Did somebody want an update?

I finally got the chance to finish chapter up. I'm home right now - back pain is a bitch but also a godsend. Weird how that works. lol.

Any mistakes are my own.

I own nothing!

Let the mystery begin!

Hidden Agendas

"So glad you could join us," Hippolyta said as she took a sip from her glass. Diana blushed as she seated herself next to her mother.

"I'm very sorry mother. I over slept," Diana murmured. She quickly glanced at Philippus who just raised a delicate eyebrow and gave her a knowing smile.

"So…how is our patient doing this morning?" Hippolyta glanced first at Diana then to Philippus. She hid her smile as she lifted her fork to her mouth.

That morning, before Philippus awoke and made her rounds, Hippolyta had made her way to the infirmary only to find an unexpected sight. Lying on the narrow bed was Diana; her head tucked underneath the sleeping Captain's chin; their arms wrapped around each other. Hippolyta slipped out of the room just as quickly as she came.

Hippolyta wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not to let Diana be around the Captain so much but at the moment she was enjoying the slight discomfort her daughter was feeling.

"Oh…I hear she is doing well. Epione says that her leg is healing slowly but she will be as good as new," Diana said a little too quickly.

"Hmm," her mother replied lifting the glass to her lips. Philippus knew that something was going on and the look Hippolyta was giving her proved Philippus' suspicions. Philippus knew that the Queen would turn on her soon. She didn't want to be here for that.

"If you will excuse me my Queen, I need to make my rounds," Philippus said as she got up from her seat. Hippolyta looked up as if surprised.

"Leaving so soon?" Hippolyta flashed a smile so sweetly that Philippus sighed internally. Diana, who had been silent, cleared her throat.

"Mother, I think I should go and check up on the Captain. See if she would like anything to eat," Diana suggested anxiously. She had awoken that morning feeling well rested. It had been a long time since she had felt that way.

When Epione had quietly informed her that her mother had wanted to see her for breakfast, Diana felt torn. She wanted to stay and wait for Arizona to wake up, but she knew that if she declined her mother's invitation, her mother would begin to ask questions. Questions Diana wasn't sure she was ready to answer yet.

"I'm sure Artemis can manage just fine without you Philippus. Please, sit. The both of you."

Diana and Philippus looked at each other as they sat back down slowly.

Hippolyta pushed her empty plate aside as she folded her hands neatly on the table. She smiled first at her daughter then to Philippus. Both Diana and Philippus swallowed nervously.

"Can someone care to explain me why I found my daughter this morning, sleeping soundly, might I add, in the arms of our guest?"

With eyes wide, Philippus leaned forward and glared at Diana.

"I thought I told you to stay out of trouble?"

Hippolyta looked from Diana then to Philippus then back to Diana.

"Oh really?" The Queen had angled her body so she was now completely facing Diana. The young woman groaned and closed her eyes as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Mother, is this really necessary?"

"As a matter of fact, yes it is. Honestly Diana, do you think that is the kind of behavior befitting for a princess?" Philippus interjected before Hippolyta could answer.

Hippolyta crossed her arms as she turned in her seat to now face her friend.

"You're not of the hook either, Philippus."

Philippus snapped her mouth shut and sat back. Diana gave her a smug smile.

"Diana," Hippolyta said sternly.

"Both of you explain. Now."

Hippolyta glared at the both of them.

WwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwW

"Mornin, Epione," Arizona said cheerfully. She had awoken alone that morning and felt a slight pang of disappointment. But she tried not to dwell on it.

She had pushed herself up into a sitting position as the young physician walked in. Epione smiled brightly.

"Good morning Captain. Did you sleep well?"

Nodding as she wiped the sleep from her eyes.

"Please call me Ari. And yes, I slept like a baby," Arizona said gently as she accepted a tray of fresh fruits. She quickly devoured her bowl earning her a soft laugh from Epione.

"I'd slow down if I were you," Epione said as she placed a gentle hand on Ari's back. As if on cue, Arizona swallowed a little too quickly and began to cough. Epione chuckled to herself as she gently patted Ari's back. Arizona grinned sheepishly as Epione just shook her head and laughed.

Artemis, who was standing just outside, was watching the way Epione would laugh or grin at her patient. She scowled not liking it. She didn't want to admit it, but she was jealous. She snorted at the thought. She knew Epione hated that part about her – the quick anger and all.

To be honest, Artemis wasn't even sure why she was feeling this way. Giving her head a quick shake, Artemis stood straighter and pulled her shoulders back. She inhaled and stepped into the room, clearing her throat as she entered.

Both women turned around at the sound. Arizona looked a little disappointed and Epione, once she realized who it was, smiled brightly.

"Artemis!" Epione opened her arms wide and embraced the woman. Artemis wrapped her arms loosely around Epione's waist as she glared at Arizona. Epione seemed to sense Artemis' foul mood and leaned back slightly her arms still around the redhead's shoulders.

"What's wrong?" Epione asked softly. When Artemis didn't respond, Epione gently took Artemis's chin and turned it around to face her. Epione cupped Artemis's cheek and smiled. Inhaling, Artemis shook off her mood and smiled back.

"Nothing is wrong. Just…I'm not an early riser. You know me?" Artemis shrugged casually. Epione narrowed her eyes as she stared at the redhead. She didn't like it when Artemis kept things hidden from her, especially when it involved feelings or emotions, Artemis was a brick wall.

Sensing Epione's disappointment, Artemis gave her a gentle squeeze.

"Philippus is with the Queen. I need to do her rounds for her. I just came to stop by and say good morning. You left me too early this morning," Artemis said with a small smile. Her smile widened as she saw a blush creep into Epione's beautiful cheeks.

Rolling her eyes, Epione grinned and gave Artemis a playful shove.

"Yes…well…some of us like waking early," Epione mumbled low enough as too not embarrass herself in front of Arizona. She quickly glanced at Arizona who had taken a keen interest in the bowl she was holding.

Turning back to Artemis, she placed a loving peck on the redhead's lips.

"Will you visit again later?" She asked hopefully as she chewed on her lower lip. After all this time, Epione still felt a little insecure. She, of all the women on the island, caught the eye of the most beautiful redhead. She couldn't figure out how that happened. Artemis was the fiercest and most loyal amazon she knew. Epione was not was the most beautiful nor was she skilled. She was just a healer. Her appearance wasn't like the others on the island – a plain face; almost childlike, her body could be described as 'lanky' and her hair…too long and it was an ugly white. She was a good fighter but nothing compared to Artemis.

She was floored when out of the blue; Artemis had presented her with the traditional amazon necklace and bracelet. Epione quickly accepted, fearing that it was a dream. Now she worried if she had been too hasty and should have thought it through a bit more.

Nodding Artemis kissed Epione's soft cheek. "Do you want me to?" Epione gave her a small smile and nodded. "Then I will stop by for a few minutes later in the day." With that Artemis gave her another quick kiss and left.

Epione watched the receding back of the woman she has grown to care about. Again she wondered how their paring ever happened. Sighing, Epione turned and headed for Arizona's bed.

"Everything ok?" Arizona asked gently. She couldn't help but watch the two. They were an interesting pair but no less beautiful.

Something in Epione's worried expression made Arizona sit up slightly. It was an expression she remembered seeing on her wife's face from time to time. Arizona felt a slight pang of guilt when she thought about her.

"Wanna talk about it?"

Smiling and giving her head a shake, Epione just waved off the request.

"That's alright. Besides, I'm the one that needs to take care of you, remember?" And before Arizona could answer, Epione busied herself with monitoring her progress.

Sighing, Arizona just sat back and minded her own business.

WwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwW

Doug just looked around at his surroundings. He didn't think cleaning out and organizing someone's belongings would be this difficult.

It had been almost 3 weeks since Arizona disappeared. A week and a half since she was declared dead. And one week since the funeral.

Doug thought he'd been through the toughest part but he was mistaken. Going through Arizona's life and putting them away in boxes was excruciating. Packing away memories was hard. Doug picked up his sister's photo and quickly had to put it down as his hands started to tremble. He was never really good at this.

That's why after his sister's funeral, he let Arizona deal with this stuff. She understood that he couldn't do it for his baby sister. But what Doug didn't understand was how Arizona managed not to crumble when she had to pack up Helen's life away.

Maybe she did…he thought sadly. Again, Doug felt tears ready to fall but pushed them back. He busied himself with grabbing what he could and putting the items gently into the boxes surrounding him. He already had most of small apartment packed up. He just had to finish up Arizona's office and he was done.

There was a filing cabinet in the corner of the room. He tried his luck and pulled the top drawer and it slid open easily. He begun grabbing files and placed them carefully in the box. He was on the last drawer when he pulled out a thick, light blue colored document.

"Hmmm…interesting…" Doug opened it up to see what it was just out of curiosity.

When he did, Doug's heart stopped.

DECREE OF DIVORCE

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE SAN FRANCISO JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF

THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Helen Mitchell,

Plaintiff,

vs.

Arizona P. Mitchell,

Defendant

Doug couldn't read any further. He felt his heart pounding in his chest and his hands shook.

"What the hell…" Doug let the document slip from his fingers as his hands ran through his hair. He looked around the small room. Arizona's picture lay on top of one of the boxes and Doug felt his blood boil. Grabbing it he just glared.

"You son of bitch…," he growled at the photo. Just then he whipped around and threw the framed photo at a nearby wall, shattering the glass. He screamed as he punched a box then another and another until he felt his rage slowly evaporate. He placed his hands on his knees as he bent over to catch his breath. Tears finally fell down his cheeks.

After a moment he straightened himself up and wiped his nose with his sleeve and looked at the mess he made. A part of him didn't want to touch anything wanting to leave the mess. But the rational side of him convinced him otherwise.

He got a broom and begun to sweep up the glass shards and carefully picked up the broken frame and took out the picture. He tossed the photo into the box with the documents then tossed the frame and broken glass into the garbage. He managed not to destroy all the boxes.

It took almost an hour to re-organize the items from the ruined boxes into brand new ones. He was finally done and started to load them into his truck. There were 3 more boxes left when he noticed one of the pictures still hanging. He went to it and noticed which one it was.

Slowly and carefully, Doug removed it from the wall and stared down at it. He reached out and traced his baby sister's face. It was a photo from Arizona and Helen's wedding reception. Both women had bright smiles on their faces. Once more, Doug felt tears falling from his cheeks.

Soon he was weeping quietly. He cried for the loss of his sister, he cried for the loss of his friend. And wondered why neither of them had told him.

WwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwW

Thomas Black sat back in his office, his feet crossed at the corner of his desk. He slipped his hands behind his head and grinned. It was a good day for the Colonel. He managed to get his hands on a precious stone that was needed for the ritual.

Almost have them all. Soon…Thomas thought to himself. He almost felt giddy with the knowledge that very soon; he would have all that he needed to summon the 'true rulers'. He just needed to find the last stone.

But then his grin slowly faded.

He thought of his goddaughter, Arizona. She was an unfortunate casualty. He actually was fond of the young woman. She was sharp and intelligent beyond her years. She also knew when to keep her nose out of his business. Too bad he couldn't say the same about the girl's grandmother. Damn brawd was always sticking her nose in places she didn't belong. And it cost her everything.

"At least you don't have to worry about them any longer," Thomas mumbled to himself. He was lost in his thoughts that he didn't realize someone was knocking on his office door. Quickly, he got up and opened the door.

"Ah, Douglas. Come in. You're just the man I wanted to see," Thomas said cheerfully. He stood aside to let the young pilot in.

"Um…yeah. I got your message Colonel. It sounded important sir," Doug said softly. Thomas studied the young man as he sat back in his chair.

"Douglas, I'm going to be frank with you. You look like crap, son." Thomas pulled open one of his drawers and pulled out a cigar. He offered one to Doug who just shook his head.

"Yes sir. I just finished packing up Arizona's apartment," Doug said quietly. Thomas's hand stopped half way to lighting up his cigar. He put down the lighter and cigar on his desk and was quiet.

He stood and made his way to sit next to the young man. He placed a comforting on Doug's shoulder.

"How are holding up?" Thomas asked. Doug was quiet for a moment.

"Doing the best I can, sir." Nodding and giving Doug's shoulder a gentle pat, Thomas stood and sighed. He moved to sit on the edge of his desk as to face Doug. He crossed his arms and thought for a moment.

"Douglas, I've been thinking. I know this might be too soon, but have you thought about what you're going to do now? Your position on Red Squad, I mean. Have you given much thought?"

Doug's head shot up, his eyes angry.

"What! It's only been 3 weeks, sir! You're already filling the Captain's position?" Doug stood to his full height.

Holding up a hand to calm down the kid, Thomas stood as well.

"Now hang on one damn minute. I didn't say anything like that. I'm not going to fill that spot. It belonged to Arizona. But…she was up for a promotion prior to her…untimely death. I'm hoping you'd like to take up that position." Thomas eyed Douglas carefully. He saw the boy's brain working overtime.

"This position is open to anyone. But I wanted to come to you first, Douglas. Out of respect for Arizona. I know she would have wanted you to take it if she couldn't," Thomas coaxed. Doug was torn and Thomas could see that.

Sitting back down, Doug was feeling conflicted.

"Can I think about it?"

Nodding, Thomas stood and rounded his desk. He watched as Doug got up to leave.

"But don't take too long, boy. I don't want anyone else for this job but I won't be able to hold the others off if it's what they really want."

Doug thought about it for a second more. He then nodded.

"I'll do it."

Colonel Black smiled slyly. He knew Doug would be a lot easier to manipulate then Arizona would have been. Maybe her death was a godsend after all…