CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Senator Kelsey was staring out from the computer screen, his expression a mixture of affront and concern, at Stephen, Cara, John and Astrid. "Who are you people?"he demanded.

"We're the Tomorrow People,"Stephen answered. "And we're Ultra."

"And we got your contact details from Doctor Jedikiah Price,"John added.

Kelsey licked his lips nervously. "I don't know anyone of that name."

"Really?" Cara held up a folder and flipped through it absent-mindedly. "Because that's not what the files we retrieved from him say. According to these, you were heavily involved with him. Abduction, unethical experiments, trying to form an army of super-soldiers…I don't think any of this will look very good come the next election."

Kelsey dropped the pretence and looked at them stony-faced. "What do you want?"

"We want to be left alone,"Stephen replied. "This emerging species, Homo Nova, they're our responsibility now. If there are any breakouts that need help and guidance, training in how to control their powers and fit in with society, then we'll help them. And if any of them start misusing their powers… we'll deal with them too."

"Any sign of a secret organisation coming after us,"Cara continued,"and all the evidence against you becomes public."

"If that becomes public, so do you,"Kelsey pointed out. "How do you think the country will react to knowing there's a new species walking among them?"

"There'll be riots and lynch mobs,"Stephen agreed. "People that think the same as Jedikiah and want to use us or kill us. And there'll be able who sympathise and want to help integrate us, and people who just think we're cool and want to hang out with us. And all of them will be wondering why you kept it secret. So not only is it in your best interests to leave us alone, it's in your best interests to make sure that no-one finds out about us."

Kelsey glared at them. "I hope I never see you again." He cut the link.

"Do you think he really will drop this?"Astrid asked.

Cara shrugged. "You know, I think he might."

"Still leaves us with a lot to sort out though,"John noted. "So we'd better get on with the clear-up."

Randall slowly opened his eyes. He was lying back in a dentist's chair type seat. Then he saw John looming over him and shrank back.

John placed a comforting hand on his arm. "It's okay, Randall. You're safe."

Randall looked at him suspiciously. "You…you took me to that place. Where they…did things to me."

"They did things to me too. But we're both okay now. My friends helped us. Managed to pull our proper memories back out."

Randall looked confused. "How?"

Which was when he heard a nervous female voice. "Randall?"

Randall looked round and focused on the woman standing there. "Mum?"

As mother and son embraced, John took a step back and joined Cara on the other side of the room. "Another happy family reunion,"she commented.

John nodded. "You think we can help them all? All the people Jedikiah brainwashed?"

"I think we can try."

Russell ran his hands over one of the belts and looked up at Irene. The two of them were in the lab. "So, looks like your inventions saved the day."

Irene shuffled, embarrassed. "It was nothing, really. Just something I came up with to pass the time."

"You're kidding? We got rid of Jedikiah and set ourselves up as the one and only future of humanity." He leaned closer and lowered his voice conspiratorially. "And I hear all the prefects are gonna be out this evening so how about we throw a party that will really rock this place?"

Irene sighed. "Is that all you think about?"

Russell shrugged. "Pretty much."

Irene grimaced. "You know, I'd rather stay here. I'm running some programmes to detect new breakouts..."

"Can Tim do it without you?"

Irene sighed. "Yes,"she admitted reluctantly.

Russell took her hand and led her out. "Girl, if it takes me a lifetime, I am going to teach you how to have a good time."

John and Astrid were sat in a restaurant, having just finished their meal. John reached out a hand across the table and, with a smile, Astrid took it. "So, what does a former super-soldier turned rebel leader do with himself?"she asked.

John smiled. "To tell the truth, I'm still working that out."

"I'd be happy to work it out along with you."

"You don't have to still be a part of this. I mean, Jedikiah might be gone and Ultra might be, well, us, but things are probably still going to be pretty hairy."

Astrid looked at him seriously. "John…after everything that's happened, there's nowhere else I could be."

John nodded. "You know I wanted you to say that, right?"

"Thought so. I don't suppose you've got anything to pay the tab with?"

"I just figured I'd teleport us out of here before it came."

"You are such a rubbish date. Stick around and I'll teach you how things work in the real world."

"I can hardly wait."

Astrid led the way to the till and handed over her card. John glanced at the name on it. "You ever think of using your middle name? Elizabeth?"

Astrid gave him a sceptical look. "Really?"

John shrugged. "Just a thought."

Cara rolled over in bed and realised the space next to her was empty. She glanced up and saw Stephen sitting on the edge of the bed, staring out the window of her apartment. She pulled herself out from under the covers and crawled over to him. "What are you doing?"

Stephen gestured out of the window. "Do you think there's lots of people out there like us?"

"Could be."

"Some good, some evil…"

"What, are you writing your own opening narration now?"

"I'm just saying it's a big responsibility."

"Stephen, it's late. Do we have to have this conversation now?"

Stephen looked at her and smiled. "I think it's going to be fun."

Cara couldn't help but smile back. She kissed and hugged him before they settled down to sleep.

All opinions welcome!