Author's Note: I am back, and am very sorry for my long absents. I've been suffering from a severe illness called writers block. Also the 'lack of time' bug has gotten worse as exams get closer, but as I'm trapped in the airport of the next couple of hours I find myself with a short reprieve. Oh, I finally realized that the >> which contain thoughts being telepathically sent went uploading, I think I've fixed the problem.

The sleeper sat quietly, waiting for Mr. Bester to report in. Talia would have been pacing and at least running her fingers in a rhythm-less pounding; if she had control of her vocal cords she might even be screaming in frustration and grief now.

Please don't get her. Talia chanted to her herself, repeating the phrase over and over in her mind. Oh, Alisa. My fault.

>Ms Winters?>

>Yes Sir?> The Sleeper replied, instantly attentive.

>Ms Belden is in our control.> Talia felt her heart stop. >Please arrange for a shuttle to take us to base 5 and have medical personal standing by; Mr. Arlett received cranial injuries and probably has several broken ribs.>

Talia paid close attention as the Sleeper efficiently arranged a temporary holding cell for Alisa. Her next actions weren't much of a choice for her. Who wants to live forever anyway?

>Sir?> The Sleeper sent as she checked over her instructions one more time; her eyes unknowingly skipping the sixth line.

>Go ahead.>

>Everything is arranged; the shuttle should be there in fifteen minutes.>

Talia let the Sleeper handle the conversation with Bester without interference when she met him at base 6. Hours flew by in a haze of worry and fear until the Sleeper finally finished a final piece of pointless paperwork and went to sleep.

With shaking fingers Talia quickly changed out of the silky nightgown and dressed in the Sleeper's most mobile business outfit; a gray pants suit with green triangular styling. It clung to her form far better than anything Talia ever bought for herself. She pulled on matching grey gloves and pinned the Psi Core badge prominently on her chest. Her hair she took the time to put up in a respectable bun. Quickly, Talia strapped a PPG to her side hoping it wouldn't look too strange. Finally Talia took a deep breath and erected the strongest shields she could. Stronger than the ones she has used to block Bester during the Underground Railroad incident.

As Talia walked through the corridors she found it surprisingly easy to keep her face neutral; now, it took effort to remember to direct her muscles to move.

Taking a deep breath Talia keyed in her illegal entry code. The door slide open and Talia stepped into the main security office.

>Talia Winters, Personal Aid of Psi Cop Alfred Bester. I'm here to transfer prisoner 743JK to rehabilitation facility 4.> Talia projected to the guards. >Authorization code 'Winkin Blinkin and Nod.'>

>Code confirmed Miss Winters, please follow me.>

Talia nodded, refortifying her inner shields as the guards probed the Sleepers loyal thoughts.

She followed them down another grey, plain hallway lined with doors. Except behind these doors she knew people were being held, tortured, their souls killed piece by piece until they died or went mad.

They stopped in front of one of the doors, the shorter guard keyed a code into the pad and lend over for a retina scan. The door opened. The cell was empty.