Disclaimer: I own not the people from the Pretender. This is my own little work of fan fiction. If you want to argue it needlessly with a lawyer, call 1-800-IMA-IDIOT. Have a nice day! ~~~~ Oh, and the song belongs to AM records.

Rating: PG or a PG-13

Summary: A hint at Lia's true nature, Broots finally gets to eat, and a tender moment with Sydney and Ms. Parker.

!!!Author's Note!!!: I've just realized (being the totally oblivious idiot that I am) that I have not once described how Lia looks. I will attempt to remedy that in this chapter. Thank you for your overwhelming patience with my ineptitudes.

Feedback: (Shadow Elf has ditched Yoda, who told her before he left that she's powerful or some other nonsense, and she's now trying to find a place to bard her stories inside of a rather dingy bar)

   [Scanning the room] "Okay, come on, come on… [Spots an alien and then jovially walks over] "Excuse me sir, but I was wondering if you'd like to here a story of mine and give me feedba-"

   (The creature growls and she hurriedly backs away) "Ok-a-a-a-ay, never mind." [Crosses her arms] "Darn. I might as well fly somewhere else and try my barding skills, because no one here is going to help me."

Han: Did you say that you need to fly somewhere?

   "Yeah. Who the heck are you?"

Han: [Puffs chest out confidently] I my young friend, am the talented and popular Han Solo!

    (Every head in the bar immediately turns to them)

Unknown speaker: You're Han Solo?

Han: Y-e-a-h.

Unknown speaker: Let's get him!

   (Everyone begins closing in on the two with hate in their eyes)

   [Raises an eyebrow] "Popular huh?"

Quote:

        "All are lunatics, but he who can analyze his delusion is called a philosopher." 

                                                                                                            ---Ambrose Bierce

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

11:35 AM, Wednesday

Blue Cove, Delaware

The Centre

SL-26, Astrea's Old Cell

(Lia)

I've stopped shivering and sweating, which I hope is a good sign, and I am out of the horrible doctor's office, but I can't help but feel like I've jumped from the frying pan into the fire.

   I'm seated right now in a cold, dank, and dark cell. I know that sounds cliché but I have no other words to describe it. There's a ventilation shaft opening, and a rather militarily styled cot, along with a few 'necessities' conveniently placed in a slightly concealed area. Besides those though, the room is nothing more than a dungeon with cameras.

   I have been left alone for the most part, for which I am grateful, and besides when they took some of my blood, no one has said or done anything to me. I know however, that the Raines guy was extremely curious as to my reaction towards him, which only intensified when he gave me the shot. But personally, I don't blame him. I'm just as confused as he was, maybe more so. I'd felt as if I'd been wrapped in a blanket of icy darkness that had been leeching away my very soul. If I wasn't an amateur poet, I wouldn't even be able to describe that much. I've never felt anything like that before, and I must say that I don't look forward to the idea of it ever happening again.

   I'm still mightily puzzled as to what this place even is. At first I'd thought it to be some corporation, it had easily appeared that way, but then again, what kind of corporation kidnapped children and had cells underground? I mean, unless this is some type of covert military instillation that I've read so much about in books, I'd have to say I have not the shadow of a clue as to where I am, much less why I'm here.

   I sigh heavily, the exhaling of breath holding all of the frustrations and hopelessness that I am unable to speak aloud, and then lean up against the cement of a wall. Who would have guessed that a simple search for a family member could be so darn difficult? If I get out of this place, I might just give up the hunt for my sister all together. I've never been one to be called brave, and going through another episode like the one I'm in would be too much for the miniscule amount of courage stored inside of me to handle.

   I look over at my backpack that's leaning up against my pathetic excuse for a bed, and can't hold back a smile. Of all the weird traits for a kidnapper to have, Mr. Cox's have to be the strangest. Wanting to strike up a conversation with the person he's captured, kindly giving them the freedom to use their hands, and (for Christ's sake!) letting them hold on to their personal belongings as they sit in a cell. It's about as bizarre as an executioner letting the person they're going to execute watch a DVD. I keep looking around expecting to see Rod Sterling in his patented black suit, standing off to the side and introducing me as the main character of a Twilight Zone episode.  

   Frankly, I wouldn't be all that surprised if I did see him.

   I gaze around the room, wondering what to do, because I'm downright bored, and then shrug and with a mental, 'what the heck', go over and open my backpack to search for a CD to play.

   I find my SPIRIT CD, which I received last Christmas from my mother, and pop it in, using the search button to jump ahead to a soft yet powerful song that I think fits the situation.

Sound the bugle now - play it just for me

As the seasons change - remember how I used to be

Now I can't go on - I can't even start

I've got nothing left - just an empty heart

I close my grass green eyes, and my rose tinted lips firmly go into a straight line as I surrender myself to the song.

I'm a soldier - wounded so I must give up the fight

There's nothing more for me - lead me away…

Or leave me lying here

My head begins to move slightly to the melody as the rhythm picks up, and my shoulder length chestnut brown hair sways in the windless cell. I feel a sudden flush to my pale skin that comes with the energy of the song that almost drowns out the color of the few freckles on my cheeks.

Sound the bugle now - tell them I don't care

There's not a road I know - that leads to anywhere

Without a light I fear that I will - stumble in the dark

Lay right down- decide not to go on

For a moment my slim but rather delicate body feels the urge to stand up and sway to the words, and only the logic of the foolishness of the action keeps me from doing so.

Then from on high - somewhere in the distance

There's a voice that calls - 'remember who you are'

If you lose yourself - your courage soon will follow

So be strong tonight - remember who you are

Yeah you're a soldier now -fighting in a battle

To be free once more…

Yeah that's worth fighting for!

The song ends, and I feel much more relaxed and peaceful, like all of the bothersome emotions had been replaced by the ones from the steady tempo of the music. I feel almost as though I could just slip smoothly and silently into a heavenly slumber.

    That's when I hear the metallic banging coming from the other side of the room.

   Ideas I had of sleeping gone, I stand up hurriedly, and fearfully look over at the air vent opening where I'm sure the sound is coming from. I back up until I'm against the wall, and almost close my eyes in fear as I hear the noises come closer and closer.

   There comes the soft squeaking of hinges and I watch as the gate to the vents is pushed open slowly and a man crawls timidly out.

   I can barely suppress a gasp as this strange guy moves to a crouch on the ground and just stares up at me, watching with astoundingly clear blue eyes every breath I take. He seems remarkably feral, like a whipped dog in some ways, and a curious cat in others. He then moves closer to me.

   "M-m-my name Angelo. In trouble, need sister. Follow Angelo, find sister."

   I'm baffled and astonished all at once.

   He takes a step towards me and gently takes my hand.

   Then all I am, is frightened and in pain.

   And so is he it seems. He lets go of me as though my skin were fire, and scurries backward at a surprising speed. I too withdraw, and nearly fall to a heap on the ground, rubbing the hand he took a moment ago so vigorously that the skin begins turning red.

   The man clutches at his head and moans, his eyes almost rolling back, and fervent muttering comes forth in a near incoherent stream of babble.

    "Like me, like me, like me, like me, like me, like me, like me, like me…" he speaks the mantra over and over again, as if it were a chant at a ritual.

   He looks into my eyes once, and I see in them the same confusement that lurks in my mind, and then he turns and practically leaps back into the vent and shuts the door to the opening behind him.

    The strange reaction I had dissipates and I'm once again alone.

12:09 PM, Wednesday

Blue Cove, Delaware

The Centre

Raines Private Office

(Broots)

I'm screwed.

   There's no other word for it. I'm totally and utterly screwed.

   I need to get the title of the project I found to someone, someone like Sydney, or Ms. P, or heck, even Jarod! But with Raines watching my every move, making sure that I come in contact with absolutely no one, it's becoming harder and harder to think of ways I might actually pass off this information and survive the process.

   I've already finished the encoding of the document, and have even been able to resist the urge to try and read it. It hasn't been easy though. After all, if I'm going to risk my life trying to give someone the info on the project, I at least want to know whether it's worth it or not.  

   I sigh and lean back in my seat, my stomach quietly and angrily growling at me. I still haven't eaten. I swear that if I don't get some food in me soon then I'm going to try and break down the door with a chair. I don't know how much longer I can go. I didn't have dinner last night, or breakfast this morning, and if they think that I'm going to skip lunch as well then…um well, they, they have another thing coming.

    I give a weak laugh and run a hand over my head. Oh, who am I kidding? I couldn't stand up to Raines unless I was drunk, and with a heavy drink at that. I'm afraid courage is not one of my strong points, and the worst part is that he knows it too.

   I hear the locks on the door being undone and I immediately straighten in my chair.

   I nearly gasp in surprise as I see Willie enter, alone and unaccompanied. He stands like a rock and folds his arms, his face expressionless as always.

   "Y-yes?" I ask, trying to figure out what he'd be doing here without Raines.

   "Are you hungry?"

    I nearly do a double take. "Am I what?"

    "I asked if you were hungry." Willie repeats in exasperation. "Mr. Raines has given you permission to head down to the Centre's dining facility if you are. Or you can stay here and work. I really don't care either way."

   I could have kissed him right then, I'm not lying. The idea of food…out of Raines' office…in a semi-public place…  I leap up from my chair. "Yes please! I'm hungry, I'd like to go!"

   For a moment it looks as though Willie is holding back a laugh, but then he returns to the impenetrable wall of steel I know him so well as. "All right then. Mr. Raines also said that he wants you to bring along the encoded document. Someone's supposed to pick it up." He turns slightly. "Now, let's go."

   "'Let's go?' As in, let us go?" I inquire in confusion; grabbing the zip disc I saved the document to as I do so.

   "Yes." A smirk appears on his face. "You didn't actually think that Mr. Raines would let you go by yourself did you? He's not stupid enough to allow you to go somewhere public in the Centre where you could talk to Dr. Green or the chairman's daughter."

   "Oh." My bubble popped, I visibly deflate.

   Willie shakes his head and gives a 'tisk, tisk' of disapproval. "You have a lot to learn about working under Mr. Raines, Broots. So here's lesson number one: property and employees are the same thing to him, and he keeps a close eye on both."

   Oh boy. Will I be tagged as well? Broots: number 00128. I might as well wear prison clothing and have the word 'mom' tattooed on my arm. Just when you think things can't get any worse something jumps up and bites you in the rear. The story of my life…

   "Are you coming or what?" Willie demands.

   I give a slow and sulking nod and follow him out the door.

~~~~~

Somehow being surrounded by the seductive smells of food drives away all brooding and moping.

   I scan the fancily designed dining area with eyes as large as plates. It's been a while since I've been here, mostly because in my extremely casual and bright garb I stick out like a glow stick in a black room.

   I follow the waiter, a tall spindly man with slicked back black hair, and I'm led to a booth that is fortuitously placed near the back wall of the room in a secluded enough area that won't draw too much attention to myself. Whether this is a stroke of luck or the waiter's purpose, I'm unable to tell.

    I sit down and take the menu that the waiter hands me. He then pulls out a pad of paper and a black pen. "What would you like to drink today sir?" he asks with a slightly haughty tone that seems to be a requirement for all extravagant restaurant waiters.

   "A coke will be fine." I reply, and then begin to look over the offered items.

   "A-a coke?" he repeats in disbelief, nearly choking on the word. "I'm sorry sir but are you actually ordering an ordinary, common, run of the mill coke?"

   I look up slightly puzzled. "Uh… yeah?"

   " Do you desire diet or regular?" he asks mockingly, his lips curling into a sneer.

    I don't notice his tone. "Regular's fine. Oh! Also, could you just bring it to me in the can?"

    The waiter looks as though he's going to gag. "Of course sir. One regular coke…in a can. Coming right up." he looks at Willie who's still standing. "Anything for you sir?"

   "No, thank you." Willie replies in a near monotone.

   "Okay." Says the waiter, tight-lipped. "Fine." He then trudges away in a huff.

   I watch him go, not understanding his reasons for acting so strangely. I shrug it off and then scan over the menu. A lot of this stuff is way out of my price range, and half of it I've never heard of. I then find something I know I'm safe with and then set down the menu.

  I look up and see Willie, arms still crossed, standing beside me.
   "Um, Willie?"

   He glances down at me. "What?"

   "Do, do you really have to stand there? It's uh, well, it's unnerving."

   He doesn't even bat an eye. "So?"

   "O-okay then. S-sorry." I finish weakly, and twiddle my thumbs uncomfortably as I stare down at my lap.

   I risk a look up at him once more, and notice something that catches my eye, and piques my curiosity to the point where I'm unable to stop from asking about it. "Willie, where did that bruise come from?"

    Surprised, he is shaken from his usually unmovable stance, and he actually appears startled at the question. "What bruise?"

   With almost childlike innocence I point up to a healing black and blue mark that is nearly unnoticeable on Willie's dark skin. "That bruise, the one on your forehead."

   He raises a hand to the spot where I'm pointing and a near dozen emotions flicker across his face. One of them, I notice, is tension.

   The sweeper suddenly narrows his eyes. "It's nothing. I tried to prevent the Pretenders from escaping, and Elf 17 knocked me unconscious." He raises an eyebrow at me. "What about your bruise?"

   I turn a shade of crimson, knowing that he's talking about the mark on my brow that still hasn't managed to fade away from my skin. "That? Uh, I got that from As- Elf 17 too." I say, catching myself on his near slip-up. "I tried to um, s-stop her at the cabin."

   "You did?" Willie asks, and I can't tell whether he believes me or not.

   "Yeah. I… I did."

   We both just stare at each other for a few seconds, and as strange as it sounds, I almost feel like a type of kinship is passing between us, like we both have gained a mutual level on at least one thing. I give him brief smile and I swear that he almost returns it.

    "Are you prepared to order?"

    The return of the waiter and the soft 'ping' from the can of coke he's set down on the table effectively shakes me out of my trance and I give a sheepish grin. "Uh, yes, yes I think I am."

   The server reluctantly nods. "Then dare I ask what it is you would like to eat?"

   "A cheeseburger and some fries will be fine thanks."

   The man stands still, and his left eye twitches. "A cheeseburger and fries. Are you sure that is what you want sir?"

   I nod.

   Then I nearly cringe.

   The waiter is giving me a look of complete fury, and I'm not entirely certain that he won't strangle me with his bow tie. Still giving me a death glare, he grounds out with a loathing in his voice that's so obvious it's painful, "Very well." 

    He then snatches away my menu before turning on his heel and walking away, steam almost rising from his head.

    I give a low whistle at the guy's remarkable and perplexing anger, and open my can of coke to begin downing its contents. 

   Bored, I scan the room, looking over the many people. It appears busier than the times when I've come before, but I could just have a bad memory. There seems to be the same running theme in appearance and clothing with all of them. Every person, be they eating, drinking, or discussing business, is dressed in a tailor made suit and is wearing a very serious formal expression. Every suit is black, gray, or dark red, and there are perhaps only two woman wearing dress pants instead of skirts. Boy, in my khaki pants and loose, baggy Hawaiian colored shirt, I must look like a five-year-old in an opera house. But still, why all of the grim colors? Even if it is the Centre, even if it is a horrible, horrible fate for anyone to have to work here, why can't they try to make the best of it? Like that guy over there in the white suit, he seems to be--- 

   Wait…a white suit?

   A white Armani suit?

   Holy sh-t.

   I immediately turn my head away from the spot my eyes have unfortunately gazed to, but not fast enough. He sees me, gives that grin that makes me want to throttle him and whimper in fear at the same time, and stands and walks towards me, his sweepers following like ducklings behind him.  

   I suddenly become extremely engrossed in the coke can's design, and hunch over better than Igor ever could. Willie's brow furrows in bafflement, but smoothens once he sees Lyle and his lackey's approaching. It doesn't take a Pretender to put two and two together.

   Lyle stops at the booth, and gives a brief nod of acknowledgement to Willie before sliding into the seat next to me, completely blocking me off as I'm forced to sit between the wall and Lyle.

   It's like being trapped between a rock and titanium.

   The other sweepers gather around the table, two of them sitting in the other booth seat across from me. Willie and one of Lyle's sweepers glare at each other, much like two soldiers from opposite sides of a war would. Some of the employees sitting at their tables briefly look over at us, wondering perhaps who it was that would draw the attention of Lyle and his goons, but they turn away quickly enough. The first rule of survival at the Centre is to stay out of other people's business.

   Unable to stand the near deafening silence any longer, I force myself to swallow and look up at Lyle's cold, cruel blue eyes.

   "Y-yes sir?" I ask with a mouse-like timidity. Good, submission is very good. Keep it up Broots and you'll get out of this alive.

   Lyle doesn't even seem to take notice of my query, and relaxes in the booth, making this meeting look for all the world like the conversing of two college buddies. "So what brings you here Broots?" He briefly glimpses the can of cola and his grin widens. "Coming out of your hole for a bite to eat?"

   I slowly nod, my eyes on the table.

   Unexpectedly, Willie breaks in. "With all due respect Mr. Lyle sir, the meaning of you're arrival has already been explained to us by Dr. Raines. I think that it would be best for both parties if business were taken care of as soon as possible." He says this all in a neutral tone, his voice never once rising above the level of placidity.

   Lyle glares at him and his smile disappears momentarily, but just as suddenly as it leaves it reappears again in full force. "Of course Willie. Once again when it comes down to dealings or meetings between Raines and his clients or partners, you are the voice of reason. "

   The compliment has no visible effect on the sweeper, but Willie politely inclines his head and gives a calm thank you.

   Now I understand what's going on. The person who was supposed to pick up the disc from me is Lyle! He's not coming here to punish or torment; he's only coming for the disc! Oh thank god! Almost instantly I am reaching into my shirt pocket to bring forth the object that will free me from this momentary hell.

   I carefully hold out the disc for Lyle, a bit more confident now that I know this is all just business. "Here you go sir, I encrypted the document with a code of an approximate 132 bit strength, just as requested." Now please go away, I add on silently.

   He takes it, and gazes down at the shining zip disc in his hand before looking at me again with that damnable grin of his. "How long did it take you to create the code and encrypt the information?"

   I'm taken back by the question. What an odd thing to ask… "Uh, the code took about two days and I finished the encryption process last night." I answer uncomfortably, wondering why he still hasn't left.

   He gives a low chuckle. "What on earth compels you to work so speedily and efficiently?"

   "Umm, the words 'self preservation' come to mind," I reply weakly.  

   He laughs and gives me a pat on the shoulder that causes me to shudder slightly. He doesn't notice however. "If only the others who worked here kept the same motivation in mind. Perhaps they'd work as well as you do."

   Anything I was going to say to respond to such a weird statement is cut off, as the waiter returns with my burger and fries.

   "Here you go sir," he says handing me the plate with a nearly lethal scorn. He doesn't even seem to notice the crowd of sweepers surrounding the table. It must be common in this place.

   "Um, thanks," I manage to say without sounding too pathetic. "I uh, I appreciate it."

    The waiter narrows his eyes at me, doing one of the best Ms. Parker impressions that I've ever seen. "You'd better." He gives a sudden and uncharacteristic smile to Mr. Lyle. "Glad to see you today sir." After Lyle politely nods the man turns on his heel and strides off, happy to go away from me to serve someone who knows the meaning of fine dining.

   I stare at the cheeseburger, a double decker from heaven, and I have to force myself not to begin salivating. I have to hold back from digging in, if only until Mr. Lyle leaves.

   "W-was there anything else sir?" I ask him, hoping he doesn't hit me.

   Lyle pauses for a moment, and I'm afraid that he'll give me work or pat me on the shoulder again, but he then slowly shakes his head. "No, no there isn't." he smirks. "See you around Broots. Keep up the good work."

    He rises from the booth, and then saunters off and away my line of sight, his muscle men trailing close behind him.

    Finally.

    Without looking up to see Willie's reaction at what just took place, I attack my burger and close my eyes to let this rare moment of pleasure brighten up my otherwise awful day.

1:04 PM, Wednesday

Blue Cove, Delaware

The Centre

Sydney's Research Lab

(Sydney)

"3489" the two red haired twins answer together punctually.

   I laugh. "That is exactly correct boys. Good job. I think we're done for the day, why don't you two go off and play?" I begin putting away the marbles that I dumped out, and the twins start giggling and chase each other around the room in a disorganized game of tag.

   I shake my head at their antics and chuckle softly.

   "Syd!"

   I gaze up coolly and see Ms. Parker stalking towards me, her eyes practically aflame. She's clenching her fists and appears to be in a very foul mood. I wonder what could have gotten her so riled up? Then again, I wasn't here for half of the day yesterday, perhaps something happened while I was gone.

   "Yes Ms. Parker?" I ask tranquilly.

   She stops in front of me, and indeed she looks as though she's ready to kill someone. "Where were you yesterday Sydney?"

   "Your father pulled me into his office to discuss the hunt for Jarod, and afterwards I was so aggravated by his stubborn attitude that I just went home."

    Her mouth hangs open slightly. "You just…went home?! And left me here to answer the phone when that sanctimonious lab rat called?!" She's openly fuming now and I'm sure that she growled a moment ago.

   My brow creases in confusion. "Jarod called?"

   "Yes Jarod called," she snarls. "You know your protégé, your little lab experiment, your screwed up adoptive son."

   I'm stung by the last retort but hide my feelings towards it. "And what did he have to say? Or did you just hang up on him?"

   "No, I listened. But he didn't make it easy for me," she sneers and then moves over and sits cross-legged on the table. "He had a hell of a time actually getting to the information, but he finally told me where Broots is."

   I'm immediately five times more interested. "He knows where he it? Is Broots all right?"

    "As far as I can tell. I followed wonder boy's instructions and went to see him." her eyes lock with mine, and I can see the anger and pain behind them.

   Oh no. "Where is he Ms. Parker?"

   She lets out a deep sigh. "He's working under Raines in the ghoul's private office."

   I take calming breaths to steady myself as I process the information. Poor Broots… Working under Raines? I thought that Raines took him for the idiot that we'd all made Broots out to be. How did he see through that act? It must have been the T-board Raines was put in front of. Elf 17 did tell him that it was Broots who found the info…

   "How is he doing down there Ms. Parker? Did anything happen?" I'm eager now, fishing for information on the technician who I've come to see as a friend. If anything should happen to him I'll never be able to get it off of my conscience. I have enough on there as it is.

    "As far as I could tell he hadn't been sleeping, and his clothes needed to be changed, but he was all right. A little worse for wear, but all right." She impatiently gazes around the room. "I was going to get him out of there Sydney. I'd planned on it, I'd been all ready to grab his arm and drag him out if I had to." she clenches her teeth in rage. "But then my brother and the corpse showed up, and I could do nothing more than turn my back on him and walk away."

   "Ms. Parker I'm sure you did all that you could." I look upon her fatherly.

   She reacts in a sudden surge of fury. "I walked away Sydney! I abandoned him! He looked up at me Sydney, pleading with me to save him, and I turned and fu----g walked away!!!"

   I gaze at her sadly, wanting so much to hold her and let her cry on my shoulder like she did when she was a little girl. But I know I can't, and I know that any attempt I make to do so will result in her just pushing away from me further. It still hurts so much though, to see her in such torment and not be able to help and provide the comfort she needs and longs for.

   "Are you all right Parker?" I ask softly, knowing full well that she isn't, but also realizing that right now all I really can do is ask.

   She wipes angrily at tears that could have fallen. "I'm fine Sydney. Just…just frustrated that's all."

   I make a quick and perhaps rash decision, and tenderly lay a hand on her shoulder. She stiffens, as I'd expected her too, but then she's overwhelmed by her emotions and she does the most surprising thing.

   She embraces me with a hug.

   She just stands there, leaning on me, her face resting on my shirt, and her arms wrapped around me gently, as small wet tears cascade down her cheeks. I hold her close, providing the reassurance that I've waited for years to give, and have to hold back tears of my own. The implications of this act, the fact that she willingly chose to let me hold and console her… it's simply remarkable.

   "I miss him Sydney." She whispers, acting more like when she was a child than I've ever seen her be before.

   "It'll be all right Ms. Parker. We'll get him back."

   And as we stand there, simply clinging to each other and sharing the relief that is brings, I hope that she finds more comfort in my words than I do.

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

Another chapter up! Yay! I'm sorry it took awhile to get this one up, but I'm also right in the middle to two other stories that I'm trying to finish and post and I had to move from one house to another and take down and set up my computer. Please forgive me for the delay, and keep on a lookout for the other stories that I hope will appear soon. Please review!

   P.S.

     Just in case you're interested I've changed my bio. Also, I have a challenge that I'd like to issue. Should I put it in the disclaimer-rating line-up?

  --------Talk to you soon!