and bad. It would take more than an upstart high school teacher to intimidate him. At that moment, Katya suddenly realized how much he loved his father, how proud he was of him.

The Professor leaned back, cleared his throat and tried to think of something to say but no words came out.

'You have forgotten where you are,' said his father quietly. 'This is not your world. It never will be.'

Katya lay on his fur mat near the still blazing campfire looking at the stars. He hated sleeping inside the crowded baloks. He could sleep outside comfortably even in sub-zero temperatures. The dogs were unchained for the night and they ran about, playing and fighting.

He could not sleep. He kept thinking about the weapons. What were they planning? Whata slight edge to his voice.

'I don't want to talk about it,' she said, looking uncomfortable.

'Sorry I asked,' said Katya getting up. 'It's late. I need to sleep.'

Kiara hesitated. 'I... I have lost everything, Katya. All my friends, my mom, my dad, my sister, my home... I don't even know if they are alive...' Kiara's voice broke. She took a deep breath, trying to find her strength. 'It's comfort, I suppose.'

Katya played with a twig thoughtfully.

'And pleasure,' she added.

'But not happiness.' said Katya.

Kiara looked up at the stars. 'No, not happiness.'

#  

# CHAPTER 4

It was a scream that woke Katya up. He sat up on his mat, startled. It was early morning and the camp was just beginning to stir. Yellowish orange sunlight gently seeped through the