Caitlin stood there. Alice had said she'd be protected from anything short of a missile strike! Her heart hammered in her chest. Would they do that? How could Dormouse protect her?
"Caitlin?" Caitlin looked at Alice. "Caitlin, I want you to take a deep breath. You're going to faint." She did as she was told and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
"Good girl."
"How? How can dormouse protect me?" Alice touched the circlet around her neck.
"This is a meta-material. I call it intelligent Carbyne. It's stronger than diamond and can surround you in an instant."
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Caitlin sipped quietly at her hot chocolate. It was typically American; piled high with cream, both white and milk chocolate sauce, sprinkles, and a dainty chocolate wafer. Way, way, better than the ones she got back home.
They'd been on the road now for two weeks, and she'd relaxed a little. Mr Bastion and Mr. Witherall had been fun so far, but she knew they would change instantly if something happened. Alice had given her a charge card, so she could get whatever she wanted. And so, they went on a road trip. Visiting parks, and tourist spots all over.