A pedestal rose up next to Alice from the floor. Atop, on a clear plastic plinth was a narrow, black, choker-style necklace. She picked it up.
"Caitlin, I'd like you to wear this."
"What is it?"
"I can't guarantee that Mr. Witherall, and Mr. Bastion, will be able to get to the council's employees in time. So this will give you a link with Dormouse directly, and he'll get you to safety. It has a few other functions as well to keep you safe, but the less others know about them, the better." She smiled.
"Thank you Alice. Thanks."
Alice gently placed the circlet around her neck, and snapped the clasp shut. There was a gentle pinch at the back of her neck, and suddenly a gentle hissing sound in her ear as if someone were tuning a radio.
"Can you hear me? I am Dormouse."
Caitlin gasped at the deep, soft and almost creamy voice.
"Dormouse?"
"Audio connection established. Hello Caitlin. I am the primary consciousness of the Dormouse program. My purpose is to protect you. The circlet around your neck is a meta-material under my control. I can only act in your defense. is that acceptable?"