Korean Pearl: Do you want me to e- mail you the background, then? If so, I'll send you an e-mail on the weekend when I've got some time to sit down with the Departure and pick out the relevant bits. Enjoy this chappie!

Anonymous- cat: By now you'll know what's 'going on with Visser Three' as you put it. At least, you should know if you've read chapter 12!

Lil-maniac: I hope I've kept it up! I hadn't actually PLANNED the plot to start to 'thicken and wind around' as you say; it just started to happen and I went with it. My plots seem to take care of themselves once I have a basic idea of where I'm going! Enjoy this chapter!

DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW!


I sat in Karen's father's office, waiting impatiently for him to go for lunch. He had given me permission to come with him almost as soon as I had asked. I hoped that he would let me stay in here over the lunch break, otherwise it would all be a waste of time.

Finally it was time for lunch.

"Are you coming, Karen?" He asked.

"I brought some sandwiches, Dad. I might go out for a walk later, but I think I'll stay here for now."

He looked dubious. "Sure I can't interest you in the cafeteria? They do some really nice cakes."

"No thanks," I replied.

He left, and I was alone with the computer. I grabbed a notepad and pen. Karen's father had even left one of the banking databases open on the screen.

I copied down the data. I couldn't just print it; human printers were noisy and I was afraid someone might hear. So I scribbled down as much information as I could.

Half- an- hour later, I heard him coming back. I leapt off the chair and grabbed a chocolate bar and started to eat it.

"Still not finished your lunch?" He said. I knew I didn't need to answer.

A few days later, I went to see the Sub- Visser again.

"Have you progressed further with your mission?" He asked when I entered the room.

"Yes, Sub- Visser. I have information on the amount the bank has invested in various companies and charities over the past Earth year. I also have information on some humans who use the bank."

"Good. Now, we have gained planning permission for a scientific research facility, but do not have enough human money to build it. You need to ensure that your host's father invests in the project."

"Yes, Sub- Visser."

"Good. You are dismissed."

Later that evening I spoke to Karen's father. Her mother had gone out with friends.

"Dad?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Recently I've got quite interested in science," I began.

"Great! It really is a fascinating subject, isn't it? Did you know.."

"Dad," I interrupted. "A company want to build a scientific research facility on the edge of town. They've got planning permission, but no money to build it. Look, there's a leaflet."

"You want me to sponsor it?" He asked after reading the leaflet.

"Please, dad, please! It's such a worthwhile cause, it.."

"I'm sure it is, honey, but I have to consider a lot more factors than that before I invest in a company. I can't afford to sponsor every person who's trying to do something but doesn't have the money for it, or I won't have any money left to invest! Try to understand my need to prioritise."

I made Karen's face fall.

"Oh, alright, I'll think about it. No promises, though."

"Thanks dad!" I gave him a hug.

(How dare you? How DARE you!) Karen screamed, a prisoner inside her own mind. (I thought you weren't that bad, but now I see you're just like all your kind. I hate you.)

(No, you don't, even though you think you should.)

(I do! Any emotions you were reading were just an act.)

(Karen, I'd know if..)

(Shut up! I don't want to know you, I don't need to understand you. You just keep away from my family and friends, OK!)

(I can't do that.)

I could feel Karen seething with rage, unable to find words to express her anger. But I knew that deep down inside she understood, or even pitied me. But she would no longer be friends with me.

'This has to happen if you're to be successful,' I told myself. But I wondered if really I wanted to be successful if it meant this much sacrifice, this much pain to another sentient creature. But the ambitious, selfish part of me quickly pushed that thought to the back of my mind. From then on, I became like all the rest. Ruthless and cold.