"I have finished most of my procedures and have made my report to the Leader, save your breath about wishing to speak to him. He will not be persuaded by you or any other human species. You and the human race have shown your true selves and I have had enough with dealing with your low life presence."

It was over before Dr Egret could speak. Her body lay crumbled to the floor, then a moment later it vanished. Turning away, Scholar collected her equipment and headed to her specimens cells to speak with them.

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

Change of scene

In a nightclub in Bangkok a gathering of sorts could be said to be occurring. As the voluptuous singer attempts to perform a Cantonese rendition of Stairway to Heaven in a slightly off key voice with much shimmying, a blonde-haired stylishly dressed woman does her best not to wince. She is accompanied by a couple of brown-haired men in a dinner suits, the younger of whom pats her hand comfortingly.

Over near the bar, sitting by himself is a very elegantly garbed man. Listening carefully one can make out a slight Scottish bur to his accent as he gives the drinks waiter some precise instructions on how to make his martini. He appears to recognise a black-skinned man sitting at the other end of the bar and tips his forehead in a friendly salute.

A group of solidly built men and one small fierce woman, dressed in ill-fitting suits totally unsuitable for the heat, appear to be concentrating on the exchange.

As do the occupants of another table. A rather sinister pair of men in black

At a table off to one side sits another couple. The woman has a French look to her while overhearing the man discussing the menu with the waiter reveals a cockney accent. At first glance they could appear to be a pair of newly weds but a closer look indicates that these two are far too familiar with each other's ways to be newly married. There is also an aura of competency and alertness about them.

For all the bad singing, beautiful women and interesting food and drink, an air of tension hovers over this nightclub. The regulars have begun to leave early this night leaving only the strange Europeans.

The feeling of unease increases.