Double Image

[Thexare]

The Santini residence on Cambridge was not a terribly extravagant affair, opting instead for more muted, elegant styling. The Eighth Arcanum Tennis Team - that is, Mia and Lauren - were here for a doubles match, and a few other agents were on hand for business. So Mystic and Emilio could meet face to face, and to convince Alicia that they weren't that bad.

Behind the estate sat a tennis court, small basketball court, swimming pool, and outdoor dining area. Emilio and Zack sat at one of the tables, with Alicia, Masayuki, Melissa, and Alyssa at the next one.

"You know how Liberty goes. The bureaucracy is efficient at feeding the bureaucracy. The Rogues now have two major groups - the Padua Rogues have started up again, though the Alcatraz band doesn't seem to be out lately. Which I appreciate, they were pretty violent even for Rogues."

"Yes, I know the type," Emilio replied as Serena set down a cup of tea for him and each of their guests. "Dealt with some like that myself in my day; they have their uses, but not for long."

"You're talking about business again?" Serena sighed, shaking her head. "You should try to relax once in a while, have some fun."

"Mrs. Santini-" Zack started.

"Serena, dear," she interrupted.

"- if you don't enjoy business, you're in the wrong one," he finished. She smiled and picked up a green tennis racket that was leaning on the wall. She and Tiana took the far side of the court, and Mia and Lauren took the near. The younger Santinis, as usual, each wore an all-black outfit - a tank top and skirt for Mia, a t-shirt and slacks for Tiana. Serena settled for a simple green tank top and white running shorts that would easily hold the attention of anyone in attendance. But Zack was a trained Order agent, and wouldn't be distracted by her long, toned legs, her perfectly-tanned skin, the way she bounced when-

Zack shook his head. Focus, Zack, focus.

Emilio laughed quietly and took another sip of his tea. "She has that effect on a lot of people. Mostly men."

"Suddenly I'm not sure the Outcasts really needed the cardamine to try to take over."

"Funny you should mention that - she's not from Malta. She was a freelancer working for the Hackers, I met her on a business trip. Back when I still made those trips, that is."

"I'm surprised you're willing to tell me that," Zack noted over the lip of his cup.

"Well, there's two reasons. One, the wedding was a private affair, and she wiped any records of it. To Malta, she was untraceable. Two, I know I'm not the only one to employ a former Hacker affiliate." He glanced over at Alicia with a smile, but not one she found at all comforting. "You covered your tracks pretty well, Blackmoon-"

"Sorceress."

"Whichever. But some of us were able to track you."

"What's your point?" she demanded.

"You can't run from the past, Alicia. Try as you might, it will always be a part of you. You can hide it from others, most of the time, but you can't hide it from yourself - that's why you're wound up like a children's toy. You've tried to bury it instead of moving on."

"Hah. You're one to talk."

"I am speaking from experience, yes."

"You're still running the same spy games and influence peddling you always did - you're not the only one with an information network. And you're still doing it to try to help the slavers."

Emilio had no response.

"Alicia, please, that's quite enough," Masayuki said quietly, trying to keep the situation from escalating.

"Hm. You do have a point, Alicia," Emilio said quietly, gazing into the distance. "We all want what's best for our people, don't we?"

Attempting to change the subject, Melissa spoke up finally, "Honestly, I still can't believe Serena's your wife. She looks young enough to be Lauren's lover or something."

"Goddammit Melissa I heard that!" Lauren shouted.