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really think that the government, any government, is happy with the idea of people going around and making their own realities, having choice over what they do?” She shook her head. “Government is about control. So it makes sure that it controls the Shifters. That’s what the agency was set up to do. Make sure that there’s no unlawful Shifting going on.”
    “How do they stop it?”
    “They find Shifters and train us up. Watch us, regulate us, and make sure we don’t go crazy. Like cheating at exams or winning the lottery. They also protect us and stop us being manipulated by the bad guys.”
    “Like who?”
    “The terrorists. The Americans. Whoever.”
    “And you don’t go to school? At all!”
    “What? And live a normal life? ARES couldn’t allow that!”
    Aubrey sounded bitter, but I was really liking the sound of this. I still wasn’t convinced by any of what she was saying, but the idea of somehow being able to have total control over my life sounded pretty awesome. “Show me where to sign up!”
    “I’m serious, Scott. It’s hard. Especially now I’m an official Spotter.” She tapped the golden S on the arm of her jacket. I’d assumed it was just a fashion accessory. “Most Shifters just go through the Programme and then head out to live normal, Shift-free lives. But if you’re really good you stay on and join ARES for proper.” There wasn’t a hint of embarrassment in referring to herself as really good. If anything, there was a sadness there. “There are perks of the job, though,” she continued, suddenly smiling. “No one gives you crap for a start.”
    That explained why the group at this table had cleared off. “What’s a Spotter?”
    “We spot Shifters. Sense their power and then hand their arse over to the Regulators for processing.”
    I put my drink down and looked at her as she gazed out across the room, her face now expressionless. Beneath the makeup and without her wry smile she did look young. Too young to be making what sounded like life and death decisions. “So why didn’t you hand me over?”
    I notice that her pale cheeks flushed a little pink. She stared into her drink and refused to meet my eyes.
    “I guess I felt sorry for you. You clearly didn’t have a clue what was going on. Although I’m not sure the Regulators would believe that. I’ve never heard of an unregistered Shifter as old as you. Someone your age, Shifting without a licence, they’ll probably think you’re a rogue.”
    “Rogue?”
    “Unregistered Shifters. Those who manage to stay one step ahead of ARES. But they’re normally really powerful and really clever.” She peered at me over the rim of her glass. Her expression made it clear she thought I was neither.
    I swallowed. “And what do ARES do to rogues?”
    “Depends. Sometimes they let them go with a warning. Other times they lock them up until entropy sets in.”
    Just when I thought I was getting a grip on it all, I’d lost the thread again. “What now?”
    “The ability to Shift fades when you’re about nineteen, twenty maybe. We call it entropy.”
    “Hang on.” I choked on a mouthful of my drink. “You’re telling me only kids can have this Shifty power?”
    She nodded. “Sure. It’s something to do with the shape of our brains.” She tapped her temple. “The teenage brain is different to adults’. Besides, have you ever met an adult who could change their mind on anything?”
    I had to agree with her on that one. I scanned the room, noticing properly for the first time that there were no adults in here apart from the grumpy barman. The oldest person had to be twenty, tops.
    “Is everyone here a Shifter?” I asked.
    “Most. This is a place where we can come and just relax. Play games without getting in trouble. It’s officially unofficial, and if any member of ARES got caught here, we’d be in trouble. But mostly the agency turns a blind eye as it allows kids to learn skills they’re not allowed to teach