A/N: This is another Violet Cameo chapter, so half the credit goes to Hello Captain, as always. :) She's a joy to co-write with, and I strongly recommend her works.

Chapter 26

Go seed the lies. Sure. Why do I get the feeling this is going to go horribly wrong? Alexandra couldn't help but wonder as she, Violet, and Sultan started out of the lab. Worry seemed to be the general atmosphere amongst the three friends. Alfred and Alexia had never talked to any of their children much about their own childhood, but from what she had gathered they weren't the nicest kids on the block.

Once during a particularly boring evening at home she had overheard her mother boast of killing some guy named Francois when her and Alfred were only seven, repeat--seven--years old. That was an awfully young age to be thinking of murder. If they were capable of it at seven, they were more than capable at ten.

And Violet...The young Ashford's gaze shifted to her gawky but intelligent friend. Violet didn't look any more comfortable with the whole situation than she was, which was understandable. Worry imprinted itself on her face all the harder, and now Alexandra was more determined than ever not to goof up. I can't let anything happen to her because of me. She's bending over backwards to help me here; probably even risking her life in the process. I have to make sure things run smoothly. After all, I'm the one who's not supposed to be here. Not her.

Lady Luck, fickle demon that she was, decided that she was not on Alexandra's side today. No sooner had the trio made it ten paces down the elegant narrow corridor than there was a flash of blonde and a much younger, smaller version of Alexia appeared suddenly from around a corner.

Alexandra and Violet nearly collided with her.

Alexia was not in the least amused. It was amazing how fast her face transformed into a snarl. Alexandra had never seen anyone look so angry so quickly.

" Snowe?! " Her voice was a shrill, dangerous hiss, " What on earth are you doing wandering about without permission? " She turned her cold gaze to Alexandra and her feline companion; her blue eyes widening in horror and confusion that was quickly replaced by a forced look of haughty superiority, " Kindly explain the presence of that child, Snowe."

Bugger. Violet wrinkled her nose in consternation at her child boss.

" Dr Ashford!" She exclaimed in a voice that was barely more than a squeak, " Y...your...uh...um...your cousin just arrived. I found her looking a little lost and there was no one about and I um...I'm really sorry, the experiment data you asked for is almost finished, I'll get right back to it a.s.a.p, but I...." Violet trailed off and looked at her feet.

" It's not her fault," Alexandra added quickly, picking up where her human companion had left off and fixing Alexia with her innocent blue eyes, " I wandered off alone. I..." she stammered, Oh great, how am I going to put this? She already hates me. " I mean, my parents sent me over on a surprise visit. I assumed it was already cleared with ah...Alexander." She extended her hand nervously, wary of Alexia's dangerous look. " Pleasure to meet you. I'm Alexandra Ashford." She tried on a cute, sincere look.

Alexia eyed her relative coldly for a moment, sneering at her outstretched hand. She was not used to having such matters thrust upon her, and the lack of her customary iron control angered her.

" Well...Alexandra," She replied in that same frosty tone, " It appears that you have already made the acquaintance of some of our less intelligent members of staff," she shot a spiteful glance at Violet, who bit her lip.

Fuck you Alexia. I have two degrees, AND I've never shagged my brother. Beat that.

Alexia continued, " This really is most inconvenient. Trust the Americans to botch matters up so. It really is frightfully rude of you to show up without precedence," her complete dumbfoundment was barely concealed.

Alexandra was not happy with this reply. Yep. This is my mother alright. She pulled back her hand. " I don't think Violet's dumb at all. Sorry if you think my presence here may be a little but rude. My apologies, I thought you knew."

Alexia's expression hardened, causing Alexandra to draw back closer to Violet. Not for the first time, it struck the child just how cold it was in the building. " Oh, and it's a little chilly in here." She shivered for effect. The T-Veronica coursing through her veins made her more susceptible to the cold than most people. She really felt as if she were standing in the middle of an iceberg wearing nothing but a leotard. Not a comfortable way to begin any search. " If it's not a bother, would it be....I mean...maybe you could turn up the heat? Please Mo....I mean, Mistress Alexia? I'm really unused to such cold."

Violet broke into a delighted grin in spite of herself as Alexia turned extremely pale and clenched her fists until the knuckles went white. What a swell kid.

" Wipe that smirk off your face, Snowe! " The Ashford Mistress snapped angrily before forcing a tight little smile at Alexandra, " Certainly," she said in a voice that trembled with rage under the forced courtesy, " I shall address the matter with one of the servants presently."

Alexandra tried not to show her fear. Why am I so afraid of her? She doesn't even have the virus yet. Facts were facts. If anything were to happen, she had a big advantage over this pint-sized version of her mother.Instead of balking she smiled pleasantly. Since she was here she may as well set a good example on proper etiquette.

" Thank you. That's most kind. Shall we visit Lord Alexander and inform him of our arrival? Oh..." She paused mid-sentence, realizing that Alexia was not familiar with Sultan. The tiger yawned, displaying a multitude of gleaming white teeth, " That's my pet Sultan. He's tame, don't worry." She looked up to Violet quickly before retuning her eyes to Alexia. " It's just a good thing that Violet found me." Despite her best attempts to appear calm, she couldn't help the ugly little tinge of nervousness that wriggled it's way into that last sentence.

Alexia eyed the tiger warily, inching slightly closer to Violet as it yawned for a second time, still keeping that look of aloof disgust on her noble features.

" I'll thank you to keep that animal under control while it is in my house," she snapped, despite the fact that the tiger was behaving like a perfect housecat, before rounding on Violet, " And what were you doing out of the lab, might I ask? "

Aw, bollocks. Think fast, Violet, think fast. " Um..." Violet stammered for a few moments, wishing that she didn't have to constantly defer to a ten year old, " Uh...um..." eventually she answered in an uncertain voice, not wanting to give away the fact that Alexandra was in the labs, " I...um...piss break...? " Yeah nice one Violet. Now you're for it.

" What?! " Alexia raged, now very suspicious.

" Yeah," Alexandra confirmed, " I met her near a restroom." She looked to Violet, resisting the urge to wink as that would give them both away. She met Alexia's harshness with a sunny-sweet smile. " And I assure you, Sultan is most well-behaved." She patted the cub on the head in demonstration.

Sultan mewled happily and rolled over onto his back, wanting his tummy rubbed. Misplaced he may be, but the tiger still remembered scents. Alexia was familiar. Family. Not a threat. Many times in the past he'd dashed in front of the older version; even batted at her legs at some points, to which the Ashford mistress had always retaliated with a harsh swat.

Alexia snorted in distaste at the animal, unwittingly mirroring her future self's visage perfectly. " He had better be." She warned before glaring at Violet, "And as for you, what is wrong with the lavatory down in the labs? "

The auburn haired girl, who was fiddling with her broken glasses, looked up sharply before mumbling, " They've frozen over again, Dr. Ashford." It was not a lie.

" Um, do you think you could take me to Alexander now? Or perhaps take me on a tour of this..." Alexandra strained to say words she didn't really mean, " lovely base? I am sorry to be a bother, but I really don't know where I'm at or where I'm supposed to be." A tour would be lovely. Then I could have a layout for when I search for that blasted Hylen. She rubbed Sultan's tummy a bit, never taking her eyes off of Alexia.

Never before had Alexandra been in such dangerous, trying circumstances. I wish Mom would stop being so rude. Especially to Violet. A little kindness goes a long way.

" I'm sorry, cousin," Alexia sneered, " But as an Umbrella head researcher I simply do not have the time to indulge in such fruitless endeavors. You may think me rude, but I am far too busy to play hostess," she pursed her lips for a moment before rapping, " Miss Snowe?"

Violet jumped, and there was a large amount of fear discernable in her mannerisms, "Yes'm? "

" How far are you from completing those reports I asked for? "

Violet grimaced and groaned inwardly at the thought of her massive workload, " Um...I've done forty out of the forty five, but I have a slight backlog left from last week..." A hundred fucking reports to do in a week. I hate my job. I haven't even had a full night's sleep in weeks, let alone a fucking day off...

Alexia arched an eyebrow, mildly impressed. She had not expected her assistant to have done more than half. " Very well," she sighed reluctantly, her rosebud mouth set in a hard line, " You may suspend your endeavors for now and see to it that my cousin grows acquainted with the residential areas of the facility. She is under no circumstances to be allowed in the labs, is that quite clear? " Violet looked away guiltily and mumbled an assent.

" Why not? " Alexandra wanted to know, " I'm quite adequate in several fields of research and virology. Perhaps I could help her catch up more during my time here? I mean, that seems like such an unfair amount of work. Please, let me help her during part of my stay. I promise to stay out of your way."

Alexia wasn't just being unfair, she was being ridiculously unfair. She bit her lip nervously, before realizing with horror that that might draw blood, and stopped. She shot Alexia a pleading look, trying her best to appear innocent and sincere.

Here's to keeping my fingers crossed. She fidgeted slightly in her nervousness.

Alexia glared at Alexandra as though she has just insulted her parentage. Not only did this child show up out of nowhere, but she was also a rival to Alexia's scientific prowess. That wouldn't do. That wouldn't do at all.

" You will stay out of my labs..." The older Ashford hissed, " It's bad enough that Snowe is around being a liability. God, that girl is barely competent." She scowled, " But I am not risking further setback to my project by letting my guests run amuck there too! "

Violet groaned silently. Oh give me a fucking break Alexia. You're just jealous of her.

Alexandra sighed sadly, thought of arguing, then decided against it. What do I care? This isn't even my timeline. Once I leave I won't have to worry about it. She's just jealous. And what does she mean setback? That's quite insulting. If she only knew the half of it...wait. That's a bad idea. A very bad idea.

" Alright then," There was no other choice but to concede; what else was she going to do, show off her T-Veronica abilities and demand Alexia let her help? " It was just a thought. I'm sorry to have offended. I didn't mean to." She struggled not to show her true feelings on that matter, reminding herself that this was the past after all. What had happened had happened. She tugged Violet's labcoat gently, " Come on then, Violet. I'm ready when you are." She sent Alexia a sad, pitying look.

Alexia scowled angrily. If looks could kill, Violet would have been dead. " Try not to botch this up, Snowe," she drawled caustically, and Violet turned red. The bespectacled scientist looked thoroughly miserable as she tried to smile at Alexandra. She stood frozen as Alexia brushed past her haughtily, her eyes fixed to the ground.

Once Alexia was out of earshot, she looked at Alexandra, " Much appreciated, kid, but you don't need to worry about me," she mumbled, before forcing a bright smile, "Anyway, I'm sure you're dying to meet the rest of the Adam's family, so we should get heading, right? "

Alexandra nodded sadly. After a quick scan to be certain that they were indeed alone, she caught Violet's eye; a soulful expression felt from the depths of her heart. " I wish so many of my family weren't jerks."

Violet shrugged, " Me too," she murmured, more to herself than to her companion. Encounters with Alexia always left her feeling completely dejected. It's times like this when I wish I was back in the lab. I'd take an insane workload over Little Miss Muffet any day...still, cheer up, Vi. You've got some time off thanks to this crazy kid, you should at least be grateful for that. Straightening her slumped shoulders, she looked Alexandra in the eye, "Anyway, you should be proud that you've broken the Ashford tradition of being an arsehole."

Alexandra smiled at last and gestured for Violet to lead the way. They continued down the hall. Sultan got up and followed; a well-trained cub and unusually smart.

" Yes, I am proud of that achievement. My big sister Alexis is pretty nice too, but my brother and parents are all a bunch of..." She chuckled in spite of herself, " Cretins."

" Oh I wouldn't say Alexia was a cretin," Violet grinned broadly at the use of her favorite word, " She's just a super-bitch from hell." She glanced over her shoulder at the tiger cub, "You know, for something so fucking terrifying, it's actually quite cute. Do you like spiders at all? "

Alexandra beamed. " Yes! I love animals."

The scientist chuckled and adjusted her spectacles. It appeared to b a nervous habit of hers. " I wouldn't go that far. I fucking hate puppies..." Violet smiled sadly, " I used to breed tarantulas back home, but I had to leave 'em behind with my motorbike when I came here. It wasn't really a fair trade: in return I got to work for Alexia." She stumbled over her own feet and barely managed to stay upright, catching a nearby shelf laden with dolls to keep her balance.

Alexandra tried not to show her surprise at this lack of grace. " Do you need any help? " Not very graceful, but she is rather nice once you get to know her. Doesn't appear to be fond of my mother though. Not that I blame her. Makes me embarrassed to be an Ashford; Mom always acts like she's got a bee stuck in her knickers.

Violet waved her hand, " Not at all, happens all the time. I'm...uh...a wee bit clumsy..." she touched her nose, " Hence the broken specs."

Alexandra nodded and went on, " You know, it really is a shame I can't help you for a bit. That was awfully rude of her."

Violet burst into laughter, " Take notice of what Alexia says. If I followed all her orders to the letter, I'd be half dead from exhaustion by now. I'm sure we can find a way of sneaking you into the lab..." she coughed bashfully, " Sides, I want to get a proper look at what's in your blood..."

They reached an office door and Violet patted Alexandra on the shoulder, " The worst's over with, we've dealt with Alexia. I don't know Lord Ashford very well, but he's certainly not as bad as his horror of a daughter. You want me to wait out here or come in with you...? "

Alexandra swallowed nervously. What's he going to be like in person, I wonder? The horrors of just an hour ago came back to hit her full force like a ton of bricks. Grandfather. The thought filled her with a strange kind of sadness. The only time she'd ever met the man was when he wasn't a man at all but rather a hideous tentacled monster bent on killing her and torturing her parents. An experience she hoped never to repeat ever again. He'd been a particularly nasty creature.

But what had he been like before that? Paranoid, sure; Alexandra gathered that much from the notes she'd read and the few tidbits her parents relinquished on the rare occasions they bothered to mention him at all. He'd also had an unhealthy obsession with Veronica and was the main one responsible for her parents' upbringing. But what did that really say about his character? Was he truly evil, or just ignorant?

They were about to find out.

Alexandra felt her fingers close lightly on the knob. Only then did she realize she was breaking out into a cold sweat; her fingers moist and clammy. I can't do this alone. God, why do I have this horrible feeling? What if Grandfather decides we both should be shot or something?

" Please, do come in with me." She needed Violet. Simple as that. Whatever happened afterwards was nothing. She'd deal with the issues as they came. At the moment, she just needed a friend in this alien world.

When Violet didn't reply, she mustered up the courage and opened the door. Then, Sultan in tow, the two nervous friends entered into the unknown.

Inside the room was small, cluttered, and confining. A miniature version of Alfred was standing off to one corner while Alexander was completely engrossed in the mass amounts of papers on his desk

Wow. He looks just like he did in the old photographs! Alexandra marveled, Well, that makes sense but...wow. This is the same guy who tried to kill me just a little bit ago! He sure doesn't look like it.

Actually Alexander Ashford wasn't all that bad looking for a man over thirty. Sure, his face was haggard and tired with all the little lines and wrinkles that stood testament to long hours at work, and sure, the unshaved goatee gave him--at least in Alexandra's opinion--a sort of tacky appearance, but it was easy to tell the man was well bred. It was even easier to tell he was an Ashford. If the fancy clothes and familiar face didn't already give it away, the trademark blue eyes and blonde hair betrayed him completely.

He and Alfred both looked up at the sound of the door and greeted their unexpected visitors with genuine bewilderment.

" Hello, what's this? " Alexander said, squinting. He recognized Violet vaguely. " Miss Snowe? "

Don't think of him as the monster killing your parents back in the future. Focus. Focus Alexandra. Alexandra cleared her throat, mustering up the courage to walk past a curious Alfred and stand in front of her Grandfather's desk. Here came the moment of truth.

God, what was she going to do if this didn't work?

" Um, hi there. I'm Alexandra Ashford, your American cousin come to visit."

Violet nodded quickly, " Miss Ashford asked me to show Alexandra around..." Oh please don't let him ask too many questions.

Alexander raised an eyebrow in suspicion. He had no time to question, however, as just then Sultan took note of the young Alfred. Recognizing his scent, the cat pounced upon him hoping to play. Alfred was so surprised he let out a bloodcurdling scream and tried to push the little big cat off him.

" Ahhhh! Get it off me! Getitoffgetitoffgetitoff! "

" Oh bloody HELL! " Violet shouted out above Alfred's screams before clapping a hand to her mouth. She looked at Alexandra desperately, " Call it OFF! "

Alexander looked on in complete horror at the chaos that had enveloped his office.

" Sultan! Alexandra called, horrified, " No! Off! Bad kitty! " She grabbed the cub by his collar and pulled him free from Alfred with little difficulty. Oh boy, what a perfect start to get off to! He must know smell that that's Dad and Dad likes to play. Her face turned the color of Veronica's hair, " Sorry about that. He just wanted to play." She offered apologetically. She gave Sultan a stern look. " Bad kitty."

Alexander pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger and sighed wearily, " Please try to keep your menagerie under control..." he muttered, looking almost as stressed as Violet, who was trying her best to placate the still screaming Alfred.

Alexandra stroked Sultan's glossy coat with one hand while using the other to keep him still. She looked over at a terrified Alfred, who was still reeling from his close encounters of the furred kind. Slowly, his wide eyes began to narrow as initial shock was replaced with genuine awe. Alexandra met his gaze.

" I'm terribly sorry, you must have smelled familiar to him. Are you alright? "

" I...I...I'm telling Alexia! " Alfred whimpered petulantly and Violet closed her eyes in dismay, before putting a soothing hand on his shoulder.

" Listen, Alfie," she said in a very gentle, maternal voice, " There's no need for that. The nice big cat was just playing because he liked how you smelt."

Alfred's eyes widened, still filled with tears. " It...it did? "

Violet grinned and nodded, " Course he did. You've made a friend!" She hated herself for her insincerity towards the boy, being unable to feel any genuine affection for him, but she knew that it was necessary to preserve Alexandra's deception smoothly. Alfred seemed to brighten.

Alexandra nodded. " He must really like you. Please don't be frightened, I assure you Sultan wouldn't hurt a fly."

" I hope so." Alexander said in the haggard, tired voice of a man who had spent too much time working. He eyed Violet suspiciously, " Miss Snowe, why was I not..." he gestured to Alexandra, sending a stack of papers over the desk. Pausing a brief second to curse, he continued wearily, " Informed about this? "

" I...uh..." Violet spluttered for a few moments, turning slightly pale, " I...I must have forgotten to tell you about the phone call," This kid is going to get me into some real trouble, I can just tell. She looked at the floor guiltily, " I meant to but I...uh...got distracted. With the labs and...." she cleared her throat and finished lamely "...everything."

Alexander raised an eyebrow. He was not accustomed to such things happening without his notice, especially something as important as a visit. He glared first to Violet, then to Alexandra, wondering what to make of this. Then his eye caught on Alexandra's beautiful necklace and the tiger's fanciful collar. She's obviously from privileged surroundings. Odd, I was not aware I had any other...relatives. Finally, he cleared his throat and rose. " Well I can see that you're obviously well-bred, Alexandra. Who are your parents? Where are they? "

Alexandra swallowed nervously at an imagined conversation: "I'm not well-bred I'm inbred. My parents? They're Alfred and Alexia, your very own incesteous children. They're right under your nose you silly old coot! Hope you don't have a problem with that." Yeah, that will work nicely. She thought sarcastically, I can't very well tell him the truth. Violet had a hard enough time believing me.

" I um...well..." She sputtered, grabbing for names out of thin air, " My parents are Alice and Daniel Ashford. At the moment we live in America in the state of Vermont. They um...they didn't come with me on this little trip. They were much too busy attending important matters. They said it'd do me good to get out and see the world, including the other part of my family."

Violet nodded quickly, " That's right. Uh...Daniel Ashford telephoned the other week to let me know and I neglected to pass on the message. My apologies, sir."

Alexander narrowed his eyes at Violet for a few moments. That girl is completely incompetent. And she's always falling over... " Very well," he snapped sternly, letting the matter drop not because he wasn't angry but because he was simply too tired to have another member of staff killed, " See to it that you're more careful in future, Snowe." he turned to Alexandra with a genial smile, " Well I must apologize for this little mix-up. You simply can't get the staff these days," he looked at the girl with curiosity. She seems so much nicer and more receptive than my own daughter. He thought sadly, " Perhaps, my dear, you would care to join us for supper this evening? It would give us all an opportunity to get to know you better..."

Alexandra beamed brightly. " Oh thank you very much! I'd like that. I was named after you, you know. Isn't that something? "

Alexander nodded, impressed. Wow. I have family I didn't even know about! And they named their daughter after me, that's something. " Really? That's commendable."

Alexandra exchanged glances from Violet, to Alexander, then back again. Worry began to crease her face. " But what about Violet? "

Oh...bloody...hell... Violet shook her head rapidly, " I...uh..." she had gone rather green at the prospect of this unprecedented social situation.

Alexander shot Alexandra another smile, his tired features expressing genuine warmth, " Oh come now," he chuckled, " You don't want Alexia's lab assistant at dinner," he was not being unkind, but such was his upbringing that the idea of having someone that he saw as no more than an extension of the servants to dinner was utterly unfathomable, " I'm sure Snowe has far too much work to do and besides..." he actually chuckled, " she's part of the staff! "

Alexandra turned her nose up at him, no longer able to deal with the way people were treating this poor young woman. " So? She's a person first and foremost." She returned as politely as she could, " And she's my friend. It would be unthinkable to attend dinner without her." Her expression softened. " Please? " She gave the classic puppy-eyes in hopes of furthering her argument. I have to keep an eye on her now that she knows the truth. I don't trust my mother. Well, Gramps neither, really. Hard

telling what they'll do.

Alexander gave Violet a very puzzled, very suspicious look, before turning back to Alexandra. These Americans really do have crazy ideas about the social order.

" I...suppose that would be acceptable," he relented, "...if a little unorthodox." Looking at Violet he snapped sharply, " Make sure you..." he winced, " Make sure you look presentable, Snowe."

There was a loud giggle from under the desk as Alfred laughed with delight, " Dinner! Oh golly, father, I can't wait!"

Violet simply looked at the floor and bit her lip. I've died and gone to purgatory... she thought with a wry smile.

Alexandra eyed Alfred for a moment before looking up at Alexander and curtsying politely. " Thank you, Lord Alexander. I will never forget this act of kindness and hospitality you have shown me. Dinner, I just know it's going to be wicked cool! " She blurted before she could stop herself. Wicked cool? Could I have found a more my-time-ish thing to say? Especially around these parts. Oh my god, they're going to think I've flipped!

Alexander looked surprised, both by the unfamiliar expression, and the whole 'Thank you for this act of kindness, Lord Alexander'. The girl has respect, I'll give her that. He nodded slowly. " Very well then. Meet in the dining room at..." he glanced at his watch, " 6 o'clock sharp for dinner." He shot Violet a dangerous look, " As for you, Miss Snowe, for just one time, try not to be yourself."

Violet jumped to attention, flustered as Alexander rolled his eyes wearily, " Uh...yessir! Um...your...Lord...ness..." she faltered off and turned slightly red.

" Go." The monosyllabic order was all the encouragement Violet needed to flee the room as quickly as she could, head down.

---

The tour around the base did not last long; only about twenty minutes. Partially due to the fact that Alexandra was so young and innocent, and partially due to the fact that most of the labs and rooms were strictly off-limits to all but the most favored and competent employees, there really wasn't much Violet was allowed to show her.

Such a pity. If only she could see more of the rooms Alexandra was certain she would at least be able to form a hypothesis as to the mystical staff's location. Too bad the opportunity never presented itself.

They'd go to one room and Violet would explain real briefly what it was for and what kind of work was performed there, and Alexandra would nod and ask maybe one or two questions that struck her fancy; usually pertaining to the nature of the work or where Violet thought the Hylen was likely to be hidden.

The latter never got a serious answer, and after the first two mentions of it Alexandra was certain that Violet didn't believe in white witches, magical staffs, time travel, or sorceresses. Worse...and she'd been watching closely...none of the rooms contained anything even remotely resembling a white-wood staff with golden runes or a red garnet orb.

This was very worrying, and Alexandra was starting to feel completely helpless. What good did it do to travel back in time if she couldn't even find what she was looking for? And if she couldn't find what she was looking for, how could anyone ever hope to defeat Veronica? She's too powerful...Angelique is right. If she's bent on playing God, there isn't much we can do to stop her.

The ticking of a clock mentally imposed itself in her brain. Ticktockticktock....

Time was running out.

She tried to push the frightening thoughts and images to the back of her mind; concentrate on the positive. There was still time to work this out. No need to sweat, she still had at least six hours to find what she was looking for. Then she wouldn't have to worry about what Alexander, Alexia, Violet, or anyone else thought of her. Things would be set straight and she could return to the safety of her own time where people knew who she was.

Somewhere during the course of conversation through the halls, it had come to light that Alexandra's having no luggage was, suffice to say, more than a little suspicious and bad for her cover. She was supposed to be a cousin coming to visit from America, after all. She would have to have brought something with her: a few sets of clothing, games, toys...personal items and such.

Fortunately Violet had had just the solution, and now Alexandra was waiting patiently in a guest bedroom while Violet fumbled about busily in a closet. Sultan rested at her side, worn out from a combination of all the running around the base chasing after his mistress and just the shock at being suddenly transported to strange new surroundings as well. He lay flat on his belly, paws spread out neatly at his sides and tail still as stone like the famous Sphinx of the ancient past.

They did not have long to wait.

" I'm back!" Violet called out over the mountain of pastel fabric and lace that she was laden with as she struggled through the door. Dumping the bundle of clothing onto the bed with a sigh, she grinned triumphantly at Alexandra.

The young Ashford studied the fabrics, impressed. They looked just like the clothes young Alexia wore!

" Those Alexia's? " She asked, leaping up from her chair in the corner of the room to fling herself excitedly on the bed.

" No," Violet smirked in spite of herself, " They're Alfred's. I pinched them from his toy box." She looked down and sighed. Having since changed her clothing, she was now clad in a grey skirt and blouse that were the smartest items of clothing she had been

able to find on her floor. Her hair was pinned up in a loose bun and, had it not been for her broken glasses, she might have looked vaguely respectable. " I'll wait outside while you get dressed," Violet glanced at her watched and wrinkled her nose, " Quickly."

Alexandra nodded. " Definitely."

Once Violet was out the door, she proceeded to change clothes. I'm going to have to hurry as it is, She thought to herself, Only 6 and a half hours left to find the Hylen before dear Veronica blows everything and everyone to bits. She still couldn't believe it. Veronica had been so nice to her. How could someone that nice be that cruel? What was the world coming to. A few minutes elapsed with Violet waiting outside the door impatiently. Then Alexandra emerged, dressed up to resemble Alexia.

" I'm ready," She told Violet in a soft whisper, " But I hope this doesn't take all that long. Only 6 and a half hours to find the Hylen before I go back to my own time with or without it."

Christ. They could be sisters! Alexandra's mention of her time-travel story made Violet frown slightly, but she reasoned that she was charged with looking after the strange girl anyway, so she might as well play along with her make-believe treasure hunt while she was here.

Violet nodded absent-mindedly, " Well we can have a wander about for...uh...that after dinner," she blanched, " Right now I really need to concentrate on not breaking any..." there was a thud as Violet tripped over one of Alfred's discarded toys and ended up in a heap on the floor. As her spectacles hung lopsidedly from her nose she groaned, " Uh...not breaking anything..."

Alexandra snickered lightly. " I'm sure you'll do just fine." She offered reassuringly, " Now let's get heading off to dinner." She looked on the floor at a now sleeping Sultan. " I guess we could leave him here. It's that time of day where he takes a really long nap, so he shouldn't wake up until after supper. C'mon." She started down the hallway, going the wrong direction since her navigational skills sucked royally.

Violet caught her lightly by the arm, " This way..." she said gently, nodding in the opposite direction, before grinning. " It's ok, this place is a complete fucking maze. Just like Arkley. Honestly, I don't know who the hell Umbrella get to design their facilities, but they really aren't going to win any architect of the year awards any time soon."

Alexandra smiled gently. " I agree."

They continued to the dining room, passing a few servants and other lab personnel along the way. Most of them looked tired and overworked, which was starting to feel like a theme to this place. When they at last entered the exquisite dining room, dinner was already spread out over the fine polished table which looked big enough to seat a king. Fancy candles burned from silver and gold holders, and the whole place had a very...aristocratic feel to it. Alexander, Alfred, and Alexia were already waiting in their seats. They looked up as the guests of honor arrived.

" It's about time." Alexander mumbled, " You're one minute late."

" Sorry." Alexandra apologized, taking a seat as far away from Alexia as humanly possible.

Violet looked around the room, her expression distinctly similar to a hunted animal as she saw Alexia glaring at her stonily.

" What," Alexia's voice was shrill and petulant, " Are you doing here, Snowe?" the young Ashford mistress was clearly riled at the presence of Alexandra, her annoyance now compounded by the fact that Violet was there, "You should be in the lab..."

Violet exhaled deeply, " Yes, Dr Ashford, you're absolutely right..." she breathed and turned to leave hastily, her nerves getting the better of her, but was stopped by a wave of Alexander's hand.

" She's here because Alexandra has taken a fondness to her," he explained, trying as best he could to placate his daughter, " Let us not be rude to our guest, dear."

Alexandra nodded. " Thank you Lord Alexander."

As Violet returned to her seat, Alexandra picked up one of the many silverware on the table and served herself some of the pasta and salad. Where's the salt? Naturally, it was by Alexia. Rats. As the other Ashfords began to dig in--some more mannerly than others--her eyes flitted to Alexia. " Um..." She almost choked, " Alexia? Would you be so kind as to please pass the salt? "

It was a simple question. It really was.

Alexia's china-blue eyes widened at the audacity of this girl, the colour rising on her pale face, " I most certainly will no..." she began before checking herself. I will not allow this proletarian commoner to rile me. I am Alexia Ashford and I am superior to this American upstart in every way. I shall find another method of making her pay for intruding upon my home. She smiled a false, sickeningly sweet smile that made Violet groan inwardly. She knew from past experience that a smile like that could only mean Alexia was planning something very unpleasant.

Alexia was reaching for the salt when Alfred snatched it up eagerly and stretched over the table in a most ungainly manner, handing it to Alexandra with a beaming smile. He looked away, blushing and giggling

Alexandra was surprised. " Why, thank you Alfred! What a thoughtful gesture." Perhaps he does like me after all. She sprinkled the salt over her food, never noticing the way Alexia was eyeing her over like a bug which needed to be swatted.

The table returned to silence for a second, then Alexander asked, " So, Alexandra, tell us a bit about yourself. What's your family like? " He folded a napkin in his hand and dabbed at his chin.

Alexandra stared at her plate, unsure what was safe to say. " Well," she admitted truthfully, " My father's almost okay, but my mother doesn't like me much. In fact, she's always punishing me. She doesn't understand me."

I can see why. Alexia scowled at Alexandra, her dainty features marred with a dark look.

" Hmm..." Alexander replied, wiping his mouth with a napkin, " That really is a frightful shame. Your mother must be a very misguided woman..." he beamed at her brightly, having taken a real shine to this younger, nicer, politer version of his own Alexia.

He opened his mouth to say something else but was cut short by a loud clatter, followed by a smash. The whole table looked at once to Violet who was staring in horror at the jug of water she had just knocked to the floor by accident. Her face drained of its colour as her glasses slid down her nose in that annoying habit that they had of dislodging themselves at the most inappropriate moments, and she opened and closed her mouth in an attempt to stammer an apology. Oh...bollocks.

" Snowe." Alexander shook his head in disbelief. How could one girl break so much?

Rushing to the defense, Alexandra grabbed a cloth napkin and sprung down to help Violet with the mess. As the others looked on, she wiped up all the water quickly. Thankfully the jug had been crafted of a fine metal alloy, and thus had not broken upon impact. Once she had set the jug aside to one corner of the table, Alexandra regained her seat. " There." She grinned, "All taken care of."

Alexia's jaw dropped. This was absurd!

" Don't worry," Alexandra told her clumsy friend, " It happens to the best of us."

" Cheers," Violet whispered to Alexandra as she sat back down, " I...uh...um...." she felt herself withering under Alexia's stony glare, " I'll just...uh....shut up now."

Alexia sniffed, " I think that would be advisable, Snowe," she sniffed haughtily. Violet began to eat in silence. I'm about as welcome as a fart in a spacesuit here...she thought to herself, leaning back in her chair and trying to make herself as small as possible; not an easy task for someone so tall. Still, it's been a while since I've had a proper meal. Maybe I should just enjo... her thoughts were interrupted as she almost fell backwards off her chair and she grimaced, hoping no one had noticed. , Violet. Don't break anything...

Alexandra gave Violet a reassuring glance before continuing her meal.

" So," Alfred said casually, his words directed at the newcomer Ashford, " Your mother is mean to you. I bet you hate her for that."

Alexandra shook her head, delicately lifting a piece of pasta to her mouth with her fork. It fell off. The child prodigy sighed quietly. " No. I have never hated anyone or wished them ill. Mother may not be my biggest fan, but I still love her."

Alfred looked at Alexandra as though she were an alien from Outer Space.

"You...love her?" he marveled incredulously, " Wow..." turning to his sister, his blue eyes were wide with this new concept, " Alexia...do you love me? " he asked excitedly.

" Love is for the weak," Alexia snapped back coldly,

Alfred's face fell, and he looked away, crestfallen.

Alexandra shook her head. " No, it's not." She said gently, the echo of timeless ages falling into her soft voice and making her sound ten times older and wiser than what she really was, " Love is the most powerful passion there is. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preservers. Love never fails. Hatred and indifference...those are for the weak. I pity such souls."

There was a long, awkward pause as the entire table looked at Alexia, who was turning a rather unhealthy shade of red. Eventually she calmed down long enough to formulate a reply.

" You are quite mistaken, cousin." She said icily, "As an Ashford you should know that love means nothing. Power and the family name are everything. We should take our lesson from our ancestor Veronica and her actions, not mindless poetry readings." she sneered, " Power and ambition are the reason why people like me are in charge of the world, and people like her..." she nodded at Violet, " are not. If I succumbed to such pitiful trifles as love and charity I would never accomplish anything."

Alexandra couldn't help it. She laughed most unbecomingly. " Believe me, Alexia. I don't think you would get along with Mistress Veronica! " Only when it was too late did she realize she'd used the word "Mistress" as a title to Veronica. She continued, " Love is the one weapon which we can use against the wicked, because they are defenseless against it. You may be in a position to decide who lives or dies, but we can make the same decisions for ourselves." She would have winked at Violet had her mother not been glaring daggers at her.

Violet groaned inwardly, looking at Alexandra with silent horror. She had never seen anyone speak to Alexia with anything other than blind deference since the day of her arrival, when she had broken the young doctor's favorite doll and nearly gotten herself killed. This is not going well. Alexia's going to have an aneurysm....

Alexia, who was scarlet by now, managed to regain her composure sufficiently to sneer, " You are wrong, cousin. And I do not wish to argue with someone who is so far beneath me..."

"Alexia! " Alexander interjected sharply, before looking at Alexandra apologetically, " Please, forgive her. She has been working very hard recently and your ideas are a little strange to us." He struggled desperately for a change of subject, " So...eh...how do you like the facility? I trust Snowe has given you a satisfactory tour? "

Alexandra nodded. " It's...." She faltered, remembering the stories from her father and that this was the place in which Nosferatu normally resided. " Nice." She poked at a vegetable. " My big brother Ash would love it here." She met Alexander's gaze, " You are very lucky to have such a place. It reminds me somewhat of the castle."

Way to go, Alexandra. She almost slapped herself. Me and my big mouth. I hope dinner ends soon before I end up telling them about the T-Veronica virus and everything. She sent a warm smile to Violet, hoping to cover her tracks. " Miss Snowe's been very nice to me. I like it here."

" Castle?" Alexander looked impressed, " You live in a castle, then? " It did not phase him as much as Violet had feared. In fact, it was almost inconceivable that an Ashford would not live in a residence befitting to that glorious family name.

Violet cleared her throat and shot Alexandra a nonchalant grin, hoping that she could convey to the younger girl that she was almost completely unfazed by the Ashford family's constant insults. Because no matter what they say...I'm not shagging my brother/sister/dad/cat etc.

Alexandra gave a wane smile which seemed almost forced. " Yes. A castle on..." Why not tell the truth? He'll probably just forget anyway. Then I won't be bothered with remembering what lies I made up. " Majika Island." Maybe she could switch the topic slightly? " I live there with my parents and adult brother and sister, Alexis and Ash." That was a lie, of course. Alexis wanted nothing to do with the others, not that Alexandra could blame her. But it was all she could think of to say. She unconsciously scooted closer to Violet, feeling safer there. I wish my father was here. The adult version, that is. She always did feel safer around Alfred.

Violet looked down at Alexandra and smiled weakly, still conscious of Alexia's glare. While Alexia's insults washed over her as though they were nothing, she wasn't entirely sure if she would be able to handle the backlash from Alexandra's visit. Her working life was hard enough as it was.

" Majika island?" Alfred leaned on the table in excitement and Alexia elbowed him angrily. Unfazed, he continued, " That sounds amazing! Can I come visit you one day?"

Alexandra blinked, surprised. Since Alfred was fairly close to her, she reached across the table and took his hand in hers gently. With a kind smile she replied, " I'm sure you will. I would really like that." She chuckled a bit, " We'll have all kinds of fun! We can play all day until..." she frowned, the truth sinking in, " Until my witch-of-a-mother becomes irate and sends us in. Not to worry though, we'll be safe." She stroked his soft skin gently, offering her kindest, warmest grin. How did he know I could use another friend?

Alfred giggled delightedly, his voice shrill and girlish as Alexander marveled at the happiest he had seen his son for as long as he could remember.

Alexia spoke up with a sniff, " Father! Are you really going to allow that? "

Alexander smiled broadly, the arrival of this effervescent child having put him in extraordinarily good spirits, " Of course I am, dear. Would you like to go too? " he asked slyly, a blatant goad at his daughter who had no respect for him.

Alexia merely sneered petulantly. " I have no time for such childish pursuits," she declared, setting her fork down.

Alexandra withdrew, regarding Alexia sadly. " Are you sure? It'll be fun!" She beamed, " And don't worry about our little...disagreement we had earlier. Even if you don't forgive me, I forgive you." Somehow, she felt, she just HAD to say those words. Who knew? Maybe somehow, in some way, that would effect future-Alexia. She set her own fork down and took a sip of water, accidentally bumping Violet's arm with her elbow in the process. " Oops. Sorry."

Violet jumped in her seat and proceeded to knock a plethora of cutlery to the floor, along with her glass of water.

" Bugger! " She exclaimed without thinking, then winced as the table looked on in silent disapproval, " I...um..." she began to laugh nervously. Oh well, I didn't even know what half those forks were for...

Leaping out of her seat, she bent down to pick up the fallen cutlery, mopping at her spilled drink with a napkin. There was a stony silence as she blushed deeper and hastily made to stand back up, banging her head on the table as she did. Sitting back down with a painful thud, the only thing that could be discerned from the auburn haired figure under the table was a muffled, " I think I broke my glasses..."

Alexandra looked on sympathetically. " Uh-oh." Was all she could manage at this display, " Do you need any help? "

" Nope, I got it...." Mumbled the red-faced Violet as she clambered back to her feet and dangled her spectacles in front of her nose with a rueful look. They were completely mangled, both the legs broken off and re-attached with masking tape, and the bridge of the nose snapped in two and poorly glued back together. In addition to this there was a large crack running up the left lens which she had just acquired from her recent lack of coordination. " I think," she whispered conspiratorially to Alexandra as she tried to balance them on her nose while Alexander looked on in disgust, " they might be broken..."

Alexandra shook her head. " I hate to say this, but I think they're totaled. Do you perchance have a spare pair? "

Alfred just giggled at the scene before him.

" I do," Violet mumbled as Alexia and Alexander began to bicker amongst themselves, " They're even worse than these ones. Alfred stood on them," she wrinkled her nose, " Well, I say "stood", but...uh..."jumped on repeatedly while giggling" might be a more accurate statement..."

Alfred looked far from ashamed; in fact, he seemed rather pleased with this random act of destruction.

Alexandra shook her head. " Well, that wasn't very nice." She said calmly.

" Thank you," Alfred giggled.

Violet winced at the high pitched noise that emanated from his lips. Tone down the fucking decibels kid.

Alexandra chuckled too, her voice much quieter and smoother. " You'd get along great with my brother." She told Alfred. Well, maybe. They both had destructive tendencies.

" Is he big and strong like me? I am going to be a soldier ant so I can serve Queen Alexia! " He stated proudly.

I am Violet. I am in Hell. The scientist groaned inwardly as Alfred began to giggle insanely again.

Alexandra wrinkled her nose. " Ash? Well, yes, he's pretty strong. Not very nice though. When he was a kid his idea of a good time was frying ants with a magnifying glass. Then sometimes he'd throw gasoline on live animals and light them up just to watch them burn." She winced at the thought, " Poor things. He wasn't even nice to our sister." She looked to Violet, then around for a clock.

Hopefully it would be time to leave soon. She really must be looking for that Hylen.

Alfred grinned broadly at Alexandra's words, as Alexia turned her attention back to them with a scowl. " I..." She was on the verge of saying something cutting when she checked herself, " I really must be getting back to the laboratory. I have data to analyze, and I have no time for children's tea parties any longer."

Violet breathed an audible sigh of relief and Alexia looked at her furiously. Oh well, let her scowl. I'm in enough trouble to last me the rest of the year already.

Alexandra was curious. And, well, curiosity has been known to make people do some rather stupid things. In Alexandra's case, it caused her to ask, " Alexia? If Violet's so incompetent, why do you let her anywhere near your labs? I'm just wondering."

Alexia paused at the table, gripping the edge until her knuckles went white. She did not have a reply to the question. Violet was not incompetent and Alexia knew this well. She may not have had super-intelligence, but she was one of the best scientists that had ever had the misfortune of working in the Ashford place, and despite her lack of grace, her lab work was almost flawless.

Alexia, however, would never have conceded this in a thousand years. " My work is none of your business." She snapped irritably, vowing to make Alexandra pay at a later date, before stalking out.

Alexander looked at Alexandra apologetically, before shrugging wearily, " I am afraid I too must return to my paperwork." He rose with a dignified air and solemnly offered a small bow to Alexandra, " Thank you for your presence at dinner. It has been a most enjoyable evening."

Alexandra nodded and grinned, " As has it been for me too. My parents send their regards." She rose and stretched, careful not to hit Violet in the nose in the process, " I guess Violet could show me to my quarters then? "

"Ah...yes." Alexander nodded, " I really wouldn't want you getting lost, and I'm sure Alexia can manage in the laboratories for the duration. Now if you'll excuse me," he turned to leave, and paused at the door, " Alfred."

Alfred looked up ruefully at his father, then back to Alexandra. " I like you." He said simply, before scampering after Alexander happily.

It's good to hear. " Feelings mutual, my friend." Alexandra called after him before turning to Violet with a sigh. " Well, I guess we'd better be going then."