Chapter 15

Chapter 15: The Interlopers

--Zyrian Temple of Hauruta--     

     The Zyrian's high priest Bhor was dressed up in his ceremonial black robe. He had the hood pulled over his head, hiding his face in the shadows. He stood before their ancient podium as he clutched a small bronze book in one hand, and looked down at the gathering of his people as they waited for the ritual to begin. Bhor opened the book and began to recite from it, chanting the Zyrian prayer.

"neb sedjem en netjer, Hauruta! ef djed en enn! ef redi nekhtew, pehtey, em maa'et!" Zoal and Arzel knelt before him, and the rest followed. "Hauruta has come before us", Bhor spoke as he looked at Zoal.
"His gift to us? The Zergyx".

"For a long time, have we traveled, but we found nothing. On this long journey far from our home, we have endured much suffering. We have even yearned to give up, but now he has finally shone us the way-- only, he beckons us to fight for it". "We were defeated and banished by the humans long ago, but now it is our time, they shall not stand in the way. We will have our revenge, and the Zergyx will be ours".

     Bhor removed his hood, and looked down at Zoal again. He gave him a look of sincerity in his eyes, trying to reassure him that they would be victorious.
The ceremony finally came to an end, and the zyrians began to leave the temple. Bhor stayed behind and requested the presence of Khan and Ahtor.
They were both completely clueless as to what he could possibly want, but being that he was in a decent mood was enough to assure them they weren't in any trouble.

     -"You asked to see us?" Khan asked, feeling a little nervous. Bhor nodded as he put his book away. "I've got a very important mission for the two of you", he said. "tjen?" Ahtor asked.
"As you know", Bhor began. "We know very little about this city and what the humans are capable of now, and so Lord Zoal and myself have decided it would be wise to infiltrate that city and retrieve any information we can".
-"And you want to send us?" Khan asked with an expression of eagerness in his eyes.
Bhor nodded again. "The two of you would be perfect for such a task", he lied.
Khan and Ahtor were both ecstatic over the news, and could hardly wait. "I'm honored my lord", Ahtor smiled. "So when do we begin?" -"Why immediately of course", Bhor answered as he was thinking of what a relief it would be to finally rid himself of them and their catastrophic ways.

     "You see, Lord Zoal is running out of patience, and so we must act quickly, but under certain precautions".

-"i reshwet", Ahtor cried out with glee. "nefer", Bhor replied. "I've prepared the drop ship pod you'll be transported in", he explained. "And after several hours of research on their visible technology, I've managed to create a device that will override their system , gaining entrance into the city". Bhor showed them a strange looking invention which was small and flat.
"Such a strange looking contraption", Ahtor commented as he observed it with curiosity. "I'd be afraid of losing it". Bhor looked at him sternly. "And to ensure that doesn't happen, I am leaving Khan in charge", he said as he passed the device over to newly appointed leader.

     Khan took it in his hands and looked it over, trying to figure out how to use it. "How does this work? he asked.

     "In order to use it, you've got to come in direct contact with their technology", Bhor explained. As I studied the design of the city and the engineering, I took note that all the entrances are automatic doors, which only respond to the humans. How this device works is, you place it on one of those doors, and it acts as a magnetic field. It then detects the present technology and intervenes, causing the security system to malfunction.
This is the only way you two can get through. I've even pinpointed the exact door you'll need to use, to get in undetected. This is also near the same location the drop pod will land, but keep in mind that you'll be using this device for more than just gaining access into the city. You will use it to obtain any information you can, as I assume this same security system is placed all over the city."

     -"We understand", Khan replied. "But how do you expect to launch the pod, if there's a chance its movement could be picked up by their radar?" Bhor let out a sigh of exasperation, and then proceeded to answer. "I have created an even larger version of this device, that will emit an invisible beam, directly in the path of the pod as it is launched. It will create an undetectable force field around it, making its movement invisible to any radar." "I see", Khan replied. "Then we should have no trouble at all". -"ik nenem", Bhor said sternly. "i ib ini mesedj". Khan and Ahtor both gulped in fear at the harsh words that were spoken. "binew iret ne kheftey", Bhor continued.
"Your failure to complete or succeed in this mission, will result in banishment, or even death".

     "Then we will not fail", Khan assured. "I would never want to bring dishonor to my people".
-"Nor would I", Ahtor added. "We promise we will be successful".
"nefer", Bhor replied. "Now go on, head on over to the pod capsule and wait for me, I'll be there soon". Khan and Ahtor both bowed before him and then took off.

     Bhor started removing his robe when he suddenly noticed Zoal standing nearby with his back towards him and his arms crossed. "That was some speech you gave", he said. "How it brought back a lot of memories". There was a brief moment of silence, and then Bhor spoke. -"Of Krotez?" he asked. The sound of that name caused Zoal to gnash his teeth, but he managed to remain calm. "You do remember when he banished us". Zoal said. "How he betrayed us, and all for the humans?". Bhor nodded slowly. "Yes my lord, I remember".
-"I told him he would die a mortal on that planet, and I saw to it, that he did". Bhor was a bit speechless and yet confused. "You saw to it that he did?" Zoal nodded. "I know he died a mortal, because I'm the one who took his life. On that same night we were banished, I returned to the city of Alexandria and I impaled him ".

      Bhor trembled a bit. "I did not know that", Bhor said in an alarming tone. "All this time, I believed he died of old age, but not once would I think that you would murder your own brother".

-"He was a traitor!" Zoal snapped. "I could not allow him to live, not after what he had put us through".

Bhor understood Zoal's reasoning, but he had also respected Krotez.
"Your silence astounds me", Zoal said all of sudden. "Are you feeling remorse?" Bhor shook his head. "No my lord", he replied. "You were only doing it for your people, and that I respect".
Zoal could sense the tension between them, and he knew well enough Bhor was feeling intimidated.

     He just stood there in complete silence, staring at the ground. Zoal just stood and watched, waiting for him to speak. "I know what you must be thinking", Zoal said. "You're probably afraid that I might turn on you as well". Bhor didn't say a word, he just listened. "Well, you're right about that", Zoal continued. "But, it would only come to that if you were to betray me, but I know you wouldn't".
-"Never", Bhor uttered. "i maa'et". "I'd rather die than betray you or our people". Zoal smirked at him. "Good, then we have an understanding?" Bhor nodded in agreement. "By the way, Zoal continued. "What I have told you, is not to leave this temple, now is that clear?" Bhor nodded again.

-"No go on", Zoal ordered. "Prepare to launch that pod!" Bhor bowed before him. "Yes my lord,
as you wish", he replied.

--Brian's Apartment--

     Still feeling guilt over his argument with William Sterling, Brian sat on his couch, sulking.
He began to feel regret over what he said, and wondered if William would ever forgive him for it.

"He probably hates me", Brian muttered. "I can't really blame him, I'd hate me too". He leaned his head back against the cushioning of the sofa and then felt the remote control of his television set, beneath his hand. He picked it up and turned it on, only to be greeted by the Atlantis City Broadcast system, which was currently airing an important recorded message from Abraham Grant. "Citizens of Atlantis City, it is my responsibility to inform you all, that you have nothing to fear. These aliens aren't here to harm you, they're only here to observe us, to learn about our culture and nothing more". Brian suddenly sat back up, his eyes widened and fixated on the message scrolling across the screen. "With that being said, you can all go back to your normal lives, and continue your business, we're safe and that's the truth. To ensure your safety, you have my word and the word of Julius Morane himself".

     The screen suddenly went blank, as Brian quickly turned it off. "It's a lie", Brian exclaimed. "We're not safe, I had the visions, I know what's going to happen!" He let out a loud growl of frustration as he slammed the remote down nearly breaking it. "Why can't I tell them without sounding like an idiot? Why wouldn't they believe me!?" Brian cupped his hands over his face and groaned loudly. "I don't know what to do!" Then suddenly, he did realize what he needed to do. He needed to talk to Xxionia again. "She knows everything", he said. "She's the only one who can help me". He also remembered that he could only communicate with her in his dreams, and so he would have to force himself to fall asleep.

     Brian got up and walked to his room and plopped himself down on his bed. He just lay there for a while thinking to himself, still feeling bad about shutting his friends out. Still, he was angry about the whole drafting situation, but he knew well enough he was being a coward about it. "My brother must be looking down on me", he thought to himself. "Can't blame him either, I'm making a fool out of myself. I could use a good swift kick in the ass right now". He turned over on his side and closed his eyes. For a while he felt relaxed, but as he began to doze off it suddenly felt as if he were falling. Startled, he quickly awoke and looked around for a moment and then lay his head back down.

     It didn't take long before he was in a deep sleep, and on his mission in the dream world searching for Xxionia. All around him the scenery was white and hazy to the point he could barely see anything. He even wondered if he'd be able to find her at all. "I need to talk to you", he called out, hoping she would hear. "It's urgent", he continued, as his voice echoed.
"And--, you're the only one I can talk to".
Brian had waited a while and suddenly given up hope, when the scenery had mysteriously changed, and she finally appeared. Her blue eyes glistened as she looked at him, and she stood there clutching her amulet tightly in her hand as it appeared to be emitting an eerie red glow. "I need your help", Brian said to her. "My people are spreading lies about the aliens, because they don't know the truth, only I do".

     -"I'm just so frustrated! I mean, I can tell them but they wouldn't believe me". "I understand", she nodded slowly. "I'm also afraid", Brian continued. "Afraid of what will happen if I don't warn them".
She looked at him, this time with a great expression of sadness across her face. "At least you have that choice", she said. "My people and I did not".

     Brian uttered a sigh as he offered her his sympathy. "I'm sorry", he told her. "I really am, I know that must of been really hard for you".
"We also didn't have the chance to fight back", she continued. "We were a peaceful race, we did not engage in violence, but unlike us, you and your people can fight back". She gave him a disappointed look. "You can also fight alongside them", she said sternly. "But you choose not to, and why?"

     Brian was surprised to learn she knew more about him than he thought. "You know about that?" he asked. She nodded. "Brian, you and I are connected by spirit and mind", she told him. "I know everything". Brian frowned. "Then I'm sure you think I was too harsh with William?"

-"For the longest time you were alone", she said. "Now you've got others who care about you, and want to be there for you". Brian sighed and looked at the ground. "I guess that's a yes", he said.
"Don't push them away", she pleaded. "You will need them during the war". -"That word", Brian exclaimed in anger. "How I hate it, and what it means". "Why does it have to exist?"
Xxionia shook her head. "I don't know why war exists", she answered. "I don't know why we all can't coexist in the universe, I often wonder these things myself". She looked down at her amulet again and then back at him. "I'm glad you decided to see me", she said. "Because, I really need to warn you about something.

     Brian's eyes grew wide with shock. "I'm listening", he said. "Zoal and his people are planning to infiltrate your city", she explained. -"They're going to invade already?" he exclaimed in panic.
"Not just yet", she corrected him. "They are sending spies into your city, to find out what your people know about the zergyx". -"But we know nothing", Brian cried out. "How do you know all this anyway?" "I am a prisoner on their ship, I can hear them through the walls", she explained.
Brian took a seat on the ground with his head hung low, and groaned. She walked over and knelt down beside him. "Your friends need you", she told him. "Your people need you, so don't let them down".

--AMF Airbase--

     Today had been the start of the drafting procedures, and there were thousands of men standing outside in a line, waiting to be examined and tested. Vice Admiral Lynne Williams really had her hands full as she prepared the conference room for the orientation. She was still concerned about Captain Grant, as he had remained locked in his office the entire time. Not even the other female officers knew what was going on with him, but they seemed more interested in the soon-to-be recruits outside than anything else. Grace, Lucy and Mipsy were all standing outside having their usual cigarette break, while ogling all the men.

"Will ya just get a load of that?" Lucy commented. "I've never seen so many handsome lookin fellas all in one place before". -"You said it", Mipsy nodded. "There's one for every day of the week!" -"You kidding?" Grace chimed in. "There's one for every pair of shoes and matching outfits!"

     "I thought you were already seeing someone", Lucy chortled. -"Yeah, that Church kid", Mipsy teased.
Grace shook her head. "What on earth?", she exclaimed with her hands on her hips. "That kid only believes he has a chance with me. Though I am seeing someone".
Right at that moment, Alley Sterling was passing by, and couldn't help but say something prude.

-"Oh yeah, that sugar daddy of yours", she remarked.
"Oh lay off", Grace replied. Lucy and Mipsy were suddenly interested in Grace's personal affairs.
"You're seeing an older man?" Lucy exclaimed. -"Well, he's older yes, but he's rich", Grace replied. "I can't help myself I guess, I'm just goofy for sharp dressers". Alley smirked as she realized she had yet another opportunity to irritate her. "Goofy? Alley snickered. "I thought the correct term for that was a Gold digger?" Grace just let out a sigh and turned the other way. "Say what you will, honey", she grumbled. "There's no one lookin your way". Lucy and Mipsy started laughing, and Alley just shrugged. "You dames is all the same", she remarked as she walked off.

     Meanwhile, Stan Winston was still inside the men's restroom. He had been standing over one of the sinks, observing himself in the mirror. He didn't know if he was alone in there or not, but for some reason he didn't care either way. He grabbed a wad of paper towels and dampened them under the faucet, and then began to wipe the blood off his hands. Stan was well aware that blood was capable of staining certain materials, but he found out that whatever his skin like texture was made of didn't stain.
Much to his surprise it came right off, and he had one less problem to worry about. Or so he believed until he noticed a small hole on the chest area of his uniform. When Maxwell had fired his pistol at him, the bullet went through his uniform and bounced off his body. "Hopefully the others didn't notice", he thought to himself. "Looks like I need to pay a certain seamstress a visit", he smirked as he walked out.

     He returned to the booth only to find that William Sterling had left, but Justin was still there.
"Think you were in there long enough?" Justin commented. Stan shrugged. "I had to clean up the mess", he replied as he took a seat. Sure enough Justin noticed the small bullet hole on Stan's uniform. "What happened there? Did you get shot?" he exclaimed. Stan shook his head. "No, it was an accident with a cigarette", he lied. "Burned right through, it doesn't hurt though". Justin was a tad unconvinced. "Okay", he shrugged. "As long as you're not hurt". Stan quickly glanced at William's empty seat and then back at Justin. "Where'd he run off to?" -"Oh", Justin answered. "He left to get some rest, he's got to help with the recruiting in a few hours". "I see", Stan replied. "Did that whiney kid ever show up?" It took Justin a moment to realize who Stan was referring to. "Brian, I mean", Stan said.
-"No", Justin shook his head. "I don't think we'll be seeing much of him anymore". The sound of that actually made Stan smile. "Good", he said. "We're better off without him".

--Zyrian Mother ship--

     Khan and Ahtor stepped into the transportation pod, and were surprised to see that it was larger than they had expected.
"You could fit a lot more of us in here", Ahtor commented. Khan looked around a bit before he took his seat. "You know", he said. "We've never really had an opportunity like this before". "I'm just glad that we're finally getting that chance.".
-"It's truly an honor", Ahtor added as he took his seat. "We are so lucky that Bhor has chosen us ,and us alone for the task".

     At that moment, Bhor had been busy prepping the laser cannon with the help of another zyrian warrior who also had a great knowledge of technology. His name was Tarik and he had aided Bhor and his early development of their own powered armor suits. Over time, the Zyrians had adapted to newer technology, but only because of their previous raids of other cultures in the past. They had stolen anything they deemed valuable and technology was no exception. "The system is warming up, commander", Tarik informed.
Bhor nodded as he watched the pulsating glow around the machine grow larger with every second.
"It's almost ready", Tarik said. -"I'll see if they're ready for launching", Bhor told him.

     As Khan and Ahtor were waiting patiently in the transportation pod, Bhor had returned and with Kronus at his side. "I see you're both ready to go", Bhor announced. -"Yes", Khan replied. "You can begin the launch anytime you wish". "Very well then", Bhor nodded, as he ordered Kronus to close the hatch on the pod. After that all Khan and Ahtor could do was wait, and they knew well enough it was going to be an unpleasant ride. Khan held onto the device Bhor had given them, and looked over it again. "You know", he said to Ahtor. "We really need to come up with a name for this device". Ahtor shrugged his shoulders. "It acts as a magnetic field", Khan continued. "So perhaps the name "Magnite", would be suitable?" -"Sure", Ahtor agreed. "I like that name it even sounds mystifying". "Then magnite it is", Khan replied.

     Bhor returned and gave Tarik the direct order to fire the laser. Tarik quickly aimed the cannon at the designated location near the city and pulled down on the lever. As soon as the beam struck the surface, Bhor gave Kronus the order to launch the capsule. Khan and Ahtor braced themselves as they felt the pod being pushed forward. Once it stopped the floor beneath it opened and then it was released, traveling straight down at high velocity right inside the invisible beam. It had been undetected just as Bhor had planned, and continued down till it struck the surface, sending debris flying in every direction
.

"The launch has been successful, and the drop pod has reached its destination", Kronus reported.
Bhor nodded. "Well done, that takes care of the first step, and now we wait until they've successfully entered the city".

--Abandoned Warehouse--

     Julius Morane was busy with an important meeting, concerning the future plans to get rid of Admiral Grant, and take over the AMF. He requested a secret meeting with the engineers and repairmen of Atlantech, who had been working with the AMF, in attempt to con them into betraying the military.

"You all know why you are here", Morane told them as he walked back and forth, his arms tucked behind his back. "The men and women of the AMF, trust you", he continued. "And now, they rely on you more than ever. But as of now, so do I and I've got a proposition to make". -"What sort of proposition?" one of them asked. Morane cracked a smile at him. "How much are you paid for your services?" Morane asked the man. "Don't try to flatter me either". -"About a thousand for each job we perform, sometimes more". Morane smirked at him as he held his cigar up to his mouth and took a puff. "Now what would you say if I said I'd pay each of you eight million dollars", Morane said. "And on top of that, grant you free access to any joint in Atlantis including free drinks and free meals, hell I'll even throw in free access to the whore houses while I'm at it". Morane eyed the men as if judging their appearances. "Lord knows you fellas could use some action, you all look like shit".

     "Eight million for what?" one of them asked. Morane didn't answer right away, instead he dragged a large crate in front of him and kicked it open. "You see those?" Morane pointed with his cigar. "Those are protoculture canisters". The man looked down, his jaw nearly dropped. "How did you get those?" he asked. Morane picked one of he canisters up and showed it to the others. "I'm willing to pay each of you eight million for every canister you implant in the AF prototypes", he explained.
He could see the looks in their eyes, there was no way they would turn down such an offer, but then again Morane wasn't about to let them, especially after having seen the illegal contents.

     -"Eight million plus the extended package", Morane continued. "Just think, with that amount of money, you can join the ranks of the swells. Your middle class days will be over, you can finally live lives of luxury". He handed the canister to one of the men and looked him in the eyes. "You will help me with removing Admiral Grant", he said. "You men don't have a choice now either", he smirked as he turned away. "You've seen the illegal contents, so now you'll do what I say or..." He pulled out his revolver and aimed it at one of their heads. "You can find yourselves in some Atlantis overcoats".

     Khan and Ahtor emerged from the pod, observing the surrounding area as they stepped down on the ground. Unlike their human counterparts, they could easily breath in the non-oxygen environment. Having ingested that herb that had stopped their aging, had also been the cause of this abnormality too. Khan and Ahtor remembered the exact door Bhor had showed them, and so they made their way to it, as Khan held onto the magnite and readied himself to use it.

     Once they found the door Ahtor began to have his doubts. "What if it doesn't work?" he said. "Then what will we do?" Khan silenced him. "We still have to try", he replied. "Bhor and the rest of our people are depending on us". Both of them stood before the door, and Khan placed the magnite on it and then quickly stepped back. They watched and waited for the malfunctioning to occur, but for some odd reason nothing happened. "You see?" Ahtor exclaimed in panic. "It didn't work! We have failed, now we're going to be banished and murdered!" Khan noticed the magnite was performing some kind of operation, and once again he silenced his comrade. "It is working", he snapped. "See?" he pointed as the door began to open.

     They started walking through, when Khan went to grab the magnite and the door began closing. Ahtor had already made it through, and he called over to Khan. "Hurry up!" he yelled. Khan panicked a bit and then quickly dove under it, the door just barely missing him as it came slamming down.
Ahtor helped him up to his feet and both of them brushed themselves off. "We've made it", Khan told him. "Now to journey into the city and find out what we can". Suddenly the magnite began making a beeping noise. Startled, Khan dropped it and a small screen appeared on the back. Khan looked down and noticed a familiar face looking back at him; it was Bhor. "What are the results so far?" Bhor asked them. -"We've successfully gotten through", Khan replied as he picked up the magnite. "You didn't tell us this was also a communication device". -"Did I really have to?" Bhor said. "I was pretty sure you'd figure it out on your own, but it seems I was wrong".

-"I apologize", Khan replied. "But we've made it and now we are making our way into the city".

     Bhor noticed they were still wearing their uniforms and insisted they find something else.
"The last thing you want to do is draw any kind of attention to yourselves", he scolded. "Find yourselves something similar to the humans, and try to blend in. It is important that they do not suspect a thing, is that understood?" Khan nodded. "Yes my lord, it is understood and we shall do as you say".
"Very well", Bhor replied. "I'll be expecting a report later on, till then I wish you the best of luck".
The screen went blank, and Khan looked over at Ahtor. "We need to get rid of our uniforms", he explained. "Quickly, we must find a place that carries disguises".

--Victoria's Penthouse--

     Victoria had been busy sitting at her sewing machine, working on a dress for Natoya Stronghold to wear to the film festival awards that were coming up soon. She really couldn't stand the woman, and was even feeling a bit jealous. Victoria began to remember the good ol' days when she was a fabulous diva adored by many. She even started to miss being in the spotlight, and hearing the sounds of cheers and whistles of her fans. "How it all changed so fast", she said to herself. "Was great while it lasted though, but then again nothing lasts forever", she sighed.

     She began humming one of her old tunes as she continued working, and didn't hear the sound of the front door opening nor the sounds of footsteps as someone had entered. She continued singing and whistling until she looked up from her machine and nearly screamed. She saw Stan Winston standing before her, his eyes locked on hers as he showed her the hole in his uniform. "I need you to fix this", he said. She let out a groan as she stood up from her desk and began walking over to her closet.
"I really wish you would learn to knock first", she said sternly. "It makes you less of a creep"
-"I do apologize", Stan replied. "Oh,but that's how you've always been", she said as she flung the closet doors open and started looking through her fabrics. "You've always been the kind who likes to sneak up on others, but again, that's just the homicidal psychopath in you".

     "I don't like disturbing others", Stan told her. -"No, of course not", she remarked as she continued her search. "You just like to beat them to a pulp, and speaking of which, I saw what you did to Maxwell". Stan smirked a bit. "He had it coming", he replied. Victoria finally found some matching fabric and grabbed her special repair kit. "Well, go on and remove your shirt", she told him. "I can't make the repairs if you're wearing it". -"As you wish", he said as he removed the top part of his uniform and handed it over to her. She placed it on her desk and began cutting a small patch out of the matching fabric, while letting her iron warm up.

     At that moment William Sterling had just awoke from a short nap and headed on over to the flower shop. He picked out a nice bouquet with a variety of different flowers and proceeded to pay for them. The saleswoman complimented on the nice arrangement he had picked out. "Whoever gets these is sure a lucky lady", she told him. -"Yeah, she's very special to me", he replied with a smile. "It's great to know I can tell her anything and she would never keep anything from me". The saleswoman smiled back at him as she rang him up. "That's wonderful", she said. "Any plans on asking this gal of yours to marry you?" -"Oh most definitely", he answered. "I've just got to wait for the right moment".

     
     Victoria began ironing the patch of fabric over the hole, while Stan stood there waiting patiently.
As she worked, she couldn't help but find herself eyeing him every now and then. "You know, sometimes it's hard to believe you're not real", she said. "You would of made a fine lookin fella, sans the creepiness".
-"I'll take that as a complement, Miss Thompson", he replied. "On the other hand, it's a good thing your accident was a small one", she said. "I don't think I'd have time to make you a whole new uniform".

     "Well there we go", she said as she finished patting it down. "This should last a good while, if you stay out of trouble that is".

     At that very moment, William had just stepped out of the elevator when he noticed her door hanging open. He paused for a moment, not knowing if something was wrong or she was hurt. He quickly rushed inside but he didn't see her, and just as he started walking towards her bedroom he heard voices. "Here, it's finished", Victoria said as she tossed Stan his repaired uniform. "Now put your shirt on and get outta here". Hearing these words, William panicked and bit down on his lip in frustration, and then he threw open the door and saw Stan standing in the middle of the room, with Victoria sitting at her desk.
She was surprised to see him. "Hey sweetie", she said as she looked up from her sewing machine with an innocent smile. "I wasn't expecting you".

"What's going on here? William demanded to know. -"I had an accident", Stan explained. "I needed her to repair my uniform". William felt instantly relieved that it wasn't something else, especially since he had plans to propose to her later on. "I got these for you", he said as she showed her the arrangement of flowers.
"Oh honey, those are lovely", she told him. "Go on and set those down on my nightstand, right next to mother". On her nightstand was a beautiful bronze oval shaped frame, with a portrait of her mother in it.
As William set the flowers down he couldn't help but admire her mother's beauty. "She has your eyes", he said. "She sure was gorgeous". -"Thank you sweetie", Victoria replied as she stood up from her desk and headed over to join him.

     "I'll be leaving now", Stan announced as he exited the room. -"See you later", William called after him.
Victoria sighed and picked up her cigarette holder. "I am exhausted", she said. "I have been up for hours trying to finish that dress for Natoya". -"That's for her?" William asked. "I thought you were making it for yourself". Victoria narrowed her brow as she took a seat on her bed. "I wish it was", she replied. "But as Maxwell would so ungraciously point out, I haven't the bust or the figure for it". She looked down at her wide hips. "Unfortunately, I also inherited these from mother as well".
-"I think you look perfect", he told her. She looked over at him and laughed a bit. "Don't try to butter me up now" she smiled. "You and your Casanova act, it's so charming". -"It's not an act", he corrected her. "I think you are the most beautiful woman in all of Atlantis City. And anyone that can't see that, is a blind fool, especially Maxwell".

     "I'm sorry Stan's presence here, gave you the wrong impression", she told him. He took a seat beside her and placed a hand over hers. "It's alright", William replied. "I know you wouldn't keep anything from me". At the sound of those words her eyes grew wide as she looked the other way.
"Right", she uttered, as she suddenly began to feel guilty inside. William loved and trusted her, and she was hiding one of Morane's biggest secrets from him; the fact that Stan was an android, and she had been involved in the sham from the very start. William noticed she was quiet and began to suspect something was wrong. "Is it something I said?" he asked. -"No", she replied. "I'm just thinking, that's all". "Oh", he sighed. "I'm glad it's not me". She quickly stood up and headed back to her desk and sat back down at her machine. "I need to finish this dress", she said. "The money is good and I don't want to lose it".

     William stood up and yawned a bit. "Well then I'll leave you to your work", he said as he started to leave, but then he suddenly stopped and looked back at her. "I love you", he said.
She looked up from her sewing machine and tried to force a smile. "I love you too", she replied as she tried to keep a straight face. As soon as he had gone, she began to frown while looking down at the dress. "I really hate keeping secrets from him", she thought to herself. "But, it's only for his protection".