Contact with the Web. Slowly people began to understand that keeping in contact was not going to be the same thing as being a part of the Web. To leave the Ark and the protection of the psychic force that had bound them together since child- hood was terrifying.

“Not everyone can cope with that loneliness.” The Initiator shook her head. “But how can we find out before it's too late? We can't afford to carry even one psychic wreck on such a rough journey.”

“Why don't you put them in the Black Hole?” asked Ruth, half joking.

The Initiator stared and laughed. “What an excellent idea! We will start immediately screening all the volunteers, beginning with Luke and myself. For if we should fail, I don't have much hope for the rest.''

As a means of eliminating volunteers the Black Hole was a great success. It was a shock to see a senior member of the community run for the door, pull it open and stagger into the corridor outside, sweating and shivering with fear at the momentary loss of contact with the Web. Even the company of two or three others was often not enough to make up for the absence of its psychic force - the terrible loneliness.

After the testing the team was chosen. Paola, the chief Healer, was forty-five. Under her guidance were Healers Miriam, Raef and Grayle. The chief Communicator was Thomas, with a team of Crystal, Helen, Olga, Gil, Basil and Valentine. Three Teachers were picked, Athena, a biologist, Bryan, a geologist and Karol, the historian who had been the most help in the early stages of planning.

Among these experts Ruth began to feel lonely. The nearest in age to her was Luke, the other Innovator, but he

was a fully-fledged member of the community, the only psychokinetist and the map-maker of the expedition, too.

“But with out you there wouldn't be an expedition,” Luke consoled her.

“So if things go wrong you'll know who to blame, huh?” He laughed. “But if you feel that you're useless, let's do something about it. There's plenty of time before June to develop your kinetic powers. We'd make a good team.”

“Do you think I really could?” Ruth looked doubtful.

“Don't be so negative. For a girl who slammed doors and broke dishes all over the Ark ... “

“But that wasn't really kinetic power.”

“Of course it was. But misdirected, like a baby's muscles, all over the place.”

“Thanks a lot!”

“Come on. Let's make a start.”

He laid a pencil on its side on the table. “Now roll it off.” Ruth concentrated. “I can't!”

“Relax. Don't breathe so hard.”

“I am relaxed,” she said between her teeth. She felt a sudden flare of anger at her Own stupidity and the pencil rolled from the table to the floor.

“I did it!”

“So you did. Now pick it up.” She leaned forward.

“No, not with your hand. With your mind.”