So far Reese hadn't detected any threats, well.., as long as he didn't count an entire warehouse full of futuristic weapons, every Who's-Who crime boss and weapons trafficker across the globe, and a small army of heavily armed mercenaries. Still, none seemed specifically interested in their numbers one way or the other.

Reese turned his attention to the echoing voice of the older, white-haired man from earlier. "Welcome distinguished guests. As you know just being here is a unique privilege, extended to the very elite, and shall we just say... morally flexible," The crowd chimed in agreed laughter. "not to mention, supremely ambitious individuals that fit our strict requirements. Some of you are here for your fifth Event, while others may be here for your first time. So please remember or... understand - the only way this works - discretion and full payment are key to both success and continued well-being."

So much for no threats. Reese pursed his lips with a glare.

"Now without further ado, it's my distinct pleasure to announce the sixth annual W.A.R. Extravaganza! Everything is beyond cutting edge, as you've been seeing, and I think you will especially enjoy the new Holographic-Combat room. It will be opened to five guests at a time, but don't worry everyone will get to experience this new marvel. Guests #001 through #005 may entire now. Have a wonderful evening."

Ok.., now that was, specific. Tension mounted under his cool exterior - this would put all their numbers in one place at one time. John moved through the crowd watching Stark, Trent, Sinclair and Boyd collecting at the entrance and happily reciting their codes for admittance. He had no choice but to followed suit.

Five, ten foot, clear chambers encircled the main floor, creating a pentagonal space, each guarded by two well armed sentries.

A manned control module hummed in the center of the room, resembling a water fountain with the thick cluster of cables spurting up to the ceiling, that then splitting off to each of the smaller rooms.

As they filed in, they were handed a head-set, goggles, ankle-straps and gloves, then directed forward. Reese didn't miss the evil eye he received from Trent as moved to his side.

"You lied." Reese whispered before he could say anything.

Trent look surprised. "I could say the say about you. Clearly I'm in no danger. So, I'm wondering... why did you want me gone? Who are you?"

"You said you didn't know the men following you, and yet come to find out, they were protecting you all along. Why? What are you planning?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about!" Trent spat. "I work for now one - NOT anymore!" He ground in a forceful whisper.

"Did you notice the vans on the way in? The same..." But Reese was cut short by the man at the control panel.

"Welcome to the Holographic-Combat room. This is an interactive, holographic, imaging network. It's designed to hone combat skills, shooting, hand-to-hand, evasion technics, or whatever training scenario you program in, but without the fear of permanent injury.

The system interfaces with your nervous system and pain receptors, so it will feel completely real, but again, no permanent damage will result. The perfect way to train for any situation." The man proudly smiled. "Please choose a booth and put your equipment on, then select from the five sample choices in front of you."

Trepidation was mixed with unavoidable curiosity as Reese moved to a booth. He still couldn't shake the honesty in Trent's responses. He was good at reading people and Trent wasn't lying. Did they have it wrong?

Either these five people were extremely good actors, or they really didn't know each other. Not one acknowledged the fact that he wasn't Erinson. Had they been planning something together... things would have played out very differently by now.

He felt like he was still reaching for answers, but either way, it didn't change the fact that they were collected together, unarmed and outgunned - times ten. Not favorable even by his standards.

Reese inspected the equipment he was holding. It appeared to have input sensors at multiple points of contact, even if he place them on askew, he couldn't avoid them all; he hoped however, it would be enough to disrupt a complete connection of whatever the hell this was.

"Please enter your height, weight and make your combat selection; we have a few to choose from. Street, knife, fire-fight, or jujitsu."

Street fighting. That was second nature and would give him the chance to divide his attention.

"Don't worry about the difficulty level, it is self-adjusting based on your natural responses. Thank you... and now, enjoy."

The lights dimmed.

Notes* sorry it's a short ch. I'll try to get more up tonight. Work is getting in the way! ... I just want to play! ...Play with my (I mean our) favorite characters! :-)

Thanks to everyone for the Reviews! Writer's Candy - Pure and simple!