2400 AD

Callum knew Krakat’s position now - behind a wall in the adjacent room. He aimed at the wall and fired, hoping to hit the Android, but Krakat returned the fire and sent Callum and Cleo scattering back into the kitchen.

The front door opened and shut.

“Shit,” Callum whispered.

Cleo put her finger to her mouth indicating silence.

Footsteps, loud and imposing approached them. Callum stood ready, his laser aimed at the doorway.

The instant the stranger walked in he removed his helmet.

Callum was just about to fire when he released the pressure on the trigger.

“Gideon?”

Gideon made a circular motion with his finger that meant that they should get out of the house. He approached Callum and pulled him towards the back door. Cleo followed. No sooner were they out in the yard than four drones appeared and circled above the house. One by one they released their payload and the house exploded into a million pieces.