Free Children of Tomorrow by A. E. van Vogt Page B

after all.’
    Again, there was no answer from Lee. ‘Let’s go, ’ said Mike, He grabbed the blond boy’s arm and pulled at him. Lee went without a word.
    Inside the Lane house, the figure on the far right side of the king-size bed slowly changed position. In the almost darkness, it was difficult to make out the difference, but the impression that came up from the alteration in shape was that, suddenly, the woman there had relaxed.
    Moments after that - since Susan had already made it into bed in another part of the house in one minute and thirty-eight seconds — the entire Lane household was sound asleep.
     
    Next morning ..
    The invisible watcher moved at the pace that a human walks behind Bud Jaeger. The alien child, who maintained the shape of a human boy, did his shuffling walk and appeared to be carrying his books under one arm exactly like the other teenagers. The communication that passed between father and son was brief.
    The father said: We ha ve the impression that the human - manned space fleet in orbit around Earth has been alerted against a possible attack.
    You mean, said the boy, they know our fleet is out there in the near distance?
    No, was the reply. Obviously, if they knew txie were around or located us, they would attack. What this means is that John Lane has made his report, and the human space authorities are taking no chances.
    Why are you telling me this?
    I want you to hear anything Susan Lane says about her father when you are with the outfit. His movements may be the key to our decision. If, for example, he is suddenly placed back aboard his command skip, that could be the signal that they have spotted us.
    You have nearly always been present, my father, when I am with the outfit. So you are as aware as I.
    Yes, and that will continue where possible. But I cannot enter buildings, and it is my intention to follow John Lane occasionally, and so you will be by yourself. I assure you I shall be absent no oftener that is absolutely necessary.
    Very well, said the boy, I will watch Susan.
    The had come to the school gate, and Bud now entered the campus. His unseen father remained hovering just off the sidewalk and away from the human traffic, but he also was up high enough to avoid any kind of energy conflict with passing vehicles. From this position he watched Bud walk along toward the school steps that would presently take him to that entrance. And he was starting along the road in that direction when he saw Mike Sutter. The alien came back to the gate. Moments later, Mik emerged from the gate and stationed himself outside. It was an unexpected development. The watcher stayed where he was, and waited.
    Approximately one minute and a hundred teenagers passed by. At that time, one of the approaching boys suddenly had a familiar look to him. The familiar figure was first only a head among many heads, then a head and shoulders. Still almost hidden by a group of other young people, Lee David approached the gate. He was evidently in deep thought because he did not see Mike until the slender youth stepped out, took his arm, and drew him off to one side. To the invisible watcher there was no longer any doubt. Something different was about to happen.
    The fact (of the difference) did not seem to occur to Lee. The blond leader of the Red Cats outfit nodded at Mike, and then said, 'About last night, Mike . . . I’ve decided to trust Susan. Sack?’
    The dark-haired boy shook his head in a slow, grave way. ‘It’s too late,’ he said.
    Lee stared at him, blankly at first. In that state, he echoed, ’Too late?’
    Mike nodded. He looked unhappy but determined.
    For a moment longer, the blankness remained on the older boy’s face. Then a rush of color darkened his cheeks and forehead. He said through clenched teeth, ‘Damn you, you had no
    business - ‘ He broke off. ‘I’m the leader of this outfit.’
    ‘I’m sorry, Lee/ said Mike, ‘but the outfit is in agreement that where Susan is concerned