Disclaimer: Not own this do I. Know I do not why say it over and over I must.

Rating: PG-13, you know the drill by now.

Summary: The first domino falls...

Feedback: (The stormtrooper from before has gone to Lord Vader to explain why he was found knocked out against a wall. Poor guy, I sympathize with him already.)

Vader: So you were attempting to destroy a seemingly random alien when she apparently knocked you unconscious? With her 'magic powers'?

Stormtrooper: Yes sir. But it wasn't my fault; really, she must be some powerful Jedi or something.

Vader: Oh, I know it wasn't your fault. Don't worry, I believe you.

Stormtrooper: [sighs in relief]

Vader: Not!

  (The stormtrooper is then duly killed by the dark side of the force.)

Vader: [Chuckles] I love doing that…

Quote:

                 "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."

                     ---Napoleon Bonaparte

***********************************ShadowElfBard***********************************

10:27 AM, Tuesday

Jessup, Maryland

Astrea's Home

(Astrea)

   I jump off of the man and back up a step or two, barely managing to keep my animal side under control. The man then stands up and dusts off his pants. He looks over at me a bit embarrassed, and then scratches the back of his head nervously.

   "I truly am terribly sorry for any inconvenience I may have caused you. I know how dreadfully conspicuous this must seem to you, coming home to find a gent like me in your hallway…"

   He babbles on, but I just stare at him, forming my own conclusions about whom he is. He's British, of that there's no doubt, and he seems to be a librarian or bookkeeper of sorts. Judging from the suitcases behind him, he was looking for a place to stay, just as I was. I am willing to bet that he came to a home he thought abandoned, as I had, and hadn't known that someone had already taken up residency.

   "…After all I hadn't actually known that this lovely home was occupied. So, I again apologize profusely, and will now take my leave."

   I raise a hand. "No, no it's alright. You can stay."

   He pauses. "I-I can what?"

   "There are more than fifteen or sixteen extra rooms in this home, I'm sure one of them will suit you. As long as you can find your own way to pay for your meals and such, you can live here. I don't mind."

   He opens his mouth slightly, in a bit of shock. "But what about your parents? Would it be all right by them?"

   I almost wince. "Um well, I don't live with any. I live by myself."

   "Oh." He seems to be searching for how to phrase his next question correctly. "Is that um…is that legal here in the states?"

    "Actually no."

   "Ah. I see." He scratches his chin thoughtfully. "You know, I suppose I would have to turn you in to the authorities then, but…it really isn't the place of a foreigner like myself to be enforcing American laws now is it?"

   I smile. I think I like this guy. "No I suppose not." I stick out a hand. "My name's Astrea by the way."

   He returns my smile and shakes my hand. "Arthur, Arthur Norman."

   "Well Arthur, why don't we discuss what you were doing looking for an unoccupied freebee home over coffee?"

   He nods. "I'd like that. But…you wouldn't happen to have any tea would you?"

   "I'm sure I can find some." I head into the little kitchen area, telling him that he can take a seat at the table, (an item I found at a thrift store down the road) and then after making the drinks, bring them out and set them down, taking a seat as I do so.

   I begin drinking my coffee, once again relishing in the subtle variations of taste, the warmth in my mouth, the flavors as they dance upon my tongue…

   He stares at me with a total look of confusion, watching with wide eyes as I tilt back my head and gulp down what's left in the mug. Then I wipe off some that had gotten on my chin with a sleeve and smile at him, not noticing how shakily he sips his tea.

   "So, Arthur, what brings you here?"

   He clears his throat. "Well, um I had just moved here, to the US that is, about oh, two months ago from a small, very small, apartment in Wales. I don't know why. Perhaps I was just looking for a new life from my rather dull one I had when I worked as a clerk at an antique bookstore. Only, upon arrival, I couldn't find a job, and discovered that prices were much higher here than my previous home. I'd been traveling for a while, staying at various hotels, and when I came upon this large estate and did some research on its previous owners…well, I figured that it would serve as a nice abode until I was able to find another residence and some form of employment." He takes another sip. "What's your story?"

   Now, I am going to have to pause and warn you about something here. I have not lived out on my own for as long as Jarod has. I do not know what I am supposed to tell people when they ask about my past. So, keep that in mind. I'm not an idiot, just ill prepared.

    "Me? Oh, well I'm a genius orphan who was taken to a secret multinational corporation when I was about one and was raised by a bald, evil man with a breathing problem who ran tests and experiments on me and made it so that I now have many traits similar to animals, predators in particular. About a month and a half ago I was sent to find another genius that had escaped the building but when I found him I wanted to let him go free. But, as luck would have it, I was being followed by some of their agents so they caught us both and brought us back, but later on we escaped again and we split up. I found this home approximately a week ago."

   He blinks once or twice with gaping eyes. Then he takes another sip of tea. "My word, the US certainly is different from England…"

   I shrug. "Not all of it. Only in Blue Cove, Delaware."  

   "Oh. I stopped there you know. I thought it had been too pleasant a town." He then narrows his eyes at something, as if noticing it for the first time. "Do you know that you have pointy ears?"

11:04 AM, Tuesday

Blue Cove, Delaware

The Centre

Pursuit Team's Main Office

Sydney's Desk

(Sydney)

I run a hand through my gray hair and sigh as I stare down at the work in front of me. I'm not able to concentrate right now, not fully. There is too much happening, too many thoughts and feelings that are distracting me.

    Ms. Parker and I have been searching all morning, and we still have not found any sign of Broots. The new technician has not been doing much better, and I'm beginning to wonder if perhaps Ms. Parker and I took Broots' talent with a computer for granted. I hope my friend is all right, if only for his daughter.

   But Broots is not he one who is occupying my thoughts at the moment. No, I'm more worried about my protégé. Jarod still has not contacted us and I'm beginning to wonder if he's all right or not. Jarod is nothing if not resourceful and brilliant, but in the condition he is right now it could be very easy for him to make a mistake, especially if he is watching over the other pretender Elf 17.

   I know that Jarod and I have never truly been close, though I fervently wish it were otherwise. Our relationship is more than just former teacher and pupil, and I would be a naïve fool to suggest otherwise. Jarod is more of a son to me than Nicholas will ever be, but there is also a rift between us that is too far to cross, at least at the moment.

   I know Jarod still has much resentment for the fact that I took part in the project and allowed all of those horrible things to be done to a child who just wanted to see his parents. I do not blame him for the bitterness though; in fact I think that I would be angry if he put it all behind him. Yes I may have taken over the project to keep him from Raines, but I should have done more. I could have done more. During that time a small part of me had wanted to keep him at the Centre, and had truly believed that this was his home. I don't know if it was loneliness or a scientific interest, but I curse myself nearly every day for the fact that that had truly been a part of how I'd felt. I think if given the choice back then, I would have wanted to let him go, but I am certain that the decision would be hard to make.

   My phone starts ringing and I sigh and pick it up.

   "Hello? This is Dr. Green speaking."

   "Hello Sydney."

   My breath catches in my throat. "Jarod? Is that you?"

   "Yeah, it's me."

   I go and close the door, wanting to make sure that I am the only one who knows of this call. "Jarod are you all right? We've all been worried about you."

   He laughs. "I find it hard to believe that Ms. Parker would be worried about me Sydney. If she is she's only protecting her ticket out of the Centre. "

   "Jarod you of all people know that's not true." I chastise softly.

   I hear him sigh. "I know. But sometimes it's hard not to think otherwise."

   We go silent for a moment, but Jarod picks up the conversation. "So Sydney, how are things in hell? Anything odd going on? Besides the usual of course."

    "Well yesterday Ms. Parker saw Raines doing the Macarena in his boxers."

   The other side of the line goes deathly quiet and I laugh outright.

   "Jarod it's a joke!"

   He gives a hesitant chuckle. "Don't scare me Sydney. But really, is there nothing going on?"

   Should I tell him? I suppose it's only right, after all he'd find out sooner or later…"Jarod, Broots is missing."

   I hear a sharp intake of breath. "Missing? Is his daughter all right? Do you have any suspicions? What-"

   "Jarod calm down. It's nothing so serious as far as we know. In the technical sense he's not truly missing. We know he's still working at the Centre but he was auctioned off a day or so ago and we can't find out whom to. "

   "They took him off of the pursuit team?" For a moment I could swear that he was relieved by the news. "Why?"

   I massage my forehead. "Apparently they believe that our current failure in the discovery of Elf 17's and your location is his fault. He was on suspicion of having helped you two out before, and they thought this the best course of action."

   There is a thoughtful silence on the other end. "Hmm. Well Sydney, you know that no matter how close we are that this is still a hunt, I'm still the prey, and I won't willingly jeopardize my freedom."

   "Yes, I know."

   "Then you know that I won't give you my location or any other clues. I'm think that what got me caught last time was the games I played. I'm not risking it again Sydney. The only thing I'll promise you is that I won't disappear off of the face of the earth-- yet."

   "I suppose that's more than I should ask for, but…" I wonder how he'll take this. "Could you at least help us find out where he was sent? You needn't try to get him back on the team, I know that he is a danger to you, but we worry about him. He has a daughter as you well know, and Ms. Parker and I aren't capable of a computer search such as this one, so we'd like your help in at least giving us the name of who he's working for now. "

   I hear a conceding sigh. "All right Sydney. I can do that much for you. I'll get it to you by e-mail."

   "Jar-" I say, knowing that he'll hang up, but I am too late and hear the buzzing dial tone of a severed connection.

   I turn off the phone, and gaze with sad and troubled eyes into nothingness.

   "How have they been able to hurt you so much my pupil, that you now cling to survival instead of your feelings?" I close my eyes. "How have they been able to break you spirit?"

  But of course, silence is the only reply I receive.

1:16 PM, Tuesday

Jessup, Maryland

Astrea's Home

(Astrea)

   I smile at Arthur, watching from the doorway of his new room he unpacks his belongings. I wonder if I should have told him all that I did…most likely it was a bad move, secrecy always tends to be the safest course of action where these sorts of things are involved, but the past is unchangeable. Besides, I will be leaving the home soon enough should Jarod choose to help me. He won't be in any danger.

   I turn and begin walking down the hall to the stairs when he calls out to me.

   "One moment Astrea! "

   I look back and see that he's come out of his room with a small wooden box neatly tucked under his arm.

   "Yes?" I ask calmly, a bit curious as to what the box holds.

   "Are you involved in anything at he moment?"

   I give a small smile. "Afraid so. I have to call a friend of mine who can help me with a…problem that I've been having."

   "Oh." His face falls a bit but he tries his best to keep it from showing. His efforts aren't too good.

   "Why? Is there something you wanted me to do?"

   He wets his lips. "Nothing too terribly important but I had just been wondering, if it wouldn't be to much trouble, could you play me in a game of chess?"

   "Chess?" I'm baffled.

   His mouth gapes open.  "Don't tell me you have never played the revered and nearly holy English game of chess! I can believe the story of your past but…to never have played chess?! It's incomprehensible! "

   Now I'm intrigued. I begin to turn away from the stairs. "Is it really that good a game?"

   He chuckles, a soft and pleasant sound. "It's all that and more my dear."

    I bite my lip. "Well I suppose I could try it…"

   He raises a hand. "Oh no. There's no 'supposing' about it! You must play. If not for the experience than for my own sanity."

   "All right." I say with a laugh. "I'll play. Do you have a rule book on it?"

   He nods his head with a grin. "Yes." He starts to go down the stairs, waving a hand for me to follow. "I think we should play in the dining room, don't you? It'll be much more pleasant. Now, as to the game itself, don't be disappointed if you don't win right off. I'm a very skilled player and have much more experience than you…"

   I nod my head and only half-listen as he babbles on. Hmm. Should I really play this right now? Maybe I should call Jarod first… but no. He's survived this long; he'll still be there when the game is over.

Forty-five minutes and five games later…

   "Five times! You've beaten me five times in a row!" Arthur says aghast.

   I grin at him. "Well the manual helped a lot."

   "How could it have helped?! You read it once and then knew the game and its possible strategies like the back of your own hand." He shakes his head. "You most certainly were English in a past life."

   I roll my eyes upward and then stand up from the chair, holding out a hand as I do so. "Thank you for teaching me about the game."

   He takes it and gives a firm shake. "And thank you for the challenge. I don't think I've ever had a more talented opponent. Were I wearing one, I'd take my hat off to you."

   I give him a kind look and then make my way over the kitchen counter where I keep the cell phone I bough two weeks ago. I have Jarod's number on speed dial and push the button. Behind me Arthur begins putting away the chess game, and I'm about to ask him to go into another room while I make the call, but just then Jarod answers the phone.

   "Hello Astrea." He says calmly, evenly.

   I tisk into the phone playfully. "You know Jarod, one of these days you're going to have to tell the pursuit team that you always know who's calling because you have a Caller ID."

   I hear him laugh, a sound that reassures some of my fears as to how he's doing. "And give up my secret? Never."

   I smile, even though I know he can't see it. But then I refocus myself on why I'm calling and my voice drops to a solemn tone. "Jarod, I need your help."

   "You're not the only one." he scoffs lightly.

   I pause in confusion, about to ask him about what he means, but shake it off out of necessity. "Jarod, I…I have suspicions about something of a rather sensitive nature. Something that is affecting me greatly."

   "Go on." He says slowly, sensing how serious I am about this topic.

   "You know more or less what I am right? You know what makes me different from a normal pretender?"

   I can almost see him nod as he answers affirmatively.

   "It's about the cells that were injected into my system. The thing that made is possible for me to become a feral pretender was that those cells, mixed with a certain chemical, began to reproduce and either they adjusted to my body or my body adjusted to them, I'm not totally sure which. I know that it also couldn't have been done if I wasn't a pretender. But my point is, that when Raines felt like enough cells were actively participating and changing my body and mind, he injected a counter-chemical to stop the cells from reproducing at the alarming rate they had been before. They almost stopped altogether."

   I hear a quick intake of breath, as I know that he's figured out what I'm going to say. "No, no it's not, it can't be happening."

   I sigh. "It is. Jarod…the cells are active again. They're reproducing once more. And if something isn't done then I'm going to become more dangerous than any of us would have thought possible." I close my eyes. "More than any of us want to think possible."

3:48 PM, Tuesday

Los Angeles, California

On A Bus

(Lia)

   "All right, final stop! Now get off of my bus!" The driver yells back at the passengers jokingly.

   Some of the people laugh, but most just grab their things and start moving to get off.

   Mr. Cox smiles at me, and holds out his hand once more, like he had when we'd first met. I smile and take it this time, not apprehensively but with assurance.

   "It was a pleasure meeting you young lady. I hope that whatever you came here to do runs smoothly for you."

   I let go of his hand. Thank-you, I hope that you're business here runs smoothly as well.   

   He nods his head and after grabbing his things, leaves the bus.

   I pick up my backpack and sling it over my shoulder, then grab my denim jacket. I smile my thanks at the bus driver, who promptly grins back at me and wishes me a good stay.

   I stand at the bus stop, a sidewalk corner, and just gape at all that's around me as the bus drives off. This place is huge. There are buildings taller than any building should be. There are also people. Lots and lots of people. Everywhere. All around me. I'm almost assaulted by the sheer number as they walk past me on the sidewalk.

   I hadn't known there would be this many. It might be a problem. Maybe I should… No! I came here to do a job. I'll leave after I find my sister, but only then. I can deal with a crowd or two. It'll be okay.

   I suck in a deep breath, trying to become confident, and begin steadily moving down the sidewalk. Then I stop. Um, where am I going again? I reach into my backpack and draw out a map. After I look at the name of the location I'm heading to, that I'd written down on the side, I start trying to place where I am.

   I finally figure out that the building I'm searching for is only three or four blocks away. I grin and start moving again, not needing to fake confidence, and head towards the only place that might know where my sister is.

Twenty-five minutes later…

Three or four blocks is longer than I remember them being. Maybe measurements are different in California. My friends always told me things were bigger and brighter in Hollywood, but I never believed them. Shows how much a country girl knows I guess.

   After wiping some sweat from my forehead and repositioning the bag on my bag in an effort to keep it from rubbing my raw skin, I look around me and then spot the building I've been searching for only ten yards away.  I let out a sigh of pure relief and make my way over.

   There are lots of people, all dressed really formally. None of them seem truly bad, though maybe a bit scared, but I still get a twinge of worry nonetheless.

   Everyone seems to be wearing black or dark blue, though I do spot one woman wearing a red suit. Hmm. This seems more like a corporation than an orphanage. The only thing that's keeping me from thinking that I've come to the wrong place is the sign out front and the small fenced off playground. Maybe they're a Catholic orphanage or something and the kids wear uniforms. Won't know until I go in I suppose.

   I swallow and then chide myself for it. There's nothing to be afraid of! You've already checked for dangers remember? So what if the employees are scared? I would be too if I had to earn a paycheck. Besides, it's probably just nervousness you feel coming off of them, not fear.

   I walk up the outside steps towards the doorway and receive carefully guarded but still evident looks of surprise. I bit my lip and keep my head down, beginning to feel afraid again. My ever-present voice of reason then once again patronizing me for being so jumpy. There's probably a reason for the looks. They must not be used to seeing children coming into a place like this by themselves. Stop being so paranoid!

   I walk through the doors and stroll right up to the front desk, about to try and grab the attention from the lady behind it, when a conversation that's steadily nearing me catches my attention.

   I look and see that the doors that lead back to the orphans rooms and the orphanage's supply area are being opened, and two men are coming out.

   "Well sir I am glad to see that your trip went all right."

   "It was just a bus ride. I swear you and the Triumvate think that I can't go anywhere without being surrounded by sweepers. Is it too much to want to go somewhere where I can have a little personal space?"

   "Not to me sir, but with the Triumvate well…" the man chuckles. "That's another story."

   Beside him the "sir" joins in the laughter. "Quite so."

   The doors are opened and they enter the lobby, and my breath catches in my throat as one of the men turns and looks my way.

   It's Mr. Cox from the bus!

   The same recognition becomes apparent on his own face and he stops talking immediately and with wide eyes just gapes at me.

   The man beside him looks at the two of us in confusion. "Sir? Do you know this young lady?"

   Mr. Cox gives a faint nod and then seems to shake himself out of his stupor. He clears his throat and gives a nervous smile as he walks near me, his eyes darting every which way. He's nervous, afraid, and confused. That I can tell easily.

   "Well Lia, I hadn't expected to see you again. Least of all here. Is there some reason you followed me?"

   The man besides him narrows his eyes in suspicion.

   In response to his question I shake my head. I didn't follow you Mr. Cox. This was my original destination.

   Mr. Cox raises his eyebrows in surprise and the man beside him, his assistant I guess, seems more astonished at the fact that I'm mute. The man needs to get out more.

   "So you have been planning on coming here?" I can tell that he's beginning to choose his words carefully.

   It was my sole reason for traveling from my home.

   "You went all that way just to come here?" I can almost see the wheels in his head turning. "Why? What is so important here?"

   "Sir, are you sure that I shouldn't call the swee-"

   Mr. Cox gives his assistant a death glare so intense that even though its not being pointed at me, I cringe.

   I begin to become frightened. There's more going on here. I shouldn't have come…

   Mr. Cox once again turns back to me, more composed this time. He repeats his question.

   I pause a moment, but then remember why I'm here. I have to find my sister. I have no one else. I am looking for someone

   "Who?"

   My sister. I … my parents passed away. I am an orphan now. I dig through my backpack until I find the picture I was given, of my sister's 1st birthday. The baby has some thick black hair growing in, and bright green eyes.

   I hesitate, and then pass him the picture. This is my sister.

   He takes it, and I can see that he doesn't recognize the child. His assistant however, does. I can sense it like a punch to the gut. The man knows who it is in the picture, though he's trying to hide it, and he's becoming more nervous.

   Mr. Cox slowly shakes his head and hands me back the picture. "I don't know who that is. I don't come here often…but I doubt that the person you're looking for is here. Besides, if you don't have a name, we won't be able to find them." He then gives a small, barely noticeable smirk. "Also, if you are an orphan, what are you doing without some form of parental guidance with you?"

   I purse my lips at the question, but then turn to his assistant, anger flashing briefly in my eyes. You know who it is in that picture. I know it. Tell me what happened to her please.

   The assistant, apparently baffled, put a hand in front of his mouth to hide the movements of his lips as he whispers to Cox, "what did she say?"

   Cox rolls his eyes at the man's stupidity, and then answers back, loud enough for me to hear, " she said that you know the child in the picture, and she wants you to tell her what happened to her. But-" he then looks at me directly. "I'm afraid you'll have to wait a moment Lia. I have to discuss something with my subordinate for a moment."

   He practically drags the man out of the room, and for the moment, I'm alone. I stand there, blink once or twice, and then sit down in a waiting chair in front of the desk. I guess I'll just wait then. No harm in that right? Right?

~~~

Mr. Cox slams Simon's body against the wall. "You know the girl in that picture?" he seethes through clenched teeth. "Who is she? And how does Lia know about her?!" 

   Simon, the lowly assistant from before, holds up his hands in an attempt to block any possible blows. "P-Please sir, yes I know about the child. I don't know how the mute girl out there knows-"

   "Who is she?" Mr. Cox demands.

   "The girl in the picture?"

   "Who do you think you inferior thick-headed fool of a man! Of course the girl in the picture!"

   He swallows nervously. "Well you know about the true nature of this orphanage…"

   Mr. Cox once again looks skyward. "Does not everybody in the Triumvate? Now please stop stating the obvious and give me a straight answer!" he growls viciously, clearly having lost his patience.

   "She-she was a child that Dr. Raines took. A-A pretender child. "

  Cox, who had been about to physically knock sense into Simon, slowly lowers his hand. "Explain."

   "M-Mr. Raines had a secret project apparently, no one was told about it, all I know is that he was relocating some of the pretender-possible children from the orphanage to the Centre in Delaware. Sh-She was the brightest pretender we had here sir. Those of us who had heard tales of the famous Jarod, had even betted that she was at his level. M-Maybe higher."

   Mr. Cox had fully let go of Simon, and was now mulling about his own thoughts. "Did she have a name?"

   "Well her date of birth caused us to call her Elf if that's what you mean. Raines supposedly added on a project number to that title, but we never found out her true name."

  Mr. Cox then glances out past the windows to the door they were behind, watching Lia as she gazes up at the ceiling and down at her shoes impatiently. "Elf 17 eh?" he murmurs softly to no one in particular. "We'd heard about her, it was hard info to miss, but we never knew that he had a sister… is it possible that it escaped Raines' notice as well?"

  "Sir?" Simon asks tentatively.

   Mr. Cox's glazed eyes come back into focus and he shakes his head slightly. "Nothing." He then looked at him fiercely. "Get on the phone with the Centre in Blue Cove. Tell them that I want to speak to Dr. Raines."

   He nods. "And what shall I tell them it's about sir?"

   Mr. Cox once again looks out at Lia, and a slow grin comes to his face. "Tell them that a very remarkable person has found her way into the orphanage's hands, and that it could be a very opportune twist of fate for the Centre." He grins wickedly. "Very opportune indeed."

************************************************************************************

Ta da! Liking it so far? I know I'm being cruel to the good guys, but I can't help it. (Grins evilly) so anyhow, please review. Oh, and to Molly Morrison, you're right about the hints. I should have made them more obvious. Thanks for the tip!

  ---Talk to you guys soon!