Deirdra held the pilot's cap in front of her face, shielding her eyes from the sun's harsh rays, as she and Alister awaited Valon's arrival. Once the two DOOM members had safely landed, Alister had phoned Dartz, who had promptly dispatched Valon in a jeep to collect them. Alister of course, had conveniently failed to mention his losing the duel to Kaiba. Had he, Dartz likely would have been quite happy to leave him stranded in the middle of nowhere, with or without Deirdra. As it was, he assumed Alister had won, due to the mere fact he was able to phone him. (Quite impossible, had he lost his soul.) "God, Valon's taking his sweet time", Alister groused, checking the clock on his phone for the umpteenth time. Deirdra shifted uncomfortably on the large rock on which they sat. "Alister", she began shyly.
"Yeah. What?"
"Did you mean what you said earlier?"
"About Valon?"
"No. When you said you loved me."
"Maybe, maybe not."
"Alister."
"Oh, get over it, DeeDee."
"I need to know."
"Okay. Yeah. I did mean it, do mean it. There. Satisfied? Geez."
"So you forgive me?"
"There's nothing to forgive. I was wrong to blame you."
"Really? You? Wrong?"
"Yeah, and if you tell anybody, you're dead meat. Got it?"
Deirdra laughed. Alister's cheeks were rather pink from embarrassment, but he smiled at her. She smiled on the inside. Things were finally as they should be between them. Just then, the sound of an engine alerted them that the jeep, and salvation, was close at hand. Sure enough, the vehicle soon appeared around the bend. Valon waved lazily and shouted "Oi, mates! Hear you're in need of a lift." "It's about time", Alister growled.
Back at Paradius, Dartz stood at the head of the conference room and surveyed his employees with the air of a king presiding over his subjects -or a judge deciding the fate of the accused. His lips were drawn in a thin smile, but his eyes were like ice. He looked from one anxious face to the next. His gaze was unflinching. Finally, satisfied that he had fully captured their attention and cultivated a general feeling of unease, he cleared his throat and began. "As you all know, I am a very busy man. I do not have time for meaningless pleasantries or idle chatter, or this meeting for that matter. But it has been brought to my attention lately that some of you are not performing on the level I desire, and like any just and reasonable employer, it is my responsibility to search out and try to resolve any problems before I am forced to terminate your employment." He had lowered his voice slightly and his eyes were now riveted on Alister, who had been the cause of his most recent displeasure. Alister's face was impassive, showing nothing. Deirdra wondered what was going through his head just then. Guilt? Anger? She, for her part, was carefully trying to conceal her growing contempt for the man they had pledged their loyalty to. She knew that disclosing her true feelings would seal her fate faster than anything else. "So", Dartz continued, gripping the edge of the table as he leaned forward, "What am I going to do?" "I'll tell you what I'm going to do", came a voice from the other end of the table. Mai leapt from her chair and leveled her blazing amethyst eyes on Dartz. "I'm going to start doing things my way", she declared. "I told you I'd take care of Wheeler, and I will, but on my own watch and in my own way. I'm sick of this circus. You crack the whip and I jump -but no more. I've had enough. I'm out." With that, she strode over to the door. Dartz's face paled considerably, before returning to its normal hue, as shock was replaced by anger. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, Miss Valentine", he called out warningly. Mai spun on her heel, and faced him, defiance written on her countenance. "Why not?", she asked. Dartz took a small remote control from an inner pocket and switched on the enormous screen on the wall behind him. It was connected to a live feed showing a massive stone wall in what appeared to be an ancient temple. The wall was covered from top to bottom, end to end with carvings. Dartz zoomed in on a section of the wall. There, chiseled in the stone, were the likenesses of Rex Raptor and Weevil Underwood. "Your little friends were arrogant and foolish as well. Surely you do not wish to share their fate?", Dartz asked. Deirdra was ignorant of the significance of the carvings and therefore did not understand Dartz's purpose in showing them to the group, but the others understood all too well. Mai quietly resumed her seat, and the screen went black again. Dartz addressed them once more. "Before I go on, I must ask -does anyone else here share Miss Valentine's sentiments?", he quiried. The answer to his question was an unspoken, yet unanimous "no". "Good", Dartz said. "I have been very patient with you all thus far, but my patience is wearing thin. From this moment on, no mistakes will be tolerated, no pardons granted. This is your last chance. Make it count. Valon." The Australian gave a start, dropping his ring, which he had been absent-mindedly fiddling with. A metallic 'clink' resounded through the room as it hit the floor, rolling until it met with the side of Raphael's boot. Dartz exhaled sharply and Alister rolled his eyes. Valon looked sheepish as he muttered "sorry" under his breath. "Valon", Dartz continued, "you will be dueling Joseph Wheeler this evening-" "What?", Mai blurted. "Him? Wheeler's mine! I was supposed to take him down." "You were...and you failed", Dartz replied calmly. Mai turned red with outrage, then stormed out of the room before anyone had a chance to protest. Valon made a move to go after her, but Raphael caught his arm, saying "Let her go". Valon slumped back in the chair. Dartz's exasperation was beginning to rear its ugly head. "Meeting adjourned", he said abruptly, followed by "Valon, I'll text you the necessary details regarding your duel shortly. Raphael, you will join me in my office now. Alister, Miss Wallis, you won't be wanted this evening." He then swept from the room, Raphael close behind. Valon loitered in the doorway until they were out of sight, then took off in the opposite direction. "Where do you think you're going?", Alister shouted after him, dreading the answer. "I gotta find Mai", his comrade returned without stopping. "Damn", Alister exclaimed, raking his fingers through his hair. Deirdra slipped her arm around his waist and said "I'm sure it'll all work out"...to herself as much as to him.
Meanwhile, In rural Ireland...
15 year old Liam Flanaghan rested the muck fork against the barn wall and wiped his forehead, letting the cuff of his flannel shirt absorb the beads of sweat that had formed there. He had finished his work and not a moment too soon in his opinion, as the day was overcast and the dark clouds in the distance threatened an autumn rain shower within the hour. The sheep, softly bleating, had gathered near the barn. The animals could sense the change in the weather. Liam, quick and efficient in his long experience, disposed of the manure, put down fresh bedding, and herded the ancy sheep into the barn, shutting the heavy wooden door securely behind him. Practically on cue, the rain began. As the boy trudged up the hill towards his cottage, looking forward to a dry shirt, roaring fire, and hearty Irish stew, he became unaware of his surroundings. Too late did he notice the masked men dressed in black, closing in on him from all sides. Within seconds, they had rendered him unconscious and stowed him in the back of a van. The men then climbed inside and the van sped away unhindered the moment the doors shut. The lone witness to the abduction, a hapless American tourist with a malfunctioning umbrella, took in the scene with amasement as her hair got wet. This would be no ordinary holiday abroad for Alynna Mason.