AN: I loved the reaction to the last chapter! That's what I was going for. :) However, I think everyone is going want to throw something at me for this next part- it's not a regular chapter, but an interlude which is a necessary evil, I'm afraid.

NYT: You're not the only one too lazy for the new system- me too! Your assumption is correct- we'll see Lyle's feelings regarding his biological mother surface as well as those for his adoptive parents and Mia will be there when it happens. (Hint look for that to occur during a Parker family holiday event; definitely not the most wonderful time of the year!)

Nans: Look for Sydney to take a more proactive stance in the next few chapters- he uncovers an interesting detail that will change the nature of his arrangement with Lyle.

Koolkaz: Thank you, I'm glad you think so.

Imag1ne: Thank you for a great review. The revelations are not over yet and the ramifications of their discover will turn Lyle's world upside downside. I hope others are going through the same battle over whom to sympathize with- my guess is that you won't be able to make a final decision until the very end. ;)

LJP: Mia's dark side will definitely come back to haunt Lyle.

Gemini: Lyle might want to consider moving before Mia finds that hidden shed! Lol Sydney and Broots will attempt to aid Mia, but whether she'll accept the help is a whole 'nother matter. The Parker twins encounter last chapter was foreshadowing of things to come.

Updates should come a bit faster now- the semester is nearly over; the 13th is the last day of finals for me. Woohoo!

Interlude: A New Killer Star

...The subject is showing remarkable progress in her training. She has completed each and every simulation in record time. Every task had been completed cleanly- no evidence of her presence is left behind. With every session, her ability and reflexes increase, however, despite high marks and enviable speed and precision, she still falls short of the original. Ideally, she will be brought up to par with her predecessor, but it is my opinion that she will never reach that standard. Her only advantage over Melpomene is her lack of conscience without activation...

"Cease!"

Obsidian eyes of blank expression turned in the direction of the command. Simulation was over.

"Report, Styx."

The svelte femme fatale obeyed the beckoning and took her place before the imposing figure of Mr. Cox. The vacant stare remained as she sat on stool and pulled her hair off of her neck as directed. The doctor smiled to himself as he picked a hypodermic needle from the table next to him.

"No more lurking in the shadows for you and I now, Gogo," he murmured. His gaze was transfixed upon the inky solution that swirled in the body of the syringe. "No more kowtowing to Mr. Lyle or Mr. Raines or... Mr. Parker."

He laughed triumphantly at the thought. "You and I are at the top of Centre hierarchy as of this moment, my dear. So says our most glorious Director."

Gogo said nothing nor did she react to his words. She merely stared straight ahead into the unseeable.

Cox raised the needle to the base of her neck. "You will shadow Mr. Raines for now. You will play the role of his bodyguard, but you will take your directions from me."

The contents of the syringe drained into her system. Cox removed the needle.

"But first you will go back to Africa and finish off that crazy Zulu's family." He smiled a demented smile. "No trace of Mutumbo's lineage is to remain." He paused to stare at the syringe again. Suddenly, his eyes lit with a new idea. "And Gogo, I want you to make it appear as though a Parker is responsible. Any Parker will do- Mr. Parker, Miss Parker, Lyle... all of them..."

She did not blink.

Cox cast her look of admiration as an artist would regard a favorite creation. "Styx, commence mission objectives. Go! Go!"

Life suddenly coursed through Gogo's veins. She turned to Cox with a devilish grin. "It will be my pleasure, sir."

... It has been brought to our attention that MIRAGE may not be ready in time for activation. At the commission of the Director, the completion time of ARES has been accelerated in the event that it is needed as a substitution for MIRAGE...