‘No!’ cried Nicola. Her mind was working rapidly. The most important thing was that they all stayed together. ‘We need Katie! You’re right – she is the most valuable member of our Brigade. We can’t possibly complete the mission without her. She is our best, um . . . our best killer.’

This was the biggest lie Nicola had ever told. In fact, Katie tended to zigzag her way down footpaths because she was so worried about accidentally stepping on ants.

‘Yes,’ said Katie. ‘I am a highly trained killer.’ She tried her best to pull a ferocious-looking face, but she looked about as scary as a cranky kitten.

Enrico appeared to be wavering.

‘I think it’s a trick, Daddy,’ said Josie. She looked at Nicola with narrowed eyes. ‘Don’t fall for it.’

Enrico’s face turned purple. ‘I never fall for tricks! Take her away NOW!’

The men lifted Katie by the elbows and carried her from the room.

Shimlara yelled after them, ‘Don’t you dare hurt her!’

They vanished.

Nicola looked over at the empty spot between Josie and Joseph and made a promise to herself. Once they were all safely back on Earth, the Space Brigade would retire forever. This was not fun! She wanted to bury her head in her hands and sob.

Enrico sat back down at the end of the table and sighed as if he’d just finished doing something exhausting.

‘Well done, darling,’ said Carmelita, stroking his hand. ‘This is so stressful for you and you’re handling it beautifully. Isn’t your daddy clever, children?’

‘Very clever!’ piped up Josie and Joseph.

‘Thank you, sweeties,’ said Enrico pathetically. ‘I think I’m going to be sick,’ murmured Sean.

‘Now,’ said Enrico. ‘I assume you’re ready to listen, Nicola?’

Nicola knew she had no choice but to pretend they were accepting the mission. Then they could work out a way to rescue Katie and somehow get off this planet.

Shimlara’s voice spoke up again in Nicola’s head. We’re going to have to pretend to agree to take on the mission and then we’ll work out a way to rescue Katie and somehow . . .

‘Yes, yes, I know,’ answered Nicola irritably, forgetting that she shouldn’t be speaking out loud.

‘Well, good,’ said Enrico, looking a bit surprised at her tone. ‘I’m glad you’re finally seeing sense. I have prepared dossiers for each of you with all the information you need.’

He handed each member of the Space Brigade a thin grey folder stamped with the words TOP SECRET.

Nicola opened hers curiously.