Author's Notes: YES, I am still alive. I guess that Iman Pep Rally finally got me writing again. This section contains huge honkin' spoilers for…..The New Stuff and Enemy Of My Enemy. Enjoy!

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Darien's six foot frame was not designed to be crammed into a confined car truck. The long ride was almost unbearable and movement was limited since Darien's hands were now bound with duct tap. To make the situation just slightly worse, a sharp pain would hit Darien's neck every time the vehicle severed to the left. The pain was not an oncoming quicksilver madness episode, but a portable car jack being wedged between him and the trunk wall. For some reason, Darien was under the impression that these new methods of transportation were not of the Agency. There was no way the el-cheapo Fat Man would provide all his vehicles with portable car jacks.

After what seemed like an eternity, the engine stopped and the muffled sound of car doors slamming shut could be heard. Within a few seconds the truck lid was thrown open and a pair of hands roughly pulled out a very sore and furious Darien Fawkes. Just before his blind fold was removed, a thickly accented voice cut through the atmosphere.

"Were you followed?"

"No, Arnaud. We took all the necessary precautions you told us about."

First Stark, and now Arnaud. It was like being thrown out of a fire and straight into the depths of Hades. "This day just can't get any better," Darien told himself.

A team of six men dressed in black were securing the area. They were in some sort of storage facility. Metal boxes lined three of the room's four walls. The last one was the garage door which was now being closed by some of Arnaud's men. It was a sickening sight to see Arnaud in the center of chaos, barking out orders - occasionally in French. It would not be long, however, before Darien became the focus of everyone's attention.

"We haven't a lot of time so let's make this quick and as simple as possible. I'm going to ask you some questions and…." Arnaud paused for a moment, noticing that Darien was still gagged. "..and will someone please ungag him so I may continue!"

The order was carried out swiftly and Darien was finally free to mutter a few choice words under his breath. Arnaud ignored these comments and carelessly glanced at his wrist watch.

"I got to tell ya Arnie, Stark's place was a whole lot cleaner than this dump," Darien sighed. "Speaking of our old pal, did you and him set up this whole kidnapping thing? I'm having a heck of a time trying to figure out who's prisoner I am."

"Yes, well, this is only a temporary holding room and I will have nothing further to do with that piece of scum you referred to," Arnaud cringed and hesitantly rubbed over his needle-prodded arm. "That's all besides the point. Have you or the Agency had any contact with Chrysalis these past few days?"

"No."

"Have you received any information on Chrysalis's new director?"

"No, who's he?"

"She," Arnaud corrected, "is one major headache."

"She's causing you anxiety and misery? Hmm…I might just like this chick," Darien smiled.

Arnaud shook his head, "Trust me, you'd rather live through Stage Five Madness. Speaking of which, I've heard the news of your sudden recovery. I must say, I was really surprised Claire figured it out. It certainly took her long enough," he snorted. "That's actually why I need you. With the gland now functioning properly, I'm afraid I'll be needing it back. In fact," Arnaud once again checked his watch, "in about ten minutes I'll be doing just that. During the few moments we have left, however, I have some more information I need from you."

"Why should I tell you anything," Darien growled.

In a light airy tone Arnaud replied, "I suppose if you ramble on long enough it could postpone your life for just a little bit longer."

"You are one sick -"

"No, no!" Arnaud put up his hand. "That's not how this game works, Darien. You see, you won't answer until I ask you the question. Extra commentary is unnecessary."

Darien glared intensely at the murderer before him. It took every effort not to dive head first at the man. Unfortunately, the six men guarding the enclosure were all equipped with weapons. Any wrong move could set off a round of bullets. Darien wasn't ready to risk that - not yet.

"Why was Stark holding you hostage?" Arnaud questioned.

"He planned to force me to work for him and his group of brainwashed followers."

"Did he mention why he was fired from Chrysalis?"

Darien frowned, trying to remember. "Not exactly…expect he wasn't fired, he left."

"Please, I already know that," Arnaud rolled his eyes. "Why did Chrysalis give up his job as director to Scarlet?" he demanded.

Suddenly, it occurred to Darien how completely tragic his situation really was. He no longer was paying attention to Arnaud's persistent chattering. All he could think about were Hobbes and Claire. They were more than just co-workers, they were true friends. Darien was finally free of the curse which had caused him to get involved with the Agency, but he had stayed because he felt that the Agency contained the only two true friends Darien had ever known.

This realization instilled a whole new attitude within Fawkes. He wasn't about to answer Arnaud's ridiculous questions any more. However pointless Darien believed they were, they obviously held some importance to Arnaud and if the information they provided his enemy could possibly endanger the Agency or his friends, then Arnaud wasn't about to pry all the facts out of Darien.

"I said," Arnaud repeated, "do you know why Stark is no longer the director of Chrysalis? And how did he capture you? My men tired to track you down at the restaurant. Don't tell me you were actually on time for once. Are you going to answer these questions or shall I kill you now?"

"I've got a question for you, Arnaud," Darien said in a hushed tone. "What good is the gland when you know that once you've got it Chrysalis, Stark, or some other insane criminal organization will hunt you down?"

Arnaud shook his head, "You're not following the rules of the game, Darien."

"Just tell me - why? Why is it even worth it?" Darien pressed.

The question seemed to have Arnaud thinking. It was quite some time before the man replied. "Whoever has the gland has the power. They win."

"Why not just forget the gland? Move on? This fighting is only going to continue, right?"

"It's not that simple!" Arnaud argued. "Once you're caught up in this mess it's like…like.."

Darien cut him off demanding to know, "Even if you get the gland, how will you know how to implant it into another host? Your lap top was destroyed back at the Agency."

"Please, you think I was born yesterday? I've kept a backup of the information."

"Then, why should you -" Darien was unable to finish.

Arnaud exploded, "I'm asking the questions - NOT YOU!!!!"

"I'm not answering any more of your stupid questions," Darien said firmly.

Arnaud nodded, "You're tired of playing Twenty Questions? How about a different game?" Arnaud aggressively snatched a pistol from a nearby guard and pointed it directly at Darien. "How about I explain the ending of a little game called Clue: Arnaud De Fohn, in the abandoned warehouse, with the revolver."

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