It can be difficult to wake with someone on your mind, playing with the edges of your dreams. It is more disorienting when you expect that someone to be laying beside you but the bed is otherwise empty. Did that really happen here, last night?

The second pillow has her scent still on it and a whole range of my muscles are telling me it had been a long time since they were used so. Yes, I think it did happen. Right here. I was involved.

She isn't here. Recriminations start... was I all that bad? Did I say or do something stupid? Well, okay, there are levels of stupid; I mean other than bed a woman half my age. A smoking hot woman. A sober woman who already knew what I look like under most of my clothes and didn't let that stop her.

What did it mean to her? I'm not sure what it means to me, but I'd like to find out... did it mean something special to her, too? What about a kid? What chance is there that I'm going to be a da?

Something is wrong with me. I let a spook seduce me. A perfect ten physically, but a spy nevertheless. I didn't think ahead, didn't even ask myself if I want a relationship with someone like that. What were her motives?

Could I trust her? The honest answer is no. The passion was great, but I bet it is all on storage somewhere for them to try to blackmail me with. Thing is, I don't have anyone I'm concerned about finding out, so that isn't likely to work. But she must have known that already, so what was the point?

Did she actually want me? Was it me the person or just the attention of a warm friendly male?

The room speaker interrupts my self-recriminations, "Mr. Ryan, breakfast is served, sir. Second building on the left as you exit your front door."

"Thanks," I say, not knowing if anyone hears me. Different meeting place today, I wonder what that portents.

My linen shirt is tossed casually on the carpet, my jeans are half covered by the bedsheet, and I'm not at all sure where my underwear went. I grab what I need from my bag and dress about the same as I've been the last few days. I note that the red swim trunks are nowhere to be found.

…..

There isn't a guard at the door here and I'm left saying, "Hello?" to the hallway.

"Back here!" Xin calls.

Well, at least that is a positive.

She is sitting at a smallish table, all alone.

"What, no interrogation squad?"

"No, silly, just a relaxed breakfast before you go."

"Ah." Well, I'm supposed to leave gracefully. "About last night..."

"Yeah, I enjoyed it. Maybe I'll drop in on you some time when you're on-world."

Sitting down, I ask, "So it was okay?"

She looks my way and says, "Yeah, I had a good time. You're okay; maybe out of shape for the main event, but you more than made up for it before we got there."

Wow, that's a rather deflating review. "So I'm not exactly the man you wanted."

"Wanted? You were exactly who I wanted last night. Look, I'm a rather free woman. I wasn't looking for you to be more than an experience to be enjoyed and I trust you found enjoyment with me, too."

I smile at the memory, but another thought comes quickly, "Any risk of a..."

"Baby? No, I'm not able to have kids."

"Oh, I'm..."

"Sorry? Don't be. My mother and father thought having me while staying in the OES made sense; it was murder and I wouldn't do that to a kid. As it turns out, I can enjoy my body and not worry."

"I see."

"I wonder if you do," she says with an evaluating expression. "Look, if you see Gloria again, tell her I said she's missing out. The girl should grow some hair and take a few sweetness lessons and get on your good side. You really aren't that bad even for a man ten or fifteen years younger than you, much less someone your age." She chuckles and adds, "Heck, there are even a few things the other guys around here could take pointers from you on."

I'm not sure if I've been insulted or complimented, and it's even possible that I've just received both. As I chew on an orange slice, it occurs to me that if she stays here most of the time that a lot of the men around have probably sampled the same pleasures.

"These are yours," Xin says, handing me a packet and several data chips. "They will work with your mobi once you are twenty-five klicks out." I note that my hand seems on fire where our fingers touch... but from her expression she has no such reaction.

"Klicks?"

"Sorry, kilometers. You mobi will start working once you pass about that point."

Holding the packet I ask, "So these are..."

"Your registration materials. You are now a registered foreign agent under Xeno Affairs primary protocol. You pay your taxes and do nothing to put the UEE at risk and the suits at XA won't both you."

The piece of egg I'm trying to get onto my toast is giving me a hard time. That or I'm really having to work not to ask for another turn with her.

Looking me in the eye... or is that the heart... she continues, "You craft is ready to depart, but if you ever decide to sell it, let me know. I really like how the Xi'An tech has been blended with the rest of the hull. You'll let me know, won't you?"

"Yes, Ma'am," I finally exhale and see her nod just a hint. This is getting uncomfortable for me, the breakfast isn't important enough to continue to deal with it here.

Rising, I smile and announce, "I need to go ahead and get ready, then. Thanks for your hospitality and... um... for last night. I thought it was wonderful."

She smiles and nods, "Have a safe trip, Mr. Ryan. Oh, there should be a flight suit in your room when you get back to it."

"Thanks," I reply softly. The doorway beckons and though I long to hear it, no call to come back catches me as I walk out into the morning light.

…..

I've gotta admit I feel rather used. I mean it was a great experience and all that... heck, for a while I was feeling like I was a decade or two younger. The 'experience to be enjoyed' and her comments about the other men here leave me wondering if this is how a hopeful young woman feels after she's been shown the door after what he only meant as a one night stand.

The M50 is all in one piece, the crew is keeping their distance, and I'm about done with the exterior preflight. Extending the ladder, I take a moment to look around one last time. I guess I secretly hoped she would come out to see me off, but that appears not to be in the works. The cockpit smells like cockpits do: a faint body odor mixed with hints of hydraulic fluid, electrical arcing, and warm plastics. The canopy slides closed and I start the launch checklist.

If it were a 3xx, I could probably do this in my sleep, but there are still things here I'm not that familiar with, especially the checks on the Xi'An tech. Honestly, I'm not sure what all the things are, but for now... hmmm... I wonder. That could be a way to get this stupid bird off my hands for a while and move back into my 350r. Mental note to myself: call Kree'Gna once I have communications and see if the Xi'An want to sweep this thing for stuff the OES might have added.

It has taken maybe ten minutes, but now everything is green and good to go.

On my main comm channel I announce, "Control... whatever... this is Ryan in the M50. I am ready to launch."

Without hesitation there is an answer, "Shawn Ryan, we have you clear to depart on any vector you prefer. You are advised to keep all sensors and scanning systems powered down until you are beyond twenty five kilometers from your current location. Early startup of those systems will draw anti-air fire. Is that understood?"

"Okay, control, I'll do as ordered."

I lift and follow the ground crew's waving instructions, exiting the hangar at barely more than a hover. Once well clear of the doors, I bump the throttle up a notch and feel a steady acceleration. Below, the island is already passing astern; azure sea plays over the reefs, swiftly replaced by the vibrant lapis of deeper waters.

I'm at 1000kmh in less than a minute and clear of the twenty-five kilometer zone in barely another.

My mobi chirps as it begins to reboot and the ship's communications suite also boots.

"Six messages waiting," my comm glas shows.

"Play messages in fifo order."

"Shawn, Camilla here. Are you coming to dinner again tonight?" Time stamp for day before yesterday.

"Kree'Gna is calling Shawn Ryan." Same date, corresponds with the day of torture and my first evening on the island.

"Shawn, This is Camilla, are you okay? I want you to come to dinner tonight, and that's an order. Well, as close to one as I can give. I have some dragon grade peppers..." her voice has that teasing tone that makes it obvious she knows me way too well. Sent the same day as the first.

Camilla again, "Shawn, I'm getting worried, you didn't call us yesterday. You okay?" Yesterday's message.

"Kree'Gna is calling Shawn Ryan." He never was much for leaving detailed messages, also sent yesterday.

"My, didn't we have fun last night?" Who the heck is that? Sent this morning, sounds like a man, but maybe it was Gloria? Doesn't really sound that much like her, but then again, I don't recall ever hearing her on a comm. No reply id, maybe I'll never find out.

"Camilla?"

"Shawn?" she asks with surprise. Her next words shift to angry very quickly, "Why haven't you called. I've been worried sick."

"Thanks, mom."

She says a few words I rather not repeat and then calms down a bit, "You shouldn't make fun of me being worried. I don't trust those government whoahos as far as I can throw them."

"That's a good position to take. Look, the offer of dinner still on for tonight?"

Her tone takes on a quality I think of as being coy, "Maybe. You explain yourself then?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Well, all right, dinner will be at six."

I smile and say, "I'll be there or let you know if I'm delayed again."

"Okay. Oh, Arron wants to know if you are going to need an extra parking space cleared."

"For?"

"Anyone extra that needs one."

"I don't think so."

"Okay. Until then."

"Ciao."

"Shawn Ryan is calling Kree'Gna."

Silence. I'm almost out of the atmosphere, heading for the embassy... but not without permission.

"Shawn Ryan is calling Kree'Gna."

All I hear are the little sounds of the M50's cockpit systems. I switch to the open commercial frequency and hail the embassy itself, "Shawn Ryan to Xi'An Embassy. I am a Xi'An Imperial contractor. I desire contact with Kree'Gna, Ksan Ko'Kree, or any party able to give me permission to land."

"Shawn Ryan, this is Taalk Kray, assistant to Diplomat Athas Mgren. This communication link is not secure. Do you have one of your contract links available?"

"Yes, sir."

"Please use the primary diplomatic encryption listed as option two."

I select it from the options offered on my comm glas and key up, "Shawn Ryan is calling Assistant Taalk Kray."

"Taalk Kray is answering Shawn Ryan. Neither Ksan Ko'Kree nor Kree'Gna are available. How may I assist you?"

"I believe my contract ship has been compromised. I would like to have this M50 that Ksan Ko'Kree presented me swept for bugs or other unauthorized equipment. I would also like to recover my 350R which I believe was towed to the Embassy after my rescue."

"I will speak with the Diplomat and ascertain if we may assist you in this manner."

"Thank you."

I begin to feather the throttles for an approach to the Embassy's dock. Wonder how long until I hear back.

Not too long, appearently; "Taalk Kray is calling Shawn Ryan."

"Yes, sir. Oh, sorry, Shawn Ryan is answering Taalk Kray."

"You may dock your craft in bay three. The Diplomat wishes to speak with you after you disembark."

"Thank you every much, Taalk Kray."

"You are most welcome, Shawn Ryan."

…..

A security detail is waiting as my pads touch down. I shut systems down and clamber down the ladder. A thought intrudes as I see one of the scanning teams... what if this suit the OES gave me is bugged?

"Excuse me," I say to one of the techs, "Can you scan my suit? It might have been tampered with."

Well, it would appear that the tech has no clue what I just said and I don't know enough Xi'An to ask so specific a question.

From behind me a voice asks, "What was your concern, Shawn Ryan?"

"Taalk Kray?"

"Yes, I am he."

"I got this suit from the same folks that I suspect bugged the ship. Can they scan it before I go to meet Diplomat Athas Mgren?"

"Do you have something else to change into?"

"Not here, but I should have a secure suit on my 350, if it is nearby."

"Yes, down the causeway. Please follow me."

Not two hundred meters away, the familiar form of my Origin sits comfortably on its tires. I stride to her, open her up and step inside. Things sure seem to be where I left them, including the box with my 'clean' jumpsuit. I dress appropriately and dismount to follow Assistant Kray to a conference room with Athas Mgren.

Bowing, I offer, "Athas Mgren, Shē'sueren."

She smiles and nods, "Shawn Ryan, Shē'sueren. Have you been well?"

"I am healthy, Diplomat."

She gestures to Taalk and he backs out the door we had just entered by. "I need to explain the situation, Shawn Ryan. Ksan Ko'Kree and Kree'Gna journey to Rihlah, they will not be back for several days at least."

"Thank you, Athas Mgren. I have brought the ship Ksan Ko'Kree gave me to be inspected for tampering."

"Why do you think it might have been tampered with?"

"I was on an island controlled by the OES while they questioned me."

Her expression chills markedly and she is now warily watching, "Why were you there?"

"Were you aware that on my last run into the system a UEE Navy patrol ordered that I register as a foreign agent?"

"Yes, I have been briefed on that."

"Were you also aware that during the process at our Xeno Affairs office I was first tortured and then sent to an island for further questioning?"

"No, I was not aware of that."

"OES agents did both the torture and the questioning and only released my registration when they were satisfied that I wasn't a threat. Of course, I asked your security team to scan my ship once it landed and have changed out of the flight suit I had there so it could also be scanned."

She nods, "You have acted with honor, Shawn Ryan."

"I try."

"Kree'Gna asks those who can decide if you may remain with him now that the MARC agents are no longer interested. Ksan Ko'Kree keeps his own council on the matter, I am not sure if he will support Kree'Gna's request or oppose it. I would guess you have several days before we have word from either as to the fate of your contract."

"May I ask you a serious question, Athas Mgren?"

"You may ask, but I might choose not to answer, Shawn Ryan."

"Do you know if Ksan Ko'Kree staged the interrogation that led to my 'rescue' and subsequent movement to Rihlah?"

She is very still, I may have gone too far. "Ksan Ko'Kree's actions on such matters would be better discussed with him." Her tone is ice cold.

"Please forgive me, Diplomat, I mean no offense."

"I believe you should retire to you own place. Kree'Gna will contact you when he returns."

"May I offer one bit of information I gleaned while in OES custody?"

Guardedly, she answers, "Perhaps."

"The OES believes that behind the attempts on my life recently are several individuals," I have her complete and undivided attention now, "Including two unnamed members of our Senate, a Tevarin living on Gen named Hornek Tish, and an assassin known as Vixen. There were further hints that Tish may be behind several penetration attempts into Xi'An space, though it was admitted that the OES doesn't yet know for sure what the operations are for."

"You are sure of this information?"

"Only that it is what they told me. I find it hard to trust a spook these days, but that was the first possible lead I've gotten."

"A spook?"

"Sorry, an intelligence agent. A spy."

"Ah, thank you." I would swear there is at least a hint of sympathy as she continues, "I can understand the sentiment you have expressed. Is there anything else you wish to say or ask?"

"No, Ma'am. Am I dismissed?"

"Yes. You are free to take either the M50 or your older 350 when you depart.

"Thank you. I will take the 350, in case I am not longer to be kept under contract."

"I understand. Shawn Ryan, athlē-korr."

"Thank you for your time, Diplomat. Athas Mgren, athlē-korr."

…..

The 350R is parked in my hangar, Camilla is busy inside in the kitchen, and my eyes are closed as I listen to the sounds from downslope in the plantation. If only life could be so easy again.

"I figured I would find you here." The voice is a woman's, but so contralto that there is only one woman who could be using it.

Without looking towards her, I say, "Hello, Gloria."

"Hello, Shawn."

"I thought you were going to stay away now."

"I lied."

The words come so easily from her that I have to admit I look her way to make sure she actually spoke them so nonchalantly.

"Was that your message this morning?"

"Of course."

"How much of what happened out there do you know about?"

"Almost everything. Their microphones covering the beach are not very good or that minx knows how to defeat them."

"Minx? Do I detect a hint..."

"Of jealousy?" she interrupts. "Fat chance. If that's what you like, we have a couple Flunkies who will be glad to keep you entertained and cooperative. Lanai, a girl from some Earth island... Molok or something like that... oh, yeah, Molokai... anyway, she makes that Xin witch look like a tired has been and..."

My turn to interrupt, "Let's not go there, okay? So you know everything already?"

"Yup. Want to hear their report on you?"

"Not right now, how..."

"Gloria!" Camilla has apparently come out onto the patio. "Are you staying for dinner again? Shawn, I told you to tell me if you were bringing someone."

"Camilla, I just dropped in, he didn't know to invite me. And yes, I would love to stay for dinner."

So much for my peaceful evening at home.

…..

Dinner is very spicy and I'm enjoying the fact that Gloria is actually sweating trying to eat along with us. Camilla and Arron don't perhaps like food quite as hot as I do, but I'm sure this would be much hotter than the five stars in any of Prime's best Thai eateries... next to this, xi'rrahn is just spiced water. Gloria was not prepared, maybe for the first time since I've known her.

"You know, if you like it really hot," I say looking Gloria in the eye, "I've got some Rat's Blood I could share."

My chiding earns me a dreary look, she wants to be mad but is in too much pain.

"No," she gasps, flushed and obviously uncomfortable.

"Perhaps we could get her some milk," Arron says with what might be compassion or teasing.

Gloria just shakes her head, but she also chooses this moment to push her meal away from herself with more than half the food left.

Camilla rises, takes the plate, and heads to the kitchen. I realize that I miss Brother Patrick's presence to soften Gloria's impact on the room.

Camilla returns with a small bowl of homemade ultra-rich strawberry ice-cream. She sets it before Gloria and says quietly, "This will help. Eat all of it."

The MARC Reporter nods and does as instructed.

…..

Gloria has somewhat recovered and is looking rather appraisingly at the three of us.

"Tell us what the report you mentioned said about our Shawn," Camilla unexpectedly says.

Gloria looks her, glances at me, and then looks back her way. "You listen well."

"You would be surprised," Camilla responds, while taking a confident evaluation of the bald woman.

"They believe he is worth watching, but not a valid asset or candidate. They have bugged his ship, but I suspect the Xi'An will have removed those bugs by the time he gets it back. The psych crew distrust him because they observe that he fails to act according to their models, including several pointed notes about his refusal to submit to intimidation or cooperate with minor behavior modification. One of the Associates observed that he is relatively easy to manipulate with sex and advised a plan of providing a proper 'relationship' if he is deemed important enough to use. The rest of the details are minor."

"You banging someone over there?" Camilla asks me with uncharacteristic crudeness.

My night with Xin comes back to haunt me and I admit, "Yeah, something like that. I was a one-nighter for her."

Camilla looks Gloria's way and the latter nods in confirmation.

…..

The meal has been cleared away and Gloria is sitting quietly, just watching us. Camilla and Arron have talked for the last hour about the plantation. I think they are winding down, bed time will come soon for them.

"Would you like a room, Gloria?" Arron offers.

"No, I'm still on a morning clock right now. I'll leave after I've had a chance to talk with Shawn."

"Ah," Camilla replies. "Let's go, hubby. These two love birds need some alone time."

The two women laugh at this and Arron joins Camilla as she heads off to their rooms.

In the growing quiet, Gloria is watching me.

In the distance, a cat yeowls, fitting my mood perfectly.

"The AcDat on you has indeed been moved from active to accumulate."

"What does that mean?"

"Hmmm, which part?"

"I don't understand anything you just said. Ackdad means nothing to me and moving from 'active' to 'accumulate' means even less."

"AcDat, T. Acquire Data. A type of operation. It is what I do most of my working time. Your data-store has been handed off to a Researcher, someone who keeps track of things while crunching through the information we have and continue to collect. 'Active' in your case means the part of getting the information stream started on you. 'Accumulate' is what will happen now."

"So, where does that leave you?"

"I am actually already set for my next assign. I wanted to see you. Xin's comment in the report means they have something planned if you become interesting."

"And you care about what happens to me, right?" I ask with at least a modicum of sarcasm.

Gloria might actually be hurt by that, her expression is hard to read, but the first flash of reaction was definitely pain. "Yes, I actually trust the OES types less than I trust the Xi'An. They use people and dispose of them casually. MARC wants information for those who need to know... now or in the future. OES wants covert control. They are worse that Special Action within the Advocacy."

"You've dealt with them, I take it."

She smiles, "I was one of them." She sees my loathing expression in response and continues, "MARC has made an honest Reporter out of me. I don't regret leaving the Advocacy."

"Honest Reporter?" I ask, remembering how easily she admitted she had lied earlier.

"Well, I still lie about what I need to, but I try very hard not to resort to violence with innocent people."

"Yet you threatened me the first time you showed up."

She laughs, "Yup, it worked, didn't it?"

I shrug, "Maybe."

"Look, you are still going to be monitored, probably by at least the three of us."

"Three?"

"Xi'An, OES, and MARC. We have the advantage of picking up all the OES data as well, but it isn't real-time, there's a delay in that."

"You actually saw everything from that island?"

She doesn't flinch as she replies, "You lasted less than six minutes."

I'm humiliated and sure my tone matches the sentiment as I respond, "Well, that's a definite yes."

She nods.

"Did you hear about the Tev on Gen?"

"Hornek Tish? Yes. We are trying to backtrack Vixen, but I suspect the Major was correct. Who the Senators are is also a matter of great interest, but again, that is in a Researcher's hands now. Depending on what they find there might be another assign or another branch might conveniently learn of Tish or Vixen's actions."

"Do Researchers work for you?"

"Oh my, no. They work for the Librarian, like we do. They are the real data miners, they see patterns in things that would overload me. Brilliant, every one."

"So, when do I meet him or her?"

"You don't."

"Oh."

"Morgan will either send me to meet with you or assign a Flunkie."

"Like Dora?"

"Or Lanai, now that we know your preferences."

"You say that like you might mean 'weaknesses'."

She inclines her head to one side but says nothing.

"So MARC would try to seduce me as cynically as OES would."

"Yes. If it would work, I'd put on a wig and do it myself. Oh, and if you ever see that witch again, feel free to tell her from me that her faking it was unimpressive."

I realize what Gloria means and my time with Xin becomes even more of an embarrassment.

She continues, "Don't worry, I know I'm not your type."

Imagine my relief.

"I'll check in on you from time to time, but you can let the Xi'An know we are still watching you. That might make them happy to keep you on."

"You are a strange person for being in such a 'secret' agency."

"I tell you what you need to know to keep being yourself, and to keep you being useful to us. OES still has little clue that we are what we are, though it would seem that Xin made some interesting mental leaps... she isn't completely an airhead barbie-doll."

I would swear there is at least a little acrimony in her comments about Xin, but I guess it's more likely due to the remarks Xin made disparaging her than anything like jealousy.

"I need to go," she says, rising.

I stand and offer, "Fly safe."

"You, too." With that she steps out into the night.

…..

It is quiet out, just a distant bird calling into the darkness. I'm laying on my back wondering if anything can or will go wrong before I can fall asleep. Gloria's departure has left me no more settled than I was this morning after being dismissed by Xin. Still, sleep seems inevitable and my eyes are finally slipping closed.

Almost on cue, my mobi chimes with a connection attempt. For a moment or two I lay still, wondering if I should get it and knowing that I can't not.

The moments pass, "Yellow?"

"Hey, TOG! You old rust bucket!"

"Dalton! What hole did you crawl out of?"

"Hole my ass," Dalton Banner laughs. "You must be on Terra itself somewhere for this to connect so quickly."

"Roger that."

"Hey, I heard your name tossed around; care to sit down for a Guinness and some talk?"

"Where do you have in mind?"

"Some place public... maybe JonJohn's?"

"Just off the monorail between Downtown and The Block?"

"That's the one. Get a booth and order two Guinness and their super-porterhouse."

"Um, I already had a good dinner, Dal."

"The steak is for me, mutton head. Anyway, I'll see you before you see me."

This isn't like Dalton. "What's with the cloak and dagger?"

"You'll understand. Can't talk more right now. Later, dude."

"Hasta..." the link has terminated before I can finish.

Well, no rest for the weary. I rise and don a clean but very old flightsuit and of course my dragonskins. Sneaking downstairs isn't a problem and I'm at the ship before I'm otherwise distracted.

Why would Dalton seek me out like this? It must be pretty serious for him to drop down onto Terra. He's been a really good bounty hunter for many years; I've flown his wing on numerous occasion and he usually pays well. Something in his tone bothers me, though; he wasn't looking for me to fly with him, or he would have just asked if I was available. Further, he has never been very fond of crowds, but JonJohn's is about as unlikely to be packed full of with hundreds of people as I am to be Vandie. Whatever could be up?

…..

I slump into the pilot seat, still not quite returned from sleep to waking.

"Well, it's about time you got you fat ass into the chair," Duncan startles me with the challenge.

Fortunately, it's one I've done a myriad times before, "Well, who died and made you boss?"

"You don't look like a pilot to me, you best jump back out before the real boss shows up and kicks your sorry rump."

"Bite m e, Duncan."

"Welcome back, Shawn."

"Duncan, please clear us for a pad in Terra, as close to the mono as possible."

"There are three pads available in the starport within a thousand meters of a monorail station."

"Stations?"

"Bravo and Gamma has two."

Gamma has the best vectors back out. I'm not sure why I'm thinking this way, but Gamma is also the most crowded, I'm more likely to be lost in the crowd and another 350 isn't likely to attract much attention.

"Which sectors in Gamma?"

"One in Green, that's a business and one in yellow, that is a discount."

Yellow discount would be the most anonymous, but it would be the longer walk from the monorail. What am I sensing? Is there some danger? Probably not, but then again, I've never known Dalton to be so dramatic... it's something he might do if he were being hunted or hunting.

…..

Like may cities serving the empire, Prime is a city that never sleeps. The monorail in goes smoothly enough and I'm quickly entering the unceasing noise that fills JonJohn's. There must be a hundred different conversations all running at the same time. A waiter approaches, dressed in what must be some period costume... though I have no clue what period that would be.

"Welcome to JonJohn's Famous Ribs and Seafood. I'm Nathan and I'll be your waiter tonight. Would you like to start with something from the bar to drink?"

"Well, let's just order what I need all at once, Okay?"

"Sure, what'cha want?"

"I'll take two Guinness and your super-porterhouse."

"And how would you like the porterhouse cooked?"

Ooops, I never asked that of Dalton... "um, medium."

"Would you like the rice..."

I interrupt, "Nothing but the steak and the Guinness."

He shrugs and moves something around on his little glas, "Okay, medium super-porter and two Guinness."

"Yeah, thanks."

He appears to send the order and is off to the next table without another word.

My mobi chimes and I answer, "Yeah?"

"You're hotter than I thought," Dalton Banner states. "You were followed."

"Yeah, I've been getting a lot of that sort of thing lately."

"I know something that might be valuable to you."

I laugh, "Well, while I appreciate the thought, I kinda doubt it is worth much now. I'm being watched by at least four groups, including the OES."

I can hear something deflate in his voice, "Oh." He seems to struggle with a thought, but finally asks, "Hey, is it true you're registered Xeno now?"

I know he means foreign agent with Xeno Affairs. "Yes, it's just an escort contract, but the government says I need to register so I did."

"Slink or Nu?"

"Kree'Gna is Xi'An."

"Kree'Gna. That the Xi'An you used to partner with?"

"The same."

"So, you don't want to meet to purchase some data?"

"Well, if you had shown up a few days ago, I might have been interested... now, I know who to go after."

"Really? Need help?"

"Maybe. It's a Tev on Gen."

The link is silent and my heart starts to pound. Dalton knows something about that.

"You still there?" I ask quietly.

"Yeah." He voice takes on what sounds like concern, "You need to be careful, Hornek isn't someone to trifle with."

How did he know I meant Hornek Tish? Maybe I should make sure he knows, "I've heard that Tish is just some Senator's lackey."

"No, he is a capable fixer. His clients seem to think you're a liability and he has one out on you, my friend."

I know the answer, but ask anyway, "One what?"

"Contract for your head."

"And you're after Vixen, right?"

"No!" He pauses, "I mean no, you shouldn't know that."

His tone says he is lying. What exactly is the nature of this situation? I pull up the mobi and search on contracts from Hornek Tish... nothing found for Vixen. On a lark I check for contracts for getting me, and Dalton's statement about me is quickly confirmed.

"You know that Vixen has the contract on me, don't you?"

I can hear him take a deep breath, "You don't know who he is, do you?"

He just acknowledged that in spite of the implied gender he already knows Vixen is a male. What else does he know? My hand slips down to the old ballistic sidearm in its belly holster, something feels very wrong here.

"Tell Tish from me that we know a lot more about him than he would ever like," I say while standing.

"You know, you're pretty smart for an old fart." I hear him through the mobi, but my ears tell me I can hear him in the room as well... behind me. I head for a blind corner, turn just past it, and stop.

"Thanks," I say quietly. I'm mostly facing the wall, my weapon clear of its holster and the safety is off.

He turns around the corner in a hurry and stops, momentarily startled. The look disappears and I see the blade flash, almost too late. My weapon fires, my wrist screaming in pain from the discharge as the almost deafening roar interrupts everyone in the room. Dalton's eyes widen and then slack. A woman nearby screams, then another. Dalton Banner falls like the proverbial sack of rocks, a growing red stain flowing over his chest from the vicious hole poked into it; an evil looking stiletto still clutched tight in his left hand.

My mobi serves as camera and I send several images of the fallen assassin straight to the Xi'An embassy, knowing full well that both OES and MARC will intercept the unencrypted signal.

An Advocate's Agent is there in moments, his dinner appears to have left a different kind of red stain across his shirt.

"May I have that?" he gestures at the handgun and I calmly surrender my weapon.

"Sorry for the mess, he didn't give me much of an option."

"Let me get a duty officer in. Stay right there, Okay?"

"No problem."