How Far Away the Stars Seem

'I can think of better places to spend my holidays than this polluted, war-torn, hung-over planet!' Volta the astro-pilot commented to his passenger. As a free-lance space pilot, one of the best in his profession, he often undertook work for the Constellations, the inter-galactic hero force. There were 88 of them, representing each constellation in the night sky, plus their leader, Pole Star, living on a remote space station. They had pilots of their own, but Volta was one of a handful who'd be called upon when all their own pilots were occupied.  'Are you sure you want to stay, here, Herc? There are much better places in the universe and I could take you to any number of them.'

'Earth happens to be my home,' Hercules replied, indignantly, 'and I do want to spend my leave here. I'll see you in three weeks, Bluetop.' Hercules referred to Volta's hair, which was a vivid blue, the one visible sign that he wasn't human.

'Each to his own, I suppose,' Volta grumbled. His opinion of Earth and its population was very low indeed. Primitive, violent, ruining their own habitat. Fools. Not to mention the fact their bodies didn't generate enough electricity to make a slice of toast. At least the humans who'd escaped to Constellation Station had other talents to make up for that.

**

During his train journey, Hercules mused about how much things had changed in the years since he'd left Earth to join the Constellations. People dressed differently, the trains were different, even the money wasn't quite the same. For three weeks, he wouldn't be Hercules, the hero of the Constellations, but Brian Watson, a human being trying to make sense of how much the world had changed since he was last here.

He arrived unannounced at the home of James and Julia Lovell, his adopted parents. They were delighted to see him, and invited him to join them and their guests for dinner. 'Guests?' Brian said, horrified. 'Oh, no, really, if I'd known you had company, I wouldn't have come.'

'It's no problem, Brian. They’re not ''company''. They’re today's Freedom League.' Brian wasn't sure he wouldn't have preferred 'company' to having to face up to the fact his old team had changed, too.

'There's plenty of food, and they'd love to meet you. Besides, Russell would never forgive you if you didn't join us.' Julia ushered him into their front room. The people sitting around the table were different from the people who'd sat round that same table when he'd lived there.

'These are the new Freedom League,' James said. 'Folks, this is Brian, one of the very first Freedom Leaguers.' Brian looked at them each in turn. He knew Russell, who'd joined a few weeks before he'd left. Then, Russell had been hardly more than a boy. He'd grown up, though he still had the same bright copper curls and cheeky grin.

The others were all total strangers. They all smiled at him, but Brian felt painfully shy as he pulled up a chair next to Russell and scrutinised them all. Next to him was a handsome, athletic man who introduced himself as Richard; he held hands under the table with a beautiful woman with golden hair - Fiona. Opposite her sat Platinum blonde Linda and brunette Vicky. Next to her, a quiet, ordinary-looking man called Paul. Opposite him, Steve, who, Brian noticed, had artificial arms and a scar on one cheek.

As they carried on their conversation, it became clear to Brian they were all extremely clever. Several of them were university students; Paul was working towards a PhD in chemistry. Brian had never been academic; he never felt at ease among clever people that he didn't know. The biggest blow was when James told Brian he was stepping down as leader of the group in favour of Richard.

'It's funny seeing all these new faces,' Brian admitted to Julia as he helped her wash up. 'I miss the old days. When I walked in I half expected to see Chris and Pete and everyone, all still here, like it used to be, but everyone's different. Where are they all? Nothing bad's happened to them, has it?'

'Why, no. Loretta's still around, in fact, she's probably on her way over. You'll see, she hasn't changed a bit. Peter is a headmaster -'

'Headmaster? You're kidding me!'

'No, he's headmaster of a school in Darrowburn, and he's got his own team of variants down there. Rosemary's with him.'

'Married to him?'

'No. They never married, not each other, and not anyone else, either. As far as I know, they're both well and happy. Owen kind of retired into the scientific world - he wanted to channel his abilities into fighting disease instead of fighting crime.'

'Ever hear from Chris?'

'No, never.'

'It's good to see the group's still going, anyway,' Brian said. 'There were times when it seemed like it was gong to dwindle to nothing.'

'I don't think there's any danger of that,' Julia said. 'Not now.'

'No, but how could James not be leader? How could he give it up? Why, that Richard isn't even a variant! '

'He's afraid his powers are fading,' Julia said, sadly. 'I can't see it myself. He's as good as he ever was, to me, but he's convinced himself he has to stand down in favour of someone younger. Richard may not be a variant, but he's very talented. He's a natural leader, so it's not doing the group any harm.'

'And that girlfriend of his - Obsidian's niece? How can you justify that?'

'Easily. She and Obsidian are bitter enemies, even if they are related.'

Brian was reassured to see, when she arrived, that Loretta hadn't changed. The human image she used to hide her true alien appearance was the same as it had ever been. Unlike James and Julia, her hair wasn't turning grey; there were no tiny lines around her eyes. Brian was glad to see her, and felt more comfortable talking to her than to any of the others. 'It's all so different,' he confided. 'I never thought things would have changed so much. I'd planned to spend my planet leave here, but things are so different. I don't belong any more. These new Freedom League kids are nice enough, I suppose, but they're strangers.'

'I am sorry you feel that way,' Loretta said. 'I suppose the changes all happened so gradually that I never noticed them. You've had to face all of them at once.'

'I was thinking. Perhaps I'll go to Darrowburn and see Peter and Rosemary.'

'They're older, too, you know. They also have changed.'

'Yeah, I guess so, but I'd still like to see them.'

**

Having been informed by one of Rosemary's neighbours that 'Miss Ellis is on holiday for two weeks', and getting no answer at the impressive mansion Peter had acquired, he had the unpleasant feeling he wasn't going to see them after all. Still, Darrowburn was a pleasant enough town. Brian decided to stay there anyway.

The Pilgrim's Inn was a small hotel near the centre of town, well-placed for sightseeing. The decor was pleasant and welcoming, as was the girl on the reception desk. She had a pretty face which seemed to light up when she smiled, and she smiled a lot.

Claire Jackson was impressed by the man who'd walked into the hotel carrying a small suitcase. Some physique, she thought, as he walked across the lobby and up to her desk. 'Do you have a single room?' he asked.

'How long for?' Claire asked.

'Two weeks.'

She consulted the register. 'Yes,' she said, 'we do. £20 a night, en suite.'

'I'll take it.'

'It's number 15, up the stairs on the left. Here's the key.'

'The key to your heart?' he teased.

'Oh, no. That'll cost you a lot more than £20 a night! Will you be eating here this evening?'

'Yes, if I may.'

'Dinner is served between seven-thirty and nine.'

'Thanks.' Brian picked up his case and walked away. Claire watched him appraisingly. That man definitely had a great body. A nice face, too; and he was on his own.

Later that evening, she had another opportunity to talk to him. On his way to dinner, he stopped by reception again and asked, 'Do you have any information about things to see and do around here?'

Claire told him there was a selection of leaflets in a rack in the corridor, but rather than go and peruse them, he said, 'I saw that, but there were an awful lot of them. I was hoping you'd be able to recommend something.' He seemed glad of someone to talk to. Claire wondered if he was lonely. If so, she could do something about it.

'There is a lot to see, you're right,' she said. 'I'm not working tomorrow. I could show you around, if you like.'

'That's a great idea,' Brian said. He liked this bubbly young girl, but asking her to go out with him hadn't seemed right. She wouldn't want a stupid old man like me. Perhaps he was wrong about that.

When Brian returned to his room, his communicator was buzzing. Reluctantly, he picked it up, hoping there was no crisis that would cut short his holiday. It was Mensa. 'Have a care, Hercules,' Mensa said, without preamble. 'She's rather young for you.' Mensa was his team mate, remarkable because he was virtually omniscient about anything happening in the Universe in the present or the past. He would know all about Claire on reception and that Brian had made contact with her.

'What does age matter?' he replied, a little irritated that Mensa had seen fit to interfere this time. He so often didn't, and kept his knowledge to himself. 'I realise she's younger than me, but I suspect she's over twenty-one.'

'The age of majority in the United Kingdom is eighteen now.'

'There's no problem, then, is there? She's definitely older than that. I don't mind, she doesn't seem to mind, so stop worrying, I'm not breaking any laws.'

'No - but mind the level of your involvement. You know there cannot be a future in it.'

'OK, OK, now, if you don't mind, Mensa, I want to go to bed.'

**

Over the next few days, Claire showed Brian the sights of Darrowburn, and took him to her favourite haunts. She liked him a lot, and became more and more frustrated that he kept his distance. She tried sitting close to him on the bus so that their thighs were touching. She took care with her make-up and wore her most revealing t-shirt. She flirted shamelessly, but for days, he didn't seem to notice.

Her wishes were finally granted at the beginning of his second week, when, as they strolled together in the grounds of the cathedral, she edged closer to him, and he reacted as she'd hoped he would, by taking her hand. They walked in silence for some time. He stopped, and turning to look at her, said, 'Claire. It's a long time since I felt like this about anybody.' She slid her arms around his waist, and he kissed her. At last, she thought, my hints have finally got through to him!

The kiss was long and lingering. Claire felt as if she was floating on air. Then he broke away. 'I shouldn't be doing this,' he said, but his arms stayed around her. 'It's not fair on you. I have to leave on Friday.'

'We could stay in touch, Brian. You're from Birmingham, right? That's not so far away.'

Birmingham isn't. But Constellation Station is.

'I'm too old for you.'

'I don't think so,' Claire said. 'Anyway, age doesn't matter. It's just a number.' They kissed again, for a long time. Brian knew he had to leave her at the end of the week no matter what, and he'd probably never see her again. He'd never been lucky with women. The longer they kissed, the more he wanted to savour the experience for as long as he could.

**

'When are we going to meet this wonderful man, then?' Lizzie asked, when Claire and her friends were eating breakfast around the kitchen table.

'Well...'

'Go on, Claire,' Judith said. 'We want to see what all the fuss is about.'

'Okay, okay, you win. I'll ask him tomorrow. If he's okay with it, we can meet at the bar of the Pilgrim's Inn.'

Brian's palms sweated as he waited for Claire's friends to arrive. They sounded like a pretty impressive bunch. Judith, for example. Of her, Claire had said, 'She's an electrical engineer. She's really brilliant, got a degree in electrical engineering at about sixteen, can make up a television set from spare parts in half an hour, that kind of thing.'

Then there was Ann. 'She's dead talented. She used to be in a rock band but had to give it up because something went wrong with her voice. She still writes music, though.'

And Lizzie. 'Lizzie's so slim, yet she can eat what she likes. It's sickening. She can't make her mind up whether she wants to be an athlete or a dancer - she's excellent at both.'

More clever, talented people, just like those new Freedom Leaguers.

He recognised them at once from the descriptions Claire had given him. He felt clumsy and dumb in comparison to them before they'd even spoken to him.

'Hi, I'm pleased to meet you,' Judith said, shaking his hand. 'Claire's told us so much about you.'

Too intellectual for the likes of me, Brian thought, just like Rosemary was.

Lizzie smiled a dazzling smile at Brian, and said, 'You must be Brian. Hi. I'm Lizzie.' He stared at her. The likeness was staggering... he remembered just in time that it was extremely rude to stare at her open-mouthed as he was doing.

'Where are you from, Lizzie?' he asked, intrigued. Could her likeness to Rosemary be a coincidence?

'Me? Oh, I'm from the East End of London. Can't you tell by the accent? They call me Sparrow round here, 'cos I'm a Cockney.'

'Are your family all from there?'

'Yep. As far back as the Ark.'

Well, Brian thought, that answered his question. She couldn't be related to Rosemary, then.

After the meal, Ann announced that she had to go and water some plants for a friend who was on holiday. Judith was going to visit someone called Adam, and Lizzie had booked a squash court with someone called Mike. 'Is it a coincidence that they're all leaving or are they leaving us alone together?' Brian asked.

'I wouldn't be surprised if it was the latter. So, what do you think of them?'

'Very nice.'

'Especially Lizzie. Don't think I didn't notice you ogling at her.'

'Aw, c'mon. She reminded me of someone, that's all.'

'An old girlfriend?'

'Not exactly. Someone I knew a long time ago. I'd rather not discuss her. We only have a couple of days before I have to leave. Let's not waste time talking about someone I haven't seen for years.'

'Do you have to go back?'

'Yes, Claire, I do. There can't be any argument about that. I have to go back to work.'

Claire knew she wasn't going to persuade him to stay, not with words, anyway. There were other ways. Those ways were not to be used lightly, but Claire concluded the situation justified it. She was falling in love with him. 'Shall we go up to your room for a nightcap?' she asked, and was delighted when he agreed.

**

Even though he was millions of miles away, Mensa knew the British Rail timetable by heart. Not only that, he knew the names, addresses and life histories of every passenger on every train. As Brian and Claire stood clinging to each other on the platform, Mensa knew there was a potentially interesting encounter in the offing.

'Can't I even write to you?' Claire pleaded. Brian wished fervently that he could take her with him, but there was no room for partners on Constellation Station who weren't part of the force. For the first time since he'd joined, he almost regretted it, and wished he really did live in Birmingham, as he'd told her.

'I'm sorry, Claire, but it's best we call it a day now. I'm sorry, I'm really sorry, but it's just not possible to carry on.'

'Couldn't I visit you?'

'It would be a bit awkward.'

Claire stepped back and looked him in the eyes. 'I know what it is,' she said, her eyes narrowing. 'You're married, aren't you? All that stuff about me being the first... it was all a lie, wasn't it?'

That's the answer, Brian thought, gazing down at her tearful face. 'Yes, Claire,' he said humbly. 'I'm married. I'm sorry. I never wanted to lie to you, but if I'd told you it would only have spoiled things.'

'What do you think it's doing now, damn you? I could at least have had good memories! Now all I'll be able to remember is how you took me for a ride! Leave me alone!' She jerked free of his embrace, turned and ran down the platform and out of the station.

'Claire!' he called after her. Brian felt a stab of guilt for having lied, and for a split second nearly ran after her to tell her the truth. What was the point, anyway? There was no way she'd believe him. Whatever happened, he still had to leave.

It hurt like hell now, but with time, it would fade, Brian told himself. It had done last time. Eventually. Claire would meet someone else, a handsome French chef, or a rich hotel owner, and put Brian down to experience. He was part of her history already. Sadly, he turned to walk away as people began to pour from the train which had just pulled in.

He saw her. In an instant, the memory of Claire faded to be replaced by another. She'd changed, too, Brian noticed with regret, but it was unmistakably her. He froze, watching from a distance. She climbed down from the train. The man with her held out his hand to help her. They walked along the platform towards Brian. As they reached him, the man noticed him. 'It can't be!' he cried. 'Good grief, it is! It's Brian!'

'Peter Mayfield,' Brian said. 'I hardly recognised you!'

'You haven't changed a bit, Brian, how on Earth do you manage it?'

'Not being on Earth helps,' Brian said. 'You don't age so fast in space.'

'Brian, it's so good to see you!' Rosemary cried, hugging him. 'I really thought I'd never see you again when I heard you'd joined that off-world task force! How are you? You must tell us all about it.'

'I'm afraid I haven't much time. I have to go and pick up my transport back. I was allowed a couple of weeks off after a mission on Earth. I went to see Unicorn and everybody, and I'd hoped to catch up with you two a bit sooner.'

'We've been away,' Rosemary said. 'That's a real shame. We'd have loved to spend time with you.'

'I heard you've got a team of your own, Peter.'

'That's right. It would've been nice if you could have met them. It would've been good for them to hear first hand what it's possible for people like us to do. They'd learn a lot.'

'You two running your own team. It doesn't seem possible!'

'We think the same thing, sometimes.'

'Rosemary, Peter - why don't you come and visit Constellation Station?'

'Could we?'

'I reckon so. I'm sure when I tell Pole Star that I missed out on spending time with my best friends, he'll be happy for you to come and stay for a while. In any case, he's always keen to find out about the other teams that exist in case we ever need to collaborate - so you could bring your whole team!'

'I don't know about that,' Peter said. 'What if they all decide they'd rather be Constellations than G-Men and we lose them all?'

'No hope of that. There's no vacancies right now. It would be strictly a visit. Of course, in years to come, if a vacancy arose, perhaps - but not now.'

Peter and Rosemary looked at each other. A true experience for the G-Men; for themselves, too. 'All right, we'll come.' Rosemary told him. 'You arrange it, and tell us what we have to do. We'll look forward to it.'

'Right. I'll find a way to get a message to you. Meanwhile, I have to catch that train - or I won't get to the pick-up point on time. I don't want to risk making Pole Star angry - not when I want to ask him a big favour!'

They waved to him as he ran for the train, and left the station, arm in arm. Outside the station, they found Claire, sitting on a bench, sobbing.

'Claire, what's wrong? What's happened?' Claire wiped her eyes and looked up to see Rosemary bending over her, deeply concerned. Had something dreadful befallen the G-Men? Was Claire the one sent to break the bad news?

'Oh, Rosemary,' was all she managed to say before she started to cry again. Peter hailed a taxi, and they drove in silence to the mansion.

They were overcome with relief to find everything was normal there, with Judith happily tinkering with something electrical on the kitchen table.

'What's wrong, Claire?' Judith asked, kindly. She suspected what, or rather who, had been the cause.

'He - he - he's gone! And he's married! The rat never told me! That's it! I'll never go out with a man ever again!' With that she fled from the room.

'Holiday romance,' Judith said to Rosemary by way of explanation.

'I didn't know she'd been on holiday,' Rosemary said.

'She hasn't,' Judith said. 'It was him that was on holiday. He was a guest at the hotel. Nice enough bloke, but obviously not interested in anything long term. He was quite a bit older than Claire, I think.'

'I don't think she knew he had a wife,' Rosemary said. 'Sounds like telling her was his parting shot.'

'She'll get over it,' Judith said. 'Perhaps she should have a holiday, to help her forget about him.'

'Well, Peter and I may have just the thing, not only for Claire, but for all of us. A trip to Constellation Station.'

'Where?'

'A space station. You've heard of the Constellations?'

'Vaguely,' Judith said. 'Didn't somebody from the Freedom League go and join them? I recall Russell telling me that.'

'That's true. Hercules. We knew him quite well. He was our generation of Freedom League. Anyway, to cut a long story short, he's been on a mission to Earth. We ran into him on his way back. He said he'd arrange for us all to go and see how they live up there.'

'Sounds just the thing to cheer Claire up,' Judith said.

'Shall we go and tell her?' Peter suggested. Judith and Rosemary followed him upstairs to Claire's room.

He rapped on Claire's bedroom door. 'Claire? We're all going away. On holiday.'

The door opened. Claire's tear-stained face peered out. 'What?'

'We're sorry about your boyfriend,' Rosemary said, 'but we have the chance of the trip of a lifetime. Somewhere a long way away. It'll do you good.'

'As long as it's not Birmingham, I don't mind.'

'Good heavens, where we're going is a lot further afield than Birmingham. Constellation Station.'

'Never heard of it.'

'It's in space!' Judith said.

'In space? Are you having me on?'

'Absolutely not,' Peter said. 'Think you'll be up to coming with us?'

'You bet I would! That sounds really exciting! When do we leave?'

Claire brightened visibly. That was exactly what she needed. Something to look forward to. Peter and Rosemary went to break the exciting news to the rest of the team, who were equally thrilled at the prospect of a trip into outer space in the near future.

Adam, in particular, was pleased - he was sure he'd be well accepted among aliens, some of whom would no doubt look as strange as he did. Who knew, perhaps there was even a planet full of animate statues like himself.

**

The pick-up point was a quiet country road in the wilds of Kent, late at night, to minimise the chances of being seen. The transport arrived on schedule; a door slid open to admit them. Peter and Rosemary had expected to see their old friend Brian at the controls, but instead, in the open doorway stood the blue-haired pilot, Volta, and another tall, humanoid alien with curly black hair and a glint in his eye.

The latter stepped forward and bowed to the assembled party with a flourish. 'I am Puppis the Poop,' he announced. Maria stifled a giggle. Did he realise how silly that sounded? 'I have been sent to escort you to Constellation Station, along with Volta, here, our captain for this trip.'

'He looks friendly, I don't think,' Ann whispered to Claire, as Volta scowled at them.

'Isn't Hercules with you?' Rosemary asked.

'Alas, no, for duty called,' Puppis explained. 'The life of a Constellation is never predictable. A mission arose which required great strength; our powerful muscle-beings were needed somewhere near Alpha Centauri. He will return soon to spend time with you, so please, do not be alarmed, dear lady.'

Puppis gestured for them to enter, explaining that he'd tell them everything they needed to know about space travel and point out the interesting sights on route.

Volta took his leave, muttering, 'I'm nothing but a bloody taxi driver for bloody useless Earthlings lately.'

'I wouldn't let Hercules hear you say that if I were you,' Puppis called after him. 'These are his friends, and they're no ordinary Earthlings.'

Adam and Maria, in particular were excited and a little afraid. They'd never even flown in an aeroplane before. Puppis showed them how to fasten their safety harnesses, explained in detail the meaning of each and every sound the engine might make, and what would happen during their trip. 'You are probably aware of the great distances involved, so you won't be surprised to hear that we will be making use of a hyper-drive. As you're not used to space travel, you may feel disoriented when the hyper-drive operates, but I can assure you the feeling will soon pass. Let me also reassure you that this is the safest spacecraft in the known universe. As a former space pirate, I am more than qualified to make these judgements.'

Puppis was an excellent guide, pointing out each planet in the Solar System as it flashed by. Once the hyper-drive was fully activated, it was possible to undo the safety harnesses, and, as far as possible, relax. At that point it wasn't unlike any other journey, a long period of time with little to do but wait to arrive.

Peter, Judith and Mike persuaded Puppis to show them the flight deck, much to Volta's annoyance. 'I can live without this,' he grumbled. 'How am I supposed to concentrate when I have to try to explain to three members of an intellectually sub-normal race how this highly advanced machine works?'

'I would be underestimating your ability, my dear Volta, if I suggested you couldn't manage it,' Puppis said. 'I have every confidence you could fly this crate standing on your head if you had to; but I can explain it to them perfectly well.' He ran through the basics. Mike had to admit he was a little baffled, but Judith grasped the concepts with perfect ease. Mike noted with satisfaction the look of total amazement on Volta's face when she asked Puppis what must have been a very intelligent question.

'OK, so you get the odd bright one,' Volta scowled when they'd gone, 'but I've still got more power in my little toe than they have in their entire scrawny bodies.'

The journey passed without incident until they had to come out of hyper-drive, several hours later, in what would have been the early hours of the morning in Kent. By this time, the passengers had made themselves as comfortable as possible and fallen asleep. Puppis woke them to make sure they were safely fastened in. Once this was accomplished, only Maria curled up and went back to sleep again.

The transition to normal speed was marked by a terrific jolt, like braking sharply in a fast-moving car. This woke Maria again, abruptly. She didn't go back to sleep, this time, but was cross and grumpy, and even snapped at Adam. Puppis pointed out the features of space on the approach to Constellation Station, a pinprick of light in the centre of the viewer.

It all seemed to be going smoothly - until a small craft flashed across the screen. As it did, the ship lurched. 'What was that?' Lizzie asked anxiously, gripping the arm of her seat. Puppis had turned pale. Like nervous fliers who tell themselves that as long as the stewardesses are smiling and pouring out drinks everything must be all right, the G-Men had felt secure as long as Puppis looked calm and in control. Now, he didn't, and they were distinctly worried.

'Wriles,' Puppis said, little beads of sweat forming on his brow.

'What are they?' Maria asked, but before anyone could answer, the ship rocked dangerously and the lights flickered.

'Wriles,' Puppis said, trying to recover his composure, 'are a race of beings from a planet a quarter of a light year from here. They objected to the building of the Constellation Station, even though the proper authorities were consulted from the beginning. They're hostile, and every so often they mount an attack.'

The Wrile spacecraft re-appeared on the viewer. The beam of the Wrile ship's laser cannon headed straight for them. The ship lurched again, and the screen went blank. They heard Volta's voice on the intercom. 'Damn Wriles,' he said. 'I hit one, but there's still another one out there. Crack fighter, I'd say. We've been hit twice. If this goes on we may not...' There was a loud noise and the lights in the passenger cabin went off. 'They've hit the generator!' Volta cried before the intercom died.

'I shall have to go up to the bridge,' Puppis told them. 'Without the generator, nothing works. Volta may be able to energise the ship so we can limp home, but he can't do that and pilot the ship at the same time.' He unbuckled his harness and made for the door. He thought it better not to draw attention to the fact that the life support systems would be down, too, so time was of the essence.

As he went there was another hit. Puppis was thrown hard against the side of the ship. A metal fitting fell, striking Puppis on the head. He slumped to the floor. Rosemary was out of her seat and by his side in an instant.

'He's alive,' she said, 'but I don't think he's going to be able to fly us the rest of the way for quite a while.'

'Oh, no, we're all going to die!' Lizzie wailed. She didn't need Puppis to tell her that life support had probably stopped working, too.

'What was Volta going to have to do? Re-power the ship?' Judith climbed out of her seat. 'Perhaps I could do that. It's worth a try.' She set off for the bridge, with Mike close at her heels.

The bridge was in chaos, sparks flying from shorted-out computers. Volta desperately flicked switches to no avail, and swore profusely. 'Where the hell is Puppis?' he demanded.

'He's been injured,' Mike explained. 'Our friend is seeing to him.'

'I need him to fly the ship! We're doomed. The Wriles have given us up for dead, they stopped firing and flew off. They knew they'd crippled us. Damn! I don't suppose for one minute any of you useless Earthlings have the faintest idea how to fly spacecraft.' He looked at Judith. 'Not even you, I don't suppose.'

'I'm afraid you're right there,' she replied.

'Well, there isn't time to learn now. There's no life support.'

'Puppis said you were going to energise the ship,' Judith said. 'Perhaps I can do that.'

'Don't be stupid! My race are super-charged with electricity, your race only has piddling amounts that couldn't run a wristwatch! Do me a favour!'

Judith looked at the equipment on the bridge and quickly located the generator. She walked up to it and laid her hand on it. 'Here?' she asked.

'That would be it,' Volta grudgingly admitted.

Judith concentrated hard. Her power consisted of an excessive production of electric charges by her body, which she'd learned to store and channel. She was sure she could do what was required. Volta was amazed when the lights flickered on, and a cool breeze blew across his face as the life support system re-started.

The radio crackled back to life; the first thing Volta did was call for help. Until now, Judith hadn't known just how much power she'd be able to generate in a situation like this. She'd only ever re-powered household gadgets or computers, and then only for a short time.

Powering a space ship required much more effort, and she'd have to keep it up for much longer, but it was their only hope. She had to do it. It quickly became a strain; her head began to ache; she felt weak and dizzy, but she knew she couldn't stop yet. Volta, though shocked to the core to see this Earth woman could actually do this, recovered quickly and did what he could to steer the ship. As time went on, he was forced to conclude that this Earth woman was actually more powerful than he was. He'd estimated he could get them about half way and then they'd have to wait for rescue. They were actually going to get there! 

Nothing existed for Judith apart from the strain and effort of summoning every iota of power from every last corner of her being, and discharging it where it was needed. She was aware of nothing else. The effort seemed to be eating away at her very life-force.

Mike could only look on, his heart in his mouth. He wanted to reach out and touch her, say a word of encouragement, but knew if he did, he risked breaking her concentration. Her face was contorted by the immense effort; her hair was damp and stuck to her face by perspiration. Constellation Station was now clearly visible, a circular construction spinning in the centre of the screen.

A few moments later they began to pick up speed. 'They've got us in the tractor beam,' Volta said. 'We'll make it now.'

'Are we there?' Judith whispered.

'Yes, we're there,' Mike told her. She stepped away from the generator. Her legs buckled under her and she slid to the floor. Mike ran to her side.

'Exhaustion, I should think,' Volta said. 'Nothing a good long rest won't cure.' Secretly, he was impressed. He couldn't have got them half the distance, but he wasn't going to admit he'd been beaten by a mere Earthling.

The arrival of guests at the Station caused a stir. Their leader Pole Star had to bar the crowd of curious beings from the alighting area, because Mensa had told him there were two beings in urgent need of medical treatment, and the rest were tired, frightened and disorientated. The last thing any of them needed was an enthusiastic welcome from an array of alien beings. 'I bid you welcome,' he said to the bedraggled little company that emerged from the airlock. 'I must apologise that your stay has started so badly.'

'It wasn't your fault,' Rosemary said.

'First and foremost, allow us to see to the casualties.' He ushered Mike, who carried a semi-conscious Judith, Volta and Peter, who between them supported Puppis, into what was undoubtedly a sick bay. 'Puppis has suffered a slight head wound. We will need to observe him tonight, but I am almost certain there will be no complications. The Earth woman is seriously in need of rest and recharging; I suspect no medical intervention will be required, she merely needs to sleep it off. We will observe her also, just in case. I will show the rest of you to your quarters. You may rest and be refreshed, and when you are ready, you may join me for a tour of the Station, and meet some of the beings who live here.'

Earth time has no meaning on Constellation Station, but it would have been late afternoon, Earth time, before nine G-Men, rested, washed, and changed, assembled at the Pole Star's Control Room. 'The Constellations, at least, most of them, are waiting in the Conference Area, anxious to meet you. It is to my regret that Hercules was one of those required to attend a mission at this time. He wanted to be here to greet you in person. However, I hear their work is nearly completed - he will be back with us in a couple of days. This way, please.' 

The company waiting for them comprised beings of all shapes and sizes. Many were humanoid, others looked like animals (they could see dog, horse and bird-like creatures among the throng) or mythical beasts, like the giant Draco, and a unicorn. Lizzie gasped as a giant scorpion scuttled up to her and prodded her with its antennae.

She backed away with a shriek. It withdrew, looking as apologetic as a scorpion could possibly look. 'Scorpio will not hurt you,' Pole Star told her. 'He is not like the scorpions you have on Earth. He is friendly and intelligent - and also quite used to negative reactions.'

'I'm sorry,' Lizzie blushed. One day she'd learn how to control her reactions to the appearances of things, she vowed.

Sam, meanwhile, had spotted the most fascinating sight possible. A humanoid woman, similar in size to himself and his twin sister Maria, just three feet tall. She'd squeezed to the front of the crowd to get a better view of the visitors. She was smiling at him. He walked up to her, transfixed.

'I'm Sagitta,' she said, holding out a small hand, which he shook, shyly. 'I-I'm Sam,' he stammered. 'From Earth.'

'I know.' Sagitta smiled. 'I've been looking forward to meeting you.' Maria looked on, frowning. Her brother was making an utter fool of himself. Who did Sagitta think she was, flirting with him so shamelessly? Nonetheless, it didn't escape her notice that there was another small being about her size, this one male, and Microscopium had a similar look on his face to Sam. She had to admit she was flattered. It was Adam's turn to scowl.

Adam couldn't see any beings who looked like him. As he watched Maria speak with Microscopium, he felt a stab of jealousy and wished there'd also been a female granite statue to talk to. 'Hmm.' a voice said behind him. 'I couldn't have done better myself.' A caped figure in a black helmet resembling a skull, was looking Adam up and down.

'This is Sculptor,' Pole Star explained. 'His special ability is turning people to stone - only his creations are not animate!'

Mike, too, had attracted a group of interested beings, namely, those with water-based abilities. Capricornus, Cetus, Eridanus, Hydra, Volans; better known as the Sea Goat, the Whale, the River, the Water Snake and the Flying Fish. 'We must show you our special part of this complex, Water Breather,' Capricornus said. 'You will be able to meet with some of our number that the others cannot.'

'Aha. I was thinking, shouldn't there be a Pisces the Fish?' Mike said.

'There is, and also Delphinus, the Dolphin, and Piscis Australis, the Southern Fish. They could not be here to meet you as they are completely water-bound; they cannot breathe air at all. They don't often get the chance to meet visitors to the complex. You, however, can meet them on their own ground, as we can.'

'I'll look forward to it,' Mike said.

A magnificent winged man stepped forward and bowed to Rosemary, Claire and Ann. 'I am Aquila, The Eagle,' he announced. 'Those of us who have the power of flight also have our own part of the complex which is not accessible to the others. We would be happy for you to join us there, and your companion when she recovers, since I hear she is a flier, too.'

'Sounds good to me,' Ann said when he'd gone. 'Did you get a load of him, Claire? There are some incredibly tasty-looking specimens of manhood with wings around here.'

'I'm finished with men for good,' Claire returned. 'I thought you knew that.'

'What a tragic waste of a flying power.' Lizzie said, sadly. 'I wish you could give it to me so I could go and chat up one of those hunks. It isn't fair. Why do the people who don't want them get all the breaks?'

At the dinner in honour of the guests from Earth, The G-Men each found themselves sitting next to beings with which they had some common ground. Lizzie, for example, had on her left a seven feet tall, humanoid alien female, Cameleopardus, the Giraffe, who claimed to be a dancer, too, and Lepus, the Hare, a pleasant humanoid male whose power was superhuman speed. Between him and Sam was little Sagitta, who had similar capabilities.

'We should have a race,' Lepus said mischievously. 'See which of us is the fastest.'

'That's a brilliant idea!' Sagitta said. 'What do you think, Lizzie?'

'Fine! What shall we race for?'

'How about the honour of being the fastest being on Constellation Station?' Pole Star suggested from the head of the table.

On the other side of Sam sat a flamboyant character named Pictor, the Painter. Sam soon discovered they had similar capabilities, but Pictor's power was far superior to his own. Sam could merely transmit images of himself by bending light. Pictor could create the image of anything out of thin air.

Microscopium sat next to Maria, much to Adam's irritation. He was separated from her by Crater, a being who blasted large holes in things, and Sculptor. Puppis, now fully recovered, had taken his place among them, too.

Claire sat between Corona Borealis and Corona Australis, twin brothers who, like her, manipulated light. They were friendly and full of fun. She learned all kinds of new things about the use of light from their conversation alone. She hardly realised she was learning at all. 'A most effective trick, isn't it, Borealis?' Australis would say.

'Indeed it is,' Borealis would reply. 'I'm surprised you've never tried it, Claire.'

'I must admit, it never occurred to me,' she'd say, 'but now I know it can be done, I'll give it a try.'

'We can show you all kinds of things,' Australis said. 'How'd you like to practice with us? Go on, it would be fun.' Claire agreed to join them in the practice room the following day.

Mike sat between Aquarius and Capricornus. Ann could hardly believe her luck when Aquila was assigned the seat next to her. A little bearded humanoid called Lyra sat on her other side. She discovered he was a musician, as she'd once been.

'You have learned to control your sonic screaming very well,' he told her. 'It follows, does it not, that there's nothing to stop you learning to sing again. After all, singing is all about controlling your voice, isn't it? You could do it now, I'm sure.'

'Do you really think so? I miss singing so much.'

'I really think so. Have confidence, my dear.'

Rosemary spoke with Apus, a female who had, before joining the group, been the equivalent of a social worker on her home world. Social problems, it seemed, were the same throughout the universe. Listening in fascination to their conversation was Grus, a telepathic female with wings. Peter sat beside Pole Star. Their conversation covered most aspects of leading groups of super-powered beings.

'Tell me,' Rosemary asked Apus, 'how did they decide who sat next to who tonight? It seems to me the matching of interests and characteristics is a little too neat for it to have been a random process.'

'I was thinking that, too,' Peter said. 'There were too many coincidences for me to think you drew lots, but who'd know so much about us? Granted, Hercules knows Rosemary and myself very well, but he wouldn't know anything about the others. Some of it may have been pure observation, but we haven't had time to tell you so much about our powers and backgrounds yet. So how was it done?'

'It was Mensa,' Apus said.

'Who is Mensa?' Rosemary asked. 'Did we meet him?'

'That's him, over there.' Rosemary looked where Apus pointed and saw the wizened old alien, seated at a corner of a table, keeping himself to himself and looking around with knowing eyes. 'He knew all about you.'

'How?'

'He just does. He comes from a race of omniscient beings. Mensa knows everything. He knows the answer to every question, spoken or unspoken, that has ever been asked. He knew what your powers were, he knew who you would each most like to meet, and who would most like to meet you.'

'Wow,' Lizzie said. 'That's incredible! I'll have to talk to him later. Perhaps he'll tell me who I'm going to marry.'

'I'm afraid he won't,' Camelopardus said. 'He can't predict the future, for one thing, and second, it's nearly impossible to get him to tell anyone the things he does know.'

'There is a reason for that,' Pole Star said. 'As you no doubt know, the truth can be devastating at times. Some knowledge is best kept hidden. Mensa's people have an ancient moral code which forbids the telling of anything which could have a devastating effect on the hearer. It can be profoundly irritating when we need to know something in order to complete a mission and Mensa decides to keep silent because he thinks somebody, somewhere might be badly affected.'

'I see,' Lizzie said. 'I suppose who I'm going to marry is far too trivial for him to reveal.'

'Especially seeing as whoever it is would probably rush out and commit suicide!' Mike taunted her.

'I'll get you later!' she replied.

After the meal, Lyra played his lyre. He talked Ann into trying out her voice, which she reluctantly did, and found to her delight that with some effort, she could sing normally like she used to. While her efforts probably wouldn't sell records, it didn't sound awful, and now she knew she could do it, she could practice. In time, who knew?

Sam followed Sagitta around like a devoted pet dog, much to the scorn of Maria. Adam was relieved that Maria stayed with him, politely declining Microscopium's requests to dance or let him show her other parts of the complex.

Gradually, beings began to slip away. Mensa was one of the first to depart. He needed to meditate on the multitudinous things he knew about the G-Men and seek guidance from the ultimate cosmic force as to what he should tell and what he should hold back.

Mike decided to go and see how Judith was faring. He made his way to the sick bay where he'd left her. Judith was awake, but still looked pale and drained. Volta was with her. Mike hung back but couldn't help overhearing what he said.

'I must apologise for all the things I said about your planet,' Volta said. 'I was obviously wrong. I want to thank you for saving our lives out there.'

'Don't mention it,' Judith replied, a little wearily. 'I'm sure anyone who could would have done the same.'

'I never thought I'd see the day when I'd say this to one of your people, but I was truly impressed.' He reached out to touch her hand. They both jumped as a blue spark jumped between their fingertips. 'I'd better let you get some more rest,' Volta said, 'but I'll look forward to meeting you again when you're feeling stronger.'

Mike crept in as he left. 'Hi, Jude,' he said. 'How do you feel?'

'Washed out,' she smiled. 'I wish I didn't feel so damned tired. I'm conscious I'm missing all the fun.'

'It's certainly all fascinating,' Mike said. 'I'm sure you'll be a lot better in the morning.'

'The stars are beautiful,' she said, looking up at the roof of the room, which was transparent.

'Yes, they are,' he agreed. 'I'll go and let you rest. I'll see you tomorrow.'

Mike made his way back to his room.

He passed Peter, who was being quizzed by Lacerta the Lizard. 'If you know where my leader's mate is, I would appreciate it if you would tell me. All anybody knows is that she's on Earth, and it's a very large planet.'

'Yes, it is, and I'm sorry, but I don't know. I've certainly never seen any beings like you on Earth.'

'Ah, a pity. My leader offers a big reward for her capture. More riches than you could imagine, and had you known, you could have shared the reward with me.'

Peter had the distinct suspicion that Lacerta's leader's mate was almost certainly better off wherever she was. Even if he did know, he decided, he'd have kept quiet, as Mensa no doubt had, on the subject.

Claire was overcome with melancholy. Looking at the stars from the porthole of her room was no consolation at all. She'd been occupied all day meeting new people, seeing new places, new things, but now she was left alone with only her thoughts for company. She tried to concentrate on how much she was looking forward to a work-out with the Corona brothers, and the trip to the fliers' exclusive hideaway. It sounded wonderful. The problem was, she couldn't stop wishing she could have shared all this with Brian.

She should be able to banish him from her mind, but she still wished he was here with her looking at the stars. She wondered what his wife was like, and what it was that she, Claire, possessed, and his wife didn't, which had drawn him to her for that short time. 'Damn stars,' she muttered, and, closing the blinds, lay down and cried herself to sleep.

**

Mensa's quarters were sparsely furnished, with only a mat for him to sleep on and a large cushion on which he sat, eyes closed, meditating. There was no light but the light of the millions of stars shining through the skylight. He wasn't sure whether he sensed, or just knew, that she was there. He opened his eyes, and to the figure standing silently in his doorway, obscured by the darkness, he spoke.

'Enter, my child. There is no need to be afraid.'

She responded by moving quietly towards him, seating herself on the floor in front of him. She looked into his eyes. She started to speak, but couldn't find the words. He gestured for her to be silent. 'There is no need for you to say anything. I know why you have come. I know what it is you wish to ask me.'

She looked down at her hands. Mensa looked at her kindly, and spoke again. 'You are a wise woman, Rosemary Ellis,' he said. 'You know, don't you, that I can never answer your question?'

She nodded, silently. 'But you know the answer?'

'Yes, I know the answer; but a race such as mine with access to this kind of knowledge, must have strict controls as to how it is used. There can be no exceptions. I am sorry.'

'I suspected as much,' she said. 'I'm sorry to have disturbed you.'

'As I said, you are wise; but you are also human, and your desire to know temporarily obscured your wisdom. Go now. Your companions have missed you.'

Rosemary wiped away the tear which slid down her cheek. She felt foolish. She stood up and crept away. In the darkness, Mensa sighed. Omniscience was a burden indeed, at times. He alone knew how close she was to the answer she sought.

**

The following day, Flare met the Corona brothers in the practice room, and learned a number of combat tricks from them. The mock fighting was exactly what she needed. A spot of combat training helped dissipate her rage harmlessly. With all these new techniques, she could jolly well go to Birmingham, seek Brian out and hurt him as much as he'd hurt her.

Mike was taken to the underwater complex. The entrance was via a pool in a simulated environment, which looked for all the world like a tropical beach. 'It's intended to be a meeting point where the water breathers can communicate with the air breathers,' Volans explained. 'This room is open for anyone to use.'

'It's like the desert islands we have on Earth,' Mike said.

'So I hear. Hercules said that, too. Follow me!' Volans ran into the water. Mike followed, and they dived. He swam after her through a dimly lit tunnel which led to a bright, underwater world. Fronds of seaweed gently swayed around them. Here and there, a shoal of stunningly colourful fish swam past. On one side was a large glass porthole. 'So the air breathers can see something of this world,' Volans explained, 'but through here is private.' She swam on through a tunnel made of coral, which opened out into a coral chamber, decorated with mother of pearl. There were five exits from the chamber, each covered by a curtain of blue/green fronds.

'It's beautiful!' Mike breathed, pausing to take it in.

'I'm so glad you like it.' He turned to see a woman, who had emerged from one of the tunnels. She was easily the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen. Her hair was a turquoise halo floating around her head; her eyes were the colour of tropical pools.

'This is Delphinus, Mike. She designed this place.'

'Really? You're very talented.'

'You will eat with us, Michael? Pisces and Piscis and I have prepared a meal.'

'It would be a pleasure.' Mike replied.

Piscis Australis, he soon discovered, was a mermaid, exactly as described by the myths and legends. Pisces was humanoid, as Delphinus was. He welcomed Mike to the underwater restaurant. 'It is so nice to have a guest from Earth here with us,' he said. 'Creatures who have the means of space travel cannot usually exist in these surroundings. The air-breathers monopolise most of the guests, I'm afraid.'

The meal consisted of delicately flavoured fish, some varieties which were native to Earth, many that were not. Sea plants, even sea fruit completed the meal. 'It's absolutely delicious!' Mike said. 'I'll eat here again!'

On the surface, Ann found an empty practice room, and sang at the top of her voice. It felt good. It sounded good. Perhaps her career as a singer wasn't over yet!

Lizzie went to see Judith, who was now up and about, but she didn't have time to chat. Volta had arranged to show her around the complex.

'Him?' Lizzie cried, 'he was so rude! Why is he being so nice all of a sudden?'

'I saved his skin,' Judith said, 'and it seems it made him realise Earthlings aren't so bad after all. They're like any other group. Some are bad, some are good, and we are some of the good ones.'

'Well, have a good time. Don't take any nonsense from him. If he starts insulting Earth, zap 'im,' she grinned, and took her leave.

Peter and Rosemary were enjoying a technical discussion with Pole Star, Perseus and Mensa, around the problems involved in classifying different variant powers.

'On Earth, we tend to classify according to what we can actually see, given that we rarely understand what's going on under the surface,' Peter explained. 'For example, we'd classify all the people with superhuman strength together, those with superhuman speed, flight, energy blasts, mental powers, all in separate groups.'

'Of course, that would be the most convenient method in those circumstances,' Mensa said. Rosemary was relieved he'd made no mention of their exchange the night before, and actually appeared to have forgotten it. 'One thing I am allowed to divulge is the mechanisms behind powers,' he went on. 'Tell me, Peter, how would you group the people who were sitting at your table at dinner last night? Let's see how far our classifications differ.'

'Let me see. Well, Lizzie, Lepus and Sagitta would form one group, because they're all fast.'

'Good,' Mensa said. 'Sagitta and Lepus I would place together, but not your Lizzie.'

'No?'

'No. You see, Sagitta and Lepus are fast because their tissues are much less dense than anyone else's. In fact, it's a physical manifestation. Lizzie, on the other hand, weighs exactly what a woman of her height and build should weigh. Something else is going on with her. When she runs, she manipulates the gravitons around her, so she is lighter when in motion. That, incidentally, is how many variants fly. It's how Apus flies, though she obviously has the power to a much greater degree. It is also, Peter, the way your power works, only in your case, it has the opposite effect.'

'That's fascinating.' Peter said. 'And so obvious when you spell it out. I suppose that means in theory, I could Ultra-Grav myself!'

'Of course, but why should you?'

'And Lizzie could speed up other people? Or fly, even?'

'Again, in theory, but I think what she does is so instinctive, she hardly knows she is doing it. It would be difficult for her to gain that amount of control.'

'We'll have to tell James all this,' Rosemary said. 'It'll revolutionise his filing system!'

'I know his interest lies in the patterns of mutant powers within families.' Peter said, 'but information about that is rather limited. Aside from Maria and Sam, I'm not aware of any variants who are related to one another. Most are too young to have had families.'

'Yes, indeed,' Mensa agreed. Peter suspected Mensa knew of many related variants that neither he nor Rosemary nor James had any inkling of - but that no information about any of them would be forthcoming.

That evening, the arranged race took place between Lepus, Sagitta and Lizzie. Lizzie won easily, with the other two neck and neck. 'I suppose you knew I was going to win?' Lizzie said brightly to Mensa, who was standing next to Pole Star when she went up to be congratulated.

'I cannot predict the future,' Mensa said, gravely, 'but I thought it likely.' He explained to Lizzie how her power worked.

'Really? You know, I never thought about it before. I never thought about what was really happening, I just sort of did it. You learn something every day! And to think, if my power was just a little bit stronger, I could fly, too!' Lizzie might have stopped to ask Mensa more questions, had she not had an unsettling feeling that he knew everything about her, including some things she didn't even know herself. The way he looked at her with those all-knowing eyes made her nervous.

**

The next day the fliers visited the high-level complex. Lizzie watched from a distance, envying those who could get up there. The male fliers were so beautiful, with their fine wings and lithe, muscular bodies. It was a breathtaking sight, watching them all go. Even Volta, the surly pilot, went with them, flying by Judith's side. Rosemary, too, had found she too could fly today, and joined the throng.

Lizzie watched them, a cascade of colour, receding into the distance. 'I wish I could get there too,' she sighed.

'Never mind, Lizzie. There are some beautiful things at ground level I can show you. Have you seen the beach simulation yet?' Cameleopardus tried to cheer her up.

'No,' Lizzie said. 'I haven't. That sounds lovely.'

'Come with me, then - we shall go there now.'

Today, Equuleus, the Foal, was galloping up and down the golden sands, getting his daily exercise. Lizzie was entranced to find that he could speak, and called out a greeting as he passed.

'You think this is lovely, wait until you see what's through here,' Cameleopardus said. She took her through to the chamber from whence they could view the underwater world. Lizzie gazed on it, fascinated. She'd never seen anything quite like it.

'Delphinus designed the whole underwater complex when she first came here. She lives down there with two other beings who can only breathe water. If we're lucky, they may come out and wave to us.'

As they watched, two figures swam out of one of the tunnels. They twisted and turned, in and out of the coral reefs, playing, chasing each other. 'That's Delphinus,' Coma Berenices said, indicating the being with the mass of turquoise hair as she swam close to the glass. She was so engrossed in the game she was playing that she didn't notice she had an audience. 

Then, she allowed her pursuer to catch her. He caught her by the waist, and together they swam as one, around and around in a beautiful underwater dance. Lizzie was stunned when she got a clear glimpse of him. Mike. So he, too, had found a world she couldn't share. When they finally stopped and kissed, still oblivious to the fact anyone was watching, Lizzie couldn't bear to watch any more. Mike had never kissed her like that.

**

The fliers' special place was like a tropical paradise. There was plenty of space for flying beings to stretch their wings, and shady bowers for them to relax in. None of the flying Constellations had come empty handed - between them, they had carried a magnificent picnic, which they shared with their new friends from Earth.

Only Grus didn't join in the festivities. She sat a little apart from the main group, trembling uncontrollably. Rosemary quietly got up and went over to her.

'Is something wrong?' Rosemary asked her gently.

'It's the emotions. Too strong, I can't bear it.'

'Emotions?'

'Grus is an empath,' Columba said, joining them. 'She gets terribly affected by strong emotions, particularly negative ones. Someone up here must be in a bad mood. A very bad mood.'

Rosemary could understand up to a point. She wasn't an empath in the same way as Grus, but social work was all about easing pain, and Rosemary had learned to recognise unhappiness by intuition and observation.

'Who is it?' Colomba asked.

'I'm not sure I should tell you,' Grus said.

Rosemary surveyed the group, using her own skills to the full. She inwardly berated herself for not having noticed before. 'It's all right, Grus, I think I know, it's one of us, isn't it?' Grus nodded. 'I'll see what I can do.'

Claire tugged distractedly at blades of grass, not joining in with the general chatter and laughter. Rosemary went up to her and put her arm around her. 'Something's wrong, isn't it, Claire? What is it?'

Claire bit her lip and didn't reply.

'My guess is,' Rosemary said, 'that it has something to do with that man you were involved with a few weeks ago. It's still eating at you, isn't it? I'm right, aren't I?'

Claire nodded, her lip trembling as she tried to control her feelings.

'Oh, Claire, you mustn't let it. You must try to forgive and forget. One day you'll meet someone else, someone available, someone better, you'll see. Then he won't matter any more.'

'I never felt that way about anyone before, and he lied and cheated and I lost him, and now I'm ruined for life - I'm an emotional cripple! I hate him! You couldn't possibly understand.'

'I do understand, Claire. I do know what it's like when someone you care for, even for a short time, is taken away from you. It's happened to me, it's happened to just about everybody. Bottling it up won't help. If you want to talk, you know where I am. For now, though, please try and put it out of your mind. Your anger at this man is bothering Grus. She's an empath; she feels everything you do. So please try, huh?'

Claire managed a smile. 'All right. I'll try.'

Judith strolled with Volta across a leafy glade. They'd settled easily into each other's company. Judith, having missed the tour of the complex everyone else had had, was glad of Volta's offer to show her around. He was acutely aware how much he admired this Earth female. It had been difficult for him to come to terms with this intense attraction; to an Earthling, of all the beings in the Universe. He knew the Constellations would never let him forget any of the disparaging things he'd said about Earthlings.

They shared similar powers; and there was something else, something special. Whenever they touched, a spark passed between them. A real spark, not just the metaphorical kind which passes between any other couple. It was particularly striking when they leaned in to kiss. Between their two lips was a miniature light show. It was an experience they wanted to savour again and again.

For the moment, however, Volta settled for presenting her with a beautiful, exotic flower, from an array which grew on the plateau, maintained and watered by Apus and Grus. The place was for all the world like a garden of Eden, incorporating all the best things the various races could offer.

It was much, much later, when the fliers had departed, and an artificial dusk was gathering, that Lizzie and Maria came to the bottom of the towering artificial cliff for a confidential chat, more accurately described as a jolly good gossip. Maria received the news about Mike open mouthed, and in return told of her brother's ridiculous attachment to Sagitta. The juiciest snippet was of course about Judith, who'd always given the impression of being immune to affairs of the heart. She who would simply smile indulgently when her friends gasped at the sight of some gorgeous male, and never joined in such conversations herself, had finally succumbed. That was news.

They bemoaned the fact that they, not having the power of flight, were barred from seeing what was at the top of the cliff they sat under. 'It's even more irritating now I know I can nearly fly,' Lizzie said.

They were startled by a sudden movement in front of them. They gasped. The beautiful creature standing there, softly glowing white in the half light, said, 'Do you really want to see what is up there? I can take you. I can take you both.'

'Can you really?' Maria cried to the unicorn Monoscerous, who nodded and shook his mane in affirmation.

'I can,' he said. 'Climb onto my back and hold on tightly.'

They did so, and, unknown to the other fliers, sampled their private world.

**

'Tomorrow, Hercules will return.' Pole Star announced to Peter that night over dinner.

'That's good news,' he said.

'With him will be still more of our number who are gifted with strength. I cannot say, though, exactly when they will arrive.'

'I hope he doesn't get shot at by Wriles like we did,' Rosemary said.

'That was most unlucky. They do not carry out sustained campaigns, so it is quite safe for now.'

'The Wriles have gone,' Mensa said. 'Back to their world. They have no immediate plans to return, though their long-term goal is still to regain this section of space.'

'Where is everyone tonight?' Rosemary mused, noting that fewer beings had assembled to eat.

'I saw your Lizzie and Maria riding Monoscerous up to the plateau where you were this afternoon,' Pole Star said.

'Michael is in the underwater world,' Mensa said. 'Claire is walking on the viewing deck. Judith has been taken for a ride in one of the shuttle crafts, Ann is on the beach. Adam is...'

'He really does know everything, doesn’t he?' Peter whispered.

**

Claire tried hard to channel her light energy into a concentrated beam and shoot at a target, as the Coronas had showed her. She'd grown accustomed to emitting a diffuse, if powerful, flash of light, and it was alien to her to try to control it so closely. Nevertheless, if she could master the skill, it would be truly useful in a fight.

Meanwhile, at the docking bay, a shuttle had landed; one of Constellation Station's own spacecraft. On board were the beings Aries, Caleum, Cancer, Centaurus, Leo, Scutum, Taurus, Ursa Major, and Hercules, back from their expedition.

They landed safely, tired but satisfied by a job well done, and disembarked. 'Where are my friends?' Hercules asked, before his feet had even touched the floor. 'Did they get here all right?'

'Yes, they did,' Cepheus told him. 'They have been royally entertained since their arrival. As to where they are now, probably only Mensa knows. One of them's a water breather, I know he's been in the undersea world a lot, I know they've become acquainted with the viewing deck, the plateau (those that could get there), and the practice rooms.

'I'll go take a look, then. I'm looking forward to seeing my old friends, and meeting some new ones.'

'You have a lot more stamina than I do,' Caleum said. 'All I have the energy to do is take a shower and crawl into my berth, curious as I am about these beings you've been going on about. I can wait until I've rested before meeting them, though.'

'I am going to the beach,' Cancer said. 'That planet was cold. I need to soak up some warmth from the sun lamp before I do anything else.'

Hercules was tired, too. He would usually have shared their sentiments, but knowing that Rosemary and Peter were somewhere on board, he wasn't going to be able to relax until he'd found them. He had no idea where to look, so decided to begin with the nearest of the places Cepheus had mentioned - the practice rooms.

Most of the practice rooms were unoccupied, but he could hear noises coming from one, and went to see who was there. It was immediately obvious to him that it wasn't a Constellation, but a human female, wearing a gold suit and helmet, trying, with little success, to project a beam of light across the room from her fingertips. She had to be one of the G-Men. If he could attract her attention, she may know where Peter and Rosemary were.

'Excuse me,' he said.

She stopped, and slowly turned round to look at him. He found it disconcerting, as she stood perfectly still, facing him. He supposed she was looking at him, but it was impossible to tell behind that visor.

Finally, she spoke. 'You,' she said. There was another pause. 'You bastard!' With that, she darted forward and kicked him squarely in the groin.

Doubled up with pain, he had no time to ask why. He fought to regain his composure, which he managed to do, more quickly than most men could have done, and acted instinctively. He seized the girl's shoulders and thrust her firmly against the wall. 'I don't know who you are or why you did that. I don't like being violent towards women; but I'm a trained fighter, and if somebody attacks me, I defend myself. So be careful!'

Adam and Maria, hearing the commotion, had come to investigate. They found Claire pinned to the wall by a strange being, much larger and stronger than she was. Claire saw them, and gave the secret signal, telling her colleagues to cover their eyes.

Hercules cried out as the flash of light temporarily blinded him. He roared with pain and rubbed his eyes, letting Claire go. She set about pummelling him and kicking him in sheer rage. Maria, defending her team mate, discharged her own power. The explosion sent Hercules flying into the wall. As he scrambled to his feet, Adam engaged him in hand-to-hand combat. The two of them were well matched. What Hercules lacked due to tiredness and the battering he'd already received, he made up for in experience. Maria stood in the doorway, shouting encouragement to Adam. Claire, her anger spent, gave way to the pain, slid to the floor and lay there, weeping.

'There has been an explosion in the practice area!' Vulpecula, the Fox, cried, with due concern as he took his place on watch, relieving Cepheus.

'Is it serious?' Cepheus turned back from the door.

'Probably not, those rooms are well protected. They were designed to take a battering, after all, but it's still worrying to know there's a malfunction.'

'Sure it's not Crater working out?' Sextans said from the door, where he stood with Peter and Rosemary, whose company he'd managed to obtain for the morning.

'No. Crater, I know, is in the recreation room. I saw him there just now with Reticulum. They were just starting a game of cosmochess.'

'Switch to visual, let's see the damage,' Sextans said. Vulpecula flicked a switch. Peter and Rosemary peered over his shoulder with interest. They were horrified when the screen showed Adam and Brian engaged in what looked like a serious fight. They had a good idea, then, what, or rather who, had caused the explosion.

'Come on. Let's go and sort this out,' Peter said, a little wearily.

They quickly took in the scene. Adam and Brian, fighting, Maria jumping up and down with excitement in the doorway, and Claire, a sobbing heap on the floor.

Adam staggered and fell heavily as Hercules pushed him. He found he couldn't get up again. 'All right, what's going on in here?' Peter used his most headmasterly tone of voice to get their attention. He released Adam from his gravity power. Adam glared at Brian, who looked a little sheepish. He was acutely aware that Rosemary had seen him acting in this foolish fashion.

'He attacked Flare,' Adam said, pointing at Brian.

''Hang on a minute,' Brian protested. 'You didn't see it all. She attacked me. Totally unprovoked!'

Claire made no attempt to plead her case, or to do anything besides cry. Rosemary was curious to find out exactly what had happened, but her concern for Claire was uppermost. She gently pulled the girl to her feet and guided her out of the room and back to her quarters.

Peter was left to piece together the story. He could only conclude that Claire had indeed started it, though heaven knew why. Brian had defended himself; Adam and Maria had misunderstood and come to Claire's aid. Luckily, they accepted they'd been mistaken. Claire had been a little irrational lately.

'You know something, Adam, you're good,' Hercules said. 'You certainly gave me a run for my money! Well done! Shake on it?' Adam, swelling with pride at having been paid a compliment, did.

In Claire's quarters, Rosemary took the chance to ask, 'Why?' Claire didn't reply. 'Why did you go for Hercules like that? That's no way to treat your host, now, is it?'

'That's Hercules?' Claire managed to say.

'Yes, and really, he's one of the sweetest people I've ever known, I've known him a long time. He wouldn't hurt a fly. I can't imagine how he could have offended you, so what happened? I'm not angry with you, Claire, I'm curious.'

'I don't want to talk about it,' Claire said. 'I really don't. I'd rather be alone.'

'All right. I'll see you tomorrow.' Rosemary left with a heavy heart. Something was horribly wrong. She wished Claire would tell her more, for without more information, she couldn't help.

'Have you any idea why she attacked you?' Peter asked Brian.

He shook his head. 'No, I'm completely baffled,' he said.

'I must apologise, Brian. Not a good introduction to the G-Men, I'm afraid.'

Brian shrugged. 'I suppose there was a reason. Perhaps Rosemary will know. I'd better go and clean myself up.'

'All right. See you at dinner?'

'Yep.'

Brian felt invigorated after a hot shower and a nap. He couldn't, however, banish the morning's events from his mind. He couldn't imagine why that girl had been so aggressive. It bothered him. He dressed, in casual Earth clothing, and set off in search of Peter or Rosemary, or possibly Mensa, who might be able to tell him why.

Before he could find either of them, he heard someone singing. She had a rich, strong voice. He turned the corner to find Ann, singing, and beaming widely. When she saw Brian, she stopped singing, and said joyfully, 'I'm singing! I'm actually singing! It's wonderful, I - hey, don't I know you? It's Brian, isn't it? What are you doing here?'

'I live here. What are you doing here? Ann, isn't it?'

'I'm visiting. One of the G-Men, perhaps you've heard of us.'

'Heard of you? I invited you! I had no idea! So you're a variant? Do your friends know?'

'Of course they do. They're variants, too!'

'Claire?'

'Sure, didn't she tell you?'

'No. So, what does she - oh, hell, I think I know. It's light, isn't it?'

'Yes.'

'Oh, God. Was she really upset when I left?'

'I'm afraid she was, in fact, none of us were very impressed with you when you refused to let her even write to you, and decided at the last minute to tell her... but, you're not married, are you?'

'No, but would the average young girl in Darrowburn have believed me if I'd told the truth? There was no future in it, but I couldn't tell her why. I did really care about her, though. I was hurting too. I thought I'd never see her again. Please excuse me, Ann. I've got things to do. I'll catch up with you later.'

Monoscerous grazed contentedly in the artificial meadow. He looked up when Hercules bounded breathlessly up to him. The unicorn regarded him levelly.

'You've got to help me, Mono.'

'What do you ask of me?'

'Fly me up to the plateau. Please?'

'I can't.'

'What do you mean, you can't? You did before, before I went on planet leave.'

'I can't any more.'

'What is this, a new rule?'

'Oh, no, Hercules. The rules have not changed. You have. I can no longer fly you anywhere. I am sorry.'

'I don't understand.'

'Look up unicorns in the library. Then you'll understand.'

'But I need something from up there! Could you go up and pick some flowers for me?' 

The unicorn pawed the ground with his hoof. 'How?'

'Hm. Good point. All right, I'll ask someone else.'

He slowly walked away, not understanding why his friend should suddenly reject him. Yet he could tell Monoscerous was sad, too, and regretted equally that he was no longer able to help. Brian had no time for reading just now. He somehow had to obtain a bunch of those flowers. The library would have to wait.

He found Grus, and asked her if she'd oblige and get him the flowers, but it didn't look too hopeful. There was some intense emotional radiation nearby; Grus was a quivering wreck. She couldn't even speak. Apus appeared, and scolded him for asking Grus for favours when she was in that state.

Hercules therefore ruled Apus out as a source of help at that precise moment, too.

The next person he found who he knew could fly was Volta. Hercules noted that he seemed to be in an extremely amiable frame of mind, for even Hercules, an Earthling, received a hearty greeting. 'It seems to me that Earthlings are not so bad,' he said.

'Perhaps you'd do this Earthling a favour, then?'

'Not right now, Herc. I'm in a hurry. I have a date.'

'A date? Who?'

'None of your business. See you sometime.'

Corvus wasn't very helpful either. 'Flowers, Herc? Have you gone soft or something? Me, go up there picking flowers?'

'Oh, never mind,' said Hercules. There were no other fliers in evidence, look as he might, he couldn't find a single one. Eventually, he found Rosemary. 'Hey, Rosemary!' he called. 'You'll help me, won't you?'

'Of course I will, if I can. What is it you want?'

'I need something from the plateau. It's very important, I wondered if you'd mind flying up there and getting it for me.'

'As I said, I will if I can.' She removed her neutralising wristbands, and as she did, promptly became invisible. 'I'm afraid it seems I can't,' her voice came to him from thin air.

'Never mind. I'll have to think of something else.'

Rosemary was about to suggest that she get one of the G-Men to do it, but recalled that Judith had gone for another joyride with Volta, Lyra was giving Ann a singing lesson, and Claire was in no state to do anything, particularly for Hercules. 'I'm sorry I can't help,' she said lamely, wishing it were otherwise.

Ann found Lizzie sunning herself on the beach, and related what had happened. 'We have to tell Rosemary. I think she thought Claire was cracking up,' Lizzie said.

'You're right, Speeds. Know where she is?'

'I think I do. Let's go.'

They set off together in search of Rosemary, past the cliff leading to the plateau. It was Lizzie who happened to look up, and saw a figure, far, far above them, climbing the cliff. 'Look! There's somebody climbing up there!'

'You're right! What a nutter!'

'It's one way of getting up, I suppose,' Lizzie said, 'though I'd much rather go by unicorn.'

'Who is it, can you see?'

It was impossible to tell. Whoever it was had climbed so far they appeared to be the size of an ant. 'I can't tell, but it's a bit dangerous, if you ask me. What if they fall? We should tell somebody.'

There was no need, for a small crowd had gathered at the foot of the cliff and was gazing upwards. Fornax, the Furnace, stood ready, his rocket pack primed. 'If he does fall, I'll catch him,' he reassured the two humans.

'Who is it?' Ann asked.

'Nobody knows. He's too far up for us to see,' said Hydrus, the Little Snake.

Indrus, the Indian, squatted beside a footprint in the mud immediately below the cliff. 'Whoever he is, he heavy,' he said. 'You better hope he don't fall, Fornax.'

'Oh, my God! He's gone crazy!' Rosemary pushed her way through the little group of beings who stood watching.

'You mean you know who that is up there?' asked Pyxis the Compass.

'Yes, I think I do.' She fumbled with her wristbands and hastily removed them. 'I'm going up there,' she announced. 'It's Hercules, I'm sure it is. He asked me if I'd get something for him from up there, but at the time I couldn't fly. Now I can...'

'Rosemary, wait!' Ann called. 'There's something I've got to tell you about him!'

'Is it relevant?' Rosemary asked.

'Possibly,' Ann replied, and told Rosemary what she knew.

'Now I'm even more worried,' Rosemary said, and took off.

'I think he's going to make it,' Serpens the Serpent said, craning her neck to see the tiny speck nearing the cliff top.

Hercules, exhausted but determined, hauled himself over the edge of the cliff and only then allowed himself to look back at how far he'd climbed. When he saw, he felt quite dizzy. Perhaps he shouldn't have looked. He had to get down again, somehow, and he wouldn't be empty handed. Still, he allowed himself a sense of achievement that he'd actually done it, and was almost glad now that nobody had been able to help him. That would have been the easy way out. The effort he'd gone to may cut more ice with Claire than sending Corvus or Grus would have done. He was pleased to see a colourful array of flowers growing exactly where he'd expected. He set about picking them. Claire was going to get a bouquet she'd never forget. 

'Brian, you lunatic! You could have fallen!'

He turned. 'Rosemary!'

'What on Earth did you think you were doing?'

'Nothing on Earth, Rosemary. You should say, what on Constellation Station am I doing. I'm picking flowers.'

'You mean you risked your life for a bunch of flowers?'

'No. I risked my life for a woman.'

'Claire?'

'Yeah. I want her to forgive me, Rosemary. I want her to understand. I have to do something. I care about her. I haven't fallen for anyone this heavily since... well, not for a very long time.'

Rosemary smiled and laid a hand on his arm. 'I hope it works,' she said. She turned away, knowing he'd be embarrassed if he thought she'd seen the tears in his eyes.

Adam and Maria were with Claire, telling her excitedly that someone, they didn't know who, was climbing the cliff.

'If it's that Hercules, I hope he falls. Then I shall go out there and laugh.'

'Claire, that's a dreadful thing to say!' Rosemary said, horrified, from the doorway. 'How can you even think such a thing?'

'He lied to me.'

'I know; but telling a lie, however large, isn't a capital offence. Anyway, did you tell him the truth about yourself? Did you tell him about your powers? Did you tell him about the G-Men?'

'Of course not.'

'Why not?'

'I didn't think he'd believe me. He'd think I was barmy. He might even have been frightened of me!'

'I think you'll find he didn't tell you the truth for the exact same reasons. When you pressured him, he lied. He regrets it, I'm sure he does.'

Claire said nothing.

'Think about it, Claire.' Rosemary said, and walked away with Adam and Maria. Claire was left alone.

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door.

'Who is it?' she called.

'Delivery for Miss Claire Jackson,' a gruff male voice said. Claire was intrigued, and activated the opening mechanism. She was amazed at the sight which greeted her eyes as the door slid back. The most enormous and most colourful arrangement of flowers she'd ever seen obscured all of the bearer, apart from his legs. Who could possibly be sending her flowers, in the depths of outer space? She was speechless.

'They're beautiful,' she breathed. 'Where on Earth did they come from?'

'Oh, nowhere on Earth,' Brian said. 'From the plateau. Where can I put them?'

When she took them and laid them on the table, she could see who'd brought them. 'Brian?' she gasped. She felt suddenly ashamed for saying she hoped he'd fall, now she knew he'd done it for her.

'Oh, Claire.' She was enfolded in his strong embrace before she knew what was happening.

'I'm sorry, Brian.'

'Me too,' he murmured, looking into her eyes. 'I did fall in love with you, you know,' he said. 'That was no lie; but there's no future for you and me. You know that now, don't you? I wish there was, but there isn't. I belong here, you belong on Earth. I'd just like you to know I do care, and I'd like to think we could have fond memories of each other. I didn't want to hurt you, Claire. Please believe that.'

'It isn't fair. Why couldn't it have worked? Why couldn't we have been ordinary? You're the only man I've ever loved. I'll never love anyone else.'

'You will. You know, I was in love once before. Long time ago. She didn't feel the same way about me. Oh, I kidded myself that she did, but she had someone else. When I knew she'd never see me as anything but a friend, I thought the same thing. I didn't love anyone else, until I met you.'

'Do I look like her?'

'No, but you're intelligent like she is, and kind like she is. You helped me put how I felt about her into perspective.'

'Did you ever make love to her?'

'No. I never did. You were my first. That was the truth.'

'Did she know how you felt?'

'I don't know. I never told her, but knowing her, I wouldn't be surprised if she guessed.'

'Did you see her when you were on Earth?'

'I'm not going to lie to you anymore. I did - but as a friend. That's all. Do you believe me?'

'Yes, I think I do.'

**

'I don't want to leave, Delphine.' Mike said as he prepared to come out into the air for the first time in days, knowing he'd have to say goodbye forever to his aquatic beauty.

'You know you must,' Delphinus replied. 'I too wish you could stay, but it's not possible. I'd come with you, but how would I exist on Earth?'

'There's a lot of water there.'

'You don't live in it, though, do you? Your life is on the land, in the air.'

'Maybe that's only because there's nothing like you in the seas on Earth.'

'I cannot leave. I'm a Constellation. It's a lifelong commitment.'

'I know. Goodbye, Delphine. I'll never forget you.'

'Nor I you.'

They assembled at the launching bay, as many Constellations as could squeeze in were waiting to see them off. Mike deeply regretted that Delphine couldn't be there, so he could wave to her up until the last moment, as Claire could to Brian, or Sam to Sagitta. Judith could be in Volta's company right up until they landed on Earth. He wasn't a Constellation as such, so perhaps she was the luckiest of them all. Perhaps they had a future.

Judith tried hard to be strong. She knew she could, if she only said the word, stay with him, cruising through space for the rest of her life. Yet something told her it wouldn't be right. She'd miss her home. A life in space was so different from what she'd always imagined her life would be. She had to return to Earth. Though it broke her heart, the thought of never seeing her home planet, her family and friends again broke it even more.

Even those who hadn't lost their hearts felt a deep sadness at leaving their new friends, and old ones, in the case of Peter and Rosemary. They told themselves it wasn't necessarily goodbye; one day their paths would cross again.

'I'll live for the day you come to Earth again,' Claire said to Brian. 'I'll wait for you.'

'You won't,' Brian said. 'I don't want you to. It could be a long time. I won't mind if, when I do come, you haven't waited and there's someone else. I wouldn't want you to waste your life waiting for me to pay another flying visit.'

On the journey back to Earth, Claire plied Rosemary with questions about Brian as he'd been in the past, and who his long lost love had been.

'He's never mentioned her to me,' Rosemary told her, 'So I really don't know. Probably someone who came along after I left. There's been a whole string of Freedom Leaguers. But I think it's you he'll remember, now.'

'Do you think we'll ever get to go back?' Maria asked, wistfully.

'Who knows?' Peter replied. 'I guess it's possible. Now that Pole Star knows us, he knows we'd be his allies if the situation arose.'

He couldn't possibly know whether that would ever happen; but he did know that, for the G-Men, life would never be quite the same again.