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by Trish Moran

  There was silence for what seemed like several minutes, then Angus’s voice was cold.

  ‘Why would you want to warn us, Hugo?’ There was a murmuring of voices in the background.

  ‘I don’t know exactly what you have done to Zig and Cam but I want to be involved in your research!’

  ‘If this is some sort of trap …’ a second voice spoke into the phone. ‘We have a way of getting our revenge!’

  ‘I swear it’s not!’

  ‘We’ll be in touch, either way.’ The line went dead. Hugo’s hand was shaking as he switched off his phone.

  Takir sighed. ‘Whether he’s telling the truth or not, we need to move. Sanjit, arrange for the residents to be moved as planned.’

  The older man nodded and left the room.

  Reuben and Abel pulled up at the wrought iron gates at eight o’clock the following morning. Reuben showed his ID card to one of the security guards.

  ‘I’m from the Home Office. I’d like to speak to the Managing Director, please.’

  The guard looked at the ID card and back at Reuben’s face.

  ‘I’ll just phone through, sir.’

  A few minutes later, Abel and Reuben drove up to the main entrance. A man and woman were descending the steps to the car.

  ‘A Non-Lab guard at the gate, and these are Non-Lab, too,’ Abel noted.

  ‘Good morning, Mr Steiner. And your friend here is …?’ the smartly dressed woman held out her hand.

  ‘Abel,’ he held out his hand, ‘Miss Davidson.’ He read the name on her badge.

  ‘Ah, from the Compound,’ the man nodded. ‘I’m Jake Bould. Well, what can we do for you today?’

  ‘We’d like to take a look around the premises,’ Reuben said, opening a folder. ‘Just a government routine monitoring check. In your prospectus you describe Etherton Hall as a rehabilitation centre.’

  ‘Yes,’ the man nodded, ‘our clients are recommended by word of mouth and we assess each prospective client on a personal basis.’

  ‘Our clients are not used to having their privacy disturbed.’ The woman’s face reddened slightly. ‘They come here to escape from the public eye.’

  ‘So the sooner we start, the sooner we can get out of your way.’ Abel smiled.

  Half an hour later they had seen a comfortably furnished lounge and dining room, a gym, and two massage rooms.

  ‘Down this corridor we have the consultancy rooms, where our clients can speak to psychologists and medical advisors either in a group or on a one to one session,’ the woman explained. ‘It’s probably best if we don’t …’

  ‘I’m sorry, Miss Davidson, but we do have to make a thorough check,’ Reuben insisted. ‘Since the work at the Compound …’

  She sighed, ‘Well, please be discreet.’

  They walked along a thickly carpeted corridor. Despite the number of rooms, there were not many people visible.

  ‘You’re not very busy, are you?’ Abel asked.

  ‘To achieve our outstanding results and preserve clients’ privacy there is always a restricted number of clients on the premises at any time,’ Miss Davidson replied.

  She turned as they came to the end of the corridor.

  ‘What is there through that door ahead?’ Reuben asked.

  ‘Oh, we are planning on extending the premises over the next six months; these are just empty rooms at present,’ Mr Bould told them.

  ‘Can we take a look?’ Reuben asked.

  ‘Well, there’s nothing to see,’ he replied. ‘Oh, OK, let’s go.’ He turned a key in the lock and they entered a long dark uncarpeted corridor with rooms leading off on each side. Abel glanced at Reuben, who led their two guides forward while he made a quick investigation of the first two rooms. He had picked up a small scrap of material and pushed it into his pocket when he heard Miss Davidson behind him.

  ‘Have you seen all you need to see here?’ she asked.

  Abel nodded. ‘Perhaps we could take a look around the medical rooms now?’

  An hour later they were escorted back to their car.

  ‘They’ve done it again!’ Abel said in frustration. ‘Not a sign of the youngsters or any Labs.’

  ‘Are you sure Cam did scent the youngsters here?’ Reuben asked him. ‘It does appear to be a fully functioning rehabilitation centre, although there were very few clients to be seen.’

  ‘I don’t think Cam would have made a mistake.’ Abel shook his head.

  They were surrounded by disappointed faces when they sat down with the others that evening.

  Reuben explained what they had seen on their visit.

  ‘I did find this in one of the empty rooms,’ Abel pulled the scrap of material from his pocket and handed it to Cam, who held it to his nose.

  ‘It’s Brit’s!’ he announced excitedly. ‘They must be there!’

  ‘Or they were there yesterday,’ Zig added.

  ‘How did they know we were coming?’ Abel said. ‘Someone must have warned them. They couldn’t have moved the youngsters out while we were there!’

  ‘Perhaps they’ve got this place bugged,’ Isaac suggested.

  ‘You may have a point there, Isaac,’ Celia’s eyes narrowed as she looked around the room. ‘I’ll arrange a complete check with some of the IT staff.’

  Hugo smiled to himself as he climbed into bed that night. He had received a text from Angus asking him to download specific data from the computers at Adam’s house and he was already planning on how he could accomplish this.

  ‘So which university course do you think would be the best?’ he asked Adam after school the next day.

  Adam looked at the two prospectuses Hugo had shown him. ‘Well, it really depends on what career you’re planning on following.’

  ‘I picture myself in the future being involved in designing and creating the perfect person.’ Hugo gave an embarrassed laugh, ‘I expect that sounds a bit juvenile to you!’

  Adam looked at Hugo, a serious expression on his face. ‘No. That doesn’t sound juvenile at all. We’ve seen the intelligence levels of Labs and Hybrids, it doesn’t sound far-fetched at all. You keep working towards that ideal.’

  Hugo looked at the prospectuses. ‘I don’t know if a Non-Lab course of study is really going to be enough. Could I ask you for help, Adam?’

  ‘I’d be absolutely delighted to help in any way I can, though we are quite restricted in our research fields, I’m afraid. But I’ll see what Abel thinks about you coming over to my house to take a look at the data we have collected so far.’

  The next day he sat opposite Abel at the Compound office.

  ‘Well, he is a Hybrid, and he’s really keen on researching the possibilities of future developments of the human or Hybrid brain.’

  Abel sat silently his fingers tented in front of him.

  ‘I’m not sure it is a good idea to let him explore these ideas at such a young age. He may end up following the paths of some of the Independents, like these Radicals.’

  ‘And that’s why it is better that he does his research with us,’ Adam pointed out. ‘Left to his own devices, who knows which path he may end up following.’

  Abel sighed. ‘You are right. But we will make sure his research is carefully monitored.’

  Ginny was smiling delightedly as they all climbed out of the car the following Saturday morning.

  ‘I can’t wait to show you Daddy’s house!’

  ‘I can’t wait to see the research your father’s been involved in.’ Hugo replied.

  Ginny was disappointed that he was not impressed by the advanced technological features of the house.

  ‘Is this the way to the research wing?’ he asked, hurrying on ahead. He stopped when he reached the laboratory and Celia appeared.

  ‘Hello, you two. Do you want to have a swim before we get you down to work?’

  ‘Wait until you see the swimming pool, Hugo!’ Ginny beamed.

  ‘Oh, maybe later. I’d really like to have a look at some of the researc
h you have been doing here,’ he said.

  Several hours later, Ginny was swimming in the pool alone. Her face was sullen as she recalled the lunchtime meal. All the others had talked about was the Independents and the work done by the Compound Labs. It reminded her of earlier discussions between Angus and her father, but at least she’d had Zig to talk to then. She sighed. Even Zig seemed very serious these days. She pulled herself from the water and began to dry herself. She decided she would go to the research wing and continue on her own work. If her father saw her working hard he would let her watch a movie later. She wondered if she could tempt Hugo with an action film.

  Neither her father nor Hugo noticed her enter the room and turn on her computer. Two Compound Labs gave her a smile and Celia stopped behind her desk.

  ‘How is your research coming along, Ginny?’ she asked. She looked suitably impressed when Ginny showed her the 3D image on the screen and rotated it to show areas highlighted in different colours.

  ‘Each colour shows which part of the brain controls which function,’ Ginny explained. ‘This is a typical adult Non-Lab brain …’ she clicked through several more slides, ‘and these are images of the developing Non-Lab brain.’

  ‘You certainly have been working hard, Ginny,’ Celia said. ‘Your parents must be proud of you.’

  Celia then sat with Adam and Hugo and discussed the research they had been doing.

  ‘One of the Hybrid children broke her arm two weeks ago. The quick healing abilities of Labs and Hybrids is usually a good thing, but not always. The bone began to knit together before it was properly aligned, but our medical Labs found a way to soften and readjust the broken bone without causing any pain or distress to the girl,’ Adam explained.

  ‘That’s amazing!’ Hugo said.

  ‘They are now working on a method to apply similar techniques to Non-Labs. This could be a great help in developing countries where bone breaks are not always attended to quickly. Sometimes years elapse before any attention is given to the patient,’ Celia continued.

  They looked at several other projects the Labs were working on. Occasionally Hugo would ask a question or make a comment. Finally Celia looked at her watch and stretched.

  ‘Well, we’re going to have to get back to the Compound soon. Can you save and download a copy of your work, Adam?’

  ‘Can’t we continue this evening?’ Hugo turned to the older man.

  Adam looked abashed. ‘I’m afraid not. Once the Compound Labs leave, there is limited access to Lab research. For security reasons.’

  ‘But, what if you want to continue a research project?’ Hugo asked.

  ‘It can wait until Monday.’ Adam gave a tight smile.

  Hugo masked his feelings as he watched Celia key in a password and turn the machines off.

  ‘Have you found this interesting, Hugo?’ she asked.

  ‘Absolutely!’ he nodded.

  ‘He has a clear insight into much of the work we have covered, Celia,’ Adam added.

  She agreed. ‘Perhaps we could arrange for you to spend some of your school hours here, Hugo, if you’re interested? You could ask your mother what she thinks about it.’

  ‘I would like that very much. I know my mother will agree,’ he said.

  ‘It’s such a pity we can’t continue our research.’ Hugo complained as they watched Celia and the two other Labs leave.

  ‘The Compound is very strict on security,’ Adam replied simply. ‘So, as Celia suggested, let’s enjoy the weekend. What have you organized for the evening, Ginny? No, let me guess … Pizza followed by mind-numbing films!’

  Ginny clapped her hands. ‘Three different kinds of pizza. And we can watch …’

  ‘The Indomitables! They’re a group of super-powered humans,’ he explained to Hugo.

  Hugo sat eating a slice of pizza, his mind wandering as the film played out before him. Once Ginny seemed engrossed by the storyline he turned to Adam.

  ‘The work the Compound Labs have done is amazing,’ he said, ‘Only …’

  Adam raised an eyebrow.

  ‘Well, they seem to be as concerned with Non-Labs as with Labs and Hybrids.’

  ‘But your mother is a Non-Lab,’ Adam pointed out.

  ‘Non-Labs have their place, but … the future is with Labs, and Hybrids.’ Hugo’s eyes shone. ‘We are the intelligent ones!’

  He stopped and looked down. ‘Sorry, I sound selfish. I know it’s not right to dismiss Non-Labs as if …’

  ‘As if they are inferior to us,’ Adam said. He took a deep breath. ‘But we all know they are, don’t we?’

  A slow smile spread over Hugo’s face.

  Ginny looked around at them with a frown. ‘We are cleverer than they are, but there are a lot of really nice Non-Labs, like Ruby and Zig and Mummy, aren’t there, Daddy?’

  ‘Of course, my love. We wouldn’t have Hybrids without Non-Labs, would we?’ he ruffled her hair.

  It was two days later before Hugo was able to access the data Angus wanted. Adam had left him in front of the computer while he went to collect some printed copies. The two Labs who had accompanied him to the house were engrossed in a conversation about one of the investigations they were setting up.

  With a beating heart, Hugo plugged a memory stick into the computer. He quickly copied and pasted the items he wanted onto the stick. Hearing Adam’s voice, he pulled the stick from the machine and opened a new window.

  ‘What were you looking at?’ Adam asked.

  ‘The work done on the Hybrid girl’s bones that Celia told us about the other day. I was wondering, would it be possible to make a person’s bones even stronger by modifying this method?’ Hugo said looking at the screen.

  ‘That might be a good point to start your own research,’ said Adam.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  The following evening, as Hugo made his way home from Adam’s house he saw a message on his phone. He was to wait at a certain place at seven o’clock that evening. He flung his rucksack down in the hallway as his mother appeared from the kitchen.

  ‘Hugo,’ she put her arm around him and kissed the top of his head. ‘I’ve just put a lasagne in the oven. It’ll be ready in about half an hour. How about we have a night in together, it’s been such a long time since we’ve done that.’

  ‘Sorry, Mum, I’ve got to go and meet someone. I won’t be back late,’ he said as he made his way upstairs.

  ‘But, Hugo, you can’t just go out on your own at your age …’ his mother protested.

  He sighed. ‘I’m fine. I’m with the Labs.’

  ‘I sometimes wonder if going to the Compound School is really that good for you …’ she began.

  ‘So you’d rather I just sat back and wasted my intelligence, would you? Be some dumb layabout?’

  ‘Of course not, it’s just …’

  ‘See you, Mum,’ Hugo said as he closed the door behind him.

  She leaned against the wall and sighed, a worried frown on her face. She would have to speak to the people at the Compound School.

  Hugo’s heart skipped a beat as he saw a BMW sports car draw up beside him. Angus leaned over from the driver’s seat.

  ‘Get in.’

  They drove to a large detached house in a small village in the Peak District. He was led to a comfortable lounge where he was introduced to Takir, an older man, Sanjit, and Liz and Jackie, who Hugo judged to be in their twenties. He placed the memory stick in Angus’s hand.

  ‘There is more data I’m sure you would be interested in, but it is hard to find the moment to download it. They are really tight on security at Adam’s house. I don’t know why, but they don’t seem to trust him.’

  ‘There is a reason, but I don’t know the whole story. I think Adam is more like an Independent than a Compound Lab.’ Angus shrugged, but smiled as he plugged the memory stick into his computer. ‘Well done, Hugo! Takir, this is what I had started with Adam before we went to the Compound. He showed me some of the work they carried out before t
hey produced the Compound Labs. They had a way of eliminating defects from the donor. It would have made a great difference to my early years!’

  ‘And they were aware of the problems of cloning from a clone?’ Sanjit gave a wry smile. ‘I wish we had known that earlier, and then I would still look like your twin, not your older brother, Takir.’

  Hugo gaped in astonishment. ‘You’re a clone of Takir?’

  Sanjit nodded. ‘But now I am rapidly ageing. I am affected by our donor’s defects at a greatly accelerated rate, unfortunately.’

  ‘But we’re working on that problem at the moment,’ Jackie said. ‘One of the top scientists on our team, an Independent Lab, Dr Gil, is himself involved in a new project which involves stripping down the cloned DNA strand so it reacts as if it’s from the original donor. He is in the process of creating a clone of himself. Unfortunately, it’s all too late to help Sanjit.’

  ‘I don’t think the Compound Labs have thought about this,’ Hugo said. ‘But they have done some pretty amazing work on tackling the problems with a Hybrid’s broken arm.’

  He explained in detail what he had found out. Sanjit leaned forward eagerly.

  ‘I’d like to know more! We could use this!’

  Hugo nodded. ‘I’ll see what I can download. Who knows what we’ll be capable of doing if we put the Compound Labs’ research together with yours. Can I see more of what you have done?’

  The others in the room exchanged glances. Finally Takir spoke. ‘We need to go back to Etherton Hall to show you what we’ve achieved so far.’

  ‘Etherton Hall … didn’t you move everything out of there?’ Hugo asked.

  ‘Yes, and back in again shortly afterwards. Working on the theory that they wouldn’t look in the same place twice. Though we have moved our little Zoo into more cramped quarters for the moment as a precaution,’ Takir told him. ‘Our next move will be out of the UK. Our benefactor feels that it is probably unwise to remain for much longer here with the Compound Labs taking such an interest in us.’

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  ‘Angus must know where they are!’ Zig said bitterly. ‘We’ve got to find him! We need to go back to Etherton Hall, see what clues we can pick up.’