Just as she'd reached nine, the Doctor burst in the circle with a dark-haired woman at her side: "Kate, stop!"
"I can't, Doctor – I have to do it – please understand."
"You don't have to. Listen to me, Kate."
"Tell your companion to back out, and stay away Doctor – you might be at risk too. Let me do my job."
"I thought science led" answered the Doctor scornfully.
"So did I, Doctor, so did I," replied Kate sadly. "Now please go away, because if I begin to cry, I won't be able to aim."
While they were talking, the brunette had come nearer and she was now in the middle of the group of children: "Ms Stewart – can we talk? They won't do anymore harm, I promise."
Kate swerved: "Who are you?". She pointed her gun towards the newcomer.
"I'm Mensophia. I've been sent here to …to organise those children."
"What do you have to say?"
Fighting the Brain's voice into her brain, Mensophia took a deep breath and explained her superior's plan. Then she added softly: "But I can't do it – all I want is to live in peace, on my planet. I can help you repair the damage we've caused – at least I can stop the killings."
"Why should we believe you?"
"Because then I'm going to die." And she explained about the microchip. Kate had remained sceptical so far, but the woman's words rang true, and she hoped against hope she would be able to save Osgood: "When you say repair the damage…can you revive all those people?"
"I'm not sure – not all of them." Mensophia bit her lips. "If the coma hasn't lasted too long, I should be able to."
"Then try! And tell us how we can get rid of your leader."
"That is done already – before I left Planet Potentia, I sabotaged all the equipment I created to transmutate human beings. Without it, he had no more influence on Humans – and even if he were to find someone else to invent new devices, it would take him too long. He already died once, which means his second life has a shorter term."
"Divide et impera", murmured Kate. Then, louder, she said: "Well done. We'll do our best to help you survive, if you will help us in return." And she motioned towards Osgood's lifeless body. Kate didn't want anyone to die – not the children, not that woman, but especially not Osgood. She had to take the chance of trusting Mensophia.
With Kate's and Colonel Shindi's weapons' aimed at her, the woman bent over Osgood's body and put her hands on her forehead, applying a gentle pressure. A few minutes later, Osgood's eyelids fluttered and she opened her eyes. Kate put her gun back in her holster and knelt besides Osgood. She looked at Mensophia, took her hand in hers and murmured: "Thank you. This means …a lot." Then, a little louder, she added: "You've probably saved the best chance you have of saving your own life. Osgood here is a top scientist – if anyone can find a way around your microchip problem, she can. Can you do that for my men too ?"
Mensophia shook her head : "I'm sorry – their brain waves are too far gone. I was able to link my theta waves to your friends' and revive her, but I can't do anything for the others. They won't be able to wake up."
Kate bit her lips – three Unit soldiers dead – too many. She couldn't lose someone else, even if the someone was a former enemy alien. A very attractive enemy alien …It was only common courtesy, after all, to do someone a favour in return.
"And the children? What are you going to do about the children?"
"It's all right – I've done it already – when I was among them, I sent alpha waves – they're back to normal, I swear."
Kate looked Mensophia straight in the eyes: "I guess we'll have to see, then." And she walked towards the children. She could hear Colonel Shindi yelling at her not to go, that it might be a trick. For a moment she hesitated – was she being naïve? Those Potentials had killed dozens of Humans. She tried to find the Doctor's eyes, but she couldn't see her anywhere. She took a deep breath to steady herself, and decided to trust her instinct. She crouched near a little curly-haired boy who reminded her of her son when he was a child, and he went to her. She sat down on the grass and he came on her lap. Nothing happened. She heard everyone breathe audibly and she turned towards the troops, smiling: "Stand down, soldiers – your job is done."
She rose and went back to Osgood:
"Osgood ? How are you feeling?"
"A bit woozy, Ma'am …What happened ?"
"Let's just say you and children don't mix very well. If you're operational, someone needs your help." Kate pointed towards Mensophia.
In the car taking them back to London, Osgood turned towards Kate: "Ma'am?"
"Yes ?"
"How did we do it, Ma'am? I seem to have missed part of the action."
"You did a good job, Osgood – you saved Mensophia's life. And we got rid of the Potentials' threat. The Prime Minister will be ecstatic…"
"Yes …of course – but how ?"
Kate chuckled: "You should consider switching to bridge, Osgood. Chess may be all about strategy, but bridge is all about partnership – and courtesy !"