“This is our chance to go and talk with Susan.” Chris Alan watched as the crowd settled down and bought various refreshments; it was obvious that they were waiting for the next event to begin.

“Sounds good, Fearless Leader,” quipped Joe.

Chris Alan stood up to lead the way to the platform; the others followed with their Guardians floating in tow. The trio climbed over the protective railing into the centre of the coliseum. By then the platform on which the Orator had stood had been lowered into the ground, leaving the sandy floor of the arena bare.

The trio walked over to the parked, green air cycle belonging to Susan; she was standing by it signing autographs. “How old do you think she is?” Joe asked Chris Alan.

“She looks about twenty, but with a Lightchild it can be difficult to tell.”

“Your guess is right, Chris Alan,” Raphael interrupted.

“Susan Starrider?” Chris Alan voiced as he came near.

“You want an autograph?”

“No. We’re here on a special mission.”

“What does your mission have to do with me?” Susan asked rudely.

“Hey girly, do you know who you’re talking to?” Joe defended Chris Alan.

“Don’t know, don’t care.” Susan waved off Joe like some mere annoyance.

“This is Captain Chris Alan Starbright, Wielder of the White Hand.” Joe patted Chris Alan on the back.

“Who are you, his personal fan club?” Susan laughed at her own joke.

Faith was aghast. If this Lightchild was so proud of her own Gifts that she had no respect even for the White Hand…

“We’re wasting our time here, Captain. Let’s go,” said Joe as he stared Susan down.

“No, Joe. The Lord of the Realms gave us His orders.” Chris Alan smiled, trying to be polite. “We’d like for you to join us in a mission to rescue our old teacher Bakbuk.”

Susan ignored him and walked to her bike with her Guardian floating calmly behind her.

“Captain?” Faith whispered urgently.

“No, Faith, my simply matching her Strength for Strength isn’t going to win her respect,” Chris Alan whispered back, reading her mind. “Besides, I don’t have the Need to do it – so I can’t.”