Disclaimer: Not mine and all that jazz.

Author's Note: I come to you now on four hours sleep with lots of homework and other important stuff that I should be doing. What the hell, I'm addicted. Sorry this one is so short, there wasn't a whole lot of editing to do with it.

Bearer

"And then she just walks out," Silverstone said to Artemus as they headed to the Lair.

"It was the weirdest thing," Hawk added. "Rafael just gave up and let Silverstone handcuff him."

Artemus fought a minute smile and waited patiently for the door to the Lair to open. "I'm glad that the both of you are alright. Though I'm sure you'd have managed just fine-" He broke off as he realized there was somebody in his chair.

"How the hell did you get in here?" Silverstone asked, preparing for a fight.

Sabyne merely gazed at him. "Find my way through the terrible mess of passwords, voice recognition boxes, and retinal scans, then find my way through inner workings of Mission Omega Matrix to reach Artemus' Lair?" She gave a thin smile. "Or I climbed in through one of the skylights above the quarters. Those are so unprotected it is almost a joke."

"What do you want?" Silverstone demanded.

"Merely to speak with Artemus. I do not come as a threat to your security. I have no desire to go telling anyone how easy it is to get into Artemus' Lair."

"I don't think this is a good idea, Artemus," Hawk said nervously.

"Yeah, who knows what this turncoat might do to you."

"Ah, pierced through the heart by the stinging words of a child," Sabyne said matter-of-factly.

"I'll be fine, Silverstone," Artemus said firmly. "She won't hurt me. Especially not in my own headquarters."

"Oh, no, I would not dare," she said with a smirk.

"Return to your quarters, Silverstone. You too, Hawkins. We can talk later." Silverstone stormed out angrily, but Hawk paused in the doorway and looked back.

"If you need any help, call us," she said, and Artemus nodded.

Neither Sabyne nor Artemus said anything at first, then finally Artemus took a deep breath. "It's been a long time."

"You are still wearing that dumb hat," she said quietly.

"We were beginning to wonder if you'd never return." He hesitated, then took the plunge. "I'm glad you have."

She turned her back and swallowed hard. "I have no come for a social visit. I am here on business. I have heard rumor of something…big going on in the most elite circles."

"We can't pay you for this information, you know."

She nodded. "Someone has discovered the location of Mission Omega Matrix and has offered that location up to any willing to pay the price."

"What is the price?" Artemus asked.

"Base price of one thousand dollars. Once MOM-" Artemus fought to keep a serious look on his face as she pronounced it "mom" "-has been infiltrated, the person expects a further payment of…" She hesitated, then turned to look at Artemus. "Silverstone's head."

Artemus stared at her for a few seconds, then lowered his gaze. "Always the bearer of bad news, aren't you?"

"I try," she said bitterly. "I am terribly sorry, Artemus. I thought you ought to know…"

"Tell me you're not the one with this information," he said, suddenly grabbing her hand and holding it gently. "Tell me you're not in any way involved in this."

She pulled her hand away. "I am not involved. I wouldn't betray MOM like that."

"Are you going to help us?"

She laughed softly. "Is there anything in it for me?" Artemus shook his head. "Then I am afraid I must be moving on. No pay, no work, and time is money." She gave another thin-lipped smile. "I am deeply sorry I cannot be more help, Arty."

He looked a little surprised, and smiled. "Nobody has called me that in years. Not even Maggie. They don't dare."

"I hear you are being recognized as second director," she said. "Congratulations."

"It's not that great, really. All work and no pay. You'd hate it." Sabyne laughed. They stood in uneasy silence for a few moments before she gave a grim nod.

"I had best leave. It would not do much for my reputation to be seen here, nor would it do for your reputation to be seen with me." She headed for the entrance to the Lair.

"Sabyne," Artemus called sharply, and she turned. "I'm glad you're doing all right."

She smiled. "As am I, old friend. As am I."

Silverstone and Hawk were waiting outside the entrance, but Sabyne barely glanced at them as she left. They hurried in and over to Artemus.

"So?" Silverstone asked. "What was that all about?"

Artemus hesitated. "Someone has gotten hold of information about the location of Mission Omega Matrix Headquarters. That someone is offering to give that information out to anyone, for a price."

"What price?" Hawk asked.

Artemus hesitated for only the briefest of seconds. "Silverstone's head."