Haunted Star Floating Casino
Five well-dressed patrons entered the Haunted Star. Arm in arm, Raine and Shane walked around the perimeter of the casino's main floor watchful and prepared for anything. Neal and Alys played escort to Anna as they made their way to the bar.
Anna smiled warmly at the female bartender and said, "I'm looking for Luke. Is he in the back room?"
"Yes, Mrs. Lavery, no, Devane," said the bartender.
"It's Scorpio again. Do I know you?"
"I'm Mindy. I'm sorry about Robin. We were in the same class at junior high," said Mindy.
"Thank you. I miss her every day," said Anna as she passed by Mindy and entered the back room office without knocking.
"Whatever you're selling, I'm not interested," said Luke without looking up. His desk was covered with maps and sheets of paper covered in Luke's handwriting.
Anna lay her hands flat on the desk and said, "Luke?"
"Busy here, Irish. Talk to ya later," said Luke still not looking up.
"Running away solves nothing you know."
"What's to solve?"
"There are two things that Robert finds impossible to ignore - being lied to and being betrayed. I've done both to him and so have you."
Luke looked up. "He'd forgive you anything."
"And I him but we're talking about you not me. Why, Luke?"
"Why what?"
"Why cover up for Helena? Why not tell us about the syringe?"
"You know? Everything?"
Anna nodded. "I repeat. Why didn't you say anything?"
"By the time I found out about Robin it was too late. There wasn't anything to do but let things roll."
"The only way to stay off the chopping block you mean," said Anna. "I don't understand your connection to Helena. I do understand about you and Robert. Your silence only makes things worse."
"Don't you think I know that?!" yelled Luke. "I don't know how to fix this. I can't!"
"Do you want to?"
"Of course I do. I have few friends as it is. Robert has always cut me a lot of slack but not this time. Robin was his world."
"He's angry and so am I."
"I kinda figured that out." Luke rose to his feet and faced Anna. "You here to let me have it?"
"I'm tying up loose ends before I start a new project," said Anna. "We decided that you're Robert's personal cross to bear not mine."
"Then why are you here?" He gestured at his desk. "I've got a project myself."
Anna scanned his desk. "I can see that. It looks interesting."
Luke took Anna by the shoulder and began to push her towards the door. "If there's nothing else, new Mrs. Scorpio, adios and sayonara."
Anna turned to face Luke. "For your information, Helena is MY cross to bear. Did you know about her plan?"
Luke was horrified. "No! When Sean, Mac and Robert came into Wyndemere, I thought it was the usual cops and robbers games - pose like you mean business, intimidate the perp. They all looked so grim. They gave me the straight lines and I went for it. I didn't know there was something real going on. I swear I didn't know anything had happened to Robin until after Alfred told us."
"Then why not say anything afterwards?" Anna's eyes flashed. "If we'd known earlier, maybe we could have done something for my daughter. Did you think about that?"
"Helena said Nikolas was there when it went down. I couldn't risk his life. What … what are you going to do about him?"
"Nothing. You really think that Robert or I would harm Laura's child or yours?"
"He'd kill for Robin and so would you. Don't lie to me. You'd do it without blinking."
"Helena had Nikolas drugged for quite some time. He barely remembers much of anything but he does know what Helena did to him and to Robin," said Anna. "We haven't told him about your part though."
"Drugged? She … she didn't … she said-" spluttered Luke.
"Whatever she said was for her benefit and no one else's. You of all people should know how self-serving she is. She used you pure and simple."
"That bitch! I'm going to kill her once and for all!"
Anna put a hand on Luke's chest. "Take my advice. Don't continue this feud. It's pointless."
"Warning me off?" Luke tried to read Anna's face but she wasn't giving anything away.
"Take it however you want."
"You're going after the Cassadines yourselves. That's your project."
"Only Helena not the Cassadines."
"The two are one and the same."
"Not anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"Ask Nikolas when he arrives. The Spencer Cassadine feud is over. Move on, Luke. We're doing the same."
Luke grinned. "Oh, really, Irish? All I see is the same old same old."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Based on everything that's happened since your return, you and the boy scout are so deep into spy work you're drowning in it. How hot am I getting?"
Anna walked around Luke and took one document to read. "Let's see what you're working on shall we."
Luke grabbed the paper out of her hand. "I'll stay out of your business if you stay out of mine."
"Will you keep your distance from Helena?"
"Maybe the feud has run its course. I know I'm tired of it," said Luke. "You got a deal."
"Then we'll stay away from your business whatever it is." Anna opened the door and paused. "If Helena does contact you, will you let me know?"
"Just you? Robert not doing his own dirty work?"
"He's busy. Will you call me?"
"Yeah. Stop nagging." Luke followed Anna out into the casino.
Luke followed her exit. He marked her team with experienced eyes. "The woman is not playing around."
Korolev Residence, Moscow
Two men ate breakfast sitting opposite each other in the middle of a long dining table. One was content and another uneasy.
"I hope that my household staff has provided you with everything you require, Cesar," said Constantin.
"They have been most helpful," said Faison. "Of course they cannot compare with Ava. She could always anticipate my needs. When will they be returning?"
Constantin knew full well that Faison was aware of the answer from his own informers but he replied, "My wife and daughter left Sochi four hours ago. I expect them before noon tomorrow."
"I shall be in Helsinki for a book signing. I must keep my public happy," said Faison. "Twenty-four hours seems excessive travel time."
"Twenty-six on the express service." Constantin poured more wine for his guest. "I hope the proposed high speed train service under discussion will become a reality in my lifetime."
"Progress is inevitable. We must always look to the future," said Faison. "That is where our answers lie."
"I have always believed that learning from our past helps us build a better future," said Constantin.
"Sometimes the past can … prevent our vision from becoming reality. It can distract us from doing what we must."
"Man does not live by bread or ambition alone," said Konstantin.
"A man without ambition stands still. And a man is an easier target that way," said Faison.
Under the table, Constantin's foot began to tap silently against the floor. He kept his tone light and almost teasing. "Are you speaking from personal experience?"
"I no longer remember a time when I was not a target or that I was without ambition," said Faison. "Or dreams."
"That I understand. I still wish for a better, brighter future for my country. With your help and leadership, Cesar, that is happening."
"It has been a … a labor of love I assure you," said Cesar. "As I recall there was one matter of vital importance that we had not finished discussing before I had to leave."
"What matter was that?"
"Interrogation of Hans' collaborators have revealed that there is one additional traitor placed very high in the DVX. Unfortunately, not one knew a name, a face, gender or even a code name."
"That is regrettable," said Constantin. "What difference could one person make if the rest of his or her … rebellious friends have been dealt with? They shall have no influence to spread or resources to use."
"One man can change whole histories. I know of what I speak," said Faison.
"Hans was the head. It has been cut off. You have purged the service of most of its diseased and misguided arms and legs. The rest of the body will die from neglect and apathy," said Constantin. "We are in transition due to the … vacancies. However if you feel that identifying this person is critical, then I shall assign a specific team to-"
"That will not be necessary," said Faison. "Your logic is faultless. The body will die on its own. People loyal to us are in positions of authority. We have nothing further to worry about."
"We must remain vigilant. Hans' faction was … tolerated because of the respect that Hans himself commanded but such must not happen again," said Constantin. "We will be executing a plan to assure that corruption is not allowed to … to take root in fertile ground."
"Very good. I approve." Finished with his meal, Faison pushed his chair back. "Do you remember when I returned in 1990?"
"When you returned with the gold roman coins and made your mark? I shall never forget it," said Constantin. "I have always wondered why you spared me and killed my co-leaders. Why did you choose me to live, Cesar? I was hardly your most vocal supporter at the time."
"I spared you because of your personal courage and honesty. When you disagreed with me, you said so openly. You did not hide behind false pretenses or flattery. Also, you have earned all that you have. That takes intelligence, character and strength. All traits that I seek out," said Faison. "There was one more thing."
"Which was?"
"You were the only one who took the time to use the adage of Sun Tzu. The one that says that one must learn about one's enemies," said Faison. "I was … impressed that you personally conducted an investigation into my projects and activities before my untimely death. You cared enough to not pass judgment without the facts."
"If I am called to end a man's life, I prefer to know that it was done with reason and logic," said Constantin. "We three had the responsibility of oversight. To fail that basic task is to me a personal failure. Your projects collectively from 1974 to 1977 required enormous funding. We believed in them but I did not want to be entirely blind. The variety of these projects astound me still today - hypnotherapy, geology, Eastern studies, art history and biological warfare."
"I did have many interests then."
"I remember sleepless nights reading report after report on these interests," said Constantin. "Were it not for them, perhaps, I would have had more children."
The two men shared a laugh.
"I grew to understand the concept of most of your projects except for one, Cesar."
"Which one?"
"The geology project studying volcanic rocks in the Ural Mountains. It had the least amount of documentation. What were trying to achieve that required geologists, chemists and physicists? I believe I even saw two astronomers listed in the payroll reports."
Faison took a sip of wine before replying, "That was a project to discover sources of metal ore such as iron and copper. However, since we were embarking on a … a grand study I added scientific specialists to study the volcanoes and the veins of crystals and rare metals. The Urals have existed over such a vast span of time that it is a scholar's dream to study."
"What of the astromers and physicists?"
"There was a rumor that parts of the Urals had been created or influenced by the Tungusku Event - the meteoroid that detonated over Siberia in 1908. They were interested in the connection between a star matter such as the comet and the common geology of the Earth," said Faison. "They found nothing of significance at the time."
"No alien beings from beyond space?"
"None," said Faison. "However the ore deposits we did find provided ample restitution to the DVX treasury. And the research laboratory in the mountains continues its good work. I consider it a … a successful project in the long run."
"Surely it is time to close the laboratory," said Constantin.
"Why? Has it become too expensive?" asked Faison staring hard at Konstantin.
This change in Faison's demeanor alarmed Constantin. He said, "Other than the small security force in residence and the annual shipments of supplies and materials, the laboratory costs relatively little. I was surprised at my last review that there has not been new personnel at the facility in over a decade. The scientists must be very dedicated."
"Oh, they are. They would die if they left. Their work consumes them," said Faison. "How often do you do the review?"
"Once every four years. It is more a formality and I have never visited the site. I do not even know its general location."
"It was constructed in a location that would not be easily accessed by land or air. It is nearly self sufficient due to the location and the unpredictable weather. I do not expect the military guards have much to do."
"I agree. They must spend much time on recreation when assigned there."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because of the high number of accidents and deaths per year from avalanches, wild animal attacks, skiing accidents or drunken mishaps," said Constantin. "But if you feel that the research is valuable-"
"I do," said Faison.
"Then it will," said Constantin. "The science staff must be in their sixties or seventies by now. Should we not add staff now?"
"I shall determine if more people are needed."
"As you wish, Cesar." Constantin rose to his feet. "I will be late to office. Shall we dine together for dinner?"
Faison shook his head. "I will be leaving tonight for Helsinki. I prefer to be well rested prior to these appearances."
"Do you need anything else?"
"No. I shall be staying in today. To write and read reports."
Constantin left his guest to his own devices. While he was driven to work, he marveled at the good timing of his family's escape and Faison's trip to Helsinki. The doubles of Ava and Nina would "disappear" from the Moscow bound train just after the journey's midpoint. With Faison out of the country, Konstantin could maneuver more freely. In the back of his mind he wondered what Mr. Skinner would do with the information Ava carried with her to the West. Mr. Skinner would act. He was sure of it. It was simply a matter of time.
CHIONE Labs, Mersin, Turkey
Peter pulled at Charlotte's elbow. She backhanded him with an expert motion.
"No, don't! It's my fault!" cried Peter.
"Yes it is," said Charlotte. "But it's my problem now." She lifted her Glock pistol.
BANG!
The patient twitched once then lay still as his life ebbed away.
"I could have tried again!" yelled Peter.
"You have tried three times. He was a mental vegetable by the second try," said Charlotte.
"You didn't have to kill him."
"I'm not Elena. I will not use limited resources to soothe my conscience," said Charlotte. She pulled the blanket over the dead man's face. "We must face facts, Peter. There is something amiss with your work."
"It's perfected, Charlotte, the formula and the process. There must be some contaminant somewhere," said Peter. "I need a little time to investigate."
"Fine. Restart the production line. We have enough people to handle the manufacturing process. Use the time to investigate this problem."
"No."
"No?"
"We can't restart production. Not when there's a suspect contaminant," said Peter.
Charlotte took a deep breath before responding. "We have enough of a stockpile from the Foundation production run to fulfill most of our current orders. We may halt production for twenty-four hours and no longer. After that we MUST resume production. You have one day, Peter." A movement at the door caught her eye. "Helena?"
Helena stood at the doorway dressed in drab clothing, paler than usual but with eyes that shone bright and sharp. "Good morning, Peter, Charlotte."
Charlotte smiled. "Welcome home. You seem to be under some strain."
"I shall describe the infamy that befell me in more detail at a later time," said Helena. "For now the essential news is that we are on our own."