Command and Control, Villa Scorpio
ALERT - Positive match needs verification.
Subject - Arnold Vandenberg, Gem Group
Location - Abbey Bookstore, Port Charles Airport
Alys Norton read SIMON's messages from the main display. She swiveled to her right, tapped the display screen and enlarged the image that SIMON's surveillance system had taken of the corridor outside the bookstore kiosk at the airport. She studied the picture for a full minute before pressing a key her main console. She initiated an open call on the team lead channel.
"Lars, your friend is back. He didn't listen very well the last time he was here," said Alys into her headset microphone.
"Vandenberg?" came Lars' voice.
"It's confirmed. At the airport."
"Anna placed a request for information regarding the Gem Group some time ago. Anything come in?" came Edgar's voice.
Alys entered a query to SIMON. "Nothing new or interesting, Edgar. Thin file." She typed another query. "According to the passenger list, Mr. Vandenberg is not bothering with an alias."
"You think he'll use the front gates this time?" asked Genji.
Alys added, "And he changed to this flight from a later flight. Why the urgency?"
Edgar began to say, "Let me take this up with Anna and ..."
"You're off for the next three days ... and nights, Edgar," said Raine. "Make the most of it."
"I have your duty load, remember?" said Genji. "I'll let Anna know."
"I don't like this Gem group at all," noted Edgar. "We have so little on a ... an entity that has existed for-"
"Edgar, enough! I think we will force you off the farm after breakfast," said Lars. "Stay at the unit at Temple Court. Relax."
"Don't think I do not know what you are all doing," said Edgar.
"It's for your own good," said Raine. "Do you have a tuxedo ready?"
"My standard tuxedo is clean and pressed," said Edgar.
"I've seen it. You cannot wear that on a date. Even I would not do that," said Lars.
Shane's gruff voice came on the line. "Let him wear what he wants. On my first date with Raine, I was all grubby and had holes in my jeans and burn marks on my shirt. It's not what you wear that matters."
"You'd just survived a fall from three floors up and crashed through the roof of my convertible. That was hardly a first date," said Raine.
"First acquaintance then," said Shane. "Edgar, wear what you want. Be comfortable. Focus on Dr. Quartermaine."
"Who will likely be dressed to the hilt," came Dani's drowsy voice. "You need to be the same, Edgar."
"You have impressed the woman with countless gifts. You must not be sloppy now," said Lars.
"Boys, take charge of the farm today. Edgar, you, Dani and I will pay a visit to Boarstones and get you everything you need," said Raine.
"I can be ready to go in twenty minutes," said Dani. "I'll drive."
"Um, I think ... I know I have a lot of suits," said Edgar. "I've had my fill of shopping. Believe me!"
Genji chuckled, "He's all yours, ladies."
Davis House
Barely awake, Alexis hastily tied the cord of her robe. The doorbell chimed again.
"Hold on! I'm coming!" yelled Alexis. She opened the door. "Nikolas?"
"Good morning, Alexis. I thought we'd invite ourselves to breakfast," said Nikolas strolling in. "Is it a bad time?"
"Um, huh, I guess not," said Alexis eyeing Thanos who followed Nikolas inside.
Thanos gave Alexis a small bow. "Forgive our intrusion, Alexis, but time is of the essence."
"It is?" asked Alexis. The fog of sleep in her mind was rapidly clearing. She took in her two visitors. Both were sharply dressed and irritatingly perky. While Cassadines were always well turned out, she could remember no time in the past where perky could be applicable. "You two look really, really awake and happy." Alexis led them into her kitchen. "I would love to share in your ... giddiness ... but I need coffee first."
Nikolas smiled. His eyes shone bright with delight. "Why shouldn't I be happy? It's a new day and with it come new possibilities."
Thanos brandished a large bag with the Zekkers logo on it. "And we come with offerings to tempt you to sweet agreement."
Alexis checked that the coffeemaker was indeed brewing coffee on schedule. It was. "Is this about some kind of deal between Cassadine and D'Ercy companies? I'm only a minor stockholder, Nikolas, you don't need my vote, do you?"
The two men stood on either side of Alexis. She looked at one then the other. From Nikolas, she was picking up a definite sense of connection between him and Thanos.
"I ... I didn't know you two were so ... familiar," said Alexis.
"We're family, Alexis, " said Nikolas.
"Yes, I know. Helena and Thanos' mother were sisters."
"No."
"No?"
"Better," said Nikolas with a mischievous grin.
"That remains to be seen," added Thanos cryptically.
"It's going to work. We'll make this work," insisted Nikolas.
Alexis reached into a cabinet and set out three mugs. "It is too early for roundabout conversations. Someone fill in the blanks, please!"
Thanos placed a tall stool behind Alexis. Very gently, Nikolas pressed down on Alexis' shoulders until she was sitting on the stool.
"Alexis, do you remember that necklace that Helena bid on at the auction?" asked Nikolas.
Alexis nodded. "Seeing Helena jump through the air grabbing for it then crashing to the stage ... it was priceless."
"It turns out that it's incredibly valuable and without it we wouldn't be Cassadines."
"Have you forgotten that we do not have it, Nikolas?"
Nikolas glanced at Thanos. "He has it and he's a Cassadine. A real one. He's THE Cassadine."
"Nikolas, please," protested Thanos.
"Great-grandfather Alain Cassadine married Thanos' grandmother. They had a child who turned out to be Jacques Garnier. I introduced you to him at the fundraiser, remember?" asked Nikolas.
"My knees were shaking. The man sees right through you. Is he ... is he here? On the island?"
Nikolas' expression sobered. "No. Jacques was murdered by Helena."
"What?"
"That night when I had that big dinner party for Robin, Helena locked her, Patrick, Matt and Maxie in a maze like lab rats complete with ... with electric shocks and drugs," explained Nikolas.
"Oh my god!"
"It gets worse. In exchange for the captives' release, Jacques gave Helena all the jewels. But the jewels were fakes. Helena was furious and Jacques was forced to swallow poison as forfeit for not fulfilling the bargain."
"That is ... is so medieval and impossible!" exclaimed Alexis.
"Quite possible," murmured Thanos. "Our rules are very strict."
"OUR rules?" asked Alexis.
"There is much to tell," said Thanos. "You and NIkolas have long been held in ignorance about matters regarding the Families. Continue the story, Nikolas."
"Jacques died. Helena fled the country. And ... and Robin ... no one knew until it was too late that she'd been injected with a drug that escalated her HIV status," said Nikolas.
"Helena did that?"
"Her henchmen say it was an accident. I can imagine Helena doing nearly anything but harming Robin in that way," said Nikolas. "The only one who really knows what happened is ... isn't here. Neither of them. I remember a fight and that's all."
"You were there when it happened?"
"Unfortunately, I was. I don't remember the syringe being used. It could have been an accident but I can't forgive Helena for having the syringe in the first place."
"That's why everything was so private - Robin's funeral, the burial," said Alexis. "There was nothing in the news, the papers, about Helena and Robin. Helena is responsible. No matter what she says."
"I am certain the Scorpios have not forgotten," said Thanos. "Or forgiven."
"I'm sure that one way or another Helena will get what's due to her," said Nikolas. "I don't want to talk about Helena too much. I want to look ahead. Alexis, I've stripped Helena of all recognition as a part of the Cassadine family. She is no one to us. She has no rights to our name, our property, our honor."
"You disowned her?" asked Alexis incredulously.
"Worst. I've wiped her association with the family off the books. Literally," said Nikolas. "She has no power over any of us any more. You don't have to be afraid. She's nobody!"
"She too is no longer Matriarch," put in Thanos. "And we come full circle to you, Alexis. You must agree."
"This is too much to take in. Agree to what?" asked Alexis.
"Thanos, as a direct descendant of Alain and Jacques, is the true head of our family - our Patriarch. He has named me his heir and I retain the title of Prince Nikolas Cassadine. Jointly, we will be running Cassadine International," said Nikolas. "But every Family needs a Matriarch. We want that person to be you. Will you do it?"
"Step in ... in Helena's shoes? I can't. I just can't," stammered Alexis. "Besides, I'm illegitimate. My mother wasn't married to Mikkos."
"If I say you are Matriarch, then you will be so," said Thanos stepping in front of Alexis.
"I don't know the first thing about it and ... there has to be someone else."
"Stefan always spoke highly of you to me. He said that you denied knowing your true self because of fear," said Thanos. "Cast your fears to the winds, Alexis. Embrace your heritage in full. If not for yourself or for the family, do so for Stefan."
"You play dirty," said Alexis.
"I prefer to get results. Always."
"Well, will you do it?" asked Nikolas.
"I need to think about this," said Alexis.
"If I give you time to think, you will say no," said Thanos.
"I don't need time. I say no. N-O!" exclaimed Alexis. "Helena is going to be furious at me. I'm going to be next on her list."
Nikolas looked at Thanos. "See. I told you she'd say no."
"Thank you, Nikolas," said Alexis.
"It is fortuitous that I have completed all arrangements designating you as our new Matriarch," said Thanos. "Expect a call from Morganna deVries sometime today. She is a veritable fountain of knowledge who will be delighted in training you to the fullest extent."
"I said NO! Are you deaf?!" yelled Alexis. "Morganna? She's going to be just like Helena isn't she? Yikes!"
Pajama-clad Molly walked sleepily into the kitchen. "What's going on, Mom?"
"If I say you are Matriarch, then you will be so," repeated Thanos.
"Your word is gospel now?" asked Alexis.
"From what I've seen and heard, yeah, probably is," said Nikolas. "Good morning, Molly." He engulfed Molly in a hug.
"What's going on?" asked Molly returning Nikolas' hug.
"Your mom is having a crisis," replied Nikolas.
Coffee forgotten, Alexis squared off against Thanos. "I've met some arrogant men but you take the cake."
"Fight it not. The choice is a good one and it is made," said Thanos. He began to pour coffee into a mug as if he'd done it a hundred times in Alexis' home.
"Speak English!" snarled Alexis.
The phone rang.
Alexis turned pale. "It's HER! The Morganna person!"
Molly moved towards the phone.
"NO! Let it ring," said Alexis.
"What's the song? I am woman hear me roar?" asked Nikolas. "Thanos is right. You know it, too."
Molly answered the phone. "Davis residence."
Alexis glared at Thanos. "Whatever happens from here on out is YOUR fault. You hear me?"
Thanos made another small bow in Alexis' general direction.
"Sure. I'll tell her." Molly hung up the phone then turned towards her mother. "Mom, that was Maxie. She said that the designers were coming in today and that we have to be at the Majestic for fittings by one PM. And, she said it would also be best if you ate nothing for lunch except water and a teeny tiny salad with no dressing."
"Designers?" asked Nikolas. "What's going on?"
"The fundraiser for the Frisco Jones Children's Theater is tomorrow night. Valentines Day. There's going to be a couture fashion show. The designers could not turn Ms. Amanti down," said Molly. "Then Maxie got us and some others to volunteer to be models. I can't believe I'm going to get to wear a designer outfit. Molly Lansing-Davis, model. I can't wait."
Alexis pulled at her robe and looked down her cleavage. "Size zero I am not." She looked accusingly at Thanos then Nikolas. "I'm going to break out in hives because of all this stress."
"You do great under pressure, Alexis," said Nikolas. He introduced Molly to Thanos. "Molly, meet Thanos d'Ercy. He's actually MY great uncle, a Cassadine to the bone, but we need to keep that secret for a little while. Okay?"
Molly nodded and kept quiet studying this new relative of hers.
Thanos began emptying the bag full of breakfast pastries. "Come, Alexis, have breakfast. The sugar will do you-"
"Argh!" Alexis threw her hands in the air and marched out of the kitchen. "I give up!"
Villa Scorpio
People flitted in and out of the dining room over the course of breakfast as everyone got ready for the day ahead. In a series of tables set close together, the Scorpios and their assorted guests exchanged pleasantries.
Seated across the way from Anna, Ava Korolev glanced at her daughter on her left and her recovering son on her right. She had accepted Constantine's death and now she had to help their children through their grief. She had an idea. "Anna?"
"Yes, Ava?" said Anna.
"Could you lend me a full disguise kit? I need some clothes for myself and the ... the others. Nina and I came with only our most valued personal possessions and mementoes," said Ava. "I am certain we will find everything we need in the town."
"Of course. Wait after breakfast and I'll get it. You're going to need a guide and a guard. Raine or Dani would be best as guides." Anna used her phone to contact Command and Control. "Alys, could you get Raine or Dani for me? I have a little job for them."
"They've taken some personal time this morning, Anna. What do you need? Maybe I can help?" asked Alys.
"Ava and Nina need to go out shopping and doing errands. They should really have a guide and one guard," said Anna.
"I'm due to hand off comms in an hour. Why don't I play tour guide and Khamchatta can watch our backs?"
"That sounds lovely." Anna pursed her lips. "Wait, didn't you have overnight duty? Aren't you tired?"
"Not at all. You could say that I've had a jolt to the system. It would be my pleasure to show them the city. We'll stay close to the Megaplex to be on the safe side," said Alys. "Genji is waiting to speak with you."
"Urgently?"
"On a scale of one to ten, maybe a four, for now."
"I'll be there right after breakfast. I'll let Ava know to be ready to leave in an hour. Thank you!" Anna ended the connection. After Anna finished making arrangements with Ava, Robin and Vincent rose to leave.
"Mom, I'll be working in the lab this morning but Vincent and I will have lunch out. We'll be back by dinner time." Robin informed her mother.
"And your itinerary would be?" asked Anna.
Robin hugged her father. "Sightseeing from the car. In disguise. Perfectly normal stuff." Robin walked away before Anna could say another word. "Bye, Mom! Dad!"
"Perfectly normal? I don't think so," murmured Anna.
"Maybe she's feeling claustrophobic," said Robert seated on Anna's right hand side. "She'll be fine with Vincent. He's level-headed. He won't let her get into something over her head."
"I trust THEM. It's everyone else that I don't."
"I think it's a good thing that Robin isn't afraid to go out there. She could have retreated inwards. That would have been worse," said Robert. "Let her do her thing. Whatever it is."
"Ah, so you think they're up to something, too."
"Of course I do," said Robert. "She had the same look in her eyes that she had when she was thirteen years old and trying to hide something. Whatever it is, we'll likely be told at some point. Relax, Anna."
Anna's phone rang. "Yes? Hi, Maxie."
Robert and Andrew, seating on Anna's left, watched quizzically as Anna's expressions cycled from annoyance to exasperation to outright horror. With exaggerated care, Anna ended the call and put her phone on the table.
"Problems?" asked Robert.
"Do either of you recall if I ever said I'd be happy to help out at Frisco's theater fundraiser?" asked Anna of her two men. "I'm drawing a complete blank."
"I believe you agreed in principle weeks ago," said Andrew.
"We'll get gussied up, make an appearance and drop off a donation. What else is there?" asked Robert.
"Apparently, I agreed to ... to be a dress model," said Anna.
"You? Parading down the catwalk?" asked Robert looking Anna up and down. "What kind of dress?"
"I'm going to look like an idiot up there."
"Choose something in red."
"Robert, be serious."
"I am. Red dress, heels, some jewelry and you. Perfect."
"Mum, simply copy what Dianara does," said Andrew.
"She is a supermodel. I am not. She could blink sideways and the magazine editors would make it a new trend," said Anna. "What do I know about fashion? I'm going to the fitting later and telling Maxie to get someone else. That's what I'm going to do."
She looked at her plate then the buffet. "If nothing fits on me, then I don't have to do anything, right?" She rose to get a second helping of breakfast. "If cholesterol saves me from the runway, so be it."
CHIONE Labs, Mersin, Turkey
Desperate hands shook a body racked by seizures. Unintelligible moans issued forth from a mouth once firm and now gone slack. Another voice grew shrill with growing panic. Sharp, cool eyes watched from the doorway assessing and finding no easy solution. One sure pressing of flesh against metal silenced the moans permanently.
BANG!
Charlotte flicked the safety switch on her Glock pistol and pocketed it. "That takes care of that."
Peter bent over his lifeless patient and pulled a sheet over his face. His own breathing was rapid and shallow. Perspiration dotted his forehead. "I ... I thought it ... it was the right one."
"Obviously not," replied Charlotte. She turned to Helena at the doorway. "We can no longer deny the possibility that we have been duped."
"Thoroughly so," said Helena.
Peter shook his head. "No. The formula ... it can't be ... wrong."
Charlotte grabbed Peter's face by the chin and forced him to look at her. "We have eliminated, painstakingly so, every possible vector of contamination. We have duplicated the development and production process utterly. What is there left to consider? Think clearly, Peter!"
"It is the only possibility," said Helena. "Difficult as it is to believe Robin Scorpio is as duplicitous as her parents."
Peter shook free of Charlotte's grip. "If ... if this batch didn't work, then we have to stop the shipments ... before they ..."
"It's too late," said Charlotte.
"Recall them! I ... I don't know what the effects are likely to be - death, paralysis, nerve damage. It could ... could be anything," said Peter.
"But only to those with chronic pre-existing conditions, yes?" asked Helena.
Peter nodded. "Healthy people should not have any issues with Compound X and Fly." He looked down on the dead guard. "But this one WAS healthy. You can't let them use that batch to make Fly."
"It's too late," repeated Charlotte. "I had to release the shipment in order to process the payments. We needed the funds."
"What happens when people begin to die? The buyers will be pointing at us," said Peter.
"You are assuming that every person who ingests Fly will die. That may not be the case. Let's not panic," said Charlotte.
Peter began to fidget. "This was ... this was a huge mistake. I should have just ... just told Cesar everything. Begged for mercy."
"Faison has disappeared. Even I cannot contact him through the usual means," said Helena. "Whatever was done is done. What do we do now?"
"I need time. I can figure this out. Go ... go back to the beginning," said Peter.
The two women exchanged knowing glances. Helena nodded.
"Peter, until we are certain that this batch of Compound X is one hundred percent lethal, we will continue production. We have no choice. We need ongoing revenue," said Charlotte.
"But ..." began Peter.
"When a man wants to murder a tiger, he calls it sport. When a tiger wants to murder him, he call it ferocity," said Helena. "For us, it is a matter of survival."
Charlotte glanced at the dead man. "You did give him a very high dose didn't you?"
"Yes, I did. What about it?" asked Peter.
"Fly is a diluted variant of Compound X. Therefore, it can be logically extrapolated that Fly would not be completely lethal," said Charlotte.
"That's true but it could be lethal to those with conditions, known or not," said Peter.
"Could be does not mean it is," said Charlotte. She looked at Helena then at Peter. "You need to keep working to get the formula corrected. Helena and I will decide what to do next."
"You think I'm stupid? Our only option is Robin and she's not likely to cooperate," said Peter.
"You let us worry about securing Robin Scorpio," advised Charlotte.
"You can't be serious?!" exclaimed Peter.
"Quite," said Charlotte.
"How are you going to get to her? I'm sure her family has her completely secured by now."
"We don't need her person. We only need what she knows. We will find a way to get it," said Helena. "Everyone has a price, a weakness, a desire. Even Robin Devane Scorpio."
General Hospital Laboratory
Dr. Monica Quartermaine looked left and right before entering the laboratory reception room. She asked for the results for a blood test she had submitted the previous day. The receptionist gave her the results report. Monica scanned the report quickly.
"Damn!" said Monica.
"Bad news, Dr. Quartermaine?" asked the receptionist.
"I always hope for better," said Monica. "We all do." She flipped the page. "I requested the sample be returned to me."
"You did? Let me go get it." The receptionist returned a few minutes later and handed the small vial of blood to Monica. "Sorry, we should have included that with the report."
"That's all right. Thank you." Monica hustled off. She headed for the hospital medical library. She needed answers before she met with Robin.