Eris and Equinox

They stood at the base of the power armor, inspecting the weapons and armor. "You guys did a great job on the upgrades," Equinox said.

"I have to admit, at first I didn’t understand why you wanted me to pilot the armor but I’m starting to come around."

Equinox nodded. "You have the skills for it. Your profile suggested that you already had an affinity for the balance and acrobatics needed to be a decent pilot and your only deficiency was a lack of familiarity with vehicular and tactical weaponry – nothing a short training program couldn’t fix."

"Mouthymerc and Hephaestus showed me a lot. I hope to put it to good use." She turned to Equinox. "Trinity and I had an…altercation."

He grinned wryly. "I heard. Things are settled?"

"I think so. It’s hard to tell. She’s a strange one, but she’s loyal to you."

"That she is." Equinox sighed and there was a faraway look in his eye.

Eris paused. "She loves you, doesn’t she?"

"Aha. The million dollar question."

"I notice you don’t disagree. People would stop wondering if you would just answer directly."

"Direct answers are no fun."

"So how about any answer?"

"Trinity and I…our relationship is complicated. Yes, she does love me and yes, I love her. That’s as direct as I’ll get; a gentleman never kisses and tells."

"Of course." Eris walked away but paused at the door. "I wish you well tomorrow, Mr. Logan."

"Right back at you."

Equinox and Trinity

*THWOCK* Equinox’s drive sent the ball sailing high into the air and it arched beautifully, landing in the middle of the green. His smooth stroke showed that he spent some time on the course, but was far from that of a pro, and he’d probably not beat any serious amateur. He didn’t play the game for fun, however. To him, golf was another way to gain and maintain contacts.

Still

, he thought, smiling to himself, It’s always nice to see a well-driven ball soaring through the air. His caddy, one of his personal staffers, accepted the driver and stood quietly as Trinity teed up.

"We’re on schedule, boss, Mute didn’t have any trouble from Fransisco; in fact, he was even more cooperative after Mute gave him the photos." Unlike Equinox, Trinity attacked the ball with a vicious stroke that carried even farther than his. Her ball wobbled slightly, landing at the edge of the rough. She handed her club off and they returned to the cart. "Boss, I…"

"What of the hardware? Is it all installed?"

"Yeah. Hephaestus finished up just yesterday. ‘Nox, there’s…"

"What about ‘Merc? Is he good to go?"

"Yeah. His arrived just this morning and Hephaestus helped him install everything." The cart jounced to a stop and they both got out. "Sir, we…"

Brandon smiled and held both of her hands. "Trin, we’ve always had an understanding. You’re good, trust me." He leaned forward and kissed her – a fatherly peck to her forehead.

"Thanks, boss."

"Just make sure he’s ready for battle tomorrow," Equinox said.

"I’ll do my best."

Trinity and Mouthymerc

Mouthymerc finished loading the last of the ammunition into the drum and gave it a good shake to let it settle. There were a few screwdrivers and pieces of junk strewn about him and he sat in the middle of the floor. Over in the corner, a CD player went to the next track, this time a Led Zepplin tune. He looked up as Trinity walked up and leaned against the doorway.

"Hey there, what’s goin’ on?"

"You know, I’m a girl and I’m cute and you haven’t asked me out yet, and it seems to me there’s a problem with that."

Mouthymerc froze, mouth agape. "Uhh…"

"Here’s another problem: we’re here, all by ourselves and tomorrow we’re going to be in the fight of our lives and you’re sitting in the floor, playing with bullets."

"Err…"

"While I’m into the strong silent type, every now and then I like a little feedback."

"Well…"

She came over and plopped down in front of him, her legs on top of his. "Just shut up and kiss me."

Ever the obedient soldier, Mouthymerc did as he was ordered, and then he started to improvise.

Mouthymerc and Shadow

"Five ball, side pocket," Shadow said. He aimed carefully, caressed the trigger and the gun barked softly. The bullet smacked center, rocketing the cue ball across the table and it brushed the five, sending it into the side pocket – an indentation in the concrete. "Sounds like a good plan. I’m surprised Equinox trusts me since I’m so new to the conspiracy."

Mouthymerc grinned. "I’m sure he doesn’t, which is why Avatar is working with us. ‘Course, if he’s smart, he doesn’t trust anybody."

"Speaking of Avatar, I’ve got to interview with him shortly."

"Don’t sweat it. Underneath all the intimidation and dirty looks he’s… Actually, sweat it. He’s a hardliner. On the other hand, my interview went pretty quickly."

"I’ll keep it in mind. Eight ball, corner pocket." The bullets were plastic, the caliber was low and he wore eye protection, but that didn’t prevent Shadow from staying behind the cover before he fired. Again, his aim was true and the eight ball went sailing into the corner pocket. "Remind me to thank Hephaestus for this setup."

"It’s kinda cool, ain’t it? ‘Course, precision isn’t such an issue with a machinegun, but still…"

"With the kind of work I do, precision is everything. Friendly fire isn’t friendly."

"No kidding," Mouthymerc said, rubbing his shoulder subconsciously. "Well, it was a good game. Good luck with your interview."

"Thanks."

Shadow and Avatar

"Are you nervous, Mr. Wallace?"

"A little. Should I be?"

"Perhaps. You are new to the conspiracy. What do you think so far?"

"I think I believe in the cause and I think you’d know that or else we wouldn’t be sitting here."

"Quite right." Avatar adjusted one of the leads on the polygraph machine. "Let’s begin then, starting with your name…"

Avatar and Mute

Mute had taken his second bite of the sandwich when Avatar came in. He nodded and Mute nodded back.

"I assume Mr. Fransisco was tractable?" Avatar asked. He opened the refrigerator and pulled out a bottled water.

Mute swallowed. "We got what we needed and it didn’t cost a fortune if that’s what you’re asking."

"How did you raise your funds?"

"It was actually pretty easy," Mute said, shrugging. "Equinox hooked everyone up with some outside funding so we all chipped in and made it happen. Sure, we had to pull some strings and strain the credit base, but it worked."

"How fortuitous."

"Fortuitous my left toe. It’s amazing what you can do with enough cash and the will to make it happen. Don’t insult me."

"No insult intended. I spent some time going over everyone’s requisitions and electronic transmissions and I believe I have sufficiently covered or distorted them enough that they won’t be easily traceable."

"Is that why Equinox brought you in on this? To cover our tracks?"

Avatar smiled mysteriously. "What makes you think he brought me on?"

"That’s what he said, I think."

"Indeed? If that’s what he said, then I suppose it must be true." Avatar raised his water in a mock toast and headed out the room, leaving Mute to his thoughts.

Hephaestus and Whispering Knife

It’s black and strong, but it’s the best I’ve had in a long, long time, Whispering Knife thought. His feet were propped up on the table and he flipped through the paper.

"What’s happening in current events?" Hephaestus asked, passing through on the way to the kitchen.

"The free world is under attack, threats are popping up day by day and we continue to strive against the forces of evil."

"Sound’s bleak."

"It depends on your perspective. This has gone on for centuries and will continue to go on until the day mankind leaves the earth."

"Sound’s really bleak."

Whispering Knife laughed. "Rest assured that though the cycle continues, there will always be people like us who choose to stand in the gap."

"Yeah, you’re not making me feel any better."

"Today is the day we celebrate, for tomorrow we all may die."

"Where’s my beer? Sounds like you’ve already started your celebration. Time for me to catch up…"

Whispering Knife and Eris

"Your Sumerian is terrible," Whispering Knife said. He handed her the book. "That’s a long ‘a’, not a short one."

"I’m insulted. I know over 30 languages, some you’ve never even heard of. I know I’m right." Eris studied the book. "Besides, this incantation is meant to be used with bonded followers."

"I know quite a few languages and knew them when they were commonplace. That pronunciation is wrong."

"I’ve heard you say that before, but I have my doubts that you could’ve lived that long."

"So says the woman with an ‘imaginary’ friend." She grinned but couldn’t respond. "You really should go with this other one, however. It’s so much more efficient."

"I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but mystic events tend to go haywire around me. I think it’s my connection to the fringe."

His mouth wrinkled. "I’ve noticed. It’s rather interesting, too, because it stinks of the Assassins, only it’s not."

"Yes, well, I won’t be invoking any curses upon myself."

"You already have, girl. You just don’t know it."

"What do you mean?"

"Connection to the fringe is not a gift bestowed upon the worthy, it is a curse inflicted upon the unfortunate. Perhaps it grants you power but it shall cost you your soul."

"Chance told me you’d say that."

"Algernon. An interesting man, that one."

"He is, isn’t he?" Eris stood and stretched quickly, then sat back down. "Okay, so let’s go from the top again; I want to make sure I have it right..."

Leopard

It was five in the morning, but Leopard was wide awake. She finally decided to get moving since sleep was all but impossible right now. She nodded to herself in the dark. She was ready.

Koschei

Koschei traced the scars on her wrists. It wouldn’t be full vengeance but it would be enough and at least she could give also the Shop some payback for lost friends, both old and new.