TWO OF A KIND

A “Captain Scarlet & The Mysterons” story

By Lady Hawke

Copyright 2000, Revised copyright 2001

NOTE: This story takes place following, and is based on, the aired TV episodes from Century21 and Sylvia and Gerry Anderson’s 1967 superanimation series “Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons”. The characters and situations, too, are based on the TV series, therefore, with no access to other reference works, save Chris Bishop’s generous character profiles from her website, there may be discrepancies from additional authorized sources. These discrepancies are due to ignorance and lack of information, and are not intentional changes to the Andersons’ craft. Please accept my apologies in advance and enjoy the ride!

Captain Blue stuck his blond head inside the Cloudbase lounge. “Come on, Old Buddy,” he said to the scarlet-uniformed man seated at a couch. “Time to go.” Captain Scarlet’s dark-haired head was bowed over a magazine. With a sigh, he set the publication down and rose from his seat. Silently the man gathered his scarlet kepi from a table and tucked it under an arm. “What’s the matter?” Blue asked as his friend moved to follow him from the lounge . “Not excited about this assignment? It could make a real difference in our defenses, you know.”

“Don’t mind me,” Scarlet declared in his deep, British accent. “I’m just not thrilled with being a guinea pig for some university scientists. They’ve forwarded their request to the colonel, and I’m to cooperate fully in these tests without giving any of Spectrum secrets away. It’s a little like walking a tightrope with my eyes blindfolded.”

“Gee,” Blue acknowledged, blinking. “I had no idea. I thought my involvement was crucial. A Mysteron detector that can scan an entire city block at a time. It’ll be a big help when we need to quarantine an area.” Blue tilted his head and shrugged in resignation. “But as you’re the only Spectrum officer with the special ability of triggering a Mysteron detector, I guess my being there as added security is just icing.” He finished with a grin, “You’re their cake.”

“Always the optimist,” Scarlet groaned as he followed his blue-uniformed friend through the corridors of Spectrum’s Cloudbase to the launching deck of the airbase carrier. Colonel White was sending Captains Blue and Scarlet to observe a new wide-band Mysteron detector to be installed at Long Island University in New York for tests. The detector, designed to sweep an enlarged area as compared to a single individual, would be a boon for Spectrum, White had assured them. A device able to discriminate a Mysteron reconstruction from a normal human was one of only a few defenses the Spectrum organization and Earth had against this alien enemy.

Since their inadvertent discovery and the accidental destruction of a Mysteron base on Mars, this invisible, alien force had issued a vengeful ultimatum against Earth. All life on the planet was to be destroyed, slowly and by one nerve-wracking target at a time. Now, some scientists had expanded the capabilities of the existing detector, adapting its sweeping camera-like readout to analyze a much larger area. No longer would the enemy have to be within sight and aim of a detector. Now powerful but harmless X-ray photons could be emitted and sent out over a perimeter the size of a football field. Scarlet himself was crucial to the testing of this new device. That’s why he and Blue had been assigned this mission.

Since it was the summer semester break at the university, there were no students and only minimum staff. With few other bodies present to be exposed to the radioactive photons, the calibration of the device would be maximized. Upon their arrival, the two Spectrum officers were to oversee these trial experiments, using Scarlet as the test subject.

The two Spectrum officers met the scientific team who had developed the device at their science laboratory complex on the far side of the campus. They shared handshakes with Doctors Hanson, Daugherty, and Terrell, then were given a tour of the detector room.

“Wow,” Blue breathed when he saw the size of the machine. “It’s not exactly portable, is it?” he asked as he strolled alongside the eight foot high casing that housed the detector’s working parts. “How will this be practical in the field?”

“Eventually, we’ll be able to reduce its size,” assured Dr. Daugherty sweeping back gangly, non-professorial bangs from his wide-rimmed glasses. “Then, it can be installed in a specially designed vehicle and driven to a site for deployment.”

“It’ll be most effective in scanning city streets and metropolitan areas,” Dr. Terrell told them reaching a dark hand over and opening the control panel. “Once we’ve calibrated the machine to your special qualities, Captain Scarlet, we can work on fine-tuning the detector for widespread use.”

Scarlet nodded peeking inside the intricate casing of wires and fiber-optic filaments. “Spectrum are eager to make use of your machine here, Doctor. In our encounters with the Mysterons we’ve been sorely handicapped. A Mysteron reconstruction of a person is almost totally complete. There’s no telling who is a Mysteron and who isn’t without the detector.”

“Well, then,” Dr. Hanson spoke up with just a twist of an eager smirk, “shall we get started?”

Scarlet sucked in a slow breath. “What do you need me to do?” he asked. The scientists explained their intentions. Scarlet was to flank out over the campus in a glorified game of hide and seek. Once hidden, the detector would be activated, scanning the area for Scarlet’s unique Mysteron-like signature. It was Captain Blue’s job, then, to keep in radio contact with the scientists and physically locate his comrade to verify the accuracy of the device.

“Well, then,” Blue chimed in enthusiastically clapping and rubbing his palms together. “Let’s go. I’m the cat hunting the mouse.” Again there was that cheerful grin.

“At least one of us will be enjoying this mission,” Scarlet uttered under his breath. He adjusted his cap atop his head and straightened his wide shoulders. “Just call me Mickey.”

“One thing first, Captain,” Terrell urged waving Scarlet to an adjoining room. “We need you to submit to some physiological tests. We require blood and tissue samples before we send you out.”

Scarlet blinked. “I…I thought Dr. Fawn forwarded samples to you three weeks ago.”

Terrell nodded. “That’s true, but we require fresh samples with which to calibrate the machine. Colonel White did tell you we would require your full cooperation.” The doctor tilted his dark, curly head at the Spectrum officer as if in challenge.

Frowning Scarlet could not protest. Colonel White had insisted he comply fully with whatever procedures the scientists deemed pertinent. “I’ll cooperate, of course, Doctor.” He followed Terrell into the adjacent lab where the doctor’s medical equipment sat waiting. He stoically hopped atop a diagnostic bed and allowed Terrell to take both skin scrapings and blood samples from his bared left arm. When the doctor turned away, Scarlet quickly rolled the sleeve down to hide the already healing injury. He was dismissed, and Dr. Daugherty sent him out for the first trial.

Within the hour Scarlet was strolling the campus, blue eyes scanning the silent buildings and swaying trees. A dark curtain of clouds roiled from the southwest. It seemed a summer thunderstorm was brewing. Perhaps the day’s tests would be abridged. Scarlet pondered the darkening sky and released a decisive sigh. For his initial destination he chose the first floor lounge of the university library. Blue soon found him. “Looks like I’ll need to be more challenging,” Scarlet contended from a cushioned chair. He raised his scanning eyes from the book propped on his lap. “So, the machine works?”

Blue plopped down on the arm of the chair beside him and rubbed the back of his neck. “Actually,” he admitted, “the scientists were using infrared this time. They had the detector on, but they wanted to double-check using the heat sensors. I’m afraid we cheated.”

“Some cat you make,” Scarlet harangued. “Next time tie a string to my waist and just follow that.” He rose from his chair.

Blue’s head snapped back. “What’s that supposed to mean? Do you really feel like a guinea pig? This device is crucial in our fight against the Mysterons. You can’t deny it, Paul."

Scarlet scowled. “Turn off your mike first,” he advised. When Blue tugged off the borrowed university headset dangling from his cap, Scarlet sighed then continued. “I understand what we’re doing here, Adam. I just don’t think these doctors should know everything about me.”

Blue tilted his head. “What did Dr. Terrell want from you beside your blood? Was he too inquisitive?”

Scarlet swung an arm in dismissal. “No more than his curiosity allowed, I suppose,” he admitted. “It’s just that I’ve got a feeling they’re going to insist I tell them everything. The Colonel made it implicit that I only reveal as much as a low level clearance Spectrum officer would have access to.”

“That’s not much. Even Spectrum police know more than that about your special recuperative abilities.”

“Yes, but they’re not aware that I’m indestructible. These scientists have no need for that information.” Scarlet counted out the details on his fingers to his comrade. “Yes, I was taken over by the Mysterons. Yes, I survived to regain control of my body. Yes, I have retained certain Mysteron traits, such as being impervious to X-rays. That’s all that’s required to assist these men with the wide-band detector. No more.”

“Well, then,” Blue defended, “that’s all you give them. If they push any harder, have them contact Cloudbase themselves to confirm your orders.” Scarlet nodded silently and together they returned to the science building and Dr. Hanson’s lab.

“Very good, Gentlemen,” Hanson congratulated as Blue slipped the headset back onto his cap. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you just how we were able to find you, Captain.” Hanson went into a long-winded explanation of his prized machine. The speech was far more suited to a board meeting proposal than a review of procedure. Both Blue and Scarlet endured the lecture stoically, then prepared to repeat the test. Once again Scarlet was left to wander the campus grounds in search of a hiding spot.

It was during this second venture that Scarlet was to meet with his true destiny on this mission. As he strolled the tree-lined walkways he caught sight of a single jogger coursing around the campus’ athletic field. The figure’s round hips and swaying golden braid immediately gave the woman away. Who was she? He had been under the impression the campus was deserted except for the scientists conducting their experiments. Perhaps she was a town resident who made free use of the campus facilities. She was obviously unaware of the trials being governed by the university staff. Torn between approaching her and warning her she may inadvertently be interfering with the scientists’ work and finding his hiding place, Scarlet chose the latter. He would, however, advise the doctors of her existence once back in the lab.

It took Captain Blue longer this time to find and confirm for the doctors Scarlet’s new location. As they stood together atop the Liberal Arts building watching the approaching storm from the windswept roof, Blue offered, “Maybe we should have some rules about your chosen hiding places, Captain. Climbing eight flights of stairs and two utility shafts isn’t my cup of tea.”

“I prefer Earl Grey, myself,” Scarlet ventured scanning their heightened horizon.

“Hey, that sounds like a plan. It must be nearly five-thirty.” Blue turned his attention to the remote microphone hooked to his Spectrum cap. “Any dinner plans for us, Dr. Hanson?” Blue listened for a moment then frowned. “He says the cafeteria food is edible, but the area restaurants are better fare. What’s your fancy?”

Scarlet sighed tasting the ozone of the now rumbling thunderstorm against his dry tongue. “I’d prefer we stay on campus if possible. There’s little need to advertise our presence here.”

With a grudging pout Blue agreed. “If I’d thought about it, I would have brought along some civvies. These uniforms are rather conspicuous.”

“Yes,” Scarlet agreed and turned to descend the utility ladder down from the roof.

Once they had returned to the campus courtyard, Blue continued his verbal wandering. “You know this could be a new venue for our military drills,” he offered as they headed back to the science building. “A college campus no doubt has thousands of maintenance sheds, generator bunkers, storage closets. It’d be a boon for mock battle and search and rescue games.”

As they stepped around the corner of the science building Scarlet flinched and ducked aside as a woman strode into him from the opposite direction.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Gentlemen,” she stuttered. “I was in a hurry to get back to my bungalow. It seems I’m cooking you dinner. You don’t really want what slop the students are willing to down their gullets.”

“Excuse me?” Scarlet inquired his hand sliding from her arm where he had moved to avoid their collision.

“Oh, how awkward of me,” she said brushing aside a stray golden hair before raising her right hand. “I’m Dr. Laurel Tighor. I’m a resident here. Psychology professor. Almost tenured, I might add. I’ve been helping the scientists during the summer holiday.”

Captain Blue took her hand when Scarlet hesitated. “Pleased to meet you, Miss,” he said in his most charming voice. “I’m Captain Blue and this is Captain Scarlet of Spectrum. We’re here to assist the scientists as well. You know of their work?”

The medium-built woman shrugged her slender shoulders as she grabbed to shake Scarlet’s hand as well. “Mostly I’m their gofer. It pays some extra bills, running errands, fixing coffee. It’s not glamorous, but better than finding a summer job in town.”

Blue blinked beside his partner. “Did you say something about dinner?”

“Yeah, I heard you ask about the food facilities. Since you’re here on official duty, I figured you wouldn’t want to go into town, so I’m making dinner. How’s corn beef and cabbage sound? I can have it ready in an hour.”

“Fine,” Blue answered hesitantly. “Unexpected, but appreciated. Thank you.”

“Sure,” the woman chimed with a cheerful grin. “My bungalow’s on the edge of the athletic fields.” She pointed out past the Liberal Arts building. “Over there. I’ll see you in about an hour? If it’s OK with your superiors, I’ll even have a little Chablis cooled. I don’t often get such distinguished guests.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Blue answered with a charming smile. “We’ll check in with Dr. Hanson and see you in an hour.” Touching his cap visor, Blue gave her a little bow then hooked a hand around Scarlet’s arm steering him toward the science building’s entrance. “Come on, Old Buddy. We have a dinner date.” As the two Spectrum officers strode in to report to their overseers, Dr. Tighor trotted away to make their meal possible her swinging braid waving good-bye.

After a lengthy briefing and a preliminary calibration for the next morning’s run, the three scientists excused the officers for the evening. “We’ll reconvene at seven-thirty tomorrow morning. By then the storm will have cleared out. All that electrical energy, unfortunately, confuses our locator. We’re working on some ideas on how to overcome this limitation. Tomorrow should be a better day, sunny and cooler.”

After saying their good evenings, Scarlet hesitantly followed Blue out into the drizzly rain of the arriving thunderstorm. “Do you think this a good idea?” he asked.

“What do you mean? Aren’t you hungry? How often do you get a genuine, home-cooked meal?”

Scarlet paused in his trek. “It’s just that we weren’t properly invited,” he contended. “We don’t know this woman.”

Blue turned to consider his friend with a cock-eyed glance. “She’s psychology professor, Laurel Tighor, almost tenured. And she can cook. She’s also rather pleasant to talk with, and look at. What else do you need to know?”

“What exactly is her involvement with these experiments? I saw her jogging around the track this afternoon, while I was looking for my second target. She could have been assisting the scientists with surveillance of me.”

“You sound paranoid, my friend,” Blue attested, laying a hand atop Scarlet’s shoulder. “Do you really think the scientists have some hidden agenda?”

“I’m not so sure,” Scarlet admitted. “But I’m going to find out. One way or another.”

“Then,” Blue countered cheerfully patting his companion’s shoulder, “start with Dr. Tighor. She seems genial enough. Ask her what’s on your mind and see how she answers.”

Scarlet nodded slightly. It was possible the woman knew very little, therefore his suspicion would be unfounded. Besides, he was hungry, and it wouldn’t hurt to discuss some things regarding the university with someone more direct and less loquacious than Dr. Hanson.

At her campus bungalow on the perimeter of the football fields, the college professor was happy to see them. She waved them in with a greeting smile and offered the hospitality of her petite dining room and kitchen along with a home cooked meal. The smell of the traditional Irish fare wafted about the home like a welcome hug. Dinner was ultimately to be accompanied by Nature’s symphony as thunder drums rolled and percussion rain tapped out its rhythms upon the windowpanes of the little house. At the table Scarlet graciously finished his plate but declined a second helping. Blue, however, fawned over her culinary skills and cheerfully took another plateful. Dinner was indeed more enticing than the prospect of using the cafeteria passes the campus administrators and scientists had provided. Conversation, however was less hearty. Prof. Tighor was polite and discreet in her questions. Mostly she asked about their work and home aboard Spectrum’s Cloudbase.

“It is an unusual home,” Blue admitted between mouthfuls, “but it’s where we’re stationed most of the time, when we’re not on a mission.”

“And the Mysterons choose targets which take you all over the globe,” Tighor surmised. “Your jobs sound exciting, but dangerous. Have you ever worried about being killed or taken over by the Mysterons? Don’t they brainwash you or something?”

“Something,” Scarlet offered dabbing his napkin over his lips.

Blue was more forthcoming. “The Mysterons are a threat to Earth. It’s our job to thwart their plans when we can. In securing the safety of our planet, we’re willing to risk our lives. It’s our job.”

Tighor’s hazel eyes shifted to the silent man in scarlet. “How about you, Captain? Do you feel the same way about risking your life?” She scooped into her cabbage for another dainty bite.

Scarlet took a sip from his wine glass before answering. “My dedication to Spectrum and their purpose is unfailing, Miss Tighor. It’s vital we not relax our vigilance.”

Blue stabbed his jaw in his friend’s direction. “Always on duty, I’m afraid. But enough about us. How is it you’ve come to live here on campus? Are you the only professor who does?”

“Actually, no, but the others are off on sabbaticals, research excursions, or extravagant vacations. As a junior professor, I can’t afford to fly off to such exotic destinations. This is my home.” She stared into her glass and fell silent.

“Well, it’s a nice home,” Blue offered quietly. “Cozy.”

“Thank you, Captain,” Tighor said with a slight blush. “I’m glad you could join me tonight. It’s been pleasant to share the quiet. How long will you both be here?”

“Once Dr. Hanson has completed his experiments,” Scarlet explained, “we’ll be returning to Cloudbase.”

“They’re using you to calibrate their Mysteron detector,” she surmised. “There’s something special about you, isn’t there?”

Scarlet swallowed his last drop of Chablis then rose from his seat. “I’m sorry, Dr. Tighor, but that’s classified.”

“Well, I don’t mean to pry, Captain. It’s just that I get the feeling you’d rather be somewhere else. They’re using your skills somehow, and they don’t really appreciate those gifts. I don’t blame you for feeling uncomfortable. That’s why I offered dinner. We’re not all competitive stodges here in the states.”

“We thank you for you hospitality. Dinner was excellent,” Scarlet acknowledged placing his napkin atop the table. “And now we will say good evening.”

“Wait, Captain,” Blue interrupted rising also. “It’s turned into a pleasant evening. The clouds have cleared and the sun’s just setting. I’d like to offer our host a walk about campus. She could probably offer you some pointers on good hiding places.”

“That would be nice,” Tighor agreed. “With the storm passed, it’s cooling nicely outside. There’s a good place to watch the sunset just out past my garden.” Scarlet only nodded and moved to let her up. The two men followed her outside. Guiding them out to the football field fence, she slid through the entrance and showed them to the bleachers. “From up here the color changes are silhouetted against the technology and science buildings. It’s really quite dramatic with the sycamore trees framing the field.”

From their perches Blue and Tighor pleasantly discussed the history of the campus and her teaching duties. Beside them Captain Scarlet silently allowed himself the satisfaction of watching the cloud-framed sky transform from shades of gray to vibrant pinks, oranges, and purples. “An entire spectrum of colors,” he mused to himself.

“Yes,” Tighor agreed. When he turned his head to consider her dreamy countenance she blushed. “I’m sorry. I guess you were talking to yourself.”

“I…uh, enjoyed dinner very much,” Scarlet heard himself say. The woman’s corn-silken hair was aglow in the remnants of the day. Twilight stars seemed to glisten in her bright, intelligent eyes. “Thank you again for your hospitality, Miss Tighor.” He rose from his seat and offered her his hand up. She took it and smoothly stood to escort them down from the bleachers to the damp grassy field.

“There are many places where you could hide to test the detector, Captain,” she offered once they’d rejoined her. “Don’t worry. I won’t tip you off to Dr. Hanson either. If you’ll follow me, I’d be happy to show you a few choice spots.”

“In that case, maybe I better head back to our dorm rooms,” suggested Blue. “I wouldn’t want to fowl the test results by knowing your plans, Captain Scarlet.”

Scarlet hesitated. “I…I think perhaps we could arrange for such a tour in the morning,” he countered. “Miss Tighor seems a little tired.”

“I guess I am,” she agreed, “but I’ve survived on all-nighters before, especially around grading deadline. Some of those sophomore papers are grueling to read.”

Blue chuckled. “From what you’ve been telling me, you seem quite capable of tweaking your students into shape. They could learn a lot from you, Doctor.”

Tighor smiled brilliantly at the blond man then returned cooler eyes to Scarlet. “If you want to wait until morning, I understand, Captain. I’ll say good night, then.” She offered her hand again to the tall, dark-haired officer. This time Scarlet took it in his and bent to kiss her smooth skin. She breathed only once he was finished his bow.

“Good night, Doctor Tighor,” he said and straightened to consider his partner.

“Good night, Dear Lady,” Blue chimed with a broad smile. Tipping his cap he then stepped to join Scarlet on their trek across campus to the four-story dormitory which was their temporary home. As they matched steps Blue ventured, “She was taken by you, I think. Every chance she got across the table she stole a glance.”

“I didn’t notice,” Scarlet stated his eyes keen on the darkened path. As they neared the lighted buildings he cocked his head to admit, “She was rather enjoyable company. The sunset suited her well.”

Blue only smiled knowingly and said nothing as they pivoted toward the dormitory and scaled the steps to their first floor rooms. They exchanged not another word until morning.

The next day Captain Blue received an early call from Cloudbase. “Return here for a new assignment, Captain,” Colonel White ordered through Blue’s cap mike. “You and Captain Grey are to set off on another mission.”

“What is it, Sir?” Blue asked tugging on his boots. “I thought I was needed here.”

“Not any more, it seems. Dr. Hanson has asked to retain only Captain Scarlet for the next several days. You’ll report to Cloudbase immediately. I’ll brief you once you arrive.”

“SIG, Colonel,” Blue replied as his cap mike swung back to his visor. “Well,” he mumbled. “Paul won’t like this either.” The Spectrum officer finished his grooming and strode next door to Scarlet’s room. When he knocked on the door, his friend stepped out ready for the day. “You’re not going to like this,” Blue warned. “I’ve been recalled to Cloudbase. You’re to remain here to finish the experiments.”

“Was this the Colonel’s idea?” Scarlet asked turning to exit the building with Blue in tow.

“I don’t think so,” Blue confirmed. “The Colonel said something about Dr. Hanson’s request that you stay on. I’ll find out more once I get back to base. I’m being reassigned with Captain Grey.”

“Well,” Scarlet breathed as they stepped out into the cool morning mist. Several feisty chickadees were popping from perch to perch in the lower branches of the nearest maple. The sun was slowly peeking through the dampness, promising a vibrant day. “I’ll see you later then.”

“SIG,” Blue answered pausing at the base of the steps. “Please send my regrets to Dr. Tighor. I was looking forward to another home-cooked meal.”

“And another pleasant conversation?” Scarlet challenged with a smirk.

“Of course,” Blue quipped. With a wave he headed off toward the parking garage where sat their Spectrum saloon. In effect Scarlet was now stranded on campus.

Scarlet returned to the science lab where he found Dr. Hanson half engulfed by his monstrous machine. “Captain Scarlet reporting for duty, Doctor,” he announced. Hanson withdrew from the massive casing three tools in his hands.

“Very good, Captain. I’ll be sending you out shortly. There’s a bit of adjustment due to the storm last night. We’ll be ready to go in an hour or so.”

“Does the device require such adjustments often, Sir?” Scarlet inquired with concern. A machine that wasn’t reliable was a lost investment.

Hanson only shook his head and bent back inside the casing. “That isn’t your worry right now, Captain. Dr. Tighor will be accompanying you. She told me this morning she has some suggestions for you. I trust her judgement.”

“Then, if you’ll excuse me, Sir. I need to update my superior.” Scarlet moved away to a more private corner and hailed Colonel White. “Sir,” he began, “Dr. Hanson has arranged for more drills this morning. Captain Blue has left as per your orders. I was wondering if there was anything else required of me here."

Colonel White reminded, “You are to assist Dr. Hanson and his team with whatever exercises he deems crucial to the peak operation of the detector. That seems clear-cut to me, Captain.”

“But Sir, Dr. Hanson is not being exactly forthcoming with his analysis. I was under the impression Captain Blue was to remain as security.”

“Do I need to remind you of the importance of this new device?” White asked.

“No, Sir.”

“I’m ordering you to cooperate with the campus scientists. When Dr. Hanson is finished, you will be granted return to Cloudbase. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Sir,” Scarlet acknowledged though silently he disliked the turn of events. He was alone now, with a group of scientists who were not members of his organization and yet held superiority at the moment. Dr. Terrell soon arrived to order more tissue and blood samples for further fine tuning of the machine. Scarlet disliked the scrutiny, and he deflected some of the scientist’s questions by quoting Spectrum security requirements. They were after all not members of Spectrum.

Because of their scrutiny, however, Scarlet felt there was definitely something amiss. His sixth sense many times warned him to be cautious around the Mysterons, yet that inner warning system had never been specific enough to indicate the cause of his worry. For now, it was a creeping itch behind his ears that alerted him to continue his caution.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tighor met him in the medical lab. “Good morning, Captain,” she greeted with a cheerful smile. Scarlet hopped from the table and nodded his greeting pressing the bandage over his already scabbing needle mark.

“Good morning, Dr. Tighor,” he said tugging down his black turtleneck sleeve and reaching for his vest jacket.

“I don’t suppose Dr. Hanson offered you any breakfast.”

“No,” he had to admit zipping up his vest.

“Well, we have time. How about I treat you to an American staple?”

“A staple? Is it edible?”

“Only if you don’t look at it.” Tighor chuckled. “It’s called an Egg McMuffin.” She offered her arm. “Do you drink coffee, Captain?”

Scarlet hesitated before holding out his elbow. “I’ve been known to accept such a lesser fare,” he said with a crooked smile.

“Good. I know you don’t want to be conspicuous, so we’ll use the drive-thru.” They took her VW Beetle into town and were back within the hour having partaken of a simple meal and strong coffee.

Scarlet sipped the potent brew and knew the caffeine would kick in soon enough. Dr. Hanson then sent him out to choose a new hiding place. Dr. Tighor strolled at his side. “Do you know why Dr. Hanson’s changed his plans? Recalled Captain Blue to Cloudbase?”

Innocently Tighor shook her head and sipped at the remainder of her breakfast. “He doesn’t tell me much. I’m just a helper. But I do know Dr. Terrell is very interested in his test results of the blood samples he’s taken from you.” Her hazel eyes were earnest when she stated, “There’s definitely something special about you, Captain Scarlet. Why else would they be using you to calibrate a Mysteron detector?”

Scarlet knew she wanted him to offer an explanation, but he couldn’t indulge her. Instead he said, “I’m sorry, Doctor, but I’m not authorized to inform you of my qualifications on this mission. Suffice it to say, I’m the only one who could assist Dr. Hanson with these drills.”

“I see,” Tighor mused with pursed lips. “I can respect that. I’m just a pre-tenured prof trying to earn a few extra dollars to pay for my jalopy. What do you Brits call a car? A saloon? How charming.”

“You’re patronizing me,” Scarlet accused his chin dipping toward his chest.

Tighor smiled. “I’m sorry. You’re just so damned proper. I can’t tell if it’s your Spectrum training or your English upbringing.” She paused upon the brick path. “I don’t even know your first name, and we’ve had two meals together now.”

“I’m here on official business, Doctor-“

“Please, call me Laurel,” she interrupted. “I don’t have to be proper. They don’t pay me enough, and I don’t even have a title during this drill, as you call it.”

Scarlet hesitated. “I…I uh, don’t feel it proper to disrespect your title, Doctor. After all, you earned it.”

“I see, Captain. And I suppose you traded your name in when you joined Spectrum? Seems dehumanizing.” She took in a deep, refocusing breath before suggesting, “There’s a storage bunker behind this maintenance building. It’s as good a place to hide as any.”

As the next few days passed, Tighor continued to bring Scarlet meals. She was also asked to assist the scientists from time to time as a human indicator for the Mysteron detector. Together she and Scarlet walked the campus, Tighor helping him find even better hiding places in their game of cat and mouse. She showed Scarlet little-known storage bunkers and underground maintenance tunnels. The added material barriers were good indicators of the detector’s limitations and true field value. Soon Scarlet knew the campus almost as well as Tighor, who had taught there for almost three years. He was also beginning to know this kind and intelligent woman. Despite her forced coolness, Scarlet enjoyed her company and conversations. She was still curious about his work, though she was not as persistent in expecting his answers. Scarlet, though, relaxed enough in his trust by the third day to pleasantly share what he could with her, including some non-classified highlights of his missions with Captain Blue.

Within the week, Spectrum had received a communiqué from the Mysterons. Colonel White contacted Scarlet to inform him of the news. “It seems the aliens don’t like this new technology we’re developing at the university,” he said through Scarlet’s cap mike. “They’re planning to destroy the site and all the scientists involved. I want you to assist the scientists in removing and relocating the detector and all relevant equipment and data to a more secretive and secured site. A Spectrum transport truck will arrive within two hours. This is now a Spectrum operation, Captain. I’m putting you in charge. Captains Blue and Grey will be enroute to you shortly.”

“Yes, Sir,” Scarlet answered pausing from his trek across the campus square. “I hope the truck arrives in time. We’ll get to work right away making the machine as portable as possible.” As his cap mike swung up to his visor Scarlet looked down at his watch. It was now nineteen-thirty hours. Scarlet moved to inform the scientists and Dr. Tighor of the grim news. He then busied himself with the dangerous job of first securing, then lifting and maneuvering the monstrous detector over a pallet for transport. Within the adjacent medical lab, Dr. Terrell and his small medical team scrambled to collect all their data and pertinent equipment for the move. They had less than two hours now to pack every bit of evidence of their hard work.

Scarlet was just checking the overhead winch for stability before lowering the four ton machine when he heard a door fly open and a gunshot from the medical lab. When Tighor yelped in alarm Scarlet ducked behind the dangling machine and drew his gun. He slunk forward toward the medical lab. Peeking low, through the door, he saw a guard holding Tighor hostage. “Come in, Captain Scarlet,” the man said. “We have a job for you as well. Drop your weapon, or the woman dies.” It was clear, several of the campus security guards had been taken over by the Mysterons. Scarlet scanned the room to assess the situation. The agents had apparently stormed the room with guns drawn. Dr. Terrell had fallen to a shot immediately. The man was curled into an immobile ball before the diagnostic bed at the lab’s center. The other scientists were being guarded at gunpoint along the far wall. Scarlet had been caught off guard. Now he had little choice.

Cautiously Scarlet stood and stepped into the room, wary that there were four guns against his one. He was stalled from taking action. Raising his hands defenselessly, he let his weapon drop to the floor with a solid clatter. The Mysteron agents, then, confidently prepared to set their shoebox-sized bombs. When two of the four moved into the adjacent detector room, Scarlet saw his chance to rescue Tighor and the scientists. “What do you want?” he asked hands still in the air.

“Your detector and everyone here will be destroyed, Earthman. Only you will survive to tell of the tragedy,” the security sergeant assured from behind the still captive Tighor. “You will make sure such experiments are never repeated.”

So, this man was Scarlet’s target. He had to get Tighor away so he could dive for his gun and take the man out. Furiously his mind fought against his greater objective. She was but one life. The wide-band Mysteron detector could save millions.

The Mysteron agent with Tighor pointed his gun toward the Spectrum officer. “Step inside the detector room, Captain. Don’t worry. Dr. Tighor and I will be right behind you.” Cautiously Scarlet complied, hands up and eyes over his shoulder to see that the woman psychologist was still unharmed.

“Why don’t you let the woman go?” he offered to the following Mysteron agent. “She has nothing to do with these trials. She’s an innocent, Sergeant. Release her and I’ll cooperate.”

The security sergeant just smiled assuredly. “You’ll cooperate. You have no choice.” As they stepped past the winch control panel, however, Scarlet dropped his arm to smash the release button with one balled fist. The heavy, clawed winch released its burden and the Mysteron detector dropped the remainder of the distance to the floor with a pallet-smashing crash.

“Move!” Scarlet ordered shoving Tighor aside as the sergeant was distracted and the two agents setting the bomb found their feet agonizingly trapped beneath the four ton machine. In the chaos Scarlet swung his fist low and doubled the sergeant. In the next movement he grabbed for the man’s gun. “Laurel, get the scientists and get out of here. Now!” he hollered as the sergeant rose to continue their hand-to-hand battle. Scarlet shot the agent twice, then turned to dispose of the two bombardiers. The bomb, attached to the detector’s side casing, clicked down its timer. Scarlet glanced at the digital screen. He had two minutes to deactivate the explosive or get clear.

“Captain!” Tighor shrieked from the other room. Scarlet’s feet slid indecisively upon the cold tile floor of the detector room as another shot echoed from the lab. If the Mysteron detector was destroyed, many months of work would have been wasted. If the scientists survived, those months would have not been in vain. They could always build another machine. Human life was more precious than any mechanism. Scarlet scrambled for the adjacent medical lab. He found Dr. Hanson struggling with the remaining Mysteron agent, gun swinging wildly in the air between their clutched fingers. Dr. Daugherty was slumped in a corner bleeding from a wound to his side. “Help us!” Tighor demanded, her own feet scampering forward for a break in the struggle to assist the doctor with his assailant. Scarlet aimed his borrowed gun and hit the Mysteron fully in the back. The struggle was stalled.

“Now get out of here,” he ordered. “I’ll try and disconnect the bomb.” Scarlet turned back to the detector room.

“I’m coming too,” Tighor stated, following him into the larger, dimmer space. Her hand gripped his arm with surprising determination.

“No,” Scarlet argued. He jerked free from her grasp. “There’s less than a minute to go. Get to safety, Laurel.” With a shake of her head, she continued her retreat with him. There was no time for further argument. As they approached the machine, an explosion rocked the medical lab. They were both thrown to the ground.

“Dr. Hanson and Daugherty,” Tighor gasped from the floor. “My God.” As they climbed back to their feet Scarlet clutched at her arm and shoved her away.

“Leave. There’s no time.” He turned to remove the detonator casing from the attached bomb. As he clutched it he was met by a jolting shock. Scarlet was not even aware of his body being tossed like a rag doll. He hit the ground with a lung-crushing thud. Nearly knocked unconscious he felt hands frantically tugging him up off the floor.

“No time left,” Tighor groaned in his ear. The counter was clocking down quickly. “Follow me.” As he awkwardly stumbled after the woman, Scarlet was only aware of the squeaking of a heavy door. In the next moment, the detector bomb detonated.

Debris and shrapnel flew everywhere. Tighor screamed and a heavy weight fell upon him. It was many moments before Scarlet could move, and then only with the sharp agony of injury. All around him rubble was falling. A thick dust blacked out all light and air. If they stayed where they lay, they would be suffocated, buried alive. The bomb had nearly destroyed the room. The entire building might even collapse.

“Laurel?” he asked his voice hoarse with dust and pain. In the hazy light, Scarlet knew she had fallen on top of him, perhaps saving him from further injury. As it was, his left arm was gashed and bleeding. It wouldn’t respond to his commands to gently push the woman from him so that he could drag her to safety. With determination, he wriggled free and stumbled to his feet. “Dr. Tighor?” he inquired again. He checked the crumpled woman’s pulse. She was still alive, but no doubt severely injured. Scarlet’s eyes scanned the wreckage of the room. Beside him a steel door was open. A storage bunker? Was this where she had been guiding him? Taking her arm in his good hand Scarlet dragged Tighor inside the steel and concrete vault before the rest of the building could be destroyed. He kicked aside debris and dragged the door shut with a loud clank. They were safe for the moment.

From inside the hidden bunker, no larger than a walk-in closet, Scarlet heard more explosions. He was sure there was nothing left of the detector now nor of the scientists. He wasn’t sure, however, if the Mysteron threat was over. There could be more agents outside the science building even now looking for him and the woman. Blearily, he made Dr. Tighor as comfortable as possible, gritting his teeth as he tugged his jacket vest off to cover her limp form. In the blackness, Scarlet could not tell the extent of her injuries. When he tried to call Cloudbase for assistance, he realized his cap was missing. Somehow it had fallen from his head in the scramble. He didn’t have his gun, and when he clambered back to his feet in the cramped space, he couldn’t open the door again. His good hand pressed against the cold metal, the Spectrum captain could feel through the barrier the vibrations of more falling debris. They were trapped, perhaps even now running out of air inside the cave-like vault.

Within the bunker, Scarlet fought to stay conscious, to defend his new charge. As he awkwardly ripped at his sleeve to bandage his mangled arm, part of him wanted to dig out and stop the Mysterons. Part of him had accepted his defeat. He stayed by Tighor’s side. He dared not try to attend to her wounds. He might complicate any internal injuries she had sustained. He could only hold back her bleeding side with a scrap of sleeve and gentle pressure. In her drifting consciousness and pain Tighor mumbled unintelligibly. Scarlet carefully wiped her slack face of dust and blood. Verbally he assured her, “Someone will report the explosions to the police. The local rescue squad will come for us soon.” Somehow his promises seemed hollow, more for his own guilt and benefit. He would, after all, survive.

It seemed an hour had passed or more when, dozing, he was jolted awake by Tighor’s groan of pain. “I’m here,” he told her fumbling in the darkness for her hand. “We’re safe from the Mysterons.” He was just able to make out in the dimness her head moving and eyes opening. Finally she was conscious.

“I…I don’t want to die,” she croaked. Coughing harshly Tighor was able to gasp, “Are you afraid too?”

Scarlet thought quickly. He was indestructible. No matter what injuries he had sustained since regaining his body and memory from the Mysterons, he had healed within hours or days. “I fear many things,” he admitted truthfully.

Weakly her hand rose to brush past his arm. Scarlet grunted and jerked his injury away. “You’re hurt too,” Tighor whispered. “You…you saved my life, Captain. Thank you.”

“Paul. Call me Paul. And you saved me, remember?” Scarlet offered squeezing her hand with his right fist. “I won’t leave you,” he promised. “You’re not going to be alone. Someone will be coming soon to help.”

Even in the darkness, he could tell she was smiling. It was something in her voice. “I knew you were a good spirit, Captain. Paul. From the first time I bumped into you.” Tighor groaned in obvious discomfort and tried to adjust her legs upon the cold concrete floor. “I think it was your eyes,” she pondered almost incoherently. “They captured me from that first moment.” As she drifted back to unconsciousness Scarlet frowned. He was well aware of the emotions and pain she was experiencing. He was also painfully aware that it was because of his singular neglect that the scientists were dead and Tighor would probably follow. Why hadn’t he anticipated the attack? His guilt-wracked mind tried to discover just where he had gone wrong in allowing the Mysterons to storm the lab without his knowledge.

As time wore on, however, Scarlet knew Tighor was losing her battle with death. Where the hell were the rescue teams? Shoving himself to his feet in the cramped space and darkness he again pressed his weight upon the unyielding barrier to their bunker. Though he knew it was futile, Scarlet pounded the cold metal with a wavering fist. No one had come to find them. Perhaps no one would have known where to look. He leaned heavily against the door feeling his knees give way beneath him. Scarlet, too, was losing his battle against his injury. It drained his strength. Though he had bound the massive gashes to his left arm with his sleeve, they were still hemorrhaging. His arm was unresponsive. It was a dead mound of pounding flesh at his side. He needed sleep, rest, in order for his wounds to heal and his body to fully recover. Yet, his guilt held him alert to her suffering. He would not leave this woman unattended. He would not let her die alone. The captain allowed his quivering knees to return his body to the dusty floor.

Tighor drifted in and out of consciousness through the night. Where were the rescue crews and ambulances? Weren’t there any police scouring the wreckage for survivors? Tighor moaned. “We’re going to die here. Together,” Tighor murmured with a dry swallow. “You can escape. Find help for yourself, Paul, before you bleed to death,” she urged.

Scarlet shook his head sliding himself back to her side. “I won’t leave you, Laurel,” he vowed squeezing her hand once again. “My cap is gone, lost somewhere in the debris out there,” he told her. “I can’t contact my superiors. The bunker door’s jammed from the outside. We’re both stranded.” Though she was unconscious again, Scarlet mumbled on until he, too, was barely cognizant. Through the conflicting night his arm healed as he kept Laurel company and dozed in his exhaustion.

Some time later Laurel awakened to see Scarlet removing his bandages. “What… what are you doing?” she asked weakly. “Your arm is healed?” Even in her apparent delirium it seemed she had strength to be amazed. Scarlet declined to explain. There seemed little point, now. All was silent outside the bunker. There were no more rumblings of falling debris and collapsing walls. Scarlet, tired of sitting by and waiting, renewed his efforts to dislodge the door. Having regained his full strength, Scarlet repeatedly shoved his shoulder into the unyielding barrier, to no result. He was soon in need of another break and he collapsed in a disheartened heap. “I’m sorry, Laurel,” he murmured to the unconscious woman beside him. Failure seemed his true companion.

Meanwhile Cloudbase had received the local police report that told of the accident at the university. University authorities were reluctant to move in as this was a Spectrum operation and all evidence pointed to massive explosions and total destruction of almost a quarter of the campus. Colonel White grudgingly accepted the police precinct’s neutrality, acknowledging the possibility that the Mysterons had just outflanked them. After a quick briefing with his officers via communications, White sent a rescue team ahead with Spectrum police to intercept Captains Blue, Grey, and Ochre.

When they arrived the Spectrum team found the science center in shambles, the science labs a wreck, and the building where the Mysteron detector had been stored a heap of rubble. They began combing the debris for any sign of life. That entire quadrant of the campus, it seemed, had been demolished. “When the Mysterons say they’re going to destroy something, they don’t kid around,” noted Grey somberly.

“Come on,” urged Blue. “We’ve got to find Captain Scarlet. He may be the only survivor. He’ll be able to tell us what happened, and what exactly they were after.” Together, with the help of the Spectrum search and rescue team, they explored the remains of the Mysteron detector building and adjacent science labs. Though they believed the Mysterons had left, Ochre carried a portable Mysteron detector and gun, scanning every crumbled room before they entered. Two crushed Mysterons were soon found. They seemed dead. Captain Ochre made sure with a quick blast of the Mysteron gun. The electrical charge guaranteed these two would set no more bombs.

As the small crew of rescue experts removed debris and cleared the way, a familiar item was uncovered. Blue took the dusty find from one rescue team member. “It’s Scarlet’s kepi,” he said to Ochre. Grey strode over with another find. He had retrieved Scarlet’s pistol. “It’s his all right,” Blue agreed grimly noticing the red-coded sight on the weapon beneath the obscuring grime. “He was here, but there’s not much left of the building.” Blue considered the collapsed room. Only one concrete support wall remained erect, jammed with debris. With a determined grunt Blue clutched his friend’s cap and called, “Captain Scarlet!’” Just perhaps his partner was alive and conscious somewhere under the rubble. They continued their search.

Inside the crumbling, creaking concrete bunker, half covered in dust and debris Scarlet heard the muffled call and awoke from his dozing slumber. Propped against the cramped wall, arms wrapped around his bent knees, he raised weary, dust-filled eyes to call back, “Adam?” His gruff, dry voice seemed harsh and loud to his own ears. Had Blue heard him? In the blackness he reached down to feel for the pulse of his charge. Had she died some time during the hour while he had dozed? No. A faint pulse answered his probing fingers. Somehow Dr. Tighor was still alive. “In here, Captain Blue,” Scarlet yelled.

Outside Blue silenced everyone. “I think I heard something.” Gathering a breath he called, “Paul?” There was a muffled answer from the one remaining erect partition. Blue zeroed in on the sound, a dusty concrete and steel re-bar filled corner. “Captain Scarlet,” he called again.

“We’re inside this concrete bunker,” came Scarlet’s muffled, but distinctive British accent.

Blue straightened and turned to his rescue team. “In here, People. I want them dug out. Quickly but carefully.” He stood back and anxiously watched as the rescue team slowly removed the cinderblocks and steel support bars from around the half-hidden steel door. Soon the two were dug out.

Coughing at the dusty but fresh air Scarlet stooped from the concrete bunker and thanked Blue for the hand out of the cramped space. Clearing his throat he urged, “Dr. Tighor’s in there as well. She’s barely alive. We’ve got to get her medical attention.”

With a nod Blue assured, “We’ll get her to a local hospital right away. How are you feeling?” Blue was scrutinizing his friend’s dust-encrusted turtleneck and torn sleeve. Scarlet was in one piece. He was also adamant.

“No, Adam,” Scarlet insisted squeezing Blue’s black sleeve with a determined fist. “We’ve got to take her to Cloudbase with us. There’s something going on here besides the detector drills. She’s still alive.”

“She’s a lucky woman,” Blue agreed.

“It’s more than that,” argued Scarlet as the medics eased Dr. Tighor out on a stretcher. “She was dying. Her injuries were far more severe than mine. She should be dead.”

“What are you saying?” asked Captain Grey handing Scarlet back his jacket.

Scarlet leaned against a wall fragment before answering, “Only Dr. Fawn will know for sure. We’ve got to get her back to Cloudbase. Immediately.”

“Are you sure you’re all right, Captain? You’re not making much sense,” Blue argued reaching out to brace his friend as Scarlet slipped his now healed bare arm through the vest’s armhole.

“You’ve got to trust my instincts, Adam. I’ve been here a little longer than you. I…I think the scientists had more than one agenda.”

“All right,” Blue agreed. “Let’s get you two home.” With the help of the local police cordoning off the area, a Spectrum medical helicopter soon landed at the football field. Blue stood outside the vehicle’s hatch as Scarlet helped Ochre maneuver the stretcher carrying Tighor onto the aircraft. “Take good care of these two,” Blue said to the pilot. “Captain Grey and I are staying to finish our investigation.” Melody Angel nodded at her associate then piloted the helicopter swiftly to Cloudbase leaving Captains Blue and Grey to continue their search of the wreckage for clues.

Scarlet slumped in a seat beside Tighor’s stretcher, not interested in the aerial view. The flight seemed interminable. Upon landing he flanked the two nurses who transferred the woman to a gurney and rolled her inside the carrier and directly to sickbay and Dr. Fawn. Captain Ochre squeezed his arm halting him outside the medical lab. “I’ll inform the Colonel that she’s here,” he said. “I’ll check in on you later.”

“Thank you, Richard,” Scarlet replied then stepped in to the medical facility. Once inside, Dr. Fawn’s locum tenens, Dr. Topaz, insisted on attending to Scarlet’s arm. With only minimal protest Scarlet hopped awkwardly onto a medical platform as Topaz tugged her medkit out from beneath it. She palpated the still reddened areas for swelling, disinfected his skin, and checked for fractures. As a precaution she then wrapped his arm in a stabilizing bandage. With a nod of approval, Topaz let Scarlet slide back to the deck. Tighor had been placed in the ICU in critical condition while Dr. Fawn rushed to stabilize her vital signs. As Scarlet moved to stand outside the sealed room he urged, “Dr. Fawn must run some blood and tissue sample tests on her.”

“Is there a reason for your demand, Captain?” Topaz asked, repacking her medical kit and tucking it back into storage. She came to stand beside him.

“She’s alive, Doctor,” Scarlet told younger woman. “She shouldn’t be. Laurel took the full brunt of that explosion, saving me from serious injury. In a way she saved me to save her, though there was little I could do in that cramped, dark place.” His eyes never left the window through which he watched Dr. Fawn working to diagnose his new patient. “I’ll be in the Command Center, reporting to Colonel White if she needs me,” he told Topaz. As Scarlet spun and marched from the room, he didn’t see the dark-haired doctor watch him leave with a concerned frown. He needed only brush his hand through his dust-encrusted hair and pick up a clean shirt before requesting an audience with his superior.

Inside the ICU Dr. Fawn found himself stumped. Considering her internal injuries, he was amazed this young woman had survived the night in the cramped and cold bunker. He soon suspected, as Scarlet had, that something mysterious was happening. Dr. Tighor could be a Mysteron agent. When he consulted with Colonel White, the commander and chief of Cloudbase ordered, “Test her, Doctor. We must know if she’s a Mysteron agent. Use the detector. I’ll post a round-the-clock guard to assist you until she’s healed.”

“Yes, Sir,” Fawn’s replied from sickbay.

Captain Scarlet , standing beside his superior in Cloudbase’s control center, listened to Colonel White and nodded silently to himself. This was necessary, though Scarlet had few doubts about Tighor’s loyalties. He had seen her face in the darkness of that destroyed bunker. Laurel had been afraid to die. No Mysteron he had ever encountered showed fear before their impending deaths. They had all been too intent upon their missions of destruction. Something different had happened to Dr. Laurel Tighor. What exactly, Scarlet was unsure, but it was Dr. Fawn’s objective to find out. Scarlet snapped from his internal wanderings. Colonel White was scrutinizing him.

“I’m ordering you to your quarters to rest, Captain,” White said with a tilted silver head and pale eyes softened to cool turquoise. “Clear your head, Man. Your next duty shift begins in two hours. At that time, you’ll report here for your next assignment.”

“Yes, Sir,” Scarlet replied. Scarlet was grateful for the distraction. He flopped down on his bunk and churned the information of the past several days into the beginnings of a theory. Before his scheduled duty shift, he arose to check in on Cloudbase’s new visitor.

“Ah, Captain, come in,” Dr. Fawn greeted from his office. He rose from his desk chair carrying a data folder. When he joined Scarlet outside the ICU cubicle he offered, “I’m happy to report, Dr. Tighor is not the enemy. The Mysteron detector’s confirmed it. I was just about to report the good news to the colonel.”

Scarlet was not so jovial. “The scientists kept requesting blood and tissue samples from me, Doctor,” he reminded. “They never explained why. Dr. Terrell was killed almost immediately when we were attacked. There must be a connection.”

Fawn released a sober breath and tucked the folder under his arm. “I’m beginning to agree with you, Captain. I’m running more tests. Right now Tighor’s in a mild coma,” he informed with a bewildered pout. “However, she seems to be recovering rapidly from her injuries. Severe injuries, I might add.” Again that perplexed frown. ”Once I’ve had time to analyze the data, I’ll need to update the colonel.” With a decisive nod, Fawn cleared his throat and added, “Now if you’ll excuse me, Captain, I believe we both have other duties.” The doctor strode through the ICU doors. They hummed shut behind him.

Scarlet could only watch through the glass as Fawn set his data folder down on a metal side table and moved to draw blood from Tighor’s limp arm. This new information only fueled Scarlet’s suspicions. Before he could contemplate further, Colonel White called him up to the Command Center. Scarlet left the doctor to his patient.

“I’m sending you on another mission with Captains Blue and Grey,” White explained once Scarlet had settled upon a stool beside his returned comrades. “It seems the Mysterons may be involved in another university theft. This time at the main campus of Long Island University.” White considered the three men before him. “I need you to investigate and report your findings as soon as you’ve determined the perpetrators. By Spectrum helicopter you can reach the university in twenty minutes. Local police have cordoned the area, and they inform us that the suspects are trapped within the science building.”

“Science building? Not again,” Scarlet declared.

“Any evidence that these university scientists were also working on a wide-band Mysteron detector, Sir?” Captain Blue inquired. The big man’s blue eyes exchanged an urgent glance with Scarlet. Not again.

“No, Captain,” White answered with a hesitant sigh. “That is also what I need you to determine. If indeed so, the Mysterons are more informed of civil ventures than we. A rather disturbing prospect considering our responsibilities.” He nodded to his staff. “You are to leave immediately. Dismissed.” Scarlet rose and silently followed his compatriots to the carrier’s tarmac for their ride to New York. Within the hour they were to know the truth.

In sickbay, Dr. Tighor effected a miraculous recovery. Within the hour she was weak but conscious. Opening her eyes she scanned the room and asked dryly, “What hospital is this?”

A man in a cream jacket and piercing eyes moved with a smile to stand by her side. “You’re on Spectrum’s Cloudbase, Ms. Tighor. I’m Dr. Fawn,” he told her his voice filled with calm and compassion. “You’ve made a rapid recovery, I’m pleased to say.” Fawn made her more comfortable, fluffing her pillow and raising the head of the bed. He then drew more blood. “Forgive the discomfort, Doctor,” he said gently inserting the needle into her forearm. “I need this to run some tests of your metabolism, bone density, blood sugar, among others. You’re under excellent care here. You’re also completely safe.”

Tighor wriggled to get comfortable. With a weary sigh she mumbled, ”Safe.” Then with hazel eyes clearing to the reality of her recent past she jerked from her stupor and grabbed for Fawn’s retreating arm. “Doctor. Wha