Author's Note: I think I was a little melodramatic in the last chapter, but I was trying to portray how close to the edge Talia really is (even though she is fooling herself into thinking she is dealing). I might revise it once I get a couple more chapters out so I can see the whole arc clearly. You'll just have to trust me for now. Sorry this is so short, but I had forgotten about this every weekend deadline (it's a good thing I have it though) and even though I'd love to keep writing, my roommate will kill me. Ah, well college is still fun. Happy Halloween!

"Good morning Miss Winters," Bester said. They had been meeting every morning at 9:07 at the confidential, but official, Psi Core facility on Mars for daily briefings before each adjourned for their separate works. The meeting where at such an odd time because Bester dropped his daughter off at school everyday. Talia had met the girl when she had been invited to join Bester for a family dinner. It had been odd to see this side of Bester; not when he was with his wife – there was no more love between them then Talia had felt for Mat Stoner. However, Bester truly cared for his daughter, even though despite all genetic probability Chelsey was only a P-2; barely telepathic. The whole dinner had been a semi-realistic affair, although, for once, Talia was glad that the Sleeper had to suffer through it, rather than her.

"Good morning Sir," the Sleeper said silkily. Despite having the same vocal cords, her voice sounded completely different than Talia's.

He smiled. "I've just had some interesting news."

"Oh?" She arched an eyebrow.

"It seems a friend of yours just arrived on Mars, a Rough telepath, Alisa Belden."

Talia hadn't been paying much attention to the conversation until she heard that name. Oh No! no! no! no! This was her fault, the call. Dammit Alisa I told you to stay away.

"Maybe she's reconsidered her decision not to join the Core."

"Doubtful, but we should extend her an invitation anyway."