098

The Bald Man strapped himself into a small escape pod with Canada and Octabug in tow. The walls were coming down around them, the metallic structure was folding like so many nylon sheets that Canada used to help her mother with, as the pod blasted out to temporary safety. She expected that it had been built of sturdier stuff, the way it collapsed had her almost thinking that she could have broken free from her shackles any moment if she'd only exerted a glimmer of effort. Encouraged by the thought she attempted to circumvent her current restraint, but found that her belt was securely fastened.

The Bald Man looked at her and grinned "They found me, but they still couldn't stop me. I can't be stopped. That's something you'll learn very quickly."

Canada recalled that her captor had in fact been stopped mid-soliloquy when whatever it was attacked, but she didn't call him on it, she was more interested in what it was he was saying when the unknown enemy interpolated.

"What happened back there?"

"Always inquisitive aren't you?"

"You almost got me killed. I think I have a right to know."

A loud clang reverberated through the ship as if some one were using its hull as a gong. Greens and browns flashed across the monitor display. Octabug sprung to the dashboard and began working away furiously. The pod zigzagged multiple times in what Canada guessed were evasive maneuvers, and felt would soon result in motion sickness.

The bald man Grimaced."That my dear, was the Other." He didn't even bother to look at her when he spoke.

"OK, that doesn't help very much. Are they what we're saving the world from?" she said in a half-mocking tone.

"You are wise beyond your years, young lady. It is indeed."

"And you're leading the charge?"

"Right again."

Canada looked away from The Bald Man, mirroring his communication style. "We've got no hope then."