AN: I hope everyone and their families are safe and sound and were not harmed by Hurricane Katrina. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, rescue workers, and all those touched by this disaster.

Well, it's that time of year again. Classes started Monday, so updates may be even slower. Sorry! I hate it as much as everyone else! Oh, what I wouldn't give to be paid to sit around writing to my heart's content… lol. I'm done daydreaming- on with the story! Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has reviewed! This is another interlude piece. Chapter is 8 is coming. I promise.

LJP: There's a whole heap of trouble brewing in the Centre kettle…

Gemini: Cox will be gone for a time, but he'll return in full force with even more authority than before. It may be enough power to force the Parker twins into an alliance and a partnership with their elusive Pretender.

Imag1ne: You know that with any meeting between Lyle and Jarod there are going to be fireworks. However, they may not meet when you expect them, too…; D

Angie Capriatti: Thanks for reviewing; it's always nice to a have new name. ) I would really love to respond to your comments, but if I did it would ruin parts of the story. So keep reading to see where Lyle, Mia, Parker, and Jarod end up- they have a rough road ahead of them.

Rev2004: To be honest, I'm not crazy about writing in scenes from the show-too much to deal with. But it's a necessary evil at the moment: it was the only way I could think of to get Mr. Parker back into the mix and establish Cox's badness within the context of the fourth season. But don't worry, with a few exceptions, show episodes will only by referenced from here on out. The exceptions would be "The Year of Agent Zero" and "The Inner Sense Part II".

KoolCaz: Even if Mia does get her memory back, it won't be the end of her problems or Lyle's, especially if Cox finds out about it!

Interlude: Extensive Revisions

Africa - Location Undisclosed

"This is simply not acceptable, Mr. Cox."

"Yes, Madame, I am well aware of that. But until the Triumvirate loses interest in Mutumbo's death, I feel that it is in our best interest to temporarily halt Projects ARES and MELPOMENE."

From the darkness came a bark of contempt. "Halt what exactly, Mr. Cox? We've barely gotten started on the Projects and already they have been delayed several times." The impatient strike of nailsagainst wood followed her words. "I was assured that a simple reactivation of the sub-personality was all that was need to resurrect Dominatus. And yet, you and your baboons cannot even do that!"

Cox drew in a sharp breath as he prepared to defend himself, knowing his standing with the Director was in a precarious position. "Madame Director, I assure you that we are doing everything we can. The nature of problems we have been encountering are unlike anything we anticipated or were prepared for. It is though the sub-personality is in hibernation. We have not been able to rouse it yet…"

"Excuses!" The head of a cane slamming against the impossibly long table punctuated the accusation, shaking the man's aloof demeanor. "And I've heard enough of them. I want Project ARES to continue as scheduled- no delays."

"But, Madame, continuation of the Project could arouse suspicion of the Triumvirate. If they were suspect us in Mutumbo's death…"

"The Triumvirate is made up fools. And besides," Cox could almost see the wickedly chilling sneer on the Director's visage. "You are heading the investigation into the murder, are you not? It is your job to deflect suspicion from us and put it on the Parkers."

"Of course, Madame. My worry is unfounded."

"Now, what's the status on the child?"

"Due to recent events we have not been able to get close enough to the parents to gather any information."

"Excuses and incompetence," the Director murmured loud enough for Cox to hear. "Continue Projects ARES and MELPOMENE with caution and conclude the murder investigation as quickly and cleanly as possible. In the meantime, keep an eye on Raines. If he should suspect something extraordinary about the child, I don't doubt hewould double-cross us."

Cox tipped his head in acknowledgment. "Of course. And Jarod?"

"Oh, I want Jarod, as well. That has not changed."

Short, yes, I know. And disappointing, I'm sure. But I want to tease you all a bit more and to let you know that I haven't abandoned the story. Chapter 8 will be nice and long and juicy. Thanks for your patience and support.