Disclaimer: I own no rights to anything…this is purely just fan fiction

Author's Note: This is the fifth in a six-story series about Lady Jaye that started with "The Mission." This story, "Deception," starts two years after the last story, "The Phoenix." Reviews are welcome!

Chapter 1

Two Years Later, Washington, D.C.

At a meeting, surrounded by Washington brass, Lady Jaye laughed at one of the remarks a Brigadier General had just made.

"I can't believe you just asked me to sign this," she said with a smile, putting her signature on the cover of Time. "Seriously….and a horrible picture to boot!"

One man clapped her on the back. "Lady Alison, we can say we knew you when. Imagine being named Time's 'Man of the Year.' That is quite an accomplishment. Just think, no one thought Phoenix would fly, and look what you've done with it so far. You definitely deserve the credit."

Jaye blushed. "Thank you, sir, but really, it's not a single-armed business. I have lots of help. I just happen to be the face of the company."

"And a beautiful face it is," said a familiar voice. Jaye turned in surprise and smiled. "Conrad!" she cried, hugging her old colleague.

"I always said you were cover girl material..." he winced, saying, "excuse the pun. Good thing Courtney didn't hear that!"

"I hear she's working with you on your new team."

"Yes, and the she's still the best damn mechanic we've got. Don't you dare think of stealing her away like you did some of the others!" he said, jokingly.

Since GI Joe had disbanded the year before, many had been hired on at Phoenix Industries for their various talents. Jaye grinned. "I don't know. We have a pretty good medical and benefit package!" she teased.

The Brigadier looked a little miffed at being interrupted by the reunion and tried to get Jaye's full attention once more. "Yes, Phoenix is one of the best anti-terrorist teams in the world. I'm surprised you could find time to come accept this award! I have to admit, even our own government couldn't put together what you have."

Duke glowered. "Nor did we ever have that kind of budget, sir," he replied, a tone of bitterness in his voice.

Jaye tried to soothe tensions over. "Now, now gentleman. We may not be cheap, but I can understand the reason why so many countries find us appealing. We have the manpower and resources, but you don't have to worry to pay for the upkeep of the equipment or solders. I know that was a big weakness with special units such as GI Joe. Too many people saw it as a line-item budget, not as the powerhouse that it was."

This time, it was the Brigadier General who had the grace to look away. Duke looked a little too pleased. Jaye mentally rolled her eyes. Playing the diplomat between two egos was not exactly her favorite way to spend her time off from her duties. But then again, was she ever completely off-duty? Right now, her behavior reflected on the company. She had been correct with the general, she was the face for Phoenix Industries, being its CEO, but there were so many aspects to that company that people did not know about. Sure, they saw the good that Phoenix did. With every mission, part of the payment fee went towards charitable organizations, and all over the world, Phoenix was reflected with its various charities it helped support as well as the doctors and aid they helped send to impoverished areas of the world. Yes, Phoenix was seen as a powerhouse in the world, but also a benevolent one as well.

"Well, if you two gentleman will excuse me," she said, glancing at her cell phone as it vibrated, "I need to take this. Business before pleasure," she quipped.

Relieved, she walked away from the two and headed for a private area just outside the room. She quickly dialed the number. "Talk to me," she said gruffly.

She listened for a few minutes, not giving anything away. Her eyes were guarded and her face impassive. It was hard for any passerby to tell what type of phone call she was on.

She ended with a curt goodbye and shut her phone. Going back into the room, she made her way over to her host for the meet and greet and, thanking him warmly, made her leave.

Her second-in-command, Zartan, met her outside as the valet brought her car. "Not a word," she glared at him as he started to say something. She could feel some comment coming on about how she had to spend the last two hours. He just grinned and waved a Time magazine in front of her face. "Of course, Madame CEO."

She mumbled something in Gaelic that he felt was not too complimentary, but he wasn't couldn't quite make out the words. "I'll drive," she told him as the valet handed her the keys.

Getting behind the 911, she felt the power rumble under her and relaxed. This is what she needed. Well, no, not exactly, but it would have to do. "We need to head back immediately. Call the pilot and make sure he knows to have the plane ready for departure."