"But that's not all that's going on."

Mycroft looked around at the children, a little sadly. "The government is paying a lot of money to keep the Thoth program active, Sherlock. If they don't start seeing results, and soon, the project will be discontinued."

Sherlock's face fell, and all the children gasped, "What?!"

"But what will happen to us if Thoth is discontinued?" This came from the boy who had been talking about the simplicity of rocket science earlier. He had serious blue eyes and shaggy black hair. He had a rough, unkempt look to him, as if he wasn't used to living with civilized humans. His black sweatshirt was ragged, and his jeans were dirt-stained.

"We'll have to go back home," Kelsie said quietly, her fingers playing nervously with her long, black hair.

"But . . . most of us don't have a home." Said the youngest girl quietly.

"That's why you told us about this case, right?" Asked the stocky girl. "Is this like, a way to prove ourselves?"

"That's right." Mycroft nodded. "The agents of Thoth have to play a definite role in the solving of this case, or the government will discontinue the project. Some money will be set aside for the care of the children, but for the most part, you will either be sent back to your legal guardians or a foster home."

"We can't let that happen." Sherlock's voice cut in, full of iron and resolve. "This project can't fail. The country needs the Thoth project."

"Umm," I interrupted. Everyone looked at me. "What exactly is Thoth, anyway?" I asked, a little embarrassed.

"Thoth is a government program, instituted to find and train the young and gifted, especially those without opportunity or in poor homes." Mycroft explained. "By a special training program called Nile, geniuses are given the education that could change the world."

"But it isn't an instant gratification," Kelsie said quietly. "It takes time and resources. And current financial issues doesn't give the government time to wait for the project to mature."

"But the project won't end here." Sherlock announced, his eyes scanning the 13 children. "I'll make sure it doesn't. We need to get to work."