Raoul had confirmed it; Fate really did share Iason's genetics but not the same blood type as odd as that was to believe. And just as oddly the man. Fate, really had no memories from before he had woken in the rubble at Dana Bahn and to be precise after having the opportunity to have at that brilliant mind, he had discovered nothing but void it was like going through the mind of a new born filled with vacancies yet to be filled.

In the meeting hall by now anything pertaining to Mink they simply acknowledge and accepted. He Blondie was an exception to natural laws and was something they had yet to wrap their mind around thus they let it alone. After a thorough questioning on random things they were convinced enough to believe that whichever god held deep contempt for them had bided them well in gaining another Mink.

Of course it wasn't before the day's end that Jupiter had gotten involved and it was obvious she didn't like what she saw but as the ever tolerant she tossed the situation over to Iason as her gift to him to do as he wished only because for now Riki's return and his house arrest was her greatest concern all wrapped around the madness Dead Beat was kicking up which she was about at ends rope with.

"Well that went a lot smoother than planned," Aisha breathed as they entered the lounge that shared ever so frequently.

"Count your lucky stars," Raoul commented as the Furniture assigned to the room, a strutting brunette with wide innocent eyes, offered him a glass of wine he had promptly accepted.

After all he had to deal with of late he wanted something stronger at the very least. Though it was relatively impossible to get drunk he appreciated the familiar taste that made his senses buzz ever so faintly.

It was at this moment a very irritated and sleep deprived Orphe entered the room. Though by now they had gotten used to the air of gloom and doom around him today seemed far worse than any other. Apparently it was either he had been briefed about Fate or was too angry to care, for which ever reason he didn't so much as acknowledge him more than necessary when he beckoned to both Iason and Fate to follow him outside failing to acknowledge anyone else as he left as abruptly as he came with the two identical males in tow.

"What do you think that was about?" Aisha stated blandly as he twirled the glass of liquor in his hand hiding the shards of both jealousy and irritation that he felt at the moment ever so skillfully.

"Something for only whom it may concern," Marcus retorted with a soft smile actually pleased with the spontaneous change in the Mink and even in them regardless of how slight it may be.

Unlike the others he was always open in his views and never hid the fact that of late he too cared for the Mink. Though the others tried to hide it he could see it all clearly; the way Raoul worked double time in his Lab to accommodate preparations for a certain mongrel; the almost mad determination in Orphe's dedication to apprehending Dead Beat and even in Aisha who spent even more days at home with his pet or down in his private quarters consulting the pet handlers on the various breeding pairs.

He smiled to himself as he watched Aisha glance at the door Orphe had entered through clearly wishing he was out there too. A shift in his gaze revealed a busy as ever Raoul fiddling with one holographic cross examination to another. The others seemed more contemplative though it was hard to tell. Bemused he rose to his feet planning to retire with his pet for the evening. Though she had the furniture to keep her company Myrna got lonely rather quickly.

Busy with his duties as of late, as a Chief Inspector, helping Orphe in the streets, he really hadn't recalled when last he had entered her quarters. By now she must sure feel unwanted, but to some extent she was. He had Raoul run a few tests on her for him and apparently she couldn't provide him with a successor. It was really a stab of disappointment but he would have to keep trying with someone else. Deciding that she could wait for at least one more day, he opted for having pleasant dreams- as humans called it- of little blond bundles lounging or idling at every turn.

"S o it's a hostage situation," Fate stated monotonously the irritation lacking in his expression evident in his eyes.

By now Orphe had managed to wound the wild beast that Dead Beat declared itself to be, dwindling their numbers by several dozens a day. With help from Raoul they had found out where a few of their hide outs were based but that was about it. The man pulling the strings behind the curtain was yet to be found. So far they failed to acquire a name and a description and when, after months of critical investigate, Orphe felt as though he was so close to the perp that he could all but touch him, the unexpected makes a turn for the worst.

"This arrived this morning. One of the android officers delivered this to me from a Dead Beat lackey who had been apprehended before another bombing near Mistral Park. With so many persons impersonating Dead Beat to gain our attention I thought it was a fake at first and planned to add it with the other three hundred odd we received," he sighed pacing the room contemplatively slow as he pinched his nose bridge, "a closer look, judging by a note he had written earlier, at the signature confirms that the real leader of Dead Beats had indeed crafted it."

"So all they want is my head?" Iason stated nonchalantly the air malice around him seeming to darken the room.

"Yes in exchange for Riki's safe return, they want your head on a silver platter," a grimace evidently wrinkling his brow, "and before you go ahead and make any rash decisions need I remind you that your head is not one easily replayed. I fear that even for Raoul that would take a miracle to perform considering-,"

"And I have until three days to deliver or they wipe out Midas and Ceres starting with Riki?" Iason seemed pensive as he spoke.

After a moments silence both Iason and Fate responded, "That's preposterous to say the least."

They glanced at each other curiously before fixing their gaze on Orphe who had turned to busy himself with a map of their region pinned to a wall.

"My thoughts exactly. With a threat like that he's shoving the both of you on the spot," Orphe state crossing out a few areas with a red laser pen before circling others, "with Ceres on the line he intends for Fate to be one of the major pressure group that supports your immediate removal whilst on you end on the line Riki's life and that of your children should give you enough reason to yield."

A moment of silence passed before Orphe spoke again, "he's losing men thus he's losing power in numbers. This game is just about over so he draws for a trump card. It's a smart play but it won't hold out. He's now I'm close by so now he fears the worse. Now it's not a matter of if but when."

A moment's silence of uncertainty. The room seemed to hold it breath as it silently waited for what Iason would do or what he'd say.

"If the time comes-," Iason began yet again seeming pensive.

"I strongly disagree and if you try I will stop you," Fate cut him short not willing to even think of it, "you don't look it but you are quite a pessimist, this I know because I am. Before you look at the worst possible outcome think off the best possible results. I'm not entirely sure but I feel as though that head of yours belongs to us both, "he turned his eyes on Iason, "In case you failed to recall how horrid death was need I remind you it's not a pleasant feeling and I happen to like my head seeing it on a silver platter of all places is revolting no matter which angle you take it from."

Iason despite himself offered a faint smile, "I see you indeed know me well not even my thoughts elude you."

"Yes that seems to be the case," Fate acknowledged silently not entirely sure what to say except that.