How to Judge a Book by its Cover
By Sophie Shoesmith
Copyright 2013 Sophie Shoesmith
Smashwords Edition

Between Boulders, Bears and Black Mountain
The mountain’s history was as black as the granite boulders that were its namesake. Not many that went into Black Mountain National Park came out again. Cattle were frequently ‘lost’. There were only three creatures native to the mountain; two were lizards and one was a snake and none could be found anywhere else in the world. It was as though the mountain was an alien planet unto itself. Even aircraft that flew overhead were not free from the treacherous and untimely wind currents. Previous pilots could only pin the danger to magnetic interference as heinous as that from the Bermuda Triangle. No human aircraft flew near the unusual black scar amongst the surrounding forest of fig trees. Everyone knew it was better not to test the hungry maw of fate. This made it the perfect place for Cato to spread her wings.
Cato had beautiful brown-yellow plumage across the enormous span of her wings. Her feathers shivered in the heat currents that jittered over the mountain and pushed her further up into the sky at times and sucked her back down at others. She kept her long talons carefully tucked into a fist to ensure the wild winds didn’t cause her an accidental injury. Her deep blue eyes scanned the rocks below. At 26 years old she had enough experience to know there would be nothing down there; she was simply here to enjoy the ride on the unpredictable winds. But Cato is not a bird. Her vast wingspan does not join onto a feathered back, but rather a smooth expanse of skin that is covered in a flannelette shirt made to fit around her wings. Her long talons are most definitely curled into four fists, and each of these join onto a thin and featherless wrist or ankle. And her deep blue eyes are set into a sharply angled human face that is framed by feathers matching the colour of her wings. And as the wind abruptly changes its course and sucks Cato down the face breaks into an ecstatic scream.
Cato’s voice echoed around the plains for what seemed like eons. The feathers around her ears twitched and adjusted themselves to allow the maximum amount of sound back in. There was no other sound but the roar of the wind and her own delighted cheer repeated hundreds of times as it bounced off the immeasurable faces of the black rocks below. Cato’s blue eyes opened and focused on the mountain that was so familiar to her. Below she could see three brightly coloured specks amongst the black. Cato considered them for a minute; drifting on the air currents as she surveyed them. They were most certainly humans because only humans could be responsible for such an unnatural clash of colours in a wild area like Black Mountain. They were very far up the mountain though; it was a wonder they hadn’t fallen down any of the crevices that the mountain infamously hid. It was also a wonder how Cato had not noticed them for such a long time. Sighing with disappointment at a day of flying cut short Cato began to descend. It was her duty as a Cooktown psychicae to assist any humans that were in danger; and it looked like these humans were walking right into trouble.
Cato alighted quietly on a tall boulder behind the humans. On closer inspection Cato recognised them as three teenage boys from the town; Jim, Warren and Todd. They were arguing about whether to go left or right. Cato cleared her throat to announce her presence and the three boys swivelled around with yells of fright that sharply pierced the pressing silence of the rocky environment. At the sight of Cato they relaxed and laughed.
“Oh it’s just you Cato!” laughed the tallest, Jim, with relief, “Man these guys have been telling me scary stories ‘bout this place all day!”
“Have not; you’re just a goddamn sissy,” retorted Todd.
“What are you all doing out here?” queried Cato curiously, “You know how dangerous it is.”
The boys looked exasperated and one of them rolled their eyes.
“Yeah we’ve all heard,” the Warren said with obvious disbelief, “But Jim’s cow’s gone missin’ and you know how all the cattle usually turn up around here. And that’s a prize cow, it’s gonna get Jim a lotta money! So we thought we’d all go lookin’.”
Cato hummed and nodded, she knew how important cattle were to a lot of people in Cooktown. Personally she had never understood the obsession but a lot of people would never understand her obsession with flying over Black Mountain either.
“What do you say I help you find your cow?” offered Cato.
The boys looked surprised but very pleased.
“Really you’d do that?” exclaimed Jim, “We’d find her so much easier if we had you!”
“Yeah it’s alright I’ll help,” Cato smiled, “What does the cow look like?”
“Uh well, she’s brown,” said Jim shortly, “And very big too, we feed her well.”
“Alright I’ll have a look from the sky,” nodded Cato, “You all be careful down here though; it really is dangerous.”
Cato jumped from the rock and ascended into the air; catching the rising heat currents deftly. She did not climb to the height she had been before. This time she was searching for a small brown figure amongst black giants; and she had to keep an eye on the boys lest they run into trouble.
Cato caught current after current and searched in widening circles over the mountain. She had helped in searches for cattle before in the mountains and she knew it was a gruelling and often fruitless task. Usually the cattle had fallen into a crevice or had been bitten by a snake. It was a rare occurrence to find an alive and well cow hidden in Black Mountain.
........
Cato had been circling for what seemed like hours to her. The sun was setting in the distance and throwing eerie shadows over the thousands of divergent paths of the mountain. The boys were still searching below but their pace had visibly slowed. Cato was entertaining the idea of eating a warm dinner cooked by her grandmother and crawling into her bed when a splash of red caught her eye. She quickly dropped a few hundred metres and shouted out to the three boys. They looked up, shielding their eyes from the glare of the sun and then began to move in the direction Cato was pointing. Cato circled lower and lower and eventually was close enough to see that there was no hope of rescuing this cow. It had been torn to shreds. As Cato landed the three boys ran around the corner. Jim swore.
“This is kinda weird,” said Cato her eyes fixated on the carcass of the cow.
At this distance to the corpse the stench of heated blood and meat was almost unbearable but the worst assault to Cato’s senses was the relentless whirr of the flies. It made her feel uneasy.
“What do you reckon happened?” whispered Warren as he approached the cow slowly.
“I’d say it’s pretty obvious Warren,” said Todd with a façade of brave sarcasm, “Somethin’ ate Jim’s cow.”
“Nah it didn’t eat it,” said Warren and inched a little closer to inspect the carcass, “It just killed it; everythin’s still there. Just in different… places.”
“I dunno man; this is creepin’ me out,” said Jim and cast his eyes up to the sky away from the cow, “We should go.”
The three boys were silent but none of them moved. The abrupt tension in the atmosphere made it seem almost as though movement would be dangerous. As though the dead cow knew some greater wisdom that they might discover should they choose to depart. Cato dragged her eyes away and stood up on the rock she had landed on. There were no shadows anymore; just the red darkness of sunset and the decreased visibility did nothing to calm Cato’s buzzing nerves.
“Yeah Jim’s right,” Cato forced out, “We need to go. Something’s not right.”
The three boys nodded dumbly and Cato jumped down from the rock, landing lightly on the dusty floor. It seemed she would have to lead the boys on foot as they appeared too dazed by the sight of the destroyed cow to be directed from above. Besides Cato doubted they would be able to see her against the mottled black and red of the sky.
“This way,” said Cato and the three boys followed her around the jagged corner of granite.
Not half a dozen steps had been taken when the group was brought to a halt. The already bewildered boys froze in place at the disturbing sight before them. Cato felt a shiver roll down her spine. They had found the creature that had killed the cow.
Most of its heaving figure was hidden in the shadow of the granite boulder it stood under but the gentle crunching echoing from its body and the brief flash of teeth gave no ambiguity about its purpose. It was indeed eating the cow; it had just dragged a piece away. Now that Cato could see the creature she realised the cow had had no chance of escape; it was an enormous beast even compared to Jim’s overfed bovine. It was too large and it certainly did not belong in Black Mountain National Park.
“Dear God,” breathed Jim, and then clapped a hand over his mouth, his eyes wide with terror.
The beast’s jaws clamped shut at the noise and Cato glared at Jim; motioning for the three boys to back away. Petrified into obedience the boys tentatively began an endless journey back towards the dead cow. Cato watched the oversized beast as it stood paused above its meal and hoped most of its enlarged head was skull and muscle. As Cato’s heart pounded faster than any human heart could ever hope to achieve the beast lowered its head to return to the meat. Weak relief flooded Cato’s limbs and she turned to see where the three boys were. They were still creeping away, their eyes fixed on the beast. Cato raised one foot to join them and the next second passed slower than any other in her life.
The three boys’ eyes widened and their mouths opened; releasing screams of warning and panic. Their arms pointed behind Cato to the impending danger while their feet scuffled back from it at the same time. A bellow ripped through Cato’s ears and she was crushed into the ground. The impact of the solid granite rock against her head blocked any thought other than pain and then adrenaline surged through as a replacement for her damaged neurons.
“Run,” screamed Cato from under the beast claws, “Run!”
The three boys were only human and were only young. They had never faced any hardship in their lives. They had always been coddled by their elders. Always told that they would grow up to be the bravest of citizens and the best possible leaders; just because of who they were born to be. And now it showed. They turned and fled. Not because they were cowards; but because they were only human and they had never been taught to deal with anything ugly.
“We’ll get help!” Todd shouted as they ran, “We’ll send help for you; hold on Cato!”
The beast growled behind Cato’s back; Cato felt the pressure of its claws increase and its weight shift. Using the slight movement Cato rolled out from under the tonne of flesh before it brought down its other fist of claws on her head. She hit a wall of granite with a thud as she rolled away and she jumped to her feet.
Now that the creature was in the red light of the recently set sun it only looked more of the part of a monstrosity. It was a bear of some description but it had obviously been driven mad. As it turned to face Cato she saw its eyes were unfocussed and bleeding, its gums and teeth in a similar state of decay and even the bear’s fur was matted and greying. This bear was somehow managing to eat enough to sustain such an enormous size but it was still incredibly unhealthy. Cato felt a twinge of pity for the creature before it again barrelled towards her with a furious moan.
Cato launched herself into the air; her face directed towards the few tiny stars starting to shine through the haze of the atmosphere. The beast jumped after her entangling its claws in her wing and around her thigh and dragging her back to the ground. Cato cried out in pain as she felt muscles and bones bending in her wing and ripping through her skin but she had no time for self-pity and yanked her limbs back from the beast; stumbling backwards as she did so. The beast came lunging forwards yet again with its four massive paws pounding the granite ground. Cato ducked beneath the beast and used all her strength to shove up into its blood stained chest. The incredible momentum the beast had conjured sent it flying into a granite wall; its head receiving a satisfying strike. The beast’s heavy form crumpled to the ground for only a moment and Cato was already sprinting away, unable to fly with her broken wing.
Cato’s lungs had adapted for flying; they were adapted for gathering air at high speeds in the open plains of the sky. Here in the enclosed caverns of Black Mountain she gasped for oxygen to fuel her already burning legs. But as she heard the enraged beast howl behind her and felt its feet pounding the granite once again she needed no further motivation to continue running. Besides, she reasoned, at least it was all downhill from here.
Cato ran and ran for at least an hour. The granite boulders flitted past with Cato barely keeping track of where she was going. The darkness had fully enclosed the mountain by the time the roars of the beast could no longer be heard. Cato did not stop to rest however; the thought that the beast might find her again was enough to keep her walking.
Cato was starting to wonder if perhaps she was lost when she stumbled into the tourist car park. Cato let out a relieved laugh and fell to the gravel road in partial happiness and partial exhaustion. She was so exhausted now that even the idea of the monstrous bear bursting through the trees couldn’t raise her. She gasped for breath as she lay on the cold rocks. Eventually her breathing returned to a normal pace and Cato pushed herself up to sit on the gravel. She was now beginning to realise exactly how much her wing hurt and how trapped she was out here. Cato wondered if anyone had realised she was missing when a pair of lights blinded her and car doors began slamming.
“Cato? Cato!”
“Oh wow what happened to you dude?”
“Come on get up,” a large figure dragged Cato to her feet and began beating the dust off her.
“Ow Bernardus quit it,” whined Cato shoving the large man away.
Cato’s eyes were slowly adjusting to the invasion of light and now she could see her would-be rescuers. They were her closest friends from Cooktown and the only other psychicaes in a two hundred kilometre radius. The large figure was Bernardus; a surly and secretive man in his mid-forties who was probably just as big as the beast from the mountain. This was probably because his morph as a psychicae meant he took on the features of a bear.
“So what happened?” the first voice approached, “And- oh my, your wing is hurt!”
This was Davina. She was almost as young as the three teenage boys but was far more politely spoken. She had a far more obvious morph than any of the other psychicaes with her gazelle morph giving her the appearance of a centaur. 
“It’s a long story,” said Cato wearily, “And yeah my wing hurts a lot so could we maybe get off the mountain?”
“Alright that’s fair enough,” said the third person, “You can tell us on the way back to Cooktown buddy.”
This was Cato’s best friend; they had known each other almost since they were born. Alexis was perhaps the most laidback and fun-loving guy Cato knew. Almost every day the two could be found surfing on one of the beaches around Cooktown. Alexis was always better at surfing though; it suited his dolphin morph very well. His buoyant personality had certainly made an impression on Davina and after years of wheedling and meddling Cato had finally coaxed an admission that they were indeed dating from Alexis.
Now Alexis helped his injured friend from the ground and into the car.
........
The ride back to Cooktown was relatively uneventful compared to Cato’s afternoon. The calm seemed surreal and foreboding to the near shell-shocked psychicae. She had explained everything that had happened from her flying over the mountain to her staggering into the car park as they drove back to Cooktown. Now Cato was sitting on a gurney at Cooktown Hospital with a nurse behind her back rubbing antiseptic into the tears and gashes in her wing. The pain had been excruciating at first but now it had died to a dull ache. The other psychicaes were waiting outside in the reception and Constables Sarah and Charlie were asking her some questions.
“So I’m thinking we should get some rangers up there,” said Constable Sarah, “Maybe they can tranquilise the bear? It probably needs to be shot though.”
“Actually we were going to deal with it,” said Cato firmly, “We don’t think it’s safe for, uh, humans to be up there. Not even rangers.”
The police officers raised their eyebrows. Cato could even feel the mixture of irritation and amusement from the nurse behind her. The telekinetic network usually relayed human emotions to her of a night; it was only with the rise of the sun that she could no longer feel what the humans felt.
“I don’t really think it’s a matter of choice here Cato,” said Constable Charlie, his jaw set somewhat more firmly now, “We can’t allow a load of civilians to run about the mountain with a crazed bear on the loose.”
“Yes but we’re not your average civilians,” said Cato, “We’re employed by Psychicae United to make your job a bit easier; especially when it comes to things like this.”
“Yeah I’ve heard,” nodded Constable Charlie, “I’m still not sure about this whole psychicae thing you have going. I mean it’s not like you don’t exist I mean-”
He gestured to the nurse fixing Cato’s wing with a scoff.
“But we don’t have any protocol around you,” shrugged the Constable, “It’s like the government just denies you’re here. Are there more of you; or maybe you four are just a bunch of loony mutants telling me you’re employed by some big secret agency.”
“Are you listening to yourself?” Cato couldn’t help but laugh, “Sure the government doesn’t do much for us and the news doesn’t report on us; but you can see signs that we’re here right? What about Singapore? They wouldn’t have lasted half as long against China if it wasn’t for psychicaes.”
Charlie shuffled uncomfortably for a second.
“Yeah alright I get it,” he agreed, “That still doesn’t mean I’m going to let you and your buddies go up in the mountain by yourselves. There are rules I have to follow.”
Cato sighed with disappointment, “Can you just keep the rangers out of there for a week?”
The police officers stared at Cato; their eyes narrowed. Sarah leant over and murmured in Charlie’s ear. Though the sound would have been inaudible to the nurse Cato caught every word.
“It doesn’t have to be official,” she whispered, “They’ll take care of it; and the rangers don’t have to risk their lives.”
Charlie exhaled heavily and rubbed his brow.
“Alright, the mountain’s off-limits to everyone for the week,” said Constable Charlie, “That bear better be gone when it’s reopened.”
We Seek Asylum
The ocean extended forever on every side; even the sky mirrored the water and turned the world into an endless void of blue. No clouds dared to interrupt and spoil the beauty of the scene. The only relief from the continuous colour was the white sun that lanced the ocean and was shattered into a thousand tiny pieces. Traversing the water was a tiny boat; a small vessel that begged forgiveness for disturbing the harmonious scene with its conflicting brown and red.
On this vessel were two hundred psychicae refugees fleeing from a soon to be invaded and hostile Indonesia. Their saviours were two Australian psychicaes; one was currently in the bridge with the captain of the lifeboat.
This psychicae’s name was Avalon. As far as human beauty was concerned she was beautiful. Her perfectly muscled figure was enclosed in a crisp suit that did appear out of place in the dinghy environment of the lifeboat. Her delicate, golden skin shone in the light sent from the rejoicing sun and was dotted with faded black splodges that were only visible at some angles. Her delicate hands were tipped with small black claws; each one sharpened to deadly precision. Her golden hair was drawn back from her face revealing two furred ears gifted from her spotted hyena morph. Her face was narrow and her eyes dark; light make-up only served to further her intimidating persona and conceal any emotion. Everything from her expression to her body language gave no hint to the inner workings of her mind.
As much as her expression had not changed in the past hour she had been in the bridge; Avalon had to admit to herself that she was growing steadily more bored. After fighting on the frontline in Jakarta for weeks this task was quite dull. She had ferried four other boats and two planes from the small village of Merauke in Indonesia to Weipa in Australia without any resistance. The only relief for her boredom was the occasional conversation with her partner Faustus, which was a rare occurrence given how busy the both of them were.
“Um excuse me Antistitor?” mumbled the Captain.
“Yes Captain?” acknowledged Avalon wearily.
“I see something on the horizon,” answered the Captain.
Avalon’s eyes jolted to the water and she inwardly cursed her inattention. Indeed there was another vessel on the horizon and this one was far larger than their tiny lifeboat.
The door to the bridge opened and Faustus stepped in. Avalon’s partner was just as immaculately preened, although he did not possess any of the physical splendour that Avalon did. His cane toad morph was repulsed by any and all humans.
“It’s an Australian navy ship,” said Faustus shortly, “And it’s priming its weapons.”
Avalon almost sighed with relief. Finally something interesting to do.
“Get the children below deck,” ordered Avalon, “Then the amphibians in the water, the avian in the air and everyone else on front deck.”
Faustus nodded and was gone.
“What are we going to do?” asked the Captain apprehensively.
“Captain I need you to get this boat as close to the navy ship as possible,” said Avalon calmly, “We’re going to board their ship.”
........
Avalon stood at the bow of the boat, a hundred or so psychicaes shuffling nervously behind her. Below her she could see the glimmer of dozens of psychicaes in the water; Faustus would be down there somewhere leading them. Circling the boat above were yet more psychicaes. And looming in front of them was the grey shadow of the navy ship HMAS Glenelg; its guns pointed at the small lifeboat. It seemed like an insult to her; for this ship to represent a country of freedom and prosperity and for them to be aiming weapons at these people like everyone else had been for the past decade. But Avalon understood none of the humans on the navy ship were at fault. They had been raised like this, taught that they should only like and accept their own; indeed it was hardwired into human evolution. This rule was as strict and unbending as the metal ship those humans stood on. They would kill to defend it.
Avalon could see details on the humans’ faces as they scurried about the deck now. She could see half a dozen people in the metallic bridge of their ship. An unshaven man brought a speaker to his mouth.
“Surrender yourselves beasties or we will open fire,” his voice echoed across the water.
Avalon glanced up at the Captain of the lifeboat who was staring at her uncertainly. She shook her head and turned back to the navy ship; her cold façade never flickering.
“This is your last warning!” the man shouted hoarsely, “Surrender now!”
Avalon looked up to the psychicaes flying above and flicked her hand in the direction of the ship. Three of the psychicaes separated from the flock and dove towards the ship. Within seconds all three guns on the ship were dismantled by the impact of the psychicaes; one tumbling into ocean and sending a jet of water dozens of metres up into the air. The three flying psychicaes shot up away from the ship before any of the humans could react.
Avalon returned her calm gaze to the men in the bridge who were staring with bewilderment and outrage at their ruined weapons. Their faces were blotted out by the wall of steel of the navy ship as the lifeboat halted with a small thud against the navy vessel.
“Half of you stay here and guard the boat,” shouted Avalon, “Everyone else distract the human soldiers, do not kill them.”
The ten metre wall of metal was easily scaled by the psychicaes and the deck was revealed. The metal floor was warped and torn where one of the guns had been torn out. Engineers were already swarming around its remains but at the sight of the psychicaes they bolted. They were replaced by more soldiers who ran forward brandishing long assault rifles, some diving into defensive positions with machine guns behind walls or metal containers.
Havoc broke out on the deck. The humans immediately began firing at the psychicaes who could do nothing more than dodge their shots and try to destroy their weapons. As Avalon sprinted for the bridge she heard the first cries as psychicaes began to fall. These psychicaes were civilians, not soldiers; they would not last very long.
As Avalon ran towards the aft of the ship and towards the bridge a soaked Faustus joined her.
“The Captain?” he queried.
“In the bridge I’m going to assume,” said Avalon as she leapt up onto a long, curved ledge that led straight into the small window of the bridge.
From here Avalon could see clearly inside the bridge and she could clearly see it was deserted.
“They ran for it,” stated Faustus, “This could take a while.”
“No point waiting any longer then,” Avalon said, shattering the bulletproof glass to the bridge as she leapt through.
A quick survey of the dark innards of the bridge and Avalon located a ladder in the centre of the room.
“Down here,” said Avalon quietly.
Avalon crept close to the ladder and deftly checked to see if anyone had posted a guard. Reasonably assured that most of the armed crew were busy on the deck Avalon dropped down to the lower floor and was quickly followed by Faustus. This new corridor was lit with a yellow light that did nothing to create a warm or welcoming atmosphere. Instead it only highlighted the unnatural contours of the ship’s framework and the strict rules that the crew were held under to keep the place clean. It also highlighted how empty the corridor was.
“This way?” suggested Faustus pointing towards the bow of the ship.
Avalon had to agree, there was no way of knowing where the captain was hidden. She took a step forward and heard clicks from both her left and right.
“Freeze beastie.”
Avalon looked to the left in the direction of the voice and found two men in one of the cabins pointing guns at her. One was the unshaven man who had spoken over the loud speaker. The other was an older man with a square face. He was dressed flawlessly and more importantly bore the insignia of a circle and four lines on his shoulders that identified him as the Captain of the ship. Avalon checked her right as well and found three men in the opposite cabin. They were also from the bridge and also all pointing guns at her. Avalon quickly identified all of the weapons as Heckler and Koch USP’s. Their primary range was 30 metres minimum so they would not be very useful in such close combat. It seemed the men knew this as well or they would not have positioned themselves opposite one another in their own line of fire. They were trying to scare her.
Avalon took a step back out of their view and heard them swear. She glanced at Faustus who had a small smile on his face.
“5 Heckler and Koch USP’s,” said Avalon bluntly, “Don’t look so happy.”
Faustus chuckled quietly and pointed to the left door. Avalon nodded. Faustus ran to the left door as Avalon ran to the right. The men yelled in fright and gunshots fired. None of them came close to harming Avalon. She yanked the first man’s gun away, kicked the second’s head into the steel pole of the bed, sent her fist and the gun back into the first man’s skull and finished the third man who was whimpering and backing away with a roundhouse kick. With the three men unconscious she turned to check on Faustus.
“Ready to go?” he had the unconscious Captain over his shoulder.
Avalon smiled and nodded and the pair ascended the ladder to end the fighting on the deck.
........
The two hundred psychicaes had attracted many stares from the few hundred residents of sleepy Seisia as they disembarked from the lifeboat and boarded the half a dozen buses that Psychicae United had arranged to take them to the airport. They had been forced to change their destination as after partially destroying a navy ship there would be an army waiting in Weipa. Avalon and Faustus had taken a taxi and dropped the irritable Captain off out the front of Bamaga Police Station on the way to the airport.
Now they entered the piercing cold of the tiny air-conditioned terminal of the airport where the hundreds of psychicaes were being ushered onto the Boeing-747 outside. The few airport staff were watching with bafflement. Avalon could see through the long panel of glass that a far smaller Jetstream 31 was already on the runway. The two psychicaes had not been inside the airport terminal for half a minute when another psychicae approached them.
This psychicae bore the same cool confidence as both Avalon and Faustus. Her black heels clicked on the floor as she approached and a long, vibrant tail of feathers trailed behind her. This was another Antistitor, Annabella.
“Good afternoon Avalon, Faustus,” smiled Annabella as she came to a sharp halt in front of the pair, “I’ll be handling the refugees from here.”
Avalon raised an eyebrow, “I believe this was our assignment Annabella.”
“Yes you’ve been reassigned,” nodded Annabella and her expression grew serious, “Indonesia has fallen to the Eastern Alliance forces. You got these psychicaes out just in time.”
A glimmer of surprise flashed across Avalon’s face and she glanced at Faustus who was frowning. Both knew that Captain Perrin would be on his way back to Indonesia as they spoke. He would not know of the invasion until he arrived and was captured.
“And what is our reassignment?” asked Faustus.
“Well the Imperator believes it is in our interests to form bases of defence on the mainland,” said Annabella, “It really is only a matter of time until Papua New Guinea falls and after that the Eastern Alliance forces have a clear run to Australia. So the Imperator is sending you to assess a small town not far from here as a possible psychicae base.”
“Isn’t this something an Auctor would usually take care of?” queried Avalon, “It seems rather like a desk job to me.”
“Ah well yes, but it is important to have someone experienced in warfare assess the area,” answered Annabella with a grimace, “An Auctor is suitable for assessment true; but they hardly possess an eye for defence.”
“And the area is?” asked Avalon.
Annabella flicked through the papers on her clipboard, “I believe it’s called Cooktown.”
Playing with Wild Animals
Cato’s grandmother’s house was filled with thousands of trinkets crowded onto lopsided shelves. When Cato had first arrived when she was seven she had broken dozens of the items with her newly formed wings. Though she barely remembered her parents she had liked to tell herself that this was probably the reason they had sent her away; she must have broken a lot of their possessions. Although that fanciful tale was starting to grow thin. She knew that a lot of people in Cooktown thought she looked a little odd but it was hard to imagine that any of them might not want a kid who had sprouted wings. Maybe the people were just meaner in Port Douglas where her grandma said her parents still lived. Cato didn’t know if her parents were mean. They never called grandma when Cato was in and had never visited Cooktown.
“Grandma I’m going now!” sung Cato as she ran down wooden steps of the front door, each one creaking loudly, “I’ll be back before sundown!”

Cato’s grandmother appeared at the door. She was a frail old lady who was only kept standing by a polished cane that was clutched tightly in her bony hand. Her nose hooked dramatically over her face almost making her look more like an eagle than Cato.
“Wait a minute Cato!” she said, her voice surprisingly strong, “A man’s on the phone for you!”
Cato turned from Bernardus’ car and walked back up the stairs. Her grandmother handed the phone to her.
“Hello?” said Cato uncertainly.
“Good morning Cato,” came a man’s voice, “I am Auctor Corbin. How are you today?”
“I’m good thanks,” said Cato, her uncertainty only increasing.
“That’s good,” said Auctor Corbin with a small patronising tone, “I’m calling to inform you that this evening two Antistitors will be arriving at the airport. You probably have not heard yet but Indonesia has succumbed to the Eastern Alliance forces, so the Antistitors will be assessing your town as a possible psychicae base in the event that Australia should come under attack. Of course you should realise that this is to be held in the utmost secrecy; we do not share our information with the human populace. Do you understand?”
The Auctor’s calm tone belied his ominous message. Did he really mean that Indonesia was gone and Australia was next? Cato glanced over at Bernardus’ car to see the three psychicaes staring questioningly and realised her mouth was hanging open.
“Uh yes?” stammered Cato.
“Excellent,” said Auctor Corbin, “I need you to greet the two Antistitors at the airport. They will need your assistance to conduct a thorough assessment of the area. Their plane will arrive at approximately seven o’clock in the evening. Can you meet them?”
“Yeah I can do that,” nodded Cato, even though the Auctor could not see her.
“Good,” said Auctor Corbin, “Thank you for your assistance. I’ll be in contact in the future.”
“Ok, uh, bye then,” said Cato uneasily.
The beeping of the phone as the Auctor hung up rung through Cato’s ears. Her quiet seaside town was about to become a military base. What would happen to everyone in the town? What would happen to Alexis, Davina and Bernardus? What about her grandmother? Cato swallowed and realised how dry her throat was.
“Um thanks grandma,” smiled Cato weakly as she passed the phone back.
“My, he seemed like a bossy man,” scoffed Cato’s grandma as she took the phone and wandered back inside, “You be careful on that mountain Cato, if you’re not back before sundown I’ll come up there after you!”
“I’ll be careful grandma,” said Cato and went back to the car.
“Who was it?” Alexis asked as Cato got in and the car started.
“You are not going to believe what I just heard,” answered Cato.
........
The car rolled to a halt in the car park in the shadow of Black Mountain and the psychicaes got out of the car. Cato remembered the gravel only too well, the crunching sound reminding her of her terrified steps and the breaking of her bones. A twinge of pain went through the injuries on her leg and her wing. Her wing was no longer covered in patches and slings but she still could not fly with it. The muscles would take far longer to heal than the bones and it could still barely support its own feathered weight.
“I still can’t believe it’s really that close to us,” said Davina sadly, “I mean I’ve been watching on TV but it never seemed real. I don’t know if I could handle it being here.”
“Yeah same here,” said Alexis, “I’ve never really dealt with war or anything. It’s a bit too serious for me. And you never hear about what happens to psychicaes, like I wouldn’t think they’d just shove them in the human prisons. We’d just get out wouldn’t we?”
The psychicaes began walking through the first line of fig trees towards the mountain. The cool of the forest immediately sent goosebumps along Cato’s skin.
“Actually I think that China has psychicaes fighting for them,” said Cato abruptly.
“What?” exclaimed Davina and Alexis simultaneously.
Bernardus looked moderately interested but remained silent as usual.
“Why would psychicaes fight for China?” asked Alexis.
“I dunno,” shrugged Cato, “But think about it. In every major battle psychicaes have been fighting for our side. Indonesian and Australian psychicaes were always fighting together against China. If we were just fighting humans it should be easy right?”
The three other psychicaes pondered this for a minute.
“But why would any psychicae do it?” said Davina, “We don’t side with the humans and there aren’t ‘countries’ of psychicaes, we’re united internationally. It doesn’t make sense for us to pit ourselves against each other. It’s almost like civil war.”
“Yeah I said I don’t know,” shrugged Cato, “I’m just looking at the facts.”
“There must be a good reason,” said Bernardus and everyone stared at this rare speech, “I couldn’t begin to think what it is either. But I hope it’s a good one.”
........
The psychicaes had been exploring Black Mountain on foot for the whole day. They retraced Cato’s panicked steps as well as she could remember them but only found the now decomposing corpse of the cow. From there they walked further up the mountain until they reached the peak and explored the other side. The sun was getting low in the sky and was once again sending red bars of light through the cracks in the black granite. The scene reminded Cato of the beast and only served to ignite her apprehension. The psychicaes had not explored even half of the maze that was the mountain by this time however.
“We should turn back,” said an exhausted Cato, “We need to meet those Antistitors at the airport soon.”
“Agreed and my legs are on fire,” whined Davina.
“You have four of them imagine how mine are feeling,” said Alexis.
“Yeah you have half as much pain as me,” snorted Davina and gave Alexis a shove.
“Oh we have physical contact!” said Cato loudly as the pair glared at her.
Cato laughed and continued walking but ran into Bernardus’ massive outstretched arm.
“Stop,” he said quietly.
The three other psychicaes fell quiet and stared at Bernardus inquiringly.
“I can feel something,” said Bernardus with a frown.
While Cato was burning with inquisitiveness she knew it was better to remain quiet. Bernardus had much more keenly developed senses than any of them. How he had acquired them she did not know.
Bernardus had been standing still and silent for almost five minutes and the sun was quickly setting.
“Um not to interrupt,” said Cato quietly, “But we need to go.”
Bernardus shushed her, “It’s very indistinct. It’s not a psychicae… but it’s not an animal. Definitely not a human.”
Cato blanched with surprise, Bernardus wasn’t just listening he was using the telekinetic network. Cato looked behind her; the sun was definitely still up. She looked back at Bernardus with renewed respect; he certainly was a powerful psychicae. Then she began thinking about what he was saying. He couldn’t place what kind of creature it was, which was unusual.
His eyes snapped open and focused, “It’s coming this way!”
“What is it?” asked Davina.
“I don’t want to know,” said Bernardus apprehensively, “Let’s go!”
The sun was half a circle glimmering above the horizon now as they followed Bernardus along the trail. It hindered Cato’s vision by blinding her and casting tall, ominous shadows that leapt out from the granite boulders. And then the sun had disappeared allowing Cato the same privilege as Bernardus. She could sense the presence of dozens of wills around her. The beings expressed themselves with the same awareness of self that identified them as something greater than animal. But they were malevolent, they were malicious and Cato could see these raw emotions driven by an unquenchable fury. Something had angered these creatures; something had caused them such terrible pain and now they were intent on exacting their revenge on the entire world.
Cato wondered how she had not noticed this the first time she was on the mountain with the beast behind her. Perhaps she had been so focussed on saving herself that she could not see what agony the creatures were in. But now she noticed them and she noticed how close they were. They were not that close before.
“This way!” shouted Bernardus, leading them off their original trail, “They’ve been tracking us all day! We have to get off our path!”
Again Cato wondered how Bernardus could see that far into their mad minds or maybe he just knew that was how these creatures worked. Maybe he had dealt with things like this before. As clever as Bernardus’ move was though, Cato could still feel the creatures closing in.
“I don’t like this!” cried Davina, “I can feel them; they’re close!”
“Keep going!” growled Bernardus.
The granite rocks opened onto a sheer cliff face with a few fig trees twisting out of the rocks. Cato’s wings itched to take to an impossible flight. Her concentration was brought back to the path as something heavy dropped from the granite boulder in front of them and Bernardus skidded to a halt. Cato took an involuntary step back as the beast raised its head, its long, gleaming teeth bared in a snarl. It was the bear.
Bernardus’ feet shifted in the dirt to a defensive position, “Go back, find another way down.”
“We can’t leave you here!” exclaimed Cato.
Bernardus’ reply was interrupted as another creature lopped around the corner behind Alexis.
“Well not anymore you can’t,” growled Bernardus, “Alexis, be on guard!”
Alexis turned to face the smaller creature with an expression of shocked disbelief; it resembled a wolf or a dog but in a similar state of disrepair to the bear. It growled and snapped as it paced forwards. As the psychicaes waited more creatures emerged from the granite boulders to join the bear and the wolf. Cato would have doubts about the psychicaes emerging unhurt from facing the bear; now she would be grateful to emerge with their lives.
........
“It seems as though they have become preoccupied,” said Faustus wryly.
Avalon and Faustus had been waiting in the reception at Cooktown airport for half an hour; it was seven thirty and well past sunset. Their bags had been taken to their apartments and their hired car waited outside for them as planned. However the four Cooktown psychicaes were nowhere to be seen.
“That would appear to be the case,” agreed Avalon, “I guess I wasn’t really expecting much more from psychicaes who live in such a quiet town. Perhaps they’ve just forgotten?”
Faustus chuckled, “It does suit the area doesn’t it?”
Silence ensued for a few minutes. Avalon had already inspected the small cleanliness of the country airport terminal. Even the smell was different from the Sydney airport. They must use domestic instead of commercial cleaning agents here. Now she studied the claws on her hands. As she picked at the already meticulously sharpened talons a pang of nervousness occurred in the back of her mind. Avalon frowned and looked up. Faustus was also frowning beside her.
“Is someone in trouble?” he asked.
“It feels very far away from here,” grimaced Avalon, “Perhaps that is where these psychicaes are?”
The two Antistitors lapsed into silence again as they tried to determine where the signals from the telekinetic network were coming from. As Avalon probed further she could feel terror and pain; whoever was releasing these signals was certainly in a serious situation. The emotions became more detailed and eventually Avalon could feel four separate entities. And surprisingly she could feel them communicating with one another using the telekinetic network. There were no humans in trouble, it was only four psychicaes.
“It’s the psychicaes,” said Avalon with surprise.
“I think I’ve found them,” frowned Faustus, “They’re south from here.”
“Let’s go sort this mess out then,” said Avalon and the pair left the airport.
........
Cato was on the last limbs of a fig tree that clung precariously to the face of the granite cliff. Dozens of metres below Bernardus had carried a broken Alexis to the bottom of the cliff; Davina bounding behind him. Having been separated from the other three psychicaes the creatures had turned on Cato and driven her up into the tree. The bear now placed one of its giant paws on the creaking timber of the fig tree. Cato’s claws dug into the tree as it swayed under the bear’s colossal weight and she watched the bear with horror. Surely it didn’t think it could come out here to get her? Didn’t it realise the tree could barely support her own hollow bones; let alone the incredulously solid mass of flesh and muscle that the bear carried with it. The beast took another purposeful step out onto the tree; this time the weak timber responded with a snap and jerked Cato down half a metre. Cato heard Davina scream from below and glanced down. Davina and Alexis were watching the beast pursue Cato with wide, frightened eyes and open mouths; Bernardus was picking his way back up through the rocks. He would never make it in time and he already sported numerous slashes from the talons of the beast; he would not be able to lead a full on assault against the dozen creatures baying for Cato’s blood.
Cato looked back up at the bear. Her entire body was shivering with adrenaline and her heart pounded in her throat making her thoughts impossible to hear. She stretched her injured wing slightly. Agony shot through her back and the broken limb collapsed against her. She looked down to Alexis, Davina and Bernardus; even if she survived the fall she needed to be fit enough to run from the creatures that would almost certainly pursue her. She looked back at the beast that snapped its jaws and moaned past its long teeth. Dozens of creatures paced around the beast howling and baying; their eyes shone in the dark. They encouraged the beast to drag Cato closer to them. There was no question of her chances of survival should she choose to attack.
The beast took another step and the thin twines of wood holding the tree to the cliff crunched and groaned. Cato was going to die; there was nothing she could do. There was no escape. She was going to die.
A flurry of movement from either side of Cato and a loud bang elicited a scream from her body. At first she thought the tree had finally let go of the cliff and she was plummeting to her imminent death. But as her wide eyes surveyed the scene she saw two figures driving back the monsters. The beast was already dead; its unfocussed eyes looked no different but it was still.
Gunshots echoed around the rocks. As each creature leapt forwards they fell at the feet of the two dark figures until silence reigned once more. This silence was eerie and tense. It didn’t feel like silence; to Cato she could still hear the roars of the creatures and the gunshots that heralded their deaths. It spun around in her head continuously. The silence fit the cold manner in which the two figures hid their weapons in their suits; as though nothing had happened, as though they did this every day.
One of the two figures approached Cato and reached out her hand to the shocked psychicae still clinging to the ruined tree.
“Good evening, I’m Antistitor Avalon,” said the figure calmly, “May I help you up?”
Experimentation
Cato and Davina had agreed to meet the two Antistitors in the morning at precisely nine o’clock. Now they were at least half an hour late. Cato’s clock had broken sometime around one o’clock in the morning and she had over slept. However as she drove into Milkwood Lodge where the two Antistitors were staying she saw that they were talking to Constables Sarah and Charlie. Cato parked the car and she and Davina joined the group. The two Antistitors glanced wryly at the approaching psychicaes and Cato felt a pang of guilt for once again being late. The police officers turned to check what the Antistitors had noticed. Cato could see the small sheen of sweat on Constable Charlie’s brow and Constable Sarah’s white knuckles. Already the Antistitors had casted their intimidating spell over the humans.
“Ah Cato, Davina!” exclaimed Charlie with relief, “Good morning. We actually needed to ask you some questions as well about Black Mountain? All of you, as well as Alexis and Bernardus, were sighted in the vicinity last night and gunshots were heard. May I inquire as to what happened?”
“Oh well the bear is dead,” said Cato, “But we found a lot more unusual animals up there. It’s really very dangerous; I mean we all would’ve been done if these two hadn’t shown up.”
“Alright, well thank you for disposing of the bear I guess,” said Charlie uncertainly to the two Antistitors, “Uh, I assume you’re psychicaes then?”
Cato glanced at the two Antistitors who’s eyes narrowed at Charlie suspiciously. Actually now that Cato could see them properly it would have been very easy to mistake them for humans. The tall man, Antistitor Faustus, could have passed off his toadlike skin as bad acne, his bald head as hair loss and his webbed hands were hardly even noticeable to a human who was always looking for normality. As for Antistitor Avalon there was nothing that could give her away except for the occasional misplaced splotch on her perfect skin. The delicate clawed hand that had lifted Cato from the tree last night was now covered in black leather gloves. Now her black eyes darted from Cato and Davina and then back to Charlie.
“I suppose that’s rather obvious, isn’t it?” she said with a hint of irritation.
Charlie gave a half-hearted laugh, “Yeah I suppose. Now you said there were more animals up on the mountain?”
“Yes the area is dangerous,” said Antistitor Avalon, “I advise you shut down the park to all human visitors. I have already notified Psychicae United and research psychicaes will be in the area very soon to assess the situation.”
Charlie appeared overwhelmed and glanced at Sarah who had a similar grimace on her face.
“Well you did get rid of the problem last time,” nodded Charlie, “I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt this time. I’ll have the park shut down; but I want to be informed on whatever it is you’re doing up there. And whatever you find.”
Antistitor Avalon smiled, “Of course.”
“Now onto my next problem,” said Charlie, “Gunshots were heard last night. Do you have firearms on you or in your possession?”
“No we do not,” lied Antistitor Faustus without flinching, “We did destroy a few boulders up there. Perhaps that’s what was heard?”
“Huh alright,” nodded Charlie, “We will be obtaining a statement from Alexis and Bernardus as well. But if that’s all the information you have for us; we’ll be going. Thanks for your time.”
The Antistitors nodded stiffly and Cato and Davina smiled weakly as the police officers left. As the police car drove away Cato turned back to the Antistitors.
“Why didn’t you just tell them to truth?” she asked incredulously, “What’s the worst they can do?”
“As I said previously, the area is quite dangerous,” answered Antistitor Avalon, “Having our firearms confiscated isn’t high on my list of priorities. Slightly off topic but may I ask do you parade around as a psychicae all the time or just in front of human authority?”
Cato was taken aback, “What! What do you mean?”
“We generally don’t reveal we’re psychicaes,” said Antistitor Faustus irritably, “We become targets that way.”
“Well that’s never really occurred to me before,” laughed Cato, “You really think Constable Charlie’s going to bust out some neat karate on you or something?”
Davina chuckled, “I dunno Cato, Sarah might; you never know what she’s been doing in her free time!”
Antistitor Avalon rolled her eyes, “Never mind, clearly it’s not a relevant issue in this area. You have a thorough understanding of the area’s topography I assume?”
“Um well yeah, I fly around a lot,” nodded Cato.
Antistitor Avalon’s weary expression did not change in the slightest, “Brilliant, then perhaps you can show us a map of the area and tell us where important people such as yourselves, the other psychicaes, police and human political figures reside. I also think it would be helpful for Faustus and I to meet Alexis and Bernardus again and depending on what we find we may need your help in assessing areas surrounding the town.”
“Ah sounds good,” smiled Cato weakly, “I guess we should get started then?”
“Yes,” nodded Antistitor Avalon, “But before we do you should call Alexis and Bernardus and tell them not to tell any police that we have firearms with us.”
“Oh right,” grimaced Cato.
These Antistitors were going to get her into trouble.
........
Avalon had not been in the town for a day and she already felt out of place. It was an incredibly unusual sensation for her. Her collected poise had always withstood any previous situations but this town was a strange place. Her and Faustus’ suspicion of humans as hostile creatures was regarded as unwarranted and even laughable by the resident psychicaes and it soon became clear why. Cato and Davina walked right through the centre of town where hundreds of humans were gathered. Neither had made any attempt to conceal their morphs and yet they suffered no attacks from the humans. Indeed the humans smiled as the psychicaes passed; some even said hello. It seemed surreal to Avalon.
Cato and Davina had shown Avalon and Faustus to the town hall where there was a map of the region. The task of plotting out strategic defensive positions was actually fairly simple. Cooktown was placed in a nook between a mountain, a headland and a river. There were only two possible strategies of invading Cooktown; one was from the west, which would mean Australia had been invaded and would defeat the purpose of holding Cooktown as a base anyway. The second was at the mouth of the river where more defensive personnel would have to be positioned. Now the only task left was to evaluate how compliant the humans would be to the construction of a psychicae base. As far as Avalon had seen this would probably not be much of an issue and she would have rather been focussing on the far more important and interesting case of the animals up in the mountain, but now she and Faustus had decided it was best to attend a community surfing competition in the afternoon to be able to thoroughly assess the relationship between the resident psychicaes and the humans. Then their whole assignment regarding the assessment of Cooktown would be over and they could get some real work done.
It seemed most of the community had travelled the few minutes out of town to gather at Finch Beach for the competition. Avalon and Faustus had been brought to the beach hours ago by Cato, Davina and Alexis who needed to arrive early to sign up for one of the ‘heats’ of surfing. The three resident psychicaes had become engaged in various conversations with the humans in the two tents at the northern end of the beach while other surfers performed on the water. Luckily neither Avalon nor Faustus were required to actually interact with anyone, they already had four psychicaes who would do all the testing of human-psychicae relations for them and so Avalon and Faustus had taken up a watch just past these tents at a jumble of boulders. From here they had a perfect view of the entire beach and all of the humans on it. There was no hostility at all between the humans and the psychicaes and so far even with the introduction of alcohol the human gathering still retained a warm atmosphere. However the analysis of the humans’ interactions was starting to become a tiresome activity after two hours; they couldn’t really wring much more information from this strange, sleepy town. Faustus’ yawn mirrored Avalon’s weariness.
“Ah it seems Bernardus has decided to join us,” noted Faustus.
Avalon glanced in the direction Faustus was looking and saw the giant man strolling towards them. Avalon had seen him talking to a few of the humans but his conversations with them were short. Avalon suspected he may be just as distrustful of humans as she was. She had read all of the resident psychicaes case files before coming to the town and this particular psychicae’s past was typical but sad nonetheless.
“Afternoon Antistitors,” said Bernardus as he came within earshot and leant against the wall of rock adjoining the boulders, “You’ve collected all your information by now?”
“Yes we’ll be leaving tomorrow morning,” nodded Faustus.
“So I can assume that more psychicaes will be coming soon?” asked Bernardus.
“Researchers will be here early tomorrow morning to study the mountain,” confirmed Faustus, “And after that more Auctors will be in town to develop the area as a base.”
Bernardus nodded and was silent for a moment. There was a slight expression of worry on his face.
“So this means the threat of invasion is real?” he asked.
Both the Antistitors glanced at him wearily.
“You have dealt with aggressive human resistance before,” said Avalon, “I don’t expect this to be much different.”
Bernardus appeared surprised, “By resistance I assume you mean my past city?”
“Not much gets past Psychicae United, particularly not something of that magnitude,” said Avalon dryly.

Bernardus’ face was slightly paler but his voice was firm when he responded.
“And I guess what you’re saying is that I’m suitably prepared for whatever this invasion brings to Cooktown?” he sniffed, his eyes boring into the two Antistitors.
“I’m saying you won’t be caught off guard yes,” nodded Avalon.
Bernardus’ gaze turned to the sand and his round shoulders were hunched against the cold rock.
“I know you don’t really give a damn about what happens to this town but this is my home now,” said Bernardus, “These people, both the psychicaes and the humans, have made it my home. I will give my life to protect them. And I don’t care about Psychicae United; if you harm my people I will fight you as well.”
“Admirable as that may be I don’t intend for the civilians to become involved in this war,” said Avalon wearily, “We are only trying to defend Australia to ensure no harm comes to the psychicae population. Fortunately this works out rather well for the human population too; we fight for the same cause so no doubt the humans will benefit from our presence.”
Bernardus didn’t appear comforted by Avalon’s words but there was no time for a rebuttal as Davina skipped over to join them, a bright pink and undoubtedly alcoholic drink in her hand. It was a Psychicae United law that made it illegal for psychicaes to drink alcohol in the presence of humans. Alcohol had exactly the same effects on psychicaes as it did on humans so it was dangerous for the far stronger species to impair their brain function. Although in this strange town this broken law was not something that immediately interested Avalon.
“Alexis and Cato have just gone out!” said Davina excitedly.
She pointed out to the water where the two psychicaes were indeed paddling out into the waves with the cheering of the humans behind them.
“What’s the betting at?” asked Bernardus to Avalon’s confusion.
“Oh it’s still five one to Alexis,” said Davina confidently.
“Even with his sprained ankle?” sniffed Bernardus, “I’d place my bets on Cato.”
Avalon realised that the entire community must have been betting between the two psychicaes. Although she would have liked to say it surprised her at this point it only amused her.
“Of course you can’t sway from your darling Alexis, he might get jealous,” said Bernardus deprecatingly.
Davina’s face flushed the same colour as the bottle in her hand.
“Hey I’m not mindlessly in love with him,” said Davina smartly, “I betted for Cato just so you know.”
Avalon frowned as she came to the realisation that Davina and Alexis were in a relationship like humans sometimes had relationships. This explained to Avalon why Davina and Alexis had been almost inseparable most of tonight and indeed whenever she had seen them together. She had seen and heard many bizarre things while in this town but this particular snippet of conversation forced her to glance at Faustus to see his response. One of his eyebrows was slightly raised in disbelief. Avalon had never heard of any relationships between psychicaes before; she was sure that as well as the consumption of alcohol there was probably a law against personal relationships somewhere in Psychicae United’s annals too. Generally any relationship amongst psychicaes was professional; the friendships that these four psychicaes had was abnormal enough. Of course Avalon and Faustus were here to assess the area and they were in no way required to enforce laws at this point in time lest it interfere with their assessment. The Auctors would receive the privilege of law enforcement.
........
The two days that Avalon and Faustus had spent in Cooktown had seemed much longer; as though it had spanned a week and the sun had simply not taken its passage over the sky. Much to Avalon’s relief their plane was leaving in half an hour and her and Faustus’ bags were already on board the small jet. They had just entered the familiar reception of the airport terminal when they were approached by a tall woman in a grey suit. A dull and professional suitcase was clutched in her hand; a hand that was covered in light tan fur.
“Good morning Antistitors,” she smiled , “I’m Abilia; I am one of the research psychicaes. We’ve finished our assessment of the creatures on Black Mountain and we uncovered some interesting results. Do you have a moment?”
Avalon and Faustus glanced out of the terminal window at the plane waiting for them and then nodded at Abilia.
“Great,” said Abilia brightly, “The Medicus in charge told me that I should debrief you on our findings before you leave Cooktown. The situation here is rather more serious than we first anticipated and undoubtedly you will be the Antistitors in charge here so it is important that you know.
Our samples taken from the bear you disposed have returned. We initially thought there had been a mistake and so we sent the samples a second time but the result is correct. The bear was once a psychicae. All of the animals were once psychicaes.”
Avalon frowned in confusion and she cast a perplexed glance at Faustus. Faustus shrugged.
“It’s quite interesting,” continued Abilia, “I mean old psychicaes do eventually look like their morphs but there’s not that many psychicaes who get that old and I think we’d know if they all turned up in one spot. Besides these creatures were obviously insane. We don’t even need your witness reports to see that, their brains were undergoing decay while they were alive. 
So we did a bit of looking around and we found a cargo airplane crashed into the northern side of the mountain. It had been down for approximately a week. And it had traces of fur from the exact same bear that you put down as well has other animal parts.”
“It sounds to me like someone has just gathered up a heap of old, crazy psychicaes and let them loose in Black Mountain,” said Faustus bluntly.
“Ah but here’s the weird part,” said Abilia and gave a quirky smile, “We found two fingernails, human-looking fingernails, in the aircraft. We ran their DNA and those fingernails are only twenty-three years old and they matched the dog. The dog is missing two claws.”
Both Avalon and Faustus said nothing for a moment. Avalon was beginning to feel a little uneasy.
“So what are you suggesting?” asked Avalon uncertainly.
“The plane is a match to an Indonesian plane spotted in Australian skies a week ago,” said Abilia, “This was before Indonesia was completely invaded of course, but this plane originated from the northern region of the country already under Eastern Alliance rule. It was an enemy plane but it was mistakenly let through under the impression it was an ally. Common tactics used in war, I’m sure you’re familiar.
What we are suggesting is that this plane was sent by the Eastern Alliance and it was flown here by captured psychicaes who had undergone experimentation.”
A Return to Madness
Cato sat in her room tending to the wounds on her thigh. It was just starting to scab over now as was the one on her wing. Soon she would be able to return to flying and her limp would be all but unrecognisable.
The Antistitors had left in the morning and Cato had spent the whole day guiding the researchers around Black Mountain with Alexis, Davina and Bernardus. After their work today the ‘lead researcher’ Abilia had suggested that a night watch be kept over the town. She, the other researchers and their ‘Medicus’ had then left well before sunset with the corpse of the bear. They had said nothing of what they had discovered on the mountain or from the bear’s body but the solemn atmosphere surrounding the research psychicaes was enough to convince Cato that they had found something important. Now Alexis was outside somewhere in Cooktown fulfilling his duties as the first ‘night watcher’ and Cato was stuck inside picking away at her bandages with no one to talk to because Alexis was busy and her grandmother was senile.
Cato glanced at the time; it was ten minutes to eleven. She assumed both Avalon and Faustus would be back in Sydney by now in their homes and probably asleep. Cato realised she did not know anything about where the two lived or how they lived. She knew they were Antistitors and that was about it. Had they gone straight home? Had they stopped at the psychicae headquarters; wherever and whatever that was? Did they have friends in Sydney and did they hang out like Cato did with Alexis? Cato could perhaps see Antistitor Faustus sitting in a dark and deserted pub somewhere with a colleague; he at least smiled some of the time. Antistitor Avalon however was another story. The only smiles that Cato had seen from her had seemed fake and cold. Antistitor Faustus would occasionally emit emotions over the telekinetic network; whether they were real or not Cato could not determine. Antistitor Avalon gave away nothing. At first glance the two suited Antistitors did appear similarly intimidating and they both truly were but Antistitor Avalon was just downright scary. At least Antistitor Faustus hinted that he knew what emotions were. A voice from downstairs startled Cato.
“Cato!” her grandmother called, “Come look at what’s on the news, it’s awful!”
Cato grimaced at her arm and grabbed the new bandages, “Coming grandma.”
........
The clock on the wall of Avalon’s high-ceilinged lounge read ten fifty. She had arrived back in Sydney at eleven o’clock in the morning and had spent the rest of the day at Psychicae United Headquarters filling in reports and organising information. She now sat on the leather couch in her penthouse apartment and gazed out of the uninterrupted panels of windows that overlooked the harbour. The apartment was one of the best in Sydney. It took up two entire floors at the summit of a thirty one storey structure called The Apex. The apartment had cost millions of dollars to buy but Avalon had figured that if she was going to spend the vast wealth she had accumulated from Psychicae United over the years on anything it might as well be on how comfortably she slept at night.
Avalon was exhausted from the unusually long day and slowly consumed the warm meal resting in her lap as she thought of her bed. Of course her mind could not remain fixated on such a relaxing prospect for long and to her irritation wandered back to the oddity of Cooktown.
The entire town was strange, the people, the psychicaes, even the animals had been driven insane. She had been to many tiny towns like Cooktown before but none had displayed such open affability between the human and psychicae population. Avalon had read all of the psychicaes’ files and she assumed that perhaps Davina and her unusually accepting parents had softened the community to psychicaes before the arrival of Cato, Alexis and Bernardus. Even with this explanation it was still incredibly uncanny to see humans and psychicaes interact so well. It was a good thing though; at least the human populace would be welcoming to the increased psychicae presence over the next few weeks.
Avalon wasn’t sure how the newer psychicaes would handle the resident psychicaes. Her and Faustus had only been there to assess the area and had given an honest report of everything they had witnessed. They were not supposed to intervene unless absolutely necessary otherwise the validity of their report might be void. The new psychicaes were able and required to enforce Psychicae United law though and the resident psychicaes had broken many of them; seemingly unknowingly. The relationship between Davina and Alexis was the most puzzling case. Avalon had researched it when she had returned to Sydney and as she had suspected there was a law that forbade any non-professional relationship that should interfere with a psychicae’s duties. Besides the actual legal banning of the relationship it was just strange. Avalon had never considered any psychicae to be an object of personal desire and she had never met any psychicae who had challenged this. Even without the small couple of sentences buried deep within the Psychicae United law library it was an unwritten rule that psychicaes could not be anything more than colleagues.
The phone in Avalon’s kitchen beeped softly and she reluctantly abandoned her dinner and answered the offending machine.
“Hello, Avalon speaking,” she said.
“Good evening Antistitor, this is Auctor Monica,” replied a voice, “I have some unfortunate news. Papua New Guinea succumbed to invasion just an hour ago. The news is very recent but the Eastern Alliance forces are deliberately publicising it as a scare tactic. It should be on the human broadcast now.”
Avalon had personally seen the enemy overrun a country’s defences and claim new land countless times. Hearing it so calmly pronounced from the Auctor made it seem almost unreal. Switching on her television to see images of war flashing across the gigantic screen did not help make the situation a reality.
“Papua New Guinea as you know is the last country that needs to be captured before a reasonably successful invasion of Australia can begin,” said Monica coolly, “We need to implement strategies to ensure the safety of the Australian psychicae population so there will be a meeting tomorrow at Psychicae United Headquarters at two o’clock in Meeting Hall 1. The Imperator, all of the Auctors, Antistitors and representatives from major defensive locations across northern Australia will be present.”
Avalon’s eyes narrowed, “From Cooktown you mean?”
“Ah yes I believe there will be three representatives from Cooktown,” said Monica with a hint of confusion, “Alexis, Davina and Cato? You already know them from your previous assignment.”
“Yes that will be fine,” said Avalon trying not to convey her irritation, “I will be able to make the meeting.”
“Thank you, I’ll see you tomorrow then,” said Monica.
“Yes goodnight,” said Avalon and returned the phone to its hook.
Just as she thought she was free of that town and all of its oddities it was chasing her to Sydney. Avalon slouched back to the couch and returned to her meal. It was now as cold as the marble floors under her feet.
........
Cato had been to Sydney once before when she was far younger and as she was ushered off the plane and into the bustling corridors of the terminal it made no more sense to her now than it had to her infantile mind. Alexis stared at the flurry of movement in similar bewilderment to Cato but it was Davina who took charge and dragged the pair down the corridor along with the human passengers. Her parents had taken her on many vacations to the city and they now proved their use as she navigated through the commotion easily.
Cato tried to memorise where they had come from and where they were going but they had quickly taken too many turns and when Davina came to a halt in front of a baggage carousel Cato had no idea how to return to the plane they had left.
“Now we wait here for our bags,” stated Davina.
As they stood in the crowded baggage collection area Cato squirmed uncomfortably. Her wings were tightly tucked into her shirt and her feathered head was hidden under a hat. The psychicaes had been warned that they were to disguise themselves in Sydney and that if they did not they faced probable verbal and physical attacks as well as possible police intervention. Of course there was no way to hide Davina’s four-legged morph and people stared when Cato’s eyes were not upon them.
Cato glanced around at the humans surrounding them. They looked no different from the people she knew in Cooktown; she couldn’t believe that any of them would attack her just because of how she looked. The Auctor that had spoken to Cato had been adamant though and had cited numerous such events in the past month alone. Cato didn’t know whether to believe the Auctor or not.
“Alexis, Davina and Cato?” asked a voice from behind Cato.
The three turned to see a short and stocky man in a grey suit.
“Uh yes,” nodded Davina, “That’s us. Are you the Auctor?”
“Yes I am Auctor Urban,” replied the man, “It’s good to meet you. We should leave as quickly as possible, the police have been alerted to our presence.”
“The police?” exclaimed Cato, “Why?”
The Auctor raised an eyebrow and glanced at Davina, “Well we’re not exactly inconspicuous right now.”
“But we haven’t done anything,” said Alexis.
“Humans always view us as a threat,” answered Auctor Urban, “There are your bags; grab them and let’s go.”
........
The psychicaes escaped from the airport terminal without encountering any police. Auctor Urban explained that this was typical and that the police were usually warned of a psychicae’s presence but not much would come of it. However it was always safe to retreat hastily if humans were calling the police. It only took one ‘Good Samaritan’ to have a psychicae in jail for harassment.
Auctor Urban took them to the apartment they would be staying at overnight and they relinquished their belongings before rejoining the Auctor. They were then driven into the centre of town where Auctor Urban parked. Cato hoped Davina was keeping track of where they were because she still had no clue. All she could see were tall, old buildings and masses of people. Auctor Urban led them through the hubbub of people hurriedly as they stared and whispered at Davina. Cato barely noticed as she struggled to keep up with the Auctor’s pace and not be separated in the sea of people. They descended into the cool corridors of the subways and parted from the general mass of people into an almost deserted corridor. At the end of the corridor was a steel door that Auctor Urban unlocked with a blank key card. The door opened onto a small room that spilled directly out onto the dark tunnel of the train tracks where a small tram sat. There were no yellow safety lines or grooved patches on the concrete to warn people to stay away from the tracks. There was only one yellow, fluorescent light in the area and it barely lit up the room properly. This was not a welcoming place.
Auctor Urban swiped his blank card through a metal box on the door of the tram and the doors snapped open. He then led them inside and the doors immediately shut behind them before the tram jerked into motion. The tram carried them away from the cold station and into the dark tunnel. Florescent lights flashed by the window as the train picked up speed but before long they were slowing and the tram came to a stop at another platform. This platform was just as barren as the first. A larger steel door was set into the wall opposite the tracks and another person stood next to it. She looked up when the psychicaes exited the tram.
“Ah good afternoon Auctor,” she said, “The meeting will begin soon.”
As the psychicae moved Cato noticed the gleam of a pistol under her seemingly casual jacket. Auctor Urban nodded in response and swiped his key card against the door. The steel doors slid opened and revealed yet another concrete corridor. This one was far shorter and ended in another set of steel doors. Auctor Urban led them down the corridor and the doors shut behind them; encasing them in the concrete and steel box. At the end of the corridor Auctor Urban again opened the next door with his key card. At this point Cato had realised that there must be something worth protecting behind these doors and as they walked through them she was proved right.
The hall they had walked into was massive and could have held Cato’s house five times. The ornate decor contrasted starkly with the bare concrete of the train tunnels. Intricately carved columns of white marble ran through the entire room. Carved into the tops and bottoms of the columns were tiny people with animal morphs; psychicaes. The columns reached up to the arched roof that held dozens of crystal chandeliers. Along the sides of the hall hundreds of psychicaes were working at various desks while hundreds more milled around. At the far end of the hall the white marble floor descended around a balcony that encircled the endless floors below. Psychicaes were busily using the lifts to move between the floors and above this bustle of activity on the wall was an enormous carving. It read ‘Psychicae United Headquarters: Sydney’. Below this was the date ‘ESTD 1821’, a circle made of triangles and a phrase Cato did not understand; ‘Contendunt Pacem’.
“Wow,” breathed Davina.
Cato couldn’t say much more than that. The building was magnificent.
“Follow me,” said Auctor Urban with slight amusement.
He led them down the short flight of stairs and into the hall. The Auctor did not pay any attention to his surroundings but Cato, Alexis and Davina stared in wonder at the old and elaborately designed room. Auctor Urban took them down a level in one of the golden cage-like lifts. There were two other psychicaes in the lift as well; both appeared as disinterested as Auctor Urban. The doors to the lift squeaked open and Urban led them out onto another circular balcony below the first.
“Here we are,” said Auctor Urban.
Two corridors lined with wooden doors led away from this balcony. Leading straight onto the balcony was a larger open set of double doors. Dozens of psychicaes were waiting on this floor; presumably for the meeting to start. As Cato took in her surroundings she could see some of the psychicaes appeared just as dazed as she felt and stared in amazement at their environment. She had been told that psychicaes from other towns would be here too. Cato couldn’t see the Antistitors Avalon or Faustus here though.
“I suppose the meeting will start when the Imperator arrives,” said Auctor Urban, “It’s almost time now; only a few more minutes.”
“Good afternoon Urban!” another psychicae joined the group.
She was also dressed in a similar grey suit to Urban’s but was making little attempt to hide two long furred ears that sloped from her curly brown hair.
“Hello Gloria,” smiled Auctor Urban, “These are the Cooktown psychicaes, Alexis, Davina and Cato. This is Auctor Gloria.”
The three nodded and smiled in return.
“How many Auctors are there?” asked Alexis, puzzled, “I thought there was only a couple and now I’ve met at least three different ones.”
Auctor Gloria laughed and Cato glanced at her with interest. She seemed much more relaxed than she suspected Sydney psychicaes to be after her meeting with the two Antistitors.
“Well there’s seven in Australia,” answered Auctor Gloria, “I couldn’t do all that work with just the two of us, hey Urban?”
“It would be unpleasant yes,” agreed Auctor Urban.
“So there’s seven Auctor’s,” confirmed Alexis, “And what do you guys do?”
The two Auctor’s raised their eyebrows at Alexis in a similar expression of disdain.
“We keep everything running smoothly,” answered Auctor Urban, “Basically we do paperwork, make phone calls and sort out politics. It’s not an easy task when there’s a million psychicaes to take care of.”
“And what about Antistitors?” asked Cato, “They’re just like the boss of fighting and stuff?”
“Ah not exactly,” laughed Auctor Gloria, “They specialise in defence yes but I wouldn’t say they’re the boss. We tell them what to do and they do it.”
“Why can’t you do it?” asked Davina.
“Well apart from how much paperwork I have to get through without this meeting,” explained Auctor Gloria, “They are the most powerful psychicaes in the country. So they are more suitable for field jobs.”
It occurred to Cato to ask what Auctor Gloria meant by ‘the most powerful’ but she already understood. She had seen the same power in Bernardus and his ability to sense everything that she couldn’t. His complete awareness of everything around him and his plain brute strength. He was just stronger than she was. And then when Bernardus and all of his colossal might couldn’t possibly rescue her from the jaws of that beast on Black Mountain, the Antistitors Avalon and Faustus had done it with absolutely no effort. There was no question as to what Auctor Gloria meant by their power.
As if on cue the lift doors squeaked open and Antistitors Avalon and Faustus entered the room. Both were once again dressed immaculately in their suits. The pair were immediately greeted by another psychicae but not before Antistitor Avalon’s black eyes met Cato’s for a fraction of a second. Cato shivered and looked away.
“You know I think Faustus still owes me some files,” frowned Auctor Urban, “He hasn’t submitted anything about the Redfern police station.”
The lift opened again and this time another somewhat large and bald psychicae stepped out. He was carrying a gigantic grey owl on his arm. Cato had heard that as psychicaes aged they didn’t grow wrinkles and grey hair as humans did but their morphs began to complete. She had also heard that the Imperator was a grand sixty eight years old; something that was rare amongst psychicaes. If this was true Cato would not be surprised if the Imperator’s morph had reached completion by now. The owl that sat on the bald man’s shoulder gazed around at the assembled psychicaes serenely.
‘Good afternoon my friends,’ a cool and breathy voice echoed inside Cato’s head as though someone had spoken into her ear.
Cato glanced around to check who had spoken to her and found Davina and Alexis doing the same thing.
“The Imperator only speaks using the telekinetic network,” explained Auctor Urban quietly, “You will not see her speak physically.”
Cato exchanged perplexed looks with Davina and Alexis and then tentatively stared at the owl again. The psychicae carrying the owl walked forwards towards the open double doors with the psychicaes parting to allow the massive hulk of the owl through. As the owl and the psychicae entered the room the other psychicaes followed.
“This is by far the strangest thing I’ve ever done,” muttered Alexis as they trailed behind.
“I second that,” chuckled Davina.
The room beyond the double doors was just as grand as everything Cato had seen so far. It contained a large circular table constructed from polished wood. Leather chairs encircled the table. Not many of the psychicaes appeared perturbed by the owl that had taken up residence on the back of the seat at the end of the table. Only the same few who had been staring at the building in wonder before shot furtive glances at the creature and whispered among themselves. Cato, Davina and Alexis sat at end of the table away from the owl, as did most of the other ‘foreign’ psychicaes. Auctors Urban and Gloria sat next to them and further up the table towards the owl the Antistitors Avalon and Faustus were now talking quietly to each other. Cato frowned and wondered what they were talking about. Whatever it was it seemed important.
‘I suppose we should start this meeting then,’ the owl’s voice chimed into Cato’s mind again.
Cato’s gaze snapped from Avalon to the owl and she tried to detect any signs of movement from the beak. It did appear that Auctor Urban was correct though; amazingly the owl was using the telekinetic network in broad daylight.
‘For those of us that are new here,’ the owl’s gaze drifted across Cato as well as the other anxious psychicaes, ‘I am Imperator Dominique. Yes I am an owl.’
Chuckles bubbled around the table and Cato saw a small glimpse of a smile from Antistitor Avalon.
‘I can also use the telekinetic network during all hours of the day,’ the Imperator continued, ‘This is my preferred method of communication given that my vocal chords long ago morphed as well. Are there any questions?’
The table remained silent.
‘Excellent, we’ll all get along swimmingly,’ said the Imperator and her eyes narrowed in what might be construed as a smile, ‘Now on to business. As we are all aware Papua New Guinea is under Eastern Alliance rule. Thanks to Avalon and Faustus we have rescued the majority of civilian psychicaes from both Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.’
Cato glanced at the two Antistitors with surprise and wondered how they had achieved that task.
‘The situation as I see it is thus,’ said the Imperator, ‘Psychicaes strive to defend peace between ourselves and between humans. That is why we have not taken any offensive manoeuvres during this war. We have been defensive enough to allow our people to withdraw and the humans can do whatever they like to themselves. However it has come to the point where we must realise that we have run to the last piece of land. There is Australia, there is New Zealand and then there is Antarctica. New Zealand is not an easy place to defend and Antarctica is not a suitable habitat for most psychicaes. I suggest, and I have had my suggestion approved by International Psychicae United, that we take an offensive position and defend the Australian mainland.’
A heavy silence pressed into the room after this speech.
“We haven’t declared war since World War Two,” said a psychicae slowly.
‘There hasn’t been any military action this dramatic since World War Two,’ answered the Imperator, ‘And generally those wars didn’t target psychicae populations. It has been proven that captured psychicaes, if they’re not killed on sight, they are kept in appalling conditions and are usually experimented on. We haven’t seen such conditions like this since World War One.’
“What would an ‘offensive position’ entail?” asked another psychicae, “Will the peace we attain in the end be worth the imminent deaths?”
‘I have considered this in my calculations,’ sighed the Imperator grimly, ‘We would certainly be fighting humans and I do not imagine they could overpower us alone. However it has been hinted that we may also have to fight psychicaes and this would take the greatest toll on our numbers. We then also need to take into account that they have been experimenting on our people and we do not know what they may produce. However I still believe that the possible losses from entering into conflict with the invading Eastern Alliance forces will be counteracted by the benefits of a peaceful and safe country. If we consider our options we really have no other choice.’
“Can’t we relocate to another country?” asked Auctor Gloria, “To the American and European continents?”
‘I have considered this as well,’ said the Imperator, ‘However there are 4 million psychicaes in Australia, it would be a monumental task. We would have to find homes for all of the relocated psychicaes, transport them over extremely long distances while evading any human intervention. There’s also no guarantee that the conflict won’t simply follow us to wherever we travel.’
Questions continued to be shot back and forth across the table for at least another half an hour. Cato followed the conversation as best she could and occasionally whispered a question to Urban when she didn’t understand something the psychicaes had said. Eventually the questions began to die away.
‘So we will put it to a vote,’ said the Imperator, ‘Those for defending the Australian mainland?’
Cato blanched and her mind raced at the sudden decision. Cooktown would become a defensive base if she agreed. Although if she disagreed Cooktown would become invaded. Cato glanced at Davina and Alexis who appeared caught in a similar state of turmoil. Across the table both Antistitor Avalon and Faustus’ hands were raised as it seemed was the majority. Cato grimaced and raised her hand as well. Davina and Alexis glanced at her and they raised their hands too.
‘I’d say that’s almost unanimous,’ said the Imperator, ‘Psychicae United will declare war on the Eastern Alliance forces then.’
There was an uncomfortable silence again.
‘In light of this decision I have some interesting news,’ continued the Imperator, ‘The Australian government has asked for a meeting between their representatives and ours. No doubt they wish to discuss avenues of a war treaty between us. I do believe an alliance with the Australian government could serve us well so I will confirm our attendance at this meeting. Are there any further questions?’
No one said anything and the quiet hung in the air ominously.
‘Excellent,’ smiled the Imperator, ‘Then I’ll see those of us attending tomorrow’s meeting at the Sydney Town Hall at three o’clock. Good day everyone.’
With that the Imperator climbed from the chair onto the large psychicae’s arm once again and exited the room. The psychicaes immediately burst into conversation.
“That’s heavy,” said Alexis gloomily, “What do you reckon’s gonna happen to Cooktown?”
“Nothing if we defend it well enough,” said Davina smartly.
“I think Alexis means with all the psychicaes coming to town,” grimaced Cato, “It’s not going to be very peaceful anymore. Well, in a ‘I can go surfing and no one’s going to be on the beach’ way.”
Auctor Urban had been talking to Auctor Gloria but now turned to the three Cooktown psychicaes as they left their chairs.
“Well it’s been good to finally meet you three,” said Auctor Urban, “You have very interesting case files so it’s always fun to meet the actual person.”
Cato wasn’t sure if that was a compliment or not.
“Uh thanks?” said Cato uncertainly, “It was good to meet you to. You’re not as uptight as I thought you’d be.”
Auctor Gloria laughed again, “You’ve been talking to the Antistitors too much, haven’t you? They are a little boring.”
“Thank you Gloria, it’s always nice to know we’re appreciated,” said a familiar voice wryly.
Behind Auctor Gloria were Antistitors Avalon and Faustus; Antistitor Faustus had been the one who had spoken. Auctor Gloria didn’t seem disconcerted at all and smiled at the pair.
“Good afternoon Antistitors,” she beamed, almost as though she could spread her happiness to them, “Faustus have you finished the Redfern report yet?”
“I’m afraid there were actually three separate fires,” answered Antistitor Faustus, “So it’s going to take longer.”
Cato was curious as to what this incident was but the conversation progressed before she could ask.
“Well moving on,” said Auctor Urban, “I needed to inform you three that we only need Cato at tomorrow’s meeting; because you encountered the ‘belluas’ first apparently.”
It took Cato a moment to realise she must be referring to the beast from Black Mountain. The researchers must have named the beasts now.
“Oh alright,” Cato glanced at Davina and Alexis, “I guess you can show Alexis the city then while I get to go to a riveting meeting.”
We Hate Beasties
The psychicaes required for the meeting with the humans had already met at Psychicae United Headquarters. Including Avalon there would be three Antistitors, three Auctors, the Imperator and one representative from each of the potential defensive bases on the Australian mainland present at the meeting. They had been ordered to park across the road from Sydney Town Hall at a quarter to three in their personal vehicles. This meant that at least half a dozen cars would be available should a quick escape be made necessary.
Avalon was now driving through George Street traffic in her costly but inconspicuous Audi R8 V10. The car only revealed the expense its owner had taken on a second glance but it was still a very powerful car and had saved Avalon from more than one potential run in with police. Today she would rather it did not have to save her again but she could certainly rely on it to outrun any of the Sydney police cars.
As she approached the intersection of George Street and Druitt Street where Sydney Town Hall sat she noticed a conglomeration of people around the building. She was confused for a moment before she spotted barricades and police holding the crowd of people at bay.
These people were here to see psychicaes.
Avalon now began noticing the large amount of police mingling amongst the crowd. There were even some humans in army uniforms. Above she could see a helicopter. The traffic was being diverted away from this section of George Street as more people joined the crowd. Avalon grimaced and cursed inwardly; she should have expected the humans to react this way to their presence. The news of the meeting had been all over the television all night and was even in this morning’s newspaper. Now it only served as an inconvenience to her parking opposite Sydney Town Hall.
Through the crowd she could see a few other cars already gathered in the designated parking area and as she approached the intersection slowly another car drove up beside her in the next lane. The person inside glanced over at her and Avalon recognised another Antistitor, Remus. His dark scaled head glittered in the sun and his black eyes narrowed in a small smile. He was quite old for an Antistitor at forty eight and his scorpion morph had progressed greatly. Avalon nodded at the crowd in front and frowned. Remus grimaced as a reply and beckoned for Avalon to follow him.
The two cars followed the line of traffic being diverted onto Park Street; however Remus stopped when he came to the police officers directing the traffic and lowered his window. Avalon watched as he began speaking to the two police officers but they immediately recognised the scaled psychicae for what he was. They both visibly stiffened at the sight but immediately reacted by shouting commands to other police officers and the other gathered humans. Eventually their orders were met with a path being made for the psychicaes to drive through and the two Antistitors joined the other psychicaes’ cars.
As Avalon stepped out of her car and onto the road it became apparent that the psychicaes had already crossed the road and entered the Town Hall. It also became apparent that the humans gathered were not there to simply see psychicaes. Angry shouts came from the crowd as Avalon stepped from her car however this was nothing compared to the uproar Remus caused. His shining black skin tapered into a long venomous tail, his hands formed long pincers and there was no way his intimidating appearance could be hidden from the masses of humans. Both of the Antistitors paid no attention to the pandemonium and greeted one another.
“Afternoon Avalon,” said Remus nonchalantly, “Nice enough day.”
Avalon detected the hint of sarcasm and saw Remus’ eyes flicker to the crowd.
“It could be worse,” replied Avalon.
The two Antistitors ascended the stone stairs. Sydney Town Hall was an old place. It showed in every corner of the building from the architectural design to the wear of centuries. The giant stone tower that struck up from the ground cast a cold shadow over Avalon as she approached. At the top of the stairs stood a nervous and well-dressed man. His eyes darted to Remus’ claws and then locked onto Remus’ eyes forcefully.
“Good afternoon, I’m Gordon Stokes,” he said with an edge of cautious civility, “I’m the Commissionaire here at the Town Hall. You’re here for the three o’clock meeting I assume?”
The Antistitors nodded silently and Gordon continued disconcertedly, “I will take you to the Vestibule then; your colleagues are waiting for you there.”
The Antistitors followed Gordon up the stairs, past tall columns of rock and into the rich interior of the building. Inside was an ornately designed room lit by a massive chandelier hung from the centre of the patterned ceiling. Standing in the room were the psychicaes Avalon had met earlier today. There were also a few humans in this room as well. As Avalon entered she recognised some of these humans from various news articles and Psychicae United briefings. Most of the humans were talking amongst themselves, as were the psychicaes; however one of the humans was enthusiastically talking with a somewhat perplexed Urban. Avalon recognised this human as Australia’s Chief Scientist Cooper Anderson. She also saw Cato was already here and she was talking to another of the psychicaes from out of the city. When Avalon entered Cato glanced at her with a bright expression. She did not have much more time for observations however as another group of humans entered the room behind her.
Avalon immediately recognised the person leading this group of humans; it was Lucas Robinson, Australia’s Prime Minister. He walked with the same assured confidence as most Antistitors would however on entering the room full of psychicaes even this overly secure man’s smile faltered slightly.
“Good afternoon everyone,” said Lucas as he regained his smile, “I hope none of us were too encumbered by the crowds outside. I won’t keep us waiting any longer though; shall we all head down to the meeting room?”
........
The meeting room was a cold concrete square under the ground floor of the Town Hall. It had once been a giant safe that contained the city’s gold but had been converted into a meeting room now that the city’s prosperity could not be contained in such a small chamber. Stairs led down to the meeting room that had been appropriately named ‘The Vault’. Inside was a square wooden table and short leather chairs that had been taken by the couple dozen humans and psychicaes. The humans were murmuring and casting confused glances at the Imperator who was perched on the back of a chair at the end of the table. The Prime Minister cleared his throat and the noise died away.
“Well thank you for attending at such short notice, perhaps we should start by introducing ourselves?” said Lucas and also glanced with puzzlement at the Imperator, “I’m Lucas Robinson, uh, Prime Minister of Australia.”
There were a few small chuckles from the humans and Lucas gestured to the balding man sitting to his left.
“I’m Liam Walker,” the man said, “Opposition leader.”
These introductions continued however Avalon already knew the names of all the humans gathered. They were Minister for Defence Noah King, Chief of the Defence Force Paul Hawke, Secretary for the Department of Defence Olivia White, Deputy Secretary for Defence and Intelligence Hannah Lee, Chief Scientist Cooper Anderson and Minister for Foreign Affairs Isabella Brown. All of the psychicaes would have at least a vague idea of who all of these people were so Avalon assumed these introductions would be for the sake of the humans who would have little idea of who they were.
“Well that’s us,” smiled Lucas and gazed expectantly at the psychicaes.
The Imperator ruffled her feathers slightly and spoke, ‘My name is Dominique and I am the Imperator for Psychicae United Australia. That means I speak on behalf of all Australian psychicaes.’
The humans appeared stunned; the smile had completely disappeared from Lucas’ mouth. They were all staring at the owl. Even though the Imperator had made no physical gestures to imply that it was her that was speaking the humans had immediately picked up on it. They were all on edge amongst the psychicaes.
“Very good,” said Lucas, regaining his composure and continued with a small laugh, “Well I’ve never met a talking owl before so forgive me if I seem surprised. You hold the same position among psychicaes that I do among, uh… humans?”
‘Yes it is very similar,’ replied the Imperator, ‘I am not a talking owl however. I am a psychicae but I am just very old. My wrinkles show in different ways. Moving on, we should finish our introductions.’
The humans had been glancing back and forth between the Imperator and the Prime Minister as if searching for cues. Lucas now nodded and leant back in his chair. The large bald Auctor who generally assisted the Imperator leant forwards slightly and spoke in a deep and quiet voice.
“I am Abelardus,” he said slowly, “I’m an Auctor. I do theoretical and political work for Psychicae United.”
The other psychicaes introduced themselves and the humans stayed quiet. The three psychicaes from out of town appeared somewhat nervous but introduced themselves and lapsed into silence. Even Cato was more reserved than usual. It was then time for Avalon to introduce herself.
“I am Avalon,” she said shortly, “I am an Antistitor.”
“Hold on,” the Minister for Defence, Noah King interrupted, “You’re not the same beastie that destroyed thirteen million dollars worth of navy equipment and smuggled thousands of asylum seekers into Australia?”
“The same one yes,” said Avalon coolly.
“Now Mr King I’m sure there was a good reason,” laughed Lucas smoothly, “Let’s not escalate this further. Now that we’re done with introductions how about we proceed to the topic of our meeting?”
Noah shot an irate glance at Avalon and sunk back into his chair with a nod.
“Obviously we’re here to discuss the terms of a treaty between our government and yours,” continued Lucas, his small eyes darted amongst the psychicaes, “If we had your cooperation in defending Australia it would surely cut the death toll that would occur in the event of the Eastern Alliance forces attempting an invasion. We already know that you must feel compassion for the preservation of life; you stay up all night guarding the city as well as other… activities.”
His eyes stopped momentarily on Avalon but his smile did not show any further emotion.
‘I would not mistake that as compassion for human life,’ answered the Imperator, ‘As you are well aware we have extrasensory abilities that allow us to detect emotions and thoughts from most living things. Humans have a knack of getting into trouble a lot and the thoughts they emit in said situations disturb our sleep. The technology to deaden this effect is still being researched and is quite expensive; so in the meantime we patrol the streets to keep the human populace as quiet as possible. The majority of our efforts actually focus on the rescue of our own kind.’
Once again Lucas’ smile flickered slightly at the prospect that psychicaes were only saving his city so they could literally sleep at night. However Cooper Anderson spoke before the Prime Minister could answer.
“These extrasensory abilities; the ‘telekinetic network’ as you’ve dubbed it,” he leant forward with a gleam of fascination in his eyes, “I’ve conducted many studies at night when it is most active. It works by the transmission of different electromagnetic frequencies? I’ve mostly received back short length radio waves but I can never find a pattern to decode them and occasionally I’ll get back microwaves and I’ve even had a gamma ray signal!”
Another Auctor, Corbin spoke, his pale and angular face seeming to consider every word he said. Avalon recognised him as the Auctor who usually took care of most of the scientific research at Psychicae United. She rarely ran into him unless he was giving her a new weapon.
“Yes the telekinetic network functions primarily on radio waves,” he answered, “And it has been known to deviate from these wavelengths dramatically depending on the particular emotions or thoughts being sent. However I do not intend to divulge our research on the matter.”
Dr Anderson looked disappointed and nodded, “That is understandable however I do believe if we were to work together in this war it will be necessary to know more about your species.”
“Dr Anderson does make a valid point,” nodded Lucas, “We know very little about your society, your culture, even your biology is a mystery to us. It would be far easier to work with you if we knew what we were working with.”
‘Of course this is a valid point,’ said the Imperator, ‘It also raises the issue of the number of amateur psychicae labs in Australia that are still running today and how many of these could be shut down by increased interest from your own government. You could understand that with such monstrosities operating in your own country that we might be uneasy about voluntarily sharing our knowledge with you.’
Avalon had heard of these psychicae labs. Sometimes instead of passing on an unwanted psychicae child to an orphanage the parents would sell them to one of these labs. A large minority of psychicaes passed through these labs at one point; the last estimates had been at one in every twenty psychicaes being captured in their lives. Faustus had been one such case, having been sold as a child to a Sydney lab, and to this day he would not set foot in Psychicae United’s laboratories; let alone a human lab.
Only a couple of the humans shifted in their seats uncomfortably at the mention of the labs; most of them continued gazing at the Imperator with a mix of aloofness and fascination.
“I am aware of these labs,” said Lucas carefully, “Obviously our government does its best to prevent all unlawful activity; however you’re saying that if we were to take a harder stance against these labs that you would consider a treaty?”
‘Bearing in mind that this is the most major crime against my people that Australian humans are currently committing it would weigh heavily into our decision, yes,’ agreed the Imperator.
“It is done then,” smiled Lucas, “We will help you shut down these psychicae labs if you assist us in defending Australia.”
The rest of the meeting consisted of the humans and psychicaes arguing over the best way to defend Australia. It was agreed that a line of defensive personnel should be kept along the northern coast of Australia and that the psychicaes had already chosen the best sites for major defensive bases; those being Broome, Darwin and Cooktown. The conversation eventually moved onto the belluas. Corbin was the first to mention the topic.
“It may be of interest to you to know that Cooktown has already come under attack from Eastern Alliance forces,” said Corbin grimly, “At least indirectly. We believe that the Eastern Alliance forces have released biological experiments termed belluas in the area. We have done research on them and have found that they were once psychicaes but they have been completely morphed and the subsequent brain damage and probably psychological trauma from experimentation has driven them mad. My researchers have returned to the area again and have found that the numbers of belluas exceed a hundred but the numbers are slowly decreasing as we hunt them down. The Cooktown police have shut down the National Park where most of the belluas are located however they are being increasingly driven into the town for food. We have already increased the number of pedite psychicaes in the area to deal with the problem however I also suggest training the local police to cooperate with psychicaes and to handle a belluas attack.”
Even if the majority of the humans had been able to maintain a cool composure they now stared at Corbin in partial disbelief. Hannah Lee, a small woman with large glasses and the Deputy Secretary for Defence and Intelligence, spoke.
“I had received reports of animal attacks in the Cooktown area,” she frowned, “I also received reports that an enemy plane had been sighted in the region before these attacks started. I now see the correlation. It is also interesting to note that the pilot of the plane was identified as a psychicae and the reason they were able to slip undetected past our defences was because they were manipulating this ‘telekinetic network’ of yours. Now, please correct me if I’m wrong but from my very limited understanding of your kind I do know that you’re all under the orders of the same international authority. I’m not accusing you of anything but it is rather odd, isn’t it?”
“We have reason to believe that psychicaes may be fighting for the Eastern Alliance forces,” answered Urban, “We are unsure what their motives could possibly be but we do know that Psychicae United International would not order such attacks.”
Hannah gave a high-pitched giggle, “Come now, internal government scandals aren’t something that are new to us. Perhaps you’ve had the wool pulled over your eyes, so to speak?”
‘I doubt it very much,’ said the Imperator, ‘While internal government scandals are rife amongst human society we do not deteriorate to such mediocrity. Our government has no motive to fuel violence between psychicaes or humans and it does show as we have not been to war in well over a century. Perhaps you can understand the significance as war meetings involving psychicaes, such as this, have only occurred five times in your nation’s entire history. Contrarily in human society war meetings are actually commonplace. Frankly the statistics really show that I should be more concerned over your internal security.’
Hannah seemed taken aback, “Well be that as it may, a psychicae was piloting that plane and they will undoubtedly be the prime suspect if what you say about these animals is true.”
“It’s a moot point,” argued Urban, “The psychicae only got through to the mainland because they were manipulating your instruments however that won’t happen if there are other psychicaes stationed on the north coast. If you’re worried that we might have been infiltrated it is unlikely. It is more likely that the Eastern Alliance forces have coerced the psychicaes into fighting; the conditions for captured psychicaes are particularly abhorrent. Besides it is incredibly difficult to infiltrate a society of psychicaes as a person gives off particular signals when they are hiding something. In mingling with thousands of psychicaes at least one is going to notice eventually.”
The meeting continued and the arguing continued until there was nothing to discuss. Avalon glanced at the clock on the wall wearily to see the meeting had been going for two hours.
“Well I think that’s all we need to talk about for now,” said Lucas with his watery smile, “I can’t think of anything if everyone’s happy with how our agreement has turned out?”
‘Yes the terms of our treaty are suitable,’ answered the Imperator, ‘Of course we will be in touch soon given the unpredictable state of this war. Thank you for your hospitality today though.’
Lucas’ smile widened, “That’s quite alright. I look forward to our next meeting.”
With that the meeting ended and the gathered humans and psychicaes organised themselves to leave.
........
Cato decided as she climbed the stairs to the ground floor of Sydney Town Hall that it did not nearly reach the architectural splendour of Psychicae United Headquarters. It was a colourful and bright building but its main purpose seemed to be to proclaim its own magnificence whereas Psychicae United Headquarters existed solely to compliment its history and the history of those who had built it. It was similar to the way in which Cato had seen the arguments downstairs. The psychicaes were aware of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years of their history and used the knowledge they had gained to decide if they should fight or not. The humans were simply trying to ensure the survival of their way of life, as if it had its own unique superiority to everything else. It was much like the building.
“Cato,” a voice interrupted Cato’s musings.
Cato turned to discover Auctor Urban.
“Are you ready to leave?” asked Auctor Urban, “We will follow the Imperator out and directly to my car.”
Cato nodded; she had received a lift to the Town Hall from Urban and would now be driven back to her apartment by the Auctor. But first they had to brave the immense crowds outside. Cato had not imagined that so many people would come to see the meeting or to just stand outside the Town Hall as was the case. Even more unexpected were the slanders they shouted as she had exited Auctor Urban’s car. She didn’t even think she looked too much like a psychicae but they still screamed at her and called her an animal, a ‘beastie’. Cato was grateful she had hidden her wings today. Urban’s hooves showed under the legs of his trousers and they threw colourful taunts at him because of it. A favourite had been to call him an ass. Cato wasn’t sure what morph Urban was but even if he was a donkey he didn’t deserve to be called names for it. Urban didn’t pay any attention to it though. If anything he’d seemed rather bored as he’d led Cato into the hall. His calmness made Cato feel a little better and she now somewhat understood why the Antistitors had to hide behind their façade of dominance.
Anderson Cooper was the last human to leave the Vestibule and he smiled as he ducked outside. With the exit of the final human the Antistitors gathered closely around the giant Auctor Abelardus and the Imperator on his shoulder and they filed out of the door. Auctor Urban beckoned and Cato followed him and Auctor Corbin quickly.
The light outside of the Town Hall was almost blinding but Cato’s sharp eyes quickly adjusted. They immediately saw that the crowd had increased in size on both ends of the street and now another block of the road had been sectioned off to deal with the people milling around. More police and army officers were trying to keep the crowds behind their barricades. It occurred to Cato that leaving via Auctor Urban’s car was going to be far more difficult than arriving.
The group of psychicaes walked onto the road; their feet crunched over the gravel. Though the screaming of the crowd thoroughly distracted Cato she noticed that the Antistitors were for once not staring straight ahead with their usual expressions of boredom. Instead they were cautiously watching the people that shrieked insults their way and flashed from the occasional photograph. It made Cato nervous to see the normally calm and disinterested Antistitor Avalon in any state of alert. And then her black eyes widened and the next few seconds passed instantaneously.
“Above one o’clock!” shouted Antistitor Avalon before loud booms began thundering through the street and her body jerked as something ripped through her torso.
Auctor Abelardus immediately brought his massive arms around the Imperator and bolted for the cars. The shots continued from above and kicked up plumes of dust from the road. The screaming from the crowd had increased tenfold as the people scurried away. Auctor Urban grabbed Cato’s arm and they both sprinted to Urban’s car with their hands over their heads.
Auctor Corbin had removed his formal jacket to reveal a pair of giant black wings and he now took to the air. As Cato followed Corbin’s flight path she saw that the shots were coming from a masked person in a window above the cars. The long barrel of the gun was now pointed at Cato and Urban.
“Urban look out!” cried Cato as she saw the person’s fingers clench around the trigger.
Urban had already seen the threat and kicked Cato backwards out of the gunfire before using the momentum to roll under the safety of his car. Cato usually wouldn’t have time to recover from such a sharp kick to her diaphragm but the adrenaline singing through her veins replaced any want for breath.
Cato made to run forwards to Auctor Urban but the gunfire brought up a wall of dust in front of her and prevented her from reaching the safety of the car. With a scream of fright Cato’s wings tore out from her shirt and she also took to the air. She had no idea where she could go but the ground was a dangerous place to be that was certain. Behind her she could hear screams from the source of the gunfire. A man’s voice bellowed, “Die beasties die!”
Cato turned to see where the gunfire was being pointed and she saw Corbin crumple to the road. Her head whipped back around and she desperately tried to gain height.
“Cato!” someone shouted from below, “Cato down here!”
Cato’s eyes snapped to Annabella and Remus who were hiding behind the stone pillars of Town Hall with Avalon. Cato glanced at the gun behind her and fell into a sharp dive. Her wings released sharp pains of protest as she ended her swoop and landed next to the Antistitors.
Cato could almost feel her heart rate drop as she came into the presence of the always confident Antistitors. However as she saw the state they were in she became dismayed. Annabella had not been harmed but Remus had been shot in the hand by the looks of his destroyed claw. Avalon was sitting against the stone pillar and clasping a heavily bleeding wound on her stomach. Blood crept from her mouth and her eyes were half open.
“Cato stay here and watch Avalon,” ordered Antistitor Annabella firmly, “The first chance you get go back through the Town Hall and get Avalon out another way. She needs to go to Psychicae United Headquarters for medical attention. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” nodded Cato fearfully, “What are you going to do?”
“The Imperator’s already gone but we need to rescue Corbin and Urban,” explained Annabella, “And seeing as the police have scattered it’s up to us. You ready Remus?”
Remus wrung his injured hand with a grimace, “Yes let’s go.”
Annabella and Remus leapt out from behind the pillars and into another onslaught of gunfire. Cato didn’t let this distract her and through the deafening noise created by the sniper she leant beside Avalon. The Antistitor’s eyes focused on her briefly.
“Cato?” she said weakly, “We have to go to Psychicae United Headquarters.”
“Yeah ok,” nodded Cato nervously, “Can you walk? I’ll help you.”
Avalon extended a shaking, blood-stained arm over Cato’s shoulder and Cato hoisted her from the ground. Avalon’s face immediately lost any colour it had. Cato hoped she could make it to Psychicae United Headquarters and with urgency she hauled Avalon from behind the stone pillar and into the relative safety of the Town Hall.
Inside it was completely deserted to Cato’s disappointment. She had hoped that maybe someone would still be here and would be able to help but everyone had fled the scene.
“Are you still ok?” asked Cato as she and Avalon crossed the Vestibule.
Avalon laughed quietly in response, “I’m fine.”
Cato felt the small heaves of effort that the laugh had taken however it disturbed her more that the cold psychicae had actually shown some emotion. As Cato carried her through the corridors of the Town Hall and to another exit at the side of the hall she realised she had no idea how to get to Psychicae United from here. She paused outside of the door and gazed at the deserted pathway outside with exasperation.
“The train station is just over there,” said Avalon softly and the hand around Cato’s neck gestured to Cato’s left.
To Cato’s relief stairs leading below the concrete footpath were only a few metres away. However as Cato approached she realised that by using this station they might come back into the view of the sniper and from what Cato could hear the Antistitors had not stopped the gunfire yet.
“Are there any other train stations?” asked Cato, “We’ll be shot if we use that one.”
Avalon’s pale face rose and she surveyed the scene with consternation.
“I won’t live long enough to get to the next train station,” said Avalon slowly.
Cato glanced at Avalon with alarm. Cato had no medical training at all; the worst she had ever dealt with was some of the kids from Cooktown getting a few scratches in a crevasse at Black Mountain. Avalon’s white shirt was soaked with blood even with her hand trying to hold it back. As she spoke more blood stole out of her mouth. Her breathing was fast and shallow and her usually golden face was growing whiter by the second. The hand on Cato’s neck was ice cold and shivering.
“Ok I’ll try and be fast and we won’t get shot,” said Cato and stared at the stairs just a few metres away in disbelief of what she was about to do.
Cato lifted Avalon’s legs from the ground and expected the Antistitor to protest but instead she just coughed in surprise and leant against Cato in feeble submission. Trying to ignore the gunfire that still echoed from the street just around the corner Cato took a breath and tore towards the stairs. As she came into view she heard the gunfire pause for a moment and suddenly the ground was lifting into clouds of dust behind her. Cato screamed and ran faster as the pounding of the shots into the ground reverberated into her legs. Then suddenly she was in the cool and dark safety of the train station with a wide corridor extending before her. Cato set Avalon’s feet back onto the ground and observed her surroundings.
“My card,” mumbled Avalon, “For the doors.”
Her hand left the wound on her stomach to fumble in her pockets and fresh blood seeped out.
“Hey you need to keep pressure on that!” exclaimed Cato, it was one of the only things Cato knew about first aid and it made a lot of sense now.
Avalon pulled out a blank card from her pocket and forced it into Cato’s hand before returning her own to the bullet wound.
“The door is over there,” Avalon pointed to a door on the right wall.
Cato carried Avalon to the identified door and swiped the card through the steel box attached to it. It beeped and flashed green in response and Cato opened it. Inside was a long brick hallway. Cato carried Avalon along this too and cast anxious glances at her along the way.
At the end of the hallway was a small platform. A tiny tram sat on the track that led one way out of the cold room. Cato glanced again at Avalon’s half closed eyes and swiped the blank card through the steel box on the door of the tram. The door slid open and allowed the two psychicaes inside. Cato immediately deposited Avalon on one of the seats inside the carriage. She began asking how to move the tram forward but as the door shut it jerked forwards by itself and rumbled into the dark.
Cato glanced around the small tram apprehensively and hoped she had done the right thing to get Avalon to Psychicae United Headquarters but the Antistitor hadn’t spoken so she couldn’t have done anything wrong. Cato sighed and sat down next to Avalon. The Antistitor was leaning back against the seat and barely seemed to be breathing anymore.
“Avalon? Are you ok?” asked Cato.
Avalon twitched her head in a small nod. Her ears were no longer hidden in her soft golden hair but drooped down. The black splotches on her face were obvious against the white pallor of her skin. The blood was beginning to dry in a small line along her chin. Even in this state of disrepair Avalon was still incredibly beautiful. Somehow the deathly atmosphere around her did not matter. Cato glanced at her own reflection in the window. Personally she had never paid any attention to her physical appearance and she did not concern herself with it now. She only noticed the tension of anxiety in her face and her hunched shoulders and then returned her apprehensive gaze to Avalon.
The tram shuddered along the tracks for a few torturously long minutes before it began slowing. Cato glanced out of the windows warily to see where they were and recognised the platform that Auctor Urban had brought her, Alexis and Davina to on their arrival in Sydney. The tram came to a halt at the platform and the doors snapped open. Cato returned her attention to Avalon. Avalon’s eyes were shut and Cato could barely see the breath passing through her lips. Cato put a hand on her cool shoulder.
“Avalon we’re at Psychicae United Headquarters,” said Cato nervously.
Avalon did not respond and her head rolled onto Cato’s hand. A chill of fear swept through Cato’s body. She couldn’t be dead; Avalon was far too important to be dead.
“Excuse me?” a voice came from behind Cato, “What is going on here?”
Cato’s head whipped around at the voice and with a flood of relief she found the psychicae guard entering the tram. The guard’s hoofed feet clicked onto the metal floor of the carriage and his cautious face quickly turned to surprise.
“Antistitor Avalon!” he exclaimed, “You’ve come from Sydney Town Hall then?”
Cato nodded in response, “She needs help; she was shot.”
“Ok, you grab that arm and I’ll get this one,” said the guard.
The two psychicaes lifted Avalon from the tram and brought her through the steel doors into Psychicae United Headquarters. As they came into the light cast by the chandeliers in the giant hall heads turned to stare at the scene.
“We need a medic!” shouted the guard.
A couple of psychicaes separated from the general mass and came to Avalon’s aid. Cato barely heard what they were saying as they asked what seemed like hundreds of questions and began working on the now black wound on Avalon’s abdomen. Cato could not seem to tear her gaze away from the destroyed Antistitor. Avalon had been invincible to her and this image before her eyes seemed like a dream, a nightmare.

“Avalon?” exclaimed Faustus.
Antistitor Faustus’ eyes were wide with bewilderment as he knelt beside Avalon.
“We need to take her to the hospital downstairs,” said one of the medics, “We’ve stemmed the external bleeding but she needs surgery immediately.”
Antistitor Faustus’ face twisted in a grimace and he gathered Avalon’s broken body into his arms. He glanced at Cato’s fearful face.
“Thank you for bringing her here,” said Faustus grimly and carried Avalon away with her blood already creeping down his arms.
Cato watched the Antistitor leave with Avalon and the two medics trailing behind. She desperately hoped Avalon would be alright. Somehow if Avalon didn’t recover Cato felt it would be her fault; at least partially. Avalon was perfect in every way so any harm that came to the Antistitor surely had something to do with her.
“You should stay here for a while,” said the guard sternly, “It’s not every day that an Antistitor is wounded like that and from what I hear there are more to come back from the Town Hall. You might be needed as a witness.”
........
Alexis and Davina had watched the shootings at Sydney Town Hall unfold on the television at their apartment until the footage had become too graphic to show to the public. So when Cato had arrived back at the apartment in the late hours of that evening they had had no idea if Cato was alive or dead. Now the complete footage of the psychicaes trying to escape from the gunman had become viral. It was the first media portraying psychicaes to ever capture the attention of human society at large. In the end the gunman had finally been taken down by Antistitor Annabella however Remus had been shot dead in the attempt to apprehend him. It was revealed that the man behind the shootings was a former SAS sergeant on a dishonourable dismissal from service. It had also been revealed that the court was having a hard time charging him with any crime as murder only applied to humans and psychicaes were not humans. It was shocking to Cato to hear the court manipulate a law like that. She had been there and witnessed a monster killing in cold blood and now he was going to continue living like he had been just a few hours before his shooting rampage. It was madness.
While watching the news unfold Cato had spent another week in Sydney and had attended various meetings with psychicaes to determine what exactly had happened. Alexis and Davina had reluctantly been flown back to Cooktown to rejoin Bernardus. Now Cato had just finished at what she hoped was the final meeting between her and the psychicae investigators before she could return home. After every meeting she had asked how Antistitor Avalon was recovering. Some of the investigators would quote privacy laws and tell her nothing; some would give her small hints that Avalon was indeed getting better. Today the investigator had taken pity and said that Avalon was finally able to accept visitors and that Antistitor Faustus had spent most of his free time with her.
Now Cato stepped out of the lift on the bottom floor of Psychicae United Headquarters and was greeted with a circular room at the bottom of the tower of balconies. In the centre of the room was a round bench encircling couple of psychicaes working at computers. They both looked up when Cato entered the otherwise empty room.
“Uh hi,” said Cato sheepishly, “Is this the hospital?”
“Yes this is the reception for the hospital,” answered one of the psychicaes blandly, “How can I help you?”
“I’m looking for Antistitor Avalon?” asked Cato, “I heard she could have visitors now?”
The two psychicaes chuckled and the first psychicae answered with amusement, “She can have visitors but I don’t think she would appreciate it. Let me see.”
The psychicae returned to her computer and Cato waited awkwardly.
“Go through that door,” the psychicae pointed to Cato’s right, “She’ll be close to the very end. Room number three hundred and sixty two.”
“Thank you,” smiled Cato and scurried towards the hallway the psychicae had directed.
It was a long corridor of glass panels that greeted Cato. Many of them had white blinds drawn over them. Many more were open and showed that there was no life inside the rooms. Cato walked down the hallway and tried not to make too much noise as the rubber of her sneakers squeaked on the marble floor. Her pace began to slow as she came closer to Avalon’s room and soon she was standing outside of the glass door that had the number ‘362’ etched onto a small silver plaque above it. The white blinds were drawn on these windows as well. Cato almost wanted to turn back now. She didn’t want to see the Antistitor in such a weakened state. Partially because she didn’t want to annoy the Antistitor and partially because it disturbed her own mental state of being. Cato decided that she had already made the choice when she began asking how Avalon was doing days ago and put her hand on the cold metal handle to the door.
Cato jumped in shock as the door handle flicked and the glass swung away to reveal Antistitor Avalon. Avalon stared at her with just as much surprise. To Cato’s delight and relief Avalon’s skin was back to its usual golden tan and her eyes were bright and alert. Contrary to what Cato had imagined Avalon was even sporting her usual formal attire; even if it was unironed and her shirt was not tucked in.
“Cato?” grimaced Avalon with confusion, “What are you doing here?”
“I came to see how you were doing!” said Cato brightly, “You seem a lot better than before!”
“Yes I feel much better now,” agreed Avalon, “Unfortunately the nurses won’t let me out just yet. They do let everyone else in though, don’t they?”
Cato laughed, “Yeah they said you wouldn’t be happy to see me. I’ll go now I just wanted to see that you’re ok.”
Avalon frowned and appeared somewhat dazed, “Well Faustus isn’t coming back for a few hours at least and this place is hopelessly boring. You can keep me company if you like. If you have nothing better to do.”
Cato’s eyes widened for half a second but she tried not to show her surprise.
“Uh yeah sure!” she said and tried to contain her enthusiasm.
For the past week Cato had been deprived of social contact with anyone but the investigators and they did not make for interesting conversation. Avalon on the other hand was full of mysteries; perhaps she would let one or two slip today.
“I’m not allowed out of the hospital,” Avalon rolled her eyes, “But there is a patient’s area I can show you. That’s about as interesting as my surroundings get.”
........
Avalon wasn’t sure that it would not just convert her boredom into irritation by voluntarily conversing with Cato but she had been trapped in the hospital for a week and anything was looking better than traversing the hospital halls by herself again. As they walked towards the patient’s area that she had suggested Avalon felt a slight pang of nausea and it must have shown on her face because she immediately detected a flicker of apprehension from Cato.
“I’ve had several blood transfusions,” explained Avalon, “But I am still suffering from the unfortunate effects of blood loss. It is better for me to be active though; apparently it will replenish my blood quicker.”
“Oh, well that’s good,” said Cato with a half-hearted smile, “You do look a lot better than before.”
“I should hope so,” said Avalon wryly, “I am three kilograms of blood heavier and I don’t have any bullets in me.”
Cato laughed in reply.
“Do you get into trouble like that a lot?” asked Cato, “I mean I remember the guard outside saying that Antistitors don’t usually get hurt that bad but it doesn’t seem to worry you very much.”
Avalon considered the question carefully for a moment. Avalon had offered her company to Cato so she couldn’t really refuse to answer her questions. However she disliked revealing information about her past, or her present even. It made it easier for a person to manipulate her future.
“In my time as an Antistitor I haven’t experienced quite so extreme injuries until now,” answered Avalon cautiously, “And it is true that not many Antistitors come as close to death as I did. However my field of work does require a certain knowledge of mortality that can really only be gained by firsthand experience. When you think about it I was shot in a highly populated city surrounded by psychicaes; most of them quite professional psychicaes. I was just a few minutes from Sydney Psychicae United Headquarters, which is renowned worldwide for its medical facilities. I was almost immediately safe because of Annabella and Remus’ intervention. Within fifteen minutes I was in an operating theatre; thanks to you. Honestly compared to other situations I’ve been in it really could have been much worse.”
Avalon saw the frown on Cato’s face and knew that the psychicae had never before experienced a literal life or death situation. Cato probably couldn’t picture a much worse situation.
“You did handle the whole debacle rather well though,” added Avalon dismissively, “I can’t say I was as collected as you were when I first dealt with an injured person.”
The frown was abruptly gone from Cato’s face and she seemed mildly surprised, as was Avalon. She had only meant to reassure Cato that the situation wasn’t really that serious but instead had swung the conversation directly onto herself.
“Why what did you do?” asked Cato curiously.
Avalon’s eyes darted briefly to Cato and then focused ahead of her as they walked.
“It was a long time ago,” answered Avalon shortly, “Before I was with Psychicae United.”
Avalon hoped that Cato had enough tact to change the topic of conversation; but alas no.
“Before you were with Psychicae United?” asked Cato animatedly, “So where did you live before then? Do you have a family?”
Avalon felt another sickness arising underneath the blanket of nausea and knew it wasn’t related in any way to blood loss.
“I do realise that things are somewhat different in Cooktown but generally here we don’t talk about our lives before Psychicae United,” she said bluntly.
“Oh,” answered Cato dejectedly, “So you didn’t have a good childhood I take it?”
“Not one that I care to remember no,” said Avalon wryly and deftly changed the focus of the conversation, “And you? I’ve read your case file so I know that you were originally from Port Douglas in Queensland but your biological parents sent you to your grandmother after you began exhibiting psychicae traits.”
Cato glanced at Avalon in surprise as most psychicaes did when it was revealed how much the Antistitor really knew about them.
“I don’t really remember my parents,” frowned Cato, “But my grandma’s nice. Even after I broke most of her house and half of the police station when I was still learning to fly.”
The image of Cato destroying everything in her path was typical and expected but nonetheless it was an amusing subject. It also reminded Avalon of Cato’s illegal habits.
“If I can offer you some advice,” said Avalon, “A number of the liberties that humans take for granted are not so easily enjoyed by psychicaes. You should take the time to research psychicae law as you do break quite a few of them with disturbing frequency.”
“I’m breaking the law?” exclaimed Cato, “How?”
“There have been numerous occasions,” said Avalon deprecatingly, “Which is why I advise you do some research. Bernardus would be a good source of information.”
“Bernardus?” asked Cato with puzzlement, “Why would he know anything about psychicae law?”
Avalon gazed at Cato for a moment and hoped her expression was blank. From this last statement Cato obviously did not know that Bernardus was once employed by Psychicae United. The massacre at Mount Isa must have taken a greater psychological toll on the man than Avalon had first thought for him to hide his past. Avalon usually thought she had a far better perception of how to direct a conversation but today she really was just stumbling out of one trap and into another.
“Ask Bernardus,” she shrugged, “I’m sure he has a great reservoir of information for you.”
Cato thought for a moment and Avalon hoped she would change the subject but instead the frown on her face deepened and Cato’s eyes shifted to Avalon’s.
“You know something about Bernardus,” she said.
Avalon silently cursed. It seemed Cato was somewhat more astute than she previously let on; at least when it came to picking apart other people. Now aware of the social perspicacity that Cato possessed Avalon allowed none of these thoughts to register in any degree on her face.
“I know a lot of things about a lot of people,” answered Avalon nonchalantly.
The corner of Cato’s mouth curled in a grimace, “But you won’t tell me anything?”
“I don’t indulge in gossip, no,” confirmed Avalon.
Cato sighed in disappointment.
“Well anyway back to the laws I’m breaking,” said Cato, quickly regaining her bright composure, “How many laws did I break? And it can’t be that bad if you and Antistitor Faustus didn’t do anything about it.”
Avalon was relieved the subject had been changed. Although she didn’t fully understand why. There was no reason for her to protect Cato’s perfect little world by withholding the story of Bernardus’ past.
“We did not interfere because it would have disrupted our assessment of the area,” explained Avalon, “I did interfere when the belluas was going to kill you but that was an extreme circumstance that would have resulted in fatalities. You and your colleagues may have broken in excess of five laws collectively but you did not threaten any lives at any point that I was there.”
“Oh just five?” chuckled Cato dismissively, “I’ve done more than that to the human police.”
“Yes that is also not a laughing matter,” refuted Avalon, “And it’s a total of seven.”
Cato laughed as though she were unsure if Avalon was joking or not, “So if it’s just seven what are they?”
Avalon glanced at Cato with disdain and tried to remember the laws she had recorded.
“Well to start, revealing a disguised Antistitor,” said Avalon as she remembered their meeting with the police officers in the morning, “You would be charged twice for that. Not disguising yourselves in public when off duty. Using psychicae abilities in the presence of humans when off duty. Having an unlicensed four-legged morph drive a car. Breaking human laws. Consuming alcohol in the presence of humans and forming non-professional relationships.”
Cato absorbed the information with a half-smile and Avalon wasn’t sure if she understood the seriousness of the laws she, Davina, Alexis and Bernardus had broken. The four would be in a lot of trouble if they broke any more laws in front of another trained psychicae.
“Yeah I didn’t know about a lot of them,” nodded Cato, “Well all of them. I mean I could probably have guessed a few; like the breaking human laws is pretty obvious. But forming non-professional relationships? What does that mean?”
“It’s an old law and there’s not a lot of information around it,” explained Avalon, “From my understanding it stipulates that psychicaes should maintain a professional demeanour with all people, psychicaes and humans, at all times. Friendship and romantic interest are dangerous in our society.”
Cato laughed half-heartedly again, “But I have loads of friends and I’ve never hurt them before. What’s wrong with that?”
“As I said it’s an old law,” answered Avalon, “And it hasn’t been changed in centuries. So that means it has been reviewed by at least a dozen International Imperators and their councils and none of them saw any reason to change it. My opinion, and I’m not an Auctor so I don’t have any official political training, is that the Imperators have used the human civilisation and their flouting of emotional attachment as a model of what would happen to psychicae society. Humans have dabbled with feeling for eons and all they have been rewarded with is romantic propaganda designed to hide the truth that their emotions have only returned the destruction of individuals, families, countries and civilisations. And humans aren’t very powerful at all compared to psychicaes.”
Cato grimaced, “Well yeah I guess I see your point. But you can’t just ban being friends with people because you might have a fight with someone. I mean, what’s the point in living?”
“We live to bring peace,” answered Avalon, “And emotion isn’t something that helps that cause.”
“Yeah but what about after everything’s all peaceful and stuff?” asked Cato smartly, “It’d be pretty boring with no friends right?”
Avalon considered the idea for a moment, “I concede your argument but right now we certainly don’t live in a peaceful era. Maybe if the world was ever at peace we could allow ourselves some freedom.”
“You’re good at debating things,” laughed Cato, “But seriously am I going to be charged for being friends with people because I’m friends with pretty much everyone in Cooktown; so that’s like three thousand people.”
“Only if the psychicae who charges you can provide evidence,” admitted Avalon and once again she wondered why she was bothering to help Cato.
“Well that’s great,” shrugged Cato with a smile, “Because I’m always full of brilliant ideas, Bernardus is surly all the time, Davina’s a drama queen and Alexis will probably be too busy seeking her attention to talk to anyone else. Between us they won’t find any evidence. Well maybe on Alexis but if he goes to jail it’s not like he has anywhere more important to be.”
Avalon had to concentrate on preventing her mouth twitching into a smile. Cato’s grasp on the seriousness of the laws they had broken was worrying but somehow endearing. It almost convinced her that any psychicae that could charge the four from Cooktown might take pity on them.
“Afternoon Avalon,” came a voice from behind Avalon, “And Cato?”
Avalon turned to see Faustus who was gazing at Cato with slight confusion. He must have returned early from his work upstairs to see Avalon. That was unusual.
“You’re early today Faustus?” questioned Avalon.
Faustus’ confusion increased even more, “No I’m right on time; actually I had to fill out those Redfern reports for Gloria so I’m a bit late today. Speaking of which, Cato doesn’t your flight for Cooktown leave in an hour?”
Cato’s eyes widened, “What time is it?”
“It is eight past six,” answered Faustus shortly.
Alarm covered Cato’s face, “Oh wow I didn’t notice it had been so long! Um well it was nice talking to you Avalon. I might see you again; with my luck I keep on running into you. Bye!”
With that Cato was jogging across the hall and was gone within a few seconds. Avalon blinked a few times while she came to terms with the sudden departure of Cato. It felt different to be in the hall without Cato; she was more aware of the enormous expanses surrounding her.
“First name basis now?” asked Faustus with amusement.
Avalon dragged herself from her reverie, “Excuse me?”
“It was nice talking to you Avalon,” repeated Faustus, “And is that a smile I saw?”
Avalon turned her cold face and spoke to Faustus with her usual icy monotone, “It must have slipped her mind; you know how psychicaes are from Cooktown. And as for me smiling I’m sure I was just celebrating Cato’s disappearance.”
“Of course,” smirked Faustus slyly.
Far, Far Away
As soon as Cato had returned to Cooktown she had noticed that the town was different. The sleepy weather hadn’t changed nor had the endlessly rolling hills and plateaus of rainforest. The birds still cawed and cackled all day long and the air was still thick with humidity that cloistered in the lungs. It was only a subtle change that had occurred but it didn’t take Cato too long to figure out what it was.
The people had changed. They walked faster on the streets and their eyes lingered just a moment longer as Cato walked by. Their smiles were hesitant as though they wanted to be sure that they recognised Cato as a friend before they gave any greeting. It seemed the new psychicaes were already having an effect on the townspeople.
In the short couple of days that she, Davina and Alexis had been in Sydney other psychicaes had taken over their job of protecting the town from the belluas. If the unfeeling demeanour of these psychicaes wasn’t enough to distress the townspeople the three belluas attacks over the past two nights certainly were. Cato, Davina and Alexis had been told all about it by Bernardus as soon as they had arrived in Cooktown. The belluas were coming out of the mountains now and down into people’s farms. No one had been killed yet but really it was just a matter of time.
What really grated on Bernardus’ nerves, and Cato’s she had to admit, was Psychicae United’s insistence that no information be shared with the Cooktown police until they had been trained by the Australian government to handle belluas attacks and work with psychicaes. It all seemed like bureaucratic nonsense to Cato. They were in the middle of perhaps the most dangerous situation Cooktown had ever faced and Psychicae United only seemed worried about making some kind of political statement.
Of course Bernardus had said that they really couldn’t tell the Cooktown police anyway because even if he didn’t like it Psychicae United had the right end of the stick. If they told the police they would try to take matters into their own hands, human authorities always tried to do that, and apart from the police impeding their own studies on the belluas they would just be torn apart as soon as they got within a shooting radius.
So loaded with all of this heavy information Cato had barely arrived back at her home and gratefully greeted her grandmother with a hug when there was a knock at the door. Cato’s grandma peered over Cato’s shoulder with surprise.
“Constable Charlie,” she exclaimed, “You’re off duty I hope?”
“No ma’am I’m afraid not,” said Charlie grimly, “May I speak with Cato outside for a moment?”
The tiny woman’s face crinkled in worry as she stared between Charlie and Cato.
“It’s ok grandma,” smiled Cato, “I’ll only be a minute.”
Cato’s grandma grumbled incoherently and shuffled away with some of Cato’s bags in tow. Cato’s cheerful gaze followed her until she was out of sight and then she joined Constable Charlie in the sticky heat of the porch outside. Constable Sarah was standing next to him.
“So what’s up?” asked Cato brightly.
“There’s a lot that’s up Cato,” sighed Charlie, his mouth set in a harder line than Cato had remembered, “Things aren’t right around here and I think you might have some answers for me. We’ve gotten orders from the Federal Police that we’re to cooperate with the psychicaes in town and there’s this new bloke from the Feds in the station. The psychicaes keep talking to him but they don’t talk to the rest of us. Five people are in hospital from those animals and they keep on coming further into town. I want to know what’s going on.”
Cato almost groaned aloud and she knew the grimace showed on her face. She saw Charlie’s face harden even further. She felt like a criminal to be hiding something from Charlie. She really didn’t want to hide anything from him either but Bernardus had said it’d just put him in trouble knowing. And they had a Federal Officer down at the station now by the sounds of it. It wouldn’t be long before they knew everything. They’d know why Cato couldn’t say anything.
“I can’t Charlie,” grimaced Cato, “I’m not allowed to say anything. But I swear we’re doing our best to solve the problem. It will only get better from here.”
Charlie sighed heavily and an expression of irritation marred his face. Beside him Constable Sarah’s mouth curled slightly in some repressed derision.
“Why can’t you tell us anything?” asked Charlie firmly, “You obviously know all about it, you weren’t holidaying in Sydney that’s damn for sure.”
“Please Cato we need to know so we can at least reassure the citizens,” said Sarah imploringly.
Cato shook her head and wish she had some of the cool resolve that Avalon emanated, “I’m sorry I just can’t. It’s for everyone’s own good.”
“For everyone’s own good?” laughed Charlie ironically, “People are gonna die Cato and those goddamn beasties don’t seem to give a-”
The word brought back the racing heart, the adrenaline, the terror, the sickness of watching Avalon helplessly. All she could hear was ‘die beasties die.’ That’s all that word meant. Cato realised she had stopped listening to what Charlie was saying for a moment. Sarah had a hand on Charlie’s arm and a frown on her face. The Constable blinked and surprise registered on his face.
“Oh I didn’t mean you Cato,” he grimaced and his face flushed slightly, “I was just cursing those other psychicaes.”
Charlie cursed a different curse this time.
“Perhaps we’ll continue our line of questioning another day,” said Sarah apologetically, “Sorry for wasting your time Cato.”
Cato shook her head and forced herself to return to the real world with a weak smile, “It’s ok. See you some other time then.”
With that the two police officers left and Cato returned numbly to the house.
........
Avalon had finally been able to return home after nearly a week in the hospital. It had driven her mad being couped up inside the relatively tiny building. Although her release brought little relief; she still was barely fit for service and the doctors had told her to not attempt any strenuous activities for at least another week. This meant she had no excuse for the mountains of paperwork she owed the Auctors. As Avalon wandered into her study slowly and gazed at the piles of paper on her desk she tried to be optimistic. At least she would be ahead of all the other Antistitors for once. Perhaps she would get all of the reports filed with a whole week dedicated to the task. She fell into the leather chair behind the desk and a stab of pain shot through her belly where the stitches were holding her skin together. Avalon winced in response.
The wound was healing well. The bullet had entered her skin and shot cleanly through her stomach before entangling in her back muscles. The surgeon who had removed the tiny piece of malformed metal and sewed her back together had said it was a fairly straight forward task and he was surprised by the speed in which Avalon was delivered to his surgery.
Avalon looked back at her papers and sighed despondently however she was saved the necessity of finding a paper to start on by the purr of the phone. Eager to procrastinate the start of the papers Avalon abandoned her desk and quickly answered the phone in the kitchen.
“Good evening Antistitor Avalon,” came a familiarly smooth voice, “This is Auctor Corbin. How are you, you’re wound is healing?”
“Yes thank you Corbin,” answered Avalon, “And yourself?”
“It was only my wing thankfully,” said Corbin wryly, “Nothing vital so I’ll make a quick recovery. I’m calling on business by the way. I have an assignment for you. Psychicaes in Cooktown have been hunting down belluas for a few weeks now but the attacks have not decreased in frequency. I need you and Faustus to return to Cooktown to find out why and implement a solution.”
“Of course I would normally be willing to undertake such an assignment,” said Avalon, “But I have been recalled from physical duties for the next week.”
“I am aware,” replied Corbin, “I would expect Faustus to undertake most of the labour. I believe that the pair of you would be more suited to this assignment because of your previous experience in the area and I believe this assignment will mostly consist of planning and theoretical work anyway.”
Avalon grimaced at the thought of returning to Cooktown but she could see Corbin’s point, “Alright, I’ll take the assignment.”
........
Cato’s wing still ached slightly whenever she flew but with every day the muscles grew stronger and she could fly further. Today with the wind and a light drizzle of rain on her back she was easily able to fly from Black Mountain where she had been helping some research psychicaes to Cooktown where she was supposed to meet Antistitors Avalon and Faustus once again.
As Cato flew she spotted the white roof of the Sovereign Hotel where all of the visiting psychicaes had taken up residence. Though the hotel staff were uneasy with the sudden and unusual occupation of all of their rooms by the psychicaes they couldn’t really complain as it was the most money the hotel had probably ever made. Cato’s sharp eyes quickly picked up that another car had just arrived outside of the hotel. As Cato had suspected the two Antistitors stepped out of the car and unloaded their bags from the boot as a few more psychicaes left the hotel to greet them. Just as the three psychicaes approached the Antistitors Cato alighted softly on the ground behind them.
“Cato afternoon!” smiled one of the psychicaes.
This psychicae, Medicus Agnes, seemed to be in charge of most of the researchers that had been scouring the mountain for information. Although Cato had known about Antistitors she knew little about other ranks at Psychicae United, apparently Medicus’ were similar to doctors. Even now Medicus Agnes wore the same dirt-covered lab coat that she had been wearing when Cato had seen her this morning at Black Mountain. Although most of the psychicaes in Cooktown were still apprehensive about revealing their identities as psychicaes there was little way that Medicus Agnes could hide hers. Like Davina she had hooves instead of feet but her skin was not covered in smooth fur, instead she sported thick, black wool over most of her legs.
The other two psychicaes’ morphs were not so obviously pronounced but neither had made much of an effort to conceal them today. After being in Cooktown for more than a week most psychicaes seemed to relax their standards in concealing their morphs.
Cato had guessed that Civilis Hyroniemus was probably a badger morph or something with similar stripes by the pelt of black and white that grew from his scalp and all the way down his neck and into his collar. His rank meant that he worked under the Auctors so he usually had the most contact with Cato as he tended to mediate between all of the psychicaes and humans.
The other psychicae, Legatus Leon, had been named for his morph. When he had first arrived in Cooktown he had only sported a small ring of golden stubble around his face but now it was growing out quickly into a thick mane of hair. Cato had also learnt that his rank ‘Legatus’ was only a couple below Antistitor and he had been assigned to develop plans of attack to exterminate the belluas. So far his plans had killed every single belluas the psychicaes had been sent after. Unfortunately the attack rate of the belluas wasn’t dropping as well.
“Hi I’m not late am I?” asked Cato.
Cato noticed the expressions of ironic amusement on both of the Antistitors’ faces and once again remembered how she had been late to her first two meetings with them.
“Not at all, the Antistitors just arrived,” replied Medicus Agnes, “We’ll take this meeting inside though. The police are becoming somewhat intrusive of late; I wouldn’t put anything past them.”
As Cato and the other psychicaes entered the Sovereign Hotel Cato again wondered why she was here instead of Bernardus. Surrounded by these psychicaes who held their heads high by the impressive feats they had already accomplished she felt smaller than usual. At least Bernardus seemed to hold some mysterious kind of respect from them. So why wasn’t he here instead? In fact most of the time whenever there was any business to handle with Psychicae United it was Cato that took charge. Of course Davina and Alexis had always been too preoccupied with one another and their own lives to take charge but Bernardus didn’t have any such distractions, did he?
Cato’s thoughts were interrupted as the psychicaes stepped into foyer of the Sovereign Hotel. The receptionist at the counter glanced up quickly as Antistitors Avalon and Faustus approached. Most of the staff here were quick about their actions even if the psychicaes were in no hurry. Perhaps they also felt a sense of inadequacy next to the efficient psychicaes.
“Good afternoon,” said Antistitor Faustus, “Faustus and Avalon, we’ll be staying for a week.”
“Yes of course,” the receptionist nodded her head rapidly and fumbled with the keys on her keyboard, “Your rooms are ready and we can take your luggage for you.”
The younger lady who had been eyeing the psychicaes nervously smiled and took the two Antistitors’ bags.
“Thank you,” said Antistitor Faustus with a polite smile and both he and Avalon were again led away by the other psychicaes.
They did not travel very far, only down a short hall that smelled strongly of salt before turning into one of the rooms. Inside was a shabby room with barely any furniture except for an old square table in the middle. It was covered in papers with the largest being a map of Cooktown and its surrounds. The map was covered in markings that told where belluas had been killed or were suspected to be hiding. Cato was the last into this room and had quickly learnt to shut the door behind her when in the presence of psychicaes such as this.
“So your situation?” asked Antistitor Avalon immediately.
“We’ve taken out almost all of the original belluas,” answered Legatus Leon, “But if anything the attack rate in Cooktown is increasing. Last night a psychicae was injured trying to save a human. This human was very seriously injured, she is not expected to survive her injuries, so she may be the first death.”
“I think I may have solved the mystery as to why the attack rate is increasing though,” said Medicus Agnes, “My researchers and I have been keeping tabs on the original belluas. There weren’t that many to begin with so it wasn’t a very difficult task but we have now discovered more in the area. This would normally be expected that we might have missed a few but we keep on finding more at a rate of one or two every week. 
My researchers have found signs of other Eastern Alliance vehicles. This would be disturbing in itself but my researchers cannot track how they came to arrive in Australia. For all intents and purposes it looks as though these vehicles simply materialised out of thin air.”
Everyone in the room was staring strangely at Medicus Agnes.
“Surely they covered their tracks then?” suggested Antistitor Faustus, “You only need to look harder?”
“No that’s the thing,” frowned Medicus Agnes, “We have looked harder and we found something else. There’s a telekinetic trace on every single one of these sites.”
Cato almost expected the Medicus to say that she thought someone had telekinetically transported the belluas into Cooktown. It sounded like something a human might say.
“And the link is?” asked Avalon as though she was thinking the exact same thing.
“We don’t have one at this point,” answered Medicus Agnes carefully, “I’m just stating what we have found. We are still searching for the bigger picture. But the facts of the matter are that we cannot figure out how these vehicles got to these places and each of these places has a very strong telekinetic signal associated with them. I will report back as soon as I have any further information of course.”
There was a pause as Medicus Agnes waited for any further questions. There were none though and the Antistitors turned to Civilis Hyroniemus.
“And our reports indicate the human authorities are becoming uncooperative?” said Faustus.
“We need to do something about the human police,” agreed Civilis Hyroniemus, “They won’t talk to me anymore and they’re barely giving any information to Cato.”
Cato nodded with disappointment, “Yeah and it’s dangerous because they’re taking matters into their own hands now. If they don’t listen to us they’re just going to get more people killed.”
When all of the psychicaes had started arriving in Cooktown it had felt strange to convene with them as though she were equal to them but soon Cato had discovered that she could usually answer their questions and offer her knowledge about the area; which was something that none of them could do. At least in this respect she was needed here.
“Fortunately we have a way to handle the police,” said Antistitor Faustus, “The reason we were keeping this from them was to prevent them doing anything stupid and to prevent panic spreading through the town but it’s moot point if they will just do that anyway. Avalon and I will have to go to the police station and talk to the police. Now onto reducing the belluas population.”
“Yes Antistitor,” nodded Legatus Leon and pointed at the map as he spoke, “The belluas are still concentrated around Black Mountain National Park but their territory has been expanding. Unfortunately they travel solo so it’s harder to locate them but it is a blessing as it would be difficult to exterminate more than two or three without a team of psychicaes. Strangely enough they seem to be moving north most of the time; maybe they prefer warm climate?”
The two Antistitors considered Leon’s words for a moment. Cato already knew the information Leon had given very well and it meant very little to her. All she hoped was that the belluas moved far enough north that they didn’t come back to Cooktown but it was wishful thinking.
“Well perhaps we can understand more of their mindset if we seek them out ourselves?” suggested Antistitor Avalon.
Antistitor Faustus nodded, “There might be a way to influence them to congregate somehow if we can discover any motives for them moving north.”
“We have tried to pick up a motive from them,” grimaced Medicus Agnes, “Even Bernardus tried but maybe you’ll have better luck.”
Another reference to Bernardus. Cato did wonder what he had done to earn so much respect.
“We can try,” answered Antistitor Faustus, “It would be better if we split up as well. I’ll take Endeavour River National Park and you can have Black Mountain Avalon?”
Cato glanced at the map and saw the congregation of red and black marks around Endeavour River that signified the belluas killings and sightings. Black Mountain was barren of marks compared to the river. It confused Cato for a moment as to why Faustus was voluntarily taking such a challenging task by himself before she remembered that Avalon would still be recovering from being shot. Avalon grimaced slightly and nodded in response. It seemed she wasn’t comfortable with taking the easy job.
“You should take Cato with you too,” said Faustus unexpectedly and Cato started in response to her name, “She knows Black Mountain well and it would be safer if you went with someone else.”
Cato saw Avalon glare discreet death at Faustus before she said sweetly, “Of course that’s a brilliant idea.”
........
Cato had felt nervous when she had been waiting for the two Antistitors at the Sovereign Hotel and she still felt nervous as she and Antistitor Avalon arrived in the car park. She wasn’t sure why she was nervous but she did know that the sight of Avalon only made this apprehension worse.
As she gazed around the landscape littered with sparse trees she noted the heavy mist of fog that covered the mountain. They would have to be very careful not to slip and become trapped in one of the crevasses that now had the added danger of drowning in the event of a sudden rainstorm. Avalon switched on a torch that lit up the rain soaked ground in a colourful kaleidoscope of light and the pair began the journey along the gravel trail towards Black Mountain. The first time that Cato had come out to Black Mountain to hunt belluas she had been with Bernardus and walking straight into the lair of the belluas had been an almost impossible task. Now even with the air thick with the smell of a fresh storm, the circle of light from the torch beam that rendered the rest of the world black and the brief gusts of wind that mimicked the pounce of potential predators Cato was only bothered by the mild apprehension she had felt back at the Sovereign Hotel. As far as she could tell it wasn’t an impending belluas attack that worried her but she still couldn’t pin down why she was so nervous.
Cato glanced briefly at Avalon and wondered if she was at all nervous about being in such a dangerous place at night. If she was her face did not betray her; if anything she looked slightly bored.
“Can you sense anything yet?” asked Cato.
“Not yet,” answered Avalon.
Her eyes flickered in Cato’s direction as she spoke and flashed as two glowing, yellow orbs. Cato realised that Avalon’s eyes must be almost fully morphed and she would be able to see perfectly in the dark; the torch was for Cato’s sake.
It brought Cato’s thoughts back to Avalon’s power and she wondered what the telekinetic network must be like to Avalon. Cato could still only pick up the hazy emotions of people close by but Avalon was certainly capable of much more. Maybe she could even detect Cato’s apprehension. The idea only made Cato feel slightly more ill than she had been before and the worsening condition only confused her. If Avalon could feel Cato’s inner imbalance than perhaps she was simply ignoring it. Avalon’s intimidating aura probably elicited similar emotions from many people.
After a while Cato noticed that Avalon had led them away from the trail. It was easy to lose the trail as the crunch of the gravel barely differed from the leaves and the grass.
“Uh we’re not on the trail anymore,” said Cato warily.
“Nicely observed,” answered Avalon with amusement, “I have detected something southwest of here. I don’t know what it is yet but it is not very far away.”
Cato frowned and tried to find what Avalon had but like the times she had been scouting with Bernardus she could only feel the tiny heartbeats of the lizards and birds in the surrounding trees.
“I can’t feel anything,” grimaced Cato.
“It is quite faint,” said Avalon, “I’m guessing it’s a belluas.”
“You can tell from here?” asked Cato with surprise, Bernardus usually couldn’t tell the difference between species until he was within a few dozen metres of the signal.
“Well whatever it is it’s trying to hide its signal,” said Avalon, “And animals can’t manipulate the telekinetic network so I would assume it’s a belluas.”
“Huh fair enough,” conceded Cato, “Say were you always this good at using the telekinetic network? And just generally being a psychicae?”
“I’ve always had raw talent for ‘being a psychicae’,” said Avalon with a small breath that could have been a laugh, “But I did need training just like everyone else.”
Cato was somewhat surprised that the Antistitor had answered the question and had even laughed in a sense of the word.
“I did training,” said Cato brightly, “Well I was briefed in my job description. I guess you got more training than me though?”
“Yes generally Antistitors are trained a little more,” agreed Avalon and there was now a small smile on her lips.
“So what did you do?” asked Cato curiously, “To be an Antistitor? Were you just automatically good enough or were you like me at one stage?”
“I was the same rank as you at one stage yes,” answered Avalon, “I was promoted to Antistitor after the Battle of Nam Dinh.”
Cato frowned and tried remember the history of the many convoluted battles that had occurred over the past decade of warring. As the piece of information clicked in her memory her eyes widened.
“That was the first success of Australian troops against the Eastern Alliance!” exclaimed Cato, “You were there?”
“Yes you could put it that way,” said Avalon wryly.
“What did you do there?” asked Cato enthusiastically, “It must have been good to get promoted to Antistitor!”
Avalon frowned, “Warfare is never good Cato. I was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of soldiers that day. The only reason I am not spawned as a villain is because my actions ended up saving the lives of thousands more people.”
Cato was beginning to remember the news articles that had been splashed all over the television and newspapers that day. They had spoken of the heroic efforts of Australian soldiers in defending Vietnam. How not a single life was lost in the small two hundred soldier battalion that had been stationed in the Nam Dinh Province even when faced with eight hundred heavily armed Eastern Alliance soldiers. She had heard from Psychicae United that contrary to the newspaper reports a single psychicae had instead evacuated the entire city and defended their retreat. The psychicae had been promoted to an Antistitor in reward for her actions.
“I remember hearing about you years ago,” said Cato almost with disbelief, “What you did was really brave.”
“No it was convenient for our side,” said Avalon, “If I had been fighting for the Eastern Alliance and wiped out hundreds of Australian troops I don’t think I would be favoured quite so much.”
“Well yeah but there’s no reason to fight for the Eastern Alliance,” said Cato, “They’re just mindlessly invading everywhere aren’t they? So you did the right thing by standing up against them.”
“It does seem that way yes,” grimaced Avalon, “The Eastern Alliance actually started this string of invasions because of America. The American government had claimed a small patch of ocean as their naval territory, unfortunately it was a common industrial shipping route for China. America eventually warned China and their neighbouring countries to stop impugning on their naval territory or they would take military action. Obviously the Eastern Alliance governments felt threatened and began invading south to prove their military power and that’s how this whole predicament was started.”
Cato listened curiously to the story as she had never actually heard about the origins of the war. All she knew was that China had just started invading countries; that they were the bad guys and that they must be stopped.
“So you think it’s America’s fault?” asked Cato.
“No not entirely,” shrugged Avalon, “Again I’m not trained in politics but America did overstep its boundaries by ‘claiming’ a part of the ocean as their territory and threatening the Eastern Alliance. Although starting a massive invasion spree was hardly a fitting response. Both sides started this war.”
Cato frowned in thought, Avalon did have a point. It seemed such a petty thing to be at war over as well, surely there had to be a greater purpose to all these deaths than an argument over shipping routes?
Cato jumped as Avalon came to a quick stop, a frown on her face.
“What is it?” asked Cato, knowing it would definitely be something to do with the belluas.
“The signal I’ve been tracing,” frowned Avalon, confirming Cato’s suspicions, “I don’t think it’s a belluas.”
Cato now appeared just a surprised as Avalon, “It’s not a belluas? What is it then?”
Avalon was perplexed as she spoke hesitantly, “I think the signal might be coming from a number of psychicaes. Is there a town six kilometres east of here Cato?”
“Uh no, just the shoreline,” said Cato uncertainly.
Avalon’s frown only deepened and she was silent for another minute.
“We should find out what psychicaes are doing in the middle of nowhere,” she said finally and continued walking forwards.
Cato started and followed her quick pace. She too was just as curious to know why anyone would be out here at this time of night given the Antistitors had ordered all of the psychicaes to remain in Cooktown.
........
It took almost half an hour to travel to the shoreline. Cato usually flew over such distances and her legs were beginning to ache now. However the forestry was becoming greener and denser; it was a sign that the ocean was closer. The pair were now ascending a steep, rock-strewn hill.
“Over this there should be the ocean,” she said, “If I remember the timber reserve right.”
The ocean blinked into view slowly and they had almost reached the top of the hill when Avalon quickly stumbled back a few steps and dropped low into the vegetation; dragging Cato with her. Cato exclaimed in surprise as she toppled to the ground but Avalon clasped a hand over her mouth. Cato could abruptly feel her heart racing in her throat. She searched for the danger that Avalon had clearly sighted and quickly found a soldier sitting on a damp log just a few metres away. Though he was well disguised in full camouflage he appeared uninterested in his work and was cleaning a long rifle with a mouldy cloth.
Avalon cautiously put a finger to her lips and let go of Cato before she whispered a question, “Can you detect the soldier via the telekinetic network Cato?”
Cato appeared confused for a moment and wondered why her opinion mattered. Her thoughts had been scattered by the sudden appearance of the soldier in what had been such a peaceful environment, by Avalon physically breaking that peace and now she was still so close. Immediately the concern with Avalon’s proximity struck Cato as odd and as she glanced back from the soldier to Avalon, who’s glowing eyes were just centimetres from her own, she realised she had paused too long in her response. No, she could not sense the soldier via the telekinetic network. It was an easy enough question. Cato shook her head in response; afraid that her voice might stammer and give them away.
Avalon’s eyes narrowed in a slight grimace as her face turned back to the soldier again. It then occurred to Cato that Avalon couldn’t sense the soldier either. It was strange that Cato could not sense the man who was just metres away. Usually humans were quite easy to detect even when they were at sedentary tasks.
All this time Cato watched Avalon closely as her yellow eyes flickered from the soldier and focused on something past him and then back again. Cato followed her gaze and noticed small shimmering lights in the trough of the hill. Cato’s eyes widened as she realised what it was and she abruptly recognised the insignia on the soldier’s uniform. He was an Eastern Alliance soldier and that was his base! Cato almost gasped when she saw what was in the centre of the base.
Chained around a tree in the middle of the encampment were almost a dozen shabby psychicaes. Even from her distance Cato could see they had been poorly treated. Most were covered in swellings and injuries that hadn’t been bandaged. Their clothes were filthy and torn. As a pair of soldiers strode by towards the circle of a few dozen around the campfire they spat at the unresponsive psychicaes.
Cato returned her gaze to Avalon’s eyes that were still wavering between the soldier and the base and were steadily growing narrower. Avalon’s lip was curling in disgust but even Cato knew there was nothing they could do to help right now. Eventually she gave a small sigh, glanced at Cato and nodded back down the hill. Cato followed the Antistitor as they both silently crept away from the soldier.
........
It took Antistitor Faustus an hour to have a team of twenty psychicaes ready to face the Eastern Alliance base. They met Cato and Antistitor Avalon at the car park at Black Mountain. Half a dozen cars had just pulled up their tyres crunching over the gravel and their bright headlights sending arrows slicing through the persistent trickle of rain. Antistitor Faustus was one of the first out of the cars and he immediately walked over to Cato and Antistitor Avalon.
“I’ve sent a psychicae to alert the human military,” he said without greeting, “And the local police force. By the time they respond we should have the situation under control and they will be able to take the Eastern Alliance soldiers as prisoners of war.”
“What have they been told?” asked Antistitor Avalon.
She nodded at the psychicaes who were blearily getting out of the cars. Clearly most had been woken up in the dead of night.
“Enough to get them out here,” said Antistitor Faustus, “They need the whole story before we move any closer to the site though. We should inform them now.”
Antistitor Avalon nodded and the two Antistitors walked forwards to stand in front of the psychicaes who were slowly gathering in a small group and muttering quietly.
“Your attention please,” said Antistitor Faustus.
The murmuring instantly died away and twenty pairs of eyes shifted to Antistitor Faustus.
“You’ve been told that we have a hostage situation,” explained Antistitor Faustus, “On the coast not far from here nine psychicaes are being held by Eastern Alliance forces of approximately fifty soldiers. These soldiers have demonstrated the ability to interfere with the telekinetic network. You have therefore been selected for your ability to manipulate the telekinetic network as you will be required to shut off your connection to it tonight if required. Any questions?”
There was a resounding silence but the gathered psychicaes appeared far more alert now.
“Our goal tonight is to rescue the captured psychicaes,” added Antistitor Avalon, “No humans are to be killed, they are to be taken prisoner.”
“Appropriate armament for this assignment is in the boot of my car,” said Antistitor Faustus as he walked to his car and opened the boot.
Antistitor Avalon turned to look at Cato who had been watching with morbid curiosity.
“You should go home,” said Avalon wryly, “You can take my car if you wish?”
“Oh I can fly, will you be ok?” said Cato brightly and then realised it was a vague question, “With your gunshot and stuff?”
Avalon appeared slightly bemused at Cato’s stuttering sentence, “Yes I will be fine.”
“Ok well be careful then,” said Cato as she unfurled her wings.
“I always am,” answered Avalon with the same expression of bemusement.
Cato laughed weakly and took flight into the cold, wet air.
........
The twenty psychicaes had already disabled the ring of soldiers surrounding the Eastern Alliance base. The dozen soldiers were now unconscious and hidden in the undergrowth as the team of psychicaes slowly approached the base. They had all been ordered to conceal their telekinetic presence in case the Eastern Alliance soldiers could somehow detect them. Avalon could not see the psychicaes on either side of her but she knew they would be a few dozen metres away; hidden in the forestry. Avalon was approaching from the southern side of the base, while Faustus was approaching from the north. The rest of the psychicaes completed the circle enclosing the base. Avalon had been able to see the shimmering lights through the trees for almost half an hour now as she had crept closer. Now the true dishevelled state of the captured psychicaes was only too clear.
There were three large, green tents strewn about the dirt patch and roped to the trees. There was one dim lamp lit in the centre of the base. There were no humans in the clearing; they must have all been asleep in the tents. The only figures were several shadows clustered closely together, they were the captured psychicaes. As she saw the predicament they were in she was stricken with anger. Chains had been locked around the throats, wrists and ankles of the exhausted psychicaes. They were chained around an old, sturdy tree. Two human soldiers stood warily a few metres away. Pointed at the psychicaes were long rifles that Avalon identified as QBZ-95’s. At the distance that those soldiers were to the psychicaes the bullets would not just slice through their prisoners they would blend them into tiny pieces. They couldn’t let the soldiers start firing.
Avalon shifted her eyes away from the two soldiers for a moment and focussed on finding Faustus over the telekinetic network. As she searched she hoped that nothing human would be able to detect her tiny connection to the telekinetic network. She searched the trees on the opposite side of the clearing before a brief acknowledgement of awareness found her.
‘We need to disable them simultaneously,’ thought Avalon and hoped Faustus was listening.
Avalon heard his reply immediately, ‘Yes, I’ll take the west one, you take the east one. Three, two, one.’
Avalon leapt out of the cover of the trees and sprinted the half a dozen metres to the eastern soldier in less than a second. The soldier’s head turned slightly at the sound Avalon’s feet made as they tapped along the dirt. Avalon saw his eyes widen in fright as he noticed a figure running at him. He barely had time to recognise what the figure was before Avalon brought her hands slamming into his ears. His eyes rolled backwards and he slumped to the ground in response to the abrupt climax of pressure inside his skull. Avalon caught the rifle before it clattered and gave their presence away.
Avalon glanced at Faustus who had similarly incapacitated the guard and now slung the guard’s rifle over his shoulder before kneeling in front of the psychicaes. He produced a pair of small bolt cutters from the loop of tools he was carrying and set to work freeing them. The psychicaes watched silently as Faustus cut away the chains. Their bodies sagged from their bones and their faces were gaunt and seemed without emotion. Only their eyes gleamed as they watched Faustus work. Perhaps they were too exhausted to show any real emotion. Perhaps they’d already experienced too much emotion to show any more. Faustus began cutting the chains on the last psychicaes, when he reached the last one she reached out a hand and clutched Faustus’ wrist.
“There’s one more, you have to save her,” the psychicae rasped so quietly that even Avalon’s acute ears had trouble hearing, “The middle tent. Captain’s tent. No soldiers, just Captain.”
Faustus looked up at Avalon questioningly.
“You get the psychicaes out of here,” said Avalon quietly, “I’ll go after the last one.”
Faustus nodded and gestured for the psychicaes hidden in the trees to help him. As Avalon began walking towards the middle green tent the hidden psychicaes crept forwards to Faustus and helped the captured psychicaes away. Just as Faustus disappeared into the trees with the last few psychicaes he looked back at Avalon. Avalon gave a secure nod and lifted the sheet of the tent’s entrance as she slipped inside.
The thick material of the tent made it much darker inside and it took a few seconds for Avalon’s eyes to adjust. She could see that the tent had been partitioned off and she was in what appeared to be an office space. A small makeshift desk took up most of the room. Avalon skirted around the desk and stole into the second room of the tent. As she entered she started at a loud snort to her left. Her head whipped around fast enough to send a crick of protest up her spine. She found no imminent threat however, only the sleeping Captain that the psychicae had warned of. He did not appear daunting in any way, if Avalon had seen him on the streets of Cooktown he might have passed for an ordinary citizen. Perhaps sleep had robbed him of any magnificence.
Avalon cast her eyes around the tent in search of the last prisoner. This space of the tent differed from the first in that it was incredibly cluttered. Bags and cases were strewn about the floor in no discernible order. However it still did not take Avalon long to find the psychicae. She was locked inside a small cage in the far corner of the tent. Her dark arms were chained awkwardly behind her back but still she appeared to be in some state of unconsciousness; her dishevelled hijab cast a block of black over her downturned face. Behind her two torn, thin squares that once would have been vibrant butterfly wings were crushed against the cage walls.
Avalon cast a wary glance at the Captain before skulking across the tent to the cage. She knelt in front of the cage and reached through the bars to give the psychicae a shake. Immediately her eyes flew open, her head shot up and she jumped backwards away from Avalon; the chains on her wrists clanging noisily against the metal bars. Avalon winced and looked around as the Captain snorted again and rolled over in his sleep. Her heart beating almost as loud as the metallic din of the chains she leant forwards and put a finger to her lips. The psychicae’s eyes widened and she nodded while edging forwards again to watch Avalon.
Avalon brought out a small thin pick and a flat tension wrench to pick the lock on the cage with. It was a fairly simply task; the lock only had 5 pins and Avalon’s sharp hearing coupled with the tense silence inside the tent made it incredibly easy to hear what was going on inside the lock. Within half a minute the lock was open. Avalon carefully opened the cage door and was relieved that it didn’t screech on its hinges. The psychicae shuffled out of the cage and Avalon quickly set to work on the chains on her wrists. A similar lock had been employed here as well and Avalon removed it with just as much ease. In minutes the two psychicaes were racing out of the tent.
“Antistitor Alida by the way,” the psychicae whispered as they left the front room of the tent.
“Antistitor Avalon,” replied Avalon, “We’ll have to save any further conversation until-”
Avalon was interrupted by an unintelligible scream from behind her and the two psychicaes turned to find the source of the commotion. A terrified soldier ducked back into one of the tents and Avalon now began recognising some of the words that were sprouting from him. All were in Mandarin but Avalon could recognise a few such as ‘escape’ and ‘attack’ and knew that the soldier had understood the general situation.
“Time to go,” grimaced Avalon and the two psychicaes sprinted across the clearing and into the woods.
“Wait this won’t work!” shouted Alida fearfully as they ran, “They’ll just bring the telekinetic network down on us!”
“I’m not connected, you shouldn’t be either!” exclaimed Avalon.
“It doesn’t matter,” replied Alida, “We’re dependent on it, we need it like we need air! You can hold your breath but you can’t survive in a vacuum. Same principle.”
This didn’t make any more sense to Avalon than Alida’s previous explanation but she understood that the Eastern Alliance had already hinted that they could interfere with the telekinetic network and if Alida was this adamant about how dire their situation was Avalon should probably take her seriously.
“What can we do?” asked Avalon.
Alida’s face twisted in despair, “Not much. We can run as far as we can and hide. If we wake up before they find us we can run some more.”
By now the trees were becoming thinner. At this pace the two psychicaes would be at the car park in a matter of minutes. They would be in the company of dozens of other psychicaes. Surely they could fight off just fifty humans? What terrible weapon was Alida so afraid of? Perhaps she had been driven insane after her capture and was inexplicably terrified by things that really didn’t deserve so much attention.
The two psychicaes tore through the trees and into the car park where the psychicaes were now busy packing away the last assigned items into the cars. Faustus, Leon and another ragged psychicae were conversing seriously but were distracted by Avalon and Alida’s entrance.
To Avalon’s surprise Alida kept running and leapt straight into the ragged psychicae’s arms. The weakened psychicae stumbled back slightly with a small smile but as Alida turned her face to him and began talking in the thickly layered accent of Indonesian the smile disappeared.
“Good morning,” said Faustus uncertainly as Avalon approached.
At Faustus’ words Avalon checked her watch and realised it was indeed the early hours of the morning, even though the sun had not risen yet.
“How long ago did the soldier notice your escape?” asked the ragged psychicae, switching back to English.
“Maybe fifteen, twenty minutes ago,” said Avalon, “Are we in any serious danger?”
The psychicae frowned for a moment in thought and glanced at Alida questioningly.
“They usually bring it down faster,” he said, “I suppose they only had the range to get the two of you and it wasn’t enough for them.”
“Bring what down?” asked Faustus hesitantly.
“Yes I’m rather confused as well,” said Avalon, “How does disabling the telekinetic network have any effect on us?”
“At birth our brains are able to sustain themselves,” explained the psychicae, “But as we are able to connect to the telekinetic network the electrical impulses in our neurons depend on an extra kick from the radiation in the telekinetic network more and more. So the more you use the network, the more dependent you are on it and the more deadly it is if it goes down.”
“I would assume that either the Eastern Alliance will retreat or attack immediately,” said Alida, “I’m aware you have a military base close by? We should seek cover from the human forces there until we know what their intentions are. And we should be quick; if the Eastern Alliance attack they will attack swiftly.”
Avalon was now beginning to understand Alida’s fear. It was a precise weapon that accurately targeted the strongest psychicaes. In the few minutes that the five psychicaes had been talking for the other twenty psychicaes had begun to gather. Some were now muttering morbidly, probably having overheard the topic of conversation.
“We will take you back to Cooktown then,” said Avalon and both her and Faustus began to walk back to the cars.
“Back to Cooktown,” ordered Faustus and the psychicaes began scrambling to the cars, “With haste.”
Avalon had pressed the button to unlock her car but as the orange lights flashed to indicate that the doors unlocked she did not hear the telltale flick of the locks. In fact she couldn’t really hear her feet crunching on the gravel either. Avalon frowned and glanced behind her at Faustus. He also appeared confused and had one hand resting on the side of his car. As Avalon surveyed the scene slowly she saw the same bewildered expressions from all of the psychicaes. That was except for the ten psychicaes they had just rescued. Some of them were slumped on the ground; Alida’s face was once again hidden against the ragged psychicae; her shoulders were shaking. The psychicae’s face had lost all of the colour he had regained in the past hour and his arms were wrapped tightly around Alida. As Avalon watched the scene seemed to grow further and further away and darkness set in. The last thing she saw was the same terrified soldier from the camp. His face blotted out the small glint left of her vision and a toothy smile broke over his face.
........
It was midmorning and Cato and Alexis were lugging two longboards along a barely visible trail that twisted between the large boulders clinging to the hillside. Below was Cherry Tree Bay and the only beach protected enough from the abrupt southerly winds to produce any decent surfing waves.

“So there’s actual Eastern Alliance soldiers actually just out of town?” exclaimed Alexis, “In like, an actual base?”
“Yeah messed up huh?” grimaced Cato, “And they’re holding psychicaes hostage! Well they were. Avalon and everyone probably took care of it by now.”
“Wow that’s heavy,” grimaced Alexis, then he brightened, “So what’s being all important and doing missions and hanging out with Antistitors and stuff like?”
Cato laughed, “Great fun Alexis! You know this is the first time I’ve been surfing this week? I don’t have any time to do anything no more.”
“Yeah we need to hang out more!” said Alexis enthusiastically, “Maybe I could start doing actual work for Psychicae United. We could work together, they’d pay me more and I could move out of my shack and into a house!”
“You’d have to break it off with Davina,” snorted Cato, “No unprofessional relationships in Psychicae United.”
“Pfft they haven’t said anything yet,” chuckled Alexis.
“Yeah I think they think we’re all some strange little experiment though,” said Cato with amusement, “Or at least Avalon’s just taking pity on us.”
“Oh so you’re friends with the Antistitor now?” asked Alexis vibrantly.
“Why am I friends with her?” asked Cato, puzzled.
“Well second time you’ve mentioned her,” said Alexis knowingly, “And she doesn’t seem like the pitying type to me so she must have taken a shine to you then.”
The idea of Avalon actually having a mote of affection for Cato gave her a buzz of energy.
“You think?” asked Cato eagerly.
Alexis paused for a moment with a slight expression of vague confusion, “Maybe but don’t take me too seriously. She’s a little high strung for friendship.”
Cato barely heard Alexis’ last sentence. Instead she was more content to bask in the warm glow that flooded her body. It was suddenly blotted out as a black shadow swept over her and a psychicae landed in front of her and Alexis. Cato recognised Auctor Corbin as he folded his black wings away.
“Good morning Cato, Alexis,” he said stiffly, “I apologise for summoning you so abruptly but we need your assistance in scouting the area Cato. Actually we may also need you as well Alexis; and Davina and Bernardus if you can contact them.”
Cato was surprised by the sudden change in conversation, the arrival of the Auctor and by his morbid seriousness, but she was still disappointed that her planned surfing had been interrupted.
“But me and Antistitors Avalon and Faustus already scouted last night,” said Cato, “And we already found where the Eastern Alliance are.”
“No that’s not the problem,” said Auctor Corbin grimly, “Antistitors Avalon and Faustus as well as the twenty psychicaes with them went missing last night on the rescue assignment. We are going to scout to find them.”
Any remnants of warmness disappeared from Cato as her blood ran cold. Images of Avalon’s slightly puzzled face as Cato had flown away filled her mind.
“We need to start scouting now,” said Auctor Corbin urgently, “We need to find them as soon as possible.”
........
Cato spent all day scouring the area around Black Mountain with Alexis, Davina and Bernardus. With the two Antistitors gone the four Cooktown psychicaes were the best source of information about the surrounding terrain. It was late in the evening by the time they returned to the Sovereign Hotel. As the four slouched wearily into the reception they found it crowded with psychicaes and humans. Overnight dozens more psychicaes had arrived to replace those that had gone missing. Hundreds of human military cadets had also arrived to populate the recently established base.
The four entered a small meeting room that was crowded with a dozen other psychicaes. Cato recognised a few of the psychicaes that were here. Auctors Urban and Corbin were sitting on rickety wooden chairs in the corner. Legatus Leon, Civilis Hyroniemus and Medicus Agnes were talking to various psychicaes. The quiet chatter died away quickly though when a pair of psychicaes entered the room. They both wore neat suits but seemed slightly wilted from the summer heat of Cooktown. From their confident composure Cato assumed these two were Antistitors.
“Good evening everyone,” one of the suited psychicaes said, “I am Antistitor Vincent; this is Antistitor Serverino.”
As Antistitor Vincent spoke he lisped over the more breathy syllables and Cato saw that his tongue was forked and his canines were long needles folded back into his mouth.
“We thank you for your efforts today in scouting and gathering information,” continued Antistitor Vincent, “We’ve considered this information and have come up with the likely whereabouts of Antistitors Avalon, Faustus and our twenty psychicaes.”
The two Antistitors moved forwards to the map of Cooktown and its surroundings hanging on the wall.
“The Eastern Alliance base was certainly located at this position,” said Antistitor Severino pointing at the small outlet of water that the Eastern Alliance had been camping near, “Our team of psychicaes did manage to rescue nine of the ten captured psychicaes and returned to this car park at the base of Black Mountain. Antistitor Avalon remained behind to rescue Antistitor Alida. These are the last reports we received from Antistitor Faustus.”
“We can assume from the obvious trail that Antistitors Avalon and Alida left as they escaped from the Eastern Alliance base that they were in a hurry,” continued Antistitor Vincent, “They did make it to the car park. At this point it seems they were captured again but there are no signs of a struggle. However fresh tire marks can be found on the road leading from the car park to an abandoned timber dock close to the Eastern Alliance base. We can assume that the Eastern Alliance and the captured psychicaes are now on their way to the closest psychicae concentration camp. This is in Biak on the island of Pulau Supiori, Indonesia.”
Cato had thought that putting together the pieces of Avalon’s disappearance would make the sickness she had felt all day lessen but hearing these alien words made her knees weak.
“And our orders now?” asked Legatus Leon jadedly.
“You are to continue focussing on the belluas here in Cooktown and protecting the citizens,” answered Antistitor Severino, “We will assist you with this. Obviously there is nothing you can do for these psychicaes now; it is an international matter and the Imperator will become involved.”
Cato had been staring resignedly at her shoes but now her eyes snapped up to glare at Antistitor Severino angrily. They were just going to shut them out? It was unfair; she had put in so much hard work today to find those psychicaes and it felt like she’d found nothing. She was worried sick about where Avalon was and how she was and she doubted those two Antistitors could feel anything.
But the worst part was that she knew she could do nothing. Who was she to get involved in the place of these two Antistitors, or even the Imperator? She was barely even a part of Psychicae United. She didn’t even really know where Palau Supiori was. 
The worst part was knowing she’d have to sit back and relax in Cooktown while a heap of cold, unfeeling psychicaes did all the leg work. There was nothing someone like her could do.
The Darker Real World
Avalon woke suddenly. Although the room she was in was dark the dim bulb above her face seemed bright. She could barely feel anything below her neck but slowly sensation was returning and she was able to feel the weakness in her limbs. She realised that she was sitting in a cold metallic chair, her head left to roll backwards. With an immense effort she lifted her head into an upright position and blinked blearily.
Around her was a bland room. The walls were dark grey and porous; probably made of concrete though the harsh light above Avalon made it hard to tell. The floor below her bare feet was definitely concrete. It was smooth, cold and worn. Avalon wondered where her leather shoes had gone. It seemed rather out of place to have bare feet in conjunction with her usually fastidious attire, even if she was now dishevelled and covered in dirt. Avalon now noticed as she surveyed her own state that her wrists and ankles were zip tied tightly to the metal arms of the chair. Although it hadn’t pained her before now that she had noticed it immediately became uncomfortable. Avalon grimaced and looked away from the reddened limbs.
Directly in front of her was a wooden door. The steel knob revealed the presence of a deadbolt. Avalon twisted her head to observe the rest of the room but it was remarkably featureless. She did notice a tiny camera glinting in the corner close to the roof.
Once her assessment of the room was complete Avalon tried to remember how she had ended up here. Her last clear memory was unlocking her car at Black Mountain. After that she could remember brief glimpses of soldiers, of ocean and of a dirty yellow floor. Obviously the soldiers had captured her and the other psychicaes and retreated from the mainland but where was she now?
Avalon’s thoughts were interrupted as the door in front of her swung open. Before her mind had seemed hazy and slow but now it ran into overdrive. There was a hallway outside. It was brightly lit but the light carried the warmth of the sun. It was daytime. Judging by the angle of the shadows cast by a window to the right of the door it was either late afternoon or early morning. Avalon was going to assume it was late afternoon because there was a slightly red tinge to the light which meant the sun was sifting through dust particles in the atmosphere. These dust particles would have been thrown into the sky by a tropical storm system moving north east through the Pacific Ocean. This logic relied on the hope that Avalon had only been unconscious for a few days and that she was only a few hundred kilometres away from Australia at the most.
Now she turned her attention to the three men entering the room. Two were obviously just there to protect the third. They entered first and immediately trained small pistols, Type 54 TT’s, on Avalon and moved to opposite corners of the room. The third was a middle aged, heavily built man dressed in a crisp, brown suit. He shut the door quietly behind him and stood in front of Avalon with his arms crossed.
“Your name is Avalon?” he asked, his voice layered with a slow, Taiwanese accent.
Avalon did not answer but stared at the tall man calmly.
“Or Lana?” he suggested, “You changed your name?”
Avalon could not hide a small twinge of surprise. The man somehow had access to her case file. Avalon still did not answer though and continued gazing at the man. He grimaced and sighed.
“I’m Mr Lau,” he said, “I need to know some things; maybe you can help me.”
Avalon remained silent.
“I’m sure you’re confused as to where you are,” said Mr. Lau insipidly, “And where your partner uh…. Faustus? Is that his name?”
Although Avalon would have indeed liked to know where Faustus was she remained silent. All she could do was hope that he was well. This could potentially turn into a very dangerous situation and speaking wasn’t going to help.
“I’ve read his case file,” continued Mr Lau, his monotonous tone matching his neatly combed grey hair, “His real name is Harley? He was sold to a psychicae lab early in his life? He has a fear of doctors?”
It was all information from Faustus’ case file so the Eastern Alliance soldiers had certainly managed to invade Psychicae United’s system.
“Well this is all information I know already,” shrugged Mr. Lau, “Perhaps I’ll start off with something easy? Where is the location of Psychicae United Sydney Headquarters?”
Avalon continued to stare blankly at Mr Lau until he sighed dismissingly.
“Maybe you could just tell me the Australian Imperator’s location?” he asked.
Avalon once again did not answer.
“Well alright,” sighed Mr Lau casually, “We still have a long time ahead of us. Take her to her cell.”
The two soldiers approached Avalon and fixed a pair of steel chains around her wrists and ankles before cutting the zip ties loose and allowing blood to rush back into her extremities. Mr Lau left as they were doing this. The two soldiers dragged Avalon to her feet and pulled her out of the door after Mr Lau. Her legs were still shaky from her extended unconsciousness and she leant most of her weight on the rough grip of the soldiers.
They hauled Avalon down the sun drenched hallway. Along this hallway were similar doors to the one Avalon had just come through. There were probably similar grey rooms inside. The soldiers pushed Avalon through a set of steel doors at the end of the corridor. In this next segment of hallway were a series of concrete cages. From where Avalon was she could see gaunt figures in each of the cells. None of them moved except for the slight rise of their chests. The entire hall was deathly silent except for the sound of quiet sobbing from the far end.
The two soldiers continued pulling Avalon along until they reached an empty cell. One of them pulled a set of cards from his belt and swiped one by the door to unlock it while the other shoved Avalon inside. She stumbled forwards and into the wall as she heard the clang of the door slamming behind her. By the time she had regained her balance and turned the guards had left.
“Avalon?” a voice came from the cell opposite her.
Avalon focussed on the source of the sound and found Faustus shuffling forwards into the dim light of the hallway.
“Faustus,” said Avalon brightly, “Are you ok?”
He grimaced and glanced at the shackles on his wrists and ankles, “I’ve been better.”
“How long have you been here?” asked Avalon, “Do you know where we are?”
“Well I woke up about a day ago,” explained Faustus as he rubbed one of his wrists uncomfortably, “They had me in one of the interrogation rooms up there. Nothing serious just a few questions and I didn’t say anything. They know a lot about us though, they have our case files.”
“So I’ve heard,” said Avalon wryly.
“Yeah and I’ve heard from some of the other prisoners that I’ll be interrogated again after twenty four hours,” said Faustus, “Which should be soon. But apparently it’s somewhat nastier the second time. And the third time if they get to that.”
Faustus paused for a second with a slightly concerned frown. The sobbing from a few cells down seemed louder in the sudden silence.
“We’re in Indonesia by the way,” said Faustus abruptly, “On an island called Pulau Supiori. This is a psychicae concentration camp.”

Avalon nodded, it was good to know her previous assumptions had been correct. It might be helpful in an escape attempt. Avalon couldn’t think of anything else to ask but as she glanced up at Faustus she saw him watching the door to the interrogation rooms.
“Who told you it would be worse?” she asked.
“Hm? Oh well, Antistitor Lucian, the psychicae Leon and I were speaking with before we were taken?” said Faustus and there was a slight tick near his eyes, “He was taken in four times. Each time he came back… And then he didn’t come back after the fourth time. We saw them take a body out though.”
Avalon’s eyes widened, “They killed him?”
Faustus shrugged, “It seems that way. Alida’s been taken in three times.”
He gestured towards the sound of the sobbing. Avalon finally recognised that the halting gasps of breath were indeed familiar to her. Avalon remained silent for a few moments while she became accustomed to this disturbing information.
“We have to get out of here,” said Avalon.
Faustus looked away from the interrogation rooms and at Avalon and he nodded, “We need to-”
The sound of steel doors screeching open immediately drew Avalon’s attention to the interrogation rooms but it was the steel doors at the other end of the hallway that had opened. Half a dozen soldiers walked through followed by a pair of old greying men in pristine white lab coats. They strode past a few cells and stopped in front of Faustus whose eyes had widened in horror. One of the coated men spoke a quick sentence in Mandarin but Avalon caught every word.
“Take him to lab one.”
........
It had been two days since the mass disappearance of the psychicaes and Cato had been following the orders of the Antistitors and had been chasing the belluas out of Cooktown. It seemed with the dramatically increased presence of psychicaes and military that the belluas were not so daring as to venture into town anymore so the task was relatively simple. Antistitors Severino and Vincent had assumed the reason the belluas had been moving north was because the Eastern Alliance had been using the telekinetic network to move them that way. It seemed odd to Cato that the humans from the Eastern Alliance seemed to have a better grip on the telekinetic network than she did herself. It only strengthened her suspicions that there were psychicaes working with them.
Now the Antistitors wanted to use the same principle they suspected the Eastern Alliance was using to try and gain complete control over the belluas. They just had to wait for the researchers in Sydney to perfect the technique of altering masses of the telekinetic network simultaneously.
Now Cato tried to fall asleep but she found that she was restless. Whether it was the bizarre hours that Psychicae United required her to work or the fact that Avalon was in some strange, dangerous place, it was having a detrimental effect on her sleeping patterns. Cato found that it took her hours of staring at the ceiling before she finally succumbed to unconsciousness.
........
Hours had passed. Avalon sat with her back leaning against the cold concrete wall of her cell and glared into Faustus’ empty cage. Her mouth was becoming parched and her stomach churned constantly. A while ago water had been delivered to some of the psychicaes but Avalon was one of the cells that had missed out. Avalon tried to ignore the demands of her body and rested her head against the wall. As well as being hungry and thirsty she was also exhausted. Maybe despite the unpleasant surroundings she could get some sleep.
It seemed like she had only closed her eyes for half a second when the familiar scream of the metal doors opening snapped through her ears and she jolted awake. Avalon leapt to her feet and across to the metal bars to see what was happening. As she watched a seemingly unconscious psychicae was towed from the interrogation rooms and tossed into one of the cells. A thin trail of red followed in the psychicae’s wake. The couple of soldiers then muttered a few words of Mandarin and strode towards Avalon’s cell. Avalon barely had time to feel pity for the bloodied and bruised psychicae before she was pulled out of her cell and shoved along the corridor towards the interrogation rooms.
It was uncanny entering the hallway of wooden doors again as the sun was in the exact same spot it had been last time. It looked as though no time had passed in the eons she had spent in her tiny cage. This time she managed to look out of the small window set high in the wall. Nothing marred the view of the cloudy sky outside except for the steel bars across the glass. For just a moment Avalon could imagine there were no bars. She could imagine she was outside, anywhere outside, with clouds and sky in her eyes. Then the view disappeared as she was ushered into the same interrogation room and zip tied to the same steel chair.
The two soldiers left this time and Mr Lau entered. Avalon noticed that this time there was a small metal table to her left. Mr Lau entered wordlessly, shut the door behind him and set down a briefcase on the metal table.
“Hello again Lana,” said Mr Lau, “I’m going to ask you some questions. I do want some answers today.”
Avalon watched as he opened his briefcase with slow deliberate movements. His slow hands brought out three tools; each clicked quietly onto the metal surface of the table. Lined up neatly were a gleaming set of brass knuckles and a long knife; Mr Lau clicked the magazine into place in the SW1911 pistol that he placed on the table. He then turned from the table and leant his weight on Avalon’s arms that had been tightly bound to the chair so that his face was just centimetres from hers. Avalon wrinkled her nose slightly at the tang of his breath.
“Hopefully you’ll feel like answering my questions today?” he asked, “You have such a pretty face; it would be such a shame if we needed to take any drastic measures.”
He stood up straight again and folded his arms.
“I asked you yesterday,” he said monotonously, “Where is the location of Psychicae United Sydney Headquarters?”
As she had yesterday Avalon continued staring coolly at Mr Lau. He gave a bored sigh and took a few unhurried steps to the metal table where he cracked his fingers and picked up the brass knuckles.
“I will ask you again Lana,” he said as he slipped the metal over his hand, “Where is the location of Psychicae United Sydney Headquarters?”
Avalon felt her heart pick up speed as she knew that the next hour or two was only going to be extremely painful. She did not consciously let this fear show on her face but she knew her eyes would dilate and her pulse would quicken. Mr Lau would be able to see that she was afraid.
“One more time Lana,” said Mr Lau and his eyes bored into hers, “Where is the location of Psychicae United Sydney Headquarters?”
Avalon stared calmly at the man looming over her and a few seconds later the metal came crashing into her jaw. The force of the blow reverberated through Avalon’s skull and for a moment she couldn’t see. After a few seconds she could taste blood in her mouth and as she felt around her gums with her tongue she noticed one of back teeth had come loose. She had little time for recovery though as Mr Lau grabbed her jaw and forced her to look up at him. Avalon felt the loose tooth click slightly at his grasp.
“I’ll move on,” said Mr Lau blandly, “Where is the Australian Imperator?”
Avalon now understood that Mr Lau had no direct line of questioning, he was just trying to get any information he could out of her. If she gave in then she would become useless and he would kill her.
“One more chance,” said Mr Lau and he tightened his grasp, “Where is the Australian Imperator?”
Avalon needed more time to think; already her brain was pounding. Again he brought his fist down against her skull and again her thoughts were scattered as agony erupted throughout her head. When her hearing finally returned she heard Mr Lau sigh and she heard the click of him setting down the brass knuckles on the table beside her.
“You’re being rather harsh on yourself, don’t you think?” said Mr Lau and as Avalon opened her eyes she saw him spinning the knife in his hands, “Really all I need is one small piece of information. Anything.”
He paused for a moment and held Avalon’s gaze impassively. He then gave another sigh.
“Your friend Harley has already been under the knife,” he said as he twirled the blade between his hands, “He is afraid of doctors.”
Avalon felt a twinge of anger but she could not allow herself to break her composure now.
“I’m not a doctor,” said Mr Lau bluntly, “So we can’t find out if you’re afraid of doctors as well. But we can see if you cry as much as he does when an incision is made.”
Avalon glared at Mr Lau in an attempt to hide her growing sickness.

“But I guess you don’t want to find out,” shrugged Mr Lau, “So I’ll give you the opportunity to bypass our personality experiment. Tell me where the Australian Imperator is, tell me where your headquarters is, tell me anything.”
Avalon continued to stare as calmly as she could at Mr Lau but she knew he could see that she was scared. Scared of the pain he was about to inflict and scared of the pain they might be inflicting on Faustus. But she could not tell him anything it would only make the situation worse.
“I’ll ask again,” said Mr Lau blankly and he brought the knife to rest against Avalon’s ribs, “Tell me what you know about Psychicae United.”
Avalon continued staring at Mr Lau wordlessly but she couldn’t stop herself clenching her jaw in preparation for the imminent pain of the knife’s first cut. However in a quick movement Mr Lau withdrew the knife and slammed his other fist into Avalon’s ribs instead. Avalon gasped in shock as the wind was forced from her lungs and the crunch of bones echoed through her body. Before she could even open her eyes another blow landed on the back of her skull and sent stars swimming in front of her eyes. Again and again hard blows landed against Avalon’s frame until she could barely feel the shocks anymore. It just felt like the world had become a dark, silent and claustrophobic space of continuous quakes. Avalon could feel that her mouth was open and she knew she was screaming but it seemed as though she was no longer inside this tiny room anymore and the sounds she made did not matter. She was somewhere smaller and she was being crushed slowly. Soon even her sound would not have enough room and she would not be able to scream. And when the attack stopped it felt as though her whole body had been released from a matchbox.
Again Mr Lau grabbed her jaw and forced her to look at him. Avalon cried out in pain and realised her jaw was probably broken.
“Tell me what you know about Psychicae United,” he said emotionlessly.
Avalon glared at Mr Lau in response but did not speak. Mr Lau held her gaze for a few moments before sighing and returning to his briefcase.
“We’ll finish this tomorrow shall we?” he said casually as he packed away the tools from the metal table.
Mr Lau closed his briefcase and strolled to the door. As he left the two soldiers entered and returned Avalon to her shackles. Avalon’s weak legs could barely hold her weight and so the soldiers roughly dragged her into the now night darkened corridor and back to her cell.
........
Cato knew she was dreaming as soon as she saw Avalon walking beside her. They were in the timber reserve and by the looks of it they must have been heading towards the Eastern Alliance base. It occurred to Cato that there was something dangerous about the Eastern Alliance base, that maybe they shouldn’t be walking in that direction. Avalon probably wouldn’t listen to her though she was always so focussed on whatever mission she had been assigned to, this would be no different.
Before Cato realised they were already at the crest of the hill overlooking the Eastern Alliance base. But the Eastern Alliance base wasn’t there and neither was the soldier who should have been sitting just a few metres away. Still Avalon’s hand was over Cato’s mouth and her glowing eyes were so close. Cato tried to find the danger that Avalon had seen but the soldier was definitely gone.
Cato looked at Avalon and was surprised to find her yellow eyes staring straight back. There was no remnant of the usual black; they glowed a strange alien colour. Cato found that Avalon’s hand was no longer covering her mouth it instead had moved to the side of her face. Her eyes were so close now; had they been moving closer or were her irises just growing? Even though Cato knew it was a dream she could almost feel Avalon’s breath against her lips. It drew her attention to Avalon’s slightly open mouth and the sharp teeth behind her perfectly shaped lips. She felt the brush of Avalon’s nose against hers and again looked up at her eyes. They were so close now. They were almost the only thing that Cato could see. Just an endless expanse of gold. Cato closed her eyes and although she was sure it was obvious to her what should happen next the idea wouldn’t come to mind. It was frustrating. She couldn’t let this scene go without an ending. It was too perfect. Cato tried so hard to remember what should come next.
Slowly she felt her struggling brain work into consciousness. Eventually her eyes blearily opened. She gave a disappointed groan at the sight of light streaming in through the window and screwed her eyes shut again. She remained this way for a few moments before slowly opening her eyes again with a small frown. As she pieced together the fragments of the dream that had occurred a few minutes ago colour crept into her cheeks. Now she remembered what should come next.
........
Avalon had been huddled in the corner of her cell for a few hours in a half sleeping state. Her entire body was throbbing with pain. Bruises and swellings covered almost every surface of her skin and she was quite sure she had a number of bone fractures. The loosened tooth had almost completely detached from her gum. Occasionally when she opened her eyes she noticed that her fingertips were becoming a light grey colour. She assumed that with the stinging thirst in her throat she must be suffering severe dehydration at this point. Soon she would go into hypovolemic shock.
Of course Avalon was grateful that that she wasn’t nearly as bad as the bat morph to the right of Faustus’ cell. The psychicae had at one point been able to hold itself upright and drink the water it was given. But even then it had been hard to distinguish any real human features on its body because its morph had progressed so quickly and so haphazardly. Avalon wasn’t sure if the psychicae was an experiment gone wrong or if maybe most of the belluas just didn’t turn out right but this psychicae was a mess. It was shrinking at an alarming rate but its skin didn’t shrink with it and hung in massive folds like black tar. Its arms were hung with new webbing but it already had two fully formed massive black wings sprouting from its back. A large, black eye was pushing through one of the human eyes and now the displaced, blue, human eye was bulging outwards. 
The psychicae still moved through, just not very far. It lay slumped next to the bowl of water and whenever it drank the water would become tinged with red as blood leaked from its throat.
Avalon started as the metal doors screeched open once again and immediately began shuffling towards the metal bars to see what was happening. Every movement sent needles of pain through her battered flesh but she needed to see what was happening now. She needed all of the information she could get. As she peered out through the bars she saw with relief that Faustus was being thrown back into his cell. The couple of soldiers that had brought him once again left wordlessly but Avalon showed them no interest; instead she focussed on Faustus.
He picked himself up from the floor slowly and heaved himself against the concrete wall of his cell. His dirt-stained shirt had been taken and a long line of stitches ran down one of his unusually large shoulders. A catheter still protruded from the crook of his elbow. Apart from his physical insults his eyes were closed and his face showed an emotion of tense fear and repulsion that was almost unrecognisable on the usually impassive Antistitor. His entire body shook and his hands were clenched.
“Faustus?” whispered Avalon through her broken jaw.
A slow breath escaped Faustus and after a moment he opened his eyes and looked at Avalon. Nothing else about his posture changed. As soon as his eyes rested on Avalon the fear on his face disappeared to be replaced by an equally intense sorrow.
“Avalon,” he breathed, “Are you- You’re not ok. What- What happened to you?”
“It is a bit nastier the second time,” said Avalon wryly, “I didn’t say anything though. What happened to you?”
Faustus continued staring sadly at Avalon for a moment before answering.
“They wanted to know if I could produce bufotoxin,” grimaced Faustus, “Turns out I can’t.”
The two Antistitors remained in silence for a few more minutes. Avalon watched Faustus for these minutes and he watched the floor in front of him. He still did not relax in the slightest. Avalon jumped when Faustus suddenly broke the pressing silence.
“I found out something that might help us,” said Faustus with mild enthusiasm.
Faustus frowned for a moment and then he began talking in whispered Latin. Avalon knew it was so the Eastern Alliance couldn’t immediately decipher what he was saying; if they bothered to pick it up at all. Avalon had wheedled from the psychicae that had been in the cell next to her a few hours ago that this was a newly established concentration camp. They didn’t have enough resources for surveillance of ‘secure areas’ yet.
“They were talking in Mandarin,” said Faustus quietly, “And they thought I didn’t know what they were saying. I picked up that this building is the central building in a series of buildings at this facility. They keep the Antistitors here, so all of these psychicaes are Antistitors.”
Avalon raised an eyebrow at this; she found it hard to believe that these worn out husks were all Antistitors. Although she did somewhat resemble them now so perhaps it wasn’t so far-fetched.
“In the head office here they have a master lock for all of the cells,” continued Faustus, “And more importantly the shut down for something they called ‘telekinesis control’ and I can figure out what that is. If we can shut those down we can get our communications back up and we’ll have a force of about twenty Antistitors to wreak havoc with.”
As Avalon listened she felt joy bubbling up inside her pain-wracked frame. She almost felt like she should celebrate with some unnecessary physical display but she was in far too much pain to do so. Instead she settled on a laugh.
“That’s brilliant Faustus!” she exclaimed in the same Latin dialect, “So all we have to do is find a way to get to the head office!”
Faustus nodded eagerly, “Yes but at night time only. We won’t have the telekinetic network of a daytime.”
“I’ll be taken back to interrogation tomorrow at dusk,” said Avalon slowly, “After an hour it will be night. I can try to get out then.”
Faustus grimaced and frustration glimmered in his eyes. His frustrated eyes subtly flickered over Avalon’s injuries for half a second.
“It’s ok Faustus,” sighed Avalon, “I’ll survive and I’ll try to be well enough to get to the head office.”
Faustus’ aggravation didn’t seem alleviated in the slightest but he nodded with defeat.
“The head office is through that door,” said Faustus and gestured to the metal doors that led to the labs, “I passed it yesterday. Once you go through that door you’ll be in another hallway. To the left at the end of the hallway, about twenty metres, is the head office. Apparently there aren’t any guards inside this building at night; they don’t have the resources.”
“Yes I’ve heard about their lack of resources,” said Avalon wryly, “It suits me very nicely.”
“But when you unlock the cells using the master key it will set off an alarm,” warned Faustus, “There’s no way to disable it so you had best be prepared for an attack immediately.”
“They told you quite a bit,” mused Avalon.
“Being the helpless, foreign captive has its perks sometimes,” snorted Faustus.
........
Hours and hours passed with Avalon still shut inside the cell. At first she spent most of her time dreading the moment when she would have to face Mr Lau again but eventually her exhaustion became too powerful and she dozed off. It seemed she had barely slept at all when she heard the screech of the metal doors opening again and she blearily opened her eyes.
By the time she had cleared her eyes of the haziness of sleep she saw Faustus being pulled out of his cell again. Once again the ‘doctors’ had come to collect him. This time Faustus showed little emotion on his face but his eyes still shone with fear as they led him away.
Avalon wished she could say something to put Faustus’ mind at ease but there was nothing she could say. His situation was dire and the best thing Avalon could do was hope that Mr Lau would see her soon, as much as she was reluctant for that to occur.
Avalon watched the metal doors slam shut behind Faustus before she again returned to her observation of the concrete walls and floor. Now that she had managed some sleep her apprehensive mind would not let her return to rest. More hours passed and Avalon dwelled on what was to come. There was nothing else to distract her in the cell. Nothing but the pain throbbing through her limbs and it only served as a reminder. Hours passed and when the metal doors to the interrogation rooms finally screeched open Avalon flinched. It was time.
The two soldiers forcibly dragged her out of the cell and along the hallway. The extended period sitting in the cell had caused Avalon’s muscles to seize up and now they cramped painfully as she stumbled along. As Avalon entered the corridor filled with wooden doors she felt the warm afternoon light touch her face. It was quickly extinguished as she was shoved into the same interrogation room she had been in the previous two times. The soldiers again zip tied her to the metal chair and exited the room. Mr Lau entered as they left and closed the door behind him. He set down his plain briefcase on the metal table to Avalon’s left and immediately began unpacking his tools.
“Hello again Lana,” said Mr Lau indifferently as he set down the brass knuckles on the table, “How are you today?”
Avalon did not answer Mr Lau’s casual question but could not prevent her nose wrinkling slightly in irritation.
“Usually it’s considered polite to answer a question,” said Mr Lau and neatly set the knife down on the table, “I will be asking a few more today. Hopefully you will be polite enough to answer.”
Avalon silently wished that someone had put a clock in the room so she knew exactly how long she would be here for. The idea that her interrogator might provide her with information was ludicrous though. Avalon felt a muscle twitch in her neck at the sound of Mr Lau loading the pistol.
“Now let’s get started shall we?” said Mr Lau as he set the gun on the table and took a few steps to stand in front of Avalon with his arms folded, “Other than Cooktown what are the other frontline bases in operation?”
Avalon only stared indifferently back at Mr Lau. He sighed and his hand reached out to the metal table. Avalon had expected him to reach for the brass knuckles but he immediately picked up the knife.
“I suppose we’ll start off where we left yesterday then,” he said wryly and he leant forward to hold the knife against Avalon’s jawbone, “One more chance Lana, what are Australia’s frontline bases?”
Avalon felt the blade pressed firmly against her skin; she felt her heart speed up at the touch of the cold metal. She briefly wondered if the permanent mutilation the blade would spread across her face would make it any more difficult to blend into human society and then the thought was gone as agony lanced from her jaw to her eyebrow. Avalon felt a cry of pain gurgle in her throat but she refused to let it past her clenched teeth. Instead she screwed her eyes shut for a moment to prevent the blood seeping in. Hot fire dug into her skin and reached its little needles into her nerves. The searing pain that the blade had caused permeated all of Avalon’s thoughts and she only barely heard Mr Lau begin talking again in his monotonous voice.
“Your case file was an interesting one Lana,” he said apathetically, “Although many of the Antistitors I get here do have interesting histories.”
Avalon slowly opened her eyes as she felt the blood trailing down her nose. Mr Lau was gazing blankly at her, the stained knife spinning in his hands. The combination of his grey, emotionless eyes and the feeling of the air in her split skin was enough to make Avalon nauseous. After almost a week in this hellish place she was starting to lack the strength to ignore the pain and the sickness that this man inflicted on her.
“You came from single parent home in Menindee in New South Wales; you lived with your father and older sister,” said Mr Lau, “Your father was an alcoholic and it was rumoured he had been responsible for the death of your mother but nothing was ever officially proven. Is this information correct so far Lana?”
It was becoming so difficult to watch this man. She could not watch his cold, grey eyes boring into her own and seeing every dark corner of her mind. Instead she stared at his shining leather shoes.
“You began exhibiting psychicae traits at sixteen years of age,” continued Mr Lau, “Because of the extensive social network you had created in Menindee people quickly noticed that you were changing, particularly your family. On the eighteenth of March 2003 both you and your sister went missing; you were both missing for a week. Do you remember what happened?”
It was not only her split face that was sending waves of nausea through her head now. Images and memories that Avalon always kept so firmly tucked away and never revealed to anyone, not even to herself; they were flooding back into her mind. Her exhausted consciousness could not prevent the alien memories bubbling into being. Memories that didn’t really belong to her anymore. Sights and sounds and smells of running and bloodied feet and unshaven faces and hooks and water. So much water.
“That’s ok Lana,” said Mr Lau nonchalantly, “I remember your case file very well. He killed your sister after two days. The post-mortem examination revealed eight gunshot wounds, sixty three stab wounds, burns and the eventual cause of death was from asphyxiation. Apparently he had killed her because she had tried to hide you.”
Avalon tried to ignore the unstoppable deluge of memories hounding her mind. It was a futile task. She could almost hear the screams as if they were right beside her; the screams of a voice she thought she had forgotten.
“And as for you Lana,” asked Mr Lau, “You survived twelve gunshot wounds, twenty stab wounds, acid burns, three counts of rape and when your father tried to drown you in Coffins Lake you were rescued by your friend Harley who just happened to be passing through Menindee on another assignment from Psychicae United. Quite a dramatic case file.”
Avalon could feel her hands quivering, like she had some kind of terrible fever, and she balled them into weak fists. Her throat had been sandpaper before but now it was all she could do to swallow. Her head spun sickeningly at the memories that she could not ignore. Her vision was becoming tinged with red as blood dripped into the corner of her eyes and encouraged the lurking tears to spring forth.
“You see I already know a lot,” said Mr Lau and he again leant forward on Avalon’s arms and his breath played across Avalon’s face, “So there really is no point in hiding any information from me. So again, where are Australia’s frontline bases?”
With his face this close his breath cloyed against Avalon’s wound and elicited a fresh wave of stinging. Avalon tipped her face away from his but he again grabbed Avalon’s jaw and wrenched it around to face him. This time Avalon did cry out in pain.
“Do not ignore me beastie,” said Mr Lau, “Where are Australia’s frontline bases?”
“I don’t know!” spat Avalon before thinking.
Immediately she felt cold despair wash over her and realised she would be here for so much longer now that she had answered. She glanced up at Mr Lau’s beady eyes and saw a gleam of satisfaction.
“You’re an Antistitor so you know where the bases are,” he said and held the knife under her chin, “I’ll ask again, where are the Australian frontline bases?”
Avalon clenched her jaw and glared into Mr Lau’s triumphant eyes. After a moment he flicked the knife lightly across Avalon’s throat and returned to the metal table. Avalon felt a few small drops of blood welling across her neck but it had not been a serious cut. She was distracted from the sting of the fresh wound by Mr Lau setting down the knife and picking up the pistol. He gently picked up the weapon and slid his hand around it as he returned to his place in front of Avalon.
“This is a beautiful gun,” said Mr. Lau, “A Smith & Wesson 1911, it is a modern version of the M1911 from the 1910s. You probably know this. You probably also know that the bullets leave the muzzle at 251 metres per second. Very deadly.”
Avalon flinched as Mr Lau clicked the safety off.
“Are you sure you can’t tell me where the Australian frontline bases are?” he asked as he aimed the barrel of the gun at Avalon’s already mutilated face, “I’m not sure these bullets are quite as patient as I am.”
Avalon let her eyes fall away from Mr Lau’s and stared at the concrete floor in front of her. She had thought Faustus’ plan had been a brilliant idea but it seemed she would probably die here tonight. She wondered where Faustus was and what was happening to him. Maybe he had escaped somehow and maybe he was actually on his way to rescue her from death. Just like he had when they had first met. It was a far-fetched idea.
Avalon heard the explosion of the pistol and felt a searing pain flare up in her shoulder. She felt her mouth open and a scream of pain echoed just as loud as the gunshot. For what seemed like an eternity all that was in her mind was the fire in her shoulder and she felt her arms struggling in vain against the zip ties. These moments passed and she was soon grateful that it had been her shoulder and not her head. She was still alive.
“One last time Lana,” warned Mr. Lau and Avalon didn’t look up to see where the gun was pointed now, “Where are the Australian frontline bases?”
Avalon wondered what was happening back in Australia. Psychicae United would have gone into a panic now that so many Australian psychicaes had been taken right out from under their noses. She wondered if anyone was looking for them. She wondered what was happening in the sleepy village of Cooktown right now. Strangely she wondered what Cato was doing right now. Poor Cato would probably feel personally implicated in this whole kidnapping business seeing as she was the last one to see them alive and well. It would be such a relief to see even Cato’s face at this point in time.
Yet again the din of the pistol cut through Avalon’s ears and her shoulder was engulfed in scorching agony. Yet again she cried in pain. The world was swimming before her eyes and the pain was fading further and further away. Avalon almost willed unconsciousness to take her so she wouldn’t have to bear the pain any longer. But the world returned quickly and the interrogation room became sharp and clear.
Mr Lau had returned to the metal table and was packing away his tools. Avalon watched with disbelief. Surely it was a trick, surely she was meant to die tonight.
“This is disappointing Lana,” he said, “If we can’t get any answers from you then there’s no reason to keep you here. We’ll try again tomorrow and I expect to have some answers from you.”
With that Mr Lau locked his briefcase and left the room. Avalon’s almost laughed as Mr Lau left. She was still alive. Avalon’s eyes widened as she realised that the soldiers would now return to take her back to her cell. This was no time to celebrate; it would be night now. She had to escape now.
Everything seemed to slow down as the soldiers entered the room. Avalon saw the bored expressions on their faces, she heard the jingle of the key card that one of them held, and the muffled clack of their rifles against their uniforms. One of them leant over to attach her shackles to her wrists and ankles as usual before cutting the zip ties with his knife. Each zip tie made a small click as it snapped under the blade. Avalon’s wrists were freed first and then her right ankle and finally her left ankle.
The second her left ankle was free Avalon summoned all of her strength and slammed her feet into the soldier’s face. With a shout he flew back into the wall. The other guard exclaimed in shock and twisted to grab his gun. Avalon was quicker and grabbed the metal chair. She crushed it into his stomach and sent him stumbling back onto the first soldier, the wind forced from his lungs. As Avalon approached the injured soldiers they struggled to get to their feet. Again Avalon brought the chair down on the second soldier’s head rendering him unconscious. The first soldier shouted loudly in protest and tried to heave the heavier soldier off him. Avalon grimaced and silenced him with a quick and powerful blow to the forehead.
The room was then filled with a pressing silence. Avalon had long since learned that the interrogation rooms must all be lined with sound proofing if she had not heard the screams of the Antistitors from her cells. There was little chance that Mr Lau had heard the commotion. However as she glanced up at the camera in the corner all she could do was hope that the resources in the facility were terrible enough that no one had been watching.
Avalon knelt beside the unconscious men and pulled their weapons and keys from them. She quickly found the ones to unlock her shackles and within half a minute she was free of her chains. She slung the two rifles over her shoulder, pocketed the two knives and crept out of the interrogation room before locking the two men inside. Only in the empty darkness of the corridor outside did Avalon realise how hard her heart was pounding inside her chest. Adrenaline sung through her veins and she realised it was probably the only thing keeping her on her feet.
Avalon glanced at the key card she had taken as she stole down the corridor and to the cells. Maybe it would unlock all of the Antistitors cells. Avalon’s heart skipped a beat at the possibility of so easily freeing the Antistitors and she quickly swept the card through the steel doors. Cautious of being discovered so early in her escape attempt Avalon carefully opened the steel doors and entered the hallway of cells, but other than the destitute psychicaes it was deserted. As soon as she entered she went to the first cell and tried the key card in the slot. There was no response. Avalon’s heart sank but she knew it would not be that easy to free the Antistitors.
“Hey what are you- are you a psychicae?” exclaimed the Antistitor inside the cell.
Avalon glanced up from the lock to look at the Antistitor inside the cell. He had been curled up in the corner in some form of semi-consciousness but now he rose to his feet and warily limped to the bars. As Avalon looked around she saw all of the Antistitors reacting similarly.
“Yes I’m Antistitor Avalon,” she nodded, “I just escaped and I’m going to try and free you all. When the telekinetic network comes back up and the cell doors open we will have the Eastern Alliance forces down on us. You need to be prepared to face them. Do you all understand?”
As Avalon surveyed the dirty and bloodied faces and the bruised and twisted bodies she saw grins appearing, a few excited giggles echoed around the hallway and the psychicaes all began nodding eagerly in response. It was like some kind of twisted Christmas for these psychicaes. 
Avalon began walking towards the other end of the hallway. As she walked the Antistitors stared optimistically at her passing. Avalon reached the end of the hallway when she heard her name. When Avalon turned to find the source she found Alida. Avalon immediately felt her throat close in remorse. Alida was blind. Where her eyes had been there was now a dried, bloodied mess.
“Avalon,” she smiled, “Good luck.”
“Thank you Alida,” said Avalon and exited the hallway.
The metal doors scratched noisily against the floor but to Avalon’s immense relief there was no one in the dark corridor outside. Avalon waited at the door for a moment and surveyed the scene. It was exceptionally dark; it looked as though the building had been shut down for the night. To the left Avalon could see a door at the end of the hallway. It was about twenty metres away and with her nocturnal vision Avalon could just make out the Eastern Alliance characters for ‘main office’. To her right was another larger set of doors about the same distance away. Avalon paid them little attention. There was a single source of light in the hallway and that was a window close to the head office. Artificial light streamed through it and into the hallway. A door stood slightly ajar next to this window. Avalon continued watching this source of light for another moment before ascertaining that the stillness of the corridor would not be disturbed. Her heart still beating madly she crept out into the hallway and quickly stole along the vinyl floor. Her bare feet hardly felt the cold and the occasional prick of sand particles. Avalon was almost at the head office; she could see the gleam of the artificial light on the golden doorknob.
As Avalon passed the source of the light she glanced through the window and what she saw drained the blood from her face.
It was Faustus. He was strapped to a metal table inside the room. He was alone at the moment but he was still attached to a drip. His eyes were red with exhaustion. The worst was his arm. There were no longer any stitches along his shoulder but the pallor of his skin had changed to a deep green-brown and giant boils and protrusions extended from his neck all the way down to his fingertips. As Avalon’s eyes took in the terrible transformation she saw that a large section of Faustus’ new skin had been removed along his forearm and was now an angry, raw red.
As Avalon surveyed the horrible scene she saw that the label on the door read ‘Lab One’. Breaking out of her frozen state Avalon forced her feet forwards and hurried into the laboratory.
Faustus’ entire body flinched and his eyes focussed on Avalon in terror before he recognised her and he let out a breath of relief.
“Avalon, your face, they hurt you!” he exclaimed, “Wait what are you doing here! You should be at the head office!”
“One second I’ll get you out of here first,” said Avalon firmly and began tugging the plastic straps through to free Faustus.
“There’s no time Avalon!” hissed Faustus, “They’ll be back any second, they- hide Avalon! They’re back now!”
Avalon’s eyes widened and her head whipped around as she heard a door open and close in the hallway outside and voices began muttering in muffled Mandarin. Avalon quickly glanced around the laboratory for a place to hide. Just as the doctors walked in through the door she leapt through the curtains under the table Faustus was tied to. It was cramped as she had crawled into shelving space but the metal benches would have to do until the doctors left.
Avalon could see the shadows of the doctors through the curtain. One of them moved a metallic tray closer. It rattled along the ground. Avalon saw the shadow of one of the doctors approaching and heard Faustus’ breath hitch. She tried to understand the quick Mandarin they were talking in and could catch words like ‘sample’ and ‘artery’ but she had no idea what context they were meant in. She heard the slight chime of metal on metal as the doctor retrieved something from the tray. The doctors were still talking and Avalon still could barely understand what they were saying. It was difficult to concentrate when she could hear Faustus’ panicked breaths underneath their voices. Faustus was always so calm and so his panic spread easily to Avalon. It made it hard to focus on the doctors’ words.
The meaning of the doctor’s words became meaningless to Avalon when she heard Faustus emit a choked cry and felt a shudder of force through the metal benches. Avalon’s entire body tensed at the sound from above her. And then it came again, louder this time.
Avalon could feel every bruised and swollen muscle in her body screaming with pressure. The sickness she had felt at the hands of Mr Lau was returning but this was a different sickness. Mr Lau had inflicted a hopeless despair that threatened to crush her reason for existence. This sickness was like fire. It engulfed her, set her on edge and burned like the bullets had burned her skin just minutes ago.
Faustus cried again, this time a despairing moan of agony. It cut through to Avalon’s soul and she felt physical pain even without any physical harm. Tears pricked in her eyes. She could hear Faustus’ heavy, rattling breath from above and could hear the doctors still speaking. Still speaking indifferently. She heard the word ‘artery’ again and the word ‘nerve’. The last few words the doctors spoke were blocked out by a long scream from Faustus and a violent tremble shook the bench again. Avalon clapped her hands over her mouth as she heard a small whimper pass her lips. Hopefully Faustus’ scream had drowned out any noise she had made.
The doctors paused for a moment and Avalon watched the shadow of the closest doctor with fearful anticipation that he had heard her. But he began talking again after a moment. Avalon heard the word ‘nerve’ again. She saw the doctor shift closer and a small sob sounded from Faustus. Avalon bowed her head and saw tears falling from her face. She flinched as Faustus screamed again, this time the scream didn’t end. The doctor continued whatever maniacal work he was performing on Faustus. Avalon shook with her own sobs. Faustus’ screams were the only thing she could hear, the only thing she could see. They flashed across her vision, each scream exploding in white. The sickness was spiralling out of control. Her colleague who had done so much for her, who had found her, who had protected her, now he was in such anguish just centimetres away from Avalon. And the doctors. They chatted apathetically as they performed such a gruesome task. Avalon bared her teeth in a silent snarl. She had killed belluas for less than what these monsters were perpetrating. They were killers and they were only suitable to be slaughtered.
Abruptly Faustus’ screams died away and Avalon froze. He couldn’t be.
Rage and pain and fury and grief poured into Avalon’s soul and with a howl she leapt out from the curtains towards the first shadow she could see. She vaguely heard the alarmed shouts of the doctors and then their own shrieks filled her ears. She could not see anything but red. Red poured from the slash across her face and into her eyes. It was not just her own red but the red of the doctors, of the people who had hurt Faustus. The people who had again taken away the only person who had ever protected her.
The moment happened in an instant and when the doctors lay unrecognisable on the floor Avalon could see again. The room was bright. The sorrow was bright.
Avalon turned to face Faustus with tears streaming down her face. Her eyes widened when she saw that his forearm had been cut open. It was an incision about ten centimetres long along the raw section of skin and a few centimetres deep. Muscle was visible and blood seeped heavily from the wound. It certainly wasn’t a fatal injury though.
Avalon stared for a moment before she choked in relief and stumbled to Faustus’ side. Her trembling fingers checked his pulse and she found that it was weak but still present. Avalon quickly scurried about the room and riffled through the cupboards until she found some compression bandages. There was no time to properly stitch the incision so she wound the bandages tightly around it instead. Avalon quickly undid all of the straps on Faustus’ limbs and then returned to the cupboards to search for the medicine cabinet. Her shaking hands fumbled past the dozens of bottle but eventually she located a small bottle labelled ‘epinephrine’ and a long needle and with as much speed as she could she loaded the needle with the hormone. Returning to Faustus she pressed her fingers against the bottom of his ribs and found the appropriate artery before pushing the needle through and delivering the dose. Removing the needle and discarding it on a bench she anxiously kept her eyes on Faustus.
It took a few long seconds but Faustus’ eyes snapped open, he jumped into a sitting position and gasped. His eyes darted wildly around the room before focussing on Avalon who now realised she was covered in blood.
“What did you do?” breathed Faustus and he stared from Avalon to the pieces of the doctors on the floor.
Avalon glanced down at herself and followed Faustus’ gaze to the doctors. The sight of their mangled bodies only made the feeling of nausea return to Avalon and she quickly averted her eyes.
“We have to go Faustus,” she said firmly, “We have to get out of here.”
Faustus looked back at Avalon and nodded. He then looked down at his mutated arm and his rapidly rising and falling chest.
“What did you do to me?” he asked uncertainly.
“Adrenaline shot to the heart,” answered Avalon before grabbing his uninjured arm and dragging him around the doctors.
“You what!” he exclaimed.
“Keep it down,” said Avalon irritably, “Remember you’re in a parasympathetic state and you think you’re quieter than you are!”
Faustus grimaced and paused behind Avalon as she checked the corridor outside again. It was still dark and empty but she had been incredibly lucky to have missed the doctors the first time.
“Do you know if anyone else should be coming?” asked Avalon.
She glanced at Faustus who was picking at the bandages on his arm. He looked up at Avalon with surprise and shook his head. Avalon grimaced and returned to surveying the corridor. Faustus would not be useful for anything that required higher intellectual reasoning. At least he didn’t seem troubled by his wounds or the ordeal he had just been through. The adrenaline was probably making things much simpler for him.
“Follow me,” said Avalon decisively.
Faustus nodded and followed her as she darted out into the hallway and towards the head office. Finally she reached the golden doorknob of the head office. She reached out her hand and turned the knob triumphantly. But instead of smoothly clicking open the doorknob stuck in place. It was locked. Avalon almost felt like crying again.
She jumped when Faustus walked forwards and brutally kicked the door down. The hinges shattered from the force and the door cracked and splintered out of the way. Avalon stood for a moment with her mouth slightly open.
“No time for civility Avalon,” said Faustus and walked into the head office.
Avalon laughed and followed him inside the dark office.
It was completely deserted inside although it was obvious that the office was regularly used by someone of great importance. Even in the dark it was obvious by the many glinting objects and the ornate silhouettes that thought had gone into the architecture of this room.
Faustus immediately went to the solid pine desk and fumbled underneath the surface of it for a moment. He then brightened and beckoned Avalon closer. She flitted forwards and leant closer to inspect what he had found. Underneath the desk were a set of two buttons.
“Not very cleverly hidden,” said Faustus wryly.
“No they’re not,” agreed Avalon and could remember almost a dozen similar offices over her career with the same safety buttons in the same location.
“So one to unlock the cells, one to shut down the telekinetic control,” said Faustus, “And both will set off the alarm. Are you ready?”
“As ready as I will ever be,” said Avalon.
“Ok,” said Faustus and before pressing the two buttons he paused awkwardly, “Avalon if this is the last time I see you, thanks for rescuing me and you’ve been a good partner.”
Avalon glanced at Faustus with mild surprise. Maybe his mind was degenerating under the effects of adrenaline? 
“Yeah thanks for rescuing me too,” said Avalon uneasily, “I literally wouldn’t be here without you.”
Faustus frowned for a moment before he knew what Avalon meant and his eyes widened slightly. But then he chuckled.
“Well I’m truly sorry that you’re here now,” he said with amusement.
“So am I,” smiled Avalon.
Faustus chuckled again and returned his attention to the buttons. He took a breath and, with Avalon’s heart in her throat as it seemed to have been for the past week, he pushed the two buttons.
........
In the late afternoon Cato had been summoned to the psychicaes’ new operations base just west of Cooktown. She’d been out flying over the coast north of Cooktown all day looking for traces of the Eastern Alliance and she needed to find Legatus Leon so that she give him the report that was crinkled up in her hand. She knew she must have been one of the first to finish her designated surveying area as when she had made her return trip she could still see the tiny specks of other flying psychicaes in the distance. Hopefully she wouldn’t be so early that the Legatus would not even be on the base yet.
The psychicae base was now on the same property as the human military base that had been established in an old timber reserve next to the river mouth. As Cato flew overhead she quickly noticed that the once bare expanse of dirt was now dotted with buildings. From above she could even see that a thin path led through the remaining forest to the river where a naval base was under construction. Many people were running about busily on the dirt below.
Cato dropped down onto the dirt road that led to the first building in the complex. She noticed a few stares from some of the passing humans. Usually Cato dropping out of the sky was something the humans in Cooktown were accustomed to but it was fairly obvious these humans didn’t belong. Apart from the discreet gazes and the mutters that Cato stirred up with her landing these people were just different. Their skin was smoother, less weather-worn, and they walked rigidly. As their whispers swept by Cato their accents were velvety in comparison to the northern twang she was used to.
But Cato paid them little attention as she approached the wooden house in front of her. This building had clearly been here before the military. It was old and dusty whereas the new buildings were made of gleaming steel. Cato entered the open doors of the old shack and blinked her eyes to adjust to the sudden cool darkness.
Cato had never been to the new military base before so she hoped she was in the right place. Inside the small building was a single large room filled with filing cabinets. A balding man sat behind a small desk and was typing furiously into a computer while trying to shuffle a set of papers. He didn’t look up as Cato approached his desk but this place seemed like a good place to get directions.
“Um hi I needed to see Legatus Leon,” said Cato hesitantly, “Is he here?”
The man stopped his work and glared at Cato.
“He’ll be in the psychicae unit,” he said gruffly, “Continue down the road from here and just before you get to the trees. That’s where the psychicae unit is.”
“Right, thanks!” said Cato sheepishly and quickly left the office.
Cato followed the dirt road past the wooden house. The steel buildings crowded closely to this road and cast cold shadows over Cato. Most of their large doors were open and as Cato passed she could see that the first few were used for the storage of tanks and planes and various weapons. As she continued along the contents of the buildings became less deadly and eventually only the living quarters of the soldiers were left. 
As Cato walked along this road she became increasingly aware of the stares she attracted and she was surprised to find that many of the soldiers that walked past didn’t even lower their voices to talk about her. She caught snippets of conversation, almost like it was purposefully thrown at her. Like the soldiers were trying to get a response.
“Fuckin’ wings man,” a tall man chortled to his friends as he passed.
His shoulder clipped Cato and he spun around with a giant grin on his face, his hands held out apologetically.
“So sorry,” he grinned and burst into laughter as he turned back to his friends.
Cato kept her head down as she walked and tried to stay out of the way of the humans. It was almost like they were competing with each other to see who could get closer to the psychicae. Maybe she was just imagining it though. Maybe these humans just played different to what she was used to.
Still Cato was relieved when the sight of a giant wooden house surrounded by the familiar, inconspicuous cars at the end of the road came into sight. It was certainly the psychicae base.
Cato exclaimed when she felt something tug her report violently from her hand. When she spun around she was greeted with the sight of the man who had knocked into her earlier and his three sniggering friends.
“There sure is a lot of you lab rats runnin’ around here of late,” guffawed the man as he began roughly unfolding Cato’s crinkled piece of paper.
“Lab birds, lab birds!” exclaimed another of them and they all roared with laughter, others in the vicinity started chuckling as well.
Cato stared up at the four men uncertainly. She wasn’t sure if they were trying to pick on her or not. She’d never really been called a lab bird before.
“Can you give me back my report?” asked Cato bluntly, “I need that otherwise I’ll have to write a whole new one.”
“You need to calm down birdie beast,” laughed the man, “We’s only havin’ some fun.”
“Cato?”
Cato looked around at the familiar voice and brightened when she saw Warren, one of the boys she had rescued from Black Mountain. Except now he was kitted out in an army uniform same as these men.
“Hey Steiner, give her back the paper dipshit,” said Warren as he came to a halt in front of the tall man.
“What!” exclaimed Steiner, “What for? She don’ need it.”
“Yeah she does,” snorted Warren, “Hand it over or I’ll break yer jaw.”
Steiner glowered at Warren and then at Cato before shoving the paper into Warren’s hands.
“You changed your mind damn quick,” growled Steiner as he turned away, “Didn’t he boys? Just last night he was sayin’ all them beasties can’t be trusted further than ya can throw ‘em.”
“This one’s different Steiner,” snarled Warren, “She saved my life so you keep yer mitts off her.”
Steiner mumbled incoherently and stalked away with his friends. Warren gave an irritable sigh as he turned to face Cato. Cato smiled weakly as she took her report back.
“Uh thanks,” she said uncertainly.
“Aw no problem,” shrugged Warren, “That don’t really measure up to savin’ ya from a diseased old bear though so I still got a bit more payin’ back to do.”
Cato laughed, “It’s close though.”
Warren chuckled and nodded, “So what ya doin’ out here?”
“I gotta file this report with a Legatus,” said Cato and Warren stared blankly at her, “Oh that’s like one of my bosses I guess. We’ve been out looking for Eastern Alliance bases or vehicles or anything really. Haven’t found anything yet.”
“Huh wow,” sighed Warren, “That’s more than what we’ve been doin’. We’re still settin’ up. You guys are really goin’.”
“We’ve got a lot less to unpack I guess,” shrugged Cato and then glanced around at the psychicae base, “I should get going, I want to submit this before any other psychicaes make it back. I don’t want the Legatus to think I’m slack just cause I’m from Cooktown.”
Warren laughed again and it seemed heartier this time.
“Yeah sure I get the same problem,” he chortled, “You go on then, I’ll see ya round.”
Cato and Warren parted ways and Cato headed down the dirt road towards the psychicae base. This old colonial house was just as old as the first building Cato had arrived in. Except this house had been designed to withstand the ages and even though its colours were faded with age it was not broken or sagging like the first had been. When Cato stepped up onto the veranda and went through the open doors into the large reception hall of the psychicae base she found that it was already crowded with dozens of psychicaes. Some were even leaning in through the windows it was so crowded. And they all appeared to be watching the screen that the psychicaes behind the counter were fussing with. Cato slid into a nook beside the door and watched the commotion curiously.
“I have it now!” exclaimed one of the receptionists, “The stream! I’ll try to put it up on the screen.”
The whispers hushed and Cato could hear the muffled sounds of a jostled camera through the reception’s speakers. She watched the blank screen above the receptionist’s head for a moment as she fumbled with the wiring and suddenly the stream flashed up. On the screen was the filthy face of a bruised and battered psychicae. The psychicaes eyes were darting around apprehensively.

“Ok I can still hear fighting it’s getting closer,” she whispered, “Ok for those of us who just joined in I’m Estelle, I’m a reporter from Britain, I was captured in Malaysia two months ago, I was sent here to Pulau Supiori concentration camp five weeks ago. There is a riot going on outside, compliments of Antistitors Avalon and Faustus. This is where I have been locked up for the last five weeks.”
The camera shifted to show a dank barn and a large cell with a dozen psychicaes locked inside. Although they were all just as wretched in appearance as Estelle they were all imbued with a ferocious sense of life. Some of them were pacing the cell, some were clinging to the bars, and some were watching Estelle with gleaming eyes. They all suddenly glanced up in unison and abruptly cheers and laughter broke out through the cell.
“Ok I’ve just heard over the telekinetic network that another cell of psychicaes has been freed!” cackled Estelle joyously, “We’re the last ones! We’re next everyone we’re next!”
........
Dozens of voices were swirling through Avalon’s head as the psychicaes exchanged information over the telekinetic network. Avalon didn’t have time for exhaustion as she sorted through all of the incoming pieces of information and the requests for orders. About an hour ago the wail of the alarm had been set off and the Antistitors had been freed. Now one by one they had freed more psychicaes located in separate buildings and were pushing forwards towards the docks. At the front of the fighting was Faustus and most of the other Antistitors who were fiercely making a path through the hundreds of soldiers now raining down on them. Avalon had just freed another building of psychicaes and had sent them to help Faustus at the frontline. Now it was just her and a small team of half a dozen who shadowed her through the darkened buildings to the final source of telekinetic signals that called for help.
Avalon and her team of psychicaes were creeping through the relatively deserted western section of the concentration camp. Gunfire chattered deafeningly to the south but it was becoming quieter as the psychicaes took control of the area. Avalon needed to free these last psychicaes quickly though as reinforcements would certainly be on their way soon.
The prison building was almost in sight and Avalon brought the team of psychicaes to a halt to inconspicuously inspect the area around the building. As she leant around the corner of a wooden hut and gazed up the few dozen metres of dirt road she counted twenty three soldiers standing nervously at various points around the building. As she watched they shifted on their feet and held their rifles stiffly in their hands. They knew that they were losing this battle.
Avalon turned to face the psychicaes behind her.
“Twenty three armed soldiers,” she whispered, “Clustered around the front of the building. We should scatter and approach from all sides.”
They nodded wordlessly and the group separated and disappeared into the darkness. Avalon’s eyes absorbed all of the light that the slim moon reflected off every surface. She could see every colour and every corner and cranny that she passed on her way to close in on the soldiers. Avalon was beginning to think that her night vision was better than her day vision. The world seemed clearer of a night; the moon didn’t erase things in black shadows like the sun did but allowed for a softer contrast between light and dark. Everything was visible to Avalon.
Avalon was grateful that the fighting had drawn away most of the soldiers to the docks. She encountered no one as she slipped through the thin alleys and came to a rest behind a stack of crates. From here she could see the group of soldiers clearly. Sweat glistened on their foreheads even though it was a cool night.
Avalon’s eyes lost their focus on the soldiers for a moment as she concentrated on finding the half a dozen psychicaes around the building. The last few had come to a halt and now they had the soldiers surrounded.
‘In three, two, one,’ thought Avalon and sent around the order over the telekinetic network, ‘Now!’
The half a dozen psychicaes immediately leapt forwards. Avalon counted two shots fired before all of the soldiers were unconscious. Luckily the two shots had missed the psychicaes and had instead shattered the glass of a nearby window. As Avalon glanced around she saw the victorious smiles on the tired faces of the psychicaes. It had been a long night for them. Indeed it had been a long week for Avalon.
“Well done,” said Avalon wearily and approached the door to the prison building.
The building had probably been a barn at one point. It was large and the roof had a soft triangular curve. Its wooden walls would have been relatively easy to break out of but Avalon had heard that the psychicaes inside were on death row. They were too physically inept to be used by the Eastern Alliance and by the looks of their prison that meant they had little physical strength left. Avalon glanced at the heavy circle of chains twisted around the barn doors before remembering Faustus’ advice pertaining to civility and slammed her foot through the doors. The door’s handles immediately snapped under the strain and were released from the chains while the rest of the door came crashing from its hinges. Avalon and the team of psychicaes cautiously entered the barn to find a large room with a dozen apprehensive psychicaes locked behind a wall of metal bars. At the sight of psychicaes come to rescue them the prisoners abruptly burst into raucous cheering that pierced through Avalon’s ears. Avalon grimaced at the noise. Although she had received a similar reception from the other psychicaes she had rescued she was wary that it would draw unnecessary attention from the soldiers. The team of psychicaes had quickly adapted to this however and two had already stationed themselves outside as guards.
Avalon quickly approached the metal bars and inspected the lock. She had learnt quickly that none of the guards she had incapacitated had any of the keys required to open the prisons. It was the only intelligent thing anyone in charge of this concentration camp had done so far but it still made no difference. Avalon had improvised a lock pick and tension wrench from a few pieces of metal in the first prison and they had worked on all of the prisons so far. She now set to work on this lock.
“Keep it down!” she rebuked the psychicaes and they quietened slightly, “You’ll bring the soldiers down on us.”
The lock took only a few seconds to pick after Avalon had learnt how to pick the exact same arrangement of pins five times in the last hour. As soon as the door was open the prisoners hurried out of the cage and the now larger group of psychicaes exited the barn. As they left Avalon located Faustus over the telekinetic network. He was about a kilometre south and was surrounded by a large mass of psychicaes and a lesser force of humans. The humans that Avalon could sense were retreating rapidly.
‘Faustus I’ve rescued the last of the prisoners,’ thought Avalon, ‘How far from the docks are you?’
Avalon waited for a moment before Faustus’ reply came.
‘Not far, I can see it now,’ he answered, ‘Hurry though I’ve heard Eastern Alliance reinforcements are close.’
“We’re going to the docks now,” said Avalon to the psychicaes following her, “We must be quick, Eastern Alliance reinforcements are on their way.”
None of the psychicaes answered her but they pursued her wordlessly. Words seemed like an unnecessary luxury in such an exhausted state.
The group of psychicaes now entered a grove of trees. The small light of the moon cut through the palm trees that curved out of the sand. As they flitted through the trees the psychicaes’ feet kicked up the sand so that it sparkled in the moonlight. The sound of the shifting sand was the only close by noise that Avalon could hear. The next closest sound was the cacophony of gunfire that was slowly becoming louder as they drew closer to the docks. As the psychicaes ran Avalon was now becoming aware of another presence via the telekinetic network. It was north and it was hazy and it was huge. It was an unusual presence on the telekinetic network that blotted out a large radius of the island so that a giant portion of the animals that should have been visible were now undetectable. It could only mean that the Eastern Alliance reinforcements had hidden themselves under a dome where the telekinetic network was down. Remembering how easily she had succumbed to this new weapon at Black Mountain Avalon became apprehensive. If the reinforcements arrived they wouldn’t need a large army to subdue the psychicaes. They would all reawaken in their cells and tonight’s escape attempt would have been in vain. Indeed it would probably be next to impossible to attempt the same ordeal again as they would undoubtedly ramp up the security.
“Behind us, is it?” one of Avalon’s team members asked.
“Yes they’re bringing down the telekinetic network again,” said Avalon, “Keep running.”
It felt familiar to what Alida had told her with such a look of despair just before they had been captured. Avalon wondered if her face gave away her internal fear of recapture. She could almost imagine what she must look like; barefoot, her once pristinely white shirt now covered in blood and a dramatic slash across her face. A terrified expression would hardly add much theatrics at all.
In front of her Avalon could now see the shimmer of gunfire in the dark. The gunfire was restrained now and shots were only fired to aid the retreat of the soldiers. As Avalon came into view of the docks over a long expanse of sand she could see psychicaes running over the wooden piers and onto the ships. They were almost safe.
Gunfire abruptly broke out on either side of the group of psychicaes. Screams filled Avalon’s ears and yet another bullet tore through her body, this one burned into her right knee. Avalon cried out in pain and tripped forwards into the sand. This time the adrenaline surging through her veins overrode the searing pain in her leg and she scrambled to a nearby tree for cover.
Gunfire was still ripping through the trees and between the bright flashes of light Avalon could see figures dashing for cover. Avalon jumped as someone leapt behind Avalon’s tree and tensed immediately in preparation for a fight. However it was only a bedraggled psychicae she had rescued. She fearfully nudged herself close to Avalon and glanced behind her.
“I don’t think they saw me,” she whispered and Avalon noticed she was holding a video camera, “What do we do now?”
Avalon thought it was strange that the psychicae was recording their escape but she had more pressing issues to deal with. The gunfire had died down slightly and as Avalon peaked around the scene she saw a few psychicaes were lying in the sand motionlessly. The landscape was now deathly quiet and seemed unrealistic. The moonlight reflected the twisted colour of red from the still psychicaes. It was a perfect hunting ground, the soldiers had been well equipped to camouflage in this environment. The psychicaes with their various assortment of clothing and spots of bright red from their beatings stood our sorely in this picture. They needed a distraction and that was something Avalon could provide.
“What’s your name?” Avalon asked the peculiar psychicae beside her.
“Huh? Estelle,” she answered uncertainly, “I’m a reporter.”
“Estelle you can see the ship from here?” asked Avalon.
Both Estelle’s eyes and her camera lens turned to the ship a few hundred metres away across the plain expanse of sand.
“Yes?” she said even more uncertainly, “How am I getting there?”
“I need you to lead the rest of the psychicaes there,” said Avalon, “They’ll be confused and disorientated when the gunfire starts again so they need someone to follow. What you need to do is run straight for the ship. Antistitor Faustus will cover you when you’re close enough.”
“Uh huh,” nodded Estelle incredulously, “And what will cover me until then?”
“I will,” said Avalon and grimaced as she stretched out her newly injured leg, “Wait until five seconds have passed and then start running. Do you understand?”
Estelle’s eyes widened in astonishment.
“Yes I understand,” she stammered and nodded her head vigorously, “Excuse me, what did you say your name was again?”
Avalon glanced back at Estelle and the camera she now had fixated on her with a grimace.
“I’m Antistitor Avalon,” shrugged Avalon and pelted away from the safety of the palm tree.
Immediately gunfire began chasing Avalon’s chaotic footsteps as she weaved through the trees and away from the ship. Usually it would have been almost impossible to catch Avalon’s quick steps with such long and bulky rifles that the soldiers must have been firing from but with the bullet stuck in her knee the spray of sand that heralded the coming line of fire was exceptionally close. Avalon had been running on adrenaline for hours if not days now and it showed. She could see how her movements lagged in front of her eyes. Every step she took was sluggish and she could feel her screaming muscles slowing down. Still she monitored the prisoner’s progress over the telekinetic network. They were almost at the ship. Avalon kept running around the perimeter of the docks. She had no intention of being left behind in this abysmal place; she only wanted to distract these soldiers long enough for the slower psychicaes to get onboard the ship. As Avalon peered through the trees she could see the psychicaes racing up into the safety of the ship accompanied by Faustus and a few other psychicaes. That meant it was time for her to join them.
Avalon dashed out from the trees and began running haphazardly towards the wooden piers. The gunfire followed her out onto the flat expanse. Even though it strained her already weakened and aching legs she zigzagged sharply every few seconds to throw off the bullets that pursued her. As she ran she kept her face turned towards the ship. She had heard that if one looked towards where they were running they reached their target faster. It certainly didn’t feel like it.
Avalon suddenly felt a scorching pain shoot through her right foot. Avalon didn’t make a noise this time. She felt the intense pain and the hard blow of the sand as she again fell to the ground. She heard the despairing calls from the ship and she could feel just a little further away the hazy dome that heralded the arrival of reinforcements and her end. She felt pounding in the sand and as she looked up she saw the soldiers running forwards, their guns trained on her. She looked back at the ship and she frowned. A single psychicae was pelting towards her. As her eyes focused sharply she recognised Faustus. He would never make it to her in time and being out here was dangerous. Now they would certainly capture him too.
Avalon looked back at the soldiers who were charging forward. Their guns gleamed in the moonlight, their eyes gleamed as well. Their mouths were open and their teeth bared in snarls. They were covered in a fine sheen of sweat. Spit ran down the lips of one. They were frightening creatures. Rarely did Avalon ever set her heart on anything. She did things logically and methodically. Her life became easier for her this way. But with all her heart and soul she did not want to see Mr Lau again. She did not want to spend another minute of her life locked up in a cage. She did not want to be hit, cut or tortured. She wanted to escape this place. This hell.
Avalon closed her eyes and thought that maybe she could escape just for a moment. But she could feel the approaching minds of the humans. Avalon could feel the adrenaline running through their veins, their hearts pounding in their chests. Their bodies felt just like Avalon’s. But their minds were blank with the bloodthirstiness of war. They only had one animalistic goal, they only wanted to kill. Avalon noticed pain building in her head, it was small at first but began to radiate outwards. Avalon could understand the humans’ feelings. She had felt able to kill a few hours ago in Lab One. She had dismembered those doctors. The pain in her skull was almost unbearable now; it throbbed in her skull and was creeping down her neck. Avalon had had good reason to dismember those doctors. These soldiers looked at her and wanted to hurt her, kill her, and she had done nothing to them. Avalon could feel each heart beat in each human. Each of the seventeen humans that were running towards her had hearts that beat in seventeen different ways. It would be convenient if they did not beat at all.
Avalon opened her eyes to watch the soldiers approaching her and to appreciate what might be her last few seconds of freedom. But to her surprise none of the soldiers were standing. They had all collapsed at various intervals on the sand. Avalon stared with surprise and wondered what had happened. She hadn’t heard any gunfire so they couldn’t have been shot.
Avalon whipped her head around as a hand rested on her shoulder. Faustus was staring down at her, his eyes wide with anxiety.
“Let’s get you out of here,” he said and picked Avalon up from the sand.
He immediately began running back towards the ship with Avalon in his arms. Avalon glanced back over his shoulder at the unmoving soldiers with bewilderment.
“Wait, what happened to them?” asked Avalon.
Faustus glanced at Avalon briefly and his jaw clenched.
“I was hoping you could tell me,” he said shortly, “Never mind now though; we’re about two minutes away from having the telekinetic network come down on us.”
Faustus’ feet pounded over the wooden planks of the pier and up the steel ramp onto the deck of the Eastern Alliance’s Type 053 frigate. Immediately the psychicaes pulled the ramp up and Avalon heard the roar of the frigate’s engines come to life. The sound of the rumbling engines was drowned out by the cheers and screams of hundreds of psychicaes on the deck of the ship. Faustus smiled as he set Avalon down on the cold metal floor and knelt down beside her.
“We’re safe now,” he said softly, “This is the fastest ship they have in the dock so they can’t catch us.”
Avalon smiled and felt heavy relief wash over her. She was safe. She had been so close to being captured again and now she was safe here on this ship with all these psychicaes and with Faustus watching over her. It was like the feeling of being left out in a blizzard and then stepping inside to a warm fire. The adrenaline that had been singing through her veins left a pleasant buzz now. It spun through her head and made her acutely aware of all of the holes and gaping lines of flesh hanging from her. It wasn’t painful it was just a strange feeling.
“Avalon?” worry was creeping back into Faustus’ voice again.
“Yes Faustus?” asked Avalon.
She blearily opened her eyes. She hadn’t even noticed she had closed them. Faustus was very close and his hand was on her neck. He must have been checking her pulse. His face blurred as he moved too quickly for Avalon to focus.
“I need a medic!”
........
Cato and the psychicaes inside the reception had avidly watched the stream of the prison riot that had just occurred at Biak on Pulau Supiori. Now the stream consisted of Estelle mingling through the crowds of psychicaes and traversing the winding corridors of the frigate they had hijacked.
Now the reception was full of excited psychicaes who were chattering away with one another however Cato didn’t feel like sharing their contented sentiments and left. The psychicaes inside were indeed happy that their colleagues were free and on their way home but Cato was decidedly ecstatic and she wasn’t sure if she wanted any other psychicaes to know that. Particularly as there was little reason that the escape should have such an emotional effect on her. She remembered the clash of emotions she had felt when the dishevelled and beaten Avalon had burst through the doors of the barn looking like some war-torn warrior who had certainly seen better days. Cato felt sorrow that she had gone through so much pain but so incredibly relieved that she had survived. It caused Cato to smile uncontrollably as she walked back down the dirt road.
Why did Avalon’s survival cause her so much happiness? Of course she should be pleased that Avalon was alive, but shouldn’t she be equally as pleased that Faustus was alive? Seeing Faustus race out into the fray to rescue Avalon had not filled her with the same sense of dread that each one of Avalon’s dangerous manoeuvres had. If anything she had felt the cold sting of jealousy.
Cato’s smile was beginning to fade as she watched her feet move over the dirt road. She again thought of the unusual dream she had had a few nights ago. Though she had tried to ignore it she couldn’t deny that it sent shivers down her spine. Cato almost felt sick at the realisation. Avalon was an Antistitor and she had said it to her directly. ‘Psychicaes cannot be involved in unprofessional relationships.’ Besides she was a girl. Even if Cato had the backbone to brave Avalon’s impenetrable aura of cool intimidation there were so many reasons that it was wrong.
Cato groaned and ran her claw tipped fingers over her feathered head.
“Rough night?”
Cato yelped and stumbled a few steps away from the source of the noise until she recognised Warren.
“Oh god it’s just you,” laughed Cato, “Sorry man I’ve just watched a prison riot so I’m a bit jumpy.”
“Yeah I heard, yer pals got out safe?” asked Warren brightly.
“Relatively speaking I guess,” shrugged Cato, “They look pretty beat up.”
“Yeah war will do that to a person,” nodded Warren, “I hear they’re being escorted to this naval base. So we get to greet ‘em when they get back to Australia! Which means our hospital is about to get pretty full.”
Cato glanced up from the road with surprise, “They’re coming here?”
“Well yeah man, we are the most northerly naval base,” said Warren nonchalantly, “With a decent hospital anyway.”
“Huh, fair enough,” said Cato and returned to studying the road.
She and Warren continued walking for a few minutes before Warren interrupted the singing crickets again.
“You seem pretty riled up,” he said, “I’m guessing it’s not the prison riot but seeing as we’ve met, what, five times before, I don’ want to know about it if it’s anything like your grandmother’s decided to start dating again or, you know, you want to know the meanin’ of life.”
Cato laughed and paused for a moment knowing that it was probably dumb to say anything at all. But she needed someone tell her what she should think and Warren barely knew anyone that she knew.
“Well what would be your opinion if someone happened to have a thing for, like, their boss?” asked Cato, “Like you had a thing for a sergeant or something?”
“Well I’m not supposed to,” grinned Warren, “But whatever the General don’t know won’t hurt him!”
“Yeah, what if it was an Antistitor?” asked Cato and hoped she wasn’t being specific.
Warren looked at Cato with an amused grimace, “I’d say you’re settin’ yourself up for a bad rejection.”
Cato sighed heavily, “Yeah that’s what I thought.”
There was a moment’s pause.
“So which Antistitor?” asked Warren with amusement, “Personally I think their all assholes but hey my opinion’s subjective.”
“They’re not here right now,” said Cato shortly, “So you probably don’t know them.”
“Oh! Wait I think I do know who you’re talkin’ about then!” chortled Warren, “The Antistitors who used to work here were Faustus and Avalon, so it’s Faustus right?”
“You know what I’m going to fly from here,” said Cato bluntly, “Don’t tell anyone anything.”
“Oh yeah sure,” shrugged Warren, “Yer safe with me!”
“I mean it!” said Cato as she spread her wings, “I hear about this from anyone else and I’ll haunt you forever!”
“Don’ worry about it!” shouted Warren as Cato flew away.
........
Avalon could feel herself waking. She had been floating in a space that was neither sleep nor consciousness. She couldn’t open her eyes just yet they were too heavy but her skin was beginning to tell her what was around her. She felt cold but she could also feel the weight of a heavy blanket. She immediately knew she must be ill if that was the case. Her clammy skin could not be cold and yet so heftily shrouded in blankets if there wasn’t something wrong with her. Avalon returned her attention to the information she could wring out of her reluctantly responding body. She was huddled against something supple and gentle. She could feel it moving and recognised the movement as the rise and fall of breathing. Avalon tried to raise her ears to hear the muffled sounds around her. She may have succeeded in twitching. Avalon was becoming frustrated. It was impossible to wait here for her body to catch up to the needs of her mind. She wanted more information. Where was she? Who was she resting against? What had happened to her? Why was she here?
With a fatigued groan Avalon forced her hazy eyes open. It took a few seconds for the bright room around her to come into focus. Around her was a small deck that led out onto the ocean. The water broiled under the force of the engines and reflected the light of dusk into Avalon’s sleepy eyes. Avalon looked away from the churning water and inspected the small deck around her. This must have been a lower deck to service the engines, below the main deck of the ship. Ropes and metal containers were stacked against the walls. Avalon was huddled into one of the niches that the metal containers provided and curled around Avalon to protect her from the hard surface of the containers was Faustus. He was asleep, his head resting against the wall behind him. His still morphed arm was now wrapped in clean bandages and tied in a sling. Now that Avalon was beginning to wake she noticed that she had an oxygen mask around her face; the tube from the mask led from a small cylinder beside her. It was blowing cold and sterile air into her nose. She could feel that an awkwardly placed bandage had been stuck to her face along the slash; another had been wrapped around her shoulder, knee and foot. The blanket around her was made of the shimmering foil of blankets typically used to treat patients of shock. Avalon grimaced as she understood that she must have gone into hypovolemic shock.
Avalon checked her pulse and her fingers. Her pulse seemed at a normal speed and her fingers were no longer the grey colour that they had been all week. Hoping that she wouldn’t need to suffer the indignity of lugging around an oxygen cylinder Avalon cautiously removed the mask to take a few experimental breaths of the salt laden air. She felt a slight pang of nausea but it was nothing she couldn’t live with. Besides someone else might need the oxygen more than she did.
Again Avalon returned her attention to Faustus who was still very much asleep. She deftly rolled the oxygen cylinder out of the way and tried to move away from Faustus. He deserved to sleep without being crushed by her weight. As adroit as Avalon’s movements were as soon as the pressure was gone from Faustus’ chest his eyes snapped open.
“Avalon!” he exclaimed sleepily, “You’re awake! How do you feel?”
“I’m fine,” smiled Avalon and sat down next to Faustus, “How are you?”
“Tired,” grimaced Faustus and he gazed around blearily, “Huh when I fell asleep it was almost daybreak. We must have slept all day.”
“I went into hypovolemic shock I take it?” asked Avalon.
“Oh yes that’s what the Medicus thinks,” nodded Faustus with a frown, “But he said that you didn’t lose enough blood to warrant passing out. He said that obviously you’ll go to hospital once we’re back in Australia but he would recommend that you get further tests done.”
Avalon nodded and then she gestured to Faustus’ arm.
“And what about you?” she asked, “Is that going to be alright?”
Faustus looked down at his arm uncertainly.
“Well I’m going to need a few muscles replaced,” he answered slowly, “As for the, uh, morphing… The Medicus on the ship doesn’t really know. He said it’s not progressing right now but he doesn’t know what exactly they did to me. So I’ll also go to hospital too.”
Avalon grimaced and nodded and the Antistitors continued watching the sun setting in the distance. It threw off magnificent shades of red and gold as it had done when Avalon had first been imprisoned. The sun was no longer above the horizon now, the remnants of its fierce white glimmered just above the water for a second before disappearing entirely. Avalon felt the telekinetic network instantly become visible to her. It wasn’t so much a matter of the network becoming stronger but more of the noise of the sun dying away to reveal a much more intricate picture. For Avalon it was possible to see this intricate picture just before the sunset if she concentrated. But it took a lot of focus.
“I wanted to ask what you did to those soldiers back at Biak,” asked Faustus abruptly, “They all just fell over. No one shot them, no one did anything. They just collapsed.”
“I didn’t do anything to them,” said Avalon, puzzled, “One moment they were running towards me and the next they weren’t.”
Faustus raised an eyebrow in disbelief, “And it makes no difference that me and everyone else on this ship felt a massive telekinetic signal from you just as they were all collapsing?”
“A telekinetic signal?” frowned Avalon, “What do you mean?”
“I could almost see it with my eyes,” said Faustus dourly, “That’s how strong it was. You linked with every one of those humans and some even I hadn’t found and then they were brain dead. You didn’t notice this?”
As Avalon listened she stared at Faustus incredulously. What he was saying sounded fake and unbelievable. He was implying that she had killed those soldiers just by thinking about it. The telekinetic network was powerful but a person could only manipulate it so far. Even Imperators couldn’t kill via the telekinetic network.
“So you’re saying I killed them with my mind powers?” said Avalon wryly, “You do know that’s what it sounds like?”
“Well that is what everyone else is saying,” said Faustus grimly, “And that’s what it looked like.”
Avalon was silent and tried to remember what had happened when she had been stranded defencelessly in the middle of that sparse expanse of sand. She remembered her fast and wild thoughts. She remembered how convenient the soldiers’ deaths seemed to her. She remembered the pounding headache.
“It’s impossible Faustus,” said Avalon apprehensively, “The telekinetic network can’t be used like that.”
Faustus exhaled slowly and continued staring at the sky for a moment before answering.
“Avalon I don’t know if you’ve noticed but you are a very powerful psychicae,” he said diffidently, “I wouldn’t be surprised if you could use the telekinetic network like that.”
“Powerful?” scoffed Avalon, “You’re better than me; you’ve been an Antistitor much longer. If I’m that powerful then so are you.”
“No that’s not true,” said Faustus, “I’m more level headed, yes, but I am not nearly as strong as you are.”
“And how do you come to this conclusion?” said Avalon doubtfully.
“I’ve worked with you for six years now,” said Faustus, “A psychicae’s power isn’t something that you can point to one thing and determine it from that. It’s a collection of values that make the whole person. I can tell you that people know you for six minutes and they understand that you’re powerful; I’ve known you for six years and I think I know what I mean when I say you’re more powerful than I am.”
Avalon could understand Faustus’ perspective; it was difficult to understand the exact values that made one psychicae better than another. The Imperator was certainly more powerful than she was but why was that? Avalon understood it as a certain atmosphere that warned a person that they were dealing with something that they might not be able to control. That was the feeling that Avalon experienced when she was in the Imperator’s presence. Did Faustus feel this same aura from her?
“So you think I have the potential to kill via the telekinetic network?” asked Avalon dubiously.
“I wouldn’t say that specifically,” shrugged Faustus, “That is what it looked like last night, however if it is true that you can use the telekinetic network like that then I would assume you would have a range of abilities.”
Avalon mimicked Faustus and stared at the slowly darkening sky. An expression of disbelief and trepidation contorted her bandaged face. It was an impossible thought. She couldn’t be that powerful as to be able to have such a physical and permanent effect on another person. But what if it was true? The implications would be tremendous. She would be the perfect weapon for Psychicae United, something to be used against the invading Eastern Alliance forces. At the same time she would be held in fear and contempt for possessing such a deadly ability.
Avalon’s exhausted mind could barely handle the thoughts. She could feel the nausea building again and every slow roll of the ship seemed horribly exaggerated to her. She didn’t want to think right now. Faustus seemed to pick up this vibe from her and changed the subject.
“Do you remember Captain Perrin?” he asked casually, “He helped us transport the Indonesian refugees to Australia.”
It seemed like such a long time ago but Avalon vaguely remembered the shabby old psychicae who had delivered them to Australia.
“Yes why?” replied Avalon.
“He’s helping us back to Australia again,” smiled Faustus, “It seems he was a prisoner at Biak.”
Avalon’s eyes widened in surprise and she felt a small smile break onto her face. She had thought he would be killed immediately on return to Papua New Guinea but it made sense that he would instead be detained and sent to the Pulau Supiori concentration camp. It still felt like a strange coincidence to have this same Captain who had assisted them so long ago and who Avalon had assumed to be dead to now be once again bringing them home.
“That is quite astounding,” smiled Avalon, “He is well then?”
“Very well,” nodded Faustus, “In comparison to the rest of us at any rate. I don’t think he looks any worse than when we first saw him. Truth be told he probably had scabies before he was imprisoned.”
Avalon smiled again.
“And I take it we’re not using a direct route through the Indonesian islands?” asked Avalon and she suddenly realised she did not know where they were going or if anyone knew where they were.
“No we would certainly be recaptured if we went through Indonesian waters,” nodded Faustus, “We’re going out around the Solomon Islands and then we’ll probably come into Cooktown. We still haven’t been able to make any contact with anyone though. None of the communication technology onboard works; obviously it has all been shut down in the event of an escape. But nonetheless we should be in Cooktown by tomorrow afternoon.”
Avalon could feel the previous illness fading away now and she relaxed. It would be good to be back in Australia, to be back in Cooktown. As much as it pained her she had to admit she had missed the strange little town. It was curious to her to feel such a sentiment. Perhaps it was because she had never been to a place quite like Cooktown. The psychicaes seemed more human than the humans themselves. Even Bernardus who had at one stage been so enveloped in the business of Psychicae United, even he had succumbed to the sleepy atmosphere of Cooktown. Alexis and Davina seemed content to continue a timid relationship with one another, which was something Avalon had never heard of in her lifetime. Then there was Cato who saw it as her duty to protect Cooktown and its human citizens even though outside of Cooktown she would probably be spurned by the same kin for what she was. And there was the very curious ability that Cato had to bring a smile to Avalon. It had taken Faustus years of careful probing and practice to be able to make Avalon smile and Cato had blundered over the skill after just a couple of months. Cato was indeed the most curious facet of Cooktown and it would be good to see her again. Even if she irritated Avalon to no end.
Destroy My Foundations
Cato woke with the colour of gold burned into her eyes. She immediately sat up and stared at her dishevelled face in the tall mirror at the end of her bed, her breath jerking sharply from her lips. Her mind began to wander back to this second dream but instantly her face began to burn and she threw herself back into her pillows with a groan.
Cato stared out of the slowly brightening window and began to remember what was supposed to be happening today. For once Cato had a day free from the errands of Psychicae United. The Antistitors Vincent and Severino were testing out the telekinetic network controller that the psychicaes in Sydney had built. It was still experimental so only the minimum amount of people were to be at the test site in the Black Mountains. This included the two Antistitors, Auctor Corbin, Medicus Agnes and a small team of researchers. Every other psychicae was to be on standby until the frigate of escaped prisoners arrived late this afternoon accompanied by two Australian patrol boats. It filled Cato with excitement and apprehension to know that the frigate was arriving this afternoon. She could barely wait to see Avalon again but somehow she was suspicious that Avalon’s piercing eyes would see straight through her. And she didn’t want Avalon knowing about the unusual dreams she starred in.
Cato had decided to use her free time to go surfing with Alexis. It was still far too early to be meeting him though so Cato pulled herself out of bed and set about her usual morning tasks at an unusually slow pace while trying not to think about what had caused her to be up at such an early hour. She ate breakfast, showered and brushed her teeth. Outside her grandma was hobbling about the garden and trimming back the forest that threatened to overstep the border of her property. After watching her grandma with curiosity for a while she decided it was a reasonable hour to knock on Alexis’ door.
When Cato knocked at Alexis’ door the dilapidated shack door swung open immediately to reveal Alexis.
“Ready to go!” he said brightly and exited the shack.
“Someone’s unusually chipper this morning,” commented Cato with amusement.
“Hey it’s a nice day,” shrugged Alexis and grabbed his surfboard from beside the door before joining Cato on the road, “And I get to go surfing. Why would I not be chipper?”
“Well yeah but there’s a certain level of chipper that’s acceptable,” answered Cato as they began walking towards Cherry Tree Bay, “After that it gets kinda weird.”
“Alright I’ll tone down my chipperness,” laughed Alexis.
“Oh you don’t have to I think it’s funny,” said Cato casually, “I just want to know why you’re so happy.”
Alexis rolled his eyes, “It’s the thirteenth of February right?”
“Yes it’s also Monday,” said Cato knowingly, “I don’t know where you’re going with this.”
“Which means it’s the fourteenth of February tomorrow!” said Alexis enthusiastically.
“You always were very clever Alexis,” laughed Cato.
“Which means it’s Valentine’s Day!” exclaimed Alexis.
“Oh right, it is!” chortled Cato, “So need I ask, what are your plans?”
“Me and Davina are going to visit the islands up north in the strait,” smiled Alexis and his eyes unfocussed slightly but then he frowned, “If we can get up early enough to get away from Davina’s parents.”
“You’ve been going out for coming on two years now and they still won’t accept you’re not going to murder her?” laughed Cato.
“These are some tough times Cato,” said Alexis morbidly and then he brightened, “Speaking of tough times what are your plans?”
“What do you mean?” laughed Cato, “I’m not going anywhere with Bernardus, he probably will murder me.”
“Nah man I mean what are you going to do about this whole Faustus thing?” chortled Alexis with delight.
Cato frowned in bewilderment.
“Faustus thing?” asked Cato, “What, is Faustus going to murder me?”
Alexis was shaking with laughter, “He just might if he finds out about this. Aw I’m sorry man I shouldn’t laugh. I mean if you actually like him.”
Cato spontaneously lost grip on the surfboard she was holding and it jammed under her foot, resulting on her falling face first into the dirt. But now she understood what Alexis had misunderstood. Warren had told, just as she should have suspected. Cato leapt to her feet and rubbed her stinging nose while trying to hide her flaming face.
“Warren told you didn’t he!” exclaimed Cato.
“Well he said he wouldn’t say anything to anyone else,” snickered Alexis, “But he thought he should tell me cause if you like an Antistitor then you’re probably not going to survive much longer. At least psychologically speaking.”
“I am going to do something really bad to him,” muttered Cato irately.
Alexis laughed, “So it’s true then? You like Faustus?”
Cato’s face contorted in aggravation, “No Alexis, it’s not Faustus.”
“You can’t really deny it at this point Cato,” said Alexis knowingly, “I mean sure I understand your frustration and the disappointment of unrequited love and possible death or at least a warrant for your arrest if he were to ever find out. But you still can’t deny it Cato, acceptance is the first-”
“It’s Avalon,” said Cato bluntly.
Alexis paused with an expression halfway between amusement and surprise. The pair walked in silence for a moment.
“Alright that changes things a little,” admitted Alexis, “Avalon’s pretty gosh darn good looking but I guess there is a chance you missed it, you do know she is a chick. You do know that, right?”
“That’s very observational of you Alexis,” said Cato dryly, “Yes I know.”
“Huh,” answered Alexis shortly and relapsed into silence.
They continued walking while Cato’s mind buzzed with frustration and irritability. She couldn’t form any comprehensible thoughts. She hadn’t expected Alexis to bring this out of her. She didn’t really even know she had this in her. 
“So just to clarify,” said Alexis slowly, “You’re a chick and Avalon is a chick?”
“I guess I’m gay huh?” laughed Cato hopelessly.
Alexis was startled from his confusion by Cato’s laughter and he grinned.
“Well it sure sounds that way,” he chuckled, “You’re lucky you have bigger issues with your lesbian crush being a heartless Antistitor or I wouldn’t leave this here.”
“You’re so kind,” said Cato ironically, “Well now that you know, what should I do?”
Alexis frowned for a moment in thought.
“Well Warren told you to not do anything with Faustus,” mused Alexis, “And Avalon is more humourless than he is so if he wouldn’t have killed you, she certainly would. The smart thing to do would be to keep it to yourself. But you’re lucky we’re not all that clever here in Cooktown.”
Cato chuckled, “And so your recommendation?”
“Well what do you want to get out of this?” asked Alexis.
“Get out of this?” asked Cato, puzzled.
“Yeah duh,” said Alexis, “What’s your endpoint?”
Cato hadn’t given her completely inexplicable ideas surrounding Avalon any serious thought. When they occurred to her she tried to dismiss them as quickly as possible. She wasn’t even sure that her ideas were real ideas and not just something that should probably stay confined to her dreams. It seemed Alexis could see the strain on Cato’s face.
“Whoa don’t overload there Cato,” he laughed, “Think about it for a few days, or weeks, or years. I don’t care but you have to make some sort of decision eventually. For now I haven’t been surfing in a week and that is torture when there is a beach right outside my house.”
........
Luckily the effort of competing with Alexis and a few other surfers for waves was enough to take Cato’s mind off Avalon and for a couple of hours her mind was free from the anxieties she had been under all week. After these couple of hours of dragging herself out through the water and onto the curl of the waves Cato’s arms were becoming weak with exhaustion and she knew it was almost time to return to the shore. She began paddling out one last time and propped herself up on her board to watch for a suitable wave to catch back to the shore. Alexis paddled over to wait beside her and as he approached he called out to Cato.
“Hey look out there,” he said pointing at the horizon, “I think I see the ship!”
Cato followed his hand hopefully and focussed on a small point in the distance. It wasn’t close to sunset yet but the escaped psychicaes must have made good time.
“They are ships Alexis!” exclaimed Cato excitedly, “They must be-”
Cato paused and frowned as small dots on the horizon formulated into visible definitions of ships. There wasn’t just one ship though; there were dozens and as Cato watched more appeared over the horizon. As the first of the ships drew closer Cato saw a flash of orange atop the mast of the first ship. An Eastern Alliance flag.
“I don’t think that’s the psychicaes Alexis,” said Cato hesitantly.
“Huh, what do you mean?” asked Alexis and his eyes squinted at the horizon.
Alexis’ eyes weren’t as sharp as Cato’s so he probably couldn’t see the multitude of ships approaching but any doubt of the association the ships kept was abandoned when a long, loud siren began wailing from behind them in Cooktown.
“It’s the Eastern Alliance Alexis!” shouted Cato and leapt out of the water and into the air, “Get everyone back to the shore and into Cooktown!”
Alexis stared at the horizon open-mouthed for a moment before he nodded and began paddling away from Cato and towards a cluster of surfers. Cato quickly abandoned her board on the beach before flying back out to the water to retrieve the surfers. As she approached the first group of surfers she angled her wings back to glide above them on the strong wind and shouted down to them. The three surfers looked up with surprise.
“Hey get back to shore!” shouted Cato urgently, “We’re under attack!”
“Attack?” answered one of the surfers, befuddled, “Is there a shark?”
“No the Eastern Alliance,” Cato pointed out to the approaching ships that were now clearly visible, “The sirens mean you need to get back to Cooktown!”
The surfers stared at the ships with the same blank expression Alexis had for a moment.
“Aw shit,” one of them cursed and looked up at Cato, “Alright thanks mate, we’ll get back!”
They began hastily paddling back to shore and Cato moved onto the next group of surfers. Ten minutes later all of the surfers were running up the trail away from Cherry Tree Bay and towards Cooktown. Cato landed on the beach just as Alexis stumbled out of the water; ripping the surfboard rope off his ankle.
“What do we do now man?” he asked apprehensively and glanced back at the approaching ships.
“In the event of an attack Cooktown will be evacuated,” said Cato as they hurriedly followed the surfers back up the trail, “We always thought that we’d have more warning though, that any invading forces would get spotted by the patrol boats before getting here. So it’s going to be a really fast evacuation.”
Cato glanced back at the ships just a few kilometres from the shore just as they were blotted out by the trees. There was no way they could evacuate everyone from Cooktown in time. The disbelieving grimace on Alexis face as he ran confirmed that he knew this too.
As they burst out from the trees and onto the road along the cliff side that held Alexis’ shack Cato dropped her surfboard by Alexis’ front door.
“You should go find Davina and her parents,” said Cato, “I’ve got to get my grandma!”
“Alright, be careful Cato!” said Alexis and hurried towards his car.
As Cato took to the air she heard a loud whistle fly far overhead. She glanced up and was momentarily blinded by the sun. It then became clear what the whistle had come from. From Cato’s vantage point a few hundred metres above the ground she saw the central buildings of Cooktown abruptly become engulfed in a plume of red and black and a thunderous roar coupled with a scorching shock wave knocked Cato from the air.
Cato was shifted up by a searing wave of heat and then she tumbled about in the broiling air currents as she fought to right herself. When Cato regained her balance she stared in horror at the burning buildings. Even from hundreds of metres away she could hear the screaming of the residents of Cooktown and she could see the people racing away from the scorch mark that burned in the centre of town. Cato pelted over the burning town and towards her home nestled against Mount Cook.
Her grandma would still be there. She was clever enough to know what was going on but she would never make it out of the burning town by herself. She barely made it up the porch stairs by herself.
Cato was just a few seconds from swooping onto the porch when another thunderous roar exploded in front of her. For a moment searing heat engulfed her skin and she was thrown about like a new doll in the hands of a zealous child. And then the cool earth came up to meet her and the fire was swept away into the air to leave the strong scent of burning. Cato leapt up from the blackened dirt and began sprinting up the road towards her house. The trees around her that had once been impenetrably thick were now charred and twisted husks of their former glory. As Cato ran the clumps of fire clinging to the burnt trees became denser. The first house that Cato passed had sounds of life. From the broken walls crying and screaming emanated. The second house offered no such noises, only the sound of crackling fire. The last house, her house, now became visible at the end of the street. Through the thick flames blocking Cato’s path she could see the small remnants of her home burning ferociously. Cato panting breath shuddered in shock.
“Grandma!” screamed Cato and jumped into the air to fly over the flames.
A giant hand closed around her ankle and yanked her back to the ground.
“Cato, let’s go,” growled Bernardus and dragged her away from the blazing house.
Cato struggled to free herself from Bernardus’ merciless grip. Agonising emotion filled Cato’s eyes with tears.
“Let me go Bernardus!” cried Cato, “I have to help her!”
“You can’t help anyone here Cato,” said Bernardus firmly, “Cooktown is being evacuated; everyone is leaving.”
“But she needs my help Bernardus,” sobbed Cato and her resistance became weaker.
“I’m sorry Cato,” answered Bernardus quietly and Cato felt yet another explosion pound through the earth.
Bernardus continued dragging her along the burnt street. Cato barely noticed where she was going all she could feel was the sudden disappearance of the only parent she had ever had. All she could think of was seeing her limping around her home this morning and tending to the slightly overgrown plants. Her garden was always slightly overgrown, Cato had questioned her about it before and she had answered that she thought it was cruel to tell the plants how they ought to grow. She had always been rather mad. Maybe she was actually a genius and Cato just didn’t understand anything she said.
Cato now noticed that Bernardus was leading her out of town. She could now see other people hurrying along the same street as them. The screams were far behind them and the houses along these streets were quiet.
“Where are we going?” sniffed Cato.
“The Eastern Alliance forces were too sudden and too strong to fight,” said Bernardus, “So everyone is being evacuated. We’re going to Black Mountain where transport should be waiting to take us to Cairns.”
“Oh,” said Cato shortly.
There was another pause as they continued walking. Another couple of explosions rattled through Cato and she glanced back at Cooktown to see a plume of smoke rising over the houses.
“I hope Alexis and Davina are ok,” said Cato tentatively.
Bernardus didn’t answer but Cato saw his lips purse and knew he agreed. They continued walking in silence for a few more minutes. They eventually came to an intersection and Cato was about to continue walking straight ahead when Bernardus pulled her back into the shadow of the trees.
“Hey!” exclaimed Cato, “What are-”
Bernardus shushed her and pointed through the trees to their right. Cato peered through the branches and saw dozens of soldiers jogging down the street. Cato could not tell by their mottled green uniforms if they were Australian or Eastern Alliance soldiers but the Australian soldiers wouldn’t be marching into Cooktown away from the missile fire. The soldiers were approaching quickly as Cato watched; they would see them at any moment now.
“This way!” hissed Bernardus and dragged Cato back along the street and into the front yard of a home nestled among the trees.
Cato and Bernardus ran around the house and jumped the fence into another cluttered backyard. They had jumped at least four fences when Cato could here yells and protests through the trees. She could hear the sounds of someone shouting in a language she didn’t understand and the fearful responses in English. The soldiers had found some of the Cooktown citizens. Cato and Bernardus came to a halt and exchanged a pained stare.
“We can’t just leave them,” groaned Cato.
“We can’t just fight them either,” grimaced Bernardus and he glanced around wildly as though searching for an idea.
Cato listened as the commotion continued through the cover of the trees and watched as Bernardus thought. Cato began surveying the yard as Bernardus was. It was a small yard, and as Cato looked around she recognised it as the back of Kingdom Hall. It was a community hall and a very old building. There were still a series of ancient gas cylinders attached to the outside of the building that had once been used to light the inside of the hall. Now they were obsolete but no one had thought to remove them.
“Bernardus!” exclaimed Cato quietly, “What if we caused a distraction? The soldiers would split up to investigate and we could take on whoever they leave to guard the Cooktown people?”
“Ok, how do you plan on distracting them?” asked Bernardus, “If you run out at them they’ll only send a couple of soldiers after you and I still can’t fight the rest.”
“Nah what if we blow up the hall?” said Cato brightly.
Bernardus stared at Cato for a moment with a raised eyebrow and then he conceded to her perspective.
“That is a fair distraction,” he agreed, “How will we blow up the hall?”
“The gas cylinders,” Cato pointed at the rusted line of metal cylinders attached to the building, “If we puncture them then they might blow up!”
Bernardus grimaced, “You have a poor understanding of pyrotechnics Cato. You need a spark to detonate the cylinders. You’re working off the logic they use in movies where there is the unlikely event that the puncture also simultaneously creates a spark and it causes an explosion. That probably won’t happen.”
“Huh,” again Cato marvelled at the hidden well of information that Bernardus contained, “So what do you think we should do?”
“I think we should light a fire inside the building,” said Bernardus, “Release the gas taps and run as far as we can.”
“Oh, that’s good too,” said Cato enthusiastically, “Let’s do that!”
It took the pair a few minutes to break in through the back door of the hall. They couldn’t break any windows and let the soldiers know where they were. Instead Bernardus jimmied the wooden door open quietly and they stole into the building. Inside Bernardus managed to start a small fire on the polished wooden floor of the hall with a bundle of kindling and a couple of sticks. Cato was starting to become very relieved that she was in Bernardus’ care; without him she would have had no idea of how to go about such seditious activities.
Another few minutes later and the pair had released the rusted gas taps. They turned with a small squeak and let through a hiss of gas. At this noise Cato and Bernardus started running. They jumped the fence of the property and stopped only when they were hidden behind the walls of the next building.
“Over here,” Bernardus was now breaking into the car parked in the driveway of this house with a set of barbeque tools that had been left close by the house.
The lock did not take him long to get past and Cato climbed into the passenger side of the car. Now Bernardus broke open the compartment under the steering wheel and set to work on hotwiring the car. Within seconds the engine purred into life. Cato’s heart was pounding violently now that she was still. Tears still lurked in the back of her throat but she could barely focus on her grandma’s death with such danger right before her. The minutes drew on and on and Cato listened nervously as the soldiers barked orders in garbled English at the Cooktown residents. There was then yet another earth rending boom and the car trembled on the ground.
Immediately the soldiers were in an uproar. Cato heard pounding footsteps cross the road and more orders being shouted in the same nonsensical language. Cato glanced over at Bernardus who was listening intently to the sounds coming from the newly destroyed hall. The soldiers were coming closer and closer. They rushed into the burning property and immediately began spreading out to search the area.
“Keep your head down when I drive out,” muttered Bernardus, “They’ll shoot at us but we want to get everyone inside the car. I heard around six English voices so it’ll be a tight fit but it’ll have to do.”
Cato nodded nervously and continued watching Bernardus and listening closely to the sounds of the soldiers approaching. Just as she thought they might come through the trees to discover where they were Bernardus flattened the accelerator and the car shot out from the trees and along the gravel driveway. As soon as it reached the intense light of the road bullets began hammering onto the surface of the car. Cato would have screamed in fright if she didn’t think keeping calm was so important to her and everyone else’s safety.
Bernardus closely approached the circle of firing soldiers. As he accelerated towards them they stumbled backwards and broke their circle surrounding the Cooktown citizens who were shrieking in terror, their hands covering their heads. Bernardus stopped beside the tight cluster of citizens and Cato threw open the doors to the car.
“Get in!” yelled Cato.
Without hesitation the citizens leapt into the car. Bernardus again hit the accelerator and the car skidded into motion. Cato and the other citizens kept their heads low as bullets rebounded off the car. The whine of the car’s engine and the deafening hail of bullets was the only thing Cato could hear for another couple of seconds before she was jerked to the side and she realised that they had swerved around a corner and out of sight. The whine of the engine continued but the bullets had halted for now. Cato raised her head cautiously and looked around outside the car’s shattered windows.
Bernardus was still speeding down a suburban road, his eyes focussed grimly ahead of him. The passengers behind Cato were now fearfully beginning to look around as Cato was. As they realised what had just happened and that they were now safe smiles began to break out on their faces and some began laughing.
“Cato, Bernardus, that was amazing!” it was Constable Sarah.
Cato laughed sheepishly and fell back in her seat with trembling limbs.
“No really thank you so much!” exclaimed Constable Sarah, “That was so scary, I don’t know what would have happened if you two hadn’t shown up!”
“Yeah you guys are heroes!” agreed another of the people.
“You saved us all!” said another.
“It’s ok,” said Cato weakly, “We couldn’t have just left!”
“Well I guess but that was still really brave!” said Constable Sarah firmly, “But anyway what are we going to do now?”
“It’s going to be dark soon,” said Bernardus matter-of-factly.
“So the belluas will be out?” asked Cato.
“And the escaped psychicaes will arrive at the naval base,” grimaced Bernardus, “The patrol boats that were supposed to meet the ship and would have directed them away from Cooktown were sunk when the Eastern Alliance arrived, last I heard.”
“We have to stop their ship!” exclaimed Cato with horror.
“We can’t,” said Bernardus dismally, “The military base will already be secured by the Eastern Alliance by now.”
Cato stared at Bernardus’ frustrated grimace. The previous high from rescuing the few Cooktown residents was now gone. Avalon was now travelling across the ocean towards Australia believing she would come home to safety but she would simply walk right back into her prison. They would be only a few hours away, if that.
Suddenly an insane thought struck Cato. She could fly. She could fly long distances. A few hours of flight was nothing to her, particularly with the western wind that had been blowing all day.
“Bernardus if you take everyone to Black Mountain I can fly out to the psychicaes and tell them what’s going on!” said Cato excitedly.
Bernardus’ face contorted in an apprehensive grimace.
“But what if you miss them?” he asked, “Or the Eastern Alliance might spot you?”
“It’s cloudy today they won’t see me fly over them,” said Cato and the idea sounded even better with each passing moment, “And from so high I’ll be able to see for ages. I won’t be able to miss them.”
Bernardus paused for another moment as he considered the idea. The people they had rescued were quiet as they listened closely.
“It’s a good idea,” admitted Bernardus finally and he slowed the car down on the side of the highway, “Do you know where the Solomon Islands are?”
“Yeah I know where they are,” nodded Cato.
“Good the ship is taking a route that goes east of the Solomon Islands,” explained Bernardus, “So fly out that way. If you reach any land though you’ve gone too far, they should be much closer than the Solomon Islands by now.”
Cato nodded and opened the car door. The people in the back of the car stared with astonishment at Cato.
“Ok I’ll keep that in mind,” said Cato with a voice she hoped didn’t shake.
“And you might want to skirt south around the Eastern Alliance forces,” suggested Bernardus.
“Yeah I’ll do that as well,” said Cato and closed the car door, “Well uh, good luck with getting to Black Mountain.”
Bernardus’ mouth moved into a lopsided smile, “Yeah, good luck with getting to that ship.”
“Yeah good luck Cato!” said Constable Sarah.
A bout of well-wishing emanated from the back of the car and Cato again smiled sheepishly.
“Thanks guys,” she said, “Well see you later.”
With that she took to the air and climbed steeply to reach the cover of the clouds.
........
A meeting had been called amongst the eighteen surviving Antistitors on the ship. A few of them had decided that there were a few important issues that needed to be discussed before making port in Australia. Avalon had little idea what these could possibly be and between her exhaustion, insatiable thirst and unattended hunger she hoped it would be significant information. She would need something interesting to keep her awake for the duration of the meeting.
The Antistitors had gathered in the empty mess hall below the deck. Apparently it was imperative that the information divulged in the meeting remain secret even from the psychicaes on the ship. Avalon and Faustus sat wearily on one of the long steel benches. Most of the other Antistitors joined them; all in similar states of fatigue. One of the Antistitors stood at the front of the gathering. He was particularly ragged in appearance. Old grey clothes hung off his skeletal form and the fur that had assumedly once covered his head was now wispy and patches were missing. Only one furred ear pointed out from his head; the other was a mangled stump.
“Good afternoon everyone,” he breathed and his exhaustion was immediately apparent in his voice, “I’m Antistitor Marc. I have some information I think we need to share pertaining to Psychicae United and their involvement in this war.
There have been rumours circulating that there are psychicaes fighting for the Eastern Alliance. Psychicae United is yet to provide an official explanation for this and denies that they have anything to do with it. This is a lie. There is currently a coup happening at Psychicae United International.”
Avalon could almost feel a collective intake of breath. A coup had never before occurred within any branch of Psychicae United, let alone the International branch. Things were always done democratically and civilly.
“I was an Antistitor for the International Imperator,” said Marc, “About a year ago I began noticing that some of my colleagues were engaging in… extracurricular activities. Meetings that no one else knew about. I was invited and I attended once. I chose not to attend again.
They made their intentions quite clear from the moment I arrived. However once I knew of their plans I couldn’t be let loose to run back to the Imperator so they had me sent to Cambodia before I could warn anyone. I was quickly captured by the Eastern Alliance forces and have been in concentration camps ever since. That’s where Antistitor Carla can continue the story.”
Marc gestured to a tall woman sitting on the bench to his left, a long furred tail curled beneath her. She did not stand or look up but she swept her long curtain of white hair behind her ears to reveal a pale face and pink eyes.
“I was also an International Antistitor,” said Carla bitterly, her voice heavy with a Russian accent, “I did not go to any of their meetings; I was far too busy at the time. But I remember when Marc was sent to Cambodia, it seemed like such a strange decision as I knew, everyone knew, he would not be able to evade capture for long. He would be little use there. But they sent him anyway.
After that other Antistitors would be sent to dangerous locations and be captured. It was blamed on our inexperience with warfare. But in reality they were doing it purposefully. Anyone that got in their way was removed. Eventually they began putting pieces of their plan into action and sightings of psychicaes working for the Eastern Alliance began pouring in. Not long after I began my own personal investigation. I knew that there were a few psychicaes behaving oddly. It didn’t take long before they noticed me and then I was sent away as well. I was captured in Malaysia four months ago.”
There was silence after these two Antistitors spoke. The rest of the psychicaes were staring blankly at the two Antistitors. It seemed too much to have thought to have been freed from danger and now to be walking right back into it. Avalon could feel the familiar feeling of nausea return to her. The implications of a coup within Psychicae United International were almost unfathomable.
“Your evidence is anecdotal,” said another Antistitor defensively, “Why should we believe you?”

“I’m telling you this because I want you to be able to make a decision for yourselves,” said Marc slowly, “About where your allegiance lies. Where it truly lies. I honestly don’t care if you believe me or not now, because you will eventually. The only difference is if you don’t believe me now I’ll get off this ship and I’ll disappear. No one will find me again, not the Eastern Alliance, not Psychicae United, no one. And I can tell you now; you need all the help you can get.”
“So if I can just elucidate this some more,” said yet another Antistitor, “You want us to believe that instead of there being just a few nutty psychicaes, in actuality for the first time ever there is a rebellion happening in the upper government of Psychicae United?”
“Think about it!” snapped Carla angrily, “I know you Antistitors all think you’re oh so powerful but actually we are better than you are. We’re smarter, stronger and we just did our jobs better. We are actually the best of the best; that is why we are International Antistitors. Do you honestly think that two thirds of the original International Antistitors should be in concentration camps right now! How else can they have all of our case files! Do you wonder how it is that the Eastern Alliance even knows that the telekinetic network operates over electromagnetic frequencies? It’s all so obvious!”
Avalon’s mind had been running through all of these possibilities even before Carla had brought them up. She had not considered them obscure before but now that they had been pointed out to her they stuck out sorely. As she looked around she could see the dubious grimaces of the psychicaes but they only concealed the true nature of the battle going on inside each of their minds. The psychicaes believed it but they didn’t want to admit it.
“Assuming what you say is true,” said Avalon, “What do you propose we do?”
“We must first ascertain exactly how rotten this proverbial apple is,” said Carla, “Since we are going back to Australia our first move should be to discover if the Australian Imperator is still exercising free will or is merely a puppet of the International bureau.”
“And how do we go about that?” asked Alida uncertainly.
“Very carefully,” answered Marc, “To begin with I would suggest you all continue your usual activities, just with the intent of gathering information. I would then suggest we meet again at a later date to share this information and decide any actions from there.”
“So what information do you have already?” asked Faustus, “Who exactly started this coup? What are their objectives?”
Marc released an exhausted sigh and slowly sat down on one of the benches.
“The meeting I went to had about fifty psychicaes present,” he said, “The chairman of the meeting was an Auctor named Cameo and I assume he is the instigator of this whole fiasco. He has a small inner circle of psychicaes, about a dozen all together. In the whole meeting I counted at least six Auctors and four Antistitors. I do assume they have gathered more members since that meeting a year ago though.
As for their objectives, they stated dissatisfaction with the strictness of Psychicae United’s laws. They believe we have reduced freedom and that we live in a state of metaphorical imprisonment. They believe that psychicaes have been held solely responsible for peace-keeping efforts and that this responsibility is the cause of our captivity. They therefore seek to overthrow the International Bureau to ensure that our entire law system is changed to allow greater personal agency.”
“That’s madness,” laughed an Antistitor incredulously, “They’ve completely misunderstood the point of Psychicae United!”
“Yes I did try to reason with them,” grimaced Marc, “I told them that our primary goal as an organisation was to ensure worldwide peace in cooperation with the human population but they seem to be consumed with an ideology that we are alone in this battle for peace and we solely suffer greatly for it.”
“But why help the Eastern Alliance then?” asked another Antistitor, “If they don’t believe that psychicaes and humans can work together then why are they trying to?”
“By themselves these few psychicaes have little power to overthrow Psychicae United,” explained Marc, “With the help of all of countries, military and industrial power of the Eastern Alliance they can be close to unstoppable.”
There was a moment of tense silence as the Antistitors absorbed all of this new and momentous information. After a few moments Marc broke the silence.
“I suggest we meet again a month from now,” he said bluntly, “In a secure location, most probably close to Sydney as this will be where most of you will be stationed. Does anyone have any suggestions? Avalon, Faustus, you are both from Sydney do you know anywhere we could meet without attracting attention?”
Avalon began running through all of the dark corners and quiet niches in Sydney. The meeting would certainly have to be held in the city centre despite the increased chance of running into other psychicaes. It would be very suspicious for even a large crowd of psychicaes to be wandering about in the outer suburbs of Sydney. The location would have to be somewhere unpopular so they were seen by as few people as possible. Avalon thought of all the dingy pubs and bars she had been sent to in her earlier years as a pedite to flush out unruly patrons and to eavesdrop on drugs and weapons rings. It had been an impossible and never-ending task to hunt down every drugs and weapons lord in Sydney simply because of the places they would hide.
One particular case came to mind. She and Faustus had been sent out to a place called the Amber Tavern to arrest half a dozen weapons traffickers and the traffickers had simply fled the scene with Avalon unable to give chase to any of them. The labyrinth of corridors had been impossible to navigate due to its unconformity to the council draft plans. It would be the perfect place to hold a secret meeting.
“The Amber Tavern?” suggested Avalon and glanced at Faustus.
Faustus snorted derisively and nodded. He clearly remembered the bitter feeling of returning to Psychicae United with nothing after that night.
“The Amber Tavern is located at 380 Eager Street in Haymarket, Sydney,” said Avalon, “Eager Street is a back alley and once you reach the address the Amber Tavern is down a set of stairs. It regularly attracts Sydney’s finest as you can imagine so none of the people who might be there will say they saw us.”
“Sounds excellent,” said Marc wryly, “Then we are agreed? We will all meet again exactly one month from today, the thirteenth of March, at the Amber Tavern? At let’s say nine pm so we all have enough time to get away from our work without causing suspicion?”
As he gazed around at the psychicaes no one rebuked him and they all returned his gaze grimly.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” smiled Marc cynically, “And now we should bring this meeting to an end. Debriefings really shouldn’t take this long.”
As Marc finished speaking there was an urgent rap at the door.
“Come in,” called Marc and the door opened.
Standing in the doorway were a couple of apprehensive psychicaes and someone Avalon had not expected in the slightest. Covered in soot and seeming more agitated than both of the psychicaes combined was Cato.
“Sorry for the interruption,” said one of the psychicaes nervously as the eighteen Antistitors gazed at her, “This is Cato, she flew from Cooktown and she has some troubling news.”
The psychicae ushered Cato forward and Cato stepped forward with reluctance. Even in their varied states of fatigue the Antistitors still carried an impressive aura and gathered together Avalon almost felt pity for Cato as she stumbled into the room. Avalon noticed Cato’s quick glance at Faustus and then to her, and a small tinge of colour crept into Cato’s face. Avalon frowned and vaguely wondered at the reaction before dismissing it.
“The Eastern Alliance invaded Cooktown a few hours ago,” said Cato, “So you have to change course to Cairns.”
“Tell the Captain to change course please,” ordered Marc gesturing at the two psychicaes in the doorway and they scurried away, “Cato is it? Tell us what happened in Cooktown.”
Cato appeared surprised to be asked for her opinion and looked as if she would rather be scampering away with the other two psychicaes.
“There was no warning,” said Cato tentatively, “The Eastern Alliance must have slipped past border security. We only knew they were coming when we saw them on the horizon and by then there was no time to evacuate everyone. The Antistitors, Auctors and Medicus were all half an hour away at Black Mountain so they couldn’t help us. And we were going to send a couple of patrol boats out that would have sent you to Cairns but they got caught up in the fight. Basically the Eastern Alliance came in too quickly for us to prepare and so we lost Cooktown. Everyone that’s left is going to Cairns.”
Listening to Cato’s perspective of the ordeal Avalon could almost feel the suspicion snapping through the room. Had Psychicae United let the Eastern Alliance through? Why were all of the Antistitors and Auctors conveniently far away from Cooktown? Had Psychicae United taken the invasion as an opportunity to recapture the psychicaes onboard this ship? Or maybe it was all just paranoia.
“Thank you for flying out here to let us know,” said Marc, “We can’t do much to help the situation in Cooktown as we are, so we will have to wait until we arrive in Cairns. That should be in about an hour. So unless anyone has anymore questions?”
The room of exhausted psychicaes was silent. Avalon imagined that there were many questions but none that could be asked in the presence of Cato and none that the Antistitors probably felt they had the energy for.
“Excellent, dismissed then,” said Marc and the Antistitors slowly and wearily disseminated.
Avalon wanted to discuss the meetings events with Faustus but she knew it would probably not be a wise idea until she could be assured no one was listening. For now she quelled her need to talk and rose from the bench. After sitting for so long her damaged foot had become painful with pins and needles again. Unfortunately there was a shortage of crutches onboard the ship so Avalon had taken to leaning on Faustus’ good arm whenever the waves caused the floor to tip precariously. Now was one of those times and she held his arm to steady her limping pace as they approached an apprehensive Cato.
“Good afternoon Cato,” said Faustus, “Thank you for flying to us.”
“Oh that’s alright,” said Cato sheepishly and followed them as they left the room, “Someone had to.”
Now that Avalon was closer she could see tension in Cato’s face and grey circles under her eyes. Her shoulders were hunched and her feet scuffed the floor as they walked. It was not the customarily bright Cato that Avalon had imagined seeing again.
After traversing the corridors below deck they reached the main deck of the frigate and Faustus deposited Avalon against one of the railings to steady herself. On the eastern horizon in front of them the sun was casting a faint purple hue over the sky and darkening the water.
“Uh how are you guys?” asked Cato hesitantly, “I mean obviously you’re both covered in bandages but you’ll get better, right?”
Faustus chuckled, “Yes I will need to have a muscle transplant but I will be out of hospital in a few weeks hopefully. Avalon will have a more extensive stay though.”
“Yeah you do look in worse shape,” grimaced Cato.
“Thank you both,” said Avalon wryly and again Cato’s face flushed slightly, “I don’t imagine I’ll be confined to hospital like I was last time though as I wasn’t shot anywhere important.”
Before either Faustus or Cato could answer a psychicae hurried over and interrupted them.
“Excuse me Antistitors but Captain Perrin needs help navigating into Cairns Pier,” said the psychicae, “He doesn’t know the area very well and since communications are down it could be tricky.”
Avalon grimaced and reached out to take Faustus’ arm again but he shook his head.
“It’s ok you can stay here,” said Faustus, “I can deal with it. It won’t take long.”
Avalon leant back against the railing and nodded gratefully. Even leaning on Faustus to walk still sent a jab of pain through her with every step. Although as Avalon watched Faustus leave she realised that perhaps this was another of his subtle manoeuvres to leave her alone with Cato. Avalon still didn’t really understand the entertainment he found in her utter irritation with Cato.
As Faustus disappeared back into the ship Avalon looked back at Cato. Cato was staring at the water a few metres below. Her eyes seemed unfocussed and her mind far away. Avalon wondered what exactly had happened in Cooktown. Avalon was now beginning to realise just how much she had longed to see Cooktown and indeed Cato again. Seeing Cato as just a husk of her usual cheery self brought forward a certain nostalgia and longing for a return to normality.
“So Cato, what did you do this week?” Avalon found herself asking, “Besides the invasion?”
Cato was just as surprised as Avalon was at the question and she took a moment to answer.
“Uh well I was helping track down belluas most of the time,” shrugged Cato, “But the researchers finished a copy of the telekinetic network controller that the Eastern Alliance has been using so they thought they could use that against the belluas instead. That’s what they were doing at Black Mountain today.”
At least that’s what everyone was told they were doing, Avalon thought suspiciously but she was far too fatigued to keep up a paranoid line of reasoning and returned to the trivial conversation.
“It sounds like you’ve been doing a lot of work lately,” said Avalon.
Cato still seemed disconcerted that Avalon was making an attempt at conversation instead of vice versa but she now smiled and lifted her head a little higher.
“Not really, not compared to the other psychicaes,” said Cato nonchalantly, “They just need me cause I know the area and, well you and Antistitor Faustus weren’t there to show them around.”
“Yes I suppose you were in the right place at the right time then,” said Avalon wryly.
“Yeah I guess so,” laughed Cato weakly.
There was a small pause before Cato spoke again.
“Does that hurt?” grimaced Cato tentatively and gestured to the bandage covering Avalon’s face.
“It’s not as painful as it looks,” shrugged Avalon, “The swellings feel worse.”
“Oh well that’s good, I think,” answered Cato uncertainly, “I mean I saw it before it was all bandaged up and stuff when you were rescuing the prisoners and it looked pretty nasty then.”
It took Avalon’s brain a few seconds to catch up with what Cato had said.
“How did you see it?” asked Avalon, “It’s been bandaged this whole time.”
“Huh, oh you don’t know?” chuckled Cato, “Well you know the reporter Estelle, the one who was recording you? Well she was streaming everything over the internet. We were watching back at the base in Cooktown. That’s how we knew to send some patrol boats out to meet you. Pity they never made it.”
“Oh well that makes more sense,” grimaced Avalon uncomfortably.
There were many psychicae reporters that travelled the globe and gathered news relevant to psychicaes as the human media never reported anything. However Avalon had done a decent job of hiding from them until now.
“I was watching pretty much the whole thing,” continued Cato, “From when you broke into Estelle’s prison to when Antistitor Faustus carried you onto the ship. You’re really brave; I couldn’t have done anything you did.”
“You flew out here,” shrugged Avalon, “Assumedly over Eastern Alliance infested waters. Bravery isn’t as hard as you think Cato; it just requires a touch of stupidity.”
Cato laughed, “I can see your point.”
Avalon and Cato continued the trifling conversation for a while as the sun set behind them. Eventually only a faint orange glow was visible. Avalon watched as Cato slowly returned to her usual optimistic disposition and it seemed that her own aches and pains also disappeared with Cato’s troubles. Avalon also noticed that she smiled more than once and she noticed that these small deviations from her usual impassive persona drew curious flushes of colour from Cato. It was an almost unnoticeable reaction and Avalon might have dismissed it as a result of the harsh wind on Cato’s face had it not occurred in response to a fixed stimulus.
Avalon wasn’t sure how much time had truly passed but Faustus had not returned so Avalon had sat down on the edge of the ship to rest her numb leg and Cato had joined her.
“Well I’ve only been surfing once this week,” said Cato nonchalantly, “And that was today. Psychicae United doesn’t really leave much room for fun.”
“Yes they do have stringent expectations for their employee’s time management,” said Avalon.
“Yeah you could put it that way,” chortled Cato, “Say what do you do for fun? All I ever see you doing is work.”
Avalon glanced at Cato with surprise and then she frowned. She didn’t really have any time for any major hobbies like Cato did.
“I like to study history and law,” said Avalon uncertainly, “And I can play the piano.”
“No wonder you’re an Antistitor,” grimaced Cato.
“There’s something wrong with my pastimes?” asked Avalon wryly.
“No but personally I wouldn’t choose to study history or law in my free time,” said Cato, bemused, “Maybe piano but I wouldn’t be able to sit for long enough. Did you ever do any sport?”
Avalon considered the question for a moment. Outside of her already physically demanding job at Psychicae United she hadn’t done anything Cato would consider a recreational ‘sport’ after Faustus had brought her to Sydney. While she was still in Menindee however…
“I once did track running,” said Avalon, “My morphs made me much faster than most humans so I constantly scored well. I almost made it to the national competition.”
“Wow that’s pretty cool,” said Cato brightly, “Why didn’t you get into nationals?”
“People began noticing I was a psychicae,” said Avalon shortly.
“Oh so you did track running before you went to Psychicae United,” said Cato inquisitively and then she frowned, “They kicked you out for being a psychicae? They don’t kick me out of the surfing competitions for that.”
Avalon smiled. Cato had made a wrong assumption. They hadn’t disqualified her from the national competition; Avalon had simply not shown up. She and her sister had already disappeared by then.
“I don’t think your morph is much of a cheat when it comes to surfing Cato,” said Avalon wryly, “Maybe for Alexis but certainly not for you.”
“Hey I can beat Alexis any time I like,” said Cato defiantly, “I let him win that time.”
“Of course,” shrugged Avalon irreverently and the smile still lingered on her lips.
Cato suddenly sat up straighter and gasped, “You know I could teach you to surf! That would be fun!”
“Uh I don’t think so Cato,” sniffed Avalon.
“Why not?” asked Cato enthusiastically.
“Besides my incredibly busy work schedule,” said Avalon wryly, “I can’t swim and I don’t plan on learning.”
Cato’s eyes widened in surprise and her mouth fell open slightly. Her whole body began to shake with laughter.
“You can’t swim?” she giggled, “I thought you knew how to do everything! Why can’t you swim?”
“I have an aversion to water,” said Avalon tetchily, “It’s not a job requirement that I need to swim anyway.”
“So you’re scared of water?” asked Cato with delight.
“Yes Cato I’m scared of water,” she answered deprecatingly.
Cato chuckled for a few moments longer and then gazed at Avalon with a sympathetic frown.
“I shouldn’t pick on you, I guess everyone’s scared of something,” she said, bemused, “I’m scared of seaweed. I haven’t told Alexis though so if he ever knew he would never let me live it down. So now we’re even?”
Avalon suppressed a small chuckle.
“Yes Cato now we’re even,” smiled Avalon and again the colour deepened in Cato’s face.
Avalon jumped as someone cleared their throat behind her. Her head whipped around and she saw Faustus standing a few metres behind her and in the background the Australian coastline was looming. They were just a few minutes from the sparkling lights of Cairns and Avalon had not noticed.
“We’ll be making port in about fifteen minutes,” said Faustus as he gazed between Avalon and Cato with amusement.
“So we’re at Cairns already?” said Avalon as she pulled herself up from the ground, “Why didn’t you let me know sooner?”
“I didn’t want to interrupt,” shrugged Faustus casually and began strolling back towards the conglomerate of psychicaes waiting to disembark the frigate.
Avalon grimaced at Faustus’ strange sense of humour and began to limp after him over the now stable surface of the deck. Cato quickly got up and followed.
Friends in High Places
“Cato!”
Cato’s vision was obstructed as Davina collided with her and was closely followed by Alexis. For a moment Cato couldn’t see anything but Davina’s brown hair and her breathing became somewhat limited as both Davina and Alexis’ arms tightened around her. And then they let go but Cato was still unable to focus on anything but her friends as they fussed over her.
“Are you ok Cato!” exclaimed Davina and she squished Cato’s face between her hands and then she threw her arms around Cato’s neck again, “Oh you had us so worried!”
“Yeah man we didn’t know where you were until a few minutes ago,” groaned Alexis and anxiously ran a hand through his hair, “We thought you didn’t make it.”
Cato could now see Davina’s parents waiting outside of terminal to Cairns Pier. Just as Alexis and Davina they were covered in dust and their clothes were blackened. They seemed exhausted but they watched Davina warily.
“I’m fine guys,” said Cato as Davina let her go again, “I flew out to meet the psychicaes coming back from Indonesia.”
Cato pointed at the psychicaes now filling the terminal and being attended to by psychicae medics to the bemusement of the terminal staff.
“I left Bernardus with some people we rescued,” said Cato wearily, “Constable Sarah was with them. Have you seen either of them yet?”
Davina glanced at Alexis nervously and Alexis’s mouth curled.
“There’s no more coming out of Cooktown now Cato,” sniffed Alexis, “That’s why we was so worried about you. Bernardus, he, uh… Well he never got out.”
Cato stared at Alexis for a moment as a chill slipped over her.
“He didn’t get out?” she repeated hollowly, “What do you mean?”
“Well the Antistitors don’t think he’s, er,” Alexis paused, “The Antistitors think he’s alive. They think everyone who’s still in Cooktown’s alive. They can sense them apparently. The Antistitors think they’re being held captive.”
Cato nodded and her gaze slipped to her feet as she tried to take in this information. She knew she should have stayed with Bernardus. There really wasn’t any reason for her to have gone and turned around that boat. It had been loaded with Antistitors. That one boat was more prepared than the entirety of Cooktown to defend itself against the Eastern Alliance. Hell it probably would have turned out better if the boat had arrived in Cooktown, maybe then those Antistitors could have saved the town. Maybe they could have saved her grandma. And if she hadn’t left Bernardus to go chat up Avalon he would be here now. Hadn’t Avalon said she had been stupid to fly to the boat? Cato had thought she was being friendly at the time but maybe she was just trying to hint at what she really thought. Avalon blamed Cato for what had happened to Cooktown as well.
“It’s alright man,” said Alexis sympathetically, “We’ll get him back in no time. The Antistitors are already planning an offensive and Cooktown is the first line of attack.”
Cato nodded miserably and allowed herself to be lead towards the exit. But her feet suddenly became glued to the floor when Avalon reached the exit first. Faustus left before Avalon and as Avalon left her eyes caught Cato’s. The corner of her mouth twitched in what could have been a smile, or maybe it was a sneer, and then she was gone.
“Score some points?” asked Alexis bluntly.
Cato grimaced, “I doubt it.”
“Aw come on,” snorted Alexis, “Her face moved, you’re in!”
“I don’t think it’s quite that easy Alexis,” said Davina smartly, “She undoubtedly has a job she needs to think about and she’s a little… different.”
“Wait, how do you know about this?” exclaimed Cato.
“Hm, oh I know everything Alexis knows,” shrugged Davina.
“I’ll bet,” scowled Cato.
“Hey I didn’t tell her,” said Alexis firmly, “She just knows.”
Cato raised her eyebrows disbelievingly.
“I ain’t lying!” said Alexis indignantly, “I think it’s weird too! This has been going on ever since we, er…”
Cato brightened suddenly, “Since you?”
“Started dating,” Davina rolled her eyes, “Good lord you are both so immature.”
“Yeah,” said Alexis shortly, “That. But she can hear what I’m thinking. It drives me up the wall.”
Cato narrowed her eyes and glared at Alexis levelly for a moment as she tried to decide whether he was having her on to try and cheer her up. But he looked rather serious.
“Really?” she asked uncertainly.
“Yeah man,” nodded Alexis, “I dunno what it is but I ain’t dead yet so it can’t be too bad.”
“I think it’s something to do with telekinesis,” said Davina, “But if we went to Psychicae United about it they’d start asking all kinds of questions and we’d probably get done for being in an ‘unprofessional relationship’.”
“So we’ll just chill until we start sprouting horns,” nodded Alexis and then he glanced at the small nubs on Davina’s head, “Or until they start getting bigger, either way.”
........
Avalon was still technically supposed to be in hospital. It had only been a few days since she had arrived and her bones still hadn’t really set properly. Even she had to admit she felt a little queasy if she stood for too long. But Faustus’ morphed arm needed to be looked at and it wasn’t something that could be done in the hospital. Faustus needed to go to the labs.
The labs were at the very top of Psychicae United Headquarters and the hospital was at the very bottom to Avalon’s disappointment. Her leg was itching terribly now that the bones were setting and every time she stepped on it a sharp pang of pain would run through it and make her illness worse. Faustus helped her along on her crutches though.
The elevator opened to the labs and Avalon hobbled out with Faustus close behind her. The first hall of the psychicae labs consisted of a circular platform that they walked out onto. A few psychicaes were behind a desk at this platform and below them a massive hall dropped away and was filled with rows and rows of vehicles and machinery. Some were being worked on, others were clearly just here for storage. Along the walls of the hall were tiers of balconies that led to glass panelled rooms, some in which it was easy to see the intricate networks of machinery inside, others had blinds drawn over them or were darkened. 
The entire place was crawling with psychicaes though. Everyone seemed to be hurrying to do something. Even as Avalon stepped out onto the platform she had to draw her crutches against her to avoid tripping over a couple of psychicaes who jogged past. She felt Faustus grab the sleeve of her jacket and looked up at him. He did not appear too visibly distressed but Avalon could see the tension in his jaw.
“Ah, here you are, I thought you wouldn’t turn up.”
Avalon turned at the sound of Corbin’s voice and found him strolling down the stairs of a balcony and out across the platform. He was wearing his lab coat instead of his suit today and Faustus’ hand tightened on Avalon’s jacket.
“My leg makes it hard to walk,” shrugged Avalon, “And stand for very long, so let’s get this done shall we?”
“Certainly, follow me,” nodded Corbin amiably and led them back along another balcony.
They followed the balcony around the wall until they were on the far side before stopping and entering a small, brightly lit room. There were already two other psychicaes inside this room, both with the same lab coats as Corbin. They looked up as Avalon, Faustus and Corbin arrived and Avalon noticed the masks tucked under their chins. There was a large circular machine, like an MRI machine but smaller, a chair beside it, and a small table of medical equipment hidden in the corner. Avalon saw Faustus’ eyes immediately snap to the table but then Corbin stepped in his line of vision and smiled.
“Here’s your chair,” he said and gestured to the chair next to the machine.
The chair was facing towards the window, away from the table. Faustus grimaced and slowly took his seat. Avalon limped over and stood next to him in case she was needed. She hoped she wouldn’t have to do too much restraining in her condition though.
“We’re going to take an MRI of your arm Faustus,” explained Corbin as he went to the table with the two other psychicaes, “We need to know what has changed. I’ll have to put some dye into your veins first so we can see what comes up. It’s just a small pinch.”
“Sounds brilliant,” said Faustus blankly.
A few moments later Corbin strode around to Faustus’ morphed arm. Faustus watched him carefully as he approached but he had no needle with him yet, he only stretched out Faustus’ brown-green arm and turned it over to expose the pale side. Faustus clenched his fists and looked away. Corbin gestured to the psychicae behind Faustus and she handed the needle to him. Corbin brought it close to Faustus’ arm and then frowned.
“It’ll be easier if you relax Faustus,” he said.
Faustus’ lip curled and he stretched out the fingers on his morphed arm. As soon as they had relaxed they began trembling violently.
Corbin brought the needle back to Faustus again but then as soon as the metal touched Faustus’ skin he jumped and Corbin jerked back the needle. Corbin looked up at the two psychicaes behind Faustus and his lips moved quickly. But Avalon was sure she caught the word ‘sedative’.
Faustus grimaced and hunched his shoulders, “I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright Faustus,” said Corbin easily as he gave the needle back to the psychicae and swapped it for another, “We can give you something to relax.”
Faustus didn’t answer but he nodded. This time Avalon barely saw Corbin’s movement. The needle flashed against Faustus’ skin and was back in the psychicae’s hand in seconds. Faustus jumped and stared at his arm with wide eyes. 
“How do we know when it’s working?” he asked uncertainly.
“Oh we’ll know,” chuckled Corbin, “You won’t be able to count to ten and you probably won’t be walking out of here.”
Faustus glowered at Corbin for a moment.
“I have been drugged so many times this week,” he muttered.
“You should be used to it by now,” said Avalon wryly.
Faustus frowned and shook his head, “Drugs aren’t like diseases Avalon, you don’t get immune.”
“You do get worse grammar though,” said Avalon with amusement.
Faustus’ frown deepened and while he was engrossed in trying to figure out what Avalon meant Corbin had already retrieved the first needle from the psychicaes and slipped it into Faustus’ arm. When he pulled the needle away Faustus turned his frown onto Corbin.
“Hey did you just?” he glanced at his arm and then at Corbin who was now moving the pliable limb into the MRI machine, “I didn’t feel anything.”
“I’m just that good,” chuckled Corbin as he laid out Faustus’ arm inside the hole of the machine, “Now Faustus we need to keep your arm very still in here so I’m going to strap it down.”
Faustus flinched at the sound of velcro ripping and whipped his head around to focus on Corbin. He didn’t move or protest but he watched intently as Corbin tied his arm into the machine. Faustus’ eyes didn’t move from his arm even when Corbin left and went around to the back of the MRI scanner to operate the computer. He just kept staring at his tied down limb.
Faustus had never said anything about what had happened to him in the human labs. Avalon had read enough of his case-file though. The lab that he had been in had been operating in an underground basement and they’d been capturing psychicae children and taking out parts of their brains to see if that would stop them using the telekinetic network. They’d taken out a part of Faustus’ cerebellum. But they’d do it while the children were awake so that they could tell exactly which part of the brain they were taking. And then they left them in dingy little cages and never let them out. Faustus had never been outside of his cage, had never seen daylight, for the first six years of his life. 
Once he had gotten to Psychicae United it had taken months before he could walk, years of rehabilitation before he could interact properly with anyone. Avalon had seen an old photo of him from the day he had first arrived. He had been sitting in a room of the hospital. The bed was perfectly made and he was sitting in the corner on the floor staring blankly at whoever was taking the photo.
Now he was staring blankly at his arm as the MRI machine whirred to life. Perhaps it was all still fresh in his memory.
“It won’t take long Faustus,” said Avalon uncertainly.
Faustus nodded and smiled up at Avalon.
“Yeah I’ll be alright,” he said vaguely and then his gaze drifted to out the window.
Avalon was a little relieved that he was distracted from his arm. Then Faustus spoke again.
“You got taller Avalon,” he said unclearly.
“Yes I’m standing and you’re sitting,” answered Avalon wryly.
“No not that,” chuckled Faustus, “You grew taller. You’re taller now than when I first met you.”
“Really, I hadn’t noticed,” said Avalon.
Faustus laughed again, “And you’re happier. Well, you look happier. I hope you’re happier. You know I kind of always wanted a kid but I don’t think psychicaes can have them. I don’t know. But I got you. You’re kind of the same thing.”
Avalon gazed at Faustus tentatively and to her horror she could feel some strange emotion that was a mixture of sadness and joy that gurgled inside her. It probably wasn’t something to be shared between psychicaes, especially Antistitors, but it was a rather large hole that Faustus had filled and now he had put into words exactly what it was he had done for Avalon all these years. She grimaced and glanced up at Corbin. He was watching the MRI screen intently and his face was blank. The two other psychicaes were packing away the table of medical equipment quietly.
“But I’m not really a parent or anything,” continued Faustus blearily and Avalon wondered if he was just going to keep blundering along like this for the whole MRI, “You probably had a nice life in Menindee before I showed up. You had lots of friends. I don’t know. Maybe you prefer Mallory over me.”
Avalon flinched at the name and then she almost laughed at what Faustus had said.
“No Faustus, I very much prefer you,” she said firmly.
Faustus looked up at her again with wide eyes and smiled absentmindedly.
........
Avalon was finally been released from Psychicae United’s hospital and was allowed to return to her home after a week and a half. Her stay in the hospital had been largely uneventful. For the entire week the nurses had been slowly building her diet into larger meals so as not to shock her starved digestive system. The Medicus’ had removed the three bullets still lodged in her body. The fourth bullet had shot straight into her knee and out the other side and so only needed a few sutures. Avalon’s jaw had only been dislocated and the nurses had been able to fix it for her, and the tooth that had been dislodged had been easily replaced. Two of Avalon’s ribs had been broken though and had required metal plates to heal. The Medicus’ had also sewn up the slash across her face and the stitches had been removed a day ago. An ugly pink scar now ran from Avalon’s jaw to her eyebrow. The Medicus who had been in charge of this operation had told Avalon to wait for month for the scar to properly heal and then they could look at various options to erase the visibility of the mark.
Now Avalon spent the next few hours settling back into her home. She knew that she would leave for Cairns tomorrow morning and so as she passed through the rooms of her penthouse she gathered various items and packed them away. She and Faustus had been reassigned to Cairns and would take over for Vincent and Severino now that they were fit for duty.
As Avalon slowly packed her belongings into a suitcase she found time to shower and eat a small amount of food for dinner. She had found her digestive system still didn’t appreciate the size of her usual meals and so she had to consume her food in tiny portions throughout the day. Eventually Avalon settled at the desk in her study and began working through the final pieces of information she would need to return to service at Cairns.
Her mind was still preoccupied with the potentially inconvenient outcome of the Australian government’s changed policies on psychicaes and she almost could not concentrate on the many intricate pieces of data she needed to know. Weather patterns; a low pressure trough was passing north and would send a series of isolated storms over northern Australia. Every human in Australia knew about her now. New military base, HMAS Cairns, primarily a naval base and has jurisdiction over most of the north Australian coastline. Being so infamous was only going to make her job that much more difficult. A scout was being sent to Cooktown tomorrow to assess the viability of rescuing the prisoners at Cooktown. Avalon wondered what else the media could find out about her.
The scout was Cato. Avalon’s chaotic thoughts halted for a moment as her interest was piqued. She leant forwards in her chair as Cato’s name shone on the screen and she read the information. Cato had undergone training and had been promoted to pedite. She would conduct a scout of Cooktown tomorrow night. 
As Avalon read the report her mind drifted back to the conversation between herself and Cato on the frigate a couple of weeks ago. It already seemed like such a long time ago. Avalon grimaced as she remembered the long and trifling conversation and how she had talked to Cato about things that she barely mentioned to Faustus even. She really shouldn’t have let such personal information go so easily. The psychicae had a disarming effect on Avalon and it was a touch dangerous. Avalon’s only comfort was that she had been exhausted, starving, dehydrated and in several kinds of pain when the charming psychicae had wrung the information out of her.
........
The dream was different this time. The deserted forest was still there. Avalon was still moving closer and closer. Her eyes were still blazing gold and encompassed Cato’s vision. But a long mark ran down her face. One of her golden eyes was faintly bruised. There was a small cut on her once perfect lips. But she was still beautiful. It was a broken beauty that Cato now saw. Someone had committed a heinous crime and inflicted such pain on something so exquisite. It struck a terrible ache into Cato’s heart, an ache so strong that she was surprised she did not wake.
“Avalon,” whispered Cato, “I’m sorry.”

The new words brought a new reaction from the dream Avalon. Her astonishingly golden eyes widened and the hand on Cato’s face jolted. As quick as the reaction came it faded away and the dream Avalon smiled and leant forwards.
“Why are you sorry Cato?” she asked.
Cato watched for a moment as Avalon came closer and closer. Until she was so close that her own straight nose touched Avalon’s slightly upturned one.
“You’re hurt,” stammered Cato.
One of Avalon’s thin, long eyebrows arched in amusement.
“So are you,” answered Avalon and her hand passed over Cato’s bandaged shoulder.
Cato was tempted to close her eyes at the phantom touch but she knew that the dream would end if she did that and so she watched Avalon’s small hand sweep over her shoulder where a faint burn mark had been left from the Eastern Alliance missile.
“You’re very hurt Cato,” said Avalon sadly and Cato felt Avalon’s other hand trailing down her leg and over the scar left by the belluas attack.
Cato fought to keep her rising heart rate down. She didn’t want this dream to end. She wanted to stay next to Avalon forever. It was a losing battle. She could feel blood surging through her veins as the phantom Avalon leant closer. She could feel her heart beating madly. She could feel her limbs shaking. Avalon was so close and again her golden eyes consumed Cato’s vision. Her lips again felt the tingle of Avalon’s breath.
And then Cato woke with the imagined taste of blood on her lips.
Cato was confused for a moment when she didn’t recognise her surroundings. And then she realised she was in Cairns at the Coral Tree Inn and that her real home had been burnt to the ground. Cato glared at the ceiling for a moment and then covered her face with her hands.
Cato stayed like this for a few minutes and tried to erase the memory of yet another dream. However this dream was new and it stuck in her mind. Avalon had been hurt, had spoken to her. In none of the dozens of dreams that had plagued Cato had the series of events ever deviated from the first dream. Why was it different now?
Cato flinched when the clock next to her began emitting noises. A man was enthusiastically reading the weather report. Cato began to relax. As she did so she felt the knots in her shoulders and wings loosen.
She had conducted the scout last night and the entire assignment had gone off without a hitch. She had found the concentration camp and even given the Antistitors a picture of how many Eastern Alliance soldiers there were in the vicinity. Although now she was left with cramped muscles from the long flight. Cato jumped when someone suddenly hammered on her door.

“Cato? Are you awake?” Cato recognised Alexis’ voice.
“Don’t shout Alexis, what if she’s asleep!” this came from Davina.
Cato stumbled out of her bed and hurried through the unit to the door. When she opened it she found Alexis and Davina staring brightly back.
“Oh my god what are you guys doing here?” whined Cato, “Do you know what time it is?”
“It’s like eight o’clock,” laughed Alexis and pushed past Cato into the unit, “You should be awake by now.”
And so began Cato’s day.
........
It was dusk as Avalon stepped out of one of the massive artillery sheds and made her way to the helicopter pad. She had left Faustus inside the shed to organise the unit of a hundred psychicaes who would be covering her retreat with the Cooktown prisoners in a few hours if everything went according to plan. Now she was meeting the half a dozen psychicaes who would infiltrate the concentration camp and free the prisoners to begin with.
She was laden with the light armour that Psychicae United had fitted her with years ago. It was a strange looking attire that vaguely resembled the immaculate demeanour of her usual suit but was clearly altered to provide more protection than thin cotton and polyester. While most other psychicaes were given stock armour and weaponry Antistitors were allowed to customise their armour and weapons as it was assumed that they had the expertise to know what would be useful to them personally. Avalon had chosen the lightest weave of Kevlar for her body armour and had only allowed small metal plates for her arms. She had reasoned that her speed was usually what saved her life and she didn’t need to be weighed down by useless metal. Fitting with this logic she carried only two pistols, Walther P99’s, a loop of cartridges and a long knife. Added to her usual weapons was a series of tools that would help her break into the prisons. But now as she strode towards the helicopter pad she barely noticed the weight of the extra tools she was carrying.
Almost immediately after she had left the lengthening shadow of the artillery shed she was joined by Commodore Allan Fitzgerald who was also dressed in his naval military uniform.
“Evening Antistitor,” he said boisterously and started up his pace with a slight limp beside her, “Our fleet is prepped and ready to go when your helicopter lifts off. Is Antistitor Faustus’ unit ready?”
“Yes Commodore,” nodded Avalon as the already spinning blades of the helicopter came into sight, “They are leaving as we speak.”
Ahead of her the giant armoured helicopter sat in the middle of a large field of tarmac and the whine of its engines was chopping through the air. Inside Avalon could see her team of psychicaes already clipping themselves into the helicopter’s cabin. Avalon saw Cato glance at her from inside the helicopter as she approached and smile sheepishly. Avalon did not return the smile.

“Excellent I will give the fleet the all clear then,” shouted Commodore Fitzgerald over the din of the helicopter, “Good luck Antistitor!”
Avalon nodded again and the Commodore hurried away. Avalon hastened forwards into the helicopter.
........
Avalon didn’t watch the helicopter fly away but she heard its whine rapidly fade into the distance until only the loud trill of crickets was left. Now the psychicaes were left to pick their way through the woodland. The intermittent rain storms had left the long grass damp and Avalon’s jeans were quickly soaked. Only her feet enclosed inside her leather boots managed to stay dry. The humidity clung to Avalon as she moved and it prevented any breeze from starting below the canopy. Avalon had been hoping for a northerly wind, it would have helped her detect the scent of the concentration camp, but she had not been expecting such luck. All she could smell now was the heavy scent of rain.
Within minutes Avalon began sensing the presence of many coherent thoughts. The concentration base was close. They had not yet encountered any patrols so it meant that the Australian Navy had succeeded in distracting the Eastern Alliance.
The psychicaes trudged closer and closer to the concentration camp. Avalon led them at a slower pace now and they crept forward cautiously. This final journey to the perimeter of the concentration camp took almost as long as the initial expedition from the helicopter.
When the gridded fence line of the camp came into view Avalon brought the psychicaes to a halt and they crouched in the long grass as Avalon surveyed the area.
The fence was newly constructed. It shone in contrast with the dusty buildings it encompassed. There was also another new structure in the centre of the giant and open expanse of the concentration camp. It was a long squat shed. It gleamed green as the half-moon reflected light off it. Inside this structure Avalon could sense psychicaes. They were not very active; Avalon suspected that they had been chained up so that their movements were restricted. As Avalon continued surveying the scene telekinetically she found that as expected the humans were kept in the three surrounding wooden houses to the west of the metal shed. Just looking at the dilapidated halls Avalon could see that it would be very easy to free the humans. She returned to studying the surrounds and found that there was a very small military presence. Avalon had expected that even with the naval assault there would be at least fifty to a hundred guards but there were only a couple of dozen. They were all gathered in the old house at the front of the concentration camp. Avalon could see a light glowing from this house.
Avalon had been warned before she left Cairns that as soon as the Eastern Alliance was aware of the infiltration they needed to capture and incapacitate all of the humans almost immediately. They couldn’t give them any opportunity to bring down the telekinetic network. It was fortunate that there were so few enemies to deal with; it would make the task far simpler.
“We’re in luck,” said Avalon quietly, “They lack resources so there are very few Eastern Alliance soldiers to handle. We will split into three groups and free the human prisoners first. When the humans are free I will need one of these groups to lead the humans back to the helicopter. The other two groups will engage the soldiers. Understood?”
The psychicaes did not speak lest their voices alert the guards but they nodded. At the recognition of their understanding Avalon led the psychicaes forward through the grass towards the fence. When the psychicaes reached the fence they used brute force to rip the steel grid apart. Within a minute they were sprinting through the night towards the three wooden houses. Avalon instructed the psychicaes via the telekinetic network as to which house they should be infiltrating. Almost subconsciously Avalon instructed Cato to remain in her smaller group of four psychicaes as they ran towards the furthest house. A few seconds later they arrived on the side of the house hidden from the view of the unit of Eastern Alliance soldiers. There was a single small window on this side of the hall. Bars crossed the inside of the window and Avalon could see two padlocks. One locked the window, one locked the bars.
Avalon retrieved the glass cutter from her belt. It was a long instrument shaped very similarly to a pizza cutter, just much smaller. As Avalon set to work at digging a line into the glass two of the psychicaes crept cautiously to the edges of the house to keep watch. Cato backed away from the house to complete the circle of sentries. It seemed Cato had actually learnt how the psychicaes at Psychicae United tended to operate in field. It felt unusual to Avalon that Cato should know what was required of her in such a situation; even if standing guard was very basic knowledge.
Avalon had now attracted the attention of the ragged looking humans inside the house. Inside Avalon could see almost a hundred people crowded inside the hall. They were all covered in dirt and mud. Most were lying about on the floor. The noise was picking up inside the hall as the humans pointed to her excitedly and gathered around the window. Avalon frowned and put a finger to her lips urgently. The humans closest to the window understood Avalon’s concern and turned to the others, hushing them. Avalon continued scratching a careful, curved line along the glass. She finished the line and clipped the glass cutter back onto her belt before pressing firmly against the almond-shaped segment she had cut. It broke away in pieces and allowed plenty of room for Avalon to begin picking the two locks.
As Avalon started picking at the first lock she heard a voice through the telekinetic network, ‘First house free.’
Avalon looked behind her to see a line of shadows flitting from the house closest to the fence and into the forestry. Avalon located the source of the message and sent another in reply.
‘Good work. I’ll send the rest of the humans after you. Once all the humans are free your group can escort them back to the helicopter.’
There was a few seconds delay and then, ‘Yes Antistitor.’
Avalon now returned her focus to the locks. They were relatively simple and within a minute she had the first lock picked. She lifted the freed window up and set to work on the last lock.

“You’re rescuing us right?” was the first words from a tall, young man closest to the window.
“Yes please remain quiet,” answered Avalon, “When I have unlocked these bars I will need you to exit through the window as quickly as possible and run towards the hole in the fence. Can you tell everyone that?”
The people closest to the window had been staring at Avalon dazedly but at the request for action their eyes lit up and they began animatedly passing the message along. A few more seconds went by and Avalon only heard the sound of whispers slinking around the hall until another human close to the window spoke.
“Hey you’re that psychicae from Biak!” she gasped, “You’re um…. Avalon! Antistitor Avalon, that’s your name right?”
Avalon sighed petulantly, “Yes.”
The humans who heard her response started in delight and the whispers rebounded fervently. Avalon then managed to unlock the bars and she pushed them open.
“Out of the hall now,” ordered Avalon, “Run to the fence.”
The humans quickly began clambering out of the window and a long line trailing to the fence quickly formed across the dark expanse of dirt. Avalon watched restlessly as they crept slowly along. If any Eastern Alliance soldiers walked out now they would be easy targets standing out in the middle of the dirt field. But soon Avalon could relax a little as the last humans made it into the safety of the woods. She then turned her attention to the last house. A line of figures was beginning to snake away from this house now.
“Uh Antistitor?” said Cato uncertainly, “The Eastern Alliance soldiers are outside.”
Avalon grimaced and hurried to Cato’s viewpoint. From where Cato stood the central metal shed hid most of the brightly lit house but Avalon could see the sharp beams of torches flickering through the night. Avalon glanced from the tell-tale swathes of light to the slowly extending trail of humans. Avalon had initially planned to surround the soldiers and overwhelm them but that would result in shots being fired in every direction. Undoubtedly the defenceless line of humans would suffer the consequences. They would have to approach from the opposite side and draw attention away from the humans. Without the element of confusion it would be somewhat more difficult to subdue the soldiers but it was a necessity. It was only a matter of time before their torches discovered the escapees and the entire prison break would be jeopardised if that happened.
Avalon located the psychicaes who had freed the last humans. They were still close to the house guarding the line of humans. They had probably already noticed the impending danger.
‘We’re going to attack the soldiers now,’ Avalon sent the message over the telekinetic network to all of the psychicaes, ‘I need the escort group to guard the humans’ retreat. The rest of us need to approach the soldiers from the road. Start moving there now.”
The psychicaes began flitting across the concentration camp around the slowly increasing radius of Eastern Alliance soldiers. A few seconds later as Avalon’s group of psychicaes stole around the border of the brightly lit house they convened with the second group of psychicaes and continued running for the knot of soldiers ahead of them.
The piercing beams of light worked to their advantage. The soldiers couldn’t see past the tiny circles of light and so they didn’t notice the psychicaes until they were just a couple of metres away. The dozen soldiers stood no chance against the dozen psychicaes and were all unconscious in a matter of seconds. With these soldiers taken care of that only left the remaining half of the guards in the house. Avalon gestured towards the glowing building and the psychicaes cautiously approached.
This time they surrounded the smaller wooden shack. As Avalon examined the inside of the house she found it only had one room. Inside the dozen soldiers were relaxed and exchanging casual conversation. As she watched they burst into raucous laughter. The warmth of the atmosphere was tinged with malice as each one of the soldiers was armed with a rifle and was prepped to immediately go to battle. Avalon did not expect this to make much of a difference in their chances of overpowering the psychicaes. It hadn’t made any difference for the armed and alert soldiers.
Avalon’s expectations were proven as the psychicaes leapt through the windows of the shack. Shards of glass sparkled through the air and for half a second obscured the astonished faces of the soldiers. And then the rest of the second passed and every soldier was unconscious. Some had small trails of blood trailing out from under their askew helmets. As the psychicaes detached themselves from the soldiers Avalon wasted no time in finding the key card.
On her return to Sydney and her week long hospitalisation she had decided to learn Mandarin. It had seemed like a relevant skill and now it came in use. There was a board holding dozens of key cards, each one of them was labelled in Mandarin. It only took Avalon half a minute of careful consideration to choose the key card that read ‘psychicae impound’.
“I have the key, let’s go,” said Avalon shortly and led the psychicaes from the house and to the steel shed in the centre of the camp.
The soldiers a few metres away were still motionless. Their brainwaves were just as inactive. The hazy silence of their minds was in complete contrast to the cacophony of signals flying around inside the psychicaes’ shed. Avalon reached the shed and swiped the card through the metal slot in the door. The tiny light flashed green and the door unlocked with a sharp clack. Avalon pushed the doors open to reveal the dark interior of the shed. Inside were almost a hundred psychicaes and as Avalon had suspected they were all restrained. They had been chained to metal grating along the sides of the shed.
“Cut them free quickly,” ordered Avalon and approached the first of the imprisoned psychicaes, “When you’re free run to the southern fence. There will be an opening you can escape through.”
She pulled the bolt cutters from her belt and snapped the chains holding the psychicae. Within fifteen minutes all of the psychicaes had been cut free and once again Avalon and her team were running across the camp. They slipped through the fence and were quickly within the safety of the woods.
As the trees enclosed the damp air closely around the long line of psychicaes Avalon felt relief wash over her. There had been almost no obstacles on this assignment; nothing that wasn’t easily handled anyway. In just a few minutes she would be flying away from the enemy at two hundred kilometres an hour.
And at the precise moment when this thought of safety and security had passed through her mind she felt a large hazy dome abruptly bite out a large circle in the telekinetic network. Her heart leapt into action again as she immediately recognised it as the Eastern Alliance’s telekinesis control. Fortunately the closest border of the obscure circle was still far away in the centre of Cooktown. Obviously the soldiers battling the Australian navy had finally been alerted to the psychicae infiltration. Now they would give chase.
Avalon could sense unease around her from some of the psychicaes. Many of them could sense the large and unnatural hole in the telekinetic network. Even if they were not sure what it was the strangeness of the apparition was enough to send ripples of apprehension through the psychicaes.
“Antistitor?”
Avalon looked around as Bernardus and Cato fell into step beside her. Avalon now remembered that Bernardus had been trapped in Cooktown after the invasion. As Avalon quickly glanced at the both of them she saw that Cato seemed cheerier now. Avalon had noticed that Cato had been unusually sombre for the past couple of weeks and now she noticed that even as the telekinetic network threatened to fall down around them the sight of Cato smiling lifted a weight from her shoulders that she didn’t even know she was carrying.
“Yes Bernardus?” answered Avalon.
“I’ve found something unusual in the telekinetic network,” said Bernardus, “You should be able to as well. What do you reckon it is?”
“Have you heard of telekinetic control?” asked Avalon, “I’m aware that they were testing it in Cooktown before you were captured.”
“So it is actually possible to bring down the telekinetic network?” said Bernardus with alarm.
“Indeed it is,” said Avalon.
As they had been speaking she noticed that the blotted out circle was gaining ground on them but at their pace she expected to reach the helicopter before the telekinetic network came down. It was now that Avalon was beginning to wonder where Faustus was. His unit was supposed to intercept them somewhere between the camp and the helicopter. Although he was not needed anymore to dispel any pursuing troops Avalon had still expected to meet him before now.
“So if it catches us we all pass out?” asked Cato nervously.
“Yes,” answered Avalon, “We should reach the helicopter before it reaches us though.”
Cato began to speak again but Avalon barely heard as abruptly multiple voices were speaking urgently to her over the telekinetic network.
‘Antistitor we’ve reached the landing site, the helicopters aren’t here!’
‘No helicopters Antistitor!’
‘We’re at the landing site, no evac Antistitor!’
Avalon felt her heart sink and she realised that something must have gone terribly wrong. Faustus wasn’t here yet and now there were no helicopters to evacuate them.
‘Hold your position I’ll be at the front in a few seconds,’ replied Avalon.
“The helicopters aren’t here,” explained Avalon shortly to Cato and Bernardus, “I’ll see you at the front.”
She saw both of their eyes widen and then she was sprinting through the masses of psychicaes. What would have been a journey of a couple of minutes for a regular human took Avalon a few dozen seconds as her feet flew over the uneven ground. After these seconds the trees opened out onto the grassy plain they had arrived on. Psychicaes and humans were pooling out onto the grass uncertainly. Avalon could sense fear buzzing through the crowd. The psychicaes could feel the approaching abyss of the telekinetic control and it wasn’t hard to see that the promised evacuation had just fallen through. Avalon quickly spotted the team of psychicaes she had chosen to escort the first humans out and approached them.
“Antistitor, are we early?” asked one of the psychicaes anxiously, “The helicopters should land here right?”
“We’re in the right place at the right time,” said Avalon, “We should assume the helicopters aren’t coming.”
“What are our orders now?” asked another psychicae and they all stared expectantly at Avalon.
“We should keep moving but we can’t outrun the Eastern Alliance soldiers,” said Avalon, “We’re held back by fatigued prisoners. All we can do is head south and hope that Psychicae United has sent someone else after us.”
The psychicaes stared for another few seconds as though expecting another brilliant plan but then their faces slowly changed and became fearful as they realised what Avalon meant. There was no evacuation; Psychicae United hadn’t sent anyone else. This escape attempt was going to be in vain.
“Uh I have an idea,” came an uncertain stammer from behind Avalon.
Avalon turned to find Cato and Bernardus standing behind her. They had caught up quickly and it looked like they had caught the last parts of the conversation. Now Cato was sheepishly smiling.
“You have an idea Cato?” asked Avalon.
“Yeah,” nodded Cato eagerly, “It’s a long walk but we should go to Black Mountain. It has this weird magnetic field around it so it’s a no-fly zone. Even the Auctors and Antistitors who were testing the telekinetic control a few weeks ago said it was giving them hell. And even if the Eastern Alliance could down the telekinetic network there they’d have to be able to find us. Which is impossible in Black Mountain; people die just walking into that place.”
Avalon and the other psychicaes stared at Cato for a moment. Avalon was trying to find the fatal flaw in Cato’s plan that should have been apparent. Should it be possible that Cato had come up with an utterly miraculous scheme to save hundreds of lives while her own mind was completely void of ideas? It seemed Cato’s local experience was paying off.
“That is brilliant,” said Avalon and her words evoked the brightest flush of colour from Cato.
Avalon ignored this odd reaction and turned back to the other psychicaes to give orders, “Our destination is Black Mountain. Your team is forward guard; give the order to keep moving.”
“Yes Antistitor!” said the first psychicae animatedly and the team hurriedly set to work at moving the crowd of people again.
Avalon then began locating her other teams of psychicaes still lingering in the crowd and began informing them of the situation. After a few minutes there was a rear guard and two side guards. Avalon had decided to remain at the front with the forward guard, which also happened to include Cato and Bernardus.
They travelled far faster now. The crowd trailing behind them understood that peril was close behind and it urged them forwards. After a while the ground became less boggy and Avalon’s feet found surer footing. The solid ground only served to increase their pace and soon Avalon could almost hope that they could outrun the Eastern Alliance’s telekinetic control. And then she saw the glisten of a wide river ahead. It snaked across an expanse of grassy field and plunged straight back into the forest. The moonlight glittered from the black surface and caused Avalon to shiver at the mere sight.
“How far does this extend inland?” asked Avalon as they approached the shore.
“Uh about two or three k’s,” said Cato, “It’s wet season so probably three. But it’s not a fast running river and no one’s badly hurt. We could swim it right?”
“We don’t really have time to go six kilometres out of our way,” shrugged one of the forward guard psychicaes as they stopped at the water’s edge, “Besides there’s enough of us to help anyone who gets in trouble.”
Avalon glanced at the churning surface of the water with repulsion but she knew that they could not detour just because she had a personal distaste for water.
“Ok we will need half of the forward guard on the other side of the river before we start crossing,” said Avalon, “They can establish the guard over there. The rest of the forward guard can supervise the rescued crossing the river.”
The psychicaes nodded and three marched into the water without any reservation. Avalon watched as the water bubbled around their ankles and knees and thighs and eventually to their chests. They cut a perpendicular swath through the swirls of black. Avalon watched with morbid fascination as they rose from the water on the opposite side of the river and saw the droplets run from their armour. She stared in disbelief when they didn’t even step out of the water but waited ankle deep in the river.
Avalon shivered and tore her gaze away.
“We’ll help you cross,” called Avalon over the quiet babble of noise from the watching crowd, “You need to hurry to the other side. We don’t have much time.”
The first of the crowd began hurrying into the water and tiny pieces of water shattered from the eternally changing surface. Avalon unconsciously took a step back to avoid the spray of water. She watched as the forward guard of psychicaes immediately sprung into action and began helping the crowd cross the river. Some were already half way across the river and she was still on the bank wrestling with her own silly and irrational fears. But as she watched she delved deeper and deeper into sickness. There was no way she could set foot in that black hell, let alone cross it.
Avalon jumped when someone tapped her shoulder lightly and she spun around to find Cato smiling sheepishly again.
“Shall I help you cross?” she asked uncertainly.
Avalon could feel an intense war raging between her dignity and her fear. It was not a complex battle but the simplicity of the argument only served to enhance its potency. She could try and cross the river alone and face her fear or she could rely on Cato and reveal yet more of her internalised problems.
“I can fly so you won’t have to go near the water,” suggested Cato and shook her wings slightly.
It was twice in one evening that Cato had come up with a marvellous idea and again Avalon found that this was one she couldn’t refuse.
“Are you sure you can carry me?” asked Avalon indecisively.
“Yeah I’ve rescued bigger kids from Black Mountain before,” said Cato animatedly.
Avalon wasn’t sure if Cato was making a jest at her expense but she decided that she probably deserved it and let it go.
“Alright let’s go then,” shrugged Avalon.
Cato nodded with a nervous smile and bundled Avalon into her arms. A few short steps later and Cato’s wings were powering them into the air. In the small time that Avalon was gliding across the shimmering surface of the river she was acutely aware of Cato’s presence. She could feel each heavy beat of Cato’s wings and the body heat that Faustus’ amphibious circulatory system never really managed. There was also the impossibly fast beat of Cato’s heart. Avalon could feel it in Cato’s wrists and see it in her neck.
And then Cato glided onto the opposite bank and landed in a few steps. Avalon’s feet touched the ground and Cato was almost instantly out of her personal space. Avalon glanced around at her surroundings and found that almost half of the crowd had crossed the river now and were trudging towards Black Mountain again. Avalon turned back to Cato and smiled briefly.
“Thank you Cato,” she said shortly.
Again Cato smiled nervously and nodded. Avalon returned the gesture and followed the stream of people so she could return to the front again.
........
Almost an hour later the first few black hills of Black Mountain National Park were rising around the crowd of psychicaes. It was beginning to drizzle rain again and now that the trees had become sparser around the outskirts of the mountain the canopy provided little protection.
Cato was still at the front guard with Avalon and Bernardus. She had been given the responsibility of navigating the rescued people into Black Mountain safely. However for the entire trek to the mountain Cato’s mind had been obsessively preoccupied with her brief physical contact with Avalon and it was now difficult to force her mind onto the pressing issue of directing hundreds of people. As they reached the first boulders the crowd was forced to trickle into thin lines.
“We need to hurry up,” Avalon broke into Cato’s harried thoughts, “The telekinetic network has almost dropped out on us.”
Cato could sense what was setting every other psychicae on edge. A giant hole was slowly approaching them. It was like a piece of the Earth the size of Cooktown had just disappeared. She could sense nothing from inside the impenetrable hemisphere even though it was just a few kilometres away from them now. Cato now desperately hoped her idea worked and Black Mountain could provide sanctuary for them.
Cato continued leading the hundreds of humans and psychicaes into the labyrinth of black rocks. They climbed quickly through the narrow passages and even when the last of the crowd was inside the potential protection of Black Mountain Cato continued leading them deeper through the rocks. If her idea didn’t work and the telekinetic network did come down they needed to be well hidden so that the Eastern Alliance could not find them.
Long minutes passed as the crowd scurried up the mountain and the hole in the telekinetic network inched forwards. With every minute it crawled forwards another few hundred metres and soon it was at the foot of the mountain. Cato could almost feel the tension in the air and an apprehensive silence fell over the crowd. Although the humans could not see the same approaching threat they sensed the fear in the psychicaes who now paused in their tracks. The forward guard also stopped and Cato felt her legs slowly hesitate. She turned to stare behind her even though the tall black boulders blocked any view of the source of the telekinetic hole.
And then as the hole approached the mountain the unfathomable surface of its hemisphere became hazy and a few seconds later it flickered away. Cato felt weak relief spread through her limbs. Her idea had worked! Her relief was shared as a collective sigh amongst the psychicaes and immediately the ambient noise of conversation started again.
“Keep moving,” barked Avalon, “The soldiers are pursuing us!”
Cato started and as the forward guard hastened back into action she became aware of the masses of humans that the telekinetic control had been concealing. Her previous relief was replaced by sickening fear. There were almost a thousand humans down there. They would all be soldiers; all with the goal of recapturing the escaped. Now they were marching straight into the maze of the mountain. If they could find the far smaller crowd of fatigued escapees hidden in the mountain there would be no chance of resistance. Cato could tell from the nervous expressions of the forward guard and the clenched jaw of Bernardus that they knew the same reality. As Cato glanced at Avalon she saw that the Antistitor was glaring at the ground ahead, her brow furrowed. She then looked up at Cato abruptly.
“Cato is there anywhere on Black Mountain that we could launch a defensive?” asked Avalon, “Somewhere high? A cliff side maybe?”
Cato thought hard for a few moments and then she brightened. She remembered the thin trail along the side of a cliff where Avalon had saved her from the giant bear belluas. The first time she had met Avalon. The cliff wasn’t too far from here either.
“Yeah I know somewhere!” nodded Cato eagerly, “It’s this way!”
Cato was again leading the crowd up the mountain. The Eastern Alliance soldiers were quickly closing in. Cato could feel the thousands of soldiers easily ascending the mountain. Unlike the mismatched crowd behind Cato the Eastern Alliance soldiers were all physically fit, mentally alert, well rested and probably armed to the teeth. They were rapidly gaining distance on the inept crowd of escapees.
Cato now began recognising the passages she was walking through as the same familiar trails she had walked with Alexis, Davina and Bernardus on that day she had met Avalon. The cliff suddenly came into view and the splintered tree that Avalon had pulled Cato from still clung to the cliff side. The bodies of the belluas that Avalon and Faustus had killed had been removed by researchers but their faded claw marks were still visible on the ground. It was a nostalgic scene to Cato.
Cato’s reminiscence was interrupted by Avalon’s voice over the telekinetic network, ‘I want the rear guard to lead the rescued to Cairns; Cato will show you the way. Forward guard and side guards will cover your retreat.’
Cato stared at Avalon as she and the rest of the forward guard loaded their weapons. Avalon and just a dozen other psychicaes would be facing thousands of soldiers. They would be decimated. When Cato didn’t answer immediately Avalon looked up at her with puzzlement.
“Cato, rear guard, now,” she ordered.
Cato cast a sideways glance at Bernardus who was already slinking away into the passages obediently.
“Yes Antistitor,” said Cato desolately and followed Bernardus.
........
The murmuring of the nervous crowd was becoming fainter and now the sounds of many more approaching soldiers could be heard. The sound of their fast and heavy foot falls echoed through the cold passages and up to the cliff top. Closer still were the quickened breaths of the psychicaes that were now crouched in a line along the cliff’s ledge. Avalon could feel resigned fear emanating from the psychicaes around her. She could personally relate to the feeling. The sound of thousands of soldiers approaching filled her with dread. There was no chance that they would survive this confrontation. The only thing they could do was survive long enough allow Cato to lead the psychicaes and humans to Cairns. Avalon found that it brought her some relief to know that Cato was in relative safety. She did not know why it should matter to her.
The first shot rang out across the cliff and startled Avalon from her thoughts. She quickly glanced around to see one of her psychicaes had fired the shot and taken out one of the first Eastern Alliance soldiers. The single shot was met with the sound of countless weapons clicking into action and garbled orders shouted over the rocks. A few more seconds of tense stillness passed and then a thick wave of soldiers burst from the rocks below and began scrambling up the cliff.
“Fire!” screamed Avalon and immediately the psychicaes began peeling back the numbers of soldiers below them.
Avalon targeted soldier after soldier and took cover from the counter fire after each shot. Each soldier she aimed for fell back into the masses; a single bullet having taken their life. Arches of blood flew through the air as they gracefully danced backwards in death. Even with dozens of soldiers dying by the minute they were quickly climbing the cliff side. The Eastern Alliance’s lack of geographical knowledge had only bought the psychicaes five minutes of extra time before the first soldiers leapt onto the ledge. The first couple of soldiers were quickly taken down but were replaced by more. Eventually the psychicaes were outnumbered even as the soldiers were slaughtered before them.
“Retreat!” hollered Avalon and the psychicaes immediately dove into the catacombs of the black rocks.
With the ledge abandoned the Eastern Alliance soldiers now freely poured into the passages after the retreating psychicaes. Even worse was that Avalon’s team had been forced to retreat into half a dozen separate passages and were now being pursued in tiny groups. The only blessing was the narrow diameter of the passages funnelled the soldiers into small lines.
Avalon and two other psychicaes, Dexter and Dom, were now sprinting through the maze of rocks, sending the occasional string of shots back into the melee of soldiers. As they ran Avalon located the seven other psychicaes who were running from the soldiers. Only four were still running; the other three were trapped and were fighting the soldiers. She felt the sting of adrenaline over the telekinetic network. She felt terror. And then one of the signals disappeared.
“Bellona,” breathed Dexter.
Avalon swallowed painfully. The psychicae was most likely dead. Even unconscious psychicaes retained some connection to the telekinetic network.
Avalon could not mope on this fact for long though as she noticed the same line of soldiers that had trapped these now two psychicaes was extending into the passage ahead. It would cut them off soon if they didn’t detour. The psychicaes cut away from the trail they had been running along but the next one provided no more refuge. Just a few seconds later and Avalon could see soldiers streaming towards them from ahead. Again they abandoned the path and found a new trail. They had been running for what seemed like just a few steps when a barrage of gunfire erupted from in front of them and they scurried backwards around the corner.
Avalon, Dexter and Dom pressed themselves against the boulder and listened to the approaching pounding that signalled the arrival of the Eastern Alliance troops.
“Well at least they got away,” panted Dom, “The people we rescued I mean.”
Avalon nodded but she couldn’t speak. She had frequently been in life threatening situations but this time she honestly could not see any way out. The abrupt and violent realisation of her death closed her throat in something that wasn’t fear but it left the same numbing sensation in her stomach. Avalon wondered if they had given Cato enough of a head start on the Eastern Alliance. Following this thought Avalon wondered why her mind seemed to wander back to Cato whenever she was in such terrible circumstances. Perhaps she was psychologically damaged.
Avalon felt another psychicae drop from the telekinetic network. This death was quickly followed by the last of the three psychicaes who had been fighting hundreds of soldiers just a few hundred metres away. Avalon felt the psychicae standing beside her shudder. Avalon could feel the presence of the soldiers over the telekinetic network. They were approaching slowly now, their steps were more cautious. Avalon had expected to feel apprehension from at least the first lines of soldiers. She could feel apprehension but it was tinged with excitement. It was the same feeling Avalon had retrieved from a pack of wolves intent on their prey.
Avalon could now feel that two more psychicaes had been trapped. They exhibited the same despairing emotions as the two psychicaes beside her. Avalon knew they were going to die. She knew that she was going to die but she did not accept this. She didn’t want to die. All of her life she had been fighting to stay alive. It seemed surreal to have her life taken so easily by what was essentially a giant pack of beasts.
Abruptly a sharp pain shot through Avalon’s skull and dots of light exploded in front of her eyes. For a moment she thought that perhaps she had been shot and perhaps she was dying. But then her vision returned to her and she was still leaning heavily against the stone wall. She looked around blearily to find Dexter and Dom staring at her with astonishment.
“Are you ok Antistitor?” asked Dom nervously.
Avalon frowned and rubbed her aching head, “Yeah I’m-”
She then noticed the massive difference in the telekinetic network. The only presence that she could sense was the two psychicaes beside her and the four still living psychicaes in the surroundings. Every soldier was gone.
“The Eastern Alliance?” said Avalon with puzzlement, “Where are they?”
The two psychicaes stared uncertainly at Avalon for another second before Dexter cautiously crept away from the wall and peered around the corner. His face grew pale at the sight before him.
“Good god,” he stammered.
“What is it?” asked Avalon and both she and Dom hurried to join him.
The scene before Avalon took a moment to become real. The long passage before them was filled with soldiers. None of them were alive. They were collapsed in an endless, motionless pile. Blood seeped from the open eyes of some of the fallen soldiers. Avalon could acutely hear the drip as the liquid collected beneath the bodies.
“What happened?” asked Avalon quietly.
The two psychicaes both glanced at her incredulously.
“Well I’m not making any assumptions,” said Dexter edgily, “But I would hazard a guess that you killed them.”
Avalon remembered what had happened to the soldiers at Biak and she knew this must be connected. But how was this possible? How could she be responsible for even a single death via the telekinetic network, let alone a massacre on this scale?
Avalon hurried to the other side of the passage where exactly the same sight was awaiting. From what she could see she had killed almost a hundred soldiers. From the information the telekinetic network was relaying she had killed close to a thousand. Avalon gazed anxiously at the still bodies for another moment and then she turned back to Dexter and Dom.
“We need to go,” she said.
........
About an hour after Cato had led the escapees away from Black Mountain they had encountered a helicopter scanning the forest. Cato had initially thought it was an Eastern Alliance helicopter but after just a few minutes more helicopters joined it and they had landed to rescue the crowd of escapees. Now it was close to midnight, the rain was hammering down and Cato was now at the debriefing at HMAS Cairns. Avalon had not returned.
Cato barely noticed as more people strolled into the room. Her mind was obsessed with the last words Avalon had spoken to her, with the golden gleam of her eyes as she stood atop that same fabled cliff face that Cato had once been so convinced she herself would die on. Cato felt sick. What if she had stayed with Avalon? Then both of them certainly would have died. What if she had asked Avalon to come with her? Avalon would have refused. What if she had just somehow forced Avalon to come with her? Cato almost laughed; Avalon probably would have had her arrested.
Even amongst Cato’s churning thoughts she saw Antistitor Faustus enter the room. Cato didn’t yet know why Faustus had not shown up to cover their retreat but Cato could immediately see that Faustus could not have purposely made this mistake. His face was pale and the corners of his lips trembled in a tight grimace. He knew that Avalon hadn’t returned. He knew what that forebode.
Now that everyone had been assembled Auctor Urban rose from his chair and the room fell silent.
“Good evening, I apologise for calling you all here so late,” said Auctor Urban, “Our assignment to infiltrate the Cooktown concentration camp and free the Cooktown prisoners has been successful. All of the prisoners are now safely in Cairns.”
There was a brief spout of laughter and a pair of humans clapped delightedly at the corner of the table.
“I do have some bad news however,” continued Auctor Urban and Cato saw his eyes dart to Faustus, “There was a miscommunication in the planned landing site of Antistitor Faustus’ unit of psychicaes. As such Antistitor Avalon’s unit was left undefended. While Cato was able to successfully direct four of our pedites and the prisoners to Cairns we have lost the remaining nine pedites and one Antistitor at Black Mountain. Their deaths were confirmed by the Imperator at approximately ten thirty tonight.”
Cato felt a wave of numbness wash over her. Avalon was dead. Cato’s attention was drawn as Faustus left the room but she didn’t really acknowledge his departure.
“That’s all of the information we have for tonight I’m afraid,” said Auctor Urban quietly.
The rest of the people slowly filed out of the room and the noise died away until Cato was left alone. She did not move from her chair. She did not move at all. Even her eyes remained fixed on her still hands lying on the table in front of her. Avalon was gone.
Cato jumped as a chair scrapped across the floor beside her and Auctor Corbin fell into it. Cato hadn’t realised that he had not left.
“Bad night?” he asked nonchalantly.
Cato glanced at Auctor Corbin for a moment and then she returned her gaze to her hands with a small nod.
“Usually we don’t send pedites into such hazardous assignments,” grimaced Auctor Corbin, “It is a bit shocking. But we did need your knowledge of the area. If it helps you’ll get used to it.”
Cato remained silent and continued staring impassively at her hands. Auctor Corbin mimicked her silence for a moment and then he sighed.
“Antistitor Avalon sure had a lot of people looking out for her,” he said casually, “Obviously her and Antistitor Faustus go way back, so he’s devastated. The other Antistitors never really like to see one of their own go; especially so young. Even some of the Auctors will miss her. But why you Cato? How’s she wheedled her way into your heart?”
Cato looked up at Auctor Corbin with wide eyes. Had he guessed?
“What do you mean?” asked Cato, trying to sound innocent and unknowing.
Auctor Corbin chuckled, “If you’re going to try to deceive me you might want to try a little harder. I just figured that you were miserable when you came in here, however you didn’t show any emotional response until Auctor Urban mentioned Avalon. You obviously don’t care about the pedites who died since he mentioned them first. You only reacted to the mention of Avalon’s death. Clearly you care. I just want to know why. Call it academic curiosity.”
Despite Cato’s utter lack of feeling she was impressed with the Auctor’s observational skills. But now they had left her cornered. How could she explain that she was obsessed with Avalon? And to an Auctor. He would undoubtedly punish her in some way.
“I just care,” said Cato shortly and knew it was a poor answer.
She found that she wasn’t exceptionally worried about Auctor Corbin’s response though and she returned to staring at her hands blankly.
“Uh huh,” answered Auctor Corbin slowly and Cato could almost detect the suspicion in his voice if not radiating from his telekinetic presence, “Well as I will tell Faustus, time heals all wounds.”
With that he left Cato alone in the pressing silence of the now seemingly giant room. No thoughts passed through Cato’s mind but after a few seconds tears began welling in her eyes. She let her head fall into her hands and cried.
........
The remaining seven psychicaes had taken half an hour to navigate out of the mountain onto a thin dirt road where they managed to hotwire a few rusted, old cars. They then drove west along the Mulligan Highway. The first town they came across was Lakeland; a town smaller than Cooktown. As they had driven towards Lakeland Avalon had received a telekinetic message from one of the following cars that a psychicae, Fabio, was deteriorating quickly from a few gunshot wounds to his abdomen. The nearest hospital was in Port Douglas so Fabio was forced to hold on for another three hours until the psychicaes arrived at Mossman Hospital.
The psychicaes eventually arrived at Port Douglas in the early hours of the morning and Fabio was taken into the emergency ward. His unconscious body barely showed any signs of breath as he was taken away. The other psychicaes had taken seats in the waiting room at the hospital’s reception. They had been alert for the remainder of the car trip but now their eyes drooped in fatigue. Avalon felt the same weariness but she did not join them. Instead she approached the middle aged man at the desk.
When the psychicaes had initially carried Fabio into the reception the man had stared in astonishment and now he was watching them suspiciously through square spectacles.
“Would I be able to use your phone?” asked Avalon jadedly, “It’s of urgent military importance.”
The man hesitated for a moment before slowly handing a cordless phone to Avalon without speaking.
“Thank you,” said Avalon and took a few steps away from the desk.
She began tapping in the number to HMAS Cairns before she paused. Tonight had proceeded very strangely. The helicopters had not met her as planned and that had almost resulted in her death. Actually now that she thought about it infiltrating the concentration camp had been very easy. Escaping with hundreds of prisoners had been very easy. Something was not right.
Avalon erased the numbers in the phone and instead began typing in Faustus’ phone number. She wasn’t sure that he would pick up an unknown number at four o’clock in the morning but she waited patiently as the phone purred softly anyway. She was just about to give up when the ringing was interrupted by muffled scraping and Faustus’ voice answered.
“Hello, Antistitor Faustus,” he said and Avalon smiled at his voice.
Even though the familiar sound of Faustus brought happiness to Avalon after the utterly failed proceedings of the night Avalon heard a muffled quality to his voice. He sounded like his sinuses were blocked. Maybe he was ill?
“Faustus, it’s Avalon,” said Avalon wearily, “I’m in Port Douglas at Mossman Hospital. I don’t imagine I could negotiate transport to Cairns for myself and three other psychicaes?”
There was silence in response.
“Faustus?” queried Avalon.
“Avalon?” answered Faustus quietly, “It’s really you? This isn’t a trick?”
“Uh yes Faustus, it is me,” answered Avalon uncertainly, “And I’m somewhat ready to be asleep in Cairns right now.”
Faustus laughed and Avalon thought she heard half a sob in between the chuckles.
“I’ll send someone up to get you,” said Faustus, “Mossman Hospital in Port Douglas?”
“Yes that’s correct,” replied Avalon, still bewildered at Faustus’ unusual behaviour, “Oh and Faustus, try not to tell anyone that I’m coming back to Cairns. I just think it might be safer that way.”
Avalon wasn’t sure if it was undue paranoia but she was definitely suspicious of some of night’s proceedings. Faustus was the only person she could really trust.
“Yes I was thinking the same thing,” agreed Faustus, “I’ll see you soon then.”
“Yes see you soon Faustus,” said Avalon and she ended the call.
........
Fabio had to be left in the hospital and Avalon assumed he would be transported to Psychicae United Headquarters relatively soon. The sun was not yet up outside the hospital but the sky was tinted grey and the air was fresh. The street was completely empty at this early hour and the two cars were easily heard approaching from a far distance. Two black sedans typical of Psychicae United pulled up outside of the hospital and the psychicaes approached them. The drivers stepped out of the cars to greet the exhausted psychicaes and Avalon was surprised to see that Faustus was one of the drivers. Avalon was even more surprised when he strode forwards and pulled Avalon into a tight hug.
“Nice to see you too Faustus?” said Avalon tentatively.
Faustus ignored her snark remark and drew back his face etched with concern. Avalon could feel his unusually strong telekinesis pushing its boundaries as he searched her mind and she grimaced.
“Are you ok?” he asked anxiously and his eyes darted over her as though searching for a fatal wound.
Avalon could feel the amused stares of her now tiny team of psychicaes.
“Yes I am perfectly ok,” answered Avalon wryly, “Are you ok?”
Faustus smiled and gave a weak laugh.
“I thought you were dead,” he shrugged.
“Dead?” she repeated, “Who told you that?”
Faustus glanced charily at the psychicaes who were slowly climbing into one of the cars. They entered the car slowly though and seemed more content to watch the unusual exchange between the Antistitors. Avalon took Faustus’ meaning that he did not trust even these psychicaes.
“Let’s go back to Cairns then shall we?” said Avalon.
Faustus nodded and the pair got into his car. Avalon wasted no time in figuring out what exactly had happened.
“So who told you I was dead?” she asked as they drove away from the hospital.
“Urban,” answered Faustus, “He told us at the debriefing that you and nine other pedites had been killed because my unit had left you undefended. He said that your deaths were confirmed by the Imperator.”
“Not exactly,” said Avalon wryly, “And why did you leave me undefended?”
“I was given orders that you were retreating to the north side of the concentration camp,” grimaced Faustus, “That’s where we landed the helicopters and then you didn’t arrive so naturally I thought you had been captured. I forwarded to the concentration camp in a bid to rescue you but you were already gone. Obviously you had retreated to the south side.”
“You could have located me via the telekinetic network,” said Avalon.
“I could have,” nodded Faustus, “And I tried but you were not visible on the network. None of your team was, or the prisoners. A little suspicious that someone knew I was out there and someone was interfering with my telekinesis.”
“That is suspicious,” said Avalon, “So the series of events is such; I infiltrated the concentration camp, which was very lightly guarded. I retreated to the south side and you were waiting on the north side. I guess you could pass that off as a legitimate mistake. However I find it very suspicious that you couldn’t use your telekinesis to find me. Either you’re lying or someone knew about our assignment.”
“And assuming I’m not lying,” said Faustus wryly, “That means someone from Psychicae United told the Eastern Alliance about our assignment. They wanted the prisoners to escape. The question is why?”
“I wouldn’t know why but I think I know who we can ask,” answered Avalon, “It seems Auctor Urban was a little quick to get rid of me. I’m sure he’ll be quite happy to know I’m still alive and even happier to hear my ideas about why I should be dead.”
Faustus smiled with amusement and he fell into silence for a moment. They had quickly left the small buildings of Port Douglas behind and now Avalon watched the vast green fields swim past.
“So what happened after you escaped the concentration camp?” asked Faustus, “Cato told us that you ordered her to lead everyone back to Cairns and stayed behind to fight off an army of soldiers. How did you get out of that?”
“Do you remember what happened in Biak?” asked Avalon, “How I… killed those soldiers?”
“With telekinesis?” asked Faustus, “Yes I remember.”
Avalon glanced at Faustus and wondered if she had to say anymore. It seemed she didn’t have to, a few seconds later his eyes widened and he took his eyes off the road to stare at her.
“Again?” he said incredulously, “But even so, there were a thousand soldiers by what Cato said. Killing a few dozen wouldn’t have saved you.”
“I didn’t kill a few dozen,” said Avalon bluntly, “I killed them all.”
Faustus was silent for a moment.
“You killed a thousand soldiers?” he repeated, “With telekinesis?”
Avalon shrugged and nodded. She had killed before. She had killed many people before. But the enormity of what she had done was beginning to set in.
“Um wow,” said Faustus, “For once I’m speechless. Did you think about the consequences before you did that?”
“I didn’t think about it,” answered Avalon bitterly, “It just happened. I didn’t even know it happened until Dom and Dexter told me I’d killed a thousand people.”
“You can’t control it?” said Faustus slowly.
“Seemingly,” said Avalon.
“And the Imperator hasn’t said anything to you about this before?” asked Faustus.
“I expected her to when I came back from Biak,” said Avalon, “But she didn’t say anything.”
“You know maybe I’m getting paranoid in my old age but that just seems really suspicious as well,” said Faustus, “Seeing as she just confirmed your death six hours ago.”
“You think the Imperator has a vendetta with me?” asked Avalon dryly.
“What you did in Biak was… frightening,” said Faustus, unnerved, “I can’t even comprehend what you say you’ve done tonight. If I was the Imperator I’d probably be feeling a little intimidated right now.”
Avalon almost laughed, “The Imperator intimidated by me?”
“I’m serious Avalon,” said Faustus firmly, “Even the Imperator can’t just kill people with telekinesis. If you could control that you’d be, well, unstoppable.”
Avalon had felt the overwhelming weight of her newfound abilities for the past few weeks now but she had been trying desperately to ignore it. She thought she might break if she had to recognize such immense power. Faustus’ acknowledgement of such power only brought it closer to reality. Apparently he sensed the stress it caused Avalon.
“It’s not really life changing Avalon,” assured Faustus, “If you think about it you’ve always been unstoppable, this is just another promotion for you.”
Avalon did laugh this time, even if it was just a small chuckle.
“Some promotion,” she said wryly, “It’ll end up getting me fired.”
“That is probably true,” agreed Faustus, “Oh speaking of things that will get you fired, I have some information from Corbin that you might find interesting.”
“Haven’t we learnt not to trust Auctors tonight?” sighed Avalon wearily and leant her head against the cold window.
“No you really should listen,” said Faustus with a hint of amusement, “Corbin was concerned about Cato’s reaction to your death. I mean obviously he thought it didn’t matter anymore because you were dead, but now that you are actually alive it makes matters a little different.”
Avalon lifted her head from the window with a frown.
“What does Cato have to do with the security of my position as an Antistitor?” asked Avalon narrowly.
“Well Corbin was under the impression that because of Cato’s reaction you must have been involved with her,” said Faustus and Avalon saw that he was trying his hardest not to laugh, “Which of course would put your position as Antistitor in jeopardy.”
“Involved?” queried Avalon hesitantly, “What I’m not allowed to have friends? If that’s the case I should be fired for spending so much time with you.”
“No I think he was insinuating a little more than that,” said Faustus wryly.
Avalon stared at Faustus with incomprehension for a few moments before she understood.
“What he thinks that I,” smirked Avalon, “And Cato? Oh dear, that is terrible.”
“That’s what I told him,” chuckled Faustus, “But he was adamant. He did say Cato was quite affected by your, uh, death. She was crying or something.”
The thought abruptly vanquished the previous amusement that had been bubbling inside Avalon. Cato had been crying over her? Faustus immediately noticed the change in Avalon, whether telekinetically or just by the sudden sobriety of her expression.
“Please don’t tell me he’s right,” he grimaced.
Avalon’s eyes widened, “What? Of course he’s wrong! Cato is the most naïve, tedious, infuriating, useless psychicae I’ve ever met.”
“Wow you do have a thing for her,” said Faustus distastefully.
“Did you listen to anything I just said?” asked Avalon sardonically and even as she rebuked Faustus she felt heat rising in her face.
“I listened to what you said,” shrugged Faustus, “And like usual I listened to everything you didn’t say. That’s why you like me. Now the question here is; why do you like Cato?”
Avalon irritably leant her head against the window and pointedly avoided Faustus’ gaze.
“I don’t like Cato,” she said firmly.
“Now you’re just being immature,” chuckled Faustus.
Avalon didn’t answer but she continued staring out of the window tetchily. Was this the reason she couldn’t stop thinking about Cato at such inappropriate times? Why she hated, no loathed, to see Cato in any form of pain; physical or otherwise? Was this the reason why Cato was such an integral part of her life now? Had she been subconsciously making decisions that would ensure she would be reunited with Cato regularly?
“What if I did?” asked Avalon bluntly, “It doesn’t matter. I can’t do anything about it. I’ll lose my job.”
“Yes you will lose your job,” grimaced Faustus, “And given the current political climate at Psychicae United this would be an inconvenient time to draw attention to yourself.”
What Faustus said was perfectly logical, it was obvious even. Right now she couldn’t afford to lose her job at Psychicae United. Hundreds of thousands of people were dying because of this war and she might have the power to put a stop to it. Being an Antistitor allowed her invaluable access to the internal affairs of Psychicae United; she couldn’t afford to throw that away right now.
“So I’ll forget about it,” shrugged Avalon.
Somehow the words caused her pain. It was a dull ache that struck close to her heart.
“That would be for the best,” said Faustus delicately as though even in the first glimmers of dawn he had sensed the small twinge of pain from Avalon.
Avalon returned her head to the window and glared at the passing landscape. They had reached the shoreline now and below the waves crashed onto the sheer cliff side. Avalon had hoped this car trip would answer a few of the endless questions circling her head but it had only intensified the chaos of her mind.
On The Run
Cato knew she was dreaming again. This dream was more of a nightmare. She was once again clinging to the splintered tree that only barely held onto the cliff. Below her the solid ground awaited a few dozen metres away; above her the snarling jaws of the massive bear. The world seemed darker now, darker than even night should be. The only source of light was the evil gleam of the bear’s eyes as it edged forwards towards Cato. The same fear that Cato had felt the first time the bear had attacked flooded through her. She knew that Avalon had saved her last time but there was no guarantee that the same would happen in her dream. Maybe this would just be a terrible nightmare and she would only wake when she was dead.
The bear took another step and with an earth-rending crunch the inevitable happened. The branch snapped. Cato screamed and felt the precarious support beneath her fall. Almost unconsciously she lifted her arms hopefully and prayed that she would feel another smaller set of hands clasp hers.
She was not disappointed. Abruptly Avalon’s gleaming yellow eyes had replaced those of the monster before. Her hand shot forwards and caught Cato. With seemingly no effort Avalon pulled Cato away from the precipice and to safety. Cato immediately turned to thank Avalon and caught a breathtaking sight. The sun was beginning to rise and cast golden rays over the ocean that had somehow invaded the territory of Black Mountain and now could be heard pounding against the bottom of the cliff. Silhouetted against the magnificent surroundings was the final touch of the picture. Her skin and hair blended perfectly with the tones of the background and even in the artificial, black armour she looked as though the world had been designed with her image in mind. Even the long line across her face could not touch her exquisiteness. In the growing light her eyes were no longer glowing gold but were a deeper black. As they moved to focus on Cato she couldn’t help but shiver.
“Thank you Antistitor,” stammered Cato sheepishly, “That was pretty close.”
Avalon smiled and she opened her mouth to speak but at that moment the cliff, feeble from the forced removal of the tree, crumbled around her feet. Cato gasped and leapt forwards to catch Avalon. Avalon’s arm slipped past Cato and with horror Cato watched as she fell slowly towards the blackened water below; her wide eyes pierced Cato’s heart.
Cato woke with a gasp and jolted amongst her sheets. She knew as soon as her eyes touched the ceiling that she was safe in her apartment. The world she had come from had been so beautiful but so terrible. It could not be compared to the subtle mediocrity of the soft tones of dawn shading the room. Cato’s heart was starting to slow down. She was safe in her room. There was no belluas, no suddenly appearing oceans and Avalon was safe.
And then Cato remembered the debriefing. Avalon was not safe. Avalon was dead. Cato pulled herself up and sat on the edge of the bed. Avalon was dead. Cato didn’t move from this position for another half an hour. She couldn’t find the strength to move anymore. She had barely been able to fall asleep last night and she had probably only managed a couple of hours sleep. All she could think about was Avalon. Was suggesting Black Mountain a bad idea? What if Cato had stayed and fought alongside Avalon? So many questions had left Cato an exhausted mess in the very early hours of the morning and eventually she had passed out. Now her mind had renewed energy to throw more questions at her and again Cato felt tears threatening to well up in her eyes.
She jumped as the radio clicked on. It was nine o’clock. Cato stared sadly at the clock as the cheery man read out the weather report. It would be sunny today and slightly cool. As usual Cato began to tune out and the man’s voice became an indistinguishable drone. She still did not move from her bedside and again her thoughts consumed her. That was until the man moved on from the weather report and Cato heard Avalon’s name. The reaction was immediate and Cato’s head snapped up, her heart pounding loudly.
“The fabled Antistitor Avalon was there you say Fitzy?” the weatherman asked.
“Quite fitting that our national heroine should be present at the first major battle for Australia,” answered Fitzy animatedly, “But we do have some bad news. She was one of the fatalities Christy mentioned in the eight o’clock news.”
“Quite a way to go,” said the weatherman, “Facing off a thousand of them Alliance mongrels.”
“Yeah it’s a pity Rob,” said Fitzy, “More on that story in the news which is up shortly. Back over to you Christy.”
“Thank you Fitzy,” said Christy in the formal demeanour of a news reporter, “Our top story, last night prisoners being held in a Cooktown concentration camp were freed following a battle with Eastern Alliance forces. While no human fatalities have been recorded, nine psychicaes have been confirmed dead; one of them Antistitor Avalon who reached international fame for her escape from an Indonesian concentration camp. The newly free Cooktown residents are currently being resettled in temporary housing in Cairns. Overseas now and…”
Cato quickly tuned out again. The news report had only confirmed that last night hadn’t been part of her terrible nightmare. Cato let out a shaky sigh and lifted herself from the bed. She had more pedite training to get through today and she was probably already late.
........
Cato had been surprised by the amount of people crowded around the gates to the naval base. She was even more surprised when they turned their collective eye on her and began throwing countless questions her way. The guards had to step in to usher her safely through the crowd and Cato had quickly made her way inside the building. It was an unusual and intimidating experience having so much attention so suddenly focussed on her. She hadn’t really imagined that giving directions to get to Cairns would have resulted in so much interest. She hadn’t even led the psychicaes the whole way, Faustus had picked them up half way there.
Cato was so preoccupied with these thoughts that she walked straight across the reception of the naval base and almost didn’t notice Medicus Agnes until she was blocking access to the corridor in front of Cato. Cato glanced up with surprise.
“Medicus! Good morning,” said Cato abruptly.
“Good morning Cato,” smiled the Medicus, “How are you?”
“Uh I’m good?” said Cato uncertainly.
Cato always felt that whenever the Medicus asked any question, as innocent as it might sound, she was interrogating her for some ulterior meaning.
“That is good,” answered Medicus Agnes lightly, “Staying out of trouble?”
Cato hesitated as she tried to decide how to answer but she was saved the necessity as someone entered the reception and Medicus Agnes was distracted. The Medicus’ eyes widened and her mouth opened slightly in surprise. Cato turned to see what had caught the Medicus’ attention and when she saw what the Medicus had seen she froze. Antistitors Avalon and Faustus had just strode into the reception.
Cato stared in shock at Avalon. Time seemed to stand still as Cato drank in the sight. Avalon was alive. She was better than alive; she didn’t seem hurt in any way. She was the usual image of perfection in her crisp suit, her shining hair pulled back and her gold skin glimmering in the dim light of the room. It was as if a stunning apparition had appeared.
Cato watched as the two Antistitors approached Auctors Urban and Corbin who were similarly astounded. If anything Auctor Corbin even looked ill.
“Morning Corbin, Urban,” said Avalon and her cold voice sent shivers down Cato’s spine, “I believe I was pronounced dead last night?”
The entire reception had become deathly quiet. The few dozen psychicaes who had been bustling through had now stopped to watch. Even the humans were staring with fascination. Auctor Corbin was the first to break the tense silence.
“Well clearly we’ve made a mistake,” he smiled, “It’s good to see you alive. We will have to inform the Imperator about this immediately.”
“Yes you shall,” answered Avalon wryly, “And I would like to request a hearing with the Imperator, while you’re speaking to her.”
“Oh that won’t be necessary,” said Auctor Urban indifferently, “The Imperator has already requested a hearing with you.”
Cato saw a small flicker of surprise cross both Antistitors Avalon and Faustus.
“Doesn’t she believe that I’m dead?” asked Avalon stiffly.
“Yes but the Imperator is aware that even she makes mistakes,” answered Auctor Urban, “Our orders were that in the event that you were recovered alive you were to be placed under arrest and that your position as Antistitor is suspended indefinitely.”
“What for?” exclaimed Antistitor Faustus angrily.
“For the murder of nine hundred and eighty three humans,” said Auctor Corbin calmly, “And possible relations causing a conflict of interest.”
“You’re kidding right?” scoffed Faustus, “That is the poorest excuse for arrest I’ve ever heard.”
“Regardless the charges have been made by the Imperator herself,” said Auctor Corbin indifferently, “I’m just following orders.”
“Fine if that’s all I’m charged with I’ll be happy to argue with the Imperator,” said Avalon tetchily and she pushed her arms forward.
Cato saw Faustus glance at Avalon with uneasiness but she paid him no attention and allowed a smiling Auctor Corbin to bind her wrists in handcuffs. Cato watched despairingly as the handcuffs were clicked onto Avalon’s wrists. Avalon had only just come back. Cato hadn’t been able to do anything to help her last time and Avalon had been forced to face down a thousand soldiers on Black Mountain. Cato had stood by last time and Avalon had almost been killed. What if Avalon was again in real trouble? Cato felt her feet carrying her forward and felt words welling up.
“You can’t arrest her!” exclaimed Cato, “She hasn’t done anything wrong! She put her life on the line to save hundreds of people and this is how you thank her!”
Cato immediately regretted saying anything. The Antistitors and Auctors eyes were piercing into her.
“This is more complex than it appears Cato,” said Auctor Urban coolly, “Avalon has broken a number of laws and as an Antistitor that is unacceptable.”
Cato was about to answer angrily when Avalon interrupted her.
“Urban is correct Cato,” she said resignedly and her black eyes bored into Cato’s, “This is far more complicated than it seems.”
Cato held Avalon’s gaze for another moment. It was almost as though Avalon was trying to communicate something wordlessly to her. Cato could detect the obvious meaning though. Avalon wanted Cato to remain silent. Cato clenched her jaw and with an irritable sigh she nodded. She then watched as Avalon was led out of the reception by the two Auctors.
Antistitor Faustus was left standing alone in the centre of the silent room. He remained still as excited conversation bubbled around the room once more. His face was impassive but his fists were clenched tightly. Cato could understand what he felt. Avalon had returned briefly only to be taken away again.
........
Avalon had been escorted back to Sydney by Vincent. The flight had taken a few hours but Avalon had not managed to wrangle any more information from Vincent than the Auctors had provided her with. At the end of the flight Severino met them and she was taken to Psychicae United Headquarters where she spent another hour locked in a small prison facility located in the lower levels of the complex. There were only five cells in this prison and all of them were empty save for Avalon’s presence. It was rare that a psychicae was placed under arrest.
Avalon was beginning to grow impatient after an hour. The metal cuffs on her wrists were starting to itch. She had already worked through all of the possibilities of what was going on and she had arrived at a very likely conclusion. The Imperator was involved in the coup.
She had reached this conclusion for a number of reasons. First there was the Imperator’s haste to confirm her death and the convenient ‘mistake’ that had almost made it a reality. Then there were the flimsy charges the Imperator had laid against her. Avalon had expected some retribution for taking out an army of soldiers but being stripped of her role as Antistitor and arrested was extreme. And then there was the accusation that she was involved in a relationship causing a conflict of interest. Of course there were some minor events that might have raised suspicion but there was hardly enough evidence to level a charge against her. The Imperator was trying to terminate her job and the events of last night almost suggested she wanted Avalon dead as well.
Avalon looked up as the metal door to the cell opened to reveal Vincent and Severino.
“The Imperator will see you now,” said Severino.
Avalon rose from the wooden chair she had been sitting in and exited the cell wordlessly. Vincent and Severino led Avalon through the corridors and up a couple of levels until they reached the floor holding the offices of the Antistitors, Auctors and the Imperator. This level was a wide open space that opened on to fifteen doors. Each door held a gold plague engraved with the occupant’s name. Avalon noticed her plague had been removed.
Vincent and Severino led her into the Imperator’s office. The Imperator’s office was the largest office. The shelves that circled the walls held papers and books and a number of curious trinkets and weapons. Avalon had been in here many times and every time she visited there was something new on the shelves. She paid no attention to the shelves this time though. Instead she was more concerned with the psychicaes inside the room.
Auctors Gloria, Monica, Abelardus, Quinta and Dante were already gathered in the room. The Imperator was seated on her ornate wooden perch behind her desk. Avalon felt their eyes fixate cautiously on her as she entered as though she could attack lethally even with her hands bound.
‘Thank you Antistitors,’ said the Imperator coolly, ‘If you can wait by the door?’
Vincent and Severino nodded and left the office, closing the wooden door in their wake.
‘Good afternoon Avalon,’ said the Imperator, ‘I won’t dally; you have been charged with the murder of nine hundred and eighty three humans and a relationship with pedite Cato. Do you have any defence?’
“I didn’t intend to kill those humans,” said Avalon, “So technically it’s not murder; at best it’s manslaughter. And if you’re going to demote me for manslaughter that would be rather hypocritical seeing as you promoted me for murder six years ago. As for a relationship with Cato, that is ludicrous and honestly I would like to see the evidence.”
‘When you say you didn’t intend to kill those humans what are you implying?’ asked the Imperator.
“It would be somewhat ridiculous to believe I could singlehandedly kill a thousand people,” said Avalon, “Somehow I killed them using the telekinetic network which I expected to be investigated after the same incident happened at Biak and was advertised to the entire planet. Clearly you must have had more important things to worry about.”
‘So you’re saying you had no control over this killing and the previous killing at Biak?’ confirmed the Imperator.
“Yes and two pedites, Dexter and Dom, witnessed the last incident and will agree with my case,” said Avalon.
‘So if I may clarify?’ said the Imperator, ‘You’re arguing a plea for diminished capacity based on the claim that you can’t control your telekinesis? Even though no one in recorded psychicae history has ever managed murder via the telekinetic network?’
Avalon could see where the Imperator was going to take this argument. Avalon might be able to avoid a jail term with this line of reasoning but if she was mentally unstable then she would be unfit for any service at Psychicae United. She might even be admitted to the mental asylum.
“I’m arguing diminished capacity specifically related to telekinesis,” said Avalon firmly, “I am still perfectly capable of reason.”
“Well actually your records show a different story,” said Quinta, “When you first arrived from Menindee you wouldn’t speak for three weeks, you wouldn’t let anyone, not even the nurses, touch you, you were afraid of water to the point that you couldn’t go outside when it looked like rain and you only recovered to ‘normality’ after eight months of intensive therapy. How can we be sure you made a complete recovery?”
Auctor Quinta was the Auctor usually responsible for the medical department of Psychicae United Sydney and she rarely left Headquarters. Avalon found she generally had an uncanny memory for every patient that passed through Sydney Headquarters.
“I would imagine if I were insane I would have slipped up before now,” said Avalon deprecatingly.
“Not necessarily,” said Quinta nonchalantly, “Patients have been known to relapse suddenly. It’s actually very common.”
“And we have information that while undertaking your last assignment you couldn’t cross the river by yourself?” said Gloria, “Cato assisted you. It does seem as though your fear of water is degenerating again.”
‘It also brings us to our second charge,’ said the Imperator, ‘Auctor Corbin and Medicus Agnes are both concerned that Cato has become fixated on you. Given the amount of time you have spent, seemingly of your own free will, in Cooktown and then in Cairns would there be any reason why Cato is has developed this fixation?’
Avalon was about to answer that Cato was probably a better psychicae to pin this charge on. She did spend most of her time in Cooktown breaking every law that she didn’t know existed. And there were quite a few laws Cato didn’t know about. But she immediately felt the words tangle in her throat. She couldn’t drag Cato into this. Cato wouldn’t be able to defend herself against the Imperator and the Auctors. She would undoubtedly end up in jail.
These thoughts had occurred in a split second but the pause was long enough to cause the Imperator’s beady eyes to narrow in success.
“I have no idea why Cato would be fixated on me,” said Avalon coolly, “However I am in no way involved with her.”
‘Of course,’ said the Imperator disbelievingly, ‘So since we have not come to any agreement today we will have to adjourn this to a formal hearing in two days when we can gather the appropriate witnesses. Until then you are not to leave Sydney. Do you understand?’
“Understood Imperator,” said Avalon shortly.
‘Then you’re dismissed,’ said the Imperator, ‘Vincent, Severino, you may release Avalon.’
The door opened again and Vincent removed the handcuffs. Avalon rubbed her itching wrists and immediately left the office without another word. Anger and apprehension bubbled inside her. The Imperator was brilliant at twisting words. Avalon wasn’t sure if she could win this fight even if she knew she was right.
........
Avalon woke abruptly and covered in cold sweat. She couldn’t remember the terrible nightmare from just a second ago but her heart pounded madly and her limbs trembled. As Avalon’s eyes darted around the room she relaxed. She was safe in her penthouse in Sydney. It was possibly the safest place she could be. After another moment her mind began to automatically forget the apprehension knotted in her stomach and instead focussed on the events of the day ahead.
It was the thirteenth of March today. She would meet with the witnesses that would aid her case for tomorrow against the Auctors and the Imperator. She had chosen a number of psychicaes including Faustus, Cato, Dom, Dexter and the reporter from Biak, Estelle. Avalon knew she stood little chance of winning this hearing. She had considered bringing forth evidence of the coup but she had a very sketchy base to make such extreme accusations and she wasn’t sure if it would do more harm than good. The secret meeting of Antistitors at the Amber Tavern was due to take place tonight as well. Avalon would raise her concerns there instead. For now she would have to continue planning for the hearing as though she was unaware of the disruption of the upper ranks.
As Avalon left her bed and began to prepare herself for the day ahead it occurred to her that she had once again conveniently invited Cato back into her presence. It was necessary though, wasn’t it? Avalon needed to prove that she was not involved with Cato and to do that she needed Cato to confirm that statement. The fact brought inexplicable guilt to Avalon. It wasn’t an emotion she was accustomed with as usually it meant she had done something wrong. But what had she done wrong in this instance? Technically she hadn’t broken the law about relationships. She might have an undue interest in Cato but it wasn’t a relationship unless she acted on it. And she hadn’t. Had she?
Avalon remembered what the Imperator had said yesterday about Avalon spending a lot of time voluntarily in Cooktown and Cairns. Hadn’t she just thought it more convenient if she agreed to be stationed there? Hadn’t Faustus even suggested they remain at the frontline? Or had she just wanted to stay in the infuriating presence of Cato? And then there was the evidence they had gathered from Cato. Medicus Agnes had been recording obsessive behaviour for weeks and Auctor Corbin had only confirmed that Avalon was the focal point of this behaviour. Avalon whole heartedly expected that this problematic information should irritate her but instead she found it only elicited an excited curiosity. Was Cato really obsessed with her?
Avalon noticed she had finished showering and was almost dressed but she had paid very little attention to what she had been doing. Now she was staring at the mirror that was covered in a fine mist. She saw a small smile on her face. At the sight of her blissful expression she gave a defeated laugh.
“I can’t win,” she muttered.
........
The library at Psychicae United Headquarters was three floors high and expanded into the never ending caverns below Sydney. Cato had managed to navigate to the law section. She had finally taken Avalon’s advice and decided to investigate how many laws she had been breaking on a regular basis in Cooktown. It seemed like a good time given that she was in Sydney and now Avalon was being harshly trialled for something that was partially Cato’s fault.
Cato and three other psychicaes, Dom, Dexter and Estelle, had been flown to Sydney the day after Avalon’s arrest to stand witness for her hearing. Apparently Cato had been indicated in a conflict of interest involving the Antistitor. The idea was so ludicrous that when Cato had first heard it from Antistitor Faustus she had snorted in laughter even if bitterness ate at her heart but now she realised that Psychicae United was serious. They truly believed that she was in a relationship with Avalon.
The idea had only kept Cato up at night and whenever she did fall asleep her dreams only became far more vivid. And it was such an embarrassing thought as well because Avalon almost certainly had to know that Cato had a thing for her now. Psychicae United wouldn’t have found any evidence for a relationship from Avalon because it was impossible that she even remotely liked Cato. So it all came down to Cato. Maybe they’d just noticed how Cato stared at Avalon. Maybe they’d told Avalon how she’d been so upset when she’d heard about Avalon ‘dying’. Maybe they even knew about the dreams. Cato didn’t think she could continue to live on the same planet as Avalon if she were to find out about the dreams.
Apart from the whole ‘conflict of interest’ disaster the other charges against Avalon were odd as well. It was ridiculous for Avalon to be arrested on the grounds that she was. It was so hypocritical that she should save the lives of hundreds of people and then be stripped of her job and put behind bars because of it. It filled Cato with broiling anger.
Cato had written down a short list of books that would succinctly tell her some of Psychicae United’s basic rules. Now to distract herself from her muddled thoughts she was searching the dim, deserted corridors. The looming shelves on either side of her were stacked with old musty books and piles of bound papers. The corridors extended far on either side of her into the darkness. The black marble floor hampered the small light from the tiny lamps at the ends of the shelves. Cato continued searching the bookcases, her sneakers occasionally squeaking on the floor. The only noise was from her feet and even that was muffled by the hundreds of thousands of books.
Cato came to the end of the bookcase. Another row of shelving continued ahead of her, or she could walk through the rows of shelves left or right. But the numbers she had written down told her that the books she was looking for should be in this section. Cato grimaced and turned around to look again when she saw another psychicae in the next row.
Cato’s heart leapt into her throat when she saw that it was Avalon. She immediately berated herself for such a silly reaction. Of course Avalon was in the law section of the library, she was trying to put together a defence for her hearing. And it was just ridiculous that Cato should react as though she had seen a terrifying predator at the sight of Avalon.
Cato was wondering if she should say anything or leave Avalon to her studies when she noticed that Avalon was reaching to a book far above her head. Cato wondered why she never noticed how small Avalon was. She smiled and hesitated for a second before moving forward to help.
“Did you need some help with that?” asked Cato sheepishly.
Avalon jumped and sprang back away from the shelf; her hand twitched towards the edge of her coat and Cato suspected there would probably be a weapon of some description hidden there. She relaxed as she recognised Cato and as though Cato hadn’t noticed the response the taller psychicae easily pulled the book away from the shelf and held it out to Avalon. Avalon considered the thick book for a moment before grudgingly taking it.
“Thank you but I could have reached it myself,” she said.
Cato chuckled, “Of course you could.”
“Ok so usually Faustus gets my books for me,” grimaced Avalon and began strolling along beside the shelf, “But he’s busy putting together the information I’ve already gathered.”
Cato watched as Avalon searched the shelves and in a few minutes pulled another smaller book away. She had a long list in her hands and only four books on the trolley behind her.
“What other books do you need?” asked Cato, “Maybe I can help?”
Avalon glanced up from her list at Cato with mild surprise. Cato repressed a shudder at the golden glint of her eyes.
“I need DAW1094.76,” said Avalon, “It’s a small, bright green book. If you can find it?”
Cato nodded eagerly and pocketed her own list to search for Avalon’s.
“You know the colours of the books?” asked Cato curiously.
“I am interested in law Cato,” answered Avalon absently as she continued searching the shelves, “I’ve read most of these.”
Cato looked back at the towering shelf and the hundreds of books in this row alone.
“You’ve read all this?” she asked dubiously.
“Most,” said Avalon and pulled out another book.
Cato continued searching for the assigned book for another moment. Her eyes occasionally crept back to Avalon without her conscious permission. Avalon did not seem to notice; she continued searching for more texts silently.
Cato felt the numerous questions she had boiling up inside her again. What had Avalon meant when she said this hearing was more complex than it seemed? How could she use the telekinetic network like she did? How much did she know about Cato’s true obsession with her?
Cato was about to ask one of these questions when Avalon spoke.
“You’ve been rather sombre lately Cato,” she said wearily, “Why?”
Cato was surprised. Was Avalon voicing concern for her?
“I’ve been sombre?” she laughed weakly, “What do you mean?”
“You’re usually far more chatty,” grimaced Avalon, “And you’ve been this way for a few weeks now. What happened in Cooktown that caused this?”
“Cooktown was my home,” shrugged Cato, “I miss it.”
“That is something I suspected,” she said, “But you’ve been dreary ever since that exact day that Cooktown was invaded. Usually it takes a while to develop nostalgia. What happened in Cooktown?”
Cato was slightly unnerved at the amount of attention Avalon had been paying to her.
“A lot of people I knew died in Cooktown,” answered Cato sullenly, “And there wasn’t much I could do about it. I guess you’ve never really had that happen to you? You seem like the kind of person that gets her way.”
Avalon smiled cynically, “No I understand what you mean Cato. Take this hearing for example. I’m certainly not going to get my way with that.”
“But you’ll win won’t you?” asked Cato incredulously, “The charges against you are… dumb.”
Again Avalon smiled and Cato’s eyes lingered longer than they usually should have. She caught herself staring and forced her eyes back to the bookshelf to search for DAW1094.76.
“I’m afraid there’s a bit more politics involved in this than first appearances,” said Avalon, “The Imperator seems to have decided it is in her best interest if I am no longer a functioning part of Psychicae United.”
Cato knew Avalon was being deliberately obtuse about why exactly the Imperator wouldn’t want her in Psychicae United any longer and that even if she was questioned she probably wouldn’t elaborate. Cato wasn’t going to let that stop her though.
“What’s going on?” asked Cato quietly as though she suspected someone was sneaking about the library just to hear their conversation, “Why doesn’t the Imperator want you in Psychicae United? Why did they arrest you for something so little? Hell, I even want to know why Antistitor Faustus didn’t show up to cover us. I really don’t buy it that there was a ‘miscommunication’ between you guys.”
Avalon was silent for a moment but Cato didn’t dare look away from the bookshelf. She didn’t want her gaze to become entrapped on Avalon again and this time be caught.
“You’re observational skills are a bit sharper than I thought Cato,” said Avalon and Cato could almost hear her smiling now, “I won’t lie to you but I will advise you not to become involved in this.”
Cato felt her eyes wandering away from the bookshelf and back towards Avalon and forcibly corrected her gaze. Still DAW1094.76 was nowhere to be found.
“I already am involved, aren’t I?” said Cato.
“You mean the alleged relationship with me?” asked Avalon.
Cato could only nod; it took every other fibre of strength in her body to maintain an impassive expression.
“They’re using you as an excuse to get to me,” said Avalon indifferently, “They have no real interest in you besides your potential to bring me down and they will remain uninterested in you as long as you keep out of their way.”
Cato laughed, “What’s the worst they can do? Fire me? It’s not like I aspire to be a pedite for my entire life.”
“Cato you don’t understand,” the sharp tone of Avalon’s voice made Cato look away from the shelf and she noticed that Avalon was incredibly close; so close that Cato could clearly see each individual fleck in her golden eyes.
Avalon seemed just as surprised at the abrupt proximity. She must have been searching for a book with enough concentration to not notice Cato. Her eyes widened briefly but then she returned to her serious demeanour and continued speaking without moving away.
“There is far more at stake here,” said Avalon quietly and her eyes bored into Cato’s just as they had when she had been arrested; was she trying to tell Cato something?
Cato realised that she was frozen; every muscle in her body was taut at the near presence of Avalon. After a pause that was almost certainly too long Cato answered.
“But you won’t tell me anything more?” said Cato, her voice quieter than Avalon’s.
“No, it’s for both my safety and yours,” answered Avalon.
Cato sighed dismissively and knew she couldn’t retrieve anymore information from Avalon.
“Are you still looking for DAW1094.76?” asked Avalon.
Cato’s wide eyes looked back up at Avalon who still had not moved away. If anything she had moved closer. Cato could feel the warmth radiating from her lithe body. Or maybe she was just imagining things.
“Uh yeah, I haven’t found it yet,” said Cato nervously.
“There it is,” said Avalon and pointed to a shelf above her head, “Could you get that one for me as well?”
Cato chuckled and again reached up and retrieved the book with ease.
“You didn’t just have me look for that one because you knew it would be high up?” asked Cato with amusement as she held out the book to Avalon.
“I didn’t know its exact location,” assured Avalon, “I do remember that Faustus usually gets it down for me though.”
Avalon took the book but before Cato had time to pull her hand away Avalon’s smaller hand had caught it. Cato almost leapt backwards at the contact but Avalon paid no attention to the sudden jump. Instead she frowned at the carefully trimmed remnants of talons on Cato’s fingers.
“These would be quite lethal if you let them grow,” said Avalon imperturbably.
It took Cato another moment to form a response. Her mind had gone completely numb and all she could feel was Avalon’s cool fingers intertwined with hers.
“Well I reckon if I let them grow I’d end up slicing my own head off,” chuckled Cato sheepishly.
Avalon smiled and for the second time in Cato’s memory she saw a quick exhale from Avalon that could have been a laugh. She even felt a small jolt through Avalon’s fingers.
“Yes that is a possibility,” smiled Avalon and she let her hand fall away.
Avalon paused for another moment, still only centimetres away from Cato. At least her golden eyes were not staring straight back into Cato’s anymore. Instead they were focussed on the ground and a slight frown marred her face. Cato dared not move. Eons seemed to pass before Avalon looked up again and her eyes met Cato’s, they were much darker than before. The pupils inside Avalon’s eyes had enlarged and only a small flicker of gold encircled the black orbs.
“Well thank you for assisting me,” said Avalon impassively, “I’ll leave you to whatever it is you were doing before I interrupted.”
Avalon made to walk past Cato towards the trolley piled with books. Cato felt immediate disappointment at the thought of Avalon’s departure. It was more than disappointment, it bordered on horror.
“Avalon,” Cato spoke before she knew what she meant to say.
Avalon paused and looked up at Cato again. Cato had expected puzzlement from her, or even irritation at the delay. Instead the only expression on Avalon’s face was one of mild curiosity.
“Yes Cato?” asked Avalon.
Cato held Avalon’s gaze for another moment as she tried to develop an explanation. Cato felt a terrible struggle between forcing her mind to explain itself or simply giving up and staring hopelessly into Avalon’s black eyes. The struggle only became harder by the second. Avalon had cast some intoxicating charm over Cato and she couldn’t bear to look away. Each moment that passed the tense connection only grew stronger. Cato would never be able to break away from this. How could she look away from such piercing beauty?
“Nothing,” stammered Cato and tore her eyes away from Avalon, “Never mind.”
It was not an explanation. It was barely an excuse. What would Avalon make of Cato’s strange behaviour? Avalon was silent for a moment; Cato did not look up to see the expression on her face. She did not want to see the confusion slowly turn into suspicion and then into repugnance.
“I’ll see you at the hearing tomorrow Cato,” said Avalon finally, “Nine o’clock.”
Cato looked up to watch Avalon walk away. When she reached the trolley she looked back at Cato and there was a hint of a smile on her face.
“Don’t be late,” said Avalon and left Cato with the sound of her pounding heart.
........
Avalon and Faustus parked their cars a block away from the Amber Tavern. As they walked towards the destination it became clear that the other Antistitors in attendance all had a similar idea. It would be suspicious if a dozen expensive cars suddenly appeared in Sussex Street. Someone would notice even in the late hours of the night. Sydney never slept.
Avalon and Faustus approached one of the many entrances to the Amber Tavern. Even though it was probably open until the early hours of the morning it appeared to be closed. The doorway was dim. The sign that might have once lit up to proclaim ‘The Amber Tavern’ now hung precariously above the open door. Avalon and Faustus entered and began walking down the tall flight of rickety stairs. Below Avalon could hear the sounds of muffled conversation and music and could smell the tang of cigarette smoke and alcohol.
Avalon and Faustus came to the bottom of the stairs to reveal a large but almost empty room. The furniture in the room was mismatched and worn and the lighting was dim. A tiny fire crackled in a too large fireplace in one corner. Numerous doorways and corridors led away from this central room, it was these doors that had proved Avalon and Faustus’ undoing last time they were here. Hopefully this time they would serve as some form of protection. The few people in the derelict bar subtly glanced at the pair of psychicaes as they entered but immediately returned to their own business. A table in the far corner of the room was occupied by the largest group of people. A dozen people were seated at the table and muttered quietly amongst one another. Although there was no visible evidence that any of them were psychicaes Avalon recognised some of them from the first secretive meeting a month ago. These were the Antistitors that they needed to meet. As Avalon and Faustus approached the table some of the psychicaes looked up suspiciously.
“Ah Avalon and Faustus!” smiled Marc, “It’s good to see you; we were just about to start our meeting. We’ll wait a few more minutes and see if anyone else shows up.”
Marc appeared much less shabby than when Avalon had previously seen him. Although his dress still gave him the appearance of a particularly hard done by old man his fur was growing back and his mangled ear was not swollen and bleeding. Indeed all of the Antistitors looked much less sorry than the first meeting. Avalon still recognised most of these psychicaes. After disembarking the ship from Indonesia she had taken the liberty of researching the history of each Antistitor.
“We’re not expecting everyone?” asked Avalon as she took a seat.
It seemed that both Marc and Carla had been sitting here a while. There was an empty glass in front of Marc while Carla still held a half empty bottle loosely in her hand. It was obviously alcohol. Both Marc and Carla were at one point International Antistitors so they would know the law prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in the presence of humans better than anyone. Avalon’s eyes narrowed at the intentional defiance but she said nothing for now.
“Alas no, I’m surprised so many of us showed up actually,” grimaced Marc, “It is dangerous business we’re getting into. Oh and here’s Alida and Maddock.”
Two more Antistitors sat down at the table. Alida now carried a long stick in front of her to see in the place of her still bandaged eyes. It seemed Maddock had assisted her on her journey to the Amber Tavern.
“Welcome welcome,” said Marc cheerfully, “Only four missing now. This is quite a turn out. I suppose we should start the meeting now?”
He glanced at Carla who nodded indifferently.
“Excellent, well undoubtedly you’ve all heard about Avalon’s arrest and demotion,” began Marc, “And that fits in quite well with some of the information we have been able to gather in our short time out of prison. Namely Cameo, the Auctor behind this entire scandal, has a curiously strong grasp on the telekinetic network. While this has been kept rather quiet we have found reports from Eastern Alliance soldiers that imply he is a fluent mind reader, manipulator and can even occasion death via telekinesis. These are just rumours of course. Why this is relevant is obvious. Avalon you have killed people via telekinesis as well?”
“Apparently so,” said Avalon understatedly.
“And yet the Imperator didn’t really do anything about that when you came back from Biak,” said Marc, “Instead she sent you back to Cairns as soon as she could to prep you for an assignment into Eastern Alliance territory. An assignment that subsequently was compromised and led you into mortal danger. When you miraculously survived, instead of being praised for saving hundreds of lives in a pretty hopeless situation you were instead arrested, demoted and brought back to Sydney to stand trial. Personally that looks rather suspicious to me.”
“You’re implying that the Imperator is trying to kill off Avalon because she might be competition for Cameo?” asked Sebastian, an Antistitor originally from Cambodia.
“Yes it also means that they believe they cannot convince Avalon to fight on their side,” said Marc, “Whether that means they believe in your personal integrity or they are already suspicious of our first meeting after escaping Biak, I do not know.”
“I don’t see why they should be worried,” said Avalon, “From what you say Auctor Cameo is far more accomplished with controlling his telekinesis than I am. If I were to be a potential assassin I wouldn’t last very long.”
“And that’s why they’re trying to get rid of you now,” said Marc, “Psychicaes can train to use telekinesis but you do have to have potential. For example International Antistitors excel not only at mind manipulation but we are also required to manipulate objects through space. Carla’s quite good at it.”
Marc glanced at her expectantly and she grimaced. For a moment nothing happened and then she let go of the bottle in her hand. Instead of smashing onto the table it simply hovered a few centimetres away from her fingers. Avalon knew that International Antistitors were able to manipulate physical objects but she had never seen it done before. It was eerie to see the glass bottle hanging in the air without any support. The Antistitor only let it drift for a moment before closing her hand around it again.
“It takes a lot of training to get to that point,” said Marc, “And you can only go so far before your brain just doesn’t have the power to manipulate any further. We could train you Avalon. You have far more potential than both Carla and I put together; that’s what has Cameo worried.”
“And the expectation would be that you would want me to kill Auctor Cameo?” asked Avalon.
“No you can’t kill Cameo,” said Carla abruptly, “He’s a figurehead. A powerful figurehead but if we kill him then that will make a lot of people very angry. What we want you to do is force him to tell the truth.”
Avalon paused and glanced at Faustus who had been silent and listening intently the entire time. Now his shoulder twitched in a slight shrug. It would be Avalon’s decision.
There was undoubtedly something strange happening at Psychicae United. It had become increasingly obvious over the past few weeks. While Avalon couldn’t be certain that these two Antistitors were telling the truth she knew that she could be less certain that the Imperator of Psychicae United was any more trustworthy.
“So if I agree to go along with this then what is the plan?” asked Avalon, “I imagine it will be quite difficult to locate Cameo much less force anything out of him. Particularly given that Psychicae United is already hounding me.”
Marc grinned triumphantly, even Carla smiled.
“You raise legitimate concerns,” said Marc, “It will be next to impossible to locate Cameo with our current resources. I doubt even with all of you we will be able to find him. We need a base with access to a large well of information from various sources. After we find Cameo we will need to hunt him down so this base will need to be able to support military infrastructure. I suggest that we should aim to have Psychicae United Headquarters Sydney under our control.”
There was a pause as the meaning set in.
“You mean you want us to commit treason?” asked Morris, a Malaysian Antistitor.
“I’d say this meeting already counts as treason Morris,” smirked Linus, another Malaysian Antistitor, “A takeover sounds more like mutiny.”
“Well I’d like to think that we’re following the example set by the higher levels of Psychicae United,” said Marc sardonically, “Obviously we would not be able to attempt such a takeover immediately. We would need more information and resources first. However would you all be willing to assist, when the time comes?”
Avalon found that the psychicaes were now glancing furtively at her, as though waiting for her decision. She abruptly understood. They all knew there was something underhanded happening at Psychicae United but it would be a lost cause without her. Even if Psychicae United was corrupt ultimately nothing could be done without Avalon’s help. Faustus leant close to Avalon and whispered into her ear.
“Will we help them?” asked Faustus.
Avalon glanced at him and nodded before returning her gaze to Marc.
“I will assist you,” said Avalon hesitantly, “I guess there’s little point in blindly working for an organisation that I clearly know is deceitful.”
“Excellent,” said Marc enthusiastically, “Anyone else?”
“Obviously if Avalon is assisting you then so will I,” shrugged Faustus.
The psychicaes began agreeing to Marc’s proposal after this and eventually all of the psychicaes had promised to assist in taking over Psychicae United Headquarters Sydney. While Avalon had known that the meeting would prove serious in effect the consequences were beginning to sink in.
“Well now that we’re all in agreement we need to deal with this hearing tomorrow,” said Marc, “Because obviously you can’t come out of this without being placed under arrest again. Or worse.”
“Faustus and I have organised a defence,” said Avalon, “Even if they arrest me at least the other psychicaes will probably see something wrong.”
“While it’s your decision I would suggest that it’s not worth the risk,” said Marc, “They’re going to arrest you and imprison you for as long as they can. If they find out what you know about them then they will not stop until you are dead. I would hazard a guess that they already know seeing as it looks like they tried to have you killed at Black Mountain National Park.”
“So what would you suggest we do instead?” asked Faustus warily.
“I suggest that Avalon disappears,” said Marc, “It might sound drastic but both Carla and myself waited too long and look where that got us. You should get out while you’re still ahead.”
“When you say disappear where do you intend that I go?” asked Avalon uncertainly, “There aren’t many places you can hide from the Imperator.”
“Well we’ve managed it quite well so far,” said Marc reticently, “Ironically enough we’ve been hiding with a local gang. They specialise in grand theft auto and while we still have to be wary that the Imperator is searching for us telekinetically the commotion these humans cause is good cover.”
“So you would have me hide with a gang of criminals?” asked Avalon doubtfully.
“Granted they do make some unsavoury decisions but they are relatively tame as far as gangs go in Sydney,” shrugged Marc, “Besides the other option is facing certain arrest and potential death at Psychicae United Headquarters.”
Avalon hesitated and diffidently had to admit to herself that Marc was right. The more she thought about it the more any option seemed better than returning to Psychicae United Headquarters tomorrow.
“So should I follow you to wherever you have been staying tonight?” asked Avalon.
“No you should return to your apartment for tonight,” said Marc, “The Imperator believes you will show up at the hearing tomorrow so she has no reason to bother you until then. Tomorrow you need to take all of the weapons from your apartment, all of the information, digital and hardcopy, any possessions you want to keep and pack them in your car. Make sure you wipe your computer, it will make it that much harder for Psychicae United to trace you. You then need to withdraw all of the funds you can from your bank account. When you don’t show up to the hearing Psychicae United will freeze your money; you want to get a hold of it before then. Once you’ve done this drive to four Lillian Fowler Place, Marrickville. Be there at eight o’clock, an hour before your hearing is supposed to begin.”
Marc had clearly thought this plan through. He had expected Avalon to take part in this plan. Of course she would though, there was no other option.
“And what about Faustus?” asked Avalon, “Certainly they will question him?”
“Certainly they will,” agreed Marc, “But as far as anyone is concerned you disappeared. No one knows where you are, not even Faustus.”
“They won’t believe that,” said Faustus, “Not if they suspect us of treason already.”
“They won’t believe it but they have no grounds to arrest you or otherwise,” said Marc, “You’ll just have to be very careful from now on. The same can be said for all of you. Psychicae United knows that we all participated in a meeting on the frigate from Indonesia and they are suspicious of what you all know. Undoubtedly you will all be questioned about Avalon’s location.”
There was a grim silence around the table. It seemed the gravity of the situation was becoming a reality not just for Avalon but for all of the psychicaes.
“We will need to meet again,” said Marc, “This time we will need to meet sooner, in a week. I suggest the same time but we should instead hold this meeting at five Fitzroy Street. It is a secure location. Unless there are any further questions we will bring this meeting to an end?”
The psychicaes remained silent and the quiet pressed against Avalon’s ears. Not even the soft muttering of the humans around the room seemed to pierce this quiet.
“Excellent,” smiled Marc, “I’ll see you all in a week then.”
........
Cato tried to control her heart rate. She knew it was another dream. She always knew when she was dreaming and she knew if she could not calm down she would wake. But it was proving one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish with her hand caught in Avalon’s and the former Antistitor’s golden eyes just centimetres away. Cato could definitely feel the warmth from her body this time. She was so close.
“Are you still looking for DAW1094.76?” asked Avalon quietly.
Cato couldn’t speak so she nodded instead.
“There it is,” Avalon looked up at the book just above Cato’s head.
Cato struggled to speak for a moment. Avalon was far too close and their hands were still entrapped together.
“I can get it down for you?” stuttered Cato.
Avalon smiled and Cato felt her breath catch in her throat. She felt the dream slide away and she desperately clung to the imaginary world.
“If you want to,” answered Avalon vaguely and leant forwards against Cato.
Cato felt Avalon’s nose slide up her neck and her cool breath followed this trail. It was too much for Cato and she felt the dream slip away to be replaced by her madly beating heart and the dim morning light.
Cato had grown accustomed to these dreams but they still left her trembling when she woke. Now she stared at the ceiling with an expression half of frustration and half of disbelief. How far was her mind going to take this? And why did her subconscious torment her by offering something so desirable and then snatching it away? Cato almost wanted the dreams to disappear but then the only attention she would ever get from Avalon would go with it.
........
It was early in the night and Avalon was driving towards Lillian Fowler Place. She drove along the street slowly as she read the numbers along the square concrete buildings. The area was an industrial district. For a few minutes Avalon had been driving through deserted dusty fields and squat buildings of no aesthetic appeal. She now reached the first sign of life in this artificial land. At number four Lillian Fowler Place it seemed like there was a party happening.
Perhaps a hundred people were gathered in a grimy courtyard that had been lit up by coloured floodlights. Various luxurious cars were parked in the courtyard and Avalon suspected that these people must be the gang specialising in grand theft auto that the Antistitors had talked of. They did not seem very concerned that they were harbouring stolen vehicles however. They made no attempt to conceal their presence with the giant floodlights, the revving of engines and the thud of loud music audible even from inside Avalon’s car.
As Avalon turned into the driveway of the courtyard a few humans standing at the gate stepped forwards to bar her way. One of them jogged forwards and Avalon wound down her window. The din from outside poured into the car. The man leant forwards; his large eyes glaring at Avalon from under a woollen beanie.
“I’m looking for Marc and Carla,” said Avalon shortly and was aware she didn’t know if these humans knew anything about them.
“You’ll be Antistitor Avalon then!” his serious demeanour immediately broke into a friendly grin and held out a large hand, “I’m Ronnie.”
Avalon shook his hand uncertainly.
“Marc said you’d be here, I’ll take you to him,” said Ronnie, “You can park your car in here. We won’t touch it, I swear. Reckon them Antistitors would kill us and eat us, ay?”
“Indeed,” said Avalon distastefully as Ronnie skipped away.
Ronnie waved aside the two other men at the gate and gestured for Avalon to follow him. Avalon was still cautious about entering the impound but followed the man anyway. She had faced much worse than a hundred untrained, probably barely armed and certainly drunk humans and come away unscathed. Even if this took a turn for the worst she assumed she would live.
Avalon parked her car in the circle of ostentatious vehicles and she wondered if hers was the only vehicle that had been legally acquired. Her car was certainly the least flashy. The other cars sported colourful paint jobs, modified body kits and neon lights. Ironically her car stood out with its inconspicuous black and subtle structure.
Avalon stepped out of the car and was immediately greeted by Ronnie and the stares of the gathered humans.
“Follow me, I’ll take you to Marc,” said Ronnie animatedly.
Ronnie led Avalon across the courtyard through the crowd of subtly staring humans.
“So naturally we’ve heard all about you,” laughed Ronnie, “You’ve done some pretty amazing shit. I mean I’ve seen the videos. All of us have. You have some skills.”
“Good to know,” said Avalon understatedly.
“So is it true that you have deadly mind powers?” asked Ronnie animatedly.
Usually Avalon would try to avoid such vague questions but in this situation she needed all of the information she could get. Ronnie might just be the key to this information as tedious as he seemed so Avalon chose to indulge his conversation as he led her through the car park and into the maze of the warehouse. After a few minutes of mindless talking on Ronnie’s behalf they entered a small room. It was darker and far emptier in here. There were only three humans seated around a low glass table on cushy chairs. Avalon was relieved to see the two Antistitors here as well. She could finally leave the company of this bothersome human.
“Avalon, you made it!” smiled Marc and gestured for Avalon to come forward, “Take a seat. Thanks Ronnie.”
“No problem man,” grinned Ronnie, “See you around Avalon!”
Ronnie ambled from the room and Avalon took a seat next to Marc.
“Well I’ll make introductions,” said Marc cheerily, “This is Avalon, of course. Avalon this is Ryan, Mischa and Julian.”
The three humans eyed Avalon warily. Their expressions were far less trusting than Ronnie’s. At least they probably understood the grave nature of what they had become involved in.
“Julian is the elected president of this club, Volpe,” said Marc, “He has agreed to offer us sanctuary.”
“How kind,” said Avalon distrustfully.
Julian chuckled at the derision in Avalon’s tone. His pot belly wobbled under his brown suit and his blacked out glasses tipped down on his broken nose. Avalon saw the white eyes underneath his glasses and realised the man was blind.
“I take it you’re more accustomed to hunting my people than hiding with us,” sniggered Julian, “You’re suspicions are well placed but I honestly intend to gain nothing. I am simply a Good Samaritan trying to pay back my dues.”
“That’s very chivalrous of you but I have little reason to believe you,” said Avalon bluntly, “If I’m still alive and unarrested in an hour then I may trust you a little more.”
“I like your honesty,” he scoffed, “But yes onto business I suppose. This place is very hard to find but if the Imperator can still track you telekinetically then you’ll give us away. Did you say you had some way to deal with that, Marc, Carla?”
Avalon was slightly surprised at the amount of knowledge Julian had of the Imperator and telekinesis. Not many humans were privy to that sort of information. Even Dr Anderson hadn’t known until his field trip into Psychicae United Headquarters.
“Yes we have a way around it,” smiled Marc confidently, “And so begins our first lesson in telekinesis control Avalon.”
Marc gestured to Carla who sighed almost reluctantly.
“You know how to conceal your presence on the telekinetic network Avalon?” asked Carla indifferently.
“Yes but the Imperator is far too powerful to be fooled by that,” said Avalon.
“Indeed she is,” said Carla, “Which is why we must take our concealment to another level. When you try to conceal your presence you try to minimise electrical neural activity outside of the brain, yes?”
“Yes,” agreed Avalon uncertainly.
“That is suffice for hiding from the average psychicae,” said Carla, “But the Imperator isn’t looking for neural activity already on the network. She’s looking for neural activity inside the brain. Obviously each brain’s neural activity is unique and that is how the Imperator will identify you. What we need to do is create a mask of neural activity so that the Imperator cannot recognise you. Do you understand what I mean?”
“Yes, I understand,” said Avalon intently, “How do I create this mask?”
“It is quite simple actually, it’s just an abstract idea,” said Carla, “And Psychicae United doesn’t spread it around because then a lot of psychicaes will be able to hide from the Imperator. The method is similar to any other means of manipulating the telekinetic network to create information. In this case the information just doesn’t leave your head; it masks your head. Give it a try.”
It sounded like a very simple idea to Avalon. She wondered why she hadn’t considered it before. With all of her experience manipulating the telekinetic network it was easy to form an image of altered neural activity over her skull.
“See that was easy!” exclaimed Marc merrily.
“I’m imagining that this is a relatively undemanding task in telekinetic training?” said Avalon uncertainly.
“Yes most of the other manipulations are much harder,” said Carla wryly.
“So we’re safe right?” asked Ryan, “Psychicae United isn’t going to bust in on us while we’re sleeping?”
“Yes we’re perfectly safe now,” smiled Marc and checked his watch, “It’s just a few minutes until nine. Your lookouts are all in place Mischa?”
“Yes last time I checked,” nodded Mischa, “I will warn them that it is close though.”
“What are we preparing for?” asked Avalon hesitantly.
“Well when you don’t turn up at nine o’clock Psychicae United isn’t going to sit around and let that go,” explained Marc, “We expect they’ll be scouring the city for you tonight.”
“You expect they might find us?” said Avalon.
“It’s a possibility,” shrugged Marc, “We’re better safe than sorry.”
........
Cato was sitting in a large hall filled with hundreds of psychicaes. It was the hall that Avalon’s hearing would be held in. Cato had never been to a psychicae hearing room before but it was very similar to a human courtroom. There were two benches at the front of the room for the plaintiff and defendant and large expanse of polished wooden seats for the audience. The only difference was that there was no seat for the jury or the judge. Instead a long bench ran along the front wall, facing the rest of the room. The Auctors were already seated at this bench. The Imperator, Medicus Agnes, Auctors Abelardus and Corbin were also already at the plaintiff’s bench and beside Cato on the defendant’s bench was Estelle, Dom, Dexter and Antistitor Faustus. To Cato’s dismay Avalon had still not arrived.
“Antistitor Faustus, do you know where Avalon is?” asked Cato nervously.
“Not a clue,” answered Antistitor Faustus impassively.
Cato flinched and stared at Faustus for a moment. It was just plain wrong that Faustus shouldn’t know where Avalon was. Avalon had to be in some sort of trouble.
“What do you mean?” exclaimed Cato, “She knows her hearing’s on tonight, doesn’t she?”
“She does,” nodded Antistitor Faustus.
Now Estelle, Dom and Dexter were staring incredulously at Antistitor Faustus as well.
“Then why wouldn’t she be here?” asked Cato desperately.
“I don’t know,” answered Antistitor Faustus shortly.
The clock clicked onto nine. Cato tore her eyes away from the apathetic Antistitor as Auctor Gloria rose from her chair. The room fell silent immediately.
“The hearing of Avalon will commence now,” said Gloria, “Is there a reason why Avalon is not in attendance, defendant?”
Antistitor Faustus rose from his chair, “I do not know why Avalon is not in attendance. I have not seen her since midday.”
A small wave of murmurs crept around the hall.
“If the defendant is not present then they cannot defend their case,” said Auctor Gloria, “We still must pass a sentence at this hearing. We will adjourn while we discuss our decision.”
Antistitor Faustus returned to his seat as the Auctors left the hall. Cato watched them go apprehensively. She couldn’t believe what was happening. Antistitor Faustus was just letting them sentence Avalon.
“I wonder why she isn’t here?” pondered Estelle, “She’s always so punctual so this is really unusual.”
“Yeah it’s weird,” said Dom uncertainly.
“Where did you last see her Antistitor?” asked Dexter.
“In my office,” said Antistitor Faustus and still he remained emotionless, “She left around midday. She said she was going to find some more information for the hearing and she didn’t come back.”
“And you didn’t think to say anything about this before now?” said Estelle.
“No it didn’t occur to me,” said Antistitor Faustus bluntly.
Antistitor Faustus was far too calm. He knew where Avalon was. He knew why she wasn’t here. But he was still calm. It gave comfort to Cato. Perhaps if Antistitor Faustus was calm that meant Avalon was safe. It didn’t change the fact that she still desperately wanted to know where Avalon was.
“That’s a pretty major slip up,” grimaced Dexter, “The Imperator is not going to like that.”
The door to the hall opened and the Auctors entered the room. The excited babbling of the hundreds of psychicaes immediately died away as the Auctors took their places again. Auctor Gloria remained standing to address the audience.
“We have reached our verdict,” said Auctor Gloria, “Given the evidence already provided by the plaintiff we find Avalon guilty of nine hundred and eighty three counts of human murder, five counts of psychicae murder and an unlawful relationship. The sentence is capital punishment.”
The hall immediately broke into an uproar. Cato felt the blood drain from her face. She barely heard the indignant shouts from the audience. Psychicae United was going to hunt down Avalon and kill her.
Antistitor Faustus had risen from his seat; his calm expression was now gone to be replaced with fury that Cato had never seen.
“Order, order!” shouted Gloria irritably over the tumult.
It took a few minutes but eventually the psychicaes settled into discontented quiet and Cato could feel the unease lingering over the telekinetic network. Antistitor Faustus began speaking as soon as the room was quiet.
“I object, the sentencing is far too harsh!” he exclaimed heatedly.
“We have come to our decision Antistitor,” answered Auctor Gloria, “If Avalon was so concerned then she might have graced us with her presence.”
“That doesn’t change the fact that the sentencing is extreme,” retorted Antistitor Faustus angrily.
“Avalon is a repeat offender; she killed in Biak and then at Black Mountain,” answered Gloria, “She is also a dangerous mass murderer who exhibits mental disturbances. This is the safest option. Besides you cannot argue Avalon’s case for her. For an official defence the defendant actually needs to be present.”
Antistitor Faustus glared wrathfully at Auctor Gloria but seemingly he could not think of any counterargument and he fell back into his chair.
“Any other objections?” asked Auctor Gloria and gazed around the silently stunned faces gathered in the hall, “Then we will issue a warrant for Avalon’s arrest. The defence will stay behind for further questioning. That is all. Case dismissed.”
The hall immediately returned to the clamour of noise as the psychicaes chatted vigorously about the proceedings as they left the hall. Estelle, Dom and Dexter still appeared too shocked to start a conversation and were staring at the Auctors. The Auctors were slowly standing and making their way down to the defendant’s bench. Antistitor Faustus had turned his attention from them and was rapidly typing a message onto his phone below the desk out of the sight of the Auctors.
“Antistitor Faustus?” said Cato uncertainly.
He hummed absently in response but at least he had acknowledged her. Cato urgently wanted to know where Avalon was and what was going on.
“Where’s Avalon?” she asked.
“I don’t know,” shrugged Antistitor Faustus and pocketed his phone.
“I don’t believe that,” answered Cato bluntly, “Can you at least tell me she’s safe?”
The Antistitor tore his eyes away from the approaching Auctors and fixated his eyes on Cato’s. Cato hadn’t noticed before but Antistitor Faustus’ pupils were square. It was uncanny to have them so hooked on her. There was a small frown on his face. The Auctors then came within earshot and Cato thought it best to keep quiet. There was something bizarre going on and Cato wasn’t sure who’s side she ought to take.
‘Well we don’t have much time so we’ll get straight to business,’ said the Imperator from Auctor Abelardus’ shoulder, ‘Do any of you know the location of Avalon?’
The psychicaes shook their heads and there were a few muttered no’s.
‘And Antistitor, when was the last time you saw Avalon?’ she asked.
“The last time I saw her was at midday,” shrugged Antistitor Faustus, “She said she was going to find more information for the hearing and she did not return.”
‘And you didn’t become at all concerned about this until now?’ asked the Imperator, ‘You didn’t think to warn anyone that Avalon had disappeared?’
“Honestly no,” said Antistitor Faustus, “I thought Avalon had lost track of time in the library. It wouldn’t be a first. By the time I realised that was not the case it was already time for the hearing.”
Avalon losing track of time didn’t seem like a very probable occurrence to Cato even if Antistitor Faustus had sounded so sincere. The Imperator and the Auctors didn’t seem any more convinced than Cato.
‘Of course we trust your word Antistitor but understandably this is an unusual situation,’ said the Imperator, ‘We will review the security footage around midday today but for now it would set my mind at ease to see your phone. Obviously if you’re in league with Avalon then you would be communicating with her.’
Cato felt a surge of adrenaline. Antistitor Faustus had been using his mobile just a few moments ago. He had probably been warning Avalon of the impending wave of psychicaes coming after her. The message would undoubtedly be left on his phone to incriminate him. Antistitor Faustus simply smiled, shrugged and tossed his phone onto the bench.
“I have nothing to hide,” he said nonchalantly.
Auctor Dante stepped forwards and picked up the phone. Cato watched almost open mouthed as the Auctor looked through the phone. He frowned after a moment and placed the phone back on the bench.
“The last message to Avalon was early this morning at a quarter to eight,” said Auctor Dante, “It was in regards to data collection for the hearing. All other messages are very similar in content.”
Cato felt relief wash over her. Even though she had no idea what Antistitor Faustus could have been messaging or exactly who the intended recipient was it gave her hope that Avalon was just a bit safer.
‘Very well,’ said the Imperator, ‘You’re cleared of suspicion for now Antistitor. I assume you will only be too happy to assist in the capture of Avalon tonight then?’
“I will take no part in searching for Avalon given the severity of her sentence,” said Antistitor Faustus resolutely.
‘While it is your own choice whether you accept assignments or not it would help us greatly if you were to assist us tonight,’ said the Imperator, ‘Obviously you would have the greatest insight into what Avalon’s actions might be, given you have been her partner for six years.’
“I disagree with the sentencing so I will not accept the assignment,” said Antistitor Faustus determinedly.
‘The sentencing is fair Antistitor,’ countered the Imperator, ‘Avalon possesses an unusual ability that makes her quite dangerous. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem but she is mentally unstable. We can’t predict her actions. She is a danger to us every minute she is still alive.’
“She’s not mentally unstable,” scowled Antistitor Faustus, “You’re using outdated and out of proportion evidence to make that claim.”
‘And I think your opinion is biased,’ said the Imperator, ‘I’m aware that Antistitors usually become good friends with their partners and I allow this to happen despite the law of relationships because it promotes teamwork. However this is a prime example of when those relationships get in the way of work. You’re too emotionally invested in her and you can’t see logic.’
“And what is logic?” asked Antistitor Faustus tetchily, “That I should listen to you without question?”
‘No I ask that you listen to reason,’ said the Imperator, ‘You don’t believe Avalon is mentally unstable yet all of the evidence points to the contrary. She’s still emotionally traumatised from what her father did to her; her fear of water proves that. The relationship with Cato is obviously linked with her past trauma and frankly she is very familiar with violence and death for someone her age. She is the youngest Antistitor in over a century after all.’
Cato’s interest was piqued when the Imperator had begun talking of Avalon’s past life. It sounded just as dreary as Avalon had implied. But when the Imperator again assumed that Avalon had been in a relationship with Cato she felt a twinge of irritation.
“She’s not in a relationship with me!” said Cato steadfastly, “She never has been and she never will be!”
Cato hoped she didn’t sound too derisive when these words came out of her mouth. The cold fact was hard for Cato to swallow. The lump in her throat quickly disappeared as the eyes of the Imperator and the Auctors turned on her.
‘I’m afraid anecdotal evidence will not be enough to put that case to rest Cato,’ answered the Imperator, ‘I would advise you to ignore any contact Avalon makes with you. She is very clever and manipulative. Undoubtedly you have become an important piece in her game.’
Cato couldn’t speak anymore. She had only been granted a short burst of adrenaline and now it was replaced by icy fear under the Imperator’s stare.
‘Well Antistitor if you won’t help us tonight that is your own decision,’ said the Imperator, ‘However if Avalon contacts you I would appreciate it if you passed on her message. Understood?’
Antistitor Faustus glared back at the Imperator and nodded stiffly.
‘Excellent, then you’re all dismissed,’ said the Imperator.
........
While Estelle, Dom and Dexter were taking ascending elevators to leave Psychicae United Headquarters Antistitor Faustus was taking a descending elevator, probably to go to his office. Cato followed him into the golden cage just as the doors shut.
“What’s going on Antistitor?” asked Cato anxiously, “Why is Avalon running away?”
“I can’t say Cato,” answered the Antistitor wearily, “It’s too risky.”
“But I need to know,” said Cato urgently, “This is bigger than Avalon isn’t it? I mean sure she’s the one they severely sentenced on very flimsy grounds but that’s a problem with Psychicae United. There’s something going on inside Psychicae United, right?”
The Antistitor appeared surprised for a moment and then he smiled.
“You’re actually quite astute,” he shrugged, “I can see why Avalon likes you.”
Now Cato was the one to be surprised. Had she heard Antistitor Faustus correctly?
“What? Avalon likes me?” said Cato doubtfully.
Antistitor Faustus grimaced as though he regretted speaking, “Well don’t take me too seriously.”
“But she doesn’t hate me?” asked Cato incredulously.
“Why would she hate you?” chuckled the Antistitor.
“I just assumed I annoyed her,” grimaced Cato.
“Oh you do,” smirked Antistitor Faustus, “Greatly.”
Cato was becoming more confused by the moment but she couldn’t clarify what Antistitor Faustus meant as he had reached his floor. The doors opened and he stepped out of the elevator leaving Cato standing numbly inside. He pressed the button for the top floor on the way out.
“Be careful Cato,” said Antistitor Faustus seriously as the elevator doors closed.
........
Half an hour ago Avalon had received a message from Faustus. It had been short and it had informed her that she had been given a death sentence. The news left her astonished. She had expected to be incarcerated for a long time but she had never imagined capital punishment. Indeed Psychicae United had not handed down a sentence of capital punishment for at least fifty years. Marc and Carla were not surprised. While they appreciated the audacity of the Auctors to hand down an incongruous sentence so publicly they had anticipated that Psychicae United would try as hard as they could to get rid of Avalon permanently.
Psychicae United would be crawling the city tonight looking for Avalon so she and Marc had kept moving throughout the night so as not to be found. Dawn had arrived surprisingly fast and with the abrupt decrease in patrolling psychicaes Avalon and Marc were able to escape Sydney without the worry of Psychicae United tracking them down.
It was almost nine o’clock now. Marc had been driving for two hours along a winding road bordered by a monotonous backdrop of greenery on either side. It had begun raining in the early hours of the morning and the trees were covered in a fine veil of droplets. Earlier in the morning Carla had sent Marc a message informing him that she would leave Sydney at daybreak as well and that she would meet them at ‘the base’, wherever and whatever that was. Avalon still had little idea where they were going to; all she knew was that it was in the small and isolated village of Putty.
“So what exactly is this base?” asked Avalon warily, “I know it’s in Putty but is it another property used by the Volpe’s?”
“In a way,” said Marc nonchalantly, “It is owned by a very old psychicae, Lilianna. She rescued Julian a long time ago but she was suspended from her job for it. Psychicae United hasn’t really paid much attention to her since then and she has always been in regular contact with Julian. It’s works out well for us as when my colleagues manage to escape whatever concentration camp Psychicae United has sent them to they usually need somewhere safe to recuperate.”
Marc now made another left turn and almost immediately the dense trees opened onto vast paddocks of damp grass and rolling clouds of fog.
“So there are more psychicaes?” asked Avalon with surprise, “At this base?”
“Yeah, of course,” smiled Marc, “There’s only about a couple dozen of us at Lilianna’s house but it’s a start.”
A couple dozen was far more than Avalon had expected. She had thought that Carla and Marc were the only two who had escaped from Psychicae United alive.
“And here we are,” said Marc as the car slowed down.
Marc turned onto a thin dirt road that wound over a vast field dotted with tall, dry eucalypts. Avalon couldn’t see any buildings or any signs of civilisation until they came to the crest of the hill. Just above them, hidden in a grove of pines, was a large federation style house. It overlooked the small valley below and had an uninterrupted view of the approaching road even though Avalon had not seen the building on their approach. Outside of the old house were a few cars and down a gentle grassy slope littered with boulders was a barn. Beside the barn a creek that Avalon had occasionally glimpsed following the road now twisted around the property and dove back into the eucalypt trees.
The area was beautiful but Avalon could see it was also strategic. Lilianna had put some thought into her residence. Any approaching cars would be seen from the only access road but the seemingly randomly placed trees would hide any hint of the building from the approaching cars. The only way to approach the house by vehicle was via the thin, dirt driveway; the boulders certainly wouldn’t allow any other method of entry. Now that Avalon inspected the property closer she could see that there was at least one boat in the barn next to the creek. Who knew what other security measures the house held.
“Nice place huh?” grinned Marc, he had obviously noticed Avalon’s discerning gaze.
“It’s clever,” agreed Avalon.
Marc came to a stop next to the other three cars outside of the house and just as the pair stepped out of the car Avalon saw movement from the trees across from the creek. A few seconds later a couple of young psychicaes came pelting out of the woodland. Immediately Avalon thought that there must be an emergency but as the sounds of laughter echoed up to her it became apparent there was no danger. The two psychicaes skipped across the creek and as they sprinted forwards Avalon realised that they must be racing. The psychicae who was lagging behind lurched forwards and shoved the first psychicae roughly. As this psychicae went tumbling into the water the offender shrieked with mirth and bounced ahead.
“Ah allow me to introduce Vic and Verne,” said Marc, “They’re our youngest resident psychicaes both at fourteen and they’re always up to no good. Keep an eye on them.”
The boy who had run ahead now noticed Avalon and Marc and he slowed his pace a little before changing direction and jogging up towards them. Just as he came within earshot the other boy went barrelling into him and knocked him from his feet.
“Vic get off!” whined the boy and shoved the offender away, “We got company idiot!”
“What?” Vic looked up dazedly and then noticed Avalon and Marc.
He then jumped to his feet and dusted his stained shirt off before dragging Verne to his feet.
“We’s just playin’ is all,” laughed Vic uncertainly as he gazed at Avalon, “I don’t mean to hurt him or nothing.”
Avalon realised the two boys were trying to explain that they weren’t really fighting. To a human it would have looked as though they were trying to tear each other apart. They thought she was a human.
“She’s not a human,” said Marc wearily, “She knows that. This is Avalon, another Antistitor.”
“You’re Avalon,” gasped Vic, “You been on the TV? She’s been on the TV Verne! You’re an idiot, of course she ain’t no human.”
“How was I supposed to know,” exclaimed Verne, “I don’ watch TV.”
The two boys began bickering with one another and Marc led Avalon away.
“It’s best just to let them go,” he said resignedly.
Marc led Avalon through the open doorway into the first room of the house. The entrance was spacious and opened directly onto a large dining room and a kitchen. Tall windows encircled this area and let dappled sunlight stream in over the dark, wooden floors. Seated at the long dining table were Carla and two other psychicaes. On the table in front of them was a white cat. As the cat turned its head to look at the new arrivals Avalon saw that its eyes were green human eyes. Certainly the cat was a psychicae; just a very old psychicae.
“Morning,” said Marc casually to the gathered group, “I’ve brought Avalon. Avalon this is Benedict, Elana and Lilianna.”
The two psychicaes at the table smiled wearily. Both had obviously just come from some form of harsh treatment. Bandages covered most of their skin. Elana was covered in burns and Benedict’s unnaturally thin form was huddled in a wheelchair.
“Take a seat, we need to talk about what our actions should be now that you’re out of harm’s way,” said Marc as he fell into a chair next to Carla.
Avalon joined the group at the table.
“So you’re the infamous Antistitor Avalon?” Lilianna now rose to her feet and cautiously approached Avalon, “I must say, you’re not so intimidating in real life.”
Avalon was surprised that Lilianna could still speak out her almost completely morphed mouth.
“I would assume the media likes to weave fanciful tales about me,” answered Avalon wryly.
“Not so fanciful,” said Elana, “It was true what you did at Biak. Then there was the whole Black Mountain fiasco and the Antistitors dragging you past the reporters in handcuffs. Your life is rather dramatic.”
“Hopefully no reporters will find us here though,” said Marc, “The last thing we need is the human media tipping off Psychicae United about what we’re doing.”
“And what are you doing here?” asked Avalon.
“For now we’ve been hiding from Psychicae United,” shrugged Marc, “There’s not much a bunch of crippled psychicae fugitives can do against a powerful organisation. But we’ve been healing and training up here.”
“I doubt any amount of training will enable you to take over Headquarters,” said Avalon wryly, “Their defences are too strong. They won’t fall to a brute force attack short of nuclear bombing and that would probably defeat the purpose of a takeover.”
“Granted but we haven’t been training for a brute force attack,” answered Marc, “The main reason why no attack will ever work on any psychicae base worldwide is because usually there is a powerful psychicae present who will just overpower the offenders telekinetically, right?”
This was common knowledge. Every psychicae had some ability to fight telekinetically. Pedites were trained to use the ability to fight human criminals of a night. It was what made psychicaes so effective at fighting petty crime. When used correctly the ability caused an overload of the victim’s neural pathways that would initially result in a devastating headache, then unconsciousness if needed. Powerful psychicaes received further training in how to repel these kinds of attacks or administer them to other psychicaes. Avalon had been trained in this way.
“Yes so obviously the Imperator will just incapacitate every single one of us,” said Avalon bluntly, “We’d all be arrested.”
“That’s assuming we can’t overpower the Imperator,” said Marc smartly.
“That’s impossible,” said Avalon doubtfully, “The Imperator has had decades of telekinetic training. She’s Imperator for a reason.”
“Ah but as I said the other day sometimes raw talent will get you places,” said Marc, “Telekinetically you’re far more talented than the Imperator. Or any other psychicae I’ve recently come into contact with.”
“You think that I can overpower the Imperator,” asked Avalon uncertainly.
“Easily,” nodded Marc, “Of course we’d have to train you to do that. But with the Imperator taken care of I don’t imagine that the rest of our colleagues will give us too much trouble.”
Avalon still doubted that she had anywhere near enough skill to take on the Imperator and come out alive, let alone victorious, but it was what their hopes rested on.
“How long will it take to train me to that level?” asked Avalon.
Marc glanced at Carla questioningly.
“You have a good grounding in your current training from what I understand,” said Carla, “But it will still take a while. You need to learn how to deflect different kinds of attacks and how to perform different kinds of attacks, not just the standard cerebral cortex attack they teach you at Psychicae United. It probably wouldn’t hurt to get some grounding in space manipulation as well. I’d say a few months, maybe half a year.”
Avalon grimaced, “I thought time was of the essence. I assume the longer we wait the more damage Auctor Cameo can achieve.”
“And if you’re not able to fight then there’s no point at all,” said Carla, “When we fight it will be at exactly the right time. It’s just efficient that way.”
“So when do I start?” asked Avalon dejectedly.
“Tomorrow at sundown,” answered Carla.
Off the Face of the Planet
Cato scoured the news religiously and badgered Antistitor Faustus for information about Avalon everyday for weeks. She was never given any hints as to where Avalon might be. The first fortnight after Avalon’s disappearance the effort to locate her had diminished significantly even though she remained number one on Psychicae United’s most wanted list. By this time Avalon was no longer a person; she was a legend. She was an outlaw who had disappeared right under Psychicae United’s nose. Whenever anyone spoke of her they spoke in detached murmurs.
Cato was eventually sent back to Cairns to help defend against the ensuing Eastern Alliance forces. More weeks passed. Winter settled in. Cairns was lost. The Eastern Alliance marched forward and was only held back at Brisbane. Cato had thrown herself into Psychicae United’s assignments and after just a few months she had been promoted to Servus. Even Alexis and Davina had been taken on as pedites and now they usually worked in Cato’s team of psychicaes. Bernardus did not seem interested in working for Psychicae United. Cato knew it had something to do with his past but she still couldn’t wheedle the details from him.
For weeks Cato dreamt of Avalon every night and every morning she would wake with the bittersweet images etched into her mind. After a while the dreams began to subside. After a while Cato stopped dreaming of Avalon altogether. After a while Cato barely thought of Avalon. Avalon turned into the same unreal legend that everyone else believed she was. Cato began to see how caught up she had been with Avalon. She had been so blinded by affection that she couldn’t see the lies that Avalon had spun. Avalon was psychotic and only intent on twisted revenge for her childhood. Cato understood that Avalon had been using her as an outlet for this revenge. And Avalon hadn’t even been content with destroying just Cato; she needed to destroy Psychicae United as well. Now every word that Avalon had ever spoken to Cato seemed cold and calculated. Avalon was wretched and evil and Cato hoped they would never meet again.
It was a cold July morning and Cato had been called into a meeting at Enoggera Barracks. Enoggera Barracks was the largest military base in the country. It sprawled almost endlessly over the northern Brisbane suburb of Enoggera and Cato had become lost quite a few times. Now she knew her way around and she was at the meeting room in just a few minutes. It seemed many other Servus’ had been called in. Antistitors Vincent and Severino were also present as well as well as a number of human officials. Cato took a seat at the long table as a few last people straggled into the room. A few minutes later the Antistitors rose from their chair and the room fell silent.
“Welcome everyone,” said Antistitor Vincent, “This is a rather unusual meeting. Generally we only focus on fighting the Eastern Alliance in Brisbane but we have become aware of specific resources that could help us in other important cases. In this case the capture of Avalon.”
A collective shiver of excitement went around the room. Cato sat up a little straighter.
“You’ve all been selected to take part in a new assignment,” continued Antistitor Vincent, “We’ve come across a few more resources that will be of great assistance in helping us capture Avalon but we need a larger team to make the best of these. We’re lucky enough that Psychicae United International has taken an interest in this case and they’ve sent one of their Auctors to help us. For those of you who don’t recognise him, may I introduce Auctor Cameo. He’ll be overseeing this assignment from now on.”
Auctor Cameo rose from the chair beside Antistitor Vincent. He had an unusual posture while standing; he was hunched forward. It was as though his body contorted under his grey suit. To steady himself he rested his hands on the table and Cato saw that they were not hands but two massive claws. From the long ears drooping under his neat, black hair and the sharp incisors under his thin lips Cato decided his morph must have been some kind of bat.
“Thank you for welcoming me,” smiled Auctor Cameo with a thick and heavy accent from some European country that Cato could not identify, “Obviously you all know how slippery Avalon can be so we will have to take every precaution we can with this assignment. We have reason to believe she is working with a number of other psychicaes, all of them trained to at least Antistitor level, if not above. That is why when we attempt to capture her we will need such a large force. Your objective will be to distract this force of psychicaes while I capture Avalon. No one else is to approach her. She is far too dangerous.”
“And how do we find her to begin with?” asked another Servus, “I’m under the impression we still have no leads on her location.”
“That was correct,” nodded Auctor Cameo, “But the reason we are in Brisbane was to meet with a person who might be able to locate Avalon. Apparently he has been keeping accurate tabs on her location for some time now. Avalon’s father has proven to be quite a useful source of information.”
Auctor Cameo nodded at a man across the table and Cato’s eyes immediately shot to him; her heart constricted. To Cato’s relief the man looked nothing like Avalon. He was tall, his skin was rough and calloused, his hair was dark, his clothes were weathered. The only similarity was his cold, black eyes.
“Mr Agrippa Mallory has been able to tell us that Avalon is still close to Sydney,” said Auctor Cameo, “Mr Mallory has been able to track down Avalon’s new mobile phone signal and has discovered that she occasionally visits the central city and then she returns north along Putty Road before her mobile signal drops out. It does not pick up again which tells us she is currently hiding somewhere between Sydney and Singleton. Now it is simply a matter of searching Wollemi National Park and eventually we should find Avalon.
You will all receive the appropriate training to undertake this assignment however it should be fairly straight forward. We will send small teams in at first to determine the exact location of Avalon then we will discuss our tactics for a capture. I expect all of you to be ready for this assignment by next week. That is all.”
The people in the room immediately began bustling around to the exit but Cato remained still for another moment. Her eyes stayed on Mr Mallory. He had risen from his chair and was now speaking quietly with Auctor Cameo and the two Antistitors. His face broke into a charming smile as he shook hands with the three psychicaes. Cato briefly recalled a fragment of memory about Avalon’s father. He had done something to cause Avalon emotional trauma. Cato wrinkled her nose irritably and quickly rose from the chair. Chances were that Avalon had lied about that as well.
........
Avalon heard the shots fired from some distance to her left. She could not see anything for the blindfold though. But she did not need her hearing or her sight. She could feel everything under her feet. It was as though her skin extended into the grass, the rocks, along the bumpy landscape and past the trees to where Carla now stood aiming the small rifle at her. The rubber bullets shot through the air. Avalon could feel those as well and she extended her reach into the ground and lifted the earth upwards into the path of the projectiles. She heard the rumble and felt the ground shift beneath her feet. She felt the bullets become entrenched in the earth and then the dirt collapsed in a motionless mound and everything was quiet. Not even the crickets buzzed in the early evening.
Avalon tentatively removed her blindfold to see if she had succeeded and to her delight she found that she had moved the ground exactly as she had meant to. Not too little, not too much. Just the right amount to stop the bullets hitting her.
Carla now strode around the newly formed mound of dirt as she unloaded the rifle.
“You’re perfect at space manipulation,” she said dismissively, “I can’t fault you on it anymore. Perhaps we should move onto something more difficult?”
Avalon nodded eagerly, “You think I can move on now?”
She had been practising space manipulation for weeks and it had been interesting at first but now she longed to begin something more challenging.
“Yes however the next exercise I have in mind is rather more challenging,” said Carla and she sat down on the grass abruptly, “It does not require any physical manipulation at all. It is primarily a telekinetic invasion.”
Avalon sat down on the cool grass in front of Carla hesitantly. The grass sprung up around her legs and wiped dew on her bare ankles and feet.
“A telekinetic invasion?” repeated Avalon, “What does that entail?”
“Usually when invading someone’s mind telekinetically a person would be looking for information,” explained Carla, “That is the simplest form of invasion. Other goals can include changing a person’s perceptions and memories or even controlling a person’s actions. I cannot personally do either of those things though, so you will need to learn them on your own.”
“And it’s hard to do this?” asked Avalon.
“Very hard,” nodded Carla, “The brain is a very detailed network of billions of neurons. It is hard to find exactly what you are looking for. Usually you can only find what you are not looking for; what is on the person’s mind at the time. There is also the added inconvenience that it is difficult to conceal what you are doing as when you begin to search for the information you do want, it comes to the forefront of that person’s perceptions. It is rather obvious when someone is being searched for information not only to themselves but to everyone around them. When it is not done skilfully they might start garbling all of the information you retrieve.”
Avalon nodded, “And how do I do this skilfully?”
Carla sighed slowly, “It is difficult to explain in words. I can show you, however I am not very skilled myself.”
Avalon frowned uncertainly.
“Oh it won’t do any damage to you,” assured Carla, “It’s just I am not the best example of how to do telekinetic invasion correctly. But you can get the general idea from me I guess.”
Avalon nodded slowly, “I suppose. Do I need to do anything?”
Carla shook her head and closed her eyes.
“No, just stay still for a moment,” she muttered, “And listen to the telekinetic network.”
Avalon sat and listened. She felt Carla’s telekinesis reach out into her own mind. It was similar to what Faustus sometimes did. He would reach out to see what was on Avalon’s mind. But then the feeling changed. Avalon felt her own thoughts changing, she saw, she heard, things passing through her mind. They weren’t things that she had put there. It was mostly images of Faustus. Faustus talking to her, snippets of conversation. 
“…I haven’t been found out yet, but it’s really only a matter of…” “…I don’t know Avalon, that…” “…I got you. You’re kind of the same thing…”
Something constricted around Avalon’s heart for a moment and then it was gone and the images changed. This time it was Cato and it wasn’t just small pieces of words this time and strange, murky feeling floated around underneath them. 
“…Charlie’s going to bust out some neat karate on you or something…” “…I’m always full of brilliant ideas…” “…Will you be ok? With your gunshot and stuff…” “…N-nothing. Never mind…”
Avalon felt the murky thing lurking underneath these words bubbling up and she realised it was longing and it was such a terrible feeling. She hadn’t realised it was so bad. Cato. Stupid, bumbling, beautiful Cato, kept blurring in front of her eyes and she could not find a clear image. She was so close but she realised she had never actually touched Cato except for that one time she had caught her hand so she could never actually reach Cato in her mind because she did not know what Cato felt like. It filled her with such sadness. She was so far away. Where was Cato now?
Avalon was filled with horror when the images began to fade away and the voices started to disappear. The sadness only increased and she abruptly realised that she was crying. She was crying and she was speaking.
“And Cato’s not here, she’s far away, and I don’t know where-”
Avalon stopped speaking as soon as she realised that she was. The world suddenly became apparent to her and she saw that Carla was still sitting in front of her but she was now staring at her with pity. It took Avalon a moment to realise what must have happened and when she did realise she groaned and put her head in her hands.
“You are in love with that pedite,” said Carla with puzzlement.
“I am not,” said Avalon resolutely as she rubbed her waterlogged eyes.
Carla snorted, “Hey I don’t care. I’m not Psychicae United. But you seem very attached to this pedite. We could bring her here if it means that much to you?”
Avalon laughed derisively, “It wouldn’t work that way. Faustus says she thinks I’m crazy like the rest of Psychicae United so she wouldn’t come. Besides, I’m not in love with her.”
Carla raised an eyebrow and exhaled evenly.
“Well alright, whatever you say then,” she shrugged and stood up, “The offer stands when you get a grip on reality though.”
Carla left Avalon sitting alone in the middle of the field with her thoughts.
........
The search of Wollemi National Park had only been going for a few days but not even a single clue to Avalon’s or any of the fugitives’ whereabouts had been found. Cato, Alexis and Davina were now conducting a daytime search in the hope that perhaps the fugitives were more active of a day when they couldn’t be found telekinetically. So now the trio were driving along a thin road in one of Psychicae United’s sleek black cars in the late afternoon. They had spent a fruitless few hours in Putty though and it was almost time to leave.
“You know I think I want to eat fish,” said Alexis absently as he gazed out of the window, “I haven’t had fish in ages.”
“You had fish yesterday,” laughed Davina.
“Yeah but that was like, twenty four hours ago,” answered Alexis, “We should get more fish.”
“If you keep eating fish at this rate there won’t be any left,” chuckled Cato.
“What!” exclaimed Alexis suddenly, making Cato jump, “No more fish?”
“Yeah aren’t most of them endangered?” asked Davina.
“Really?” grimaced Alexis and the expression on his face was of utmost misery, “I can’t live without fish.”
Cato was about to answer but then she noticed something bright in a faraway tree. It was far too bright to belong naturally. Her sharp eyes slowly brought forth the image of a small boy clinging to the gently swaying tip of the tall eucalypt tree. He was at least twenty metres from the ground and from his expression and the way his hands clawed at the tree he looked terrified. Cato slowly brought the car to a stop.
“Hey guys,” said Cato and pointed at the boy, “Should we do something about that?”
“Oh wow!” exclaimed Davina, “How did he get up there?”
“Yeah we should probably help,” said Alexis dubiously and the three left the car.
They jumped the old, rotting fence into the paddock and began wading through the tall grass towards the tree. As Cato came closer she could now hear the sounds of raucous laughter and she could see another boy at the bottom of the tree. He was just beginning to climb as he laughed but Cato could see that he would probably end up in the same predicament if he tried to rescue his friend.
“Uh do you guys want some help?” called out Alexis as they came within earshot.
Immediately the boy stopped laughing and whipped around to face them, his face now a picture of sobriety. Cato was surprised to see the tips of his human ears were pointed and covered with fur and a hint of small whiskers above his lip. This boy was a psychicae.
“Oh no!” assured the psychicae boy with a shaky smile, “We’re fine, I’m just getting him down now.”
“I am not fine!” screeched the boy from the tree, “I swear Vic when I’m out of this tree your life will be over!”
Cato looked up at the boy in the tree and now she could see that the hands clinging to the tree were tipped with claws. There were claw marks all of the way up the tree to where the boy now hung precariously. It looked like they were both psychicaes.
It was perfectly normal for young psychicaes to be mindlessly wandering around Sydney and its surrounds. Psychicae United didn’t keep them locked up underground once they had rescued and rehabilitated them. It was dangerous for them to be hanging around Wollemi National Park though given that Avalon and her loony disciples were also hanging around.
“I can get him, it’s really no problem,” said Cato and took to the air to fly up to the boy.
Cato landed on the thicker trunk of the branch behind the boy. The boy whimpered as the branch shook under Cato’s added weight but he slowly and cautiously lifted himself away from the branch and extended an arm. Cato smiled and took the arm before lifting the boy off the branch and easily gliding back to the ground. The boy let out an obvious sigh of relief when his feet touched the grass.
“Thanks so much,” he groaned, “I thought I’d be up there forever.”
“Why did you climb up there?” asked Davina who could now tell how the boy had managed it.
The boy took a large breath, “Well Vic was chasing me with what he said was poison ivy but it wasn’t really poison ivy but he said it was so I thought he was serious and he’s not a really good climber so I thought I’d be safe up a tree but then I got up there and I couldn’t get back down and then Vic told me it wasn’t really poison ivy.”
Vic now looked rather uncomfortable and he had slowly been inching towards the other boy in what seemed like a childish fear of strangers.
“Well I guess as long as you’re safe now,” frowned Cato, “But this place is dangerous. You really should get back to Sydney.”
Vic suddenly leant over and whispered something in the other boy’s ear. The boy frowned and then his eyes widened and shot up to the three taller psychicaes fearfully.
“U-uh yeah sure!” he smiled weakly, “We’ll go back now!”
Cato wondered what Vic had said. Perhaps they were just going to try and play another game and not actually leave?
“We can give you a lift back if you like?” offered Davina, obviously sensing the same intent that Cato had.
“No we’re alright!” said Vic forcefully, “We have some more friends we need to go and find before we leave. They’re not too far from here and then we’ll go?”
Cato considered it for a moment. The two smiled at her sincerely and then Cato heard Alexis’ stomach gurgle. She realised how hungry she was herself.
“Alright, but make sure you do leave,” said Cato as they turned to go back to the car, “There’s a heap of crazy psychicaes out here.”
........
Avalon had found that when she had first arrived at Lilianna’s house she had been given more free time than she knew what to do with. Now most of the limited space in her cramped room was not taken up with armour or weapons but with books. There were books on law and history of course but Avalon had expanded her repertoire to include sociology, arts, geography, archaeology, psychology, theoretical physics, music studies and many other countless disciplines. As the afternoon sun set through the canopy of trees in Lilianna’s backyard Avalon read ‘The Ruins of Tiahuanaco in the Highlands of Ancient Peru’. She sat with her back against the boatshed and her bare feet in the grass. 
Tonight she would not have a telekinesis lesson. Carla had decided to give her a break after last night’s disaster. Avalon was grateful; she really didn’t want to relive the horrible emotions that Carla had unearthed. She was doing her best to forget they existed. She really didn’t think it could have been that bad anyway. Perhaps telekinetic invasion just made small things seem so much worse? Avalon could admit that maybe she was just a little infatuated with Cato but it was only a tiny interest that she had. It was nothing like what Carla had supposedly found. She wasn’t hopelessly in love with Cato.
As she read she noticed a small flicker of movement from Lilianna’s driveway and she looked up. Vic and Verne were running towards the house and unusually there was no noise accompanying them. Usually they were at least laughing a little but now they looked completely serious.
They didn’t see her in their hurry and they ran straight into the house. Avalon watched the door impassively for a moment before she sighed reluctantly and began walking towards the house herself. Obviously the two seemed to have gotten themselves into some serious trouble this time.
As Avalon entered the house she found both of the psychicaes were babbling away to Marc and Lilianna.
“And then she got Verne out of the tree and told us to stay out of the National Park,” said Vic hastily.
“Because there’s a bunch of crazy psychicaes here!” added Verne with a pout.
“And then the other one asked if we wanted to go back with them,” continued Vic, “So we said we had friends here.”
“Yeah and that we’d leave when we got them,” nodded Verne.
“So you’re sure they didn’t follow you?” asked Marc slowly.
The two kids shook their heads violently.
“Nah we took a really long way back!” assured Vic, “They never would have made it without tipping us off.”
Marc glanced at Lilianna with a grimace.
“Should we search the area?” suggested Lilianna, “Just in case they’re still here?”
Marc nodded, “Yeah I’ll go get Carla and see who else I can get to help out.”
Marc disappeared further into the house and at this point Lilianna noticed Avalon’s presence.
“Is something wrong Lilianna?” asked Avalon warily.
“Vic and Verne met some psychicaes along Putty Valley Road,” sniffed Lilianna, “Undoubtedly they were sent from Psychicae United.”
“They’re not Antistitors are they?” asked Avalon, knowing that Antistitors would have certainly followed the two tiny psychicaes without giving themselves away.
“We don’t think so,” Lilianna shook her head, “Not from what Vic and Verne say.”
“Yeah there were three of them,” said Vic animatedly, “And Antistitors usually travel in pairs.”
“And I don’t think there are any Antistitors with their morphs,” frowned Verne, “There was a fish-looking guy, a deer and a brown bird.”
Avalon blinked in surprise and wondered if it could possibly be who she thought it was.
........
A couple of hours later the dozen psychicaes who had been gathered to search for any scouts in the area had finally trailed back into Lilianna’s house having found nothing. Although Avalon knew that she should be relieved she felt a tang of disappointment. It had been so long since she had seen Cato.
Avalon wondered if it was a sign of her alleged infatuation with Cato that it should matter to her that she hadn’t seen the inept psychicae in almost half a year. It was true that every time Avalon heard of the movements of Psychicae United she thought of what Cato was doing without even realising it. Sometimes when she was training and a large bird took flight from a tree above she would look up hopefully always to be disillusioned. Sometimes Cato was in her dreams, protecting her from the evils that lay in the night. Perhaps spending so much time at Lilianna’s house had driven her mad.
Avalon and Faustus trudged into the house with the other psychicaes to be greeted with Marc and Carla. Amiable chattering usually abounded amongst the psychicaes when they were gathered in such large proportions but after such serious business they were abnormally quiet. If any psychicaes from Psychicae United had discovered them the entire operation would be jeopardised.
As Marc cleared his throat to address the gathered psychicaes the quiet murmurs died away.
“Well we didn’t find anyone from Psychicae United,” he said, “So those three psychicaes didn’t follow Vic and Verne back here. However that doesn’t mean we’re safe yet. From our contacts inside Psychicae United we know that there has been a team set up to locate Avalon but we don’t know their exact plans. From today’s encounter we can guess that they have somehow figured out we’re in this region. That means we need to exercise extreme caution so as not to draw attention to ourselves. We’re almost ready to take Sydney Headquarters; we just need to remain hidden for a few more weeks. I think we can manage it if we’re careful.”
Marc did not pause for questions but hurried out of the house with Carla. They would both be busy setting up new security measures now to assure the house couldn’t be found. As they left the apprehensive chatter between the psychicae started again as they drifted away.
“So you haven’t heard anything about this place at Psychicae United?” asked Avalon of Faustus.
He shook his head in response, “No they won’t tell me anything anymore.”
Avalon grimaced. She had been worried for a few weeks now that Psychicae United was close to arresting Faustus but he had assured her that they had nothing to pin on him.
“I do wonder how they figured it out though,” said Faustus, “That we’re hiding here.”
........
For the past few weeks small teams of psychicaes had been sent out over Wollemi National Park to search for the fugitive psychicaes. Avalon’s mobile signal had not been picked up again so they could not simply find her and follow her. Instead the psychicaes had been searching the National Park on foot at night. They had scoured all of the roads and the buildings so far and uncovered nothing so they had extended the search into the deeper forest.
This time Cato and Alexis had cut straight into the forest from Putty Road. There was a small creek to the west of the road that would make an easy path through the woods and Cato figured that if any psychicaes were hiding out here they would probably be near a source of fresh water. Cato didn’t expect to find anything though. She had been out on these assignments dozens of times now and not so much as a clue to the psychicaes’ whereabouts had been found.
“I wish they would have chosen an easier spot to hide,” shivered Alexis as they picked their way through the thin underbrush, “I’m freezing.”
“I bet they’re real sorry for you Alexis,” chuckled Cato, “When we find them that’s the first thing they’ll apologise for.”
“It’s alright for you, you’re covered in feathers,” said Alexis, “You’re probably just toasty.”
“When I start moulting I’ll be sure to save them for you then,” laughed Cato.
“No thanks,” grimaced Alexis, “I’ll pass.”
They continued walking in silence for a few moments. Only the sounds of crickets and the crunch of leaves was heard.
“Do you really reckon all them Antistitors are really trying to take down Psychicae United?” asked Alexis abruptly, “Like I know Antistitors are jerks but I thought they were sticklers for rules.”
“What other explanation is there?” said Cato despondently, “Besides the Antistitors are still jerks; I guess they just wanted to start making the rules instead of following them.”
“Yeah I guess,” said Alexis uncertainly, “It just feels like something bad is going on. I dunno, I guess it’s their word against Psychicae United. I mean who are we going to believe; a reputable organisation or a bunch of loonies hanging out in a forest?”
Cato was going to answer but she was distracted by yellow lights twinkling through the trees. They were houselights!
“Alexis, look!” whispered Cato excitedly.
“Oh wow,” gasped Alexis, “That’s definitely not on any of the maps we have.”
“Let’s get closer,” said Cato animatedly, “We need to know that there are psychicaes in there. Then we can go back to Auctor Cameo.”
The pair stole forward towards the source of light. Eventually the form of a giant house materialised. It seemed that the house was mostly empty though and that the lights had simply been left on. Cato could hear the sounds of conversation from far away but she couldn’t see where it was emanating from. She could see two beams of light bouncing through the trees far away. Probably a couple of children playing in the woods.
At this distance Cato definitely should have been able to detect the telekinetic signals of the two children but as they ran it was almost as though they did not exist on the earth. Cato could only faintly sense that they were present, as were a number of other entities near the source of the chatter, but she could not detect any more information. No emotion, no thoughts and certainly no way to tell if they were psychicae or human. It was unusual that they should be so close and Cato should be so blind.
“You can’t sense those kids can you?” asked Cato apprehensively.
“Nah man, it’s weird,” Alexis shook his head, “I can almost make it out though; maybe we should get closer?”
Cato nodded hesitantly and surveyed the grassy hill before them. It might be dangerous to go any further, even hidden in the trees. They might run into someone and if it was an Antistitor then they would be in a lot of trouble. As Cato’s eyes swept over the house again she noticed movement in the upper storey. She squinted her eyes to see through the dark but it had disappeared. Alexis noticed her gaze.
“What is it?” he asked cautiously.
“I thought I saw someone moving in the house,” said Cato.
“I can’t sense anyone,” said Alexis.
“Neither,” answered Cato slowly, “But I can’t really sense those kids either.”
Alexis grimaced and he too glared up at the window that Cato was observing. For another moment they both watched silently. Cato began to shiver as the cold wind crept under her clothes.
“Maybe they’re gone,” sniffed Alexis.
And then the person came back into view. A familiar face caused her heart to falter.
“Avalon,” gasped Cato.
Avalon’s face was only just visible for another moment before she fell forwards out of sight but Alexis had seen her as well. He stared nervously at the window for another moment. Cato stared as well but it wasn’t fear in her eyes. It was another poisonous emotion that burnt her throat and ripped at her heart. She felt betrayal. She felt it boiling up inside her and putting dangerous ideas in her mind. She almost wanted to run out into Avalon’s sight and start screaming accusations at her just so she might get an explanation. Just so she might know why Avalon had hurt her so much.
Cato grimaced and tore her eyes away from the window. It was stupid to let herself be so affected now. It had been Cato’s own fault for trusting Avalon so much when she was obviously such a deceitful person.
“So we’ve confirmed it right!” said Alexis animatedly, “We know Avalon’s here, this is where the psychicaes are hiding! We need to go back to Auctor Cameo.”
“Right, yeah, we should go then,” nodded Cato and she felt her eyes unconsciously rise back up to the window.
Avalon was again visible. She must have been sitting on something by the window. She was scowling at the tree outside of her window. As Cato watched she realised that the tree must have been scratching on the glass pane. Avalon must be trying to sleep and the tree was disturbing her.
Alexis started trudging back up the hill away from the house and Cato took a few backwards steps to follow him. Her eyes were still glued to Avalon’s scowl. Even with the cold sting of anger still writhing inside her she couldn’t stop her eyes from focussing on the high cheekbones, the perfect skin, the golden hair and the eyes that glittered under the pale moon. Avalon looked very different from when Cato had last seen her. Maybe it was because Cato had never seen Avalon with her golden locks drawn into a casual tail instead of the usual formal twist. Maybe it was the relaxed slump of the uptight psychicae’s shoulders. Maybe it was the small hints of dirt on her always pristine face. She was different now. And then her eyes refocussed from the branches in front of her and immediately found Cato.
Cato froze and her mouth opened in shock. She saw Avalon’s eyes widen and in the small moment of peace she felt a strange and unambiguous series of emotions that definitely did not belong to her. There was fear and astonishment and confusion and delight and then before Cato could process where these emotions had come from she turned to Alexis.
“Avalon’s seen us, run!” exclaimed Cato urgently and with a groan of horror from Alexis they both began bolting up the hill.
........
Avalon stared out the window as Cato and Alexis flitted through the trees. When her eyes had locked onto Cato’s she had definitely felt an unmistakable telekinetic presence. It had been a strange presence. Avalon had felt lucid emotions of grief, pain and shock that had not belonged to her. It had taken her a moment to trace the emotions back to Cato and then Cato had broken the connection and ran. Avalon had been surprised by the clarity of Cato’s emotions over the telekinetic network. Usually any telekinetic signals were at least a little hazy; particularly given the telekinetic field Lilianna had cast over the house to dull any telekinetic activity. But Cato’s emotions had been as clear as if Avalon had felt them herself. Avalon didn’t have any time to ponder this phenomenon though; two psychicaes had infiltrated their hideout and were probably on their way back to Psychicae United.
Avalon was already running down the halls of the house and was out of the front door in seconds. There was no time to run to the psychicaes who were gathered around a campfire a few hundred metres away in the trees so instead she sent Faustus a message.
‘I think I sighted Cato and Alexis to the east of the house. I’m taking a look now.’
‘Cato and Alexis? Why would they be here?’ answered Faustus immediately.
‘I have no idea; you should come up and search with me. Just in case I have lost my mind.’
‘I’ll be there in a minute,’ said Faustus.
Avalon was now well into the forest. If Cato and Alexis were in the forest there was little chance that they could outrun her. Avalon knew that neither of them were morphed to have any speed on the ground. Cato might be able to fly away but Avalon doubted she would leave Alexis behind.
The trees hissed past Avalon’s ears as she sprinted through the night. She tried to pick up Cato and Alexis’ telekinetic signal but as she expected they were hiding. All she could do was continue running forward and hope that they would give themselves away. Avalon was running downhill now and she knew that soon she would come to Putty Road. She could see the clearing of trees ahead of her that signalled the road and she was about to leap out onto the tarmac when she spotted a car.
Avalon skidded to a halt at the edge of the trees. The car in itself was not the problem. It was not even a problem that Cato and Alexis were now getting into this car or that Antistitors Vincent and Severino were there as well. The problem was that another person getting into the car. That person was Auctor Cameo.
This was the first time that Avalon had seen Auctor Cameo in real life and he was just as formidable in appearance as his case file made him seem. His warped body was hidden under a baggy suit, his eyes gleamed red in the dark and two hooks replaced his hands.
Avalon jumped when she heard a noise behind her. She turned and saw half a dozen psychicaes approaching her. She jumped to her feet and gestured for them to be quieter. Faustus reached Avalon first and his eyes widened when he saw Auctor Cameo. Just as the rest of the psychicaes arrived the car started and began driving south towards Sydney.
“That was Auctor Cameo!” gasped Marc, “What’s he doing out here?”
“I would assume he’s taken a special interest in Avalon’s case,” answered Carla, “I would too if I were him.”
“I didn’t hear about Auctor Cameo being in the country at all,” said Faustus anxiously, “But Antistitors Vincent and Severino were with him.”
“Psychicae United must suspect you then,” said Elana, “It was only a matter of time.”
“I think the most important issue is that Cato and Alexis were at Lilianna’s house,” said Avalon, “So that means they told Auctor Cameo where to find us. I’m going to assume they won’t wait long to flush us out.”
“You’re right,” grimaced Marc, “They won’t be able to assemble the necessary forces tonight but if we’re still here tomorrow evening…”
Marc’s words hung in the air for a moment. It didn’t matter how clever Lilianna’s house was it wouldn’t be able to stand up to a full scale invasion by Psychicae United.
“So we bring the takeover forward,” said Carla, “Avalon’s ready, we’re ready. We take Psychicae United tonight.”
No one said anything for a moment. Nervous tension hung in the air. Avalon clenched her teeth as her head spun. Could she take on Auctor Cameo and win? She had heard what he was capable of. He could move mountains, sculpt valleys. He could detect an ant in suffering on the other side of the planet and locate a boot to put it out of its misery. He could traverse the deepest depths of anyone’s mind, turn them inside out and scramble their brains until they were just a husk of their former self. There was nothing the Auctor couldn’t do. Avalon didn’t think she could beat him.
“We don’t have any choice,” said Marc, “Call everyone in. The takeover is tonight.”
........
All forty two psychicaes who had been hiding at Lilianna’s house had been recalled from whatever duty they had been performing to partake in the impromptu takeover tonight. They now sat at various intervals on the outskirts of central Sydney awaiting further instructions from Marc and Carla. Avalon and Faustus were parked across from Pyrmont Bridge. Even as the time approached midnight there were still hundreds of people milling over the popular entertainment district. Strangely though there was a lack of human police monitoring the area. This was because the Volpe’s were causing as much havoc as they possibly could in the outer suburbs in order to draw the attention of Psychicae United. The idea was that the fewer psychicaes were at headquarters the fewer opponents they would have during the takeover.
Avalon’s nerves were faintly buzzing as she sat in the passenger seat of Faustus’ car. She was now very confident in her telekinetic abilities in comparison to any other psychicae that she had met but she had never met Auctor Cameo. She had only heard of his prowess. Every other week more information would arrive about another assignment completed by Auctor Cameo; whether it was officially vindicated by Psychicae United or a surreptitious deal with the Eastern Alliance. Each piece of information added more worrisome weight to the sly predator lurking just out of Avalon’s comprehension. Her anxiety was only compounded by the fact that this was the single person Avalon had been training to fight for months. Could she be sure that she was ready? Was it too soon? Had she trained enough?
“He was ugly, wasn’t he?” said Faustus nonchalantly and Avalon started.
“Who do you mean?” asked Avalon.
“Cameo,” said Faustus, “I thought my morph was bad. At least I don’t have hooks.”
“I’m sure he has a beautiful personality,” said Avalon wryly.
Faustus chuckled, “You’ve developed quite the sense of humour.”
There was another moment of silence and Avalon noticed that her train of thought had been shattered. This had probably been Faustus’ goal.
“Do you think we can win?” asked Faustus unexpectedly.
Avalon glanced at Faustus with surprise. It was an unusual question from Faustus. He had always been so calm and confident and now it seemed he was seeking reassurance from Avalon. Perhaps he had only spoken previously to interrupt his own thoughts.
“You know you can beat any of the Antistitors at Psychicae United Headquarters,” said Avalon shortly.
“Yes but from what I hear Cameo’s a nasty piece of work,” said Faustus, “Can you beat him?”
Avalon grimaced, “I don’t know.”
Faustus nodded and turned his face back to stare out of the windscreen at the people passing over the bridge. His expression did not change from that of mild disinterest but Avalon could see an alien glint of worry in his eyes. Avalon had no time to address this as at that moment a telekinetic message from Marc interrupted.
‘It’s time. Converge on Museum Station.’
Faustus started the car and then they were speeding towards the highway that would direct them straight to Hyde Park and Museum Station. Saturday nights in downtown Sydney were always busy until the early morning and cars packed the streets. Faustus easily weaved through them and within minutes the gentle green of Hyde Park was contrasting against the usual harsh lights and grey of the city.
Hyde Park was just as magnificent in its stateliness of a night as it was during the day. Thousands of tiny lights strung throughout the trees provided dim light for the pedestrians below. More lights glowed under the ornate monuments to fallen soldiers and the centuries old constructions scattered about the park. Everything about the landscape had an architecturally gothic touch to it. This gothic grandeur also applied to the size of the park. It extended along half a dozen streets and was so long that a road cut straight through the middle to allow some room for traffic. It was this street that Faustus now drove along. At the end of this street were many tiny alleys that Faustus would be able to hide his car inside while they retrieved their heavier artillery from the boot.
Faustus didn’t make it to the other side of the park though. Halfway along the street an ear splitting scream of warping metal wrought the car and the world spun dozens of times around Avalon. The kaleidoscope of blurred lights around Avalon came to a halt when the car hit a tree. Avalon felt the breath leave her lungs as the seatbelt constricted around her and then a sharp pain on the crown of her head as the car smashed to the ground upside down.
Avalon blinked blearily through her spinning head and realised that there was blood in her eyes. She had no idea where it was coming from but she couldn’t feel any serious pain so she assumed it wasn’t life threatening. She could faintly hear the sounds of screaming. It was far away. It was probably the humans who had been on the street just a few seconds ago. Avalon now looked over at Faustus who leant back in his upside down seat with a groan. It looked like the airbag had broken his nose but luckily he wasn’t badly injured either.
“What was that?” said Faustus hazily.
Avalon was going to answer but then the car began moving again. Something was lifting the car from the ground. The car was changing form as well. The door abruptly caved in and clenched around Avalon before even more abruptly ejecting from the car. Avalon gave a shout of surprise as she was flung hundreds of metres by the piece of scrap metal. The brick path bit at her uncovered forearms and even as she was tossed along the path Avalon was thankful she had stolen her armour from Psychicae United and worn it tonight. It was at least saving some of her skin. And then she rolled to a halt on the brick path.
Avalon coughed as she tried to reinflate her lungs and looked up to see where she was. Avalon froze at the sight in front of her. Standing around her were dozens of psychicaes and Antistitors Vincent, Severino and Annabella, all with rifles trained on her. Avalon could even see Cato amongst the many faces. That wasn’t the main issue though. The main issue was that the person looming over her was Auctor Cameo.
“You must be Avalon,” he smiled, “I’m Auctor Cameo. I’m here to kill you.”
........
Cato could see the end of her rifle shaking and could feel weakness spreading through her fingers. She had never imagined that she would ever be aiming a weapon at Avalon. Even when she took on this assignment she had thought she would be confined to the backline. But when Avalon’s mobile signal was picked up travelling towards Sydney the entire team working on Avalon’s case was assembled to defend headquarters.
Obviously they were planning to retaliate before Psychicae United could arrest them. It was the perfect opportunity to assassinate Avalon. But to get Avalon isolated they had needed to let the fugitives believe they had been undetected until the last minute. Pedites had been sent out to handle the onslaught of the Volpe’s in the outer suburbs while more Servus’ had been assigned to track the forty two fugitives encircling central Sydney. When Avalon moved in the Servus’ overwhelmed the fugitives. Avalon had been left for Auctor Cameo who had warned that she would be hard to capture even alone.
However Avalon now seemed a sad sight; kneeling on the ground in front of Auctor Cameo with her face covered in blood. It brought a sharp pain to Cato’s heart but she furiously ignored it. Avalon had known this was going to happen all along.
Only a short time had passed as the Auctor and the disgraced Antistitor locked eyes and then every psychicae stumbled back in astonishment as Avalon swept her palms up and the bricks under her hands shot into Auctor Cameo’s torso. Auctor Cameo was knocked back a few metres and Avalon began pelting in the opposite direction. Antistitors Severino, Vincent and Annabella as well as a number of other psychicaes raised their rifles again and began firing directly at Avalon. Cato found that she had closed her eyes and turned her head away. Nausea made her sway on her feet even if she was incensed for allowing any pity for Avalon to seep into her heart. And then she heard exclamations and gasps and Cato warily opened her eyes again and she too gasped.
Avalon had reached the crushed and twisted car that Faustus was struggling to get out of. She held one hand behind her and as if obeying an unspoken command the dozens of bullets that the psychicaes had sent at her had paused in midair. Avalon paid no attention to this incredible feat. With the same ease that Auctor Cameo had pulled the steel door from the car Avalon now removed the broken metal and pulled Faustus’ entire seat free. He smiled and stood up as though nothing unusual had occurred. Then his eyes widened and he pointed behind Avalon.
Avalon turned, as did Cato, and saw that Auctor Cameo was stalking forwards again. His smile was rather more forced this time.
........

Avalon found it easy to hold each of the bullets in the air. It had also been easy to rescue Faustus from the ruined car. However she didn’t allow herself the luxury of confidence as Auctor Cameo approached her with a strained smirk. As Auctor Cameo fixed his red eyes on hers she felt a shiver of fear roll down her spine.
Avalon flinched as the bullets in front of her began to shiver. The speed of her heart increased tenfold as she felt the presence of Auctor Cameo’s telekinesis. Avalon focussed her telekinesis on maintaining control of the bullets. They could do a lot of damage if Auctor Cameo gained control of them.
“You can’t beat me Avalon,” said Auctor Cameo coolly, “I have decades of experience. You’ve only been training for a few months.”
Avalon ignored him but the attempt at conversation allowed Auctor Cameo to gain a tiny bit more control. The bullets shivered violently in the air.
“And what’s the point in trying?” continued Auctor Cameo, “You beat me and someone will just take my place. You can’t fight forever.”
The bullets were shaking in the air before Avalon and it was only getting worse. Avalon wasn’t even sure if it was just Auctor Cameo’s futile attempts at conversation. He was just overpowering her with brute force. The conversation was an added distraction.
“Avalon ignore him,” whispered Faustus, “Anything he says is meaningless.”
“Besides wouldn’t it be easier if I killed you?” shrugged Auctor Cameo, “If I don’t end you then I don’t think your father will make it quite so quick.”
The bullets immediately fell out of Avalon’s grasp and they shot forwards again. Avalon dragged Faustus to the ground but she still felt searing pain flare up in her shoulder and her neck. Avalon didn’t hesitate to attack this time. She shoved Faustus back towards the protection of the dilapidated car and began running towards Auctor Cameo.
On either side of her she dragged the ground up into two heaving lumps as she sprinted forwards. While the rest of the psychicaes stumbled back Auctor Cameo stepped forward and began telekinetically lobbing bricks at Avalon. Avalon used pieces from the two lumps beside her to deflect the flying hazards but just as she thought she might reach Auctor Cameo the ground below her opened up and the roots of the massive fig trees leapt up and wrapped around her ankles. Avalon tripped and fell to the ground; the two lumps of earth crumbled beside her.
Avalon looked up as she heard Auctor Cameo walk towards her. He had drawn his Browning Hi-Power pistol and now he clicked the safety off as he approached. Avalon experimentally tugged on the roots that were slowly weaving up her legs. They did not budge. She was trapped. Avalon felt her skin jump with every step Auctor Cameo took forwards. He had her cornered now.
“So this is the end Avalon,” sighed Auctor Cameo as he pointed the pistol at Avalon’s head, “Any last words?”
Avalon stared at the Auctor. Avalon had expected to see an impassive expression or at least his jaw clenched in disgust. She had never seen a psychicae who enjoyed killing but there was a strange gleam of amusement in Auctor Cameo’s eyes and a wry smirk on his narrow lips. He was just like the bloodthirsty soldiers of Biak. The manic doctors who tore apart Faustus. The ruthless Mr. Lau. Her father. He was a criminal; just another criminal and Avalon had not fallen to a criminal yet.
“I will not let you kill me,” said Avalon steadfastly and reached out telekinetically to Auctor Cameo’s mind.
Avalon immediately felt the Auctor’s defences come up to block Avalon’s telekinetic attack. It was a slow and lazy defence. Auctor Cameo thought he had Avalon cornered. But then he crumpled to his knees with a sharp cry of pain. The roots around Avalon’s legs loosened. She tore herself free and continued running towards Auctor Cameo. The Auctor stumbled to his feet and swayed sickeningly as Avalon rapidly approached. More bullets shot her way from the psychicaes behind Auctor Cameo but none of them reached Avalon. She easily held them back telekinetically.
“Halt!” shouted Auctor Cameo and raised the pistol in his hand.
He wasn’t pointing it at Avalon though; he was pointing it at Cato. Avalon’s eyes widened and she skidded to a halt. Had Auctor Cameo become confused and mistaken Cato for Avalon?
“Ah so it is true,” snickered Auctor Cameo, “You do care for Cato. Pity. It’s about to be your undoing.”
Avalon now understood what was happening. This was a hostage situation. Auctor Cameo thought he could threaten her with Cato’s life. Avalon glanced at Cato who was staring back at her with astonishment. Avalon felt a pang of anxiety. Could Auctor Cameo threaten her with Cato’s life?
“Surrender or she dies,” said Auctor Cameo.
The psychicaes behind Auctor Cameo now appeared uncomfortable. It seemed they didn’t believe Auctor Cameo would truly kill Cato but even threatening a colleague was alarming. Avalon wasn’t so sure if she trusted Auctor Cameo as much as these psychicaes did. She knew that he was perfectly capable of murdering other psychicaes to get his way and she was his biggest threat right now. What was the death of one insignificant psychicae to Auctor Cameo?
“You won’t surrender?” asked Auctor Cameo indifferently.
Avalon looked from Auctor Cameo to Cato. Cato appeared stunned. She too seemed uncertain as to whether Auctor Cameo would actually shoot her or not but it would be frightening to be on the receiving end of the weapon nonetheless. Avalon felt growing anxiety at the fear on Cato’s face. Cato’s face was different now from what it had been a few months ago. When Avalon had last seen Cato there had still been a constant smile about her. Now there was no smile. There were lines under her eyes. Her eyes seemed colder and harsher. In the months that Avalon had been gone Cato had changed to something more serious. Avalon felt a pang of nostalgia. She wondered if Cato could ever be her mindlessly carefree self again. She wouldn’t have a chance if she died now. Avalon didn’t want Cato to die.
“Don’t hurt her,” said Avalon quietly, “She’s on your side.”
“You will surrender then?” asked Auctor Cameo.
“Avalon no!” shouted Faustus and he ran out from the car.
Avalon simply shut him back inside the mangled steel cage of the car telekinetically.
“I surrender,” said Avalon and fell to her knees.
“Excellent,” smiled Auctor Cameo, lowered the pistol and began walking towards Avalon.
“She does not surrender!” bellowed Faustus furiously, “Avalon you numbskull; I didn’t train you all these years to die over some stupid obsession with a girl!”
Avalon ignored Faustus and listened to the approach of Cameo’s boots on the cracked bricks. They crunched against the tiny pieces that had been broken by the fighting and then they came to a stop in front of Avalon. Avalon could feel the space around her telekinetically. The ground was a shattered mess. Avalon could feel the leaves touching the ground and the terrified ants crawling below it. She could feel Cameo standing confidently in front of her and she could feel the cold barrel of the gun pointed at her head.
“N-no Auctor, you can’t kill her, she-” Cato had begun to stumble forwards but at that moment Auctor Cameo pulled the trigger.
Avalon felt the tiny explosion propel the bullet down the barrel of the gun and just as it reached the end of the shaft she abruptly concentrated her telekinesis on this single piece of metal. The bullet reversed and became lodged in the back of the barrel. A millisecond later the weapon exploded. Avalon heard Auctor Cameo exclaim and she felt fire and shrapnel dance over his arms and torso. She felt the same deadly flurry of flame fly at her but she brought up her telekinesis to protect her in time. Only Auctor Cameo stumbled back and fell to the ground.
The entire congregation of psychicaes stared at Auctor Cameo’s fallen body. Everything was completely silent. The screaming of the humans had now disappeared. Even the crickets quieted as if they knew the intensity of the atmosphere. Avalon stared at Auctor Cameo’s body uncertainly and just as she thought she might have actually killed him his torn chest rose and a choked gasp rattled through his lips.
Avalon immediately stood up and strode towards the Auctor. Vincent, Severino and Annabella tried to intercept her but Avalon used the various pieces of metal attached to their garments to hold them away. Avalon reached Auctor Cameo and knelt beside him. His chest was covered in thick, dark blood and more was still seeping out of the shrapnel wounds. Avalon ignored this injury, grabbed Auctor Cameo’s chin and forced him to look at her through his hazy eyes.
“Avalon he’s dying,” exclaimed Vincent, “We need to get him to a hospital!”
Avalon didn’t bother speaking to Auctor Cameo. She knew that even on the brink of death the Auctor would never willingly give her the information she sought. Instead she reached into his weakened mind and searched for the information she needed forcibly and began projecting what she found to the psychicaes around her and throughout Sydney.
“Please Avalon!” appealed Annabella, “He won’t last much longer. Please let us save him!”
Avalon initially encountered resistance when she searched Cameo’s mind but he was dying. His brain was shutting down to try and maintain his expiring heart. He could not summon enough neural energy to power his own brain, let alone fight off Avalon.
Avalon saw images and memories flash through her mind. None of them were hers; they were all Auctor Cameo’s and they would all be projected into the minds of the psychicaes around Sydney. There were a lot of meaningless memories but amongst these Avalon found the evidence she needed. Images of exclusive meetings. Of the psychicaes at them. Images of Auctors Corbin, Abelardus and Quinta. Of the Imperator. There were files written in Mandarin. Those files were destroyed. There were the concentration camps and the prisoners inside them; the psychicaes inside them. There were thousands of Eastern Alliance soldiers marching by, unconcerned with the presence of Auctor Cameo. There was the murder of so many psychicaes with the gun that was now imbedded in tiny pieces inside Cameo’s chest. So many memories went through Avalon’s mind and the minds of the psychicaes around her. The protests from the Antistitors had quietened as they took in the memories.
Avalon was very sure she had found every last piece of evidence that Auctor Cameo had to offer and retreated from his mind. She jumped when he reached out a hook and grabbed her arm weakly.
“It doesn’t matter,” he rasped, “This country belongs to the Eastern Alliance. Your rebellion will be crushed here. You won’t get in our way.”
And then a final surge of telekinetic activity rushed through Auctor Cameo’s brain and he literally disappeared from under Avalon’s hands. Avalon flinched and immediately rose to her feet. She apprehensively surveyed the destroyed park but Cameo was nowhere to be seen. The only psychicaes that remained were the stunned team around her and Faustus still trapped inside the car. Avalon grimaced and released Faustus from the metallic grip of the wreckage. He immediately stepped out of the car and began marching angrily towards Avalon but before he reached her Vincent spoke.
“Am I supposed to believe that Auctor Cameo is a traitor?” he said indecisively.
“If you don’t believe it now I don’t think anything can convince you,” said Avalon wryly and she gingerly raised her hand to the bullets wounds in her shoulder and neck.
Most of the psychicaes were all still staring in disbelief at the place Auctor Cameo had been and at the remnants of his blood left on the bricks. All of them except for one. Cato was staring at Avalon and her rifle was held so loosely by her side she looked as though she might drop it. When Avalon caught her eye she quickly averted her gaze but another sharp snapshot of foreign emotions ran through her. Pain, sadness, bewilderment. And then it was gone.
“So did he die?” asked Annabella in trepidation.
“No I assume he went somewhere for help,” answered Avalon, “Maybe he-”
“Avalon!” interrupted Faustus heatedly as he came within earshot, “The next time you’re going to fake suicide you might want to let me know.”
Avalon blinked in surprise as an incensed Faustus stopped abruptly beside her. His face was pale and his oversized shoulders were tense. Avalon hadn’t realised she had frightened him so much.
“I’m sorry Faustus,” said Avalon uncertainly, “I wasn’t planning to resort to such tactics. It worked though.”
Faustus paused and aimed a furtive glare at Avalon.
“Yes it did,” he sighed dismissively, “Don’t do it again.”
“So hold on a minute,” said Severino with puzzlement, “What exactly is going on? Why is Auctor Cameo working for the Eastern Alliance and killing psychicaes?”
“It’s a very long story,” grimaced Avalon, “And Faustus and I have been injured. Perhaps we could discuss this while we receive medical attention?”
........
When the psychicaes returned to Psychicae United Headquarters the Imperator and Auctors Corbin, Abelardus and Quinta and a number of other psychicaes had fled. It was not hard to work out why. Every psychicae in Sydney now knew about the treachery of Auctor Cameo and the Imperator’s link to him. It had made Avalon’s story impossible to dismiss. When Avalon and Faustus had walked into the reception of headquarters the hundreds of psychicaes gathered had fallen silent and watched them pass.
Avalon had also heard that her father had been assisting Auctor Cameo and that he had been sighted leaving with the treacherous Auctors. The knowledge that she might have fallen directly into his hands made her sick and she tried to ignore the idea.
Avalon and Faustus, as well as half a dozen of the ‘fugitive’ psychicaes, had spent time in the hospital being stitched back together after the night’s proceedings. While the Medicus’ worked on Avalon and Faustus’ shallow bullet wounds they explained the whole story to Antistitors Annabella, Severino and Vincent.
With their wounds fixed up they retreated to the Antistitor and Auctor’s office level where the remaining Auctors and the other psychicaes from Lilianna’s house had gathered. The Auctors had been filled in on the tale of sedition by Lilianna’s psychicaes and now with the Antistitors and Auctors updated on the situation the conversation turned to what their reaction should be.
“Well Avalon, obviously you’re reinstated as an Antistitor,” said Monica, “The problem now is that we don’t have an Imperator.”
“We’ll need to elect a new Imperator,” grimaced Gloria, “But that could take weeks to organise suitable candidates and tally the votes and such. We don’t have time to wait for that.”
“We’ll just have to deal without an Imperator,” said Urban, “I’m sure we Auctors can still come to appropriate decisions without a single leader.”
“And what decision should we come to in regards to this whole Cameo debacle?” asked Dante, “We need to inform Psychicae United International.”
“Noble as that is it won’t work,” said Marc firmly, “I’ve tried that before. The International Council of Imperators is filled with corruption. Even the Imperators who are not supporting Cameo won’t believe your story. We need to have solid proof of corruption before we can go to Psychicae United International. I think the most pressing issue is Cameo’s threat that Australia belongs to the Eastern Alliance. He is under the impression that we won’t live long enough to get to Psychicae United International. I would like to know why.”
There was a heavy silence in the room for a moment. The Auctors appeared uncomfortable.
“I think we already know why,” said Urban grimly, “We lost Brisbane tonight. And all of the east coast until about Newcastle. The Eastern Alliance dropped a nuclear warhead with a yield of fifty megatons into the centre of Brisbane. So far the death toll is estimated to be four million.”
Avalon felt goosebumps shiver over her skin and her throat close. A nuclear weapon of fifty megatons would not have just decimated Brisbane; it would have destroyed every building within fifty kilometres, it would have left people a hundred kilometres away with third degree burns, even five hundred kilometres away windowpanes would be broken by the blast.
“Given that the majority of the Australian defence force and our psychicaes were in Brisbane at the time of the blast we have lost the backbone of our national defence,” continued Urban quietly, “Sydney is defenceless. The Eastern Alliance is only waiting for the radiation levels to fall and then they will pursue us south.”
It took a moment for the gathered psychicaes to absorb this catastrophic information. Avalon could barely comprehend what it meant. Tonight had been harrowing certainly but had not carried any omen of nuclear war. It was unbelievable that the situation had deteriorated so quickly; that almost a quarter of the country’s entire population had been instantly annihilated.
“I think the smartest thing to do is evacuate Sydney,” said Vincent, “And the surrounding areas. We don’t want to take any chances if Auctor Cameo has threatened us.”
“We would need to cooperate with the human government to evacuate the human populace,” said Gloria, “And I don’t think after tonight’s showdown in the middle of the city they will be very enthusiastic on cooperation.”
“Then all we can do is warn them and at least evacuate the psychicae population,” said Vincent, “Of course we will need a small force to try and defend Sydney and prevent another nuclear detonation.”
“The human government is probably thinking the same thing we are anyway,” said Urban, “One of their major capital cities was just destroyed. The humans should know that the next in line will be Sydney.”
Gloria grimaced and nodded, “Alright. Then we should evacuate all the psychicaes as far south as we can. In the meantime we need to send a messenger to the prime minister and we need to arrange a force to defend Sydney. That’s all?”
“That sounds good,” said Urban uncertainly and glanced around at the other Auctors who nodded apprehensively.
“Then let’s get to work,” said Gloria firmly.
The End of My World
Another week passed and Cato barely saw Avalon once but she was never far from her thoughts. Avalon had been telling the truth all along. For almost half a year Cato had believed that Avalon was a power-hungry monster and now it turned out that she had once again saved hundreds, if not thousands of people.
Cato’s confusion was not helped by the fact that every time she saw Avalon, day or night, she could feel strange detached emotions from her. They were so very clear but at the same time they obviously did not belong to Cato. Cato had realised that these emotions must be Avalon’s. But how could she so keenly feel what Avalon felt?
Cato had been trying to ignore the bewilderment and churning regret in her stomach all week but it was an impossible task. She was now at the point where she felt she had to personally apologise to Avalon but every time Cato caught sight of her she was surrounded by other psychicaes and embroiled in work. Of course this would not have been much of a hindrance if a simple apology was all Cato aimed for. For the past week Auctor Cameo’s words had been revolving in her head endlessly.
‘You do care for Cato.’
Was it true? Had that been the reason she had saved Cato’s life? Or was it just another way Avalon had used the tools provided to her to win? Had it just been convenient to allow Auctor Cameo to believe that she couldn’t bear to watch Cato die?
As they had been for the whole week these thoughts dallied around Cato’s mind as she, Alexis and Davina walked into headquarters. Sydney was being evacuated and it was taking a long time. The human government had grudgingly agreed to work with Psychicae United in the evacuation so they had to move over six million people south as quickly as they could. The task was almost complete and only a few hundred thousand remained in the outskirts of Sydney. Headquarters was almost deserted when the three psychicaes walked in. Most of the psychicaes had already been moved to the Canberra branch.
“It’s really creepy here now,” said Davina in a hushed voice, “It’s so quiet.”
“We should have a massive party or a water fight or something while all the psychicaes are out,” chuckled Alexis, “Or at least put toilet paper everywhere.”
“I wouldn’t say things like that when I’m in earshot,” said a gruff voice behind them.
The three turned around to see Bernardus limping towards them. He had been caught in a building that had collapsed after the blast in Brisbane and his broken leg was covered in a thick cast.
“You can paper mache the halls in Cooktown but if you do that here the Antistitors will eat you alive,” said Bernardus.
“They know we mean well,” laughed Alexis, “Say how’s the leg? I thought all the invalids had been evacuated already.”
“I’m not an invalid,” grimaced Bernardus, “I’ll leave when you three do.”
“Aw he’s so protective of us,” said Cato amiably.
“Speaking of protecting us,” interrupted Davina, “I heard you talking to the Antistitors about Mallory. Did you hear if they found him yet?”
Cato felt her levels of discomfort immediately rise. She had heard that Mallory was a murderer and that he had actually tried to kill Avalon at one point. She still wasn’t sure about the exact details though.
“Nah they haven’t found him,” grimaced Bernardus, “He’s still out there. He’s probably working with the Eastern Alliance now. The news is that he’s particularly good with ‘psychicae research’ as they call it.”
“I never would have thought he was a criminal though,” said Davina inquisitively, “He seemed so normal.”
“Well most psychopaths do,” said Bernardus.
“How do you know, meet many psychopaths in your time?” asked Alexis deftly.
“More than you,” answered Bernardus pleasantly.
“Actually I did some looking around Bernardus,” said Davina curiously, “You said you’re from Mount Isa, didn’t you? You said you left there about twenty years ago? That was the time of the biggest massacre in Australian history, wasn’t it? Every psychicae in Mount Isa was killed, except for one. Was that you?”
Bernardus impassive expression hadn’t changed but Cato could see his jaw had clenched and his eyes shifted away from Davina.
“Yeah, what of it?” said Bernardus bluntly.
“Wait, what happened in Mount Isa?” asked Alexis incredulously.
“Yeah I’ve never heard about this,” said Cato.
“It happened a long time ago,” explained Davina, “It wasn’t recorded as such a big massacre because mostly psychicaes were killed. What happened, well from what I understand, is that a cult of humans that had been causing the psychicaes trouble for a few years got out of hand and one night they managed to round up and murder every psychicae in town. They used the psychicaes’ friends and family as leverage. One psychicae escaped and ran the hundred kilometres to the next town with a broken arm and a fractured rib.”
“Shit man,” breathed Alexis, “You really did that?”
“One can achieve amazing things when there’s a mob of crazed humans chasing after you,” said Bernardus and rolled his eyes.
“But what happened after that?” asked Cato intently, “They got arrested right? And you got reposted somewhere else?”
“Nothing happened,” said Bernardus shortly, “I resigned and I lived in Cooktown ever since.”
“Nothing happened?” exclaimed Alexis angrily, “What, they’re still living their lives like they’re not a bunch of serial killers?”
“Not exactly,” said Bernardus dryly, “Psychicae United ‘forgot’ that Mount Isa needed evacuation before the Eastern Alliance got there. Unfortunately the Australian Defence Force wasn’t able to evacuate Mount Isa quickly enough without our help. I assume they’re having a great time in a concentration camp somewhere.”
Cato didn’t know whether to laugh or not. It seemed like the kind of devious revenge that Psychicae United would perpetrate.
“Well serves them right,” muttered Alexis.
The corners of Bernardus’ mouth twitched in a hidden smile.
“Oh by the way, have you three handed in your reports for today?” asked Bernardus.
“Not yet, we’ve still got ages right?” asked Davina.
“The offices close earlier now,” said Bernardus, “Since the staff were evacuated yesterday. Now they close in about ten minutes.”
“Oh damn,” exclaimed Alexis, “But we don’t have enough time to get to all the offices!”
“We’re not one person Alexis, gosh,” sighed Davina, “We’ll just go separately. I’ll do the injuries and safety report, you do the stock and weaponry and Cato can do population and records.”
“Right! You’re so smart,” smiled Alexis.
“And you’re so sweet,” answered Davina benevolently.
Cato pulled a face of intense repulsion and walked between the pair, grabbing the population reports from Davina as she passed.
“Gross I’m leaving,” grimaced Cato and stepped into an elevator.
Cato exited the elevator on one of the lower level floors. This giant hall was filled with Psychicae United’s servers. Long rows of metal cabinets containing multitudes of flashing lights extended into the darkness. The area that the elevator opened onto was a small balcony above these cabinets that held one main computer at the first desk and rows of computers behind this. The entire hall was dark except for a small light at the desk. Cato was too late to submit her reports.
Cato grimaced and looked at the papers in her hand. She would be in a lot of trouble tomorrow if she didn’t hand them in today. Maybe there was some way she could do it herself. The computers were still on.
Cato scurried towards the closest computer and shook the mouse. It had been a while since she had logged onto Psychicae United’s computer framework and as her screen flashed up items that required her attention crowded the screen. Cato ignored them and launched straight into filing the paperwork. It took her half an hour and she was sure that she had made at least half a dozen errors but at least no one could accuse her of not handing in the report.
Cato was about to log off again when a quick scan of her desktop made her pause. Since her involvement in various assignments she had been granted access to new information.
One of these files now caught her eye. It was Avalon’s case file. Although she had been granted access for her assignment under Auctor Cameo no one had thought to remove her access. Cato stared at the file. She hadn’t actually looked at her desktop in months. She hadn’t noticed Avalon’s life story was just sitting here for her. Was this where all of Avalon’s secrets lay? Cato bit her lip and warily looked behind her as if someone would be watching in the deserted room before she opened the file.
Cato grimaced as the file opened and the garbled contents were revealed. Cato had seen her own case file and she had expected the same small and concise subfolders but this folder was littered with copious amounts of information. It would literally take days to wander through all of it.
Cato scrolled through the information. There were many files, mostly proclaiming various assignments Avalon had completed. There were many more hospital reports. It seemed everything was organised by date and as Cato came to the bottom she found something else that was interesting. It was a folder labelled ‘Pre-employment at Psychicae United’. Would this tell her about Avalon’s ‘dreary childhood’? Cato eagerly opened the file and was greeted with a swath of writing. Again Cato looked around suspiciously before she began reading the information.
‘Child Services Report: Medicus Sergio
12/07/1993
Report of Lana Mallory
Lana was admitted to my care yesterday by Legatus Faustus. She is suffering from twelve gunshot wounds, twenty stab wounds, severe bruising and swelling, three torn ligaments and a punctured lung. As well as her physical injuries she suffers extreme psychological stress. She won’t eat or sleep. We have needed to sedate her so the nurses can help her and she is extremely phobic of water.
The cause of this stress is apparent. So far we have been able to ascertain that Lana was kidnapped by her father, Agrippa Mallory, on the day of her track running competition and taken to Coffins Lake, Menindee with her older sister, Julia Mallory. Agrippa Mallory proceeded to torture the two of them for two days until he killed Julia Mallory. He then tortured and raped Lana for a further five days before attempting to drown her. Legatus Faustus intervened at this point. Agrippa Mallory escaped arrest and Lana was brought to our Sydney Headquarters.
We are still physically rehabilitating Lana and when she is well enough we will have her undergo intensive therapy.’
Cato’s eyes came to a stop at the bottom of this report and she wasn’t sure she had the strength to scroll further down. She hadn’t thought it would be like this. She didn’t think it would be so terrible. 
‘Child Services Report: Medicus Sergio
12/08/1993
Report of Avalon (Lana Mallory)
Avalon has improved dramatically since her admission to the hospital a month ago. All of her wounds are healing as expected. A small infection broke out in her upper left arm in her first week here but it was quickly taken care of.
Avalon has also begun seeing our psychologist, Medicus Beatriz; however she still will not speak to her. Avalon will only speak to Legatus Faustus and occasionally can hold brief conversations with familiar nurses. She will still not allow anyone to touch her and she refuses to go anywhere near water without sedation.
I foresee that Avalon’s recovery will-’
“Interesting article I take it?” spoke a familiarly icy voice from behind Cato.
Cato gave a shout of surprise and leapt out of her chair in fright. Her wide eyes focussed on Avalon who stood a few metres away, her arms folded around a bunch of papers and her golden eyes glaring acrimoniously back at Cato.
“Antistitor!” exclaimed Cato, “I, um, I was just filing reports and it was on my desktop and I-I-”
Avalon gave an exasperated sigh and took the seat that Cato had vacated. She closed the screen of her case file and immediately brought back the record system Cato had been using before.
“It doesn’t matter Cato,” said Avalon indifferently, “Dante must have forgotten to remove your access is all.”
Avalon leant over to look at the papers she had set down on the table and began entering data into the computer without another word. Cato stood numbly beside her. For once she couldn’t feel anything that Avalon felt. She was too consumed by her own emotions.
Reading Avalon’s case file had only made Cato feel worse. Not once had she ever suspected that Avalon’s ‘dreary childhood’ had been filled with such horrors. And this new information informed her that not only had she taken Auctor Cameo’s side over Avalon’s but she had been working with a monster that had all but destroyed the Antistitor physically and emotionally. Avalon must hate her.
“Um Antistitor?” stammered Cato uncertainly.
“Yes?” answered Avalon without looking up.
“I’m really sorry about the last few months,” said Cato miserably.
Avalon now looked away from the computer with surprise.
“You’re sorry?” she queried, “What for?”
“For taking Auctor Cameo’s side and for helping your dad,” grimaced Cato, “And for not believing you. I mean all of those Antistitors believed you and I knew something fishy was going on I just refused to look into it. And you could have been hurt so bad and I could have stopped it way before now! I actually helped them try to find you…”
Avalon considered Cato for a moment and Cato avoided her golden gaze. Finally she spoke and her even voice gave none of her inner thoughts away.
“It’s not your fault at all,” said Avalon, “I probably would have done the same thing in your position. It would have been convenient if more psychicaes believed me but that wasn’t possible. It’s difficult to disagree with the Imperator.”
Avalon’s words only slightly alleviated Cato’s guilt. She didn’t believe anything that Avalon had assured her of. She knew that she should have done something to help Avalon before now and that she was a terrible person for trying to capture her. But it didn’t sound as though Avalon was angry.
“So you don’t hate me for it?” asked Cato gloomily.
“Uh no,” frowned Avalon and turned back to her reports, “I have never hated you Cato.”
Cato was reminded again of Auctor Cameo’s words, ‘You do care for Cato.’
“Antistitor? Why did you save me from Auctor Cameo?” asked Cato abruptly.
Again Avalon looked away from the screen with a raised eyebrow.
“Do I seem like the kind of person who would stand by while someone dies?” she answered wryly.
Cato chuckled weakly and shook her head, “No I guess not.”
Avalon returned to the screen and after a few more taps along the keyboard she stood from the chair and gathered her papers. She was already finished entering her reports. Cato checked the clock on the computer and noticed it had only been five minutes. She had to hold back a grimace at how Avalon had finished the same job in less than a quarter of the time.
“Oh Cato?” said Avalon suddenly and Cato looked up to see Avalon standing in front of her with her papers, “You’re leaving for Canberra in three days?”
“Oh uh, yeah,” nodded Cato, “With the last of the refugees. And you’re staying here?”
“Yes I’m needed here,” answered Avalon impassively.
Cato grimaced, “Do you think you can win? Against Auctor Cameo?”
“I don’t know,” said Avalon, “I almost killed him last time.”
“Yeah but he almost killed you too,” said Cato despondently and without thinking about her actions she brushed her hand lightly over the freshly healed scar on Avalon’s neck.
Avalon didn’t answer for a moment and Cato suddenly realised what she was doing. She quickly dropped her hand and felt the colour in her face rising. However Avalon simply continued speaking as though nothing had happened.
“I wouldn’t say he almost killed me,” said Avalon wryly, “He certainly destroyed Faustus’ car, broke Faustus’ nose and gave Faustus a bit of a scare but I think I came out of that battle perfectly fine. If anything he almost killed Faustus.”
Cato couldn’t help but laugh. Avalon didn’t seem to understand exactly how serious her situation could have been but it was endearing. Perhaps the Antistitor was trying to make her feel better? Cato looked up as she laughed and started when she noticed that Avalon had taken a step closer. She was almost as close as she had been in the library. This time Avalon didn’t seem perturbed but gazed impassively back at Cato. Cato wished she could feel what Avalon was feeling right now and have some insight into her thoughts but her own mind still ran too fast to catch anything else.
“Well I guess that’s reassuring,” said Cato sheepishly and looked away from Avalon’s golden stare, “Uh well, you’re probably real busy so I’ll head off now and leave you to it?”
Cato made to step away from Avalon but she stopped when the Antistitor gave a small noise of protest and reached out a hand. Cato stared at Avalon with bewilderment. A pained grimace came over her face and her hand fell back to her side.
“Yes you may go,” nodded Avalon.
The next second seemed to pass slowly for Cato. She saw the glint of Avalon’s downturned eyes through her impossibly long eyelashes. The pink scar that separated her two eyes and ran down her perfect nose. Finally the lips that curled in a scowl. And then Cato caught Avalon’s pretty face in her shaking hands and pressed her lips against the Antistitor’s. Cato felt the muscles in Avalon’s neck and jaw stiffen. A second later Avalon pushed Cato away.
Cato immediately began trying to force an apology out, “I-I’m sorry, I just-”
Avalon took a step forward and Cato quietened. She still couldn’t sense anything telekinetically through her own harried emotions. All she could see was a hard gleam in Avalon’s eyes and the rest of her face was impassive. But Avalon only leant closer to Cato and as she came closer Cato could see the creases of pining in her face. Her nose touched Cato’s chin and Cato leant down to the smaller Antistitor. The movement caused Avalon to jump and to Cato’s frustration she turned away.
“I really should go,” said Avalon quietly and strode towards the elevator.
The elevator almost immediately opened for Avalon and she stepped inside the golden light. Within seconds the Antistitor was gone leaving a confounded Cato standing alone in the dark.
........
Avalon spent the next few days avoiding Cato. It meant that she had been forced to undertake as many field assignments as possible so that she couldn’t be found in her office. Her plan had been working so far and she hadn’t run into Cato at all. Of course that inconvenience would end today. Cato had finally been relocated to the safety of Canberra.
Now was one of the rare times late at night that Avalon had spent in her office in the past week. She quietly filled out the last of her reports and tacked them into the blue glow of her computer. She had desperately tried not to think of Cato and how she had been so entrapped by her but every time Avalon was left alone with nothing else to think about it was the only thing that came to her mind. Even now as she vaguely wrote up her reports her unbidden mind wandered back to that afternoon in the records hall. The feel of Cato’s feverish skin. Her determined kiss. The telekinetic frustration when Avalon had left her alone.
And now Avalon was sure what that telekinetic link was. It was a phenomenon known as Fortis Nexu. It happened when two psychicaes excessively focussed their telekinetic energy on one another. The power resulting from this two way connection allowed for both psychicaes to perceive with unusual clarity what was happening in the others’ mind. It was a rare phenomena because it usually only resulted when the two psychicaes were fixated on one another and the law of relationships usually prevented psychicaes from becoming so fixated.
Avalon felt a grimace on her face. Fortis Nexu could be dangerous if left unchecked. It would obviously allow the exchange of sensitive information and Avalon knew a lot of sensitive information. She would just have to be careful what came to her mind when she was in Cato’s presence. At least until she could work out how to control this new phenomenon.
Although perhaps Avalon would not have to worry about controlling this new phenomenon. She had successfully avoided Cato for the few days that she had been in Sydney for and now she was far away in Canberra. Avalon wasn’t sure why she was avoiding Cato. It wasn’t as though Psychicae United could fire her right now. She was their only hope for survival even if she was half mad. She knew she was uncomfortable with Cato knowing the details of her thought processes but she could handle that. What she couldn’t handle was meeting Cato again. What was she supposed to say? How was she supposed to behave? Should she act as though nothing had happened? She couldn’t do anything else, she didn’t know what else there was to do. Avalon was avoiding Cato because she had no idea how to confront her.
Avalon started and winced at the door as someone knocked. Even though she knew that Cato was hundreds of kilometres away she almost expected her brilliant, blue eyes to peer around the edge of the door.
“Yes?” answered Avalon reluctantly.
The door creaked open and to Avalon’s relief Faustus appeared.
“Evening Avalon,” he said, “You’re finishing your reports?”
“Yes, something I can help you with?” asked Avalon nonchalantly and returned to her computer.
“No but you asked for these records this morning,” said Faustus and placed a pile of papers on her desk, “So here they are.”
Avalon lifted the top paper towards her, “Thank you.”
Faustus turned to go but before he made it to the door he turned.
“You’ve been out of the office a lot lately,” he said casually, “It makes it hard to get any paperwork done here.”
“Oh, sorry,” shrugged Avalon.
“So who are avoiding?” asked Faustus bluntly.
“I’m not avoiding anyone,” said Avalon quickly and without looking up from the screen.
“Doesn’t anyone here realise that I’m an Antistitor and it takes a bit of effort to lie to me?” scoffed Faustus, “Could you at least sound sincere?”
Avalon looked up from her computer with a glare, “I’m not avoiding anyone.”
“Better, but you’ve already been caught out,” said Faustus and fell into the chair across from Avalon’s desk, “So tell me, who is it? Are you behind on reports? Are the Auctors hounding you?”
“No I’m not behind on reports,” said Avalon and returned her glare to the computer screen, “And I’m not avoiding anyone.”
“Either that or it must be Cato,” said Faustus with a roll of his eyes, “It’s hardly anything else with you.”
“It’s not Cato,” said Avalon irately.
Faustus laughed loudly, “With an attitude like that it certainly is. So what is it now?”
“Nothing of any grave concern,” said Avalon, “Particularly not to you.”
“You have been avoiding her,” mused Faustus, “Did you have an argument?”
“You’re way off the mark,” scowled Avalon and pointedly went back to typing.
“Well clearly you’ve had a disagreement of some description,” said Faustus logically, “Obviously Cato has been experiencing quite a bit of stress lately because she believes she might have put you in harm’s way. And because you’re not a particularly warm and cuddly person she probably thinks that you don’t really care about her at all, she probably thinks that you hate her.”
Avalon’s scowl had deepened while Faustus was talking.
“I don’t hate Cato,” she said forcibly, “I don’t see why everyone seems to have this opinion. I’ve never said I hated her!”
Faustus raised an eyebrow and smirked triumphantly at the response that he had wheedled from her. Avalon sighed with exasperation and returned to the computer.
“Yes that is true,” shrugged Faustus, “But as I said, you’re not very gregarious and Cato is a dunce.”
Avalon cast an irritated glance at Faustus but she couldn’t rebuke him. Cato was a dunce.
“So you’re saying I’m too heartless?” asked Avalon wryly, “That’s the problem?”
“No I’m saying social skills have never been one of your strong points,” answered Faustus.
Avalon remained silent for a few moments. Her fingers had paused over the keyboard as she glared at the blue glow of the screen. Faustus had pinned her issue exactly. He had become quite talented at it lately. It was just lucky that she trusted him with her life and more.
“It almost sounds like you’re encouraging me to break Psychicae United’s laws,” sniffed Avalon, “You do remember the law of relationships?”
“I remember,” said Faustus casually, “But you’re not about to be fired right now. If we survive the invasion it’s not like Psychicae United will fire you after that anyway. You’re too important to them. I’ll admit that I’ve been somewhat selfish in prizing your employment so highly for the sole reason of keeping your company with me but I just think you would be safer with me watching you.”
Avalon looked away from her computer and at Faustus with an impassive stare.
“You think I need protecting?” she asked with a hint of amusement.
“I need protecting too,” chuckled Faustus, “I have your back, you have mine?”
Avalon smiled wryly, “Indeed.”
At that moment their conversation was interrupted by a telekinetic message from Antistitor Vincent, ‘Eastern Alliance forces sighted at Cheero Point, North Sydney. All psychicaes report to Brooklyn for duty.’
The light and trifling atmosphere so suddenly became tense.
“I guess it’s time,” grimaced Avalon.
........
By the time that the Antistitors had arrived in the village of Brooklyn at midnight thousands of soldiers were racing around prepping their tanks and artillery. A barricade had been set up across the highway to prevent any remaining civilians from crossing into the warzone. The psychicaes were close to the frontline so that they could fight off the first wave of enemy psychicaes.
When the Antistitors arrived at the bridge the team of close to fifty psychicaes were already preparing their armour and weapons under the instruction of the Legatus’. The psychicaes were at the immediate frontline. They stood just before the massive metal bridges that struck out across the black expanse of water and plunged into the mountains on the other side. The rest of the human soldiers stood at least a hundred metres back and the only people in front of them were the small figures creeping along the bridge and planting what was probably a network of explosives.
The small riverside village of Brooklyn extended to the right of the highway but no lights shone from the township. It had already been completely evacuated.
“Attention psychicaes,” called Annabella as the Antistitors arrived, “You’re all aware that we’ve been assigned to handle the psychicae forces that we’ll be facing tonight. It is assumed that Auctor Cameo will be amongst these psychicaes. None of you are to engage Auctor Cameo, leave him to us.
The Australian Defence Force has kindly committed three of their brigades tonight and in total we have six thousand soldiers on our side. As for the forces we are facing; there is a brigade of approximately ten thousand Eastern Alliance soldiers and we expect anywhere between a few dozen to a few hundred psychicaes. Some of those psychicaes you will probably recognise or you will know personally. Please be aware that for this reason we encourage you to incapacitate where possible. Do not kill unless absolutely necessary. Is this understood?”
An uncomfortable murmur went around the group of psychicaes but no objections were raised.
“Excellent,” said Annabella grimly, “As for our tactics tonight, the Lieutenant Colonel has elected to destroy the bridge so as to-”
At that moment a thunderous roar erupted and the bridge was engulfed in numerous balls of flame. Avalon felt a sticky wave of heat wash over her face and the warm wind rustled through the surrounding trees. With a deafening groan pieces of the bridge began falling away from the fireball and were engulfed by the river below. The murky water rose in great plumes as it caught the fragments of the destroyed bridge and as the last of the fire and smoke cleared all that was left were two sagging ends.
“So as to delay the approach of the Eastern Alliance force,” continued Annabella unperturbedly, “So we may not even have to fight any psychicaes for at least another few hours and by the time we do they will have wasted half of their resources simply finding another route into Sydney.”
Abruptly Annabella was interrupted by a ground shaking explosion not from the bridge but from the forces behind them. Avalon turned expecting to find that one of the human soldiers had accidentally set off explosives. Instead coldness washed through her at the sight she was greeted with. Thousands of Eastern Alliance soldiers were heavily firing upon the undefended rear of the Australian Army’s advance.
Avalon felt horror sweep over her as she realised that they had had been duped. Of course the Eastern Alliance would expect them to destroy the bridge. Of course they would already have another division of soldiers approaching on an alternate route. Of course they would use telekinesis control to prevent the psychicaes detecting this alternate force. The only thing that didn’t make sense is why they hadn’t used the telekinesis control to just force the psychicaes into unconsciousness. And then that became clear as well.
Dozens of psychicaes began leaping out of the woods on either side of the highway. Avalon ran forwards to halt the first wave of bullets that showered down on the cornered team but then they had run past her and the fray had begun.
Avalon grabbed the arm holding the first pistol pointed at her and swung the offender around to catch the successive bullets aimed her way before again grabbing every bullet she could find within her vicinity and bringing them to a stop. Hundreds of pieces of shrapnel clinked to the ground but the firing resumed immediately and replaced the stolen bullets. More guns were aimed her way. Avalon sent the bullets flying back at their owners. The gunfire continued chattering away and littered the ground with used casings and blood. With each moment the team of desperately fighting psychicaes were forced further down the tipped end of the dilapidated bridge. Bodies lay in front of the retreating team. None of them were the bodies of their enemies. Their team was growing smaller by the moment.
Avalon sent another bullet at the approaching psychicaes when someone caught her arm and twisted it painfully behind her back. Avalon exclaimed and sent her head flying back into her assailant’s. The grip loosened and Avalon spun around to shoot the psychicae who had attacked her but when she saw who it was she gasped.
It was Corbin and as Avalon stared in shock he ran forwards again and lifted the pistol in his hand. Avalon ducked forwards and caught his wrist before deflecting his light body up into the air and slamming it back into the concrete. She pinned him to the ground by his neck.
“I’m not going to kill you but I am going to force you into unconsciousness,” shouted Avalon over the gunfire, “So I apologise beforehand for that.”
“Quite alright,” shrugged Corbin, “I accept my defeat.”
Avalon wrinkled her nose and sent a quick surge of telekinetic power across to Corbin’s brain. His eyes rolled back and his eyelids slowly closed. The telekinetic energy in his brain slowed and just as Avalon was sure that he was truly unconscious she felt the cold metal of a pistol press back her neck briefly. Avalon reacted immediately and caught the metal telekinetically; directing the approaching bullet back up into the gun. The pistol exploded violently and a pained yell sounded behind her. Avalon leapt up and slammed her foot into the attacker’s head.
When Avalon surveyed the scene again she saw that her team had almost been forced off the end of the bridge and only a dozen remained. Most of her team lay motionless on the ground under the feet of the approaching psychicaes. Avalon knew that there was one way to end the battle but it would mean she would be unable to defend herself for at least a minute. It was dangerous but there was no other way.
“Faustus!” shouted Avalon and Faustus kicked away another psychicae and glanced over at her enquiringly, “Cover me!”
Faustus nodded and he ran towards her. When he was standing in front of her Avalon closed her eyes. She could hear shots firing and she could hear Faustus moving around her. She hoped she wouldn’t feel the searing pain of a bullet gone awry.
Avalon tried to dismiss these thoughts from her mind and instead focussed on each attacking psychicae. It was imperative that she only connected with the attacking psychicaes. Not her own team, not the Australian soldiers; just her attackers. She could feel strong threads of light forming between her and these psychicaes. She could almost hear the fighting becoming more desperate outside her closed eyes. The psychicaes could probably tell what she was doing. But it was fruitless for these attacking psychicaes as Avalon released a giant wave of telekinetic energy along these threads of light and suddenly the fighting stopped. All of the noise stopped.
Avalon opened her eyes to find dozens of psychicaes lying on the ground. Most of these psychicaes were simply unconscious and they would probably stay that way for a few hours. A few moments passed as the remaining psychicaes stared in shock at the bloodied battlefield in front of them as the sounds of the Eastern Alliance drew closer. And then a psychicae ran forwards with an anguished wail before dropping to the side of one of the bodies. More psychicaes began to inch through the bodies. Some of them knelt down; some of them simply stood and stared.
And then Avalon noticed Faustus hunched at her feet. Avalon exclaimed and knelt down beside him. His webbed hand was pressed against a dark wound in his abdomen.
“Faustus let me see,” said Avalon and touched his arm gently.
Faustus removed his shaking hand and to Avalon’s relief not much blood followed. Hopefully that meant it hadn’t punctured anything important.
“It’s not that bad,” smiled Faustus weakly and then he noticed something behind Avalon and his smile faded, “Severino…”
Avalon looked around to see Vincent turning over Severino’s limp body to face the dark sky. His hand ran over Severino’s half open eyes and rolled them shut. He then sat beside his dead partner’s body and stared blankly at the ground. Annabella approached him and put a hand on his shoulder softly. She stooped down beside him and whispered something indistinguishable in his ear. Vincent only nodded; his expressionless stare did not falter.
At that moment a telekinetic message sounded in Avalon’s mind and clearly the minds of the Antistitors around her as they all flinched at the noise. Avalon recognised the voice as Auctor Urban.
‘Canberra is facing an attack! Auctor Cameo is leading a brigade into the city and Eastern Alliance bombers have been sighted in the Australian Capital Territory. The nuclear attack isn’t planned for Sydney, it’s planned for Canberra. We need Antistitor Avalon’s assistance here as soon as possible.’
........
It had been tricky to sneak around the massive forces of the Eastern Alliance and they had been forced to leave the bodies of the fallen psychicaes behind. But in the end the still living psychicaes had taken a derelict train track leading south from Brooklyn and had stolen some forsaken cars when they reached the nearby village of Cowan. Now the Antistitors were in Canberra and approaching the highway that Auctor Urban had directed them to. Even without Auctor Urban’s direction it would not have been difficult to see where the warzone was. Giant plumes of flame lit up the early morning sky and vociferous chattering of guns and missiles echoed across the city. Occasionally the car shook with the force of these missiles.
As they came around the curve of the London Circuit the first of the Australian Army’s tanks and supply trucks became visible. Hundreds of soldiers scurried about to restock weapons and ready their missiles. As they came closer to Northbourne Avenue more of the warzone was revealed. Extending up the street were lines of soldiers taking cover beneath the hastily constructed barricades while thousands of Eastern Alliance soldiers bore down on them with metal, fire and brute force. At the very front Avalon could just see psychicaes darting in and out of the dishevelled buildings as they tore one another apart.
Amongst the chaos Avalon noticed that despite being heavily outnumbered by the Eastern Alliance forces they were actually managing to hold their ground. As each enemy missile bore down on the Australians another would counter it. The barricades strung across the street were proving to be quite an inconvenience as well and the Eastern Alliance soldiers could not approach the Australians for hand to hand combat. The enemy psychicaes were being occupied at the front so there was little chance that they could mount an assault on the humans. Although this equilibrium wouldn’t last forever. Eventually someone would run out of supplies and judging by the sheer size of the Eastern Alliance brigade it wasn’t going to be them.
The cars stopped as they came to the first line of supply trucks. The Antistitors immediately made their way towards what would be the command tent at the very back of the warzone. They had almost made it there when Annabella gasped and pointed at the sky above the battle.
“Avalon there they are!” she exclaimed.
Avalon followed her gesture and saw a distant triangle of lights glimmering in the sky. As Avalon’s eyes focussed on the lights she was able to assemble the figures of six small Nanchang Q-5 jets and the larger ominous shadow of a Xian H-6 bomber. Avalon turned to walk towards these approaching aircraft and hoped she could capture them telekinetically before the bomber dropped its weapon but then she saw another shadow fly up into the sky. It was a psychicae who had flown up and away from the mêlée below and now they were flying towards the approaching aircraft. Avalon frowned and squinted, trying to identify this psychicae to see if they had any chance of bringing down the planes. A sudden flare of a ruined missile lit up the night sky and illuminated the ascending psychicae. It was Cato.
........
The battle below had barely been progressing at all. It was all the psychicaes could do to hold back the Eastern Alliance forces. Cato had felt as though she had been fighting for days. Her arms and legs ached and her body was covered in bruises, scratches and dust. At least the Eastern Alliance hadn’t made any progression either. Somehow they were keeping them at bay. But that changed when Cato saw the approach of the huge plane. She had immediately looked to the Auctors for help but none of them could do anything.
The Australian Air Force couldn’t help either, every nuclear deterrent had been sent to Sydney. Everyone was trapped on the ground waiting for the plane to drop death on them. Cato was the only one who could do anything.
So now her aching shoulders powered her into the sky towards the approaching bomber and within a minute she could see the shadowy figures of the humans inside the glass shells of the jets. That meant that they could certainly see her illuminated against the bright fire of the battlefield below. Her suspicion was confirmed when the six tiny jets changed their flying formation to surround the larger bomber. That wasn’t the worst problem though. The worst problem was the long tubes of metal that rose from under their cold wings to point at Cato and then the scream of their cannons that cut through the roar of the wind.
Cato dived out of the way as the large pieces of metal shot past her. She looked back as she swooped and saw two jets separate from the pack and spiral down after her. Cato twisted around in the air as they glided lower and aimed her rifle at the dark figure inside one of the aircraft. She released a small spurt of bullets that cracked against the window but to Cato’s dismay her attack only left small chips in the aircraft. Of course the jet would have bullet proof glass.
As the two jets fired at Cato again she shot back up into the air and scoured the pursuing aircraft for any weak points. The wide air intakes on either side of the jets seemed like a good spot and Cato again turned and this time sent her flurry of bullets into the closest jet’s intakes. The reaction was instant and an unhealthy splutter came from the jet. Sparks ignited in the effected engine and the jet began to fall backwards. The second jet swerved away from its fallen twin but was not fast enough and slammed into the back of the dying aircraft.
As Cato watched the pair fall she saw the two pilots fly out of the cabins of the jets and begin descending under giant white parachutes. Her attention was then caught by another stream of heavy bullets brushing past her wings. Cato looked up to see the other four jets now descending towards her and her heart leapt into her throat. Cato shot away from the jets as the streams of bullets rocketed past her and left ringing in her ears. The four jets followed her every move as Cato darted in and around the shrapnel flying through the air. For a minute she managed to dodge the attacking planes until she felt a sharp pain in her left wing and she was forced to roll into a dive. As the world spun around her she brought her injured wing close enough to inspect and found that the bullet had only just clipped the underside of the fleshy part of her wing but it had torn a fistful of feathers out with it as well. Cato grimaced and tentatively extended her wings again to pull her out of the dive.
Sharp pain throbbed through her wing and the wind whistled strangely through the new gap in her feathers but she was able to fly. Cato pulled up out of the dive to chase after the jets again. They had turned back to the bomber, believing that they had finished her. Cato lifted her rifle to target the air intakes of the last jet again when she saw the flickering movement of the rudder on the vertical wing of the jet. It reminded her of the small twitches that Alexis’ fins would make when he was swimming and how with just a small flick he could change direction completely. It gave her an idea.
She realigned her aim and sent a single shot at the rudder. Cato cheered as the plane began to tilt sideways and crashed into the jet to its right. The jets piled into one another with a dominoes-like effect and with their bent and twisted wings they were unable to return to stability. The four heavy pieces of metal began to fall towards the ground. As the pilots were ejected to safety Cato turned her attention to the bomber that was still flying towards Canberra.
As Cato flew towards the bomber she realised that she wouldn’t be able to simply destroy this plane like she had done with the others. If the nuclear bomb inside the plane was damaged it might accidentally explode. She would have to take control of the plane somehow. As Cato approached the cannons of the slow moving bomber it began firing at her but in a few seconds Cato was behind the plane and out of its range. She hovered over the top of the jet and balanced along the turbulent currents thrown up by the heat of the engines. As she soared over the jet she studied the dorsal surface.
The entire plane was made of thick metal except for the nose. The nose was covered in what was presumably bullet proof glass. However Cato had another plan. She dropped lower and lower towards the plane. It was a difficult task as the currents the jet threw up became more violent as she came closer but eventually she made contact with the metal surface of the jet’s roof. She began to inch forwards towards the glass cabin at the nose of the jet.
Cato reached the turret of the forward-facing cannon and winced when she saw how close the fiery battlefield of Canberra was. Cato reached around to the back of her belt and retrieved a grenade. Securing its body in a hollow caused by the turret Cato gripped the pin and the handle, yanked the pin away and let go of the grenade. She then snapped her wings out and allowed the wind to wrench her away from the jet. A few seconds later the nose of the plane was covered in a burst of flame and the jet tipped down slightly.
Before the pilots would have time to react Cato dove forwards and to her delight saw that her plan had worked. The window had been shattered by the force of the explosion. Cato shot through the smoke billowing around the hole in the window and landed in the cockpit of the bomber. Inside was a large room full of intricate arrays of technology needed to keep the aircraft aloft. There were also three soldiers who were shouting fearfully in a language Cato did not recognise.
The soldier closest to Cato yelled in fright when he saw her and stumbled backwards. His shaking hand clutched at the pistol at his side but before he could reach it Cato had jumped forwards and shoved her palm into his nose. The force of the blow caused the undefended soldier to lose consciousness and he tumbled backwards. As Cato regained her balance she heard the sound of a pistol firing and through the haze of smoke she saw that another soldier had noticed her. She dove behind one of the control benches and grabbed the pistol from the slack grasp of the fallen soldier before leaning around the corner and sending a pair of shots at the soldier. The first hit the pistol aimed at Cato and sent it flying from the soldier’s bloodied hand and the other lodged into his ankle and caused him to topple over. Finally only the soldier at the very front of the bomber remained and he had ducked behind the front control bench. Cato waited with the pistol trained on the control bench and after a few seconds the soldier leant around to send a few warning shots at her. Cato took the opportunity and again shot the gun from the soldier’s hands before leaping over to the incapacitated man.
He held up his bullet riddled hands over his face as Cato approached and yelled in the unrecognisable language. Cato paid no attention and grabbed his arm, wrenching him up and over to the two other downed soldiers before yanking a piece of rope from the side of the cabin and securing the three soldiers against the metal frame of the wall.
Cato stood up and now turned to the two benches of controls in the large room of flight equipment. She gazed around the cockpit anxiously and realised she had no idea how to operate the aircraft. Cato now noticed that the floor had a slight lean to it and as she glanced out of the window she saw that the bomber was turning and as it did so it was tipping further and further. Soon it would tumble out of the air.
‘Cato? Do you have control of the aircraft?’
Cato started and realised that it was Antistitor Avalon’s voice. Sent along with the telekinetic message Cato could feel a mixture of apprehension and admiration from Avalon. Cato also realised that she had never sent a telekinetic message before and wondered how to do it. She grimaced and closed her eyes. Maybe if she just thought about her answer Avalon would be able to read her mind.
‘I have control of the aircraft but I don’t know how to fly it!’
‘That’s ok Cato; it’s almost low enough that I can land it myself.’
Cato watched as the ground came closer and closer. The controls began ticking over without any physical input and the bomber slowly righted its path for a landing. The bomber flew over the long street filled with thousands of Eastern Alliance soldiers. Cato could see them looking up and pointing as the bomber passed overhead. In the distance she could see the Australian front where the psychicaes were still fighting. Cato could also see a lone figure surrounded by several other psychicaes. Her gloved hands were held out to the plane. Her golden hair gleaming against the firelight was unmistakable. It was certainly Avalon.
Suddenly the tarmac under Avalon’s feet lifted from the ground and threw her and the other half a dozen psychicaes aside. Cato felt the smooth glide of the aircraft falter and the floor dropped away. The plane began to rapidly descend towards the Eastern Alliance troops below.
........
The hard ground knocked Avalon’s breath out of her lungs as she landed but as she opened her eyes she had no time to regain her respiratory function. Just as the bomber plummeted to the ground, Eastern Alliance soldiers scattering out of the way, Avalon summoned a surge of telekinetic energy and directed as much air up under the wings as she could to buffet the crash. The aircraft skidded onto the tarmac and as it raced along the street it knocked down trees and crushed cars and tanks in its wake. Sparks were sent up alongside it and an ear-splitting scream echoed across the city. As the ruined aircraft skidded closer to the psychicaes Avalon ran forwards and beckoned another wave of energy. She lifted the tarmac up under the plane and cinched it to a halt just a few metres away from her.

Avalon exhaled and frowned through the small headache twinging behind her eyes. She might have used a little too much power to stop the plane. At least the unexpected arrival of the plane had toppled enough buildings to separate the Eastern Alliance and Australian forces for now. The missiles had stopped firing now; all that was left were the warring psychicaes.
Avalon jumped as Cato leapt up out of the broken window of the plane and landed on the road in front of her with the usual sheepish smile. Unconsciously Avalon took a few eager steps forward before stopping in front of Cato with an abruptly perplexed grimace.
“Uh nice flying,” said Avalon awkwardly without looking at Cato.
“Thanks,” chuckled Cato weakly.
Avalon nodded shortly and stepped past Cato. She had more important things to deal with right now. No ordinary psychicae would be able to move the ground from under her feet like that. Auctor Cameo was here somewhere.
Avalon jumped as the downed aircraft beside her abruptly screamed again and the metal in its side twisted and flew away. Avalon ducked to avoid the flying scrap metal.
“Truly magnificent,” echoed a voice and even the psychicaes slowly stopped battling.
Auctor Cameo strolled casually out onto the eerily silent battlefield followed by half a dozen psychicaes.
“And indeed Cato, nice flying,” laughed Auctor Cameo, “I really do thank you for delivering my cargo safely.”
Auctor Cameo held out a hand and with another screech the innards of the mangled plane was dragged out onto the street. Sitting in front of Auctor Cameo was a smooth, grey cylinder the size of a small car. It was the undamaged nuclear bomb.
“So Avalon, I can protect all of my psychicaes and all of the Eastern Alliance troops,” smiled Auctor Cameo, “But you will be struggling for life when I set this off. You will hardly be able to save yourself.”
With that the battle started again. The psychicaes beside Auctor Cameo sprinted forwards to be met by the Antistitors. Auctor Cameo brought up the tarmac beneath Avalon’s feet again. This time it wrapped around her ankles and tossed her into a hard brick wall. Avalon spluttered and tried to regain her breath again before exclaiming and leaping away as a thousand shards of glass shattered against the bricks. Avalon threw her hand into the brick wall and sent the dozens of bricks flying back at Auctor Cameo. While he ducked under the poorly aimed projectile she pulled up the steels rods and cables under the ground and speared them towards Auctor Cameo from all sides. He simply held up his hands and they clanged to the ground uselessly. Avalon felt the ground shudder under her feet and immediately recognised the sensation. Auctor Cameo was going to tie her to the ground with tree roots again!
Avalon heard the sound of a gunshot and quickly narrowed in her telekinesis to the small spark the gunpowder would cause. She dragged the spark out of the gun and drew it into a long line of flame just as the roots reached up through the concrete. She spun the flames around her and created a searing vortex of heat that shrivelled the roots and scorched the pavement. As the flames died away Avalon could feel the twinge in her head increasing in voracity but she looked up at Auctor Cameo with an exultant glare.
That changed to fear when Avalon saw his hands raised above his head and she saw the giant arch of water he was summoning from Lake Burley Griffin behind the Australian troops. Avalon stumbled backwards and held up her hands to repel the attack but she could not summon any telekinetic power. She could only see the water in front of her and then the airborne river encased her.
Avalon immediately felt terror and nothing else. She felt the freezing water twist around her as though it was a living thing. It seeped up her nose and into her mouth, incessantly crawling, trickling down her throat. It wrapped around her neck and tightened as she thrashed to free herself. She struggled and struggled to no avail. Avalon tried to scream but the cold monster only took advantage and Avalon choked. She could feel her own warm tears being greedily snatched away. Her muscles were beginning to grow tired now and even with such panic she found she could no longer move. She could no longer stop the living thing dripping into her lungs. Her vision was becoming very bright. The blurred, murky water seemed very far away now.
And then Avalon felt the water throw her to the ground and crash away. Avalon choked as she felt cold air against her skin but to her horror the water wouldn’t release her lungs. The air was so near but she still couldn’t breathe.
“Avalon!” Avalon recognised Faustus’ voice, “Please Cameo let her go!”
Avalon could hear dozens of voices pleading now and through her tear-filled eyes she could see that the Antistitors had been overpowered. They were being held by Auctor Cameo’s psychicaes.
“Cameo please stop!” cried Cato, “Please don’t hurt her anymore!”
“You’re a manipulative piece of scum Cameo!” roared Marc, “You couldn’t win on skill alone!”
Avalon’s eyes lowered again and she saw the empty casings scattered over the ground around her soaked hands.
“You can’t get away with this!” screeched Annabella, “Someone’s going to rat you out!”
“Psychicae United will find out eventually!” shouted Vincent.
Their voices weaved in and out of Avalon’s hearing. Her brain needed oxygen. Avalon barely noticed when a claw roughly forced her chin upwards. Auctor Cameo’s victorious face swam in front of her.
“This seems familiar,” he said casually, “Let me see… Ah yes, when we first met at Hyde Park. Do you remember? I promised you that I would kill you. I do apologise for that delay, to make it up to you I promise it will be dramatic. The whole city will die to see this show, I’m sure.”
Auctor Cameo rose to his feet and strolled nonchalantly towards the nuclear bomb. Avalon had no energy left to cough anymore. She could see Auctor Cameo’s boots moving further and further away. In fact the ground was moving further and further away. What was she even doing here? Lying on the cold ground? Shouldn’t she be in her warm apartment?
Avalon felt a sharp surge of telekinetic energy and she remembered that Auctor Cameo was just a few metres away. He must have activated the nuclear bomb. It would go off any second now. It would kill many people. Avalon wondered what it was like to die. She hoped it wouldn’t hurt. She hoped it was quick. Avalon could now feel a few things telekinetically. She could feel fear. Where was that coming from? It was Cato. Cato was afraid. Cato didn’t want to die. Avalon didn’t want Cato to die either. Or Faustus. Or any of the Antistitors, or the Auctors. Or Lilianna or any of the psychicaes she had lived with at the old lady’s house. Or Cato’s friends. were a lot of people who would be killed by this murderer. A lot of people that Avalon actually cared about.
Avalon’s eyes flickered open. She hadn’t realised that they were closed. She could feel the unstoppable reaction occurring inside the nuclear bomb. She wasn’t skilled enough to manipulate atomic particles but she was skilled enough to manipulate the empty casings scattered around her. Avalon focussed on a tiny casing in front of her. The flicker of the gold as it swam in and out of her vision and the sheen of the water on its surface. She could feel the solid texture of it and the hollow centre. And then she sent it flying forwards into the back of Auctor Cameo’s head. She heard him exclaim and then his misshapen body slumped forwards over the nuclear bomb.
The water finally leaked out of Avalon’s nose and mouth and she coughed and choked and gasped for air. Immediately her vision returned and the world seemed so much brighter. She leapt to her feet and stumbled backwards as she gained her balance. Auctor Cameo’s psychicaes were staring at his fallen body with shock. Avalon spun around to find that the closest psychicae to her was Cato. She was being restrained by another dumbfounded psychicae. Cato was staring at Avalon with her mouth open.
And then Avalon felt the material inside the bomb begin to heat up and she felt the radiation throb through her telekinesis. She sprinted towards Cato and summoned all of the telekinetic energy that remained in her. She reached a stunned Cato just as the world became white.
........
Cato saw Avalon run towards her, felt her arms lock around her and then the world became blindingly bright. Cato screamed and screwed her eyes shut. The bomb had exploded, she was dying, this was death. Seconds passed, more seconds passed and Cato realised that she was still aware. She could feel the ground shuddering violently and crumbling under her feet. She could feel Avalon’s arms still clasped around her and even though she didn’t dare to open her eyes she could also feel that the psychicae who had been restraining her was now gone.
And then the white light that had even pierced her eyelids began to fade to yellow, to orange, to red and then it only left the haze of what had been before. Cato warily opened her eyes and gasped at what she saw. Looming above her was a pillar of black smoke thousands of kilometres high and at the top it mushroomed outwards. Fire still burned in the upper parts of the broiling black cloud. It was like a deathly balloon that a child had accidentally released and was now floating without a care towards the sky.
Cato stared at this ominous sight for a minute before she tore her eyes away to look around wildly. The area was covered in the same thick black smoke. She couldn’t see more than a few metres. The sun had finally risen and it glowed a strange blue through the smoke. The sun brightly illuminated the ashes floating through the air and formed a thick veil. Cato could hear voices from within the smoke though. They were hushed, tentative voices that expressed the same shock that Cato felt. Why were they alive?
Cato started as Avalon’s arms loosened. She had forgotten that Avalon was there. Cato turned her face back to Avalon with an incredulous smile but that instantly disappeared when she saw the state Avalon was in. Avalon’s arms fell away from Cato and she stumbled backwards before collapsing onto the shattered ground.
........
Avalon could hear what Cato was saying but she couldn’t remember it long enough for it to make sense. She could see Cato’s face in front of her. Cato was sad, tears were pooling in her eyes. Avalon could feel them dripping onto her face. She could feel the sadness over the Fortis Nexu. Cato thought that she was dying. Was that true? Was she really dying?
Avalon frowned and concentrated. She needed to tell Cato that she wasn’t really dying. She needed to make Cato happy again. As she concentrated Cato’s voice became clearer to her.
“Someone will help soon, you just have to stay awake,” she cried, “Don’t go to sleep Avalon.”
“C-Cato, I won’t sleep,” said Avalon feebly.
Cato smiled at Avalon’s reply, “Yeah you need to stay awake.”
Avalon exhaled and closed her eyes lazily. She had made Cato smile. That was close enough. Avalon exclaimed when Cato shook her shoulders but she found she couldn’t open her eyes again. Avalon felt more warm drops on her face and she knew that they were Cato’s tears. Cato was sad again. But what more could Avalon do? She certainly couldn’t promise she would stay awake. Now that she thought about it she probably was dying.
Just a moment ago Avalon knew that she hadn’t really wanted to die but it didn’t seem so important anymore. She just felt so comfortable right now. Her whole body was very warm and her mind was hazy. And Cato was here, she was in Cato’s arms and it felt like she could spend forever here. Even if it made Cato sad. 
An odd thought occurred to Avalon. Cato had always been so incessant with questions. Questions about her. Maybe she would be content with her memories? It wasn’t as though Avalon would be needing them anymore and she could easily give them away over the Fortis Nexu.
Avalon smiled and began clustering together the recollection of her life. There were beautiful memories, painful memories, sad memories, ecstatic memories, wondrous memories, terrifying memories, secret memories, so many memories. Avalon transferred them to Cato. Each memory that travelled over the connection was lost to Avalon. It would be Cato’s forever. Cato would finally have all of her questions answered. Perhaps that would make up for Avalon dying now.
Nearly all of Avalon’s memories had gone. They were all Cato’s memories now. As the connection dwindled away Avalon registered bewilderment over the Fortis Nexu. It would probably take Cato some time to become accustomed to the new memories. Although Avalon hadn’t given up all of her memories to Cato and now she reflected on the few memories she had chosen to keep. Perhaps it was selfish of her to only keep Cato in her mind but she figured she deserved at least one comfort while she was dying.
Avalon forced her eyes open when she heard the voice of the only person she now recognised.
“Avalon, please wake up,” sobbed Cato, “Please don’t go.”
Avalon found that it was a struggle to open her mouth to speak but when Cato saw she was awake again her face lit up.
“Avalon!” she exclaimed.
“You’re Cato, aren’t you?” asked Avalon dimly.
Cato laughed sadly and nodded, “I’m Cato, yeah.”
“Cato, I think I love you,” smiled Avalon weakly.
Cato’s eyes widened and she stared at Avalon for a moment. And then her face crumpled in grief.
“I think I love you too Avalon,” chuckled Cato miserably through the tears crawling from her bright blue eyes.
Avalon smiled and turned her face against Cato’s shoulder. Her eyes only perceived the slightly dusty fabric of Cato’s kevlar armour and then her eyes were closed. Her nose still took in the salty scent of Cato and returned her to the haven of her few memories. It was just Cato asking her question after question. Cato sitting beside her on the stolen frigate. Cato in her clasp at the Eastern Alliance camp. Cato’s hand in hers in the library. More questions every time. Cato’s kiss in the records hall. Cato outside of her window at Lilianna’s house. More questions. Cato hanging from the twisted tree on the cliff at Black Mountain.
So many questions.
So much time.
So little time.
The End
The Eastern Alliance had successfully invaded Australia. And New Zealand. Psychicae United International was beginning to realise that it would be next to impossible to take two such heavily defended countries so easily without the help of psychicaes however many still devoutly refused to believe that there was a coup happening. A rift had divided Psychicae United but at least that meant the newly reformed ANZACs and the Australian and New Zealand psychicaes could receive a little more help for their small base in Antarctica.
It was very early in the morning and Cato was flying from Macquarie Island in the north back to Casey. Macquarie Island was the frontline of attack now but the Eastern Alliance was finding it difficult to take given the defences supplied not only by Australia and New Zealand but by the USA, Britain, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.
It had been a year since Australia had lost Canberra and lost their country. Cato had been promoted to Antistitor in this time for her role in evacuating the remaining Australians to New Zealand. She was really in the midst of the war now and the end didn’t seem anywhere in sight. This war was just beginning.
Cato looked over to the east as the sun glimmered on the horizon. The new sun threw red over the cloudless sky and across the expanse of ocean. It shot a small ache through Cato’s heart. Exactly a year ago Avalon had died in her arms after saving a few dozen people in Canberra from the nuclear detonation. She had protected fifty-nine other people telekinetically but had not been able to summon enough energy to save herself. Her bloodied body had been cremated and her ashes had been scattered on Macquarie Island. A small stone monument had been sunk into the grassy cliff side where Avalon’s ashes had floated away over the ocean. There were only a few words on the stone and Cato remembered them clearly.
‘Avalon
4th September 1987 – 27th November 2012
Contendunt Pacem’
Cato had recognised the words as the same strange language that had been carved into the walls of Psychicae United Headquarters Sydney and she now understood that they meant ‘Strive for Peace’. It was certainly something that could be used to describe Avalon. As cold as everyone had thought she was she had tried so hard to make others happy. In the end she had given her life for it.
Cato sighed despondently and squinted at the new sun. Every morning the sun tried to mimic the beauty that had been taken from her. Every morning Cato saw the sun’s radiance and she could only see Avalon. Her golden hair and the dark spots on her skin. Her small hands, the black claws on the tips and the soft creases. Her perfect face divided by a faint pink scar and the sometimes eerily gold eyes. The grace of her life had been a final gift to Cato but she had remained mysterious until the very end. Cato had felt that she had still withheld information. She still took some memories with her to the grave. Cato wondered what they were. Her final words had been ‘I think I love you’. What memories had she kept Cato wondered.
Cato stared sadly as the sun rose and then looked away as the brilliance became too bright for her eyes.
‘I think I love you too Avalon,’ she muttered.
Only the roar of the wind answered her.