‘You know who’s probably behind this, don’t you?’ said Holly.

Foaly rolled his eyes. ‘Oh, let me guess. Captain Short’s arch-enemy, Master Artemis Fowl.’

‘Well, who else could it be?’

‘Take your pick. The People have been in contact with thousands of Mud Men over the years.’

‘Is that so?’ retorted Holly. ‘And how many that haven’t been mind-wiped?’

Foaly pretended to think about it, adjusting the foil hat jammed on his head to deflect any brain-probing signals that could be focused his way.

‘Three,’ he muttered eventually.

‘Pardon?’

‘Three, OK?’

‘Exactly. Fowl and his pet gorillas. Artemis is behind this. Mark my words.’

‘You’d just love that to be the case now, wouldn’t you? You’d finally have the chance to get your own back. You do remember what happened the last time the LEP went up against Artemis Fowl?’

‘I remember. But that was last time.’

Foaly smirked. ‘I would remind you that he’ll be thirteen now.’

Holly’s hand dropped to her buzz baton. ‘I don’t care how old he is. One zap with this and he’ll be sleeping like a baby.’

Foaly nodded towards the entrance. ‘I’d save my charges if I were you. You’re going to need them.’

Holly followed his gaze. Commander Julius Root was sweeping across the secured zone. The more he saw, the redder his face grew, hence the nickname, Beetroot.

‘Commander,’ began Holly. ‘You need to see this.’

Root’s gaze silenced her. ‘What were you thinking?’

‘Pardon me, sir?’

‘Don’t give me that. I was in Ops for the whole thing. I was watching the video feed from your helmet.’

‘Oh.’

‘Oh hardly covers it, Captain!’ Root’s buzz-cut grey hair was quivering with emotion. ‘This was supposed to be a surveillance mission. There were several back-up squads sitting on their well-trained behinds only waiting for you to call. But no, Captain Short decides to take on the B’wa Kell on her own.’