A New Beginning 
Part 1

by
D. DaBinett 

Published as a part of A Companion In Zeor #13 , 14 & 15

WorldCrafters Students: This version has had a first copyediting, December 2000

CHAPTER ONE

It was already dark, and raining hard, as Jason parked the flitter and began to make his way towards the main complex, and Conways Bar.

Mike was sure to be there, he always was since he and Christine had finished. Head down he careered into a hard body and muttered an apology as he looked for the neon sign outside his brother's favourite watering hole. The bright lights flashed their welcome, the colours reflected on the wet road surface.

Conways was no different from a hundred others along the main street, and Mike practically lived in the place. He and his brother were totally dissimilar. Hell, the rain was coming down even harder now! Shaking the raindrops from his hair he stepped into the warm interior, and listened as the doors whooshed shut behind him.

His eyes skimmed around the place as he automatically slid his identity disc into the processor. He got an instant clearance and a rating badge to wear - green. Not exactly luxury status, but then again his credit balance was not very high either, not since he had left his highly lucrative post with the Tecton.

Ah, there was the man himself, in his usual position, propping up the long bar. An ironic smile touched Jason's lips as he wove his way between the tables to his brother's side. Luckily it was still early enough in the evening, so there were still seats going begging.

Mike made no effort to acknowledge him, although Jason was well aware that his presence had been duly noted, but then his older brother was like that, a surly devil at the best of times.

'Hi sunshine.' He slid onto the tall stool at his side. Mike's blue eyes flicked towards him in brief salute, before he continued staring into space.

Silence reigned as Jason ordered a drink, this was the game they always played. ' So what's happened?' Mike asked at last, noting the wide grin on his brother's face. 'And when are you going to get those damn curls cut off?'

Jason tossed his chestnut locks and grinned even more. 'The girls love 'em.' He winked knowingly, as his brother snorted in derision. 'I've got another interview.'

'Don't suppose anything will come of it.' Mike stated morosely. 'Never does for us Deveres.'

'You miserable old devil.' His eyes roamed fondly over his sibling's short fair hair and bewhiskered face. They looked nothing alike, but then they only shared the same father, not mother. Jason at 26, was nearly 10 years the younger. He was taller too, 5 foot 10 inches, and far more muscular. His chestnut curls and green eyes had always kept him well supplied with female company. Unlike his brother who was a one-woman man.

' So what are you drinking? I'm buying.'

'Better see if anything comes of it first before you start throwing your credits around.'

'My luck is changing.' He fed the numbers into the bar selector in front of them. 'You still drinking 32?'

The fair head nodded briefly. 'OK Jas, since you're so damn sure of yourself - who's the interview with this time?'

'Helma Vestii of United Spaceways.' He said triumphantly.

His brother's blue eyes opened wide. 'How the hell did you manage that, blackmail?'

'No, just my fatal fascination.'

'Crap.' Mike snorted the expletive into his glass before he emptied it, and the top opened to deposit two drinks in front of them. He tossed his empty into the disposal and began to nurse the fresh one, running a finger idly around the rim.

'So when's the great day?'

'Tomorrow.'

'That quick! They must be keen. Still trying for Engineer?'

The chestnut curls nodded vigorously in assent.

'Aiming high Jas.' Blue eyes met green. 'But you've got the qualifications.' 'I'll get it this time Mike.'

'Hope you're right boy.' He smiled, transforming his face to how he used to look before he met that bitch, Christine. ' You deserve a break. How many times have you tried now?'

'Five. They can't keep turning me down.'

Mike didn't reply as he tossed the fiery liquid to the back of his throat, and waited for his brother to continue.

'By the way, Rosina and I are not going to renew. She's decided she wants kids before it's too late, and I'm sterile now.'

'How long was the contract for?' Mike asked sympathetically.

'Two years, it ends next week, but she's already moved out.'

'Long enough, short contracts are always best, unless there's kids involved.' A thread of bitterness ran through his brother's words.' Christine and I were together for 16 years, but then, we had Josie. I miss her, I miss them both.' Jason touched his arm briefly in commiseration.

'It was good while it lasted, and she kept her side of things, right up to the end.' He sighed softly, then changed the subject. ' I never knew you were a steroid Jas, how long?'

Jason dialed up more drinks before he spoke, and music began to throb in the background. 'Since I was 16, I didn't want to advertise the fact. A medi-scan revealed a weakness in the genes. Glad they found it. I always wanted to go into space, and they prefer steriles, no complications.' He grinned wryly. 'I'd better be off, I need my beauty sleep.'

'Yeah. Let me know how you get on.'

'Will do.' He promised and with a perfunctory wave he left the warm bar. It was still raining.

Jason arrived home soaked to the skin and starving hungry. The door opened to his thumbprint and he squelched his way inside. Tossing his shoes and clothes to one side he entered the shower. Ten minutes later he toweled himself dry, shouldered into a cotton robe, and began to fill his tray from the food dispenser. With a sigh he settled into the large comfortable chair in his living area.

The visi-wall was pre-set to his favourite location. An unnamed island. Jason did not know if it actually existed, somewhere, or if it was simply Computer generated. But it was a glimpse of heaven. A pure white beach with waves racing up the sand, only to be sucked back once more into the restless sea. Small clouds scurried across the azure blue sky.

Whilst on the opposite wall, a newscaster was in full swing.'...after the latest headlines we are taking you to Government House where the World Health Administrator Halmanshi Zimmermann will be answering questions on...' He switched off the news, and leaned back to enjoy the sight and sound of paradise. Moments later he placed his empty tray on the floor before closing his eyes. Just a few minutes rest he promised himself, before he tidied the place up and had an early night.

When Jason left for his interview the next day it was still raining. He also had a stiff neck through sleeping most of the night in the armchair. Entering the tall concrete and glass building he handed over his ID, and was taken straight to the medical department and given a complete physical.

Two hours later Jason stood staring out of the window on the 22nd floor, as he waited to be shown into Helma Vestii's office. The panorama of the City was laid out before him. Even through the greyness of the weather, it was an awesome sight, and never failed to impress him. Earth, many centuries ago had been divided into huge territories, some Sime and some Gen, all, at some time, usually fighting or at War with each other. Now, sprawling Cities like the one laid below, covered most of the civilised parts of the Earth. Whilst wilderness made up the remainder of the land.

The deserts, jungle, and mountains of the wilderness areas were kept that way solely for the benefit of Earth's citizens. The reason for this was simple. For whilst no one knew how Simes and Gens had actually mutated, many theories had nonetheless been expounded over the centuries. Many saying that the ancients had tampered and interfered with nature itself. It was however, a mystery that would probably never be solved. But it had lead to a healthy respect for the environment.

As the decades and centuries had passed, the barriers between Sime and Gen had finally been broken down, and communities similar to the one he now lived in had been set up. Jason's eyes skimmed passed the tall towers of the Sime Centre complex that dominated the horizon. Next to it, the apartment buildings that housed a majority of the Tecton in-territory Simes and Gens, who worked there, nestled close in its shadow. (Although, in-territory and out-territory as such, no longer had any real relevance in the every day life of the citizens). Next to the Sime Centre was the main City Hospital, and only a few hundred yards away was the University and campus. There were no barriers between any parts of the City now, and neither Gen or Sime would have understood if there had been. The tall buildings of the business area dominated the skyline on the West Side. Simes, Gens and off-worlders, including aliens, all rubbed shoulders as they both made and lost fortunes. It was in every respect the throbbing heart of the City.

Clustered around everywhere in the foreground were the apartment blocks and houses of the various neighbourhoods. Nowadays these were no longer divided so much between Sime and Gen, but what divisions there were, were more along ethnic lines, which included small enclaves of Italian, Spanish and French speaking people, plus many others.

Inevitably, in some instances, Simes did prefer to live close to other Simes, as did some Gens. But these areas were in no way segregated. Indeed, even in these neighbourhoods, some Simes did move into Gen areas, and vice versa. Whilst most families, both Gen and Sime, preferred to live in the leafy suburbs with their children. Leaving the urban inner City environs to the mostly single people, or those couples without children, who preferred to live and work there.

The theatre and artists area, as it was known, stretched along each side of the river, and it was here that Jason and Rosina had set up home. For they had both liked, and enjoyed, the cosmopolitan nature of the place.

All his life, Jason had read about the Earth Colonies on the outer planets. A few of which still followed Earth traditions. Whilst others, the vast majority in fact, ran their societies in a totally different manner. Habits and mores were diverse, sometimes in the extreme, especially if the planet was shared with aliens. The customs of both sides would then have to be taken into consideration and compromises made. In others, the Earth way of life was completely submerged in the alien culture.

Jason desperately wanted to visit these planets, to see how they lived, and to compare their way of life with that of Earth. He had accepted long ago that he would never be wealthy enough to visit them on vacation. Although he might well have done so at some time in the future, if he had continued to work for the Tecton, for their donors were paid very well indeed, especially when compared with other occupations. No, he was well aware now, that to achieve his ambition, he would have to get a berth, hopefully as an engineer, on one of the freighters that plied their trade across the vastness of space. And his appointment here today, could well be the first step.

'Sosu Devere will you come this way please?' He turned quickly to follow the receptionist into the plain businesslike office. Ms Vestii was tall, thin, and well into middle age. Her grey hair was pulled back tightly from her gaunt face. The harsh style accentuated her hawk like features. She stared at him for several seconds before indicating a seat.

'Jason Devere.' It was not a question; she was reading from the script in her hand. 'You seem to have had a rather varied work record do you not? I see you started Tecton training but left before you qualified.' She raised her eyebrows. 'You do not say why you left so precipitately Sosu Devere.'

Jason cleared his throat.' I was informed I had potential. It was the reason they took me on for top level training.' He wasn't sure how much she knew or understood of how the Tecton worked, so he went on. 'Most of the donors who serve the 2nd and 3rd class channels are taught on the Hayashi Transfer Machines as you are probably aware.' Everyone Sime and Gen was taught at school about Rindaleo Hayashi who had invented the famous machines well over a century or more ago. 'But the donors who serve the higher order firsts are still taught by the old 'House' method of Channel and Companion. I'm sorry to ramble on like this, but I think its necessary if you're to understand.' She waved a hand at him to continue, and settled back in her chair.

'A few of the Firsts are 4+ channels, which means...well it means they are pretty damn sensitive, and need the special handling of a Companion. Now when Gen gets that far up the ladder, he can become subject to what is known in the trade as 'underdraw'. It might not happen, but they are duty bound to warn everyone. After all, there might come a time when one of the top donors or TN-1s, as they call them decides he wants to leave the Tecton. Well they can resign, but they would probably have to undergo a series of treatments with the Inhibitor, and some of the 4+Donors would probably have to take drugs for the rest of their lives. And those new drugs have some really nasty side effects believe me. I've spoken to people who've taken them.'

Jason paused momentarily, and then went on. 'After I was told about all this, and they were brutally honest with me, they pulled no punches. I was then asked to sign an Affidavit stating that I fully understand what I had been told, and that I agreed to go ahead anyway. You know I really do admire the ones who go right on through the training. I couldn't. I wanted out. I felt trapped as if I was being offered a prison sentence and was losing my freedom. The bottom line was simple, my commitment just wasn't strong enough.' He wiped his sweaty palms on his thighs as he remembered how he had felt the day he had walked out, although there had been no recriminations from anyone.

Helma Vestii took a deep breath before she spoke. 'I can relate to that.' She looked at the script again. 'I see you then did an intensive general farming course.'

'Yes. My father was a farmer. I suppose, I wanted a complete change.' He confessed.

'And finally you studied for your Space Engineering Diploma badge, which you got with honours.'

'Yes Ma'am.'

He watched as she rose and walked across to the panoramic windows. For several moments she stood with her back to him staring at the rain pouring down the outer glass.

Jason tried in vain to read her body language, and not for the first time wished that he had the Simes ability to zlin emotions. Finally she turned abruptly and walked back to her desk sitting on the edge as she stared at him assessingly.

'Sosu Devere, I have a proposition to put to you.' She hesitated as though searching for the right words. 'I actually work for a Government Agency, not United Spaceways. And therefore before I go any further I must inform you that everything I now tell you is in the strictest of confidence, and whether you accept my offer or not, you must never divulge anything outside this room. Is that understood?' She took a deep breath, and then went on. 'The consequences to you Sosu Devere if you should break this trust, would not be very pleasant.' Her cold eyes bored into his.

He nodded his head as his tongue touched his suddenly dry lips.

'Have you ever heard of Regis 9?' She asked suddenly.

'Only that it's an Earth Colony, settled about 30 years ago. 'He admitted dredging the scant information up from his memory.

'Correct.' She nodded her head approvingly. 'We have a problem on Regis 9. Two of our other Colonies in the region have reported a drug problem, which they know, did not start on their own planets. Then 3 months ago this same drug suddenly appeared for sale on Earth. Have you ever heard of Stardust?'

Jason again searched his memory but this time came up blank. He shook his head. 'Rather a fanciful name for a drug that is totally addictive after one dose, and drives its users virtually insane in less than 3 months, should they attempt to discontinue its use.' She murmured, and then went on. 'With the strict enforcement laws we introduced decades ago, the trade in all illegal substances has been virtually wiped out, as you know. Consequently, we no longer have any of the old safeguards in place to fight this menace.'

Jason nodded. He also realised that the introduction by the Government themselves of the safe non-addictive drugs that had virtually no side effects, had also helped matters. Because, like most things that are easily available, people quickly lost interest. And even the youngsters, once the novelty value had worn off, hardly used them. There was not very much excitement in taking drugs that were readily available across the counter.

The Tecton too, he now knew, had various substances including Kerduvon and others that they indulged in on occasion, to help lower their inhibitions. He dragged his attention back to her.

'Our chemists and researchers have traced the source of Stardust, it apparently comes from a plant, possibly a fungus.' She shrugged. 'We are assuming that this plant may perhaps be indigenous to Regis 9, and has been discovered by one or more of the colonists, who has the knowledge to cash in on it. Of course, we could be wrong. And this is all speculation at the moment.' She confessed, and paused for a moment before she went on.

'However, to get right to the point Sosu Devere. As you might have guessed, I am of course speaking on behalf of the Terran Intelligence. 'She leaned forward. 'We need someone to infiltrate the colonists for us and find out exactly what is going on, on Regis 9.'

'You mean me?' Jason asked incredulously, he must be wrong!

She nodded.

'But why me? Surely you must have trained agents who could run rings around me?' Was this some sort of sick joke he wondered, and if so, who did he know with such a warped sense of humour?

'Yes. Indeed we do. However, two of the colonists actually worked for the Department before they retired, and they would spot a plant straight away. Besides which, you fit the profile we need perfectly. You come from a farming background, with the necessary agricultural knowledge. Regis 9 has a totally rural economy. You are also an engineer, which will make you even more useful to the Colony, for they have necessary farm equipment that will doubtless need to be repaired. They are attempting to turn the clock back, and are using none of the accepted farming methods. Stupid I call it, but it is their prerogative.'

Jason frowned. 'Ms Vestii. May I remind you, that I came here for an interview, for the position of engineer? Are you now telling me that that post does not exist?'

'No. I am not saying that. However, let me make the position crystal clear to you. Complete this mission for us Sosu Devere, and whether you are successful or not, I guarantee that a post as Engineer First Class on a fleet vessel will be offered to you.' She stood up and seemed to tower over him. 'However, if you wish to leave now, you may do so with my apologies for wasting your time.'

'And I suppose it also means, that if I don't agree, I wont stand a snowball in hell's chance of ever getting a suitable post, even on a freighter!' Jason retorted softly, staring into her cold eyes.

Helma Vestii's thin lips stretched into the travesty of a smile. 'You are an astute man. I take it then that you agree? Good. I will arrange for you to attend a full training course for the next month. You will at least be as well prepared, as it is possible for us to make you, in the time available.' During the next four weeks Jason was put through one of the most intensive courses he had ever undertaken.

Then one night after dinner he was relaxing with Avon, one of his instructors, when the conversation turned to Simes and Gens and the Tecton in particular. His companion gave him an insight into Terran politics, that he had never even considered. Having worked for the Tecton he had long formed the opinion that they, like the Gens, were working to their own agenda. But Jason had never guessed how deep the schism between the two communities really was. Although both sides would deny it, if they were ever put on the spot.

The days of the Householdings' power had long gone. Members still used the old names and titles, if they were entitled to do so, but it was purely an honorary thing now. The Tecton had changed radically. They still upheld the principals on which it was founded...that no Sime would ever again have to resort to the kill by taking selyn from a vulnerable Gen, but would be provided for by the Channels who could take the Gen's selyn without hurting them. Likewise, the higher order Channels, the Firsts, were no longer expected to be shorted in transfer, by totally inadequate donors. Everyone knew, and history showed, that back in Digen Farris' time many good Channels committed suicide because of bad transfers. It was back then too that the process of pairing Channel and Companion together, just like in the old days had begun to be openly discussed. And once the new drugs began to appear, that made Transfer dependency a thing of the past, new rules and guidelines began to be laid down. Oh, it was not exactly perfect even now, but it was well on the way. Things were improving all the time.

Avon began talking again. 'Now I am not going to say we and the Tecton haven't worked well together on occasion. But you don't need me to tell you how they can get up your nose sometimes. Always pushing it down our throats that they're so much shenning better than we are.' Avon snorted derisively.

'Well, much as I hate to admit it Avon, in some ways they are.' Jason conceded wryly. 'They're fasten, stronger and...'

'Yeah well, maybe. Anyway the Government can deny it all they like, but it still means that rivalry is rife in practically every walk of life, you know that.' Jason nodded, everyone knew it existed, but no one admitted it.

'You know they tried pairing us up together once. Didn't work out, any fool could have told them that. They made us feel like we were only half men, pushing us out of the way when there was any danger.'

'But that's what they do. It's practically bred into them to take care of the Gens.' Jason grinned.

'Huh, they just want the glory if you ask me.' Avon muttered.

'No, you're wrong there.' Jason stated. 'But it's a cultural difference that you'll never understand. I wasn't brought up as one of them, but my time in the Tecton helped me to understand them a little, a very little, but that's all. I guess you'd need a lifetime to really get under the surface. Which is why I got out.' He admitted ruefully.

'I know what you mean. Anyway, some basic facts for you about Regis 9.' Avon suddenly stated, changing the subject. 'The planet itself is very similar to Earth, but has a far more temperate climate with no great extremes of temperature. There are mountains and valleys with rivers running through them. The ground is fertile. There are over 15,000 adult Gen Colonists male and female, some who are married and have children, some who don't. Many do not live in the Settlements, but are scattered around the planet. Oh, and Regis 9 has two satellites by the way.'

Avon paused and then went on. 'The whole population of Regis 9 is anti-technology. Which means even ploughs are horse drawn. The only transportation is by horse and cart. There is no machinery of any kind, and that includes computers, at least as far as the Gens are concerned. Even everyday communication is either face to face, or by letter.'

'By letter? Do you mean with pen and paper?' Avon nodded. Jason was surprised, he had not realised they took the concept of "back to basics" so literally. 'Now you also have to remember that the only communication they have with the outside world is by Interstellar Communications.

There are just two facilities on the planet. The Gens have one, which they only use in emergencies, which apparently covers a planet wide epidemic or a natural disaster, and the Simes have the other one, they probably use theirs all the time to communicate with Earth.'

'Now as far as the Simes are concerned. We think there are approximately 5000 of them, not counting any that might have changed over since they have been on the planet. And of course we don't know how many more, if any, have arrived there since. The Gens are, in the main, distributed between 5 outposts. The Simes are stationed at Outpost Numbers 1, 3 and 5. They monitor the children for changeovers, and they also run schools, have medical centres, and are engaged in various research projects that we know nothing about. All Sime children live with their parents and return to the school for their education, along with the Gen children. That's all we really know about the whole set up.'

'Do you think the Simes on Regis 9 are involved in drug trafficking?' Jason asked bluntly.

'No. We don't believe they are involved in any way at all. But you can assess the situation yourself once you are on the ground. It's always best to go into these things with no preconceived ideas.' Avon informed him. 'The good thing is that you are able to go in as yourself, no cover story, and therefore no lies for you to remember, or to be found out.'

'The Simes have their own intelligence section you know. Have you approached the Tecton Investigation Bureau about any of this?' Jason asked.

'No.' Avon scratched his bald head. 'To be truthful we don't know how much the TIB know. Maybe nothing, we certainly haven't told them anything ourselves.'

Jason was surprised. 'Why not tell them? They might well be able to help, you'd be surprised what Simes, especially Channels are capable of, why they can...' 'Exactly.' Avon interrupted abruptly. 'Isn't that just what I've been saying? They're too damn clever, and don't the bastards just know it too!' He grimaced with distaste. 'We have our own way of gathering information without their help. They'd take over the whole operation if we took our eyes off the ball for one moment.'

'But why don't the TIS ever co-operate or share information?' Jason asked in surprise. After all, it was one thing to feel disgruntled about their general attitude, but this was completely different.

Avon laughed harshly. 'You've got to be joking. We're in direct competition with them, and don't you forget it. The World Government would just love to close one of us down, they are always looking for ways to save money, and they aren't particularly bothered which one of us it is either, our jobs are on the line here. We're just as good as the TIB, no matter what propaganda they put out, just you remember that Jason.'

'Yes N'vet Avon.' Jason knew where Avon was coming from. A lot of the Simes, especially the Channels, did have that smug superior attitude about them, especially towards Gens. Which might be acceptable to Tecton raised Gens. But to Gens like Avon, it smacked of patronisation. Jason also admitted, if only to himself, that there had been occasions when he would have taken great delight in smacking some of them on the nose. The trouble was, he would never have been quick enough to do so. He smiled ruefully.

Avon began to listen to the latest newscast, and Jason leaned back and closed his eyes. While he had been living and working at the Tecton Headquarters many small things had annoyed him. They did seem to treat Gens like children, well that wasn't strictly true perhaps, but they were damn well over protective. Hell, Gens weren't even allowed to drive land speeders or fly flitters! Jason realised that it was that sort of attitude, as much as the warning he had received, that had decided him to get out. He had often wondered what would have happened if he had stayed in, but being brutally honest, it was a decision he had never really regretted making. Especially after he had taken a Tecton flitter out, and had been duly carpeted for it, and the Sime who had disciplined him, had been even younger than he was!

Five weeks to the day from his meeting with Helma Vestii, Jason stepped off the Shuttle on to Luna Base 3. He wore a well fitting one piece black jumpsuit. His chestnut hair had been trimmed, but the curls still nestled against his neck, the way he preferred it. He carried a small duffel bag over one shoulder; his other belongings would be transferred to the freighter that would be ferrying him to Regis 9.

Looking around at the strange surroundings, Jason felt the excitement deep inside him. He was about to make his first trip into real space. Oh, not as an engineer yet, but give it time, he would make it now. And in the meantime life had a new purpose and meaning, a reason to get up in the morning. It was just such an incentive that had been missing before. This was how life was meant to be a challenge! He hitched the bag more securely onto his shoulder, and lengthened his step.

He passed several aliens and tried not to stare, but it was hard, because it was all new to him, and he was seeing so many things for the first time. He grinned at one of the female security guards, and he knew without conceit that she had turned to watch his progress down the wide Mall. He hadn't lost the touch. He might not be the most handsome man on Earth; but then again he wasn't the ugliest either.

Then a Sime was striding towards him accompanied by Gen; they had that curious affinity that immediately spelled Channel and Companion to Jason. Shen, but they exuded arrogance, even if they didn't intend too. Suddenly he found his eyes drawn to the black ones of the Sime, and knew that he was being zlinned, in that curious way that Simes read the interweaving fields around them, that gave them a greater range of clarity than mere eyes ever could. No wonder Gens felt that Simes were superior to them, even though they would fight with their dying breath to deny that they felt any such thing.

It was a strange dichotomy, that two men both human, one Gen, who produced selyn, the essence of life itself for the Sime. One Sime who had tentacles to enable him to take that essence from the Gen. Two halves of one whole, perfectly balanced by nature that both should survive, and only now were they beginning to start to live together with any sort of harmony. Yet, even after centuries, the deep-seated prejudice between them still existed. Might always exist, who knew for sure? It was perhaps the nature of man.

Jason frowned slightly. Yes, even he, who was intelligent enough to know better, still felt resentment. He shrugged the feeling off angrily as he dismissed it from his mind.

He looked around; Luna Base 3 certainly lived up to his wildest expectations and more. The plastic and chrome domes that interconnected with each other were even bigger than he had envisaged, and he marvelled at the engineering feat that had brought it into being. Bases 1 and 2 were built on similar lines he knew, acres and acres spread across the Moon's surface.

He was so taken up with everything, that it was several minutes before he realised he was being paged. As instructed he made his way to Bay XI to find a short and very round human Gen awaiting him.

'Sosu Devere? Follow me please.'

He followed his escort, who set off at a fast pace, leaving Jason to weave in and out of both people and baggage to keep up. Then the man stopped suddenly and Jason nearly ran into him.

'The connection tube to The Juggernaut is straight ahead of you Sosu. Have a safe journey.' And just as quickly, he was gone again.

A Sime smartly dressed in uniform moved passed him, but then turned to give him a double take before walking through the tube to disappear. Jason sighed, of course, no wonder Simes were zlinning him, he had forgotten to have his field taken down. The one who had just gone on board must be the Astrogator, and he knew he was a channel, only a Second as far as he was aware, but he would be able to take Jason's donation. And if he did not get it taken care of soon he would irritate every Sime he came into contact with, and that, if nothing else, simply wasn't good manners.

Jason turned to stare through the clear plastic side of the Dome at the huge cargo ship moored alongside. The Juggernaut was a good name for her.

He also noticed that it was joined to the inside of the Base by a huge expanding tube. Somehow it reminded him of an umbilical cord, and he wondered idly how long it would be before he would be cutting all links with his home world, and everything so familiar to him, to head out into the vastness of space. The thought was rather terrifying.

CHAPTER TWO

Vidal Trent stood at the entrance to the Gym and watched his partner Gavin Dar pumping iron. His Gen muscles rippled and his body gleamed with sweat. 'I'd say you've done enough for today,' he called across, and grinned as Gavin acknowledged his words and standing up walked over to accept the towel that the Channel was holding out to him. 'Take a quick shower, we've got a meeting with Sam Betjeman in half an hour.'

Twenty-eight minutes later the two men entered Sam Betjeman's office. The middle-aged man was fat for a Sime, and if one could not see his forearms, he could well have been mistaken for a Gen.

'Take a seat. Trin?' Both men accepted the offer as they waited for their Controller to tell them why they had been called in on one of their off days. The tea poured into the glasses and resting before them, Sam grinned across at them. 'Did you read up on Regis 9 as I asked you Vidal?' The Channel nodded his head, his thick black hair moving slightly, as his equally black eyes narrowed in speculation. He was often mistaken for Farris, but as far as he was aware he did not have one Farris gene in his body and neither did he belong to one of the ancient Houses, unlike Gavin, who most certainly did.

'It's come to a head.' The Sime informed him. 'Did you tell Gavin about it?' 'Just a brief outline. Now it's on the agenda I'll let him have all the files.' Vidal glanced commiseratingly at his partner, knowing the amount of reading that was involved, for the Gen was not an academic by nature, but believed far more in the old adage, that actions speak louder than words.

'Thanks a bunch.' Gavin rubbed a kink out of his neck as he watched Betjeman's tentacles dance between his fingers. As head of the department at the Tecton Investigation Bureau he was responsible for fielding over two dozen tied pair operatives, mainly Channel/Gen. Although Gavin knew of at least one couple who were renSime/Gen. Sam had a heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

'Apparently our "friends" at Terran Intelligence are also sending someone to Regis 9.' He informed them with a touch of irony in his voice.

'Why are the TIS interested?' Vidal asked in surprise.

Sam shrugged. 'We think it's just a coincidence, but we could be wrong. You'll have to keep an eye open in case they're changing their strategy and are trying to get involved in our side of things. Problem is, I can't give you any details about who they are sending, except it's not one of their regulars. He or she might already be there for all I know, and if they are nosing into our affairs, they could cause you one hell of a lot of trouble, so just take care, both of you. '

'Will the Tomar be dropping us off at Regis 9?' Gavin asked as he replaced his empty glass.

'Yes. She's waiting for you at Luna Base 3. Kelvan's your pilot as usual.' The renSime informed them, then turning to Vidal he handed him a Computer Disk. 'Just make sure that is returned to me when you've both seen it, we wouldn't want it to get into the wrong hands. It should tell you all you need to know about this mission, but if you've any queries, you know where I am. Oh, and here's an Official Tecton Order, you might find it useful. Good luck.' As soon as he had dismissed them, he swivelled his chair around and stared out of the window.

It was gone midnight when Gavin finally stood up and stretched his arms above his head. 'I thought I'd never get through all that stuff. Mind you I don't know how much I'll actually remember.' He admitted wryly.

Vidal walked over to the long window and stared out at the black night and the pouring rain the Moon just visible through the clouds. 'Don't worry, I'll remember for you. You know Gavin I can't believe this is really happening on Regis 9. Dammit it's like going back to the Ages of Chaos.'

'Stop it Vid. Can you just hear yourself? Of course it's not as bad as that.' The Gen stated firmly, as he ran a hand through his short brown hair. 'Why are Gens so bloody optimistic all the time? Do you realise, if only half of that report is correct, what it really means?' The Channel demanded moving to stand over his partner.

'Yeah, I know as well as you what it means.' Gavin stated as he looked up. Both men were slim, but Vidal at six foot, although only a couple of inches taller than the Gen, always managed to look so much bigger than he actually was. 'Look, worst case scenario. We'll find a situation on Regis 9 that is totally at odds with present day Earth. But it is a Colony Vid; it's not Earth! And it won't be the first time this sort of thing has happened. Look back in recent history. Twenty years ago. Remember the Mining incident on Ganymede Station? Okay it was hushed up, but we all know what was going on there, don't we?'

The Channel nodded a bleak expression on his face. 'It just doesn't seem possible that we never seem to learn. What makes people act like they do Gavin?' 'Search me.' He answered honestly. 'But that's what we're here for isn't it? Just think how much worse it would be if we weren't here.' He forced a grin onto his face. 'Look, I know what's wrong with you; we should have had transfer hours ago, but we were stuck in Betjeman's office. Things will look totally different afterwards, you know that, they always do.'

'Yeah.' Vidal said grudgingly. 'The trouble is I just don't think it'll be a good transfer while I feel like this. Let's leave it till tomorrow morning just before we leave. We'll both be on top form then.'

Gavin sighed. He often wondered why the Channel insisted on forcing the unnecessary discipline on himself, or if it was some sort of masochistic ritual that made his partner on occasion behave like this. But he had always deferred to Vidal's decision in the past, and would probably do so in the future. After all, as a closed unit, they operated autonomously, and could take transfer when they chose.

If they were true Channel and Companion, like in the old days of the Households, he would have called a Companion's Demand on Vidal, to take transfer tonight, and he would have had to heed the request. However, even though he was Gavin ambrov Dar of the House of Dar, which was now an honorary title only, his partner most assuredly was not a Householder, so with a brief nod he conceded to Vidal's decision. And a short time later surrendered himself into the arms of Morpheus. A million questions regarding their latest assignment still unanswered in his mind.

The day was well advanced when they alighted from the Shuttle on Luna Base 3. The Tomar they already knew was berthed at the end of the Sector they were now on, and Vidal set off at a steady pace with Gavin keeping up with him easily. They had had their transfer early that morning and Vidal felt on top form, except for that small niggle inside that always seemed to say that it could be better. He pushed the thought to one side; he felt he was being disloyal to Gavin who always gave him his all. The trouble was it just wasn't enough. Dammit no one ever got perfection. At least, very few were so privileged. He found himself zlinning a stray Gen who was striding passed him. He was about the same height as Gavin, and possibly the same age. His hair was longer than fashion dictated, but it was none of these things that had drawn his attention. 'You know him?' Gavin demanded suddenly, aware of his inattention, and that Vidal was zlinning.

'No. But his nager!' He grinned down at his friend as he dodged around a pile of boxes and strode on; knowing that Gavin was aware that the nager he spoke of was the halo of light that to Sime senses surrounded a Gen's body when it was replete with Selyn. In some ways it was criminal for Gen's to walk around in such a condition, he should have donated his Selyn before it rose to such a level; even Gen's who wanted nothing to do with Simes, knew it was only courteous to donate regularly.

The problem of course was simple. Gens from Earth had long forgotten that Simes once killed for selyn, the elixir of life itself, and still would if provoked enough. Vidal felt his tentacles move restlessly in their sheaths as he wondered what it must have been like for Simes to wear retainers on their wrists as they had once had to do in public, because Gens had been so frightened of them, and with good cause. Back then the only Gens who were not afraid, were those skilled Gens who became Donors, and in some cases, in the ancient Houses, Companions to the top Channels.

Vidal pondered on what it must have been like to have a Gen as a Companion, a matchmate, one whose selyn production rate precisely matched one's consumption rate. For a moment he thought he really understood what the term "kill bliss" might have meant to those Simes of old. For although the Channels did not kill their Companion's when they had transfer, what they did get from them was as good as any "kill". Vidal had never really experienced that.

Thankfully Channels were no longer pushed to achieve higher and higher levels of capacity. Some of course, with Farris genes were naturally high, often 4+ on their first transfer, without even trying. However, others who were not so endowed, were left to live their lives without having to struggle to find a Gen who matched them. Vidal himself had been rated years ago as 3.96. Gavin was a close enough match. But he often wondered if his rating had crept up, because he was not getting the same satisfaction from his partner that he used to enjoy. He pushed the unwelcome thought to the back of his mind to be thought about later, when he had more time on his hands.

The Tomar was in its usual berth and both men made their way to the Bridge. Kelvan, the Captain, turned from the Star Maps he had been studying and nodded a brief greeting. 'I've allocated you the same cabin as last time. I understand your things have already arrived and have been stowed. I want to leave in the next hour, any problem with that?'

'No. That's fine by us, isn't it Vid?' Gavin glanced at his partner who, with his hands resting on the front bulkhead, was staring at the view screen. Without turning around, two dorsal tentacles emerged elegantly from the orifices near the Channel's wrist, and waved a silent agreement to his friend.

Later that evening they were both settled in their cabin, and The Tomar was on it's way at Regis 9. Gavin was eating his way through a mountain of food, whilst Vidal chewed absently on a piece of plain biscuit. He had not really wanted anything to eat at all. For whilst food fed the Gen body, selyn sustained the Sime. But some vitamins were necessary and Vidal always made the effort, often using the Gen's appetite to stimulate his own.

'Before we approach any of the Sime Centres Gavin I want to have a good look at the Gen Settlements.'

'Do you want to go in initially as Sime or Gen?' He bit into his third slice of nut bread.

'Gen I guess. We'll get more answers that way.'

Gavin nodded. 'It hardly seems fair. I couldn't go in amongst Simes and not be spotted straight away, even if I was inside a box.' He said with a laugh, as he disposed of a large bowl of stewed fruit and yogurt.

Vidal smiled wryly. 'But it's no pleasure wearing spray skin to cover these.' He indicated the orifices near his wrist. Keeping my tentacles sheathed all the time is a hard discipline too, after all, I don't usually even think about them. Imagine Gav, if you had an itchy nose, you'd automatically scratch it with your finger. Right? Now think, if you can't use that finger but had to use say, your wrist, because your fingers are hidden, how would that feel?'

The Gen conceded the point wryly. 'I suppose put that way.' He picked up his tray and carried it to the disposal unit. Yawning he moved to stretch the kinks out of his muscular body. 'I think I'll leave you to it. I'm off to bed. See you in the morning, and don't sit there all night you do need some sleep, you're not superhuman you know, even if you like to think you are!'

During the whole journey the Channel spent the time reading and appeared to be totally relaxed; whilst for Gavin time dragged by. Each day as long as a week. Vidal knew it was no good suggesting he read a visi-novel, or challenge him to a game of Chess, he had no interest in either. He just had to leave him to his own devices. Which usually involved exercising, as well as he was able in their cabin, or jogging around the passages of The Tomar...

Then just as Gavin felt he was going stir crazy staring at the dull metal walls for hours on end, exercising, or trying to sleep. Kelvan informed them that they were entering orbit around Regis 9.

Both men donned brown trousers and work shirts of the type that was worn by the colonists. The Doctor applied the spray skin to Vidal's forearms, it breathed and allowed the natural hairs to grow through it, and the long sleeves of the shirt were buttoned loosely around his wrists. The skin was waterproof, but his tentacles could break out through it quite easily in an emergency. To the Channel it felt like he was wearing a soft warm towel wrapped around his arms, and was quite comfortable, if restrictive. The only real drawback was that his Sime senses were virtually non-existent.

Customs, health checks and all necessary paperwork had to be completed before they were allowed to set foot on the planet. When the small shuttle did finally descend to the surface, the landing strip was almost deserted save for a young woman standing beside a pony and trap.

Carrying their bags the two men approached her, and she smiled as she spoke. 'Hello there, welcome to Regis 9. Toss your things into the back. I'm on my way to Sector 3, Gabriel said you would be needing a lift.'

'Yes, we're grateful. This is Gavin Dar, and I'm Vidal Trent.'

'Stella Robinson. Pleased to meet you both. Are you intending to settle here?' She smiled into Gavin's brown eyes and he found himself blushing furiously. 'Perhaps. We're taking a look at all the settlements, and we might even look at one or two of the other Colonies before we finally decide.' Vidal stated. Which he thought would explain why they did not stay in one place for long, and give them a reason to move around the planet.

'Have you had any experience farming?' She asked, as the trap moved slowly off. 'Or do either of you happen to be a Doctor?'

'Doctor? I understood you have more than one Sime facility on the planet, why do you need a Doctor?' Gavin demanded at once.

Most people prefer using herbs rather than going to them for doctoring.' She informed them bluntly.

'Why's that?' Vidal pressed, catching Gavin's eyes, and raising his own eyebrows in surprise.

'You'll find out soon enough. Ask my Dad or Gabriel, he'll tell you.'

'Yes, I will.' The Channel replied and turned to look at the thick green undergrowth, leaving Gavin to talk to the girl. She was obviously in her early twenties, no older, short and slim with long blonde hair tied back with a blue scarf that matched her blue dress, and she had grey eyes. Her arms and legs were bare and she had no makeup on her lovely face, and needed none. Vidal also perceived that she had recently donated, which meant that the Settlement had some contact at least with their Sime neighbours.

The Settlement soon came into sight. It was surrounded by a high wooden fence, with wide gates at the front, which were standing open.

As Stella manoeuvred the trap inside the gates and stopped, a thick set older man approached them. He was obviously used to hard work.

'Dad, I picked these men up from the landing site.' Stella called out as she jumped down. 'This is my father Dan Robinson.'

Vidal and Gavin introduced themselves. 'Are the Settlements all like this one?' Vidal enquired, looking around with interest.

'No. This was the first one to be settled on Regis 9; even though we call it number 3. To be honest we had no idea what to expect when we arrived, so the fence seemed a wise precaution. We have since discovered thankfully, that it is not necessary, and one day we will remove it, but we have other priorities at the moment. Do you intend to settle here?'

'We have yet to decide. Tell me, is there an Inn or Tavern where we could obtain rooms?' Vidal asked.

'There's a Tavern, but it doesn't rent rooms. But, we do have a hospitality cottage. It's free to anyone who comes with thoughts of staying. Perhaps we can persuade you to settle here.' He chuckled as the two men thanked him.

'You must come and eat with us tonight.' Stella insisted as she smiled up at Gavin, and her father agreed at once.

'Two things Stella. We're both vegetarian.' Gavin informed her before Vidal could speak. 'Say if that's going to give you a problem, and poor old Vidal's been suffering with a mild stomach upset, so you'll have to forgive him, if he doesn't eat much.' He winked at Vidal as he spoke.

'No problems, but I do have some herbs that might help you.' She said sympathetically to Vidal, as her Father lead the pony and trap away down the street.

'I have already taken something.' Vidal assured her at once.

'Good. As far as meat is concerned Gavin. It's a luxury on Regis 9. We have milking cows, goats and chickens, but that's all. So meat is a real delicacy.' She led them to the Cottage. 'That is our house over there, the one with the yellow flowers outside. Please, feel free to come over as soon as you wish.' 'Glad you thought about the food.' Vidal said as he closed the front door behind them. The cottage was small. It had one main room with facilities for cooking and eating combined, and a back door. One bathroom with very basic facilities, and three bedrooms leading off the main room.

'What do you think of Stella?' Gavin asked as he opened one of the bedroom doors and tossed his bags onto the bed.

'Attractive. But please, try and remember why we're here.' The Channel said with a sigh of resignation.

'Of course. But there's nothing wrong with mixing business and pleasure.' Gavin replied. 'You have, on occasion. But not lately, now I think about it, nothing wrong is there?' He asked, suddenly putting his donor's hat on. Sexual deprivation, could be a sign of deeper problems in a Channel.

'No of course not.' He could hardly tell Gavin that their transfers were inadequate, could he? He would discuss it with a therapist when they got back home. 'We must find out from the Robinson's why they don't use the Sime medical facilities. Yet they both make regular donations, as does everyone else here, unless I am mistaken. The ambient nager of the entire Settlement is extremely low.'

Gavin disappeared into the bathroom as Vidal entered the second bedroom. Half an hour later the two men closed the cottage door and crossed the road to their host's house.

Having forced the soup down, Vidal refused the fruit tart that was offered, and turned to Dan Robinson. 'Do we have to go to the Sime Centre to donate?' He asked casually.

'No, they come here.' The older man stated. 'If you take my advice son, you'll stay well away from the Sime Centre.'

'Oh. Why's that Dan? I've always found that the medical services the Simes offer are excellent.' Vidal said, his eyebrows raised.

'When we first got here, they were. Then things started to change. I don't know when we first noticed. It was one of those things that just seemed to creep up on you. Practically everyone who went there got worse and many died, more than you'd expect.' He informed them.

'Mr. Haynes, he's a teacher, but he's good with statistics, reckons three times more people died than you'd expect.' Stella interrupted. 'What about the changeovers?' Gavin asked.

'A lot have died of complications. Some of us went and spoke to the head Channel, he told us that they were doing their best, but in a backwater like this, we couldn't expect miracles. Perhaps he's right.'

'Does this apply to the other Settlements as well, or just this one?' Vidal queried with a quick glance at his partner.

'Well I can't really say. We have upwards of 15,000 Gen settlers on this planet, mostly distributed between the 5 main Settlements. Some have struck out on their own of course. And there are some 5,000 plus Simes. This is the smallest Settlement, and being the first, we've always monitored things quite thoroughly I suppose. The other Settlements just don't have the time, so I can't give you an answer to that, wish I could.' Dan Robinson scratched his head before he went on. 'Could be we're just unlucky with the Simes we've got I guess. Don't let me put you off now. This is a good place to settle. By the way, are either of you married?'

'Not yet, no.' Vidal replied.

'Well.' His voice dropped an octave. 'We have some real pretty women here, pioneer women, most are on the look out for hard working husbands like you fellows.'

'Dad, stop it. You'll give them the wrong idea about us. No man likes to feel he's being chased does he Gavin?' She looked up at him from under her lashes openly flirting with him.

A short time later, Vidal stood up. 'I think we'll call it a night Mr. Robinson, it's been a long day.'

'Yes of course. And please, it's Dan, not Mr. Robinson. Makes me feel ancient.' 'Well what did you make of all that?' Gavin asked as they arrived back at the cottage.

'I don't like it Gavin. I don't like it at all. There's more going on here, than even Sam Betjeman thinks there is.' Vidal stated as he undressed and then peeled off the spray skin. 'You'll have to give me a hand to replace this in the morning. I should keep it on, but it always takes time for me to get used to the damn stuff.'

Gavin nodded as he heated water for a glass of trin before turning in. 'Stella is frightened to even talk about the Sime Centre. I was watching her face while you and her Dad were talking. How do you propose to handle this?'

'There are only the two of us. We'll just have to concentrate on this Settlement first, and the Sime Centre. If we find anything wrong, we'll have to decide about the other Centres on the basis of that. There is no point in spreading ourselves too thin on the ground. We'll find out nothing at all if we do that.' Vidal retorted. 'First we'll take a good look around, speak to a few people, see if they corroborate Dan's story. If they do.' He paused.

'Yes, if they do?' Gavin pressed, as he carried the glasses of trin to the table.

'Thanks I've been looking forward to this. I'm glad we brought some tea leaves with us.'

'We didn't need to bother, there's some in the cupboard, but don't get off the point Vid. Answer the question.'

'Okay. The answer is quite simple. I'll go into the Centre as an Official, tell them I've just arrived from Earth to visit all the Centres. Spot checks or something. Then I'll nose around a bit and try and find out what is going on. If I can't find anything, then you'll have to arrive with a mystery illness. We'll have to think up some symptoms that might defeat them for a while.'

'If their Channels are as incompetent as Dan says they are, I should be able to fool them quite for some time.' Gavin grinned.

Vidal stretched his tentacles with obvious relief, and then picked up the glass of trin and cradled it between them, before he spoke. 'It might be dangerous. I'll have to keep a close eye on you in the Centre.'

'Dangerous? In what way dangerous?' His partner demanded.

'Gav, I don't want to say anything yet. I may be chasing rainbows, and quite honestly I don't want to give you nightmares.' He confessed with a tight smile. 'Now you have got me worried.'

'You trust me?'

'Implicitly.'

'Good. Let's leave it there for now.'

Gavin woke at dawn to the sound of cocks crowing. 'Dammit, someone should strangle them.' He muttered as he rolled out of bed and made his way towards the bathroom. Vidal was already up and dressed.

'Give me a hand with this spray when you come out will you? We don't know if anyone will call on us, they seem to make an early start in this community. I heard people on the move half an hour ago.'

Once they had applied the spray to Vidal's arms, Gavin got breakfast and they sat down to eat bowls of cooked oats with milk and honey. Vidal had less than an ounce at the bottom of his dish. But before they had started, there was knock on the door, and Gavin called for who ever was there to come in.

Dan entered followed by a young muscular and extremely good looking Gen, dressed in a black jumpsuit, whose chestnut curls nestled into the nape of his neck. Green eyes swept the room before coming to rest on the food on the table. 'I hope you don't mind. We have another potential Settler, he arrived by freighter, from Earth, a short while ago. I thought he could have the spare bedroom. Goes by the name of Jason Devere.' Dan informed them as he introduced the men to each other.

'I trust I'm not imposing.' The Gen murmured. 'Say if I am, I can always camp outside somewhere. I'm quite used to fending for myself.'

'Please, you are more than welcome to stay here, we ourselves are only guests after all.' Vidal said. ' Wont you sit down and have some breakfast.' He indicated a chair, as Gavin fetched another bowl of oats and placed it in front of him.

'I've got some maps of the area at home.' Dan informed them. 'Call over at the house later if you want to see them.'

As the door closed behind him, Gavin pointed to the empty bedroom. 'That's your room. But eat first before you unpack.'

'Thanks, and call me Jason.' He poured a liberal amount of honey onto the oats and picked up a spoon. 'Have you been here long?' He had the strange feeling that he had seen both these men before, but he had no idea where. But he could be mistaken for they hadn't shown any recognition of him, by either word or look, and why should prospective settlers need to practice subterfuge? This spying game was starting to get to him. He would be seeing bogey men around every corner if he wasn't careful.

'We arrived yesterday.' Vidal informed him.

'What's your first impression?' Jason asked.

'The people we've met so far are friendly. But we haven't yet had a chance to look around, so we've decided to reserve judgement.' Gavin replied with a grin. 'Now, if you will excuse us. I think we'll make an early start. Perhaps we'll catch up with you this evening.' Vidal smiled as he stood up.

They left the house and began to cross the road to the Robinson's house, when Gavin stopped. 'He was on Luna Base 3.'

'Yes he was. But I'm glad he didn't remember us. After all I was zlinning him at the time! Apart from that, where else would he leave from but Luna Base, if he was coming here?'

'You don't think it's suspicious? Sam did say that the TIS might be involved.' 'He also said that he or she might be on the planet already. We mustn't start jumping at shadows Gavin. Potential settlers must come here all the time. However, we will keep an eye on Jason Devere.'

CHAPTER THREE

Jason, having washed, and changed into Jeans and an open neck shirt, left the house shortly after Vidal and Gavin. Then following the directions given to him by Dan Robinson, he made his way to Gabriel's house. A thin black woman was hanging out a string of washing, and stood up to watch him as he approached.

'Good morning. The Robinsons said I would find Gabriel Standish here.' He smiled openly.

'He's already out in the fields with the boys. I'm Margaret, his wife, can I help?'

'I'm thinking of settling here, and I understand Mr. Standish is head man of the Settlement. I thought I could have a talk with him, get his views about the place.' Jason replied.

'Well, he'll certainly help you there. Talk the hind leg off a donkey given half a chance.' She chuckled. 'Just go out the gate over there, turn left at the big white tree, then follow your nose.'

He saw the three figures bobbing up and down in the field long before he got into hailing range. Gabriel Standish was as big as his wife was thin, but what had once been fat, had through hard work, turned to muscle long ago. He stood up and wiped his brow as he heard Jason's call.

'N'vet Standish? Your wife said I would find you here. I'm Jason Devere.'

'Gabe to you, though we use the Genlan Mister around here. I take it you've just arrived from the home planet, thinking of settling are you?' He smiled a welcome.

'Yes. I understand you're the headman. Can you spare a few minutes to answer a few questions?'

'Anytime, let's sit down over there. Get back to work you two. Just because I'm taking a break is no need for you to take advantage.' He yelled across at the two boys, who were standing up to watch them.

'Your sons?' Jason asked.

He nodded proudly as he lead the way to where they could sit down on the hard ground. He grabbed a handful of the rich black loam from beside him. 'You won't find a better place for crops anywhere in the Galaxy.' He boasted. 'Grow anything in this you can, I guarantee.' He crushed the large clod and let it trickle through his fingers.

'I'm sure you're right. But I wanted to ask you about something else. I was brought up on a farm. Later I'll probably want to settle down onto the land again, but I'm also an engineer. I thought I might start a small business repairing farm machinery or anything else that might need fixing. I can always make any parts we haven't already got here, without having to wait for them to be shipped here from off World.'

Gabriel's eyes gleamed brightly. 'You're an answer to prayers. We've been needing someone to do just that for years now. There's several small outfits started up in the other Settlements, but none out here. We have to take anything we need fixing down to them, they don't make house calls.' He observed with a wide grin. 'It's the best news I've heard in a long time. I can show you a few places where you could get started, and arrange for some of the folks around here to give you a hand setting up your workshop.' He enthused.

Jason interrupted him. It was all going far too quickly for his liking. He didn't want to get bogged down in building work; he'd never have a chance to look around if he did. 'Gabe that's fine, but I need to have a look around first. Find my feet, speak to a few people. But I'll take you up on your offer later, okay?'

'Fine, just say the word when you're ready. Now if I'm not mistaken that's my Margaret coming with our midday meal, you'll stay for a bite to eat wont you?' At the end of the day Jason had walked many miles, spoken to quite a few farmers, and studied the crops he could see growing in the fields. He had seen nothing that could be called even vaguely suspicious. He needed to hire a pony and trap, something to enable him to get further afield. If the drug was produced around here, there would need to be buildings where it could be refined and packed for transport. It would take some careful planning to ship large amounts off world, especially to somewhere like Earth. The sort of operation he was envisaging would be big, and not easy to hide.

Making his way back to the cottage, he saw Stella Robinson standing outside her house. She waved to him, and he waved back. Minutes later he stopped beside her. 'Had a good day?' She asked and he nodded.

'Yes, but I'd like to look further afield. You don't know where I might hire a buggy or something?'

'No, I'm afraid not. We don't have a great deal of transport, and what we do have is always needed. I can get you a horse.'

'I don't ride.' Jason confessed sheepishly. It seemed ridiculous in this farming community to admit that coming from a similar background himself, he had only been on a horse once, and having been thrown off, had never tried again. She would no doubt think him a total wimp!

'There's not very much to it.' She informed him with a smile. 'I could show you if you'd like?'

'To be honest horses and I just don't seem to go together. But, if there's no other way of getting around - there isn't anything mechanical I suppose, like a cycle?' He asked eagerly.

'Sorry.' She shook her golden head and shrugged. 'We only have a few tracks and no roads yet. A cycle wouldn't be much use would it?'

'No, I guess not, well I'll have to take you up on your offer then.' Was he crazy?

'Fine. Come over after breakfast tomorrow I'll take you up to the stable. We'll find you something gentle to start with.' She promised.

He took her hand gently and pressed a kiss onto the back of it. 'Thanks Stella, you're an angel.'

'What the hell does he think he's doing?' Gavin demanded angrily as he trotted passed, and saw Stella blushing.

'He's thinks he is kissing her hand I believe.' Vidal retorted as his horse followed Gavin's towards the stables.

'Of course I can see WHAT he's doing! I want to know why?' Gavin muttered as he returned the wave the couple had sent him. Vidal thought it best to ignore him. Gavin tended to get very intense over his relationships.

They tended to the horses, and then returned to the cottage. Gavin immediately stomped into the bathroom, leaving Vidal alone with Jason, who was already back. 'I'm just boiling some water for pasta. Shall I do enough for all of us, or would you prefer something different?' The Gen asked, as he reached down the ingredients for the sauce.

'That's fine by us, thank you. Did you have an interesting day?'

'Extremely. But I want to look a bit further afield. Which unfortunately means I require transport, and apparently in these parts, that means a horse.'

'You have a problem with horses?' Vidal asked as he chopped the large red tomatoes. He had already surreptitiously inspected the mushrooms and decided they would be safe for him, as a Sime, to eat.

'I have a problem with them yes, and they have one with me. To be honest I can't ride, and the last time I tried, I got thrown.' He confessed, fully expecting to be laughed at. 'Stella has offered to introduce me to the most docile member of the stable, and give me a few pointers. If I can just stay on its back, that will be enough.' He gave a brief bark of self-derisory laughter.

'Being thrown from a horse can be extremely dangerous.' Vidal observed quietly. 'Is it really necessary that you ride, can't you hire a pony and trap?'

'No luck. I've already asked. Guess I have to face it, I'm a big boy now, I'll just have to learn. There can't be all that much to it. I just want to be able to amble along, not gallop, I'm not out to win a race.' Jason shrugged.

'Can I help?' Gavin entered the room at last.

'Lay the table will you?' Vidal suggested.

Jason stared at the small amount on Vidal's plate. 'Off your food?' He asked curiously, as he helped himself.

'I usually make lunch my main meal of the day. Never have liked going to bed on too full a stomach, but I made a bit of a pig of myself today.' He stated.

'That amount wouldn't keep a Sime alive.' Jason observed bluntly, and his two companions laughed their agreement. 'How far did you manage to get today?' 'Almost to the perimeter of the Sime Centre.' Vidal answered.

'Did you happen to notice what crops were growing in the fields you passed?' Jason enquired, trying not to appear too curious.

'What you'd expect. Corn, wheat, all types of vegetable. This climate seems to grow anything. We saw quite a few orchards too.' Vidal informed him.

'Much nearer to the Centre we saw herb fields. Dan Robinson told us that some of the farmers, and the Simes at the Centre, are trying out a few of the indigenous herbs too.' Gavin stated.

'They'll have to be careful. Did you see that Report a few months ago? A colony near here mixed some of the indigenous plants with others from home, they produced some sort of poisonous reaction. Quite a few of them died' Jason murmured, his interest suddenly alert. Indigenous herbs, might well be the plants he was looking for, he'd have to take a careful look at them tomorrow. 'I wonder if they have any chemists, who can make sure they don't create the same problem here?'

'I did hear something about it. But they broke one of the cardinal rules didn't they?' Vidal retorted. 'However, I understand there are several very qualified people in the other Settlements here, not counting the Sime scientists at the Centre of course.'

'Yes, but the Colonists don't seem to have much to do with the Sime Medical Centre do they? And as far as I'm aware they'd be the ones who have the best facilities and laboratories. It seems a bit stupid not to make use of them.' Jason mused.

'Agreed.' Vidal moved away from the table. 'Coffee or trin tea?'

'Coffee for me please.'

The tall dark human spooned the tea leaves into the pot as he put the jug on for coffee, watching carefully that it did not boil. The smell, if it did, would make him sick - literally.

'Don't bother with anything for me Vidal. I'm going over to see Stella.' Gavin said standing up. 'We're going for a walk, it's a nice evening.' He glanced at his partner who was trying to keep the smile from his sensitive lips. 'Well, I guess that just leaves you and me.' Jason observed as he accepted the coffee Vidal handed to him. 'I noticed a chess set in the cupboard over there. I don't suppose you happen to play?'

'I would appreciate a game.' Vidal said and removed the debris from the table, clearing a space for the board that Jason fetched across.

An hour later and Vidal knew he was playing against quite an expert. Two hours later and Jason called checkmate.

'I can see I shall need to brush up on my game.'

'I've played a lot against Computers. They keep you on your toes, don't give you any leeway for errors.' Jason replaced the board, and walked to the kitchen area. 'I'll wash, you can wipe.'

'Oh for civilisation and disposal units.' Vidal joked.

'I agree. But it does make a change to return to basics sometimes. Makes you appreciate what you've left behind.' Jason reminded him.

'True.'

'Is this your first time away from Earth?' Jason asked, as he put the dishes Vidal had wiped, away in the cupboards above the washing basin.

'No. We've been to a couple of other places. But we had no intention of settling at the time.'

'You and Gavin related?'

'No. Just friends. It's sometimes more convenient to travel with someone you know, rather than alone. You never know what you might encounter on a strange world.' Vidal stated with absolute honesty.

'Yeah, I can relate to that.' Jason was already wishing he had someone to talk to. It had all seemed so easy from the comfort of an office on Earth, but out here at the back of beyond. That was another story again. 'Well, I'm off to bed. Thanks again for the match. See you tomorrow. ' Jason watched with trepidation as Stella lead his amount out into the stable yard.

'Come and say a nice hello to Rosebud.' She called.

'Rosebud? THAT is Rosebud? You've got to be kidding Stella.'

'Now I realise she's quite big, but she really is a darling, and she hasn't got one nasty bone in her entire body. Come on it's no good standing over there is it? I'll show you how to saddle up tomorrow. Clarence had already got her saddled before we arrived.'

'That's all right. Putting a saddle on a horse was the first and only thing I ever learned.' He assured her, as his gaze traveled over the big old mare. 'You know, I've never seen anything quite so moth eaten as that!' He admitted wryly. 'Shush, she'll hear you. Do you want to hurt her feelings?' Stella demanded in a stage whisper.

'Sorry old girl.' He patted her neck, and then moved back quickly as the mare turned her head to look at him.

'Right, let's get you up on her back. Come round to this side.'

After two attempts Jason finally managed to get up into the saddle, with his feet in the stirrups, that Stella had altered for him.

'Comfortable?'

'Relatively.'

'Good, hold the reins like this, that's it, just relax there's no need to grip them so hard. Now I've got a leading rein on you, you're going to walk around in a circle. No Jason, you have to move with the horse, not against it. That's better, much better. Hello Gavin, Vidal.' She called out.

Jason twisted in the saddle to watch the two men walk into the stable.

'Look to the front not behind you. That's better. See there's nothing to it. Just relax and...what the!'

Jason found himself sailing through the air to land on his back on the hard ground. 'Shit!' He bit off the expletive as the air whooshed out of his lungs. Almost at once Vidal, who was following Gavin into the stable yard, had dismounted and was beside him, helping him to rise, his hands feeling for broken bones.

'I'm all right. It's just my damn pride that's hurt that's all.' Jason stressed as he dusted himself off. 'What happened?'

'Gavin's horse nipped Rosebud on the rump I'm afraid, and being a lady she took umbrage and tossed you off. Are you sure you're not hurt?' Stella asked with a worried frown.

Jason nodded, as Gavin got his horse under control, and trotted over. 'Sorry about that, it happened so quickly.' He said, but Jason thought he didn't look or sound very sorry.

'Get Banjo out of here Gavin.' Stella ordered quickly. 'You too Vidal. Do you want to try again now Jason, or wait till tomorrow?'

'Now. Just hold her still for me will you Stella?'

Two hours later Jason rode the big mare out of the stable yard. He could already feel all the bruises he had sustained from the tumble. He also had a dull ache in his own rump, not counting the sore spots on his thighs where his skin was rubbing against the saddle. He stifled a sigh. He hated horses, he hated riding, and most of all he hated Rosebud. What a damn stupid name for a huge creature like this! The mare snorted and tossed her head, as though she knew what he was thinking.

One thing was certain. He was not going to get very far from the Settlement today. In fact, for two straws he would as soon call it quits now and go and have a long hot bath. After all, only masochists enjoyed horse riding didn't they? He'd always thought that, and now he was damn well sure!

Then there was that idiot Gavin, he'd been laughing at him, the silly oaf. It wouldn't surprise him if he'd told his horse to bite Rosebud. Yes, now that was quite possible.

Three miles from the Settlement, he managed to get Rosebud to stop. It didn't take much effort from him to achieve this, it seemed that Rosebud much preferred to stand and crop the grass, than amble across the field.

Of course the only problem now was how to get Rosebud to start moving again, and then turn around and go back the way they had come. A task that was far easier said than done, he decided half an hour later, when he had kicked her flanks, with no success at all. Well then, logically, the only thing he could do was to dismount and lead the mare back home. But if he got down, and that shouldn't be too much of a problem, after all he could always jump! No, the dilemma then would be...would Rosebud allow him to grab her bridle and lead her, or would she take offence and bite him?

He stared at the distant trees, it wasn't very comfortable stuck out here in the middle of the field. It was well passed midday now, he was starving hungry, and the Sun was beating down on his back, making his shirt stick to him, and apart from all that, he was beginning to feel sick! And being really stupid, he hadn't thought to bring a water bottle with him either. What an imbecile!

Well my lad, it's make your mind up time. He moved uncomfortably in the saddle. 'Shall be go, or shall we stay?' He croaked out loud, and his voice sounded strange to his own ears, and he began to giggle inanely.

'We'll take a look at Sime Centre Number 2 tomorrow, and if that looks the same as Number 1. Then we'll have to think about going for plan B.' Vidal stated, as Gavin brought his horse alongside his.

'Am I mistaken Vidal or is that a man on horseback in that field way over there? Of course it could be some sort of Scarecrow type thing. It hasn't moved for ages.'

Vidal stared in the direction Gavin indicated, swearing under his breath. 'I should have spotted that way back. It's this shidoni-be-flayed spray skin, it's completely suppressing my senses. It's never been this bad before.'

'It could be the intense Sunlight here, it's far more powerful than on Earth. Didn't someone write a paper on it once? I'm sure you said.'

'Someone's always writing papers on something or other.' Vidal snapped back. 'Come on, I can't zlin who it is from here, but I have a feeling he's in trouble.' Even as he spoke he set off at a gallop across the fields with Gavin in hot pursuit.

Long before they reached their quarry, they saw the lone figure topple from the horse. 'I think its Jason.' Vidal yelled over his shoulder.

'What's he doing stuck out here in this heat?' Gavin called back.

Vidal was already on the ground before his horse had come to a halt. He grabbed Jason and pulled him into Rosebud's huge shadow.

'He's fainted. Mild Sunstroke too as far as I can see. Blast this skin, if I could only..it's like trying to diagnose under water.'

Gavin's hand closed over his. 'You mustn't remove it Vidal, not now.' He warned in a whisper. 'It's not serious. Look he's regaining consciousness. Here, get some of this down him.' He handed the Sime his water bottle, and Vidal poured some onto the Gen's face and then held his shoulders as he poured some of the tepid liquid down his parched throat.

'Thanks, that's a lot better.' Jason coughed, and then tried to stand up. 'Stay where you are for a minute.' Vidal ordered as he offered the water again. 'What happened?'

'Why didn't you make for the trees over there when you felt ill?' Gavin demanded as he stood up, no sympathy in his voice at all.

'I couldn't get the damn horse to move that's why.' Jason snarled back. 'You couldn't, WHAT!?' His face broke into a grin.

'Shut up Gavin. We'll talk later. Do you feel well enough to get back up on the mare Jason?' Vidal asked quietly.

'No. I'll walk.' He staggered to his feet, clutching Vidal's shoulder to steady himself, and did not notice how Vidal tensed at the Gen's touch.

'Walk? It's over three miles back to the Settlement. You'll never walk that distance, not in the shape you're in at the moment, you've got a mild case of Sun stroke, and you're dehydrated too if I'm any judge.'

'Vidal. If you and Gavin can take care of Rosebud for me. I'll manage. Look, straight up, I'd rather walk ten miles on my own two feet, than ride three miles on top of her.' He pointed at his nemesis in disgust.

'Gavin fetch Major over here.' Vidal turned back to Jason. 'Look I'll tell you what we're going to do, and no arguments either. Gavin will lead Rosebud back home, and you're coming up with me on Major. He's a big powerful horse and neither of us is fat. Besides which, it's only a few miles back to the stables.' 'Sorry but I can't get up on any horse. Apart from anything else, I haven't got the energy.' Jason said flatly.

'How the shen do you expect to walk back to the Settlement then?' Gavin demanded derisively, as Jason scowled at him.

'Come on, enough talk. Give me a hand to get Jason up. I think it's best if I sit behind him, at least I can make sure he doesn't topple off again.' Vidal informed him. 'Now put your foot in the stirrup, that's it. Gavin get around the other side, hold Major steady, and when I hoist Jason up, you make sure he doesn't fall off the other side.'

'Right you are. Steady boy.' Gavin's voice floated across from the other side of the horse.

Vidal augmented slightly, tossing Jason up onto the horses back, leaving Gavin to make sure he stayed on. Jason was surprised at how quickly and easily he got up onto the horse, he must have had more strength left than he imagined. Within seconds Vidal was seated behind him, one arm around his waist holding him steady.

Gavin stepped up onto Banjo and picked up the lose reins that dangled from Rosebud's neck.

'You both make it look so easy. I feel like a total half-wit.' Jason said honestly.

'There's no need to feel anything of the sort.' Vidal retorted from behind him. 'Can you swim?'

'Yes, of course, why?'

'I cannot.' Vidal replied. 'Do you ever go rock climbing?'

'I often go mountaineering, when I get the opportunity.' Jason admitted.

'Gavin suffers from vertigo. We are all capable of doing some things in this life, but we cannot do everything.' Vidal stated positively. 'We have to learn to live within our limitations. If you persevere you may in time be able to ride a horse. I doubt you will ever become a jockey.'

'No you're right there. But I have no choice, I have to learn to ride that shenning nightmare!' Jason glanced across at Rosebud, who was plodding along without a care in the world. 'If I do decide to stay on Regis 9 and some day become a homesteader. I've got to be able to get around, and apart from walking, there IS no other form of transport available.' He sighed, and if I didn't want that damn engineering post so much, I could have told Helma Vestii to go and get lost! Mike would laugh his socks off if he could see me now.

The next morning Jason woke up to find every part of his body was aching. The previous night he had had a long hot bath, his back had been rubbed with embrocation, and he had applied cream to the sore places at the top of his legs. He had also eaten a huge meal brought to him on a tray. But he could not afford the luxury of lying in bed all day today, even though he might like to do so. When he finally got up, he found that both Vidal and Gavin had long gone. So after eating a substantial breakfast, he stuffed some fruit into his duffel bag and filled a bottle with water, he had no intention of getting caught again without either.

He limped up to the stable, trying to dismiss the pain that still wracked his body. Rosebud was waiting for him, and they eyed each other warily for several seconds before he went to fetch the saddle. After many attempts he managed to get it on her back. Leading her further out into the stable yard, he began to practice getting on and off the mare until he felt there was nothing to gain by continuing any further. At last, moving close to the mare's head, he grasped her bridle and began to lead her around the yard. Thankfully she made no attempt to bite him.

Finally, gaining courage, he mounted once more and turned Rosebud first to the left, and then to the right.

'OK are you going to behave yourself today or not?' He paused. 'Not answering eh? All right, I'll take that to mean you're going to act like a lady for once. Let's go.'

Clapping came from behind him, and he twisted in the saddle to find Stella standing there grinning with pleasure. 'See you later Jason.' She called as he rode the horse sedately through the open gate.

At the end of the week, which on Regis 9 was 8 days long, Jason was able to ride; though not very well. He had also come to the conclusion that he was going to find nothing of interest in the vicinity of this Settlement.

However, the Simes also grew plants and herbs, they had the laboratories, and they had Chemists. Ergo, he must get inside the Centre and have a look around, before he moved further afield. Not that he expected to find anything there. The only question, was how to get inside?

Unbeknown to Jason, Vidal and Gavin had come to the same conclusion, as far as their investigation was concerned, but they at least did have a plan to get them inside.

CHAPTER FOUR

The two men sat in the shade of one of the peculiar white trees, that everyone on Regis 9 used for building purposes; whilst their horses stood with their heads buried in the clear cool water, that meandered along through the lush undergrowth.

'So when shall we make our move on the Centre?' Gavin asked into the growing silence.

'Tomorrow. There is little point in delaying any longer. However, I have been thinking about our original plan. I feel it would be a grave error for us to split up. We will both enter as Tecton Officials here to do spot checks.'

'It'll frighten the tentacles off them, everyone hates spot checks, and I bet they've never had any before in this neck of the woods.' Gavin grinned wickedly. 'The only trouble is, we'll be telling a direct lie, and a good Channel will spot that at once.'

'I'm banking on the fact that on a rustic planet like this, the Channel in charge will be low down on the scale. I should be able to manipulate our show fields well enough to fool anyone except a First who is also 4+.' Vidal stated with conviction. 'And I have enough faith in your ability, to believe that you can control yourself, and not broadcast anything contrary, into the ambient.' 'Yes, I suppose it could just work.' Gavin did not sound fully convinced. Then his usual exuberance bounced back. 'We can give it our best shot. What can they do to us if they find out anyway? It's not like we're committing a crime by pretending we're something more than we really are, is it?'

Vidal did not reply as he lay back and looked up through the canopy of leaves far above his head.

'If you recall, Sam insisted I bring an Official Tecton Order with me. It seemed irrelevant at the time, just another thing we'd have to hide. But now? We can use the Order to get full and unrestricted clearance in the Centre.'

'You have a very devious mind Vidal. You know I've often thought that in the old days, you'd have made an excellent Sectuib of a House.' Gavin confided wryly.

'Head of a House? You've got to be joking. Have you any idea the sort of restrictions they placed on someone like that?' Vidal shuddered. 'They didn't have much of a life you know.'

'Yes I do know.' Gavin replied softly. 'They were expected to give everything, for the greater good.'

'Yes of course you know. I'm sorry. I sometimes forget that your House still means a great deal to you.' He reached out his hand and touched his partner's arm, frustrated because he could not use his tentacles to emphasise how he felt. 'Yes it does.' Gavin said honestly. 'Even if its only honorary membership now. We all get a great deal from belonging. Each Household still sets its own standards. You know Dar has always specialised in Martial Arts and personal combat, so it was natural that I should orientate towards the kind of work we do in the TIB. One of our Sectuib, who was also a philosopher, coined a simple phrase that we still use today. "Out of chaos came order, out of death came life." I feel that says it all. I was born a Householder Vidal, and I shall die one.'

The three men walked up the slight incline that led to the Community Hall. The headman, Gabe Standish, had asked them to attend a social evening, and none of them had seen any reason to decline.

Music escaped into the night as the door opened and closed as more people arrived. Gavin moved closer to Vidal's side as they entered the warm interior. 'It's all right. Practically everyone has donated, it is bearable.' He assured the Gen in an aside. 'And this spray skin is more of an insulation than I ever realised.'

'Good.' Gavin smiled across at Stella as she beckoned them over. She looked lovely in a leaf green full skirted dress, her blonde hair hanging loosely around her shoulders.

The two men walked over and sat down next to the Robinsons, Vidal engaging Dan in conversation, as Gavin asked Stella to dance. Jason went to join Gabe and Margaret Standish. Their sons were playing in the small band. 'I hear you've learned to ride.' Margaret smiled.

'Yes. And I was very grateful for the embrocation you sent.' He said honestly. 'Horses and I just don't seem to mix very well, but I'm learning.' He looked across at the tables down one side of the long room; they were piled high with food, both savoury and sweet.

Gabe saw where he was looking and chuckled. 'The ladies all bring a plate. Why don't you go and help yourself?'

Jason walked across and piled his plate high, helping himself to a glass of home made wine, and watched Gavin circling the room with Stella, as he walked back to his seat, they were engrossed in each other.

Later in the evening he asked a pretty, plump brunette to dance, for some reason she reminded him of Rosina, and he felt suddenly homesick.

Sitting down again later, he noticed Gavin with Stella they were still dancing, but Vidal did not move from the group he was sitting with. Although his eyes appeared to be watching everything that was going on around him. A strange duo, he thought, as different from each other as it was possible for two people to be. Jason, if he had a preference at all, would rather seek Vidal's company, he seemed to be more of a thinker. Gavin on the other hand, came across to him as someone who was all brawn and very little brain. Although he admitted honestly to himself, that he was already prejudiced against the man, because he had made little effort to hide his amusement at Jason's predicament with Rosebud.

'Have you made a decision about your workshop yet?' Gabe asked him.

'No, not yet. To be honest Gabe I'm enjoying lazing around for a while. It's a lovely planet, and once I start work I'll have little chance to look around, or take a vacation.'

'Yes, I know what you mean. I'd love to take Margaret for a bit of a second honeymoon, to the mountains perhaps, but I just don't have the time. One day perhaps.'

'Your boys play well.' Jason said and joined in the clapping as the band took a well-earned break.

'Yes, Michael there, my oldest, would have made music his career if we'd stayed on Earth.'

'Are you sure he'll stay here?' Jason asked.

'Yes. I am now. He's very keen on the young Harris girl, and she wont leave her family, so he'll stay.' Gabe was obviously pleased.

'You know something about music, do you play perhaps?' Margaret interrupted. 'I used to play the guitar, I rarely get an opportunity to practice much nowadays though.'

'Well fancy that. Michael can Jason borrow your guitar? Come on give us a tune.' She said encouragingly.

No, really I don't think I should.' He wished he had never opened his mouth. He did still play, quite well as it happened, but he didn't want to draw too much attention to himself. He felt that everyone knew about his trouble with Rosebud and would be laughing at him. It must be very funny to the colonists to know that he had sat on the back of the old mare in the middle of a field unable to move, till he finally fell off! He'd never live it down. Then again, perhaps it was best to give them something else to think about than his horse riding. In any event it seemed it was too late to argue now, as the eldest Standish boy handed him his guitar, with a cheeky grin.

Jason got up and strolled up to the small dais carrying the instrument. He didn't notice that a large number of the women, young and old alike were looking at him as he passed. He caught Stella's eye and winked at her, then grinned as he saw Gavin's scowl. If he had more time, he would give Gavin a run for his money as far as Stella was concerned!

Silence fell as Jason began to sing an old ballad. His voice a rich baritone, Rosina had often likened to warm molasses. He sang about the head of a Sime family in the old days, whose oldest son established as a Gen. The Sime could not see his son killed, and so saw him to the border. He did not expect to see the boy again. Then nearly a decade and a half later, there was a knock at his door. A Sime boy stood there, the same age that his son had been when he had last seen him. This however, was not his son, but his grandson. His son had sent him back home. And now he, in his turn, would never see his son again.

As the familiar ballad drew to a close, there was hardly a dry eye in the place, and the clapping thundered out.

Jason then sang a love song, and for devilment, dedicated it to Stella.

Finally, he sang a medley of songs requested by the young people in the audience.

As the evening eventually drew to a close, Gavin walked Stella home and Jason found himself beside Vidal as they strolled back to the cottage.

'I'm sure you'll fit into life here on Regis 9 very well.' Vidal observed wryly, and when Jason asked why? Vidal smiled. 'You play and sing extremely well. Such talent is always welcome in any community.'

Later Jason lay on his bed staring at a damp patch on the ceiling. Wondering just how he could get himself into the Sime Centre? He knew enough about Simes to know that if he tried to break in, his nager would give him away at once. He wasn't even low field now; the last time he had donated was to the Astrogator/Channel on The Juggernaut. There was no doubt about it, at the moment, to Sime senses, he would already stand out like a bright star in the dark night sky.

Of course he could pretend to be unwell and ask for treatment. But patients did not wander around poking and prying into things, and besides, he would be zlinned before he'd even left his sick bed.

Neither could he go asking for work. The Simes knew there was plenty of work in the Settlements and on the farms, not counting huge tracts of free land available for the asking. To offer his services as an engineer would be no good either. Simes were notoriously self-sufficient, and they had their own Gens, many of whom were fully trained tradesmen.

Shen, it was like trying to solve a puzzle that had no solution. Jumping up from his reclining position, he stretched his cramped muscles. Perhaps a glass of trin tea would help him to get a good night's sleep. Then in the morning, clear headed, he might find the answer that had eluded him tonight. He opened the door quietly, and then stopped still. Vidal was sitting at the table; a book propped up in front of him, reading.

'Still up?' He asked, realising it was a stupid question even as the words left his lips.

'Couldn't you sleep?' Vidal countered, tugging down his sleeves as he hid his hands under the table; he had removed the spray skin from his arms, as he expected to be gone before Jason was up in the morning. That would teach him not to take chances. Shendi, the power of Jason's nager suddenly hit him. He had felt the Gen's field rising each day, how could he not? But now that he did not have his tentacles covered, the shock was like a blow to his solar plexus. He forced them deep into their sheaths, in an effort to shield himself from the powerful nager that was filling the room. The white wood the cottage was built from was an excellent insulation, for he had not felt the Gen's field tonight until he had opened the door.

'No. I thought I'd make myself a glass of trin. Fancy one?'

'Good idea.' Vidal forced himself hypoconscious; this was not the time to lose himself in the golden nimbus that surrounded the man in front of him.

Jason placed the two steaming glasses on the table, and took a seat opposite Vidal.

'I thought I might take a trip up to the Sime Collectorium in the next day or so. It's some time since I donated, and the Duty Channel isn't due at the Settlement for several days, so Gabe told me.' Jason stated.

Is he a mind reader? Was it a coincidence, or did he know that I was thinking about his field gradient? Fool. Vidal chastised himself. Of course it was coincidence, what else could it be? The trouble was, he had never come into contact with anyone who, having such a field, appeared to have no control over it.

Vidal stifled a gasp as a strange feeling began to permeate his being. What was it? What was the matter with him? Then he knew. Shenshi! Jason's field had actually locked on to his own. He quickly pulled his own field away, realising that the Gen had no idea of what was happening. It was frightening.

Vidal forced himself back to full awareness. Thank heavens he was not in need. But even so, the magnetic pull of the Gen was overwhelming. And, thank the Gods, he was also unaware that he had the power to turn an ordinary and fairly normal Sime like himself, into a crazed killer. Such was the power of some Gens over a Sime. But Vidal had never experienced it before. He was at once repelled, yet fascinated by the feeling. Shenoni what a Companion he would make!

'Are you all right? You look dreadful.'

Vidal forced himself to laugh. Always before, when he had come into contact with such powerful Gens, they had all been fully trained. And they would never have dreamed of disturbing an unsuspecting Sime in this manner. But then, Jason was not trained, and he did not even know that he was talking to a Channel. 'I'm fine. Now, you were saying something about going up to the Sime Collectorium at the Centre?'

'Yes.' Jason relaxed back into his chair again and nursed the hot glass in the palms of his hands.

Vidal grinned. 'Most of the Gens here don't seem to like the idea of going to the Centre, I've heard it likened to going to the Dentist. Doesn't it bother you?' He was purposely mocking. He had to learn more about this Gen, and his views.

'As a matter of fact I was actually employed by the Tecton once. I began training to be a TN-1 donor, but I left. So donating doesn't bother me.'

Shen that accounts for it! Has he any idea what his nager is like? He shouldn't be allowed to walk about like this. 'Why did you decide to leave?'

'I faltered at commitment. I suddenly felt I would be signing away my freedom.' Jason admitted. 'I've never regretted my decision.'

'How far along did you get?' Vidal could sense something else in the Gen. There was more to it than simply commitment, he had had a stronger reason for quitting than that.

'I was just about half way towards qualification, but I hadn't starting working, or anything like that. I certainly didn't need the inhibitor, but they did put me on a course of a new drug they've developed, just to be on the safe side. I can't even pronounce its name. But it's not as bad as some of the drugs I've heard about. I guess I've been lucky. I'll always be fairly high field, I'm a natural, or so they said. But I can live with that. I'll just have to stay clear of Simes in need.'

'And that was your only reason for quitting?' Vidal pressed.

'Oh, there were a lot of other small things, you know, niggling irritations. But that was all.'

He is lying! However, if what I think is happening at the Sime Centre proves to be even partly true, it could be extremely dangerous for him to go there. But there is nothing I can do to stop him.

Jason woke up the next morning at dawn. For a moment he lay there, as all the questions that had been churning around in his mind last night, reasserted themselves. Then it came to him. A possible answer to his dilemma. The special preparation that Avon had given to him! He had forgotten it; he obviously wasn't cut out for all this subterfuge.

Sitting on the side of the bed he reached for his duffel bag and searched in the side pocket, bringing out the plastic phial he knew was there. Avon had informed him, when he gave it to him, that it contained a preparation that consisted mainly of nanites. He had made one proviso, that they were only to be used should he find himself unable to donate. Yet still have need to move around in Sime society, without drawing attention to himself.

Avon had explained that the nanites would suppress not just his showfield, but also his body's production of selyn. Which meant that he would be virtually invisible to Sime senses. The nanite suspension by its very nature was dangerous, and was only to be used in an emergency. Likewise, it could only be used for a limited period of time.

Avon had then explained that the nanites had been developed by Tecton scientists, but had been abandoned by them, because of unreliability. Apparently Gen scientists had taken the idea up, and had sorted out the problems. Somehow Jason doubted that. Simes were nothing if not thorough, and if they said there were too many problems to iron out, he tended to believe them. He had also wondered how the Gens had got hold of the nanites in the first place? One fairly logical explanation had jumped to mind straight away, industrial espionage. However, they need only work for a day, and he could be in and out of the place. And one other thing clinched matters for him. It was the only option open to him. He simply hoped that they did not make him ill!

Morning was well advanced as Vidal and Gavin tethered their horses beside a stream. Then on foot they approached the fortress like Sime Centre that was built out of white wood. As were the heavy double doors that guarded the main entrance. They had scouted the whole perimeter of the Centre during the last few days and both men knew the layout of the land around and about very well.

All the Sime Centres on Regis 9, as all others elsewhere, had been built along similar lines. Vidal and Gavin were therefore already well acquainted with the general layout inside.

The middle part of the building should house the Controllers office and general administrative offices, and possibly some storage space. The East Wing should include the Hospital area with the changeover ward, the collectorium and the pharmacy. Whilst the living quarters, kitchens, dining room, recreation rooms and library, should all be in the West Wing.

Vidal flexed his tentacles. 'I only fully realised last night what excellent selyn insulation properties this white wood has. I thought they would have zlinned us long before we got in sight of the place, but now I'm not so sure. Ring the bell, there is nothing to be gained by standing outside.' Gavin grasped the old-fashioned bell pull and a loud clanging noise assaulted their eardrums.

The old renSime who opened the door stared at them in surprise, but made no attempt to invite them inside.

'Vidal Trent and Gavin Dar, we wish to see your Controller.' Vidal waved the Tecton Order of Authority under the man's nose.

'Wait there.' The door slammed shut in their faces, and Vidal turned to look at Gavin, his eyes wide with surprise, and eyebrows raised.

'Quite a welcome. What do you make of it?' The Gen asked.

'Search me. I've never had this sort of reception before. But I did zlin fear, although that doesn't make sense.' Vidal replied.

'What do we do if they refuse us entry?' Gavin whispered.

'They can't do that. This is a Sime Centre, and as far as they know we are regular officers of the Tecton. They dare not refuse us.' Gavin snorted derisively. 'Tell him that.'

Even as he spoke the huge door swung open again and they were beckoned inside. 'This way.'

Shoulder to shoulder the two men followed the Sime's shuffling gait down the long dim corridor. Other rooms and corridors lead off it to either side, and it had no windows and therefore no natural light of its own. Raised voices could be heard before they reached the door at the far end, which stood wide open. 'In there.' The renSime made no attempt to announce them, before he disappeared down another corridor.

Vidal looked at his partner and shrugged before they both walked purposely into the large cluttered room. It was obviously a working office, and he guessed the Channel sitting behind the huge desk was the Controller. The man was a Second, and he was the archetype of all Simes, tall and painfully slim. But most Simes, although not having robust appetites, did at least eat the amount of food necessary to keep them healthy. This Sime, unless he had a wasting illness, certainly did not. His dark eyes looked like two bruises in the white skeletal face, over which the transparent skin stretched. Vidal could tell the Channel was attempting to keep something from him, and there was also a strange anomaly in his field, a darkness that he had never encountered before. Perhaps he did not wish to broadcast how ill he was? Understandable in its way, and he was entitled to his personal privacy, for Vidal was not a Householder, and did not hold to the belief that Channels had no right to privacy at all.

Gavin, although he did not have Sime senses, had still come to the same conclusion as Vidal. But he stood still, knowing both men were zlinning each other.

Vidal also Zlinned the renSime and Third who were standing beside the desk, they were both agitated, but that was understandable for they had all been the arguing before Gavin and he had entered the room.

Returning duoconscious Vidal stepped forward to hand his credentials to the Channel. Handling tentacles appeared from the fleshless arm to take the Order from him. The Controller scanned it in silence and almost threw it back at him.

'So what have they sent you here for?' He demanded in a harsh almost brittle voice. 'To spy on us?'

'No, of course not. It was simply felt that a visit was long overdue. I just wish to look around so that I can make out my report, you know what the bureaucrats on Earth are like.' Vidal smiled placatingly, but got no response from their host. 'Is there anything that you require? Have you requested anything that has not yet arrived?'

'I want nothing. Except for you both to leave.'

'I'm afraid we can't do that. Not till we've had a look around. It's what we get paid for after all.'

'Look I know the real reason for this visit you know. I'm not stupid.'

'No, I'm sure you're not.' Vidal agreed calmly. 'But I have no idea what you are talking about.'

'No, of course not.' He sneered back. 'Rogan, you and Isaac leave us now, and make sure you do what I said.' The two Simes left the room.

Seeing that they were not going to be made welcome, Vidal indicated to Gavin that he should sit down, and then pulled up another chair to the front of the desk and sat down himself. 'Now please Controller. What exactly is wrong? I can assure you that if there is anything we can do to help.'

'Shen it!' He was interrupted rudely. 'I'm sick of all these weasel words. Why don't you just come out and say why you've really come here.'

Vidal bit back an angry retort. 'Because I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.' He fought to retain his patience with the man.

'I bet it was one of those Shenoni bastards at the other Centres wasn't it? What did they say? That I'm not fit to be in charge, is that it?'

'Controller I assure you that I am not here at the behest of anyone on Regis 9. Surely you can see that? He held his field open to the Second's scrutiny. No Sime could get away with such a direct lie in such circumstances.'

The Second sat back, relaxing for the first time since they had entered the room. Gavin noticed that the skeletal frame hardly seemed to make an indent in the chair he was sitting on. Vidal felt himself relaxing too, and realised that Gavin was broadcasting calmness into the various fields, it was an ability that the Householders still taught to their Gens.

He glanced approvingly across at his partner before he turned back again. 'Controller. What are you worried about?'

'I'm not worried! Just angry.' He snapped. 'As you can no doubt tell, I'm a Second.'

Vidal nodded briefly.

'I took over when Darley Plasus died, a month after I arrived. He was a First of course.' He could not hide his bitterness. 'He was a musician and poet. No shenning good at all as an administrator. I did all the work, not him. He was no loss when he died. But if I'd informed those lorshes in the Tecton, they'd have sent someone just like him to take over.'

'I'm sorry.' Vidal had heard similar stories before. For some reason the hierarchy still seemed to feel that any First was better than a Second as head of a Centre, no matter how useless, or uninterested the First might be in administration. He glanced at the Controller. 'So your name is?'

'Parv Clifford.' He pressed a button at the side of his desk, and the renSime who had opened the door to them appeared in the doorway. 'Fetch a tray of trin for us Robin.'

Well, it was hospitality of a sort, Vidal thought, even though they had not been asked if they wanted a glass of tea. The man's obvious bad humour seemed out of all proportion to their visit. Perhaps he's worried that because I'm a First, I might try to usurp him, and take over straight away. Ridiculous of course, but the man certainly seemed to be more than a little paranoid about the whole affair. He would have to handle things as diplomatically as possible. After all, he was only interested in what was going on here, not their internal affairs. He would have to tell the appropriate authority when he got back, that Darley Plasus was dead, and that Parv Clifford had taken over from him. He had no other option. But then thankfully it would be out of his hands.

A sudden jolt in the fields made Vidal turn to Gavin who was now looking up at the ceiling, whilst trying to hide a look of distaste. Vidal tried to hide a smile at his friend's fastidiousness, for Clifford was picking his nose with a tentacle. Strangely the Channel did not seem to notice Gavin's reaction, and he really should have done. He must be very ill indeed, or surprisingly for a Channel, have no sensitivity at all.

Robin stomped into the room and placed a heavy tray onto the cluttered wooden top, not bothering to move the various papers and files that covered the desk. 'I'll pour.' Gavin stated as the renSime left the room, and Vidal guessed he wanted to avoid having to look at the Controller.

'The sooner I start my inspection, the sooner we'll be out of your hair Controller.' Vidal said and then nodded his thanks to Gavin as the Gen placed a glass in front of him.

'I'll get Robin to show you round.' The Channel grunted ungraciously.

'No need Hajene, I'm well acquainted with the layout of a Centre.' Vidal said casually.

'Maybe so. But I don't want you poking and prying into things that are no concern of yours.'

'Controller. EVERYTHING in this Centre, is my concern.' He emphasised firmly.

'Interfering lorshes!' The door slammed as the Controller exited the office like a whirlwind, obviously augmenting.

'Phew. Who rattled his cage?' Gavin demanded. 'And did you see what he was doing just now?'

Vidal laughed briefly. 'It always seems worse when it's a tentacle instead of a finger doesn't it? Took me back to my school days, there was a boy in my class - no, you don't want to know what he did.'

'So what are we going to do about friend Robin? If he is assigned to act as our guide, we'll have to find some way of giving him the slip.' Gavin stated as Vidal sat back with the glass in his tentacles, a thoughtful expression on his face.

'There are two of us Gav. He can't split himself in half can he? We shouldn't have all that much trouble. If push comes to shove we'll just have to try some of the tricks we used on Mars Base.' He grinned at his friend.

'Yeah, but all we found there was gross incompetence, I have a strange feeling that we might find more than that here.'

Vidal sighed softly. 'I hate to admit it, but I think you may be right.'

The door suddenly opened and Robin shuffled in. Vidal found it very disconcerting to be unable to zlin through the white wood doors and walls, and to be as surprised as any Gen when someone entered the room unexpectedly. 'Parv wants me to show you around. Come on then, I've got more to do than stand around waiting for you all day.' He said rudely.

'I'm sure you have. As I just told your Controller, there's no necessity at all for you to accompany us. Please feel free to go about your business.' Vidal stood up, authority in every line of his body.

The renSime cackled mirthlessly. 'Fat chance of that. He'll get his own back if I don't do as I'm told. Come on.'

Vidal shrugged at Gavin before they followed Robin out of the office. He turned left and set off, his voice drifting back over his shoulder as he gave a running commentary on the rooms they were passing. Vidal did not try to stop him, as these were just administrative offices in the main, and not the rooms he was really interested in.

As they passed what were obviously toilet and washroom facilities; Vidal nodded to Gavin, and then followed closely behind Robin as the Gen disappeared inside. Gavin knew that the Channel would be manipulating the fields, so that the Sime would not be immediately aware that he now had only one man behind him, and not two.

Once the two Simes had disappeared around the next corner, Gavin slipped out of the washroom and made his way to the corridor that Robin had dismissed with the words. 'Only a storage room down there. It's locked so you'll have to ask Parv if you want to see in there.' Gavin listened outside the door for a moment, but could hear no sound from within.

Turning the handle he found it opened easily, and he stepped inside. Far from being a storage room, it was completely empty. In fact it looked as though it had recently been thoroughly washed including floor, walls and the small narrow window. He stared around faintly surprised, he had not expected it to be totally bare. On the wall opposite the door, about seven feet off the floor, there appeared to be two large hooks that were approximately six feet apart, but there was nothing attached to them. Perhaps Vidal would know what the room had been used for; he had no idea himself.

Leaving the room and closing the door carefully behind him, he hurried down the corridor in pursuit of the two Simes, catching up with them as Robin was opening the door to the Collectorium, which was also deserted. 'Where is everyone?' Gavin asked as he joined them.

'It's a rest day, most of the staff are off today, they've probably gone out.

They're entitled.' He was informed bluntly.

'Indeed. However, I've never known a Centre to be quite this deserted.' Vidal murmured to Gavin, in an aside.

'The Channels go out to the Settlements for donations, saves them coming here.' Robin informed them.

In less than an hour they had been given a whistle stop tour of the whole facility.

'Well that's the lot. The Controller said there's no reason for him to see you again, so I'll see you both out.' The renSime turned to retrace his footsteps towards the front door.

'No. We shall not be leaving yet.' Vidal stated firmly. 'I must ask you to show us to a guest suite for the night. We shall also require an evening meal, and you can tell your Controller that I shall expect to see him again in the morning.'

'Now look, I've been told to show you both out. You can't stay here over night, and that's that!' His tone was now openly belligerent.

'Why not?' Vidal demanded.

'Well... just because.' The old Sime spluttered. 'Orders, and that's all there is to it.'

'Robin. I appreciate this may be putting you in an awkward position, but I assure you, Gavin and I WILL be staying tonight. You can tell Parv Clifford that if he wants us out of here, and refuses us hospitality, he can come and tell us himself, and he had better have a damn good reason if he does. Understood?'

'I'll give him the message.' The old Sime muttered, then moved away from the door and lead them towards the living quarters once more.

Vidal stood in the open doorway of their guest suite, and zlinned the corridor. 'Good, he's gone. Now tell me what was in that room?'

'Nothing. The cupboard was bare.' Gavin replied, and then paused. 'Well there was something strange about it. Two things actually. One, the room had been thoroughly washed and cleaned recently, today I'd reckon. The Second was something I haven't seen before.' And he explained about the hooks on the wall. 'Have you ever seen anything like that before?'

'No, I can't say that I have.' Vidal retorted, with a frown. 'Are you hungry?'

'Famished.'

'Let's go and find you some food. We can decide on our next move while you eat.'

Several Simes were seated in the dining room, none were eating, but some had glasses of trin in front of them. All were uncommunicative. Although Gavin knew he was being zlinned by all of them as he crossed the room. Vidal zlinned them in turn, and noticed the same darkness as he had observed in the Controllers field. He filed the anomaly away for consideration later, when he had more time to think about it.

In the Cafeteria the cook piled Gavin's tray with food. Fried mushroom and nut patties, salad, and thick slices of warm crusty bread, covered in butter. The desert consisted of a huge baked apple covered in a golden pastry with a liberal helping of fresh cream.

Vidal helped himself to a small high protein nut biscuit of a type he had eaten many times before, a small apple and a glass of trin.

'At least there's nothing wrong with their food. This looks delicious.'

'Your appetite always manages to make me feel hungry.' Vidal admitted wryly, as they settled on a table that was as far away from the other occupants of the room as possible.

'Friendly bunch aren't they?' Gavin muttered, as he began to eat.

'We must go outside after you have finished eating, there is something I need to check. There's a door, which leads to the outside, at the end of this corridor. We'll go and walk the perimeter of the Centre before we retire for the night.'

'Sounds fine to me. By the way do you think they'd call me a glutton if I asked for another couple of slices of that bread? It's delicious.'

'To Simes, all Gens are Gannets, you know that.' Vidal grinned. 'Go and ask for your bread. I have no doubt the cook already has it cut, buttered, and sitting on a plate waiting for you.'

When they set off on their walk, it was a warm evening. Vidal kept the building to his left, zlinning the outside. But the only thing Gavin noticed was that the building was on a slight incline.

'I am right!' Vidal stated suddenly. 'Come Gavin we'd better hurry and get inside. If I am not mistaken we are in for a storm quite soon.'

Vidal's forecast was correct, and shortly after they reached the sanctuary of their rooms, Gavin heard the rain begin to beat down. With a sigh, he sat on one of the chairs and pulled off his boots. 'So what did you discover out there?' He demanded.

'I discovered my friend, that this building is not all it seems.'

'Not all it seems? What is that supposed to mean? As far as I can see this is a plain and simple Sime Centre, just like hundreds of others we've seen before.' 'No, it is far more than that. On the surface there appears to be very little here for us to find. However, they did not expect visitors, especially Tecton visitors, which is why I think there was something in that empty but clean room, that should not have been there. I believe whatever it was, was moved, and the room sanitised while the delightful Parv Clifford was entertaining us.' Vidal sat down and stared into space for a moment, before he continued. 'Did you notice that this structure is built on a hill?'

'Yes, I did notice that.' Gavin admitted. 'What's so unusual about that?' 'Nothing, at first glance, but it is diabolically clever. How many times have we scouted around this entire area? And yet we both missed it.'

'Missed what? Come on Vidal you've had your fun. If you want me to admit I'm dense, all right I'll admit it. Now spit it out!'

'Gavin I've no reason to think that. In fact we both missed the obvious. The rooms inside here are all equally proportioned as to size, are they not? Yet there is at least fifteen feet of wall space in the middle of the building where there are no windows on the outside, and on the inside no rooms apparently exist. Don't you find that strange?'

'Yes I suppose so, I never noticed. What do you think they have in there?'

'First, I don't think we'll find any rooms. If I'm correct, there'll be an entrance somewhere along that wall that will actually lead to a staircase. There must be another complex, the exact same size as the one we are now in, directly underneath here, and we have to get down there my friend.'

Vidal had been right too many times in the past for Gavin to doubt what he said now.

'If the Controller has gone to this much trouble to hide it, then going down there could be very dangerous indeed.' He warned. 'But what to you think IS down there?'

'Gavin, I must do this alone. I think I'll be at less risk than you.' Vidal stated.

'Crap! If you were a Householder like me I could understand that attitude. Wrap the little Gen up in cotton wool he might stub his toe! But you're not a Householder, and I'm Dar trained. Much as you might deny it Vidal I can probably look after myself, a damn sight better than you can look after yourself. So if you are going down underneath this place, then so am I. Discussion over. When do we go?'

Vidal gave a harsh laugh. 'All right we go together, partners as always. But let me make one thing very clear. I have never tried to patronize you, not ever, and I never will. This time I am really worried at what we might find, and there are only two of us, and we don't have any back up to call on. So this time Gavin I don't want any heroics. If I say retreat, that is exactly what we do, and if I say run, we run. And that applies no matter what we might see or find, or indeed, what we may have to leave behind! Agreed?'

Gavin had never seen the Channel look so grave. 'Agreed.' He said quietly. Two hours before dawn Vidal woke his partner from a deep sleep. 'Sorry Gavin, it's time we were on the move.' He waited while the Gen pulled on his socks and boots, as they had not bothered to undress the night before. Then within minutes they were able to slip through the door into the dark corridor.

'I hope we can find this mysterious door.' Gavin whispered. Vidal did not reply, but took the lead, zlinning their way by using his partner's selyn field. Moments later Vidal stopped at the section of corridor where he was sure he would find an entrance. Carefully he began to zlin the walls till he found what he had been looking for, and began to touch the panel with both his fingers and tentacles. 'Very clever.' He murmured suddenly, as a section of the wall slid open. Catching hold of Gavin's arm he drew him inside the dark opening. The wall moved back into place, and almost immediately an automatic light came on. The Channel silently pointed to a staircase, then putting a finger to his lips for silence; he led the way down.

CHAPTER FIVE

Jason fastened Rosebud to a bush where she could crop the lush grass, and yet was close enough to the meandering stream so that she could reach the water for a drink. He did not expect to be gone more than a couple of hours at the most. Then he sighed, it was already dark, and was now raining steadily. In fact it had started to rain shortly after he left the Settlement, what was it about him that attracted the Rain God?

He had decided to try and get into the Sime Centre by using one of the two side entrances he had spotted when he had reconnoitered the place. As it was a dark night he had dressed in his black jump suit. Even so, he had little doubt that to Sime senses he would stand out like a beacon, but he had seen no sign of guards or night watchmen on patrol. Which was a good sign, for if they had nothing to hide, why should they need either? Therefore, he would inject the nanites just before he entered the building, and trust to luck that they did what they were supposed to do, and lasted long enough for him to complete his task. According to what he had been told, they should work within a few minutes of th