Stay: The Real Enemy Is Disclosed

By Ian Newbegin

Frank, and his fellow operatives were kept busy on earth, protecting the inhabitants from each other, since many people were affected by mind altering rays, and these people were made to think that they were fighting for a cause.
Janes, Kate, Chris and Louise continued to grow with their newly acquired powers which were far stronger than those of regular operatives. In fact, the group grew to twelve, four from another planet and they were soon involved with missions to protect both earth and particularly the planet Tishog.
This group soon became known as the Hymaidem, and each member were sworn to secrecy because of their advanced powers. James discovers the Head Quarters for the Deltrum group on Earth, and helps to defuse its potential powers on Earth. Louise is held captive by the group and is saved with James help. Frank learns of James involvement and orders him to never mind travel again, though he does not learn of James true potential.
Disruption to civilisation on earth continues, thus keeping the operatives busy. However, it is soon learned that Tishog is a planet that is in grave danger of being invaded. The Hymaidem take action on this planet, and again later, with the operatives from earth, still, keeping their identity hidden.
Tishog is saved but the activities on earth increase. The navy is involved with potential destruction of a major city, which requires intervention by the hymaidem. The army too is similarly affected, along with some towns. The operatives are kept very busy and Frank is called to a meeting of the Universal Council to explain what has transpired.
Earth seems safe with the increased presence of Trellinian space ships, but why the increased action of mind alteration? Is earth the real target? This is what the operatives and Hymaidem had to solve.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Jan 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503501447

Ian Newbegin

IAN NEWBEGIN was born in 1946 and is a retired Mathematics Teacher for a secondary school in Melbourne, Australia. He has a wide range of interests which led him towards completing his PhD and writing numerous journal articles on education. He wrote a study guide book in 1984 (Australian Study Guide) and has maintained the passion for writing ever since. As a young adult, Ian practiced Karate and meditation, eventually teaching it to students at school, along with relaxation techniques. Later, he developed the concept of ‘mind travel’ from the principles involved in meditation, which forms the basis of the book, ‘Stay’. Ian has four adult children and nine grand children and a loving wife who supports his passion for writing.

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Copyright © 2015 by Ian Newbegin.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-5035-0143-0

                eBook           978-1-5035-0144-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 01/23/2015

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CONTENTS

Prologue

A Long Distance Mission On Board A Space Craft

Practice Makes Perfect

James Takes Action

A Safe Room And An Adventure

Action In Space, A New Plan And James Job Interview

Support Sought And A Tragic Event For The Meltons

A Strange Student Comment And More Training For The Elite Four Teens.

James’ Second Interview And An Important Piece Of Information Disclosed

Peter Henderson And New Allies

An Attempt To Destabilize Earth

The Division Of Missions

Operatives On Earth Encounter Many Problems

Action In Viola Town

Tishog Is In A State Of Turmoil

James Is Secretly Involved In A Mission With His Father

The Invention Of A Super Team

The Hymaidem On The Unstable Tishog

Can Tishog Be Saved?

Kanin Enlightens The Leaders On Tishog.

The Fate Of Flassit

Time To Reconsider And A Close Call

A Battle Against Mind Control

A Search And A Battle

A Major Threat

Supremacy In The Sky And Space.

PROLOGUE

SINCE THE TIME when Frank Melton had become an active ‘Mind Traveller’, he had to keep his actions secret from his family and friends, in fact, the entire world were ignorant of mind travel.

But now his family is privy to the information and have been rewarded with ‘controllers’ of their own. Still, the rest of the world remains ignorant of mind travel, except for those in the same position as Frank and his fellow operatives. The world is indeed ignorant of alien activities, including the more recent use of mind altering rays on unsuspecting people on Earth and the planet, Tishog.

So; Frank and his team are kept busy transporting their minds in search of the ‘Mind Controller’ which threatens not only Earth, but the universe. To aid the team in their search, they were given the ability of ‘free mind travel’ between individuals, only Krakam had this ability and he gave the men the gift through a ‘virus’ he had developed for such a cause.

Now that Franks family knew about his ability to mind travel, he became adamant that his children would not follow his lead and attempt mind travel. Janet supported his request as did both James and Kate, but now they had to enter into a lie to protect their newly acquired abilities.

A new set of aliens enter the scene, on Earth, at the invitation of Krakam. They are the ‘Hymaius’, a spiritual form of being who can transfer themselves anywhere in the universe at will, and freely enter the mind of individuals. But the Hymaius are too powerful and because of this, they have entered into a pact amongst themselves to never intervene when a clash exists between planets. There was to be no favour shown.

Both Earth and Tishog are considered by the ‘Intergalactic Council’ as being ‘backward’ planets and the Hymaius could see an unfair advantage being taken by other planetary systems towards these planets. Two Hymaius, Myramius and Tryradius could see that these two planets were easy targets but given their pact with other Hymaius, they could not personally intervene, so, they created a new group who could aid the operatives with their work in support of Earth and Tishog.

James and Kate were a part of this group, but they could never tell their parents since their powers were far greater than Franks and if it was known what they were capable of, it was thought that all operatives would want the same powers, along with operatives from other planets. Another secret was thus created.

It wasn’t long before James, Kate, Chris and Louise, the select group, were involved with action on Earth. A religious sect had fallen victim to mind altering rays and were directed to kill people in their town, because, supposedly, the people were against the word of God.

Frank and his team were sent to defuse the problem and since they attended to the sect in their own bodies, this made them prone to trouble should it evolve. It was soon discovered that the team was drugged and that the sect planned to kill them, but the newly formed group intervened and the operatives were saved, along with the people of the town. In fact, the sect was disbanded and the disillusioned sect members returned to their homes.

Will Frank be told of his children’s involvement? What are the special powers of this new group and how far will they go to help Earth and Tishog? All is disclosed below.

A LONG DISTANCE MISSION ON BOARD A SPACE CRAFT

NOW THAT THE religious sect in the USA had begun to disband, Frank’s concern turned once more to ensuring that his children would remain safe while he continued to work towards keeping his home planet, Earth, safe.

My involvement with the Intergalactic Council means that my true profile is known to many members on the council. I have no doubt that someone out there, Frank gestured with his hands with a wave, know where I live and a little of my family circumstances. I’m concerned for the safety of my kids and wife, he said whilst sitting in Howard’s office talking with Howard and Krakam.

Each member of your family has a controller, Frank. They will be warned of any danger should it arise, Howard answered nonchalantly.

My kids school was targeted recently, remember? Someone, probably from the Deltrum group, was looking for James and Kate. What if they had been found? Frank said with concern.

But they weren’t! Frank, you cannot keep inventing ‘what ifs’, Howard suggested in his usual, melodious tone which showed no emotion.

Frank, we will look out for your children. Their controllers are constantly monitoring the environment and reporting to our central computer. You need to stay focused with the mission. Trust Howard to ensure the safety of your children, besides, the Hymaius have also said that they would look out for them, Krakam added, concerned for his best operative.

Frank soon accepted what he was being told about his children’s safety when Dave arrived with Tim. Welcome, Tim and David, Howard said as they exited the elevator. Andrew, Gabrielle and Sarah will be here presently but in the meantime, make yourselves comfortable.

They talked about the sect’s disbandment until the other operatives arrived. It was the quickest mission Tim and I have ever been on, Frank quipped. We were being questioned by Brother Francis and then were given a drink, laced with drugs. I don’t know who woke me up, but chaos surrounded us and from that moment, the group disbanded. Strange, Krakam, did you wake us?

No, Frank. I was too late to warn you about the drugged drinks. The sect members were shouting as if possessed, shouting to release you. I suspect the Hymaius had something to do with the outcome, Krakam suggested.

A bell signalled the arrival of the remaining operatives and after everyone had been welcomed, Howard opened the meeting. There is a large ship located about one million kilometers from Earth. It has four cannons and four, long range, mind altering devices. You will all be travelling together on this mission, so that four of you can transfer your minds into individuals on board the ship to create chaos.

Your ship will have cloaking capacity and will have two cannons, both capable of putting a large hole in the side of the vehicle, Krakam said confidently. Howard will fly the ship from Earth, freeing Gabrielle and Sarah to man the cannons. Your minds will be returned to your bodies if any trouble is detected. I will travel from Earth once the ship has been located. By doing this, I can help Howard to find the ship using our own facilities.

The mission will last all day, even though you may cause them to retreat early into the mission. There are no portals where the ship is suspected to be, so Howard will need to manoeuvre the craft, from Earth, at very high speed and this requires great skill. Krakam sat back to observe his operatives.

Wow! A million kilometers. This is going to be some mission. What if we get hit? Sarah asked concerned. It’s not as if we can exit through a nearby portal, is it?

Now you can see why they are using larger ships, Howard replied, not answering Sarah’s question to any level of satisfaction.

That doesn’t solve our problem. Sarah has a valid argument, Dave said pointedly.

I have modified your craft so that it will have a force field around it. The field will take about four hits, but in that time, you will have been removed and taken back to the portal, Howard replied matter of factly.

Still uncomfortable with it Howard, but I guess we’ll have to trust your judgement, Frank said.

So when do we leave? Gabrielle asked, trying to put some enthusiasm back into the mission.

Now, if you are ready, Krakam replied.

Howard led the team down to the receiving bay to give them final instructions. He wanted to make certain that Gabrielle and Sarah knew how to use the cannons, and that each operative was securely strapped into their seat, thus ensuring that the bodies of the mind travellers would not be free to move about in the ship, uncontrolled.

Frank will sit in this front seat, Howard said, then turning to Frank, You will be free to manoeuvre the ship when you reach a visual distance. May I suggest that Tim, Dave and Andrew mind travel to the ship we seek, so that you can fly the ship if danger is perceived.

Frank nodded his agreement and after all the operatives were comfortably on board the space draft, Howard sent them on their way through the portal exiting near the Earth’s moon. Howard and Krakam returned to Howard’s office, allowing Howard to provide the necessary fine control over the vehicle.

It always amazes me to see the moon like this. It seems so, peaceful. James and Kate would love the opportunity to explore it, I’m sure, Frank said casually, to no one in particularly.

It’s beautiful, Frank, Gabrielle said as she turned in her seat to study the cannon she was supposed to use. I’m glad Howard suggested that you stay with this ship. I feel a whole lot safer."

Me too, Sarah added. What would we have done if they fired on us? Who would have steered the ship? Howard? From Earth?

We’re moving away from the moon. I guess Howards in control now, Tim said as he watched the moon recede rapidly into the distance. Wow. This thing can really move.

Yeah, and we have about eight hundred thousand kilometres to go, Dave added as he settled himself back for the flight. Might as well get comfortable during the trip."

I’m going to study the cannon, Sarah said, leaning over the device, turning it and holding the grip to become familiar with it. Gabrielle followed her example while Frank studied the vehicle controls, so that he could access each component rapidly if needed.

Bloody hell, look at that? Blackness, nothing but black, Andrew said quietly while staring out of a window. Look at the Earth and moon, two tiny specks, just a little bigger than the distant stars.

Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked outside to the ship in awe. It looks so lonely and cold, Sarah said while gazing at the earth and moon. This is a privilege to see, and there is no song and dance about it. No pomp. It’s great!

We’re gunna travel a million kilometres to upset the minds of individuals in an enemy ship, then fly the same distance home. Shit! The actual mission may be as short as ten minutes, Dave said having reflected on the time it was taking for them to reach their destination.

Yep. Pretty much like the last mission. We were only with the sect for about half a day, Andrew replied.

Four hours later, everyone heard through their controller, Look to your left. In the distance, you will see a faint outline of a space ship. Its internal lighting can be seen. Howard had taken the precaution of turning off all lighting on board the operatives ship so that it couldn’t be spotted in the same way. Who would have believed that a space ship could have been spotted by the naked eye, so far away from Earth? Yet this enemy was so confident with its plan that they left all lighting on.

I don’t think we’ve been detected, Frank suggested as he manoeuvred their ship towards the enemy. The cloaking shield is up and we are not emitting radio signals.

We’ll leave from here, Frank. Take it easy, ay, Dave said as he settled himself in his seat in readiness for mind travel. The others followed his direction and within a few minutes, three bodies lay slumped in the seat.

The mind travellers had only a short time to target an individual once on board the enemy craft, Dave chose an individual standing next to what he thought was the mind controller. Tim chose a cannon operator and Andrew chose an individual sitting prominently on a seat, overseeing the operations. As agreed, they sat and listened, to enable their controllers to record what they may have heard. The language was foreign to them so they didn’t know what was said, leaving them feeling that they had no control over the situation.

The mind control operator spoke and touched a control on the device. Suddenly, it went silent, suggesting to Dave that the device had been in operation all along. The overseer spoke and the cannon operator shot, seemingly, into empty space. It was time to take action, but someone had initiated action before them, the flight deck was suddenly filled with a confused mass of individuals. Dave shouted nonsense in the mind of the mind control device operator, as did Andrew and Tim, causing chaos on board the ship. Nobody ran about the ship haphazardly, they simply looked around in a state of confusion, unable though, to make a decision about what to do. Andrew decided to be quiet to allow the overseer to gather his thoughts and make a decision. The cannon operator continued to fire frantically into space, as did a second cannon operator. Then suddenly everything went quiet, including the operatives within the mind of the targeted individuals. Organisation was quickly established as each individual went about their assigned task. The operatives lingered for a few minutes more and then returned to their own body.

How did they know that we were here? Frank shouted as he flew the ship to the rear of the enemy craft. Fire at the ship Gabby and Sarah. Hit anything, just shoot at the bloody thing.

I think they’ve been scared off. They were totally confused, Dave reported on his return.

They’ll leave I’m sure, Tim said. They weren’t shooting at anything in particular.

Gabrielle shot at what she thought may have been a propulsion device when suddenly, the ship accelerated. It could no longer be seen. Success, Dave shouted when, in the distance, what could only amount to an explosion was observed.

What’s that? Sarah asked.

I think I hit an engine or something, Gabrielle replied. Do you think they are all dead?

I’m not sure Gabby. We’ll know soon enough I guess. Frank looked at Gabrielle and saw that she was upset. You probably saved us Gabby. Don’t get upset. They were out to destabilise Earth. You did a good thing.

Gabrielle did not respond to Franks comment, but put her head down to reflect on what had just occurred. She thought, If I am going to be an operative, then I have to get used to this, but it didn’t make her feel any better.

Well, that was a long encounter! All of fifteen minutes and now, we have a four hour journey home, Tim said, trying to lighten the mood with light banter.

Let’s go home, Andrew said as he adjusted his seat. The next four hours were spent talking about the success of the mission and how they had probably limited the extent of the enemy’s mission to alter minds somewhere on Earth. Krakam had instructed Gabrielle’s controller to relax her and modify the way she thought about shooting at the enemy, allowing her to eagerly participate in the conversation.

Once back in the bowels of Solitude, they were greeted by both Howard and Krakam who looked pleased with the outcome. Well done, Howard said, while the operatives alighted from the ship. Let’s discuss the mission in my office, and with that being said, they rode the elevator to Howards office.

The enemy ship was compromised. One of its four thrusters was destroyed causing great concern for them. They will make it to their home port, but it will take then a considerable amount of time. Well done, Gabrielle for destroying the thrusters, Howard reported.

I lingered for a bit and was on the ship when the thrusters exploded. They believe that the Intergalactic Council had something to do with the outcome. Let’s hope it stays that way, Krakam added.

They were certainly confused when we entered their mind, Dave reported. Do you have a translation yet?

Yes. The ship was from Goltar. It had apparently been operating in the area for some time and, I believe they had finished their mission. We will have to be alert and watch out for a possible uprising, but where, I cannot say, Howard said.

The mind control device is a new model. It would appear that a considerable amount of work has progressed to make the instrument so powerful. We are dealing with dangerous forces here, much bigger than what we conceived when I retrieved the mind control device earlier, Krakam said urgently. Happily, two other groups have disrupted the action of five enemy ships near the moon. Let’s hope that the enemy understand that their missions are not going unnoticed.

"How could they not know? It seems to me that they are distancing themselves from Earth to avoid detection," Sarah suggested.

Well said, Sarah. But now they are aware that we can travel those distances too, Howard replied.

Yes, but they managed to complete their mission before we saw them, Gabrielle added in support of Sarah’s suggestion. Who knows how many ships are out there, now, undetected.

The girls have a point Howard and Krakam. Earth is still a target, Frank suggested.

Then we must be more vigilant. I will ask my counterpart in England to monitor longer distances from within his region, so that we can cover most of visible space from Earth. It’s a large space I know, but between us, and with the advanced technology, we should be able to limit mind altering practices from such large distances. Howard said confidently.

As if in syncopation, Frank, Gabrielle and Tim sighed, suggesting that the meeting had come to an end. You should all go home and rest, Krakam said, taking notice of the cues. By the time Frank had arrived home, it was after seven o’clock in the evening. He opened the front door wearily and was greeted with, Boy, you’re late dad. You must’ve had a big mission. How’d it go? by James.

Hello to you too, James. Wait until I get changed and I’ll tell everyone what happened, then Frank walked into the bedroom to change into more relaxing clothes. Janet was in the room, waiting.

You look tired, love. Don’t be pestered by James into telling everything, she said while folding his trousers to hang up.

Janet and Frank walked to the kitchen, arm in arm so that Frank could eat his dinner. Wooohoo, look at you two, James teased. Come on dad, tell us what happened.

After I’ve eaten James. Don’t you have some study to do? Frank replied.

Come on James, let daddy eat. He’ll call us when he’s ready, Kate said to her brother while tugging on his arm to direct him towards the study.

After finishing his meal, Frank called down the hall way, Okay you two, in to the lounge room,

Just a minute Dad, I’ve just gotta finish this problem, James replied.

Our boys taking his study seriously love. He didn’t dump his work, Frank said to his wife as he flopped into a seat.

Alright, I’m ready, but be quick Dad, I’ve still got two problems to solve, James said when he entered the room. Frank and Janet nodded to each other, impressed with what they had heard.

Kate sat on the floor in front of her father, while James sat on the arm of the seat. For the next half hour, Frank told his family what had transpired, including what had been discussed in Howard’s office after the mission. The action part of the mission took only fifteen minutes, Frank said at the conclusion of his explanation.

Why can’t you mind travel from Earth Dad. Then you wouldn’t need to travel such large distances and get so tired, James asked, concerned for his father’s wellbeing.

I guess we don’t know the exact location until we are in view of the enemy ship, Frank suggested. It would be an ideal situation James.

Ah well. Back to reality. I’d better finish my work, James said while walking back to study. Kate sat with her parents to listen to any other piece of information her father might disclose.

If Krakam can transfer his mind from Earth, why can’t we? Frank said to Janet.

He probably enters your mind first, love. Your location is known to him, Janet suggested.

Couldn’t you go on the mission in clone bodies, daddy? That way, you will be protected if your ship is damaged, Kate asked concerned for her father. If the enemy ship can be damaged, surely her father’s ship could too.

I guess it’s up to the council to provide the clones Kate. They are not fully aware of the mission at the moment, Frank replied.

Kate left her parents who watched some television before retreating to their bedroom and bed. Franks family had given him something to think about for future missions and he was pleased that he had explained the outcome fully.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

AT THE TIME that Frank and his team were moving towards their mission in deep space, James, Kate and Chris were meeting during a break in the school program. Louise was left to consider what had transpired earlier with the religious sect, by herself, since she attended a different school.

That was an amazing experience, Kate said while holding Chris’ hand, looking around to see if any teacher was in view.

Yeah, and I bet we’ll have many more like it, Chris replied excitedly. I reckon we are more powerful than your Dad’s team, James.

I was thinking about that too. We can make our own body to transport our mind into, and can stay invisible if we want. Dad can’t do that, James added. Then returning to the mission in which they participated, said, Did you see the way the sect became confused and then, like, they woke up and didn’t want to be part of it anymore.

Lucky we were called. Your Dad ’n all were drugged. Who knows what could’ve happened, Chris replied. I think we still need practice in transporting our minds and making bodies, then I’ll feel more confident with what I’m doing. If Earth is a target, we have a lot of land to cover, only we four and, what, five from Solitude, can freely mind travel? We need to be able to find our targets a lot quicker.

You’re right, Chris. Let’s ask the Hymaius next time we’re with them, James suggested.

I’m glad that we can mind travel, but I wish we could tell Mum and Dad, Kate said with a hint of sadness in her voice.

Me too, Katey, but if Mum ’n Dad knew, it would get the Hymaius into trouble. It’s best that we work with Myramius and Tyradius and trust their judgement. Besides, once we are fully familiar with what we are capable of doing, we will be able to work with more confidence, and concentrate on making sure that Dad ’n his team don’t get into trouble, James answered.

Let’s meet with the Hymaius after school. The sooner we get better at it all, the better. We can tell Louise through her controller, Kate said, suddenly feeling a bit insecure. Chris and James agreed to the suggestion and when the bell rang, Kate and James returned to their classes.

After school, Kate and James went home to change their clothes and told their mother that they were going to meet Louise at the mall. Don’t eat too much, you still have your dinner to eat, Janet said to her children.

While walking to the mall, they met up with Chris who had just finished work and together, they continued on. Where’s Louise? James asked as he scanned the passing crowd.

Are you blind, he heard while looking down the walkway. Suddenly, he was confronted by Louise who was still in her school uniform. Geeze, Louise, look at you. Are you posh or something. You look like ya goin’ on a major excursion. Our uniform’s crap compared to this. Wow. You look like someone who’s really intelligent, and you’re such a spunk, James said while ogling his girl friend.

I swear. Boy’s are so stupid, Louise answered, dropping her school bag on the floor. A school uniform doesn’t define a person, James.

Yeah, but look at you, he replied, obviously overawed by what he saw.

Come on you two, let’s go outside. I bet a car’s waiting for us, Kate interrupted, grabbing her brother by the arm while Louise picked up her bag and threw it over her shoulder.

Once outside, they saw a limousine parked in a no standing zone with the driver arguing with a parking attendant. Here they are now. Didn’t I say they wouldn’t be long? the driver said with a cigarette hanging from the corner of his mouth, obviously enjoying his masquerade.

The teenagers climbed into the vehicle and were soon on their way. You enjoy your little play acting don’t you? Louise said.

It’s me, Myramius and yes, I do enjoy it. I try to act out a character from your old movies, but not too successfully I’m afraid. Anyway, it’s fun.

Where are we going this time, Myramius? Chris asked.

Well now. Look outside and find out? Myramius replied matter of factly.

They looked through the side windows and saw that they were once more on the moon. They gasped, realising that they were only in a car, but it was no ordinary car as they now reasoned. Myramius drove the vehicle along the terrain when Kate shouted, Look, over there. There’s a building.

Myramius turned the vehicle and headed towards the building, pulling up just short of its entrance. How are we gunna get in Myramius? Chris asked concernedly. We sure as hell can’t open the door and run for it.

I want you to transfer your minds inside the building. There, you will find a clone of yourself. Enter the clone, Myramius said before disappearing.

Within seconds, the four teenagers were relocated inside the building and inside an exact clone of their own body. Now. Relocate yourself into any of the clones you see over there, Tyradius pointed to a row of cloned bodies sitting alongside a wall. Again, seconds later, they were each relocated within another clone. Now, Tyradius said, I want you to relocate your mind within a clone behind the screen over there, then bring your clone from behind the screen.

One by one, a clone walked out from behind the screen. Each clone was a copy of an individual from another planet and when the four participants looked at each other, they laughed at seeing the strange shapes that existed for intelligent life in the universe. No two individuals had the same colour, some were deep red, dark brown, green and white. The physical size varied from tall and thin to short and squat. Some were hairless and others full of hair. When they spoke, there was a strange range of pitch heard from a rumbling base to a high pitch shrill.

I want you to pick one of the clones in front of you, study it, and make a copy of that clone and enter its mind, Myramius said, pleased with the progress thus far. The clones paired off and carefully studied each other. This process took about two minutes then, one by one, a copy of each clone was made and entered. At this stage, nobody knew who was located in which body, they acted together and spoke amongst themselves excitedly. Kate, Where are you? a short, red, fat individual asked with a high pitched voice. Over here, a tall, thin, green individual replied with a deep husky voice. The two stared at each other and laughed with mirth as did the other two individuals. Chris had found Kate, and James, Louise.

Now, quickly swap bodies, Tyradius said, at which, the bodies slumped a little before springing back to life. Create the other form and enter it, Tyradius added and within a minute, the process was completed.

Myramius suddenly pulled out a cannon and shot in the direction of the four cloned copies, killing them instantly. The bodies lay on the ground, bleeding from the dismembered remains. Tyradius looked at Myramius and said, How long will it take? He turned his head and looked towards the cloned bodies of the four teenagers. Almost in synchrony, the bodies sprang to life with each shouting some form of expletive. Shit! Why did you do that? Chris said.

To show you that you cannot die when your copied body is killed. Your soul is very alert and will always protect you. Death on a mission is impossible for you, but, death can occur if Frank, or any of the others are trapped within a clone which is then killed. You must know this, Myramius answered knowingly. You will also be pleased to know that you can work efficiently in the body of the opposite sex.

We are going outside to investigate the moon’s surface, so, change to your spiritual form. This building will disappear, as will your bodies, but do not despair, you will return to your body back on Earth after a little while, Tyradius said to the excited group.

Once the change had been made, the building and limousine disappeared. Follow us, Myramius said, making himself slightly visible. They flew over crevices and hills, all completely barren of life. There’s a building over there, did you make it? James asked.

We did. This building is permanent, and there is someone you know inside. We will enter the building and remain completely calm. At no time should you show yourselves in any form, Myramius said, gaining a ‘yes’ from each of the teenagers.

On entering the building they saw, Krakam. This was his vantage point to detect who might come through the portal since it faced the portal. He sat looking at a variety of screens, one showing the portal while others showed a space craft in a location which had a direct view of Earth. Krakam was not distracted. He never knew that they were present.

Leave now and return to your own bodies, Tyradius said, after which, he materialised next to Krakam.

The four young mind travellers returned to Earth and to their bodies which were still in the limousine that was now parked safely in the car park of the mall. Myramius smiled at them and said, You do not need to worry about anything. You are all competent mind travellers and will be guided by Tyradius and myself. Go now and enjoy the rest of your evening.

They entered the mall talking excitedly, ignoring the people around them. James carried Louise’s school bag for her as they headed towards an icecream parlour for a snack before each went their own way. The bond between the four had grown as had their trust.

Chris walked his cousin home while Kate and James headed home to hear what had transpired during their father’s mission. James had homework to complete and was excited about the examinations which were fast approaching and which signalled the end of his formal education.

This is fantastic, Kate. We can look after Dad and his team without them ever knowing. We can also go on missions ourselves to help the cause, James said excitedly to Kate as they walked towards home.

Yeah, and we are doing it with people we respect. It’s going to be hard to keep it a secret from Mum and Dad. We know so much about mind travel and they might pick it up, Kate replied.

Frank and Janet will help us. They always manage to dull our minds.

Your mind is always dull James, Kate said jokingly, gaining a response from her brother in the form of a neck hold. By the time they reached home, both were sufficiently calm to mask the activity they had so recently experienced.

JAMES TAKES ACTION

FRANK, YOU AND Andrew have been requested to attend a special meeting of the Intergalactic Council, Howard said to Frank over the telephone, when Frank had arrived at work.

"How many times is it now, Howard? Three times we have been called to special meetings, and each time about something that has transpired on Earth. You’d think they’d monitor Earth