BOOK 4: PREPARATION / CH. 18: HAPPY ENDING

FRIDAY EVENING, 8TH DECEMBER, 7.25PM

Bella and Trevor saw that Naeel's face was grim after his call to Jazmin.

“Is there a problem?” Trevor asked.

“Her parents are not happy. I should have foreseen it. I explained that I had yelled at her in tiredness and my rage and lack of understanding, that I had acted hastily and now that I'd talked to her again I saw she was not a blasphemer, but had been seeking to obey God's command.”

“But?” Bella prompted.

“But they said I had been right, that she had been given a Christian Bible, and that they thought she was flirting with abandoning the Moslem faith.”

“What did you say to that?” Trevor asked.

“I did not dare to tell them that she had, and I too will obey the Ingil, and only said that she was still my fiancée and I wished to apologise to her in person, just as I insulted her in person. They say they do not permit it.”

“Surely they cannot stop her from meeting you!” Bella said.

“By law no, she is legally adult, but by culture yes.”

“And does your culture allow no way out?” Trevor asked.

“None that does not dishonour them.”

“The law does not permit them to stop you from meeting, Naeel.” Trevor said.

“I know.”

“Have you talked to her since?” Bella asked.

“They will not allow that, either.”

“Naeel, how traditional are they?” Trevor asked.

“I think they are very traditional, more so than I realised.”

“Then, I must ask, is Jazmin safe there?” Trevor asked.

“Surely they would not... surely? I... I don't know.” he said, turning white as he realised what he was saying.

Trevor stood and opened the door. “Naeel, get on the hypersonic transit. Now!”

he insisted, then added, “Except, as we're walking that way, give us her home address. We'll arrange for the rest. You know the drill. You have reason to believe she is at risk, and she needs to be kept safe.”

“I'll make sure she knows, once you're safely on your way.” Bella added.

Naeel forwarded the address from his wrist unit. “You'll send the police?”

“I think we can do better than that.”

Bella said. “You're Security, Naeel, let's not trust this to the police, sometimes the police make mistakes.”

“Control.” Trevor was saying into his wrist unit, “Urgent situation, two agents to this address.” he forwarded the address. “At least one a woman. Block transport requests from that address. Potential kidnapping and / or honour attack against Agent Naeel's fiancée, name of Jazmin. Actual false imprisonment and denial of communication. Agent Naeel is here, in the capital, on his way now.”

“Honour attack?”

“Strict and traditionalist family, she's recently changed religion. He spoke to her just now, and then asked them to let him meet her so they could talk face to face. They said no and are not allowing him to talk to her any more.”

“Understood. Agents report ETA five minutes. One knows Naeel and Jazmin. One transport request made two minutes ago, it hadn't got there yet, so the drive has been cut. It'll show as assigned and on-route if they query it.”

“Excellent! Thank you.”

“That's why we've got all these lovely systems.”

“And we're very glad you do.”

“Is Naeel there?”

“Yes, we're just picking up a transport.”

“Put him on will you?”

“Naeel here.”

“Your colleague suggests that a quick marriage ceremony might solve things very effectively.”

“It had occurred to me too. It's possible? I thought that notice had to be given?”

“This is one situation when that doesn't apply. Would you be willing?”

“Yes, if Jazmin agrees.”

“OK. They'll offer it to her. It'll be a civil ceremony, but that doesn't preclude a religious ceremony of your pick when you've had time to arrange one.”

“Transport is just arriving.” Trevor reported to control and Naeel.

“Goodbye friends.”

“God be with you, Naeel.” Bella said, while dialing Sarah's number.

“Hi, what's up?”

“We've just unleashed Security on Jazmin's parents; Naeel was worried. Just in time, too, by the look of it. Can you please tell her that the transport someone there ordered will not be arriving, and that two people from Security will be. One is known to her.”

“Wow. Yes. Of course.” Sarah said.

[Jazmin!]

[You called! I prayed you would, they have locked me in my room and say they are taking me away! I don't know where to!] Sarah could hear her panic.

[No, they're not. Naeel was worried, so two people from Security will be coming instead of the transport. One of them knows you.]

[Oh, thank you, thank you!]

[I'm just the messenger, don't thank me.]

Bella added, “You might as well give her time to think about it, they're going to suggest that she marry Naeel tonight. Quick civil ceremony, thus hopefully removing her from her parent's authority. Naeel's willing if she is. A religious service can come later. Bye!”

“OK. Bye!”

[Bella's just telling me some more, Jazmin. The people from Security will offer you the opportunity to marry Naeel tonight, they think this would mean you are not under your parent's authority.]

[It would. Is Naeel willing? We were not planning a big wedding, but we did have plans.]

[Naeel is willing, and you could always have a religious service later.]

[Once we are of the same religion.]

[Oh, I think you ought to make sure of that first, myself. Once the people from Security are there then you should be able call Nael to tell him what to pray.]

[If I remember what the words are.]

[Didn't your Bible have that prayer in it? I know some do.]

[Oh, yes, it did! I remember.]

[So, maybe the nice people from Security can help you get that back too.]

[I hope so. If Naeel is willing to marry me in this horrible situation, then yes, it would be a good solution. Then I can find refuge with him and all is honourable.]

[And you think you are ready for marriage? You are certain that he is the right man?]

[Yes. We have been engaged since I was sixteen. I know that is early for you, but it is our way, and we share the power. He is the man I choose.]

[Five years! That's a long engagement! Especially when you share the power.]

[Why do you say that?]

[Often, people who are in love and share the power experience something we call feedback.]

[I think, probably, we have not been what you would call in love. We have chosen to marry. It was a good decision, and maybe I am falling in love with him as he comes to share my faith and to my rescue. I have long felt his desire for me, but I think that is different.]

[Yes. That is different. I am guessing, but some of the things he told my husband make me think he has realised today that he loves you, and if you have realised that you love him, then that is good. Being in love is a strange thing that happens in the brain and the emotions. Feedback is an even stranger thing, it is more powerful than mere desire, but it also pulls you towards temptation to sin when you are not married.]

[And when you are married?]

[Then the thing it pulls you towards is no longer sin, indeed I think that it would be sin to deny one another that part of marriage.]

[Oh. I understand. We will have to decide quickly if we want a religious ceremony, won't we.]

[Yes. You will. And which church.]

[Can you recommend any?]

[I don't actually know where you are. I could find out of course.]

[Is it true, that you could know everything?]

[Not everything. For example, I cannot find lost things or animals, only people, as far as I know.]

[And you're deliberately not telling me your name.]

[It's my habit not to, unless people ask. Like several million other women, I'm called Sarah.]

[Thank you for trusting me with that, Sarah.]

[I've just looked where you are. I know a Christian who went to church somewhere in that city before she moved. I'll ask.]

[Thank you.]

[Would you like me to get her to talk to the pastor too, and explain what's happened to you?]

[I'll talk to Naeel about it. I expect he'll agree. Oh! There are voices downstairs.]

[I'll find out about the church and get back to you.]

[It seems like every other thing I say to you is thank you! You are kind to me.]

[Everyone needs kindness, you have a special need for it now. God be with you.]

[And with you.]

Sarah stopped listening to Jazmin, and called Eliza. [Hi Eliza, are you busy?]

[No. Is everything sorted with Naeel? I've not been checking.]

[Things are moving pretty quickly at the moment. Brief summary of this evening is that he's convinced that God wants him to follow Jesus, and who is he to disobey? So he wants to commit his life to the Lord today, even without knowing much. His fiancée, Jazmin, did last week, and he accused her of all sorts in front of her parents, so part of the reason he hid was the thought how much he needed to apologise to her. He decided to ask her to pray the prayer with him, as part of that apology, and then it got really exciting.]

[Go on.]

[Her parents didn't like his apologetic tone and I guess decided that he was likely to encourage her in following the Lord, rather than beating it out of like a good medieval husband ought to, so they imprisoned her and were going to take her who knows where. Fortunately he got worried about their attitude and Security are there now, protecting her from her own parents.]

[Wow. That's an eventful evening.]

[You've not heard the best bit yet. The best way out of this is apparently a rushed marriage this evening, removing her from her parent's authority in that culture. That'd be a civil ceremony, I think they're going to want a church wedding too, and since they're going to be living together for her safety, they might want to take those vows before God really really soon. So, all in all, they're going to need a very supportive church, sensitive to the cultural issues, a remedial level nurture course, and a pastor who's happy to marry them even though they've done the civil bit already, plus marriage preparation classes. Do know any good churches you can recommend in your old home town?]

[That's where they are?]

[Yes.]

[That's quite a load of pastoral issues in one package, isn't it?]

[Yes.]

[I'd love to recommend my home church. I'm just not sure if our pastor's going to have the diary space.]

[One of the elders, maybe?]

[I hope so. I'll just make some phone calls. You know Albert and I are going to be there on Sunday?]

[Oh! I'd forgotten.]

[So, the place will be full of Security people which might reassure Naeel if he's feeling nervous. I'm not sure if the sermon topic will be too close to home though, Albert's been asked to speak about Christian suffering, of all subjects.]

[Urm, one might say that you're a better one to speak.]

[Actually, I think the best person I know to speak would be John, or Pris, maybe. But he's going to admit that he's not suffered much, talk a bit about me not suffering much beyond imprisonment, and then deviate from the theme, into a little study on bits of Job. There are all sort of rumours going around in the church about me being tortured or raped or something, so we'd like to stomp on them.]

[But God did keep you safe from those things.]

[I know. But he doesn't protect everyone from that, which makes me very very thankful that I was kept safe from them. But we're not going to say it always works that way, we don't even want to hint that. So we're going to say that I praise God that was spared from them, that not everyone is, and my heartfelt thanks for their prayers.]

[OK, I'll leave you to make some calls.]

[Thanks. I guess I ought to relay details about the church, hadn't I?]

[I think so. I know mental voice isn't quite the same as physical, but...]

[It's close enough to be an additional risk, yes.]

[Hopefully, they won't associate the mystery voice with me, but, you know, if I go telling Jazmin how to get the church, that could really trigger something.]

----------------------------------------

After Bella had finished talking to Sarah, she and Trevor headed back to the meeting room, to pick up her coat, before going on to Nigel's room. “Bella, I'm wondering about something.”

“Yes?”

“There was something a little odd to me about the way you spoke to Eliza.”

“Oh?”

“I mean, it seems odd, you going to such lengths to protect us all from discovery, and then you didn't try to hide what we were talking to Nigel about. It was like she already knew we both had the power, that she was in on the secret and only Nigel hadn't been.”

“She did, she was.” Bella said.

“Oh. Well, that explains your words. But how?”

“I told her that I had the power ages ago. She helped come up with the idea of the mystery voice. Prince Albert did the audio editing, so that there wasn't any prohibition on who could take part. The people in communications who set up the phone number had no knowledge of why, but just forwarded the list of people who'd rung it. She saw the list, and noticed your name. She then repeated Nigel's tale of you hanging off the scenery by your fingertips, while the challenge he faced was staying dry when Fido went fishing for rocks in the stream.”

“You just left that list lying around and she saw it?”

“No. She's the only royal who saw it, Trevor, but the meeting was by royal command.”

“Oh. I see. Oversight?”

“You could call it that, yes.”

“And what she said about you refusing Prince Albert?”

“Yes, well, you know, her Majesty used to be in Security. I had the impression that he might be interested, so I told him I wasn't.”

“And he went from interested in you to interested in Eliza? That's.. fickle.”

“Not fickle. I told him that Eliza was a much better candidate than I was. I mean, she'd just declared to their majesties that she'd been discovering how much her father had done to undermine the monarchy, and that she'd dedicate her life to supporting it and undoing the damage that he'd done. Then they started talking and by the end of the day they were plotting how to pretend they weren't head over heals about each other. 'No plans to meet', indeed, the sneaky pair, nothing at all about not speaking to each other every available moment.”

“Oh. I see, so you can take the credit as matchmaker?”

“Sort of, yes, I guess I can.” Bella said with a smile.

“Now, If I can continue the interrogation, you said I might end up running a mile?”

Bella's smile vanished. “Yes. Trevor, I first want to say that you've really impressed me this evening. That was marvelous, really, the way you got Naeel to realise there was danger, and gave control the data they needed. In other words, I don't want to lose you. But... if you decide to fall out of love with me then I'll understand. I might cry, but I'll understand.”

“I don't want you to cry, Bella. This is something about your dreams? We are talking about the impact, aren't we?”

“Yes. Once they stopped, I tried to convince myself that they weren't prophetic, that God didn't exist, that the supernatural was rubbish, that the horrors I'd seen were just, you know, nightmares.”

“But they weren't. Your dreams were real.” Trevor said, trying to be encouraging.

“Not all of them, not even most of them, praise God, not all of them. No burning snowballs.”

“Pardon?”

“One of the worst ones, giant burning snowballs rolling down the street, burning all in their path, chasing after me. No place to hide, no chance of survival.” Bella went cold, just remembering it. “That one wasn't from God. I was a stupid girl, Trevor. God used my stupidity, and he was gentle, but the others who answered my call weren't.”

“I'm getting confused, Bella. Can you rewind a bit? What call?”

“I'm sorry. I'm starting in the middle or at the end, and I'm too tired to get it right, I think. Hang on. I've got the minutes from the committee meeting somewhere. They got the full story.”

“Can you just give me a summary?”

“OK. Young Bella grew up with the power, loving fantasy stories about people with special powers and thinking there were more. Knowing, in a half-remembered way, actually, since my mother apparently told me once about her great-grandmother having what we now call the gift, and she called the second sight. I wanted more, I was determined that if could just enter the right mental state or something, then I'd discover my hidden powers.”

“Oh. And you tried meditation?”

“And as a teenager I was trying self-hypnosis and flashing lights. I avoided drugs, but kept trying, and in the end I started trying incantations and invoking spirits. I wanted to be able to see the future, for some stupid reason. I ended up calling on all the spirits active in the world to give me the ability to see the future. And they did. I saw things and then they happened. It got scary. God gave me true prophesies, the demons gave me false ones, and distorted versions of the true ones, after a year and a half I went up a hill and screamed 'God, anyone, make these dreams stop.' I had one more dream, then they stopped. I spent the next ten years in denial about the supernatural, because it was too scary. And then my final dream came true, about half an hour after I told Eliza I had the power. That was pretty devastating.”

“Because you thought it meant they were all true?”

“Yes.”

“And then you learned about which dreams were from God, turned to Him and you're not consorting with demons any more?” Trevor said, amazed how calmly he was able to take this all.

“Correct. But I'm still pretty nervous about them.”

“That... that just sounds sensible. I've never met anyone who's encountered their power before.”

“You might have, and they're just not aware of it, according to some of the gifted. Mostly they're subtle.”

“You sound like you've met lots of the gifted.”

“Hmm, not lots, but urm, five? No, six.”

“That's more than ten percent of the world's total, Bella. That sounds like lots to me.”

“I guess when you put it like that....”

“And since you haven't scared me off, if I stick around you then I might meet them?”

“Possible. No hints, no guarantees. I'll have to ask them pretty soon about keeping secrets from you if you're planing go holding my hand again though.”

“I guess you will. Do I assume that today was an oddity, that you were in so much contact with them?”

“Pretty unusual, yes.”

“That's not a great problem then, I mean you could just say we don't talk about your day if it's had gifted people in it. It's not like you're seeing one every day.”

Bella tried not to react. But she was tired, and probably failed.

“Or am I wrong about that?” he asked.

“What lovely weather we're having.” she said.

“I hadn't noticed, but I get the message. Not a fair topic.”

“Thank you. We do do need to discuss a few things. Probably with Nigel.”

“Yes?”

“Pris knows I have the power, but thinks we've never met. Nigel knows about both of us now.”

“And knows we've got the odd inkling that we might be seeing more of each other. Pris is a courier, right? I've seen her at analysis.”

“Top level. Pretty much Maria's personal assistant.”

“So, she knows about the meeting?”

“I'm not actually sure. She might not.”

“And the other two, Dirk and Eliza? Same surname, they're married?”

“No! Brother and sister.”

“Oh. OK. So one option is that we just tell people we have the power and that's one reason we might spend lots of time holding hands.”

“If you want the whole of Security to find out. No. that's not fair. Dirk's getting better, he really is. But...”

“He used to be a gossip?”

“Yes.”

“I think I've heard of him then. I heard someone say 'We don't want any Dirks blabbing this around,' in a meeting a few months ago. ”

“That's plausible, yes. He's been warned, and I've not heard any more incidents since.”

“So now we're gossiping about him?” Trevor asked.

“No. Now we're doing risk assessment.”

“And his sister?”

“Trustworthy.”

“And you know that by reputation, or because of something else?”

“Both, now stop gossiping. What are we going to tell them?”

“Can we just say we happened to meet recently and we're going out?”

“Fine by me. And if Pris asks about you having the power, can I tell her?”

“Privately? Yes.”

“Thank you.”

“What for?”

“Not making me keep secrets about you that people know about me and would probably notice about us if we're together. It would get confusing what I'm hiding from who.”

“Urm... I think I understand.”

“Good, because I don't think I can repeat it. I'm sorry, I think I really need to rest.”

“And write your report. May I escort you to your home?”

“Yes, you may. It's all of two hundred metres away.”

“Oooh, palace residence, eh?”

“Royal protection barracks, yes. It's better than it sounds, fortunately.”

“You mean you're not in the top bunk, five down on the left?”

“No. I even get my own front door, but the kitchen's shared between ten of us.”

“Could be worse; Nigel's told me some stories from his early days. They might have even been true. Because of Fido, I have a little patch of grass outside, but otherwise I'm in a similar set-up.”

“I used to be in my Mum's house, so it feels a bit cramped, but I'd guess I'll just be getting used to it when something changes.”

“Like the Royal Wedding?”

“For instance.” then, thinking about her Mum, she asked “Are your parents alive?”

“Yes, they don't live near here though.”

“And they don't suspect you've got the power, at all?”

“Not as far as I know. But, you never know. Maybe they told me not to tell anyone.”

“Oh, I'm sure they'd have done that, whether they believed you or not.”

“Yes. I expect so.”

“Here's my front door.” Bella said.

“Thank you, Bella. I don't know about you, but I've had a good day.”

“Me too, I think. But I haven't asked you where you want to meet for tomorrow's shopping trip. Or how to contact you without going through control.”

“And we wouldn't want that, would we? Here's my contact details.” he sent his data to her wrist unit.

“Not really. Thanks, I've got them. And where shall we meet?”

“Can I suggest that I call you? I should have asked everyone about allergies already, but I haven't. If they don't reply quickly, then it might be afternoon before we can go buying with confidence.”

“That's fine. Just not before about nine O'clock, please. I think I'm going to need some time to re-write whatever I write tonight.”

“OK. See you tomorrow, Bella.”

“See you tomorrow, Trevor.”

“Bella, one more thing before I go?”

“Yes?”

“I think it's... I don't know, is it too early? May I give you a kiss?”

“I like you, Trevor, but I think it's probably a bit early.”

“I thought I should ask. I'd hate to think you wanted to kiss and I'd disappointed you.”

“Goodnight Trevor. I'll see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow.”

Bella closed the door, wondering what would have happened if she'd given in to her emotions and let him kiss her. Indeed, if she'd kissed him. This was silly. She'd only known him a day. She couldn't be falling in love with him that quickly, could she? Should she ask Eliza? No, Eliza had fallen for Albert in an afternoon. Sarah? No, she was another giddy twenty year-old. She wasn't sure how quickly that pair had fallen for each other, but she got the feeling she wouldn't get much sense out of her, either. Bella was a perfectly sane twenty-four, there was a big difference. She hoped. No, the person to talk to was her mum. No question about it. But business before pleasure, she needed to write all about meeting Trevor. No, she needed to write about the meeting. Not just about meeting Trevor. He was nice, and a Christian. And very much interested. How could she do her secondary assignment without hurting him? She'd think about that later. First the report.

----------------------------------------

“Mum, are you free?” Bella said, after failing to persuade her thoughts to get with the official program for the evening.

“Hello, Bella! You sound worried.”

“I'm not sure worried is the right word, Mum. I'm too happy to be worried.”

“Oh yes? And you need to talk?”

“Yes. I do. I certainly can't write a report about a meeting today, which is what I ought to be doing.”

“It's gone eight o'clock, Bella, what have you been doing until now?”

“Hmm, all sorts really, I helped someone who'd hidden his thoughts get out of the mud, and then played my part in arranging for him to meet up with his fiancée, which turned out to be much harder than it might sound. But there was a lot of talking. Mostly with Trevor.”

“I don't think I've heard you talk about someone called Trevor before.”

“I haven't. I met him today, but I work with his big brother.”

“And is it this Trevor's fault that you're so happy, Bella?”

“Yes.”

“So tell me all about him.”

“Hmm, He's kind, brainy, decisive. Strong arms. Taller than me, which isn't saying much, but not so much taller that I'd get neck ache. Claims I'm beautiful.”

“You are, Bella. Like your name says.”

“He hasn't made a play on my name yet, so he's wise too. And he's got a dog called Fido.”

“Fido?”

“Yes. I haven't confirmed this, but apparently a Golden Retriever with all the trimmings.”

“What do you mean all the trimmings?”

“Big, friendly, loves bones, stones, and water. Preferably nice big wet stones from the bottom of ice-cold rivers, so he can shower everyone around him.”

“And you always wanted a dog.”

“I'm not interested in Trevor for his dog, Mum.”

“But you are? Interested in him, I mean?”

“Yes, Mum.”

“You told me recently that you weren't going to consider a non-Christian, and a long time ago that you weren't going to consider someone who couldn't hear thoughts.”

“He qualifies on both counts. Also works in Security. He's in Analysis.”

“So, when's the wedding?”

“Mum!” Bella protested, “we've only just met!”

“Just kidding, Bella. There must be other Christians in Security with the power.”

“Yes. There's three married women, two married men, the man I spoke of earlier is possibly a Christian by now, I'm not sure, one couple who are interested in learning more about God, us two, and the rest of the fourteen either didn't talk about their faith or are atheists or agnostics.”

“You've met all of them?”

“Yes. Identified for me by someone with the gift.”

“I'm not surprised that you're interested in him then.”

“It's mutual.”

“That's a good start. So, unless you're meeting tomorrow, you've now got almost a week of separation to regain your senses and then you can start dating properly?”

“We're meeting tomorrow, I'm on duty on Sunday, and then we've got almost a week together, where amongst other things, I've been given the duty of getting close to him, and finding out why he wants to stay in Analysis rather than doing fieldwork somewhere.”

“What! Who gave you that task?”

“Maria herself. When they first set up this trip. She thinks he's wasted in Analysis. Everyone's got secondary tasks for being part of the group. That's mine, and I want to reject it. It feels poisonous right now.”

“Well, you can either reject it, or tell him what it is, right at the start. Don't do it and then let him find it out later on, certainly. That'd hurt him, I'm pretty sure.”

“The problem is, I know what his is: he's supposed to be trying to analyse what people's secondary task is.”

“Well, that'd be a useful field skill, certainly.”

“So, am I allowed to tell him?”

“Talk to Maria if you can, or send a message. Be straight with her, tell her you're romantically involved. You don't mix spying on people with romance. You're right, it's a poisonous task that'll sow doubt about your motives, right where you both need certainty.”

“Thanks Mum. So what should I do to stay sane? I can't keep my thoughts straight.”

“Get some sleep?”

“I've got a report to write.”

“Maybe you should decide on your limits and barriers, dear. Love is a powerful emotion.”

“Am I really in love, Mum?”

“Oh, probably not yet.”

“You mean it gets worse?”

Bella's mother laughed. “Has he started writing you poetry yet? Are you planning to go to sleep clutching a letter or gift from him close to your heart? Does his name bring music to your ears and make your heart race?”

“I guess it gets worse. How long have I got before I lose all grip on sanity?”

“It varies, Bella. It varies. You've got a responsible job. People's lives depend on you, and you're not some eighteen year old full of romantic ideals.”

“No. I'm a twenty four year old, full of romantic ideas.”

“Then start thinking of the longer term consequences: excruciating pain, years on end of interrupted nights and stinky dirty nappies to change, dear. Followed by little demanding mouths to feed, never having a romantic evening together with your husband without the risk of someone waking up and demanding a glass of milk or another goodnight kiss.”

“Mum, we've not even been on our first date yet.”

“I know, dear. But very little in this world helps reality to dawn as rapidly as the realisation that there's a dirty nappy to change, the food's about to burn and there aren't enough spare nappies on the shelf to last until morning.”

“OK, that's not a nice thought, but I still think that's too far removed, Mum.”

“Depends what you get up to, dear. If you just let nature take its course then that could be this time next year.”

“We're both Christians, Mum. We're not going to jump into bed at the first opportunity.”

“O.K., Bella I know. So tell me more about his good points and his bad points. Not to mention when you're going to tell him about your dreams and why you had them.”

“I told him already, Mum. I didn't want that hanging over my head.”

“And he's not scared?”

“It might be lack of imagination; he climbs up mountains, Mum, in November. Claims that he hadn't really thought of there being much chance of dying.”

“I thought you said he was intelligent.”

“He is, Mum. Or at least, better at analysing things than I am. Maybe I'm better at seeing risks. No, that's not true either. He's got a blind-spot about risks to himself, but I think he sees risks to others fairly clearly. At least, he asked the right questions to get that guy's fiancée protected.”

“Don't tell me, I've got no need to know. So you've seen his brain in action?”

“Yes. Both ways. I've also heard his thoughts when he was reaching the decision that it wasn't a good idea to propose immediately.”

“So he's serious?”

“Mum, he asked God to show him who he ought to marry, like Abraham's servant in the Bible. Apparently he even asked God for camels too.”

“I don't get the reference, sorry.”

“Nor did I, Mum. Abraham's servant apparently gets sent to find a wife for Abraham's son, and asks God to show him who the right girl is by her being the one who offers to pull up water for his camels when he asks for a drink. With a bit of help from his parents, he decided that he didn't need camels, but that me offering to help with a whole heap of shopping without him asking was a good equivalent.”

“Sorry, what do you mean he decided with his parents about you being helpful, You've met his parents too?”

“No, sorry, I'm tired. He prayed, when he was ten or less, I guess, that he wanted God to show him who he should marry, by that girl offering to help do loads of shopping without him asking. Trevor's in charge of getting the food for next week. We'd already talked about going out, and I don't have anything else to do tomorrow, unless I don't write my report tonight, so I thought that's something we could do together and so I offered to help as soon as I heard.”

“And now he's doubly sure that you're the one.”

“Yes.”

“Well! So in his mind, God has spoken. Are you going to make God a liar or not?”

“I'm not going to make God a liar, but I'm not going to accept a proposal before we've even been on a single date, either. I'm just not sure what I'm going to do if he proposes tomorrow. Isn't it too early to feel like this, Mum?”

“It was a long time ago for me, Bella. Don't you have friends you could ask?”

“Well, I could ask Eliza, but I know what her answer will be. They got engaged before their first kiss.”

“And have you kissed yet?”

“Not yet. We decided it was too soon. I started regretting that decision almost as soon as I'd made it. How can I be so silly, Mum?”

“Oh, Bella! You're breathing the intoxicating fumes of love, dear. Enjoy it, it doesn't sound like there's much reason not to.”

“None I can see. He's not even ugly. Quite handsome, in fact.”

“Of course, it'll mean another career change for you.”

“If he can climb mountains, I can keep Eliza safe.”

“And if he gives up on the mountains?”

“I'm not sure. Mountains aren't as important as people.”

“I don't think I've ever heard of a pregnant protection officer though.”

“No. Me neither.”

“So, think about what roles you could do, dear. And cross off the ones that routinely put unborn babies in the line of fire. At least Analysis is a nice stable job.”

“But Maria thinks he's wasted in it, and he ought to be doing fieldwork or something.”

“So, would you be interested in fieldwork?”

“Isn't that more risky than royal protection?”

“There's no requirement that you be prepared to unthinkingly stop a bullet for someone in fieldwork. That's a massive difference.”

“Hmm. That's a difference, yes. I'll think about it.”

“Do. Talk it through with Trevor.”

“I will Mum. Have no fear.”

Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

“I'll be praying for you two, dear. Have a nice shopping trip.”

“Thanks, Mum. I need to write a report, I guess.”

“No shopping before it's done, remember. Maybe that'll help you concentrate.”

“It might work! Bye.”

“God bless, Bella.”

“I think he has, Mum. God bless you too.”

----------------------------------------

Trevor didn't have a report to write, but he had a dog to walk. It took about the same amount of time, but allowed more thinking time.

“Well, Fido, I think you're going to like Bella. I know I do.”

Fido wagged his tail. His master smelled happy, that was good. Maybe there'd be a bone, or a river involved. Or a big stick to carry home. Maybe there was one over there.

“Hi, Dad.” Trevor said into his wrist unit. “Is Mum there too? She'll want to hear this too.”

“Hi, Trevor,” is father replied then shouted “Trevor's got news, love.”

“She's just coming, so how's life in the big city? Fido OK?”

“Yes, Fido's fine. We're just out in his favourite park, actually. I think he's looking for half a tree to bring home.”

“Hi Trevor, you sound happy. What's the news?”

“She's called Bella, and if you remember about me wanting to have some camels, she offered to go shopping with me tomorrow, for next week.”

“Oh really! Well, well well!” Trevor's father said.

“I remember something about you wanting camels for something, Trevor, but what was it?”

“So his future wife could offer to draw water for them.” supplied his father.

“I presume that's not the only qualification?” she asked.

“No Mum, she's a Christian, a bit younger than me, a bit shorter than me, which is nice, works in Royal protection, like Nigel, only she's assigned to Eliza.”

“And she's going on your little jaunt next week?”

“Dad, next week is a security check of the place, that's why I can't tell you where it is. But yes, she is.”

“And that's the context you met her in? Some sort of planning meeting?”

“Urm, no. Actually, she was leading a special meeting I was at today. We were the only two single Christians there, so that helped focus our thoughts, I guess, and we got talking at lunch time, and after a bit of help we just sort of clicked. Then she offered to help with the shopping.”

“So what's so special about that meeting, that her being the only single Christian there focussed you mind on anything except business?” his mother asked.

“Urm. I'd rather have said face to face, but, urm, nothing too terrible, but are you sitting down?”

“We are now.” his Dad said after there'd been some moving of chairs.

“Mum, Dad, It was a meeting of everyone in Security with the thought-hearing ability.”

There was a pause from the other end of the phone. “Thank you for making us sit down, Trevor.” his mother said. “I wondered, when it all came out in the press. They seemed to be talking about what you'd talked about when you were five.”

“I don't remember, all I remember is growing up knowing that I mustn't tell anyone.”

“Well, you always were an obedient boy. I told you not to.” she said.

“Does Nigel know?” his father asked.

“Yes. We told him.”

“OK, so now tell me what he knows?”

“He now knows we both hear thoughts, actually, he guessed I might be able to. And he told Bella about me wanting a camel and what you said, Dad. She took it really well, actually.”

“And does she know?”

“Does she know what?”

“About why you're in Analysis, rather where they wanted you to go?”

“No, I haven't told her yet. I will tomorrow though.”

“It is rather significant.” his mother pointed out.

“I know, Mum, I know. I was going to, but we had to deal with a lot of crises at the end of the day, and she was exhausted.”

“And you bottled out?” she asked.

“That too.”

“We'll be praying for you, Trevor. For both of you.”

----------------------------------------

As she was settling down to sleep, Bella heard Sarah's call.

[Hi Bella, sorry to catch you so late. How are you doing?]

[Hi Sarah. I'm pretty sure I'm in love.]

[Oh! That's wonderful. Can I tell John?]

[I'm not fully certain yet. I mean, we've not even been on our first date yet.]

[Bella, you've got a mind that can pick up thoughts. That's a real help in separating the good ones from the bad ones. I think you've got a good one there. Just watch out for feedback. It's a complete pain until you're on your honeymoon.]

[I've heard of it. Can you explain?]

[Of course.] the explanation didn't take long, but Sarah also told her some anecdotes about it. Bella found the thoughts of feedback were far more effective at concentrating her mind than her mother's discussion of babies. She needed to keep her emotions under control.

----------------------------------------

9AM, SATURDAY, 9TH DECEMBER

Bella answered her wrist unit without even looking who it might be.

“Good morning, Bella.” Eliza said. Not Trevor then. Bella had half been hoping it would be.

“Good morning, Eliza, to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?”

“Wondering how your meeting went, other than socially, I mean.”

“Hmmm. Successful, on that front too, I think.”

“Did you get a report on it written last night?”

“I did. Yes. Sort of. Re-reading it this morning I think a more accurate description would be that I have extensive ungrammatical notes, as you might expect when a poor tired mind is flooded with hormones. It going to need quite a lot of beating into shape.”

“Can you let me have them?”

“What, unfinished?”

“Yes. I'll take over, and if there's anything really incomprehensible then I'll call, OK?”

“You're sure?”

“Yes. Quite. I want you to have a totally free day.”

“What about you?”

“Albert's preparing his sermon for tomorrow. I'm going to be sitting around waiting to check it for factual errors, etc. I might as well have something to keep me busy while I'm waiting. It beats a crossword, and I don't want to start reading a novel. And I can't work on the next my masters knowing there'll be interruptions.”

“Then, by all means, by all means. Oh, by the way, I've put in people's names, to help me keep it straight in my head, but I was going to take them out in the final version.”

“Can you take them out now? That way I don't need to remember.”

“OK, I will. Just letters of the alphabet?”

“I guess so.”

“OK. That won't take long.”

“And do you need another meeting?”

“Not urgently. We've covered everything we had to learn, but we didn't do much of the extra stuff Maria was asking for: brain-storming about how we could be useful, that sort of thing. Also the people with kids were going to try listening to decisions affecting them. I think it would be good to share success stories, if there are any.”

“OK, so qualified yes. Follow up in a month or so if possible?”

“I guess so, yes.”

“Can you put that in there before I get it? I don't want to be adding to it at all, just correcting it.”

“That's fine.”

“Thanks, Bella.”

“Hey, I'm the one who should be thanking you! You've just given me some extra hours to enjoy.”

“Hmm. So, what's your plan for the day?”

“Right after I send you the draft, I'm going to call up Trevor and tell him that I've got the whole morning free after all, so why waste it?”

“That sounds like a sensible plan.”

“I don't suppose you know which time zone Maria is in, do you? I should have written a plea to her last night, but forgot.”

“Oh? You're not asking to be excused from next week, are you?”

“No, just the 'try to get to know Trevor and find out why he wants to stay in Analysis.' bit.”

“Ah. You don't want it to seem like you're just obeying orders?”

Exactly.”

“Well, if you don't get a reply before you see him, then tell him what she asked, and ask him if he's got any idea what the answer is. If he tells you or not, fine. It's not worth ruining your relationship over. Just be honest and above-board.”

“You don't think I could just drop the whole thing?”

“I think that even being asked and not telling him is risky, Bella.”

“Thanks for the advice.”

“I've got another idea.”

“Yes?”

[I tell him we've just been gossiping, sorry, catching up on the news, and that you got a stupid secondary assignment, that I should have told Maria it was a horrible thing to ask anyone, and you're not faking about what you feel.] Eliza thought to her.

[You're sure?]

[Yes.]

[Extra risk to you, surely?]

[I think it's worth it.]

[Well that's your call. I can't ask you to do that.] “Oh, Trevor did ask about how you knew his name. I said you'd seen the list. He accepted that as oversight. I think I said that was one way to describe it, or something along those lines.”

“OK.”

“Except that Maria had said the Royal family were trusting her and I with it.”

“Oh, well, see if that takes him anywhere at all. Same rules apply. If he works it out, then it all comes back to me greeting him, no fault at all on you.”

“Thanks for saying that.”

“None needed, Bella.”

“I'll get you that document.”

“Thanks. And I'll make a preemptive plea on your behalf.”

“If you're sure.”

“I've decided. Bye.”

“Bye.”

----------------------------------------

[Trevor, I've just been chatting with Bella, and I really hope it works out for you two.]

[Thanks!]

[But I've got a confession, I didn't object when I should have. Maria gave Bella a really stupid secondary task for your trip next week; Bella's going to try and get the task cancelled, but even if she does then it's the sort of thing that might cause some nagging doubt, where you don't need any. And you really don't need to have any.]

[Before I get too carried away analysing what you might be talking about, could you expand?]

[Sorry, of course. Maria asked Bella to get to know you a bit during next week, to try and find out your motives for something. At the time Maria had no idea that you'd meet yesterday, or that you'd be falling for each other. If she had, she wouldn't have asked, I'm sure. That assignment's not why Bella's falling in love with you.]

[The something wouldn't be why I'm in Analysis rather than fieldwork, would it?]

[Yes. Maria thinks you're wasted there.]

[I'm planning to tell Bella today. Or I was. It's a bit embarrassing.]

[And you'd rather not tell her if you know she'll pass it on?]

[Exactly.]

[Fine. Ask her not to. She can keep secrets.]

[Like who you are?]

[For instance. Except that I've possibly given you one or two clues too many, in which case it's my fault. But if you do work it out, discuss it privately with Bella please.]

[I will if I manage to. Of course, now that you've told me there's clues to be remembered, that counts as another clue...]

[Oh, no!]

[Oh, my wrist unit's ringing.]

[I'll leave you in peace then.] Eliza sent.

“Hello, Trevor.”

“Hi Bella. How's the report going?”

“Well, it currently looks like it was written by someone who'd lost their command of English due to excess tiredness and strange powerful emptions, but I've just been asked to hand it over, uncorrected.”

“Oh, why?”

“Eliza was expecting to be bored so she asked for it, to give me the whole morning off. So, I hope you're not going to make me sit around here and pine for your company. Plus I've got something to tell to you.”

“I think I know — your mysterious friend has just been telling me, plus giving me another hint about who she is. I've... I've got something to tell you too.”

“Oh? Does it call for a serious head to head over a cup of something, or a walk in a park with Fido?”

“Well, if you don't mind a walk...”

“Name the park, Trevor, or the meeting place.”

He acquiesced entirely without hesitation.

“I've been inside too much. Is it likely to be muddy?”

“Quite muddy, I'm afraid.”

“OK, I'll dress appropriately. See you there in half an hour?”

“That'd be lovely, Bella! Bye.” He wanted to add 'I love you.' but he hesitated. He wanted to say it face to face first.

“See you soon.”

----------------------------------------

Trevor and Fido got to the park entrance five minutes early. “We're going to need to wait Fido. We're early.” he said.

“No you're not,” Bella said, stepping out from behind the map of the park, “Boo!”

Trevor saw she was wearing jeans, a warm coat and walking boots, and had a back-pack. She looked gorgeous.

“You're early too?”

“Not much earlier than you. And it's not too soon for a proper greeting.”

Bella said, stepping close to him. He kissed her cheek and caught some of her thoughts. He guessed she caught his too. Lots of happiness, and surprise at quite how nice the brief kiss felt.

“Bella, I'm quite sure that I'm falling in love with you.”

“That's all right, Trevor. It's mutual. I spoke to my Mum last night and she agreed with the diagnosis. So I want you to know now that Maria asked me to befriend you and try to find out about why you're hiding away in Analysis, but that's not why I'm falling for you.”

“Your mysterious friend told me.”

“What, all that detail? She said she was just going to tell you the outline.”

“Yes, she told me. I asked, so it wouldn't be whirling round my head until we met.”

“Oh. And you're not going to hold it against me?”

“No. Thank you for telling me. I've got to say my piece too, I guess.”

“Shall we start walking? I think Fido's getting impatient.”

“He is. Fido, this is Bella. Bella, this is stinky drool face.”

“Hello Fido. Does he always call you that?”

“Only when he's just got drool on my girlfriend's jeans. Sorry, I've got a cloth. Here.”

Bella looked at the leg which Fido had just left a line of saliva on, and wiped it with the cloth. It got most of it off.

“Lovely!” Nothing was going to spoil her day. “It's a good job I've thought ahead.”

“Oh?”

“I've got a change of clothes in my backpack.”

“Oh! Excellent idea.”

“I thought I can't go on a shopping-date in muddy clothes, so I thought I'd bring something more appropriate.”

“More appropriate for shopping, or a date?”

“You'll have to decide.” Bella said.

“Just so you know, Bella, I think you're beautiful.”

“Yes, you've said that. I think you're pretty handsome yourself. But I don't want to get too many strange looks in the shop.”

“Or the restaurant. I hope you don't mind. I've booked us a table for this evening.”

“Oh, really? So I need a third change of clothes?”

“There should be time for you to get one.”

“Do I get to know where, or is it a surprise.”

“It's a surprise.”

Fido pulled on his lead towards a stick he'd see. It was short he thought — only a tail long, but it would do for now, he decided.

“That's a good stick he's found, is he going to carry it all the way?”

“That? Sorry Bella, be prepared to adjust your preconceptions. He'll upgrade it as soon as he can.”

“Oh, He likes longer ones?”

“And fatter ones. His ideal stick is about as fat as my wrist and two metres long. He'd love to bring them home, but I don't let him.”

“Wise.”

“Bella, changing the subject?”

“Yes, Trevor?”

“If I tell you why I'm staying in Analysis, will you have to tell Maria?”

“Not if you tell me in confidence.”

“That's good.”

“It's embarrassing?”

“It is rather. I'm in the right job, I think. I don't like travelling. No that's not what I should say.” he draw a breath. “I'm petrified of flying, Bella. Totally, totally petrified. I don't need to fly in this job, but fieldwork, well, it's not often local is it?”

“Oh. Well, that explains it. For what it's worth, Mum was suggesting I consider fieldwork instead of protection, longer term.”

“Oh? Why?”

“Because, presuming we marry, then presuming we want kids, then pregnant and protection officer don't really go together.”

“That's quite a long way off isn't it?”

“Depends when you propose, when I accept, when we marry and when we decide to start a family. Mum pointed out that biologically speaking, we could be changing stinky nappies a year from now. That was supposed to help me regain some sanity, by the way.”

“Did it help?”

“Not really. I still want to spend lots of time with you.”

“That's nice. I want to spend every hour of the day with you. Silly aren't we?”

“I understand that it's a biologically programmed imperative, fundamental to the successful rearing of young.”

“I think they just made that up, and that really God made humans so that we'd fall in love.” Trevor said.

“Yes, but why?”

“Because otherwise, when there's trouble, disaster or storm, there's no way that we'll think of one another. So, He's made us so that once a certain set of apparently logical conditions are met, we lock onto the crazy idea that our happiness depends on someone else's smile.”

“I don't think that's a crazy idea. And I like your smile.”

“I like yours too. ”

“And you really don't like flying?”

“Quite frankly, you'd have to drug me, and if I knew you were going to drug me to get me onto a plane, then you'd probably have to tie me up first. Not that I'd let you. Well, I don't know. You might succeed. I know that Nigel didn't.”

“He tried?”

“Yes. Well, OK, there weren't drugs involved. It was when I was sixteen. He tried to tie me up and get me into a light aircraft a friend of his flew. Thought it might get me over my phobia. He decided to do it when I was too close and I got ever so slightly loopy.”

“Go on, finish the story.” Bella prompted.

“Nothing much to say, really, his jawbone and nose healed, they got his teeth to regrow. I spent a lot of time talking to the psych computers.”

“Surely this got onto your record? Why doesn't Maria know it?”

“It ought to be on my record. In the end they decided that I had a strong, instinctive aversion to flying.”

“But you climb mountains?”

“Yes. It was supposed to be therapy for the flying, but it didn't work. It's not a fear of heights.”

“You're weird. Now, give me a kiss please.”

“What, for saying that I'm weird?”

“No. So I know you don't take it badly.”

“And if I do?”

“Then I'll have to give you one, so that you know I don't mean it badly. And with that she hid her thoughts, got a lock on his neck and kissed him soundly on the cheek.

“Bella, that's not what you call a normal approach to a kiss.” he said, rubbing his neck.

“Sorry, I didn't want to hurt you, it's just I didn't want any more protests.”

“Would it offend you if I said you're weird too?”

“Not if it came with a kiss.” she said with a laugh.

Tenderly, he kissed her on the forehead. “I love you, Bella.”

“That's good. I love you too. It was a nice kiss too. Crazy, aren't we?”

“Only slightly. Now look at what Fido's got, that's what he calls a stick.”

“It's half a tree!”

“Don't exaggerate, Bella.”

“I'm not exaggerating. Look, over there, there's the rest of the tree.”

She pointed to a young tree, hardly more than a sapling, which had once had two trunks. One had either been broken or cut off, and the tree had a strange, lopsided look. Fido was now proudly dragging behind him the two metre long missing trunk, complete with branches.

“He looks incredibly happy.” Bella said.

“He looks like I feel, then, so that's OK.”

“Hmm. Rumour has it that Fido likes water,” she said, seeing a stream in the distance.

“True. He does. Let's avoid it.”

“You lead the way, then.”

“Bella, your friend?”

“Which one?”

“The mysterious one you talked to this morning.”

“What about her?”

“She spoke to me this morning and one of the things she said was she'd given me one or two clues too many.”

“I'm listening.”

“And not commenting.”

“Did you expect me to?”

“Not really. So, she gave me one clue in that she said she could have objected to Maria giving you such a nasty job. Do you know what mine is, by the way?”

“Analyse people's words, behaviour, etc. to see what their secondary tasks are.”

“Yes. So, that's one clue. But she said one or two too many.”

“Well, depends how many you need.”

“So, I know she's not Security, unless Maria lied, and yet she's trusted by Maria, by the royals, and she knows what you're doing.”

“I'm still listening, Trevor.”

“She said when Maria set the tasks, she had no idea you and I would meet yesterday. But I don't think that's much of a clue, and also that Maria thinks I'm wasted in Analysis. But that, together with her being able to object sounds like she was there when next weeks little trip was being planned.”

“That sounds like an entirely plausible hypothesis on the data available.”

“So, she's trusted, she's around Maria and the Royal family, even when secret trips are being planned, OK, that's a pretty big clue. But, it's still only one, and from what she said, it sounded like she'd given one already, even before she talked to me about next week. But the only time I'm aware of her speaking mind to mind is during the announcement, and there was no clue there. By saying she'd given me one or two too many clues, that suggests that she said something to me some other way. Confusing. Now, the other thing that got me confused, is Maria said the royals were trusting you and her with it, but Eliza saw the list. And I know that because you needed to explain Eliza knowing who I was and that she knew I had the power.”

“Hmm.”

“And of course there was yet another clue, that if I worked out who she was, I needed to talk to you.”

“I hear your thoughts but only because you're saying them. I'm keeping mine hidden.”

“Bella, if I'm right, you only actually spoke to one person this morning, not two.”

“What, you mean the gate guard and..” she said, looking around. Still no one anywhere in the park. Just the two of them and Fido.

“Bella! You know what I mean. I think you spoke about me and your report to the same person.”

“And that solution meets all the clues, does it?”

“It does.”

“And leaves none unexplained?”

“None I can see. It's pretty amazing though. Am I right?”

“What do you know about classes of state secrets?”

“Gulp. I did learn this once.”

“Disclosing a class alpha state secret?”

“Bad news, but not as bad as a class beta, and so on. The highest is level delta.”

“You've just analysed yourself to a class epsilon state secret.”

“I don't want to know what happens if I disclose it, do I?”

“No. Their majesties haven't decided, as far as I know. Probably something like your tongue surgically removed and then being sent on a trip to map all the objects in the Oort cloud.”

“You mean the Kuiper belt?”

“No. The Oort cloud's further out.”

“And bigger.”

“That too. Just don't leak, OK? She may tell, or drop clues, you on the other hand may not.”

“Nigel knows?”

“He does.”

“And she must have told Albert. No wonder everyone trusts her despite her father. Good credentials, God trusting you with that. But you knew, didn't you? When you told Albert she was a better, urm, candidate I believe the word you used.”

“Yes, I knew.”

“Wow. And his grandfather had the power.” He looked at Bella in astonishment. “It wasn't just that you were in security, was it? Albert knew you had the power, too.”

“Albert knew I had the power, yes.”

“Like he does?”

“That, Trevor, sounds like a guess to me.”

“I'd say it's about eighty percent probable. It would explain their quick engagement, if they're able to speak mind to mind then that whole thing about not planning to meet make perfect sense. They didn't need to meet to get to know each other.”

“I'll remind you of that the next time you want to kiss me.”

“It's not ideal, I was going to add.”

“Well escaped.”

“It also explains how he could convince her about the diaries without her seeing them.”

“Oh, you think that his word wasn't enough to convince her about why he was convinced she was the one? Tread carefully.”

“Well, I'd like to point out that you had Nigel's word as well as mine, and that his word was relatively unprompted. So, I believe that her being able to see it in his mind was a great advantage, and I can't actually imagine someone with the power or the gift being happy to not be able to share their thoughts. Which of course explains another feature of his life and mine: no prior girlfriends.”

“Nigel's not got the power, has he?”

“No. He's not had much luck in picking his girlfriends, either.”

“Oh?”

“My poor big brother's had his heart broken a couple of times.”

“And you don't think I'll break yours? What were they like?”

“Hmm, what they had in common was they were nice girls who thought it was a great catch to be going out with a high flyer in Security, but who didn't actually have much understanding that life in the civil service, especially in protection, meant that all dates were subject to adjustment.”

“Or cancellation at no notice.”

“Exactly. They decided they couldn't adjust to that uncertainty. Well, one of them could have coped with that, but decided she couldn't stand the thought of him catching a bullet. Gave him an ultimatum: leave Security or we're finished.”

“Not just leave royal protection?”

“No.”

“Your poor big brother.”

“Exactly. I don't think you're going to do that to me.”

“No. I'm just going to tell you to get your mind fixed before we marry.”

“Pardon?”

“Look, Trevor, you've got a great mind, I can see why you're happy in analysis, but look at you!”

“Urm, in what respect?”

“Analysis is mostly where people go who've finished a field term, or been injured on the field and need to rest, not who've never had field term. Your mind on the field? With your reaction speeds and mountain climber's arms? Wow. You'd be real asset. I'd want you on my team if I ever go that way, I know. So I'm warning you now: I'm going to insist that you at least have one more go at getting your brain straightened out, properly, before I'll accept any proposal of marriage from you.”

“You're serious.”

She faced him, and pressed her cheek against his. [I'm serious, Trevor. I don't know why you're so wounded. I don't know what you suffered in the past or what idea got planted in your mind which the computers couldn't ferret out. But I've met people at the IHM, Christians who are trained counsellors. Give it a go, please?]

[I think I'm so messed up that it'd take someone with the gift to find out what's wrong with me.]

[That's relatively easy to arrange too, Trevor.]

[Eliza?]

[No, I was more thinking of the guy who talked to Naeel.]

[He's at IHM?]

[His choice to tell you that or not. I'm not allowed to comment, remember? Reporting restrictions.]

[If it's that important for you, Bella.]

[Just imagine, please, if we got field assigned somewhere reachable by boat.]

[Hey, that's an option I hadn't thought of!]

[And then there was an accident. I needed to be flown home for a bit of regrowth therapy or something. Would you be taking the boat? Or would you be there in the med-evac with me? Telling the medics how I was by listening to my thoughts? Keeping me company, keeping me sane, looking after me?]

[{pain/misery}At the moment I'd be on the boat, love. I'd be tearing into myself for getting into that situation without being fixed, but I'd be on the boat. So if you can get me fixed, do. Please.]

[You're willing?]

[Yes. Of course, Bella. It's not like I enjoy being broken like this, you know. I just didn't think there was any hope for me.]

[Thank you, Trevor. I love you.]

[I love you, too, Bella.{love}]

[{love} Let's break, Trevor.] and pushed herself away.

“Why?” he asked, confused.

“It's too soon!” Bella said, tears starting to flow. “Don't let it be starting yet!”

“Bella?” Trevor asked “What's wrong?”

“Feedback.” she spat.

“What's feedback? I don't understand, Bella.”

“I hope it wasn't feedback. I don't want feedback yet.” Bella cried.

He went to embrace her, she shook her head. “Hide first, just in case.” she said, between inelegant sobs.

He hid, as instructed, and then held her. “What is it, Bella?”

“It might have been feedback. I don't know it was, but it might have been. I don't want feedback, Trevor, I want to hear your thoughts, get used to the sound of your mind.”

“Can you tell me what feedback is, Bella?”

“You love me, in reaction to sensing your love, my mind thinks oooh, he loves me and sends out I love you signals, yours sensing them realises that I love you just as powerfully as you love me and that makes you love me more, and the tide of love grows until all rational thought is gone, blotted out in one great hormonal and emotional rush. It's one of those experiments that won't be performed, as far as I know: do an unmarried Christian couple retain any self control if they allow themselves to experience the full onslaught of feedback. I have heard that a certain couple kissed briefly at their wedding ceremony without hiding. What they thought was a very brief kiss lasted over a minute, apparently.”

“So.. if we start getting feedback now?”

“Then, Trevor, you can look forward to not speaking to me mind to mind until we're on our honeymoon. It's not as bad for people with the gift — they don't need to touch for talking. But for us... we won't be doing much talking, we'll be avoiding hugs and kisses and even holding hands once it gets bad. Unless we want to spend ages hidden, and that's dangerous.”

“That's... that's terrible!”

“Unless we can find a way to talk mentally without sending emotions.”

“Do you think that's possible?”

“Not really. But we can try.”

“So, what do we do now?”

“Let's enjoy our walk together. We can do that, safely enough.”

“Bella I can't help noticing two things.”

“Yes?”

“You're assuming we're going to marry some time.”

“I know. Dangerous leap to make, isn't it? Nothing I've learned so far has put me off though. But yes, I suppose that one of us should be saying we don't know each other well enough yet to go dropping phrases like 'on our honeymoon' into conversations.”

“I was going to say I'm assuming it too.”

“Well, you've got that little indication from God, haven't you?”

“Can't you share it?”

“Of course I can. I trust God. Eliza pointed out to me that I trusted God for a long time before I acknowledged him.”

“That's... an interesting twist.”

“Well, you know, when he makes the demons go away then it's hard not to, even if you then try to pretend the whole thing was purely psychological.”

“I see what you mean.”

“I trust you too, by the way. And like you quite a lot. So, what's your second thought?”

“That you've not told me what grade of state secret it is that I'm giving a 95 percent probability to now, having heard about feedback.”

“I'd say that if that guess was true, then it'd be class delta.”

“And Nigel knows?”

“What do you think?”

“I think he does.”

“If it's true.”

“It explains so much. It must be.”

“So why are you hedging your bets with that five percent?”

“No actual acknowledgment from anyone, no actual concrete evidence, that sort of thing.”

“Oh. You mean you're as certain as you can be without someone saying you've got it right? Whereas with her, you knew someone had been chatting to you about your love-life and you were only working out who it was out of the candidates.”

“And chatting to you, too.”

“It could have been someone else though.”

“Really?”

“There were quite a group of us in the throne-room that day I was talking to their majesties.”

“But you and Eliza were the only single women?”

“That is true.”

“So Albert, after looking for someone with the power, just like I was, suddenly finds himself faced with two beautiful eligible ladies and has a nasty choice until you simplify it for him. I'm glad you did.”

“Oh?”

“Well, otherwise I'd have been keeping my emotions under very strict control around you, wouldn't I?”

“I should hope so.”

“Whereas now I need to for another reason entirely.”

“Only when we touch though, and only for a season too.”

“Everything changes in spring?”

“I meant a period of time, not quarter of a year.”

“Bella, it's not really a thing men talk about, so I don't know, but I'm guessing women are different.”

“You've noticed?” Bella said, teasingly.

He ignored her “Out of the couples you know, what's a normal sort of time for couples to date before he pops the question?”

“It all depends, Trevor.”

“Oh.”

“Everyone is different. I was thinking about people I know. For instance, there's one couple who were almost in love at University, he never plucked up the courage to ask her out, they went their separate ways and then they met again after, umm, thirty years, I think it was. I think he was sending her flowers daily for a fortnight until she accepted, but he let her know on the first date that he'd been kicking himself for the last three decades and wasn't going to be shy about asking this time round. Then, there's another couple where he got a much more explicit prophesy than you had, which took her totally by surprise when she fulfilled it. I don't know how long she took to get used to the idea. Maybe a week? But he actually waited a bit longer to formally ask, until he'd spoken to her father. Then there's another couple I know, where they were engaged by the end of their second or third date. And another couple, everyone's sure they're going to marry, have been for months, but they're not actually engaged yet.”

“So, not much help there, then.”

“Not until you ask which of them share the gift.”

“The gift?”

“Yes. two of the couples in my list both have the gift. Guess which ones.”

“The shortest ones?”

“Yes.”

“Because of feedback?”

“And because of certainty. We can't be quite as certain, of course, as people who can link their minds together and examine memories together.”

“No. We can't.”

“And don't get your hopes up about a wedding before the impact, it's too soon.”

“It hadn't actually occurred to me, Bella. Isn't a six month engagement normal?”

“Based on observation... Not for thought hearers.”

“I don't want to rush you, Bella.”

“Good. Do you think you are at the moment?”

“No... The opposite, actually. I mean, you're talking wedding dates, and we haven't been on our first date yet!”

“What do you call this then?”

“Wonderful company while I lose Fido in the woods.”

“He went that-a-way.” Bella said, pointing to a trail of devastation in the undergrowth. Fido obviously had taken his tree with him.

“That's the good thing about him having a stick.”

“Tree.” corrected Bella.

“You can see where he's gone.”

“He always takes it with him?”

“Not always. But he doesn't really trust me. He thinks I might try to get rid of it somewhere.”

“Would you do something like that?”

“Of course. You don't think I'm taking that tree back down high street, do you?”

“You could pretend he's not yours.”

“Not very successfully.”

“So, how do you get rid of it?”

“I tell him to drop it, tie him to the gate, and place it somewhere off the path.”

“And what does he do?”

“Looks at me as though I'm the cruelest person in the whole wide world. Then I give him a treat after we've left the park, and he's my friend again.”

“What's the treat? Bit of sausage?”

“What? No! Wholemeal bread. He loves it.”

“Really?”

“No question. Here, have a lump. Call him and tell him you'll give him some.”

“If you say so.” she agreed, then shouted “Fido! Fido! Come and get some bread, Fido!” There was the sound of movement in the woods, and soon Fido came, still with the tree, except once he was in sight of them he dropped it and bounded towards them with a look of ecstasy on his face.

“Make sure he sits down before you give it to him.” Trevor prompted, as Fido skidded to a halt.

“Anything you say. Fido, your master says you need to sit.”

Fido looked at Trevor and sat down in front of him.

“No, not him, I've got the bread.” Bella said.

Fido adjusted his position and looked at her face, and her hands. Where was the bread?

“There you are, good dog.” Bella said, giving it to him, and almost losing her fingers. “Hey!”

“Sorry, I forgot to say. It's best to throw it to him when he's this excited.”

“Are you excited, Fido?” Bella said “I wonder who you get that from.”

“Do you like Bella, Fido? She's nice, isn't she?”

Fido wagged his tail. Maybe there was more bread coming.

“Are you a good dog, Fido?” Bella asked. More wags. In fact it seemed like the whole of his body was wagging, not just his tail. Bella gave him a bit more bread, keeping her fingers at a safe distance this time.

“You're a fast learner, and you're good with him.”

“I didn't tell you. I always wanted a dog when I was little. I read up everything I could on dog training and everything, plus I practiced on friend's dogs.”

“But you didn't have one?”

“No. There wasn't really the space. Mum might have given in if I'd wanted a little yappy thing, but... I've got standards.”

“Oh, did you hear that, Fido, Bella doesn't like little yappy dogs either.”

Fido wagged his tail again.

“Now, let's see how good you are. Fido, stay still. Stay!” she said, firmly. Fido looked uncomfortable, but obeyed.

“How much won't power does he have?” she asked.

“Not much.”

“We'll see. Fido, stay.” she repeated and put some bread at her feet. Fido, staring at the bread, whined.

Bella stepped away. “Good boy, take it!” she said. He leapt on the morsel of bread and swallowed it with one gulp. “Well done, Fido!” she said.

“Bella, what have you done to him?”

“I don't know, what have I done?”

“He's never done that for me. He normally dives at it as soon as I step away.”

“He's obviously decided that I'm an alpha female, and therefore very dangerous and that he needs to be on his best behaviour.”

“I think he must.”

“Go on, Fido, get your stick.” she said. “You've got a very intelligent dog there, Trevor.”

“I know. He comes from a long line of guide dogs for the blind. He wasn't quite up to their standards, though. So, where to next, my alpha female?”

“I don't know. I'm new in town. Have you had replies from everyone yet?”

“Hmmm, let's see. Oh! Yes I have.”

“So, how much longer does Fido need?”

“Need, or want?”

“Let's re-phrase that. How much longer shall we give him to play in the woods?”

“How about another half an hour or so, or are you getting cold?”

“No, I'm fine.”

“You mention your mum a lot. She's alone?”

“Yes, Dad died when I was young. I don't remember him at all.”

“Oh, sorry. I must have been hard for her.”

“I expect so. What about your family?”

“Mum, Dad, Nigel and me.”

“And Fido.”

“Yes. I've had him since I joined Security.”

“Just how did you pick the name Fido?”

“I didn't actually. The breeders just were just working their way through the alphabet with each new puppy. They'd already had a Fred, Frank, Friz and Ferdinand previous years, apparently, and he had to be an 'F'.

“I get it. And they couldn't repeat a name?”

“No. Against the rules. Unique name required for every puppy, otherwise the pedigrees might become confused and great bastion of rule and order, which survived even height of the age of chaos, would fall. Surely civilisation itself would follow shortly there-after.”

“Ooh, so he's got a pedigree?”

“Oh, only back about three hundred years, apparently.”

“Wow. Fido, did you know you're a great noble amongst dogs?”

“Naah, he's just a big softy, aren't you, slobber-face?” Fido wagged his tail as Trevor rubbed his head.

“You don't think he'll object to me then?”

“I doubt it. Especially if you get him what you promised him.”

“I need a bit of expert shopping advice there. Where do you actually find a butcher's shop around here? Or do I need to get a dried up pre-packaged thing from a pet store?”

“Well... if you're after the real thing...”

“I'm sure he's not used to anything less.”

“You're joking. He's used to having bits of wood to chew on. He only gets a bone from me at Christmas. And I'm afraid I normally resort to the pre-packaged ones. You know they won't make a mess when being transported.”

“I've promised I'd get him one, and I intend it to be as fresh as possible.”

“You're not trying to steal his affection are you?”

“No, just make sure I'm firmly in his good books.”

“I think you already are.”

“That's all right then. I want to stay in yours too.”

“I can't imagine what you would do that would get you out of them, Bella.”

“Oh, well. There's still time to find out.” Her wrist unit buzzed. “Oh, I've had a reply.”

“Who from?”

“Maria. 'Sorry for the difficult situation. Consider it cancelled. Thanks also for report. Well handled on situation with N. All resolved. Congratulations due to Trevor on new appointment. M.' What new appointment?”

“I have no idea. Absolutely no idea.”

“Nothing on your wrist unit?”

“Oh, yes there is!”

“So, what does it say?”

“It says the world's gone crazy.” He mumbled after reading it.

“Come on, what is it?”

“I've just been assigned to a new department.”

“Which one?”

“It doesn't have a name yet.”

“So what's your role going to be?”

“Guinea pig, by the look of it.”

“Come on, Trevor, out with it, or let me read it.”

“I'll need to explain anyway. A few months ago I got asked to look at data flow in the organisation. Part of that was the divide between Communications and Analysis.”

“You mean the way that Comms need to sit on stuff without passing it on, because they're an impenetrable black box that can legally only respond to queries for data, not offer it?”

“And you need to ask them exactly the right question, or they can't answer either. Exactly.”

“So, what did you suggest? I take it your new role is a result of this?”

“I suggested that someone be able to metaphorically peer over the shoulders of Analysis, look at their assumptions or known gaps in their data, and register long-term questions with Communications about whether the assumptions are correct, and specific questions about gaps.”

“Isn't that something that could happen anyway?”

“In some ways, yes. But Analysis is normally told things like 'here's what we know, give us some options by tomorrow lunchtime, please.' There are longer investigations, but it gets treated in the same way. There's a built-in assumption that all the data provided is all the data available. I suggested that someone in Analysis administration be given the role looking for the holes in the data, but I got back this. 'Tnx report. Well done. Auditing have similar issues. If it works, it makes sense to have a small dedicated unit. Discussed with your previous supervisor, you're clearly man for job. Make new department work, small scale, only to analyse Analysis for now, expand later if successful. Report to me. Will name your department later. I expect you will have new staff members soon, but probably never more than a dozen. Ask Bella & Pris: K+G? Nepotism, but suitable/efficient? Expect more details from Pris.' So what's this about nepotism?”

“Well, I know who K and G are. Applying to join the civil service as we speak, along with planning their wedding.”

“New recruits, then?”

“Well, K is Maria's daughter, so I'm not sure when she first got a security clearance, probably about age ten. G is a bit of a computer wizz, from what I understand. At least, he's written routines which are going into embassy computers worldwide. Pattern recognition, interpreting natural speech stuff. So yes, technically new recruits, but on the other hand, they already know their way around.”

“Pattern recognition and interpreting natural speech? That does sound useful. What's this about efficiency?”

“I'm not a hundred percent sure, so I don't think I ought to guess at the moment. I'll try and make some calls sometime.”

“You know them, personally?”

“Yes. I was body-guard for Karen for a while, this summer.”

“Hmm. No more clues until you make those calls, I guess.”

“What does it feel like to get your own department?”

“Of one.”

“For now. Well?”

“Downright scary, if you ask me.”

“Better or worse than staying in Analysis?”

“I'm still going to be in Analysis, sort of.”

“But with a different role.”

“Yes. You know how many information requests Analysis sent to Communications last month?”

“I expect you do.”

“Yes. Five. All from my desk. My supervisor told me to try and do what I'd suggested. Little did I know what they were planning!”

“Useful questions?”

“Three came back empty, but two were very useful.”

“That's not bad then. Where there any down-sides?”

“Yes. Looking at the data for gaps and framing the questions took a while. Then waiting for the answers slowed things down too. I didn't waste time, I worked on other things, but it meant the individual analyses took longer from start to finish.”

“So if someone was checking up on the work queue....”

“They'd have seen that a query was officially open for a day rather than half, for instance. And then they might have moaned that it surely wasn't that complicated, so why was it being put on hold.”

“No wonder they don't want everyone trying it.”

“That's what I thought. However, if I could send off questions to Communications almost soon as the data is submitted....”

“Then you don't get any sleep. And how many of these sorts of things can you actually do in a day, without burning out your brain-cells? I mean, reading all those reports, and looking for gaps in the data that Comms might be able to pull in, that sounds impossible.”

“OK, maybe I've overstated it. I'd be reading the executive summaries, not the whole report, and where if I thought there might an issue, I'd get the computer to pull out related sections to that. I wouldn't be reading the whole report.”

“Oh, OK. So you are planning to leave the analysts some work that you haven't done first.”

“Lots. Yes.”

“That's good. I do get to see you, even in your new role.”

“You really are assuming we'll marry, aren't you?” Trevor asked.

“Well, aren't you?”

“That's different. You're supposed to be the one who doesn't want to rush into things.”

“Look, Eliza has pointed out to me that I don't like change. But I do like decisions made. I guess that's why I don't like change — why re-visit an decision? So, a silly example, I decided that my cooker needed replacing; I should explain that mum just uses a little grill-microvave thing, because that's easier, so the big cooker is mine. Then when it came to choosing which one, I totally failed to decide. There were too many competing factors. I liked one, I knew I liked it, I would have bought it within five minutes, but then I looked at the price tag and I didn't like that. I spent hours looking at others, trying to decide if I could like one of them as much as I liked the first one.”

“And, what's the result?”

“I'm going to buy the one I first saw, but only once the impact is over with, the shop's been rebuilt, and has got some stock back, and I have a home again.”

“You think you'll move back to Restoration?”

“Hmmm. Maybe not. But I don't need a cooker here, do I? Wasted decision there then.”

“So, I'm not quite sure if I should interpret what you said about the cookers in the way I am. Was it an analogy?”

“No, just facts, but I think there's a similar pattern.”

“You've decided that you don't want to stay single all your life?”

“Correct.” Bella said, moving close, in case he decided to hug her. He didn't get the hint, or maybe he did, but was being restrained. He decided something, but she couldn't make out what.

“That's nice. I don't want to either. Now, I'm obviously not the first man you've seen, so I get stuck at that point of the analogy.”

“Not an analogy. You're the first man I've met who meets my stringent criteria.”

“Ah. And does the price tag correlate too?”

“Well, prince Albert, even if he had met all my criteria (which he didn't) came with a very high price tag. But you're not going to tell me I need to give up being in Security, I hope.”

“No.”

“So, reasonable price, you meet the criteria, at least so far. I'm still open to the idea that it's too early to tell for sure, of course, but I've certainly got a... a working model, I think you'd call it.”

“Do I dare ask what that looks like?”

“We try hard not to start causing feedback for at least a few weeks because it's too soon, then after a decent amount of time of getting to know each other you decide to propose, I accept, and we set the wedding date for about three months later.”

“That's... quite a plan there, Bella.”

“I told you, it's not a plan. It's... I don't know. What is it? You're the brainy one.”

“It sounds to me like a series of waypoints along the road from where we are now to committing ourselves to one another for life.”

“I like that description.”

“I like your roadmap, and I like you, Bella.”

“That's nice. Do I get a kiss as evidence of it?”

“Another one?”

“Do you object?”

“No, but, you know, not rushing things...”

“Kisses on the cheek aren't rushing things, Trevor. We've done that already, and lets face it, that's a normal greeting in some cultures, isn't it. Now, if you wanted to kiss me on the lips...”

“Or if you wanted to kiss me on the lips.” he said, thinking that so far, the suggestions for physical intimacy had come from her direction.

“Of course I do, but I'm trying to work out what I'd feel.”

“Feedback?” he suggested.

“Very possible. So, should we restrict ourselves to quick pecks on the cheek until we're engaged?”

“Urm, yes. Sure.” Trevor agreed.

“And don't go sneekily thinking you could get a kiss on the lips if you propose tonight. I think we at least need to get through next week.”

“I wasn't thinking that at all, Bella. I was thinking that we need to discuss so much. And we're going to need to work out limits we're not going to pass. You know — not just how much physical intimacy we should leave until later, but how long we should be leave ourselves to get to know each other before we start encouraging our hormones and I guess feedback with talk of wedding dates and honeymoons.”

“You mean you want to be sensible.”

“Bella, I like you a lot, but yes, I do want to be sensible. I think being sensible stops us from hurting each other and dishonoring God.”

“Oh all right then. We can be sensible.”

“I'm glad.”

“Does, does sensible mean I don't get any more kisses?” Bella asked, pretending to be on the verge of tears.

“Maybe we should ration them.” Trevor pondered in reply.

“Cruel, heartless man!” Bella flung herself at him, and pantomime-style beat on his breast, with her elbows at her waist.

“Hey, not so hard, please!” Trevor laughed.

“This is where you're supposed to sweep the heroine into a loving embrace.”

“Hmm. I think you've been reading too many romances.” he said, giving her a peck on the forehead.

“Do you have a single romantic bone in your body?” she asked, curiously.

“Wait until the end of the day and judge for yourself, please.”

“Oh, all right.”

“But be warned I'm not planning to propose to you over dessert tonight, nor will I, at any time in the near future, carry you off to a bedroom strewn with rose-petals.”

“That's OK, as long as I can anticipate you acting on some of ideas along those lines eventually.” she said, then added “Assuming it all works out between us, of course.”

“I'm going to need some time to adjust to you, aren't I?”

“I think I'm going to need to adjust to me too,”

Bella said, realising that she was acting out of character.

“You're not always flinging yourself at men, you mean?” Trevor said, somewhat relieved.

“No, I'm not.” Bella said. “Sorry. I don't quite know what's come over me.”

“So it would be very... urm... unkind of me to take advantage of your every offer of kisses, cuddles and the like, because you might regret something tomorrow.”

“I don't know. I doubt you'd do anything we'd regret. But on the other hand. I don't know. I just like being with you so much, it's making me silly!”

“You don't think you're in love with the idea of being in love, do you?”

“Maybe. How do I tell?”

“I've no idea. I was in a youth meeting years ago when someone talked about it. Urm, trying to get those synapses going.. Hmm, I think they talked about lots of happy feelings and they're along the lines of 'He loves me, I love him, how wonderful! He'll take me on dates and shower me with gifts, I've been looking forwards to this happening for ages.' but actually it's about the state of being in love, and the person is entirely secondary.”

“Oooh, that's deep. I don't think that's what's going on in my mind. But I guess I should come clean about something.”

“Oh, what's that?”

“Yesterday's meeting, when it was first suggested, was toungue in cheek spoken of as Bella's dating opportunity. But... that's at least part of what I was hopeful about.”

“I see... so you spent a little longer on your hair than normal?”

“Made sure I had my spotless clothes on, not just my almost-spotless ones.”

“Used a bit more perfume than usual?”

“Brushed my teeth twice as long, just in case.”

“And there-by flooded your system with just the sort of hormones that apparently make a woman that extra bit attractive to men.”

“Really?”

“Apparently so. I'm not sure how they did it, but it's been studied. I heard it in high school biology class.”

“I didn't take biology.”

“Can I let you in on a secret?”

“Of course.”

“I had no idea what to expect, but thought that maybe, just maybe, there'd be a single Christian woman there. I had no idea that we'd be going to a romantic beauty spot together the day after tomorrow.”

“That's going to be difficult, isn't it?”

“Difficult? You think we should try and hide how we feel?”

“I was more thinking of keeping our minds on the job.”

“No canoodling when we're on walks away from the cabin, you mean?”

“I always wondered what that word means.” Bella said.

“I'm not sure either, but I guess standing like we're doing now for minutes on end counts.” Thanks to lack of inclination to move, they were still in roughly the same position where Bella had dramatically beat on Trevor's chest, now, however, she had her hands resting on his shoulders.

“But I like it here.”

“I don't think you'll notice me complaining, either, Bella. But I think we're going to find it hard to notice any threats if we're like this.”

“Or notice where Fido's gone, either.” Bella pointed out.

Trevor looked around. “Do you know where he's gone?”

“No. You?”

“Me neither.”

“Maybe we should look for him.”

“Maybe. But... just hold me like this a bit more please, Trevor.”

“Any reason?”

“Yes. But it's a bit illogical.”

“Does that mean you'd rather not try and explain?”

“No. I'll try. I feel protected here. Safe, as though nothing will hurt me. I know it's probably not true, but it's roughly how I feel. Since that's normally my job, keeping people safe, I mean, it's nice to just feel protected for a while.”

“Why is that illogical?”

“Because it's a false sense of safety. I'm actually more vulnerable like this than I'd ever be normally. I'm aware of you, but nothing else. So why do I feel protected?”

“Maybe because I don't want anything to hurt you, not even me.” Trevor said.

“That's nice. And you could be right. I suppose I might be picking up your protective thoughts, couldn't I? I don't want anything to hurt Fido either; shall we go and look for him?”

“Let's.” Trevor adjusted his grip on her shoulders and stepped back to hold her at arm's length. He gazed at her in wonder. She was so beautiful!

“What?” Bella asked.

“I've got the most beautiful girlfriend in the whole world.” Trevor said.

“And the most lost dog.”

“Oh all right then. Let's put some field-craft to use. Look, I see a bent blade of grass! He went that way.” He pointed at the very visible path Fido's tree had left in the grass.

“Field-craft? A four year old could tell you that.”

“But I bet the four year old couldn't tell you what the dog will be doing when we find him.”

“Maybe not. Your guess?”

“I think he's taken his stick to the stream. It's that way.”

“Should we run?”

“Maybe.”

“Last one to get to Fido pulls him out of the water!” Bella said, and sprinted along the trail Fido had left.

“You're on!” Trevor said, and sprinted after her. Quickly, he realised that he wasn't going to catch up. She was fast. Very fast, he noticed, appreciatively. And for all his mountain climber's strength, he spent most of his time doing a desk-job. He'd never beat her unless he could find a short cut. They were in the woods now, and he saw that Fido had taken the normal, wide path towards the stream, but he knew he could save quite some time with a narrower path, just coming up. It wasn't much more than a game trail, straight down the slope, whereas the main path was a series of hairpin bends. He plunged down it, keeping his speed under control by going from tree to tree. He crossed main path just behind Bella, who was so intent on her chase that she didn't notice him. He carried on, down the next slope, and saw Fido ahead. He wasn't at the water quite yet.

“Fido!” he called, as he bounced off another tree.

Fido ignored him, or couldn't hear, so two trees later Trevor whistled. Fido looked round, saw him coming, and bounded up the hill to greet his master and enjoy this new game.

“Good boy, Fido!” Trevor praised him, and seeing a dense bush a bit lower down the hill he said “Now, let's hide and watch for Bella. Down, boy!”

Fido obeyed, and got a reward. A little later, Bella came round the corner. She saw the stick and slowed to a walk as she passed it. Obviously looking for Fido's tracks in the dirt, she didn't even look in their direction until she'd seen which way Fido had gone.

“Fido!” she called. “Here boy!”

“Stay.” countermanded Trevor quietly. Fido looked at his owner and wagged his tail. This was an unusual game, and therefore fun. Maybe there's be some more bread too. He nosed at Trevor's pocket, just in case he'd forgotten where he kept that delicious stuff.

Bella climbed up the hill quickly, and looking ahead for the signs of Fido's climbing, she missed where his claw marks had turned back on themselves and were on top of Trevor's footprints. She went right past them.

“Boo!” said Trevor, springing up. With retrospect, he realised that might have been a mistake, as her training took over and she launched a powerful back-kick at the stomach of her 'attacker'. He'd been through basically the same unarmed combat classes she had, but had no desire to hurt her. With the split-second warning he got from her decision whether to punch or kick, he was able to catch her foot before it disabled him, but he didn't follow through. “Hello, it's just me. Sorry for surprising you.”

“Good reactions you've got there.” she said.

“I heard you decide to kick.” he explained.

“And I notice you've got a good strong grip.”

“All the better for holding onto mountains or your attractive but dangerous foot, my dear.”

“You don't think you might let me go, do you? This isn't a dignified posture, or very stable.”

“Are you sure you're not still thinking of disemboweling me?” He asked, laughing.

“Trevor, let me go!” Bella said.

“Only if you promise to let me pay for our meal tonight, without a single quibble.”

“Deal!” Bella agreed. Once he'd let go, she asked “So, just how much are you planning to waste on impressing me with how profligate you can be?”

“Bella, I don't know about you, but I live in my state-provided room, look after my state-subsidised clothes so they last a long time, and normally eat my cooked meal at the canteen where, thanks to the economies of scale, I'd be hard pressed to buy half the ingredients for the price I pay for a decent meal. I don't have expensive hobbies, I don't go on international journeys or stay in expensive hotels when I go mountaineering — normally I camp, in fact. I rarely visit the cinema, and so on. So I get these numbers arriving in my bank account, and I spend money on what I need, and the two don't really have very much in common. In other words, it's an indulgence, a whim, and an indication of how serious I am about getting to know you, and I hope you will enjoy it without any expectation of it being repeated very often.”

“On those terms, I accept. But I will want to change.”

“There should be plenty of time.” He reassured her.

“Speaking of time, should we be going food shopping soon?”

“Yes, we should. This is the fastest way.” He indicated the path by the river. “Come on, Fido, get your stick, and I'll put you back on a lead so you don't get any ideas.”

“Any limits on food requirements?”

“Yes. Two are much happier eating gluten-free than relying on the tablets.”

“Oh? Who's that?”

“Nigel and Pris.”

“I never realised!”

“Well, with the tablets, it's not a huge disaster if they eat gluten, but it still makes them uncomfortable, according to Nigel.”

“So that it explains why I've never seen him deliberately choose pizza.”

“Exactly.”

“So, we eat rice and potatoes for main courses?”

“And make sure we've got gluten-free bread and gluten-free cereal as well as the normal stuff.”

“That doesn't sound too tricky.”

“It's not. But either packet sauces are out or we check ingredients.”

“Hmm. OK. So, what about protein? Tinned meat and fish?”

“Yes. We'll also need to check the ingredients.”

“Is that hard?”

“No, I've set up my wrist-unit. I just need to remember to scan everything.”

“And there are pots, pans, and potato peelers supplied?”

“Yes. But no foods, not even salt, sugar, or oil.”

“Or tea, coffee, milk, etc.”

“Exactly.”

“Big shopping trip, then. Do we have a planned menu?”

“Not really. I've ... had some thoughts.”

“You mean you were planning to wander round the shop and just pick things off that you thought would be nice, weren't you?” Bella accused.

“Well, yes.” he admitted. “You know, sometimes there's special offers...” he tailed off, sheepishly. “Really, I should have a detailed menu planned, shouldn't I?”

Bella thought about it. “I think we can make it up as we go along, as long as we take notes. We just need to guess portion sizes, which is something I always get wrong.”

“So should we put in twenty percent extra rice? That keeps.”

“Yes. And lets assume that we're going to be hungry, with all that walking.”

“Not to mention the cold. Should we plan for two hot meals a day?” he asked.

“Hmm. I don't think so, not if we're walking all over the area.”

“I was assuming we could take a camp-stove.”

“You've got one?” Bella asked.

“Yes. A light-weight two-burner liquifuel one.”

“Wonderful. Then let's at least assume we're going to be making hot drinks on it.”

“Packet soups?” he suggested.

“If there're gluten free versions.”

“There are.” Trevor confirmed. “But I'm not sure if they come from a special shop. I'll ask Nigel.”

“So, packet soup for lunch, along with bread, then something more substantial in the evenings?”

“Sounds great to me. Who's cooking?”

“Everyone in turn? We've got three nights and four lunches.”

“Eliza's answer to the special diet question was 'Anything as long as Dirk didn't cook it.' So, my guess is that everyone might not be a wonderful idea. Maybe Dirk can do the washing up.” Trevor suggested.

“And there's wood to chop too, so we can share out the different chores.”

“Nigel can share out the chores. He's supposed to be in charge; let's let him take the blame.”

“I like that idea.” Bella laughed, very prettily, Trevor thought.

“I like your laugh.” he said.

Stopping, she turned and faced him, “That's allowed. I'm not sure you're allowed to just say it out loud, though.”

“Oh?” he said, confused. “Why not?”

“Because it sounds like you want a reply, and I'm not sure I've heard you laugh yet.”

“Oh. Sorry. I'm sure I have.”

“Oh yes, when you pounced out at me, and then grabbed my foot. I could have got out of that, you know. But once I knew it was you I decided that I didn't want to rearrange your face.”

“Could you have?”

“Maybe. I'm not sure. You've got a strong grip.”

“Mountain climbing muscles,” he shrugged.

“I suppose so. I'm glad that beating you at arm-wrestling isn't on my to-do list.”

“So what is?” he asked, somewhat confused.

“Oh, I don't know, all sorts of silly things, but I'm restraining myself at the moment so that I don't shock you or young Fido.”

“Bella, what are you getting at? I'm getting more confused by the minute.”

“Oh, don't worry, nothing immoral. I'm thinking that one day I'd like you to introduce me to a tame mountain so I can see for myself what's so special about them, then I'd like to see what happens when I stick a snowball down your neck, how well you react if I fling myself into your arms, all those silly romantic horse-play things that teenagers do.”

“You're not a teenager, Bella.”

“I know. But I feel like pretending I am one.”

“I see. And would you like me to pretend to be a teenager, or pretend to be a mature adult?”

“Oooh, I don't know. How about we just be ourselves?”

“All right,” he accepted, then, hiding his thoughts he touched her.

“you're it!” he said, leaping a few steps away.

“Hey, you cheated!” she accused, without moving.

“No, I just didn't let you cheat.” he replied.

“And you think I'm going to run after you again?”

“I don't know. I just thought that I'd stop pretending to be mature and sensible.”

“And you think I can't out-run you?” Bella challenged.

“No, I've seen you're too fast. But I wonder how long I can dodge you.”

An observer with a stop-watch might have measured that the answer was thirty-five and a half seconds; their embrace afterwards lasted a little longer.