AN: Ug, updates keep coming slower and slower! But there is a light at the end of this rather dark tunnel- finals are next week then I'm home free for the summer (well, free except for work). So bear with me another week and a half and updates will be MUCH more consistent and quicker. Again, many thanks to all who are reading!

NYT: The answer to what Mia was destroying lies within the second part of Union of the Snake, but you'll have to really look for it. ;)

LJP: Ah, how I'd love to answer your question! But I guess we'll just have to see how things play out. ;) Hmm, I wonder how Lyle would react to Mia being pregnant? Would it bring them together or tear them apart? How would Lyle take having to share Mia's attention and affection? Ah! There I go- look what you started! lol ;) I love hearing your plot bunnies!

Ace of Black Hearts: I am glad to hear you love the story. I've tried my darnest to keep this series from being like every other tP story. I really appreciate your kind words, especially where Mia is concerned. I love her dearly but I am always shy about putting an OC so strongly into canon like this. Mahalo!

Imag1ne: Always love getting your reviews and insights. And I agree with you- the girl needs to do some real searching in her husband's closet; she can't sleep anyway so she might as well! ;)

Gemini: I think I figured out the issue with the chapters. A while ago I went back and combined some of the chapters that were in multiple parts. I think that's what screwed things up. Sorry about that!

Mahalo nui loa to everyone who is reviewing. It helps keep me going, particularly after a long absence.

On with the show!

Darkness Falls: Interlude

"The Darkness has begun. There will be no dawn." - J.R.R. Tolkien

"I don't think I need to tell you that we are not pleased with this recent turn of events."

"No. You don't. I am just as unhappy."

"Then why did you not intervene?"

"I have not exactly been a proactive player thus far."

"Perhaps that needs to change."

"Yes, perhaps. But I doubt Cox will be to happy with that."

"I don't particularly care about Mr. Cox's happiness- he should have been more in control of the subjects to begin with. If he had we would not be dealing with this now."

"I agree fully, of course. However, I don't see what difference it makes if the marriage is valid or not."

"It makes a world of difference. A valid marriage may lead him to believe that he has some control over what happens to the Project."

"He would think that regardless. He believes he has infinitely more power than he does. Besides, you know he possesses strong rogue tendencies."

"Yes, but I am not so perturbed by that as I am by the fact that it was he who initiated the marriage validation. Had she been the one to coax him to do so, you might be able to convince me that he was merely playing along. You cannot convince me of that now."

"And the problem is...?"

"The problem is I was assured that he could not become emotionally attached to the Project... you assured me that he was incapable of such attachment."

"He is."

"Then how do you explain his actions, Parker!"

"You know how Lyle is! He probably thinks he was something to gain by all this, probably plotting something."

"He has stalled the Project immensely. Cox's report from the last session was not good."

"Yes, I know."

"I expect you to do what is necessary, Parker."

"You know I will."

"Even if Removal is necessary."

"I will have no issue with that if that is what it comes down to."

"You won't?"

"No, it's not as though you're talking about Removing my daughter."

"No, we're not... just your... son..."

"You will not encounter any problems from me, I can assure you of that."

"Yes... I know you well, Parker...Of course, the Director is not to know of our involvement..."

"Yes, of course, Adama..."