The Mutant Mindbender Ch. 12

[Note: This is not a sexy story. It is more like a 1950's pulp science fiction novel]

Chapter 12: The Terrible Thinker Reveals His Plan

"Status report!" said the Chief, speaking to an aide in his command center.

"Only about a quarter of the population of the low lying area was evacuated before the dam broke." On their screens they could see tidal waves running through downtown August.

Levi Esherkol waddled into the room with his dog, Quick. He tried to get the Chief's attention, but the Chief was too distracted with damage reports.

"Arf, arf arf!" Quick yelled.

The Chief turned around. "Levi, this is a high security area, can you get that animal out of here-"

"Quick has full clearance," said Levi.

Croft blinked. A dog had security clearance?

"What is it, Levi?"

"You must instruct civil authorities to tell people to stay indoors, go to 15th floor or higher."

"Why?" said the Chief.

"Have calculated that water level will not go that high. Those not evacuated can be done, more slowly, from gravitators on rooftops."

"I'm not in charge of the evacuations, but I will relay your calculations," said the Chief. "Are you sure they're correct?"

Levi turned to Quick.

"Arf, arf!" said Quick, sticking out his pink tongue as his fox-like ears stood up.

"Am sure," said Levi.

"Maybe we should put the dog in charge and make Levi his assistant," Croft suggested.

"Is one more thing," said Levi. He handed over a datapad, which had schematics on it.

"What is this?" said the Chief.

"Plans for restoring dam," said Levi.

"Levi, that's going to take months, if not years," said the Chief. "This isn't the time-"

"No, will only take few days," said Levi. He flipped through datapages. "Have fleet of capital ships hold over former position of dam. Have them project force fields. Hold water back."

"An ingenious idea, Levi, but those ships won't be able to project forcefields for very long," said the Chief.

"Have rotating teams of capital ships," said Levi. "Replace one at a time in rotation with overlapping forcefields. In meantime, fashion large thin plastibarrier, slip behind force field, and slide in ferroconcrete-"

The Chief looked at the plans. "Levi, I don't know if this will work, but it looks ingenious! How did you come up with the plans so quickly/"

Levi shrugged his shoulders modestly.

The Chief continued to look at the schematics. "What does that mean," he said, pointing at one of the diagrams. Looking closer, he saw it was labeled "Arf, arf".

"Sorry, did not have time to fully translate."

"Levi, did your dog work out this plan?" said the Chief.

"Ah... no, " said Levi.

"Then why is there an animal notation here?" said the Chief.

Levi looked uncomfortable. "Well, was my idea, but Quick helped with some minor details," said Levi.

The Chief looked doubtful.

"Trust, Chief. Will work."

"I'll relay this to the civil authorities and see what they think," said the Chief. He turned to Croft. "Well?"

Croft had been monitoring events on the city's secure holomonitors. He had watched the progress of the assault on the dam. "The troops couldn't stop them. The Graftonites couldn't stop them. And Red Sally...."

"Is she alive?" the Chief asked.

"I don't know," said Croft. "I think she fell into the water behind the dam. But if she was in the water when the dam broke, well..."

"Have a team start a search," the Chief instructed him.

"If she's still alive, she could be anywhere in the flooded downtown area," said Croft.

"What about our progress in tracking the Mind Bender and the Twister?" the Chief asked.

"Our remote monitoring units tracked them trading their hovercar for an aircar, which makes sense, given all the flooding," said Croft. "Then they went off our tracking system."

The Chief glared at him. "Croft, these two have caused billions of dollars in damage. Probably hundreds if not thousands of people are dead. And now we can't track them. What should I tell the President?"

"Tell him this is nothing like we've ever faced before," said Croft. "These people can control minds and objects. Together, they're almost unstoppable."

"But how do we stop them?" said the Chief.

"The navy," said Croft bluntly.

"What?"

"If they're spotted again, have the navy blast them from orbit," said Croft. There were usually several ships in the vicinity of August. One or more of them could be called in to help.

"In the middle of Sarney Sarittenden?" said the Chief. "Do you know the kind of casualties that would cause?"

"Do you know the number of casualties they have already caused?" said Croft. "Do you know the number of casualties they are still capable of causing?"

The Chief thought about it, silently, for a moment. Then he nodded. "I'll advise the President. But I want you work on locating them."

"I'll try," said Croft.

"And try to come up with a better plan."

"I'll try my best, Chief," said Croft.

Croft and Preston left the situation room and returned to their offices.

Croft assessed the situation. "They asked for no ransom. They made no demands," said Croft. "They simply blew up a dam."

"It's more of the Mind Bender's randomness," said Preston.

"Only it was the Twister who actually did it," said Croft. They knew so little about the Twister. But he seemed to be acting just like the Mind Bender.

"Maybe he's crazy like the Mind Bender," said Preston. "Or maybe the Mind Bender has taken control of him."

"Or maybe it's part of a plan we can't see the full implications of yet," said Croft.

"Croft, they've flooded Sarney, killed a lot of people, caused a lot of property damage, and ground this city to a halt. I think we've seen their plan," said Preston.

"That's it, then?" said Croft. "Mindless destruction? Do you think they plan to simply go around to every major city in the League and start tearing it apart?"

"I don't know, maybe," said Preston.

"It doesn't make sense," said Croft.

**************

"It makes no sense," the Mind Bender frowned. He and the Twister were in a secure location, watching and listening to the Terrible Thinker. "Why don't we blow something else up, like a building, or a bridge, or a-"

"Because I didn't tell you to," said those silvery eyes. The image they were watching was dark, and all they could see were those silvery eyes. Whether the Terrible Thinker was sitting in a dark room, or had some special setting on his holotransmitter to facilitate this, his intent was clear--to intimidate them with his eyes.

The Mind Bender still wasn't satisfied with that explanation. Nor was he intimidated by those eyes. "All you want us to do is tap in and get some information? Will we be blowing up stuff after that?"

The Terrible Thinker shook his head. "This will be your last action on August, for now."

"What is this important information we're going to get?" said the Mind Bender.

"The off-world locations of the Column's Gamma Operatives," said the Terrible Thinker.

"The Gamma Operatives?" said the Mind Bender. "So we're finally going after them?"

"Yes," the Terrible Thinker whispered.

"Well, there are plenty right here on August. Why don't we get the ones here?" said the Mind Bender. The Terrible Thinker always took the long way to get to their goal.

"Do you know where the Gamma Operatives are located?" the Terrible Thinker asked.

"In one of the Column buildings, I suppose," said the Mind Bender.

"Do you know exactly where they are?" the Terrible Thinker asked again.

"Well, no, but it shouldn't take long to find out-"

"Do you know what kind of defenses are at this location?" the Terrible Thinker persisted.

"No, nor do I care," said the Mind Bender. What did it matter? Nothing could stand up to him and the Twister.

"Really?" said the Terrible Thinker. "And what do you do when you enter the complex and step into a killing zone, such as a long, thin corridor with automated lasers at one end of it?"

"The Twister pulls them out and deactivates the lasers," said the Mind Bender.

"If he sees it, and can pull them out from that distance," said the Terrible Thinker. "And what happens when you step into a room and they flood it with gas?"

"The Twister blows it away," said the Mind Bender.

"But if you're sealed in a room, where does he blow it to?" said the Terrible Thinker. He talked as if he were speaking to a small child.

"Uh...."

The Terrible Thinker continued his line of questioning. "Once you reach the Gamma Operatives, how do you plan to counteract their active powers?"

The Mind Bender said, "You saw what we did to the cute red girl-"

"And what about the Gamma Operatives who are immune to your powers?" The Terrible Thinker asked. He felt frustrated with the Mind Bender; he was dense, he was undisciplined, he was difficult to deal with. But the use of his powers were an essential part of the Terrible Thinker's plans.

"What? They have some Gamma Operatives whose minds cannot be controlled?" said the Mind Bender. "I thought only Croft was immune. The last time I was out and about they didn't have anyone-"

"I don't know if they do," said the Terrible Thinker.

"Then why did you say-"

"All I'm saying is that you don't know what you're going up against," said the Terrible Thinker. "And it will take only one surprise for you to be captured or killed. The point is that you can't just go charging into one of the most secure access points on August. Even you and the Twister would likely be apprehended."

"So you want us to go after the ones that are off planet, because they will be easier to get a hold of," said the Mind Bender.

"Precisely," said the Terrible Thinker.

"So why didn't we just go and tap into this database in the first place?" said the Mind Bender. "Much as I enjoyed all the destruction, it seems totally unrelated."

"Yes, I imagine it would," said the Terrible Thinker, not trying very hard to keep a deprecating tone out of his voice. "The terminal I am sending you to is only one of a few that has access to this information. This particular terminal which I have determined is most accessible is located in the headquarters of the director of League Intelligence, but even that has, or had, safeguards."

"What do you mean, had?" said the Mind Bender.

"I mean until your first two attacks there were several rings of army soldiers and jump troop surrounding the building," said the Terrible Thinker. "But since then they have been dispersed, to guard critical installations."

"Ohhh," said the Mind Bender. "So that was why you had us attack those places?"

"Yes," said the Terrible Thinker. "Furthermore, now that the first twelve floors of the building are under water, it has largely been evacuated, except for a skeleton staff."

"And that was why you had us blow the dam," said the Mind Bender. "I see now."

"Good," said the Terrible Thinker. "Then stop wasting time questioning my orders and get the information."

The Terrible Thinker turned to the Twister. "Are you strong enough to proceed?"

The Twister still looked tired. "I don't think I could break any more dams for a while-"

"-you won't have to," said the Terrible Thinker. "Resistance will be minimal, if you go now. But one more thing, about Red Sally."

"Yes, quite a looker, wasn't she?" the Mind Bender smirked.

"You wasted precious minutes entertaining yourself with her. You allowed reinforcements to catch up with your position."

"The guys with the gas grenades? They were nothing," said the Mind Bender dismissively.

"They easily could have been a brigade with battle tanks," said the Terrible Thinker. "You have to get in and get out quickly, and not allow yourself to be diverted."

The Mind Bender stared at those eyes. "I'll divert whenever I want to. You're trying to scare me with those eyes and your spooky voice, but your charms don't work on me. Don't confuse my collaboration on a common plan with the idea that we're your subordinates. I'm only doing this to get what you promised."

Those silvery eyes stared at him for a moment. The Twister wondered what would happen next. Would the Terrible Thinker threaten him?

But the Terrible Thinker merely said, "If you want what was promised, you had better get to work."

And his image faded.

"You shouldn't push him," said the Twister.

"You?" said the Mind Bender. "You of all people are saying that? I'm surprised you're not giving him orders! After all, what can he do? What power does he have?"

"He has brains," said the Twister. "And if you want to go on staying free, and one step ahead of the League, I suggest you listen to him."

The Mind Bender gave no answer.

********

"Professor?" said Croft. He peered cautiously into the apartment as he slogged inside.

Professor Capybara's apartment was just inside the "wet zone", which was fortunate, since it was a ground level apartment. But two feet of water filled the apartment, and so far there was no sign of the Professor. They did see numerous peanuts floating on the water, however.

"Professor?" said Croft again.

"In here, Clifford," came that familiar voice.

Croft and Preston entered the study, to find the Professor, nonchalantly floating on his back. He had his spectacles on and was smoking his pipe, and was studying a datapad as he floated.

"This is quite relaxing," said the Professor. "But I'm not sure how (tweatle tweatle) it is for the furniture."

"Professor, we need your help," said Croft.

The Professor looked at Croft. "Why is it you always (tweatle tweatle) when you need something? Why not just (tweatle tweatle) to say hello?"

"I don't know, Professor," said Croft. "Listen, there's this guy named the Twister, he's on a rampage, he's a telekinetic and he's very dangerous, and the Mind Bender is with him-"

As he spoke, the familiar holographic quill and tablet appeared above the Professor's head, and started scribbling.

"And so you see, we need your help," said Croft.

"I imagine you (tweatle tweatle) do," said the Professor deprecatingly. "But Clifford, as you already know, I cannot get involved."

"Why not?" said Croft. "You did, once before. You gave me the power to resist the Mind Bender."

"That was not (tweatle tweatle) involvement," said the Professor.

"What was it?"

The Professor waved a hand. "A minor (tweatle tweatle) experiment."

"Fine," said Croft. "Do another one. Make me immune to the Twister."

"Do you realize what you are asking for?" said the Professor, looking at Croft through his spectacles.

"Sure," said Croft.

"No, you (tweatle tweatle) don't," said the Professor, turning back to his datapad. "Making your feeble brain cells immune to some level of (tweatle tweatle) outside influence is simple. Making your body immune to (tweatle tweatle) physical force produced by another... well, it would require a level of (tweatle tweatle) change that your simple (tweatle tweatle) architecture simply couldn't handle."

"Why not?" said Croft. "The Twister handles it."

"Clifford," said the Professor. "From your (tweatle tweatle) description this one you call the Twister can direct mental power--but can he resist it?"

"Uh...."

"As I said, a totally different power," the Professor said.

"Then give me his power!" said Croft.

"Sorry, the (tweatle tweatle) mental powers store is closed today," said the Professor, turning back to his readings. "Please (tweatle tweatle) try back tomorrow."

"Really?" said Croft. "If I come back tomorrow, you'll give me his powers?"

The Professor looked down on him through his spectacles. "It was just one of your (tweatle tweatle) human expressions I thought I had mastered, Clifford. I have observed you humans say many things you (tweatle tweatle) don't feel, such as 'Hello' 'How are you?' 'Goodbye' 'See you later'-"

"You helped us before when we faced a tremendous menace!" said Croft. "How is this any different?"

The Professor sighed. "I'm sorry your (tweatle tweatle) small intellect cannot understand the distinction."

"Then educate me."

The Professor sighed again. "The first being had the potential to change your society. As you (tweatle tweatle) pointed out to me at the time, he controlled your ruler, and under your archaic authority-driven society, he could actually control your kind by (tweatle tweatle) controlling your ruler," said the Professor. "This newcomer, however, is (tweatle tweatle) different. All he can do is destroy objects."

"Very expensive and vital objects, like dams," said Croft.

"Oh, is that where all this liquid came from?" said the Professor. "I was wondering."

"What did you think?"

The Professor shrugged. "I just thought your kind was being (tweatle tweatle) normally careless with its natural resources."

"Uh huh," said Croft. He hated it when the Professor played dumb. "He can also kill a lot of people."

"Sorry-

"-can't get involved, I know," said Croft. He turned to go. "Come on," he said to Preston.

"Please come again, Clifford," said the Professor.

Croft turned back to him. "That may be hard to do if the Twister cuts me in half or crushes me under a heavy rock."

"Oh, how sad," said the Professor.

"Yes?" said Croft, a little hopefully.

"Yes, I will miss our little conversations," said the Professor. The quill started scribbling madly on the tablet.

"What are you doing?" Croft asked.

"Making final notes about you while you are still fresh in my mind, just in case something happens to you," said the Professor. "Oh, and Clifford, can you relay a message to your superiors?"

"Yes?" said Croft, a slight look of hope appearing on his face.

"Yes, when you return to your (tweatle tweatle) central authority, can you arrange to have someone come and (tweatle tweatle) dry out my furniture?"

Croft simply gave the Capybara an angry stare.

********

"Here we are," said the Mind Bender, indicating the terminal inside the building housing the League Intelligence Bureau, the oversight arm for all League intelligence agencies, including the Column. Behind them stood a wrecked door and two bodies. The Twister activated his comm.

'We're here," said the Mind Bender. "What do you want us to do?"

"Listen carefully," came the voice of the Terrible Thinker.

The Mind Bender proceeded to type for several minutes, under the instruction of the Terrible Thinker. Even working slowly, under the Thinker's direction, he was able to break into the network relatively quickly. The Thinker must have worked this out in advance. Soon, the desired information appeared on the terminal.

"There's only one operative off-planet," said the Mind Bender. "Only one."

"Who?" the Terrible Thinker asked.

"The one called... Mongo," said the Mind Bender.

"Where?" said the Terrible Thinker.

"Steps," said the Mind Bender. "I have the precise location of their safehouse here."

"Good," said the Terrible Thinker.

"I trust you want us to go after him?" said the Mind Bender.

"Yes," said the Terrible Thinker. "But first I want you to enter the following keystrokes-"

"I'm not entering anything until you tell me what is going on," said the Mind Bender.

"What do you mean?" came the Terrible Thinker's voice.

"The only reason I'm participating in all this, the ONLY reason, is for you to get me the one called Dalbo Alto," said the Mind Bender. "He has the ability to read minds. His ability, combined with mine, will make me incredibly powerful."

"Yes, that's what I promised you," said the Terrible Thinker.

"And yet Dalbo is here, on August, and you want us to go off-planet to fetch this Mongo creature," said the Mind Bender.

"An alarm has been sounded," said the Terrible Thinker. "Reinforcements will be there in several minutes. We don't have time to argue about this-"

"We have all the time in the world until you tell me when I'm going to get what I came for," said the Mind Bender.

"When you go after Mongo, Croft will pursue you, and take Dalbo with him," said the Terrible Thinker.

"How do you know?" the Mind Bender asked.

"Because I know Croft, and it's a classic countermove," said the Terrible Thinker.

"So you don't know for sure," said the Mind Bender.

"I know, just as I know how the League has reacted to everything that's taken place so far," said the Terrible Thinker.

The Mind Bender frowned. This was all too indirect and iffy for his tastes. "Why can't we just go and get Dalbo now? I have his exact location-"

"Go ahead," said the Terrible Thinker curtly. "They're ready for you. Ever since the last time you escaped, they've upgraded security with remote camera operated guns. Get past all of those on your own."

The Mind Bender was silent for a moment. The hum of approaching gravitators could be heard in the distance.

"All right," said the Mind Bender. "What do you want me to type now?"

"Type the following."The Terrible Thinker gave him a sequence of commands.

The hum of gravitators was closer now.

"What will all this do?" said the Mind Bender.

"It will erase your searches," said the Terrible Thinker.

"Why?" the Mind Bender asked.

"So the League won't know what it is you looked at," said the Terrible Thinker. His voice was still patient but he was not. He was unaccustomed to having to explain himself, much less every step, every move. He found the Mind Bender was tiring him.

"If they won't know what we looked at, how will they send Croft and Dalbo after us?" the Mind Bender asked.

"They will know, but it will take them some time to figure out," said the Terrible Thinker. "Have you typed it in yet?" he said, his voice now starting to show that he had clearly run out of patience.

"Wait... "

Suddenly soldiers rushed into the room... and then the soldiers glided past them, smacking into the walls behind them.

"Hey," said the Mind Bender, as one of the soldiers brushed by him. "Keep them off me."

He typed for a moment longer. When the second wave of troops came in, the Twister sent them spinning in different directions.

"All right, done," said the Mind Bender.

"What does the terminal say?" the Terrible Thinker asked.

"All clear," said the Mind Bender. "Can we go now?"

"Yes," said the Terrible Thinker.

Later, a small scoutship rocketed out of August's atmosphere. The Twister sat in the cockpit, the Mind Bender standing behind him.

"So, how much of a lead do we have?"

"Twelve to twenty five hours," came the voice of the Terrible Thinker over the comm.

"It's going to take us three days to get to Steps," said the Mind Bender. "They'll warn them and be long gone by then."

"That's why I'm going to take other measures to make certain they stay there," said the Terrible Thinker.

"You wouldn't care to be more specific?" the Mind Bender said, still hating to be treated like a puppet.

"You'll receive further instructions when you get into orbit around Steps," said the Terrible Thinker.

"Why not give them to us now?" the Mind Bender asked.

"Because I don't yet know exactly where Mongo and his party will be," said the Terrible Thinker. The Terrible Thinker closed the channel on his end.

"He knows what he's doing," said the Twister, looking back at the Mind Bender. "You're only making it difficult by being so argumentative."

"He's pulling us on strings like puppets," said the Mind Bender.

"Don't judge him until you see how the rest of his plan unfolds," said the Twister.

"We'll see," said the Mind Bender. He turned and went back into the passenger section.

The Twister put a small round object in his ear. A moment later he, and only he, heard a voice. "Is he gone?"

"Um," said the Twister softly.

"Don't speak. It has become increasingly obvious that your companion will not fit into our larger plans," said the Terrible Thinker. "I had hoped to make him a part of the team, but his unchecked distrust of authority makes it difficult to work with him. I now project an 88% chance he will desert either shortly before or after the mission is completed, and a 59% chance he will attempt to betray us, also shortly before or after the mission is completed. I have decided we will put Contingency Number 4 into place. Continue with the mission as planned for now."

"Um," said the Twister.

"It's a pity, because he would have made quite a formidable ally," said the Terrible Thinker.

* * * * * * * * * *

Bernard Bourgeois looked at the holoprojection of silvery eyes. It was a bit intimidating. "Why can we not see your whole face, yes?"

"What does it matter?" said the Terrible Thinker. "We have business to discuss."

"We do?" said Bourgeois. "Do you plan to unionize your workforce?"

Bourgeois was one of the regional bosses of the Union. The Union, short for the Galactic Union of Concerned Workers, was a galaxy wide body that organized workers into unions and fought for workers' rights

At least, that was the theory.

The Union did organize workers, but the Union also had other agendas, such as extortion, kickbacks, blackmail, racketeering, and any other revenue enhancing programs it could put into place to enrich its top rank of union bosses. A favorite Union tactic was to investigate corporate bosses and dig up dirt which could be used for blackmail purposes; and then, when it came time to negotiate labor contracts, use that information as leverage to get secret, separate payments made to Union bosses. Strikes and work disruptions could also be avoided for appropriate payments. Union wages rose moderately, but a big chunk of the payments went to a select few Union bosses. All this was an open secret, of course; but any Union members who opposed the status quo often wound up for a swim in the river, wearing plastisteel filled work boots.

"This isn't about my workforce," said the Terrible Thinker. "It's about the League's. A very important... employee of the League is on the planet Steps. I want to give him a chance to come and work for me, but he is surrounded by hostile League agents who won't let him enter into an... employment contract with another company."

"What's so special about this... employee?" Bourgeois wanted to know.

"He can see into the future," said the Terrible Thinker. There was no use in lying on this point, and he calculated that perhaps this was one of those rare times when the truth would help. The Terrible Thinker needed to get Bourgeois interested enough to take action.

"Really?" said Bourgeois. "What kind of person can see into the future?"

"A League Gamma Operative."

The Gamma Section was supposed to be a complete secret. But Bourgeois raised his eyebrows. "I have heard of this name. But I did not know if this group really existed, only rumors."

"It isn't rumors and they do exist."

"And this individual can really see into the future?" said Bourgeois. "On any planet?"

"Yes," said the Terrible Thinker.

"It sounds like he would be a great addition to the Union," said Bourgeois.

The Terrible Thinker smiled. Bourgeois was being so transparent. "I'm willing to pay you ten million credits to keep him safe and turn him over to my people," said the Terrible Thinker.

"That's a lot of money," said Bourgeois.

"It can be a very... personal... payment," said the Terrible Thinker. He was offering to bribe Bourgeois directly.

"I might be interested," said Bourgeois.

"You'll have to act quickly," said the Terrible Thinker. "He'll be alerted within a few hours. I understand you have a team of agitators on Steps?"

"I believe we do have a team of labor mediators," said Bourgeois.

"Sorry, wrong terminology," said the Terrible Thinker.

Bourgeois thought for a moment. Those silvery eyes bore into his mind, as if they were trying to read his thoughts.

"All right," said Bourgeois. "Give me his location."

"I'm transmitting them now," said the Terrible Thinker, nodding.

"Got them," said Bourgeois, checking his displays.

"My people will arrive in three days to pick them up," said the Terrible Thinker.

"We'll have him for you," Bourgeois promised.

"Don't betray me," said the Terrible Thinker.

"The thought never crossed my mind," said Bourgeois.

As the Terrible Thinker's image faded, Bourgeois chuckled. Did the Terrible Thinker really think that Mongo was worth only ten million credits? He could get ten times that on the open market for him.

Or perhaps Mongo could be persuaded to join the Union. With the proper inducements (or intimidation--both were the same to Bourgeois), he might join the Union, and use his skill to predict future business events, making Bourgeois and a small circle of Union bosses very, very rich men.

**************

Meanwhile, back on August....

"So what did they access?" said Croft, hovering over Levi's shoulder.

"Records say nothing," said Levi, staring into a holoterminal and typing rapidly.

"Of course they say nothing," said Croft. "What did they access?"

"Will take time to determine," said Levi. "Not help by you bouncing around behind me."

Croft took a few steps back. And then he saw an incredible sight: while Levi was sitting at his desk, typing rapidly into the holoterminal, at his feet sat Quick, who also was looking into a tiny holoterminal. He even seemed to have some kind of prototype keyboard with a number of paw shaped keys that the animal was tapping.

"Now I've seen everything," said Croft, rolling his eyes.

"Go away," Levi suggested.

**************

Levi called him back six hours later. There hadn't been any more reported attacks since then, which only confirmed Croft's suspicions that the Column database had been their real target. Meanwhile the casualty reports were still coming in. Seven thousand people were missing and presumed dead from the flood. Most people had survived by going to higher floors in their buildings. The property damage bill was enormous. The legislature, in emergency session, was already talking about a new tax to cover it (as well as spending on a number of other unrelated items).

Meanwhile Levi's (or Quick's?) idea of using spaceship projected forcefields to block the water was working. Giant spaceships hovered over the former site of the dam, holding back a flood of water, while work crews frantically worked to put a makeshift barrier in place. The water level was starting to drop, and repair work on the damaged sections of the city was beginning.

When Croft and Preston returned to Levi's lab, Levi said, "Got information."

"Don't tell me the dog did it again," said Croft, indicating the smiling Quick, who was sitting by Levi's feet.

"No," said Levi. "Though Quick was helpful in devising algorithm-"

"Levi!"

"It's Mongo," said Levi. "In great danger."

"Mongo?" said Croft. Suddenly, he realized. "He's on Steps." He turned to Preston. "That's what they were after all along. Mongo."

He went to Levi's terminal. The information was already on the screen. Personnel, locations, comm frequency. Croft was about to hit the comm button, when Levi put a hand over his.

"Already tried to contact agent in charge," said Levi. "Tried as soon as realized what was happening."

"And?"

"No response," said Levi.

"No response," said Croft. "How could the Mind Bender have gotten to them so quickly?"

**************

A few minutes later Croft and Preston were in the Chief's office. None of them looked very pleased.

"So it's Mongo they were after," said the Chief.

"Yes, but it doesn't make any sense," said Croft.

"Why not?" the Chief asked.

Croft explained. "The Mind Bender had Mongo under his control once before. It didn't exactly help him during our last encounter. Why would he want Mongo again?"

"Maybe he's figured a more effective method of control," said the Chief. "Or maybe it's the Twister's idea."

"Or maybe he plans to sell Mongo to the Slurians, for kicks," said Preston. "That would be so like his style."

"What was Mongo doing on Steps in the first place?" said Croft. "That's the last planet where he would be needed for a mission."

"He was there for research purposes," said the Chief.

"Research purposes?" said Croft. "Whose idiotic idea-"

"Mine, actually," said the Chief coldly. "It was thought that standing in the High Point could augment his powers."

"So he had to go out there and see," said Croft. He paused. "This isn't an accident. Whoever is behind this, knew that Mongo was off-planet. This whole effort was directed at finding out exactly where he was." He paused. "And, if they have half a brain, they expect us to go after him."

"Are you saying we shouldn't try to rescue him?" said the Chief.

"No," said Croft, thinking rapidly. "Just that we need to proceed carefully." He paused again. "I want Dalbo on this one."

"Why?" said the Chief. "I would think you would want someone with more active powers, like the Clapper-"

"The Clapper doesn't have a tenth of the power that the Twister has," said Croft. "No, we've been behind the curve because of a lack of information, and Dalbo might help level the field. I'll also want to hire the Silencer, too, if I can get him there in time."

"He is very expensive to hire," said the Chief, but then, seeing Croft's expression, he added, "But seeing the emergency nature of this situation, I approve your request."

"Good," said Croft. "Then I'll pay a quick visit to Levi and the Institute and then I'll head out."

"Just one more thing, Croft," said the Chief. "Mongo had a security detail of four agents accompanying him, lead by Agent Blanner. Just because we can't get in touch with him doesn't mean anything. They may have gone to ground."

"Right Chief," said Croft. He had absolutely no confidence in other agents in a situation like this. He only hoped their trail wouldn't be too cold by the time he reached Steps.

A few minutes later, He and Preston were in Levi's lab.

"Levi, we're heading off to Steps," said Croft. "We just need one last thing: something to give us an edge against the Twister."

Levi merely looked at him.

"What's wrong, has the Mind Bender got your tongue?"

"You come in here and you ask impossible thing," said Levi. "New enemy appear yesterday with enormous mental power. You want immediate solution."

"Well, it's not like we've never seen this power before," said Croft. "It's the same power that the Clapper has, on amplified levels. Surely you've had years to study it."

"Yes," said Levi. "Clapper moves objects with brainwaves, on molecular level. But do not know way to stop it. To stop, must stop molecules."

"Oh," said Croft. "I thought there might be some anti telekinetic treatment-"

"Not that I know of," said Levi. "Telekinesis acts on molecules just like a person does when moving an object by hand. The only way to stop is to stop transmission of brain waves."

"How can I do that?" said Croft.

"Shoot him," said Levi.

Croft stared at Levi

Levi stared at Croft.

"Arf!" Quick trotted between the two. He stood on hind legs and stuck his tongue out. Levi reached down and petted Quick.

"If he's a genius, why does he need to be petted like an ordinary dog?" Croft asked.

"Is a genius, yes, but is still a dog," said Levi.

"Well, if you can't figure anything out, maybe you can give him a biscuit and get him working on it," said Croft.

"Good luck," said Levi.

"Yeah," said Croft.

His last stop before he left was the Gamma Section, or the Institute, as it was also called. After getting through several layers of security, he found Dalbo in his room.

"It sounds dangerous," said Dalbo, before Croft had a chance to say a single word. All he did was enter the room.

"It's very polite of you to read my mind," said Croft.

"That's what you want to use me for, isn't it?" said Dalbo.

"To read other people's minds," said Croft. "Don't you want to help rescue Mongo, your friend?"

"Mongo is not my friend," said Dalbo. "He is a greedy hissing narcissistic creature."

"Well, don't you have any sympathy for him?" said Croft.

"Not really," said Dalbo.

"Are you ready to go?" said Croft.

"I guess so," Dalbo sighed, getting up.

Suddenly they heard a scream, and Croft, turning around, saw someone striding towards them, surrounded in flames.

It was Red Sally. She was wearing a tight blue outfit, and flames trailed in her wake.

It probably would not be a good idea to ask what happened to her red outfit, Croft realized.

"WHERE IS HE?" She shrieked.

"Who?" said Croft, giving Dalbo a warning glance.

"YOU KNOW WHO, THE ONE WHO MADE A FOOL OF ME!" she screamed.

"Sally, calm down, you're going to set the Institute on fire," said Croft. He watched the trail of flames dancing behind her.

"Don't tell me to calm down!" she yelled, at a slightly lower pitch. "I want him dead, do you hear me, DEAD!"

"We're working on that-"

"Take me with you!" said Sally.

"Now Sally, you know that you're vulnerable, to both of them," said Croft. "The Twister could fling you away, or the Mind Bender could, uh-"

"Yes? What?" A flame danced on Sally's open palm.

"Take control of your mind again," said Croft, putting it diplomatically.

"I don't care, I want to see him dead!" she screamed again.

"We haven't located them yet."

"Then where are you going with HIM?" she said, indicating Dalbo.

"To interrogate a suspect who might give us a lead," said Croft.

"When you find him, you'd better let me know!" said Sally.

"Of course," said Croft soothingly.

"You'd better!" Her flames started to extinguish.

"Why don't you lie down on your nice asbestos mattress and get some rest?" said Croft.

Sally paused, and then nodded.

As Dalbo and Croft departed, Dalbo remarked, "Do you lie to everyone all the time?"

Croft looked at Dalbo. "If I tell you yes right now, then I don't lie to everyone all the time, do I?"

Dalbo looked perplexed.

"Think about it!" said Croft smugly.

**************

They took a small but fast scoutship from the military section of Sarney Sarittenden Spaceport. Croft's only support staff was Preston and Dalbo.

"Why didn't you want a full team?" said Preston. "The Chief would have given it to you."

"What is a full team of agents against the Mind Bender or the Twister?" said Croft.

"I see what you mean," said Preston. "Well, I guess I should be flattered that you want me along."

"I find you relatively competent," said Croft indifferently.

"Don't shower me with compliments, Croftie," said Preston.

"Given my opinion of most agents, you should be flattered," said Croft.

Suddenly, they received an incoming transmission. In seconds they were staring at silvery eyes.

"How did you know where we were?" said Croft incredulously.

"Is that really the foremost question in your mind?" said Steven Quick, those silvery eyes staring out at him. There were only two famous beings in the galaxy who were known to have silvery eyes, and Steven Quick was one of them.

"What can I do for you?" Croft inquired.

"I've heard a little about events on August," said Quick.

"No doubt you get reports from your efficient agents," said Croft.

"It doesn't always take efficient agents to notice when a third of Sarney Sarittenden gets flooded," Quick commented. "I've deduced where you're going and why."

"I'm hardly surprised," said Croft.

"I'm concerned you may be walking into a trap," said Quick.

"That thought had also occurred to me," said Croft.

"This plan is much too elaborate for the Mind Bender to have thought up. And we do not think this is the Twister's plan either," said Quick.

"How do you know?" said Croft. "We don't know anything about the Twister, so you haven't had the chance to steal the information from us."

"Clifford, you embarrass us. We are allies, so spying on each other is out of the question," said Quick. "We have our own resources. Actually, it turns out that the Twister is one of ours."

"One of your operatives?"

"One of our citizens. His real name is Manton Flebber."

"I can see why he changed it to the Twister," Croft remarked. "Do you know how he got his powers? Did he have some kind of alien encounter like the Mind Bender?"

"Not that we know of," said Quick. "Though he did have a criminal record. His last recorded position was serving as a mechanic in a spaceship repair yard. Two months ago there was an accident. Flebber was nearly electrocuted. He was in a coma for a while. When he woke up, he started to demonstrate powers."

"Telekinesis," said Croft.

Quick nodded.

"Did he really get telekinesis by being electrocuted?" said Croft.

"Apparently the doctors hypothesized that electrical currents produced random changes in his brain tissue at a molecular level-"

"In other words, don't try this at home," said Croft.

"It does seem to be a random result that would have no practical applications if one wanted to create an army of telekinetics," said Quick. "You'd probably have to give near lethal doses to hundreds, if not thousands of people to produce one telekinetic."

"Well, don't tell that to the Slurians," said Croft grimly, knowing they were fully capable of doing it. "So what happened to Fibber after the accident?"

"Flebber," said Quick. "He was studied by doctors for several weeks, and news of him and his abilities had just reached my desk, when he disappeared."

"Disappeared," said Croft.

"That's what I said, yes," said Quick. "And then, three weeks later, he reappeared on August, when he helped the Mind Bender escape."

"How does this Flebber get from point A to point B?" said Croft. "The location of the Mind Bender was hardly public knowledge. Was Flebber some sort of criminal mastermind?"

"No," said Quick. "Quite the opposite, in fact."

"Could the Mind Bender have sent him a message from inside his prison?"

"You tell me," said Quick.

"I don't think so," said Croft. "Nor does this plan appear to be his style."

"I agree," said Quick.

"So what are we talking about here? The Slurians? Do you think that in that missing three weeks the Twister went to Sluria, and that this is an NGB or MRU or Special Tasks operation?"

"It might be," said Quick. "But my own suspicious are closer to home."

Croft was looking at those silvery eyes when Quick said that. It came to him in an instant. "The Terrible Thinker," said Croft. "Of course. He loves these kinds of indirect operations. Tell him to get from point A to point B and he'll go from A to C to D to E to Z before finally getting to B."

"But his plans are meticulously thought out," said Quick. "And that's why I'm contacting you."

"He expects me to come after Mongo," said Croft.

"Correct," said Quick. "He has also probably anticipated that you will bring a Gamma Operative with you. He may have even anticipated which one."

Croft cast a glance back at Dalbo. "This is all about Dalbo."

"Quite possibly."

"But Mongo is very important too. We can't let him fall into enemy hands."

"Agreed," said Quick.

"I might actually need Dalbo to find Mongo," said Croft.

"Possibly," said Quick.

"So what I need are... some additional assets," said Croft.

"Yes," said Quick.

"You see, I'm thinking like you now," said Croft.

"Let's not get too heady, Clifford," said Quick.

"Of course not," said Croft. "Any other advice?"

"Nothing specific," said Quick. "If you are facing the Terrible Thinker, don't get paranoid. His plans are well thought out, but he is hardly infallible."

"All right," said Croft.

"Good luck, Croft."

"Thanks."

The transmission terminated.

Croft looked at Preston. "I think we're going to need some backup on this one."

He punched up the holotransmitter. In a few moments, the image of the Silencer, the famous Graftonite gunman, appeared on the screen.

"Yes?" said the Silencer.

"How about 'Hello'?" said Croft.

"What do you want, Croft?"

"To give you some money," said Croft.

"What do you want?" said the Silencer again.

"One of our operatives has been taken captive," said Croft.

"By anyone in particular?"

"The Mind Bender and the Twister."

"I told you I'm not going up against the Mind Bender," said the Silencer.

"This isn't a rescue mission for you," said Croft. "It's a body guarding mission. We have a Gamma Operative with us who may need protecting."

"When do you need me?"

"Now. A rush job, on the planet Steps."

The Silencer considered. "All right."

"Your usual fee?" said Croft.

"No," said the Silencer.

"If you're trying to jack up the price-"

"Whenever you hire me, you always have me shoot a lot of people," said the Silencer.

"You're a gunman," said Croft.

"I'm a bounty hunter," the Silencer corrected him. "Not a killer."

"There's a difference?"

"A bounty hunter goes out and finds people, usually criminals. He may have to shoot people, but that's purely incidental to his work."

"Well, any killing you'll have to do will be purely incidental to your protecting our specialist," said Croft.

"No," said the Silencer. "If you want to use me, you have to pay me per shot."

"Per kill?" Croft asked.

"It's usually the same thing," said the Silencer. "I want 20,000 credits per shot."

"20,000 credits each time you fire a gun!" said Preston. "What if you just fire off your blaster into the air-"

"20,000 per shot," said the Silencer. "And I keep the count."

"All right," said Croft. "But I was prepared to pay you 500,000 credits. Do you really think you're going to have to shoot so many people?"

"Where you're involved, probably," said the Silencer.

"Grafton is closer to Steps than August is. Can you meet us at the Steps spaceport in exactly 70 hours?" Croft asked.

The Silencer nodded.

"Good. See you there. Croft out."

"20,000 credits a shot is ridiculous," said Preston.

"He is the best," said Croft.

"You saw what the Twister did against that Graftonite mercenary team. What can one man do that those guys couldn't?"

Croft gave Preston a knowing look. "Those men were Graftonites with super reflexes. But they didn't have super brains. I intend to use the Silencer more effectively. And then, of course, there's another wildcard in the equation."

"What?"

"Steps."

"Steps," said Preston. He had barely given any thought to their destination.

Steps.