The second the explosions went off, shaking the factory, I was ready with my hold-out stun wand. Phil went down like a sack of potatoes; never felt a thing. “I’m sorry,” I said to his unconscious body as I dragged it to a safe place. Then I reversed my jacket and pulled out a cap, and became a perky young policewoman assisting with the evacuation.

“This way, please! We’ll get you out of here safely!” I chivvied the confused-looking engineers and metallurgists along with my best smile and reassuring manner, out the exits, past unconscious security guards, and into the waiting transport trucks.

My last glimpse of Phil was of two other “police officers” with his arms over their shoulders, helping him into the transport. For a moment I was tempted to go make sure he was all right. But the moment passed, and I forced myself to come to terms with the fact that I’d never see Phil again.

“Good work, kid!” Dwayne had rolled up behind me.

“Thanks,” I said.

At least he’ll be safe. That’s the important thing.