Back at the Tower
The hacking of the websites had stopped a few hours after it had begun, but Kate knew it was only the beginning of a more serious attack. There was no proof the Potentials were hostile, but the way they'd chosen to communicate was certainly not a friendly one.
She had Osgood search through Unit databases, but nothing emerged. She racked her brain for anything her father could have told her, still nothing. After an uncomfortable conversation with the Prime Minister, and an even more awkward one with her Unit superior, she felt raw and nearly convinced of her own ineffectiveness. The General had not minced his words, and she had not even been able to reply in her usual sarcastic tone, because he was right. They had no clue about what was going on. She had tentatively tried to say that they had a lead on a video game, but it had only made the General more cutting: "You may think we're paying you to play, Miss Stewart, but do I need to remind you that the Earth's safety is at stake? If you can't do better, you'll have all the time in the world to go and play with dolls, or video games, or whatever! That is, if that world hasn't been destroyed by the aliens first." On that, the General had hung up, and she'd had to bite back her answer, which might not be such a bad thing, she reflected, because she always walked a fine line between assertiveness and utter insubordination…
When Osgood entered her office a few minutes later, Kate was doodling on a piece of paper where she'd drawn all the clues they had so far – the game, the children, the name "Potential"… And nothing much else. She lifted her head: "Tell me you've found something, Osgood."
"I have, Ma'am. Not much, but …As you know, some of Unit databases still haven't been transferred to microfilms, and I had a look at some of the paper files. Especially the one containing a map of alien planets – the one the Brigadier had begun to chart."
"Go on." At the mention of her father, Kate flinched – she was sure he was watching over her, from wherever he was, and she wanted nothing as much as to make him proud. Right now she wasn't making a very good job of it.
"A Planet Potentia is mentioned on the map – we don't have a lot more info on it, only that the leader calls himself The Brain. And there is a little DW flag on it, which means …"
"I know what it means, Osgood – it means I should make a phone call."
A few hours later, three women were sitting in Kate's office. Kate herself was perched on the side of her desk, Osgood was sitting very properly in one of the chairs, her tablet on her knees, and the third occupant was reclining in one of the armchair, munching on a Creme Egg.
"Hmm …I needed that – It's been a while since I've had one. Thanks, Kate!"
"You're very welcome, Doctor."
"So, what can I do to help ?" The young blond woman looked at Kate interrogatively, and Kate nodded to Osgood, who recapitulated what they had so far. The Doctor sat up and crossed her leg in the lotus position. She was starting to speak when the office door was slammed open and Josh burst into the room.
"Captain Carter! Didn't anyone teach you to knock?"
"Sorry, Ma'am, but this is urgent. We have reports all over England of dozens of people falling into comas. Young people apparently – mostly young couples with children. And …some of the paramedics sent on the scenes are affected too!"
Kate grit her teeth: "This looks like more than an advertising stunt, Osgood, wouldn't you say? We need to do something – NOW!"
"Would you like me to help?" asked the Doctor ingenuously.
"Well…that would be appreciated" answered Kate a little bitingly.
"All right then". The Doctor changed position once again – she was now lying down on the carpet, her feet and lower legs on the armchair. As if she could sense Kate glaring at her, she answered protestingly: "That's how I do my best thinking – you don't mind, do you?"
A few minutes later, she jumped up: "I've got it – the Potentials – they gave Earth great leaders, you know? Like Julius Cesar, Machiavelli, Mao Ze-Dong, …"
"Great leaders? Are you joking, Doctor? Blood-thirsty tyrants, maybe, but…"
"Sorry – same difference – can I go on?" Not waiting for an answer, the Doctor carried on: "I met their leader a while ago – didn't impress me much – a bit geeky. His Secretary of State, though …what a woman! Lovely figure, raven hair…"
"Doctor! I don't know if you remember that people are dying while you're raving about an enemy alien's looks?"
"Sorry, Kate – your father would have liked her. Anyways, she was a good influence on The Brain."
"The Brain?"
"Yes, that's the name of their leader."
"How original…" muttered Kate.
"Anyway, at the time, they seemed content to just send some of their people on Earth – like the ones I've mentioned. Their old leader – Philomens – was totally pacific, anyhow. But I don't know about the new one – this "Brain" – it seems they've upped their game."
"You couldn't have said it better, Doctor. Because that's exactly what they are using – a game!"
"Talentio", murmured Osgood.
"Exactly. Osgood, can you cross- reference the Coma chart with the Gifted kids chart? I think we've just found out how those Potentials think they're going to take over!"
After a few manipulations, Osgood handed her tablet to Kate. Just as the latter thought, the maps matched perfectly. "Ma'am …are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"I'm very much afraid so, Osgood. This is …monstrous. But… We have to find a way to neutralize these kids before they kill other people."
"Ma'am?"
"I know, Osgood, I know". For a minute, Kate put her head in her hands. Then she said softly: " That Brain is …An abomination. He knew that we could never … Call the team in – right now!"
As Osgood assembled the team in the meeting room the Doctor looked at Kate warily: "Kate? What do you intend to do?"
Kate sighed: "Doctor, you know I'm not a warrior. I loathe violence with all my heart. But this is my job – I have to defend Earth. And I have to assume that somehow, those Potentials have found a way to weaponise those children. Which means I have to …to…"
"To what ?!"
Kate didn't answer, but she murmured: "Let's pray that we don't have to kill them before they kill us – because I don't think I could live with that." On that, she marched into the meeting room.