Gem HQ, Milton Keynes
Anna discovered that the tail end of the shaft was situated in a closet crowded with machinery and boxed up odds and ends. She kicked up clouds of dust as she moved things around to clear a path to the door. The only noise she heard was the ever-present throbbing hum of the air exchangers.
"Achoo! Ob-obviously not a … a well-known spot," said Anna. She tried the door and found it unlocked.
She stepped through into a dim corridor lit by one lightbulb that hung down from a chain. The air was breathable but stale. Her feet left prints in the layer of dust coating the floor.
Anna moved quickly to a metal door at the end of the corridor. Running a hand across the bottom of the door, she felt air passing through. Next, she pressed an ear against the door's dusty surface. Her nose twitched but she stifled a sneeze. She didn't hear any obvious signs of activity on the other side.
Slowly, she opened the door and stepped through. Bright lights blinded her for a few seconds.
Spoon Island
"Sean, what kind of deal are we talking about?"
"The deal of a lifetime."
"I've had one of those already. One was enough."
"Be honest, Faison, have things worked out for you as you have hoped?" asked Sean. "Neither Anna or Andrew are in your life. You're alone. Again."
A slight twitch of a shoulder betrayed Faison's feelings. "I've learned to love my own company. It has not been entirely … unpleasant. Families are overrated."
Sean snorted. "Nothing you say will make me believe that you've given up on your heart's desire."
"Dreams of a younger man, a foolish man," said Faison. "I've found other things to … value. I am quite content. Now that the niceties are out of the way, may we drop our bravado?"
Sean sighed. "It does get tiresome doesn't it?"
"We are too old for posturing," said Faison. "What is your deal, Sean?"
"I know that you and Robert are destined to clash. It's really only a matter of time."
"I agree with that assessment."
"I also know that your resources are substantially diminished."
Faison's lips curled. "The entire world knows that."
"And I know Robert. He's got a noose around your neck and he'll start pulling really hard if he hasn't already."
"Yet here I am still, Sean," sneered Faison. "Big, bad Scorpio cannot get the job done."
"He will this time. Nothing, not even Anna, is going to stop him," said Sean. "Deep inside, you know that, too."
"He and I have, how do you say, reached the point of no return with each other. Predators may respect each other but always have the final kill in mind waiting only for an opening or a weakness to exploit," said Faison. "Is that why you're here? To bargain for a truce?"
"It's too late for that."
"What happened to the great friendship?"
"It's still there. That won't ever change. Not for me," said Sean.
Faison studied Sean closely. "Ah, but his friendship for you has changed, hasn't it?"
Sean looked hard at Faison. "We don't see eye to eye on too many things these days. That's hardly surprising. Priorities shift. New values replace the old. People change."
Faison pointed at himself then at Sean. "But we do not. At least our minds still work the same. We want the same things we have always craved - influence, power, control."
"You're under siege right now and-"
"Temporary as I said."
"Your back is to the corner, Faison."
"Cornered animals are the most dangerous. Basic biology and survival." Faison held Sean's gaze. "I know my real enemy now, don't I, Sean?"
Sean grinned. "I just did that to get your attention."
"You have it. Enjoy the taste of victory to the full. It shall be brief," said Faison.
Sean began to laugh. "It's so easy to get you going, old friend."
Faison's eyes narrowed. "Is this a joke?"
"I didn't do anything to the DVX. My word on that," said Sean. "But I know who did."
"Who hates me more than you or Scorpio? You cannot hide behind another. I know it was you and no one else."
"It's not personal. They hate your entire family - the Kriegs," said Sean watching Faison's reactions.
Faison swallowed hard and his lips tightened into a straight line. "Kriegs? Who is-"
"Your real name in the Game with a capital G. Cesar Krieg I presume? The Game where you're one of the puppetmasters."
Faison stuttered, "I … I … what Game?"
"It was a hard thing for me to swallow at first. All these years, I, the great mastermind, was being played by you, by others. I never danced to my own tune. I was just led to believe that," said Sean. "Admit it, Faison, you enjoyed making a complete fool of me."
"I never thought you a fool. Never," said Faison.
Sean shrugged. "It's the nature of the Game - cunning manipulation to serve a ruthless purpose. An iron hand inside a velvet glove. I understand that."
"You are talking nonsense. There is-"
"Stop denying it. You're talking to me, remember? The Game exists. It was created by your ancestors and continues on to the present day. There are a few master players, the Kings and the Queens, competing to be the winning Gamesmaster. Minions and lackeys carry out orders like pieces on a chessboard. There are minor pieces, the pawns, who don't even know they're being manipulated like me and many other faceless people in the world. In the end, the pawns are the most expendable. Who cares about them?"
"Expendable? Hardly," said Faison dryly still not open to admitting the truth of Sean's words.
"I'm being blackmailed. Was blackmailed actually," said Sean collapsing into an armchair.
"I find that hard to believe."
"My family is my weakness and my strength."
Faison sat down in an opposing armchair. "Much becomes clear. What happened? What did you tell them?"
"I … I was told to help or lose my family. I can read between the lines as well as the next man," said Sean. "They wanted to know what I knew about you."
"Past operations?"
Sean shook his head. "Not jobs. They wanted to know about you the man, the person. Your weak points, strengths, likes, dislikes. I told them what I knew. What choice did I have?"
"Very little," said Faison. "I suppose it was time that a more personal attack would be attempted." He jumped to his feet. "If I am not safe then my … those close to me are-"
Sean held up a hand. "I didn't tell them anything about … about Andrew and your role in his life. I didn't even know about that at … at the time. He should be safe."
Faison sat back down slowly. "That is a … a relief."
"I did have to tell them about Anna." Sean clasped his hands together. "I don't know if she'll be … used against you. I would expect so. I tried to warn Robert to pay more attention to his family instead of pursuing you all over creation but it didn't go well. He's obsessed with killing you."
"Over the years, he and I have crossed paths. Always there was a reason for one or both of us to let the other go. One day there will be no more reasons," said Faison. "Has Anna been approached do you think?"
"No. I'm sure of that," said Sean. "Anna would be on the warpath you can be sure. If she was, you can bet that Robert wouldn't even be thinking about you."
"It is a burden to be so popular," said Faison. "How much have you told Scorpio about this Game, if it exists, I mean."
"Nothing. I couldn't tell him. If I did, then, well, I like to keep things simple," said Sean. "It's best to keep them out of the firing line."s
"But at the cost of your friendship?"
Sean nodded.
"Why are you telling me? We are not friends."
"I suppose I had a need to confess. Because after everything we've done to each other, we've never insulted each other's intelligence. More importantly, we've kept each other's secrets. That kind of loyalty is rare, friend or not," said Sean. "If you're going to be hunted, you deserve to know who's after you and why."
"Thank you, Sean. I will certainly return this gesture in kind."
"That's what I hoped you'd say."
"This is where the deal comes into play?"
"Always a few steps ahead of everyone else, Faison," said Sean. "I have reason to believe that this group isn't finished. After the DVX, the WSB is the most obvious target. I was a Bureau chief once. It will always have a hold on my loyalties."
"Of course. I expect nothing less," said Faison.
"My deal is this. In exchange for what information I have on this group targeting you, you help me destroy it," said Sean. "You get your revenge and my family's safety is guaranteed."
"And indirectly save the WSB, Andrew, Anna and … and Robert," said Faison. "The irony is cosmic, no?"
"If we do things right, they'll never know. Your fearsome reputation will never be tarnished." Sean looked at his watch and got to his feet. "I have to get back before I'm missed. Think about it while you're here doing Helena's bidding. Let me-"
"Helena?"
Sean gestured at Faison's backpack. "Come now, Faison. You on this island while the most abnormal weather has blanketed this city and only this city. Mikkos' weather machine may have been destroyed but I wouldn't put it past you or Helena to have recreated it or devised a better model. Was the weather machine the price for your cooperation in kidnapping and progamming Lucky Spencer all those years ago? It had to be something substantial to draw you out of hiding. You don't come cheap."
"And you see too much. Sometimes too much for your own good," said Faison. "Be careful, Donely, very careful."
"It's a good thing I can keep secrets then," said Sean putting his rain coat on.
"You won't try to stop me?" asked Faison. "This is YOUR city after all."
"We let bygones be bygones a long time ago," answered Sean. "Besides, with Andrew in town, you won't risk things getting, um, out of hand."
"He's here now?"
Sean nodded. "He's at General Hospital. Slight injuries only. Knowing the staff there, he'll probably stay the night."
Faison let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "Thank you, Sean."
"I have one rule that I've never broken. I've never used children as leverage against their parents. Ever. Whatever happens in the future between us, can I expect the same from you?" asked Sean.
"Yes. My word on it," said Faison. "I will think about this deal of yours. How soon do you need my decision?"
"I'll be approached again I'm sure. Let me know within 24 hours." Sean closed the terrace doors and bounded down the stairs. It was only when he was on the launch that he gave in to the urge to vomit over the side. He'd just taken the biggest gamble of his life. Including Faison in his plans was either going to be a stroke of genius or the decision that would cost him everything. "I've got everything to lose. I can't afford to play it safe."
Email Server Somewhere In The World
Charlotte Devane had been a careful and crafty woman in life. In death the scorched earth attitude was more appropriate. Scorched earth as in "If I can't have what I want, then no one will either."
She'd had no advance warning that her death was imminent when she set off for the Goksu Bridge. Her arrogance had blinded her to her own mortality. Yet that same self importance would ensure that her name is never forgotten. Helen of Troy was legendary as the woman who launched a thousand ships. In later years, Charlotte would be infamous as the woman who changed the Game forever. The very whisper of her name would mean malice incarnate.
The message was encrypted. All the better to arouse curiosity. What spy could resist a good puzzle? The attached encoded document was sizable. After all Charlotte had assiduously cultivated Dr. Peter Sinclair's frienship and confidence. She had delved into his past with his cousin Cesar Faison. And, she had access to Peter's work. All of that makes for a volatile mixture indeed.
The timer was nearing the end. One minute to go. 60 - 59 - 58 - 57 ...
There was one recipient - the Gem Group.
Gem HQ, Milton Keynes
A few blinks and Anna's eyes adjusted. She was in a maintenance room. To her right, steel shelving filled one entire wall from floor to ceiling. Arranged on the shelves were portable generators, gas containers, folded plastic tarpaulins, metal toolboxes and jugs of water. To her left were several tall gray lockers. She made a beeline for the lockers.
The first two lockers were locked but the third opened easily. Inside, she spied a worker's smock, a hardhat and a tool belt sagging with tools. She put on the smock and belt. Both were oversized but not by much. She put the hardhat on. She memorized the name on the smock's name label: J. Manley. In one of the smock's pockets, she found a security card.
With her hand on the knob, she took a deep breath. "Okay, Devane, time to see if the past is repeating itself."
Spoon Island
Flashlight in hand, Faison made his way to the study. He flicked a switch hidden in the top shelf of an antique bookcase.
CLICK!
He pressed a palm against the wall panel behind the bookcase.
CREAK!
A narrow section of the paneling slid open. He stepped inside and went down the rough-hewn staircase that led to the castle's cellars.
With sure steps, he moved towards the oldest part of the cellars. He paused in front of an aging enormous boiler that no longer served its function. Due to its immense size, it was decided that leaving it in situ was less costly than removing the boiler and all the pipes connected through it. In fact, it was still hardwired into the electrical system.
Though Cassadine Castle was less than twenty years old, it had been built over the foundations of an even older mansion called Wyndemere. Decades before in his guise as author P.K. Sinclair, Faison had rented Wyndemere. He had explored the mansion and the island thoroughly. He found that the stories of smugglers using Wyndemere to stash contraband held more than a grain of truth.
He had evidence in the cellar of the smugglers' handy work. He had found small cubby holes artfully dug out of the foundation stones at an angle serving to disguise the opening from anyone looking at the foundation directly. A few of them still contained forgotten bottles of whisky from the days of Prohibition. Faison had left the bottles where they were. Better to delight any future treasure hunters.
His fingers brushed against the cast iron carapace of the boiler like a lover caressing a partner's bare cheek. He opened the access panel on the front of the boiler. Carefully, he sifted aside the accumulated soot and dust on the bottom of the boiler's cavernous bowels. His fingertips found the pattern of recessed screws he was expecting.
His left hand retrieved a screwdriver with a customized head pattern. It was neither the standard flat or cross type. Instead, it was the Bristol type with six points. With familiar ease, he unscrewed the screws and lifted out a circular sheet of blackened metal.
He brought his flashlight to bear on the device hidden inside the boiler. It seemed like part of the ancient relic but the small blinking red diode belied that assumption. Faison took a few minutes to deactivate and remove the device from inside the receptable. From his backpack, he retrieved two objects no bigger than his palm but each was hefty in weight. He removed two similar objects from the device and replaced them with the newer versions.
He activated the device and smiled as the red diode came to life. He returned the device to its longtime home. Without a backward glance, he left the island with new plans churning in his mind.
General Hospital Synaptic Lab
Robin studied the syringe full of her reagent formula. It was the same she had used on Charlotte Devane. She had argued with Edgar about administering it to Andrew. They all knew it was a gamble of exceptionally high risk.
Robin glanced at the clock on the wall. Time was going too fast. Andrew was no better. She held a possible solution in her hand. "Time running out. Let me do this. Please!"
Standing next to Nyssa and Raine, Edgar stood by Andrew's bedside. "I accept that it's not fatal however Andrew has idiosynctratic reactions. Anything could happen. Again."
"I know that, Edgar. I accept full responsibility," said Robin.
"That is not your call," warned Edgar. "It is on both of us. That is why I am here."
"Do you have a better idea? Any of you?" asked Robin.
"Why the reagent?" asked Edgar.
Robin retorted hotly, "Why not?"
"Desperation won't lead to a solution, Robin," said Edgar.
"I've tested it on myself, Edgar. I know it's safe. All our tests on Andrew show massive imbalances in brain chemistry," said Robin. "Normalize the chemistry and … and his behavior should return to normal. My reagent was made to neutralize the effects of Compound A and X on the brain. It's Andrew's best chance."
Edgar capitulated, "Do it."
Robin emptied the syringe high on Andrew's left arm.
"How long do we wait?" asked Nyssa.
"Taking Charlotte as a baseline, I'd say four hours," said Robin. "Let's settle in for the wait."
Gem HQ, Milton Keynes
Anna hugged the corridor walls as she explored the underground labyrinth. Dressed as a technician most people didn't notice her. It was while she pretended to inspect a fluorescent fixture while standing on a step ladder that a team of security guards swept down the hall in a rush. She recognized the man leading the guards as the same man from reception. He gave orders to split up into pairs and complete a full security sweep.
Willie spoke into a walkie talkie, "Chase, Section 1 is cleared. We'll be done with Section 2 in a few minutes. This is pointless. She can't be down here. All checkpoints report negative contact."
Chase's voice sounded tinny and weak. "Better safe than sorry, Willie. Keep me posted. We're still searching up here."
Willie shook his head as he ended communication. He strode away further down the corridor.
Anna waited a few minutes before folding the step ladder. Carrying the ladder in one arm, she proceeded into the area from Willie and his team had come from - Section 1.
"This is way too easy," whispered Anna to herself. "Where's the catch?" She used her security card to open a set of locked steel doors.
Section 1 was busier than Section 2. There were more people in lab coats bustling about. The air hummed with conversation. By a water cooler and bulletin board, Anna spotted a door marked with the words "Maintenance." She ducked inside.
It was no larger than a closet. Mops, brooms and cleaning solvents were arrayed on one side. Fire prevention items hung from hooks on the opposite wall. She kept the door open an inch. While she eavesdropped on the passersby who stopped to get water, she visualized the layout she had memorized years ago trying to get her bearings.
"I've got two new assignees today," said a woman.
"Good candidates?" asked the man.
"I'm not worried about the programming. It's … it's afterwards," said the woman. "It's hard to take."
"They're volunteers. They know what could happen."
"That doesn't erase the guilt," replied the woman. "I wish we had Sinclair. He was the key."
"Well, we don't. We can figure out the missing pieces. We're getting close in the chem lab," said the man.
"You're convinced it's chemical in nature?"
"What else could it be?" asked the man. "Any solution even Compound A can be replicated. It might take time but it's doable. We'll get there. Don't worry."
The two people walked away. Anna noticed which direction they went. Their conversation gave her enough clues to surmise that they were involved in the Minerva Project. This was the proof that she needed to verify that Sean hadn't lied to her about the project's resumption. This proof should have been enough but it wasn't. She needed to see with her own eyes that the project was real.
"I've passed my time limit already. Might as well go as far as I can," whispered Anna.
Carrying the stepladder as before, she left the closet and went in the same direction as the two scientists.
The Court, Milton Keynes, England
Elyot wheeled into the Library where his wife sat reading a book. She looked up on hearing the familiar glide of his chair. He stopped in front of her.
"How is Robert?" asked Augusta.
"Reading with a bottle of cognac for company," replied Elyot glancing around the room. "Anna is where?"
"We had discussed much. She's having a ride to relax a bit," said Augusta.
"I am inordinately pleased to see you so happy," said Elyot softly. "It has been too long. Perhaps I should have not kept you from your family. It was-"
Augusta touched her husband's arm. "Shh. Events unfolded as they had to. Darling, I ceased to see you as omnipotent long ago."
"You are too forgiving of my failures."
"Look forward, Elyot. That is the only thing we can do."
Elyot nodded. "Yes, of course."
"What are we to do about the Committee?" asked Augusta. "Hare is quite energized about engagement. Hatter will be in London within the hour. Was he very surprised at his assignment?"
"Shocked more like. Reviving our old communications system is critical. It is cumbersome and archaic but I am confident that it is secure from infiltration," said Elyot. "We must initiate the winnowing. Discover who amongst us and our staffs are innocent of Faison's corruption."
"And what of the guilty?" asked Augusta.
"Once identified, we may use them to serve our purposes," said Elyot. "I suspect most would be beyond middle age or in retirement. I propose to assign them to a faraway place where they could do no harm to us. I am more concerned that we will be in conflict on two fronts."
"Isn't this where our allies come into play?" Augusta studied Elyot's face. "Or are you concerned that they will not come up to scratch?"
Elyot sighed. "They remind me of us in the beginning. I … I was Abelard before we married. You knew what my life was to be. Even so it was … difficult for you, for us. Love is not always enough."
"Commitment is what matters most," said Augusta. "Anna is most committed to her man and their family."
"And nothing will move Robert from her side. That is clear."
"Then why are you expending energy on needless concern?"
"I fear for what will be left behind. Our time, my time is nearly done," said Elyot. "It is a much more dangerous world than it ever was for us. The Abelard of today must be equal to the dangers. I had told Robert that I would train him but only to a point. I lied to the man, Augusta."
"And it was easy?"
"My mentor warned me that one cannot leave Abelard behind. Ruthlessness and deceit become quite natural," said Elyot. "I had thought I had become a better man since I … I surrendered him but that is not so. Ultimately, the end always justifies the means."
Gem HQ, Milton Keynes
Anna ostensibly examined a fire extinguisher and safety axe that hung on the wall by two closed fire doors. She had watched the comings and goings for nearly five minutes. It seemed that only scientists were allowed through. When the doors opened to let in large group, she trailed the group a few steps behind and stepped through just as the doors swung close. Once through, she ducked into the nearest room.
Heart pounding, Anna pressed her back against the closed door. Her eyes did not immediately recognize what was in front of her. When self-awareness returned, her heart rate increased.
The room was quiet and well lit. Gurneys were arranged in three rows of four. Forms shrouded in white sheets lay on each gurney. The sharp tang of bleach and formaldehyde assaulted Anna's senses. It was a morgue.
Anna saw a door beyond the rows. She made for it at a run. The door led to a narrow hallway with darkened glass window panels lining one side and closed doors on the other. On each window was painted in white a number from one to five. A wave of deja vu hit her like a tsunami.
She knew this hallway well. Her feet moved her forward as her mind reeled from memories. In Room 1 she had been initially tested for fitness to undergo the procedure. Room 2 had been easy. Room 3 was long and tedious. Room 4 had nearly broken her. Room 5 had been challenging but not impossible.
Light suddenly shone from Room 3. Instinctively, Anna crouched and approached the window. She risked a quick peek and gasped.
Inside was a candidate being positioned on the instruction platform. Two scientists attached sensor pads and a headphone on the candidate.
"Sean wasn't lying to me. He wasn't," said a horrified Anna. One of the doors behind her began to creak open. She heard movement. She dived for another closed door and, fortunately, it opened. She closed the door behind her. She sought to calm her breathing as the scientists passed by.
Once she was sure they had left the hallway entirely, she turned the light switch on. She was in a small office. It was another room she recognized - Jonathan Masters' office.
The past caught up to Anna like a speeding bullet train. In her mind's eye, she imagined a slight figure covered in a white sheet with a small tag attached. The name on the tag was Emma Drake. She sagged against the wall hyperventilating.
"Like Hell! I'll take all of them down with me first!" exclaimed Anna.