uncivil," Matt said with infuriating calmness. "I just want to know what you're up to."
"Up to what? I'm not up to anything! I thought that a little relaxation would be nice. London is very diverting."
Matt eyed her. "You know that I'm not going to believe you."
Cassie shrugged. "Believe whatever you want, then."
"Hey kid, you've got to listen to me. I'm not out to get you."
"Then why did you fire me?"
Matt sighed. He sipped his tea. "I can't tell you that right now. You wouldn't understand. But I can say that I sincerely don't dislike you. And when you show up in London, I get a bit curious."
"Why are you in London?" Cassie smirked.
"Because I, in fact, AM on vacation. I took a break from paperwork and decided on a nice, quiet excursion in what was originally Cheapside. However, if you're doing anything interesting, I'd be more than happy to come along."
Cassie stared at him, taken aback. "Hey, I thought you hated me!"
"Nah, that was just, you know, friendly competitiveness. I really admire your talents and abilities."
The girl thought for a moment. "Nope. You can't come."
"Why not?" Matt pleaded earnestly. "I'd love to help!"
"Help what? Ruin my life? Go away." Cassie drank a huge gulp of scalding tea and promptly choked on the burning liquid. Matt handed her a napkin and patted her on the back reassuringly.
"Kid, I'm on your side. Really, I am. You've just gotta trust me for it."
Cassie recovered her breath. "That's great. Just great. Thanks for being on my side. A week ago you fired me from the only job I ever wanted." She stood and picked up her briefcase.
Matt slowly got to his feet. "Have it your way then. But Cassie..." he gently placed his hand on her shoulder. "If you ever run into any difficulties, I'm here."
Cassie rolled her eyes. "Thanks."
Matt watched her form melding into the colorful crowd on the English street. He clenched his fists.
Cassie checked her watch. She'd been waiting in the Big Ben lobby since sunrise for Marco Andretti. The berry croissants she'd eaten for breakfast settled themselves comfortably in her stomach, growling comfortably.
"Ah, thank you for waiting, my dear girl."
Marco appeared behind her in that swift, confusing way he had. "Today you will meet the other members of my team." He rubbed his hands together excitedly, beckoned her to follow him, and began to walk towards a taxi he hailed. Cassie picked up all her luggage and followed him.
"This will be a most thrilling time," Marco said exuberantly. He continued to chatter during their long ride. Sometimes Cassie struggled to understand him, only to realize that he had switched from rapid English to jabber in Italian.
"Ah, here we are!"
They had stopped at a house in a small, rustic neighborhood on the outskirts of London. Marco cheerfully dragged Cassie's suitcases into the abode. It had a thatched roof, a red wooden door, and the entrance hallway was the type you find a coat rack in with many bright colored, woolen scarves hanging on it. Talking her around the house, Marco deposited her things in a cozy bedroom overlooking a side yard hung with ivy and rosebushes. The place was a typical English country residence. A housekeeper beamed at Cassie as they rushed through the kitchen. Cassie had a quick glimpse of oatmeal cookies steaming on the stove.
"Now, since you're familiar with our home, I'll assemble the team in the parlor. Just wait here for one minute."
Cassie sat breathlessly down on the sofa. It was trimmed with pea- green ruffles, and matched the worn armchair and loveseat. Suddenly, she felt very alone. Ever since her parents had passed away, she'd been on her own, but never had many friends. If she disappeared off the face of this earth, the only person to know about would probably be the FBI. And what would they care?
Marco came back into the room with a line of people behind him. They all promptly sat down.
"This is Tacy," he said buoyantly. "She's our accountant. Keeps charge of all the expenses and budget. Makes sure we all have enough money." Tacy nodded at her. She was a blonde lady with an alert, quick look about her that showed proficiency in every move.
"This is Breydin," Marco indicated a young man sprawled in the armchair. His eyes, whose color could only be described as dark purple, starkly contrasted his flaming orange hair. Cassie stared in fascination.
"We only keep him because he's one of most ingenious inventors and mechanics of this decade," Marco grinned, "or he'd be back on the streets with his skateboarding friends, eating fast food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner." Breydin scowled, and the other members of the team chuckled. Obviously, Cassie noticed, it was a well-known fact that Breydin wasn't the most mature or sensible of the group.
"Here is Clay, our pilot. He can fly, drive, or maneuver any type of vehicle, ship, aircraft, you name it." Clay was a tall, stern man with graying hair. He bowed from his chair.
"This is Clair, our doctor and diplomat." Clair beamed at Cassie, who recognized her as the lady she'd thought was the housekeeper, baking cookies in the kitchen. Marco smiled. "She's also our cook."
"Do you have any questions?" Marco concluded.
Cassie felt jumbled. "Er...how old is everyone?" she asked lamely.
"I'm twenty-eight," Tacy said crisply.
"I'm old enough to be your grandmother," Clair said, her eyes twinkling. Cassie's heart hurt a little bit. She'd never known what it was like to have a grandmother.
"Forty-two," Clay said in his deep voice.
Breydin grinned impudently. "Twenty."
The other members of the team glared at him. He quailed slightly,
and coughed. "Um, I mean, nineteen."
They glared.
The boy shrunk down in his chair. "Eighteen?"
Marco tapped his foot.
"Seventeen?" Breydin offered in a small voice. Clay tapped his fingers warningly. Breydin gulped, eyeing the man's muscular arms with trepidation.
"Sixteen," he whispered. Marco's face relaxed. "There's a good lad. We don't keep any secrets from each other here. Remember what I always tell you, age is time, and time..." "...Is only a mode of thought. Yeah, yeah. I got it all memorized," Breydin chuckled under his breath. He looked at Cassie out of the corner of his purple eyes. "Well now, since you've all met each other, we can all go have dinner." "But, Marco, what...what am I supposed to do? What's the reason you want me here? How am I going to help?" Cassie found her voice. She found her hands were shaking, and sternly told them to stop. "You're here to help us with the hacking," Breydin said, snickering. "To help us with the computer work, he means," Marco smoothed over Breydin's comment. "Now, let's all go have some food." Dinner was a relatively silent meal. Clay and Tacy murmured to each other quietly. Clair made sure everyone's plate was full. Breydin kept glancing at Cassie. Marco cheerfully ate four helpings of everything. Cassie picked at her meat pie. Everything was happening too quickly. Suddenly, her cell-phone rang. Everyone jumped. Cassie took a peek at the caller ID and jumped up from the table. "Sorry, guys. Phone call." Outside in the ivy side-yard, she answered it. "Cassie speaking." "Hey, kid. You okay?" "Of course I'm okay. I'm always okay. Why wouldn't I be okay?" "You seemed...disturbed when you left in such a flippant manner yesterday. I thought you might not be very happy." "Matt, I told you I was FINE." "Since when have I ever believed you?" Cassie considered this. "True. Okay, so maybe things are a bit hectic, and unexpected events are happening with astonishing rapidity. But other than that, I'm coping." "Why do I feel like you're hiding something?" "Listen, just leave me alone," Cassie said tiredly. "I'm perfectly decent. If I need any assistance, I'll call you." "Do that." Matt hesitated a moment. "Kid, there are a lot of bad things that could happen to a girl out in this world. Be careful, will ya?" "Yeah. Thanks. Bye." Cassie hung up and pondered. "Cassie, are you as knowledgeable as you think you are? Or just extremely gullible and stupid?" "Both," she decided. She went back inside. The others were finishing up dessert. Marco pushed his chair back and patted his rotund front. "Ahhh, what a marvelous feast. Thank you, my dear," addressing Clair, "and now I'll be showing Cassie out to our shed." "Why?" Cassie said, instantly suspicious. "Don't worry," Marco said reassuringly, "You'll be fine." The garage was an extremely large building. It looked like it had once been another house, perhaps the guest quarters, but all the windows were blocked with boards. Cassie instantly noticed two huge sliding doors in the roof. She refrained any comment. They walked into the dark entranceway. Marco flipped on a light. "Our...mode of travel is in that main area," Marco said, indicating a locked door. "We will enter in a moment. But first, let me show you our computer room." Cassie gasped. Her eye was met with more than a dozen computer systems lining the walls. Switchboards, screens, and buttons covering the desk made it look like a scene out of Star Trek. Her fingers itched to test out the functions. "What do you use all these for?" she asked. "Many purposes," Marco explained vaguely, "that you will learn about in time. I'm sure you know how to operate them." "Now," he said, as they stood outside the locked door, "I want you to keep an open mind. What you are about to see is something that not many people might be able to handle. Just stay calm." He opened the door wide and ushered Cassie in. She saw a huge machine that looked like a mix between a spaceship, a stealth fighter, and a helicopter. It was huge and black and solid and...dirty. Cassie stepped forwards and looked closer. The entire outside hull was covered in a thin layer of reddish dust. She felt it. It was chalky, but at the same time spongy. Her hand tinged orange. "Where did this come from," she asked in a low voice. "There's no such kind of soil around here." "Of course there isn't. That kind of dirt isn't found anywhere in the world. We found it on Tamir XV" He smiled. Cassie's heart went cold. "Where's that?" "It's the third planet of the star Betelgeuse, of the constellation Orion." Cassie's world spun.