Paris, France

The Board of Directors of the Parisian Institute were arrested and charged today with conspiracy, consorting with known terrorists, and endangering the public, in addition to thirty other related charges following the destruction of their headquarters in Paris, France. Shortly before the devastation, eyewitnesses reported the presence of helicopters and armed men, all wearing the insignia of the Fist of Chango – a known terrorist group and mercenary army working throughout the African continent.

Recently released documents show a flow of cash between the Parisian Institute and the Fist. The directors have consistently proclaimed their innocence, in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, and there has been a large public outcry for justice in the face of the fallout from the Institute’s untimely explosion.

While forensic investigation is still ongoing, sources close to the examiners’ office report that the explosion was caused by an experimental and highly unstable power source for a directed energy weapon. Preliminary analysis of the experimental data proves that the materials were unstable to begin with, yet the Institute chose to pursue the project development nonetheless.

In related news, stock prices for Icon Entertainment and Globaltech rose sharply as both companies moved to buy up the now-defunct contracts left behind by the Institute’s dissolution.

Associated Press

Equinox folded the paper and placed it on the table, smiling at Koschei as she sat down. "What time does your flight leave?"

"Soon. We’re waiting for the limo to arrive. I got a note saying that you wanted to see me." The waiter stopped by and Koschei ordered a croissant and a glass of orange juice, while Whispering Knife asked for refill on his coffee.

"I wanted to especially thank you for your role in our operation. I realize I put you in some very…difficult…positions, and yet you acquitted yourself remarkably."

"What about me?" Whispering Knife said in mock protest. "I was standing next to her when you dropped the building on us."

"Yes, but you planted the explosives, so you knew it was coming."

"Actually, it was my assistant who planted them. I just gave him a little direction."

"Speaking of which, how is he?"

"Recovering. His injuries were minor. Nova was adept, but she was clumsy and foolish. What about yours?"

"She’s coming along fine. She and Mouthymerc are upstairs playing checkers."

Whispering Knife smirked behind his cup. "Is that what they’re calling it these days?"

"You know, when you said you were going to blow up a building around me, I didn’t think you meant literally." Koschei thanked the waiter as he set the food in front of her and scurried off. "It was much louder than I’d anticipated."

"Sorry about that. If it makes you feel any better, I knew you could handle it." He reached down and picked up a bottle of wine. "This is for you; share it with someone you care about."

Koschei read the label. "Château Mouton Rothschild '45. It’s good?"

"The ’49 is probably the best tasting, but the ’45 is a better vintage."

"Yes, but is it good?"

Equinox paused for a brief moment. "Yes, it’s good."

"I’ll keep it in mind." Koschei worked on her croissant and Eris arrived, a fashionable purse tucked under her shoulder.

"They’re here, it’s time to be off," she said.

"It was a pleasure working with you, Eris," Whispering Knife said. "I hope we have the chance to interact again."

"Likewise, WK. Likewise." She curtsied daintily. "Where’s Trinity? I wanted to say goodbye."

"She’s upstairs with Mouthymerc playing checkers," Whispering Knife said, smiling.

"Is that what they’re calling it these days?"

Equinox shrugged. "I hope you enjoy the new purse and outfits."

"I will certainly try. Take care, it was fun." She waved and left. Koschei smiled, nodded and followed after.

"Are you aware you just gave her a $7,000 bottle of wine?" Whispering Knife asked.

"I paid for it."

"Yes, but wasn’t it a little…excessive?"

Equinox laughed. "The price you pay for making new allies is never excessive."

"True enough," Whispering Knife replied. "The others are gone?"

Equinox nodded. "Mute said the Collective was a little peeved at the conditions of both armors, but the data we pulled from the computer made up for it. Shadow and Leopard are…around. Their flight doesn’t leave till much, much later. Near as I can tell, we actually caught the Shop a bit off guard, which means the fallout from this is going to be heavy and hard."

"Speaking of which, how do your superiors feel about the operation?"

"Officially, they are shocked at the aggressive action taken by one of their own and promise to reprimand me for the latitude I exercised and abused in pursing the mission. Unofficially, they’re ecstatic. We now have legitimate ties in Africa, two of our subsidiaries have sole access to the wreckage of the captured mainframe and we’ve pitted two enemies against each other." Equinox raised a glass in mock salute. "All in a day’s work."

"Do you think X is dead?" Whispering Knife asked.

Equinox sighed and leaned forward. "I really don’t know. You know the rule in this business: if you don’t see the body, they’re not dead. We never did find his, so either he got vaporized or I’ve got one pissed off nemesis on my tail."

"One pissed off nemesis with access to a variety of artifacts, next-generation technology and psionic power unheard of for centuries at his disposal."

"Well…yeah. Maybe I’ll get the Ward to make up another clone. You think he’d fall for it again?"

"Not likely."

"I didn’t think so," Equinox said, glumly. Then he smiled. "But…that’s something to worry about later. Today, we celebrate, for tomorrow we all may die!"

"Now you’re getting the picture. So what now?"

"Now, I’m going to meet the Alliance’s star agent for a working vacation. It seems I’ve been elected to smooth things over and work on a multi-chamber plan of action to take care of the Fist problem once and for all."

"Call me if you need some help."

"I will," Equinox promised.

click click click click

"King me," Trinity said with glee and she did a little dance.

Mouthymerc stared at the board in openmouthed awe. "You cheated."

"Did not."

"Somehow, some way, you cheated. I know you did."

"No I didn’t, I’m just better than you."

"Fine, you tricked me then. You must have conned me."

"Hey, I suggested strip poker. You’re the one who suggested strip checkers. Now king me and get to stripping. You owe me some clothing."

Mouthymerc glanced down. "Umm, I’m down to bandages here, and you can’t have those."

Trinity grinned wickedly. "I’m sure we can work something out in trade."

"Now hold on a second, there. I’m an injured man. I just survived combat with a psychotic remote-controlled robot."

"That’s not my problem. You should’ve thought of that before you started accruing debts, so pay up. Now sit still, I know I’m double-jointed but this is going to require some cooperation on your part."

"Wait, can’t we talk about this?"

"Mister – in about two seconds you’re going to be too busy to talk."