AN: Well, I'm glad that the humor was conveyed in the previous chapter- we need a light moment every once in a while in this rather dark series. And I might add that it was a bone fide coincidence that Jarod wound up back in New York where he is most certainly needed. Of course, this was by no fault of his own; blame it on the gate attendants! This is an interlude piece for my readers while I work out the details of the overall story (gosh, it's more work than I anticipated!) Happy (short) reading!
Phi4858: Yeah, Parker is something else isn't she? And Mr. Parker isn't through lying to either of his children, as Parker will discover when she confronts him about the Heptagon Project. As for Lyle and Parker ever getting on the same page as far as actually talking to each, they will have their moments. As for Kip, well, he's headed for a whole heap of trouble…:)
Gemini: I look forward to your reviews so much! ;) Jarod doesn't seem to be able to escape the Centre, even when he is running from them. As for Kip, he's going to learn a hard lesson about letting sleeping dogs lie.
LJP: Ending up back in NYC is the only coincidence is this story.
Interlude: Conspiracies
"I am still not satisfied with the situation, Mr. Cox. Not after what happened last time."
"I assure you, Madam Director, we have everything under tight control. Operations are running smoothly." The unflappable Mr. Cox actually began to sweat.
"I find it difficult to believe," the Director's diction was sharp, crisp, and deadly serious. "That with all the problems which arose during the last time those two weretogether that this is wise. I do not see how intentionally placing them together will beresult in anythingdifferent than the previous Project."
"I assure you-"
"I do not want or need your assurances. What I want is tangible evidence: proof that this Project will be successful."
"Of course, Madam, whatever you wish."
There was a chilling silence in which Cox stopped breathing. With a mere flick of the Director's wrist it could be off with his head; he had to be excruciatingly carefully not to make even the tiniest of errors either in words or actions.
"Project status."
"Progress is moving slow, but steady. The subject is quick to learn and successfully accomplishes the simulations. However, we have encountered Activation issues."
"What issues?"
"The subject has difficulty recalling details and facts and recollecting faces and locations. We have thus far been unsuccessful in determining the source of the problem."
"Is he somehow responsible for this?"
"Mr. Lyle?" Cox, now a bit more relaxed, scoffed at the notion. "Hardly. He doesn't have the intelligence to manipulate such things."
"You seem confident of that, Mr. Cox."
"Overly, Madam."
"I hate over-confidence," The Director snapped brusquely. "It leads to carelessness. And carelessness leads to failure."
Cox gulped. His breathing halted again.
"What is Mr. Parker's status?"
"Still missing, Madam. No leads as of yet, though we believe that Miss Parker may know more than she claims."
"Intensify the pressure on Mr. Lyle. I want Mr. Parker found. Do what you must."
"With pleasure, Madam," Cox turned as he was dismissed, relieved to be able to step out of the fire at last.
"Mr. Cox?"
He turned back with an apprehensive visage. "Yes, Madam?"
"I want the child."
Cox frowned, greatly perturbed. "Yes, Madam."