The Khilioi

For almost ten thousand years the Khilioi have lived in their city beneath the remote Australian desert, undisturbed and unknown.  They cause a small aircraft flying overhead to lose power. It lands nearby. The Deka, the lords of the Khilioi, rescue the pilot and his girlfriend and take them to their city, a city they will never be allowed to leave, not even after their purpose has been served – providing new bloodlines for the Khilioi. Their time is finite. There is a limit to their usefulness. But how can they escape? The Deka can read minds. They hear every thought as it emerges. Richard thinks he has found a way, but if he fails the Deka will show no mercy. They will be kept alive as Helots, no longer having minds of their own. Richard is willing to take the chance, but then greed raises its head and complicates his plan. Can he steal the golden Scroll of the Ancestors? Can he carry off some of the Khilioi's brilliant blue Kimberley diamonds as well?