It was late. Carmine had spent most of the night doing business with people he did not like. To wipe the taste from his mouth he changed into jeans and a sweater and walked out, barefoot, to his secret garden.

The night smelled of living things, rain having ended only a few hours ago. The stones were damp and cool rather than holding the heat of the day as he liked them to, but it did not matter.  He shut the gate, shutting out the world and listened to the sounds of the night. The soft drip of water off the leaves of his roses as the wind breathed through them. The sound of a night bird calling in the distance. The scent of lantana, lemon trees and roses.  The rustle of the trees above him. The burbling of the natural spring where it fed the pool behind him.

He walked over to stand and look out over the low wall to see the lights of Firenza dancing on the Arno. He could hear the distant sounds of civilization and was pleased he heard none near him.  He sighed.

She surfaced in the pool and stood looking around her, water streaming off her.  When she saw him he was already turning towards her, alerted by the small sounds she made as she walked to the edge of the pool.  At the edge she stopped and placing her hands, palms together, at her breast she bowed.  "Namaste."

Carmine turned fully and took her in from the top of her head to her bare feet and back up again, stopping at her eyes. "Buononotte, Madonna. Have you lost your way?"

She bowed again.  "If this is the garden sanctuary of Carmine Abrizzi then I have not.  Have I the honor of addressing him?"

"Si, I am Carmine Abrizzi. And who do I have the pleasure of addressing, and what service may I do you?"

"Are you familiar with the opera La Leggenda di Sakuntala?" she asked.

"Si. As well as the Garden of Sakuntala and the ballet Shakuntala, Madonna."

"Then you know whom you have the pleasure of addressing," she said.  "My Lord Dhatarattha, the Heavenly King of the East, would beg a favor of you."

Carmine made a motion for her to walk with him to the table that sat on the flagstone patio.  Wine sat there and he offered it to her, as he motioned for her to take a seat.  He poured then said, "I have seen your Falls, Madonna. They do not do you justice."  He paused. "I confess to being rather surprised that a god would send to me begging a favor."

"The Kuntala are graced to have been seen by one such as you," she said, inclining her head.  She sipped the wine and then set the glass aside.  "My lord Dhatarattha would ask your intercession with the Council of Princes on behalf of the American principals.  He feels that in this matter his eloquence would surely not equal yours."

Carmine's lips twitched. "I support the efforts to organize begun in America, I have no objection to assisting them in whatever humble way I may."

She smiled.  "My Lord is aware of your support and bids me say it does you great honor on earth and in the Heavenly Kingdoms."  She sipped again, frankly appraising him.  "My lord is concerned.  A Vampire Prince is already tied to his land, its people and spirits, and the magic that makes and binds a Vampire Prince is old and powerful.  But, through no failing of their own, the American principals will lack such ties, and will not be bound to his land, its many peoples and spirits without aid."

Carmine sipped his wine and regarded Shakunala thoughtfully. "Si.  I understand the concern. Do the Heavenly Kings have a solution in mind?"

She nodded.  "They propose a blood binding to the land, its peoples and spirits.  For the binding they would beg that the Council allow Weyland the Smith to craft the chalices and then that each would deign to place upon them their own blood-blessing."

"And why do you come to me, rather than to Prince Blaine, the new leader of the Council?"

"He is English.  You are Italian."  When, after several moments, he didn't respond she said, kindly, "Perhaps some more wine?"

"But of course, Madonna," Carmine responded, finding his tongue again.  He poured.

She smiled and took a delicate sip.  "May I tell my lord, Signore, that you will do him this great service?"

He bowed. "I am honored to be chosen for such a task. Please give my regards to your lord."

She stood and bowed in return.  "Perhaps one day if you revisit the Kuntala, we will meet again.  Until then, namaste, Signore."

"Namaste," Carmine replied bringing his hands together for her.

She smiled and disappeared into the pool.

Carmine sat at his table and let his mind consider the possibilities.

An hour or so later Carmine walked down to the dragon weir, to find Nicco there playing with Nicki and Carmie. "You were to be in bed, Niccolo," Carmine said severely to his pint size charge.

Carmie hung his head.  "We wanted to keep playing."

"So I see," Carmine said looking at his namesake seriously. "But Nicco, like you, needs his rest. Capice?"

"Capice," Carmie said.

Briony fought back a laugh and said,  "then tell him good night."  While he did so she looked at Carmine.  "I am delighted to see you, caro.  May I be of assistance or are you looking for Malachi?"

"And I am, as always, greatly pleased to see you, signorina. And even Carmie," he added, winking at the little one who still looked a bit uncertain.

"I wish, if you can spare me the time, signorina, to speak with both you and Malachi. At your convenience," Carmine added.

"But of course," she said.  "Malachi is on his way.  He," she added, looking at the children, "was abed."

"Ah, I beg pardon then, signorina. I should have thought."

"No, it is fine," she said.  "He was reading."

"Ah, Malachi," Carmine said as his mage came running full tilt into the cavern. "Do please take your time. Do forgive me for disturbing you."

"Oh no, Signore.  You didn't disturb me.  How may I be of assistance?" Malachi asked, straightening his tunic.  Then he noticed his feet, bare of shoes or socks and blushed.

"Ah hah!" Carmine said, looking where Malachi had looked.  "Far more comfortable this way, neh?" Carmine asked, wriggling his own bare toes.

Malachi grinned.  "Si...yes Signore.  Much more comfortable."

"Now, we three need to talk," Carmine said, settling himself near Briony.  He pretended not to notice Nicki who crept closer. "I've a task given to me and I beg your assistance in doing it."

"But of course, Signore," Briony said comfortably.  "Will it be fun?  There has been too much seriousness lately."

"We shall make it fun, Briony.  I know no reason it cannot be so,"  Carmine laughed.

Briony took a moment to settle her children and Nicco, curled up with them and almost asleep.  Then, after, Malachi and Carmine mounted she leapt aloft, turning east and north towards Vienna.

Carmine directed her to land in the gardens behind the house being rebuilt where Hans' townhouse had once stood.  As Briony landed a woman walked out into the gardens.

"Carmine, and you came dragonback.  Thank you. I've been wanting to meet this beautiful lady."

"Mirela, allow me to introduce you to Briony. You've met Malachi, I'm sure."

Mirela smiled at Malachi. "Good to see you again, Malachi. And I'm delighted to meet you, Briony. I am Mirela Fedeles. Welcome to Vienna."

"Thank you Madame," Briony said.  I have heard many things about how beautiful Vienna is, with it's waltzes and it's hot chocolates and pastries with whipped cream."

Mirela laughed. "Let me guess who told you of the wonders of Vienna. Nicco tends to drop in now and again.  He even forgoes gelato when he comes for a visit."

Briony nodded.  "He loves your city," she said.

"I am very glad to hear it, as I love Nicco and he is always welcome here. When Carmie can travel with him, I'd be delighted if he could come too."

"I'll remind him," Briony said.  "It's good for him to get out once in a while."

"Ah," Mirela said turning.  A tall, muscular man was striding toward them through the garden. He looked quite ordinary.  "Carmine, I believe you two know one another."

Carmine stepped forward and offered his hand to the Weyland. "Thank you for seeing me," Carmine said.

The smithy laughed.  "You brought something I could not resist. Hullo Briony. I am honored to meet you."

Briony lowered her head to him, so that their eyes were level.  "And I you," she said.  "A man whose name is synonymous with excellence.  And this is my companion, Malachi."

Malachi bowed slightly.  "Monsieur."

"Malachi," the Weyland said with a bow to his fellow mage. "I've heard well of you. Welcome."  Then the smith turned his eyes to Carmine. "What is it you want with me."

"I am surprised, caro, that you do not already know," Carmine replied.

Weyland laughed. "Yes, I do know. Tell me Briony, should I grant this troublesome prince this boon?"

"He is troublesome, I agree," she said thoughtfully, in spite of the glint in her eyes.  "But in this instance his motive is pure.  And, if you'd like, in recompense, I'll give you ride."

Weyland smile widened. "Such a kindness. I would be rude indeed to refuse him then."

Carmine bowed. "I hope I am wiser now than I was when last we met."

"I doubt it," Weyland said deadpan.

"But there is always hope, caro," Briony said.

Malachi stifled a snort and turned away.

"Aie... I see I am outnumbered," Carmine replied with a laugh. "Even so. It seems a wise thing to do, does it not, Weyland."

"That it does, Prince Carmine. There is only one thing I do not understand about it."

"What is that, caro Weyland?"

"Why the King of Heaven came to you and not to Blaine."

"Yes caro, why is that?" Briony asked.

Carmine did one of his fluid shrugs. "Because, of course, I am Italian."

As it turned out, both Weyland and Mirela got dragon rides.

Henry answered the door. It was early, way too early for visitors, but then when you worked for a man like Ashley Jacobs you got used to odd things happening.  This, however was a bit more than odd.

A young man stood on the doorstep, his back was to the door until he heard Henry open it. He was dressed normally enough for the times. Jeans and a t-shirt that said "MIT" on it.

It was when the young man turned that it took Henry a moment to get his surprise in order. The young man's face was covered in painted swirls of red, gold and black. A new twist on body painting?

The young man put his hands together bowing deeply. "Namaste. Please. I'd like to see Ashley Jacobs."

"Who should I say is calling?"

"He won't know me. Guy Wolfe."

And the nature of your business?" Henry asked, closing the door to the street.

"It's about the Board meeting he's arranging."  Guy paused. "I'd really rather tell him the rest."

Henry looked him up and down as if he wondering if Guy planned to make a assault on the silver if he was left alone.  "If you will have a seat," he said, gesturing to a chair in the hallway, I shall ascertain if he is awake."  Then he waited until Guy had done as he directed before ascending the stairs majestically.  He returned a few minutes later to say.  "He will be down shortly if you would care to wait in here, sir?"  He gestured towards an open door leading into a small parlor.  "May I bring you some coffee?"

"That would be kind of you, thanks," Guy replied. "Trust me, I'm no happier to be here than you are to see me."

Henry stuck his nose in the air.  "I regret, sir, that I have given you such an impression.  The coffee will be just a moment."  Then he bowed slightly and disappeared behind a door.

Henry had been and gone with the coffee when Ash appeared in the doorway.  "You asked to see me?" he said, unfazed by the face art.

Guy set his cup aside and stood, putting his palms together and bowing. "Namaste. My name is Guy Wolfe. I'm the Chosen of Agni, the Vedic God of Fire and a Lokapala, the Guardian of the Southeast.  Trust me, I realize this sounds completely crazy."  As he said this the face paint receded on his face and became a fairly small tattoo on his cheek.

Ash raised an eyebrow.  "I've heard crazier.  Henry is bringing more coffee to my study, if you'd like to come this way.  It's a bit more private there and something tells me I'm going to be prefer that."

Guy sighed. "Lead on."

Ash got him settled and then took his seat behind the desk while Henry set a tray down.  When he had gone Ash leaned back, his hands steepled in front of him.  "How may I help you, Mr. Wolfe?"

"Do you know what Lokapalas are?" Guy asked.

"No, I don't."

"Think of them as spirits of place. They protect all creatures living, and all things vegetable and mineral and well, everything. The Lokapalas asked the Kings of Heaven to do something to protect the Earth. And your idea seems to them to be a good chance to to start to stick their nose into things."

"Excuse me?" he said, stunned.

"Which part didn't you get?" Guy asked.  "Seriously, be glad no one's asking you to go through a trial by fire."

"When you're through being flip, perhaps you'll get to the point."

"I'm not being flip," Guy replied. "I'll leave, no problem. You can deal directly with them if you like."  Guy stood.

"Sit down," Ash snapped.

The swirls reappeared on Guy's face in an instant and he grew in size and stature and replied, in a voice that boomed through the house, "Don't presume."

"Then stop posturing," Ash said, unimpressed.

The creature looked at Ash, for what seemed a long time.  Then Guy was back again. "It wasn't me," he said. "Seriously, don't piss them off, since I'm the one they'll use to manifest through."

"Now that you've woken my son," Ash said, his voice like ice, "perhaps you'll tell me why you're here."

"They want to help, but they're gods so they're going to bind you -- the Principals -- to the land, to the things that live in the land, to the air, the water, the dirt. The Princes in Europe are bound by blood. Here in the Americas because you don't have the same situation it will be a different sort of blood binding. You're immigrants, most of you. Even those who've lived here a long time, it isn't quite the same.  They've decided that you will be the ones to protect it all, and to be bound to that protection."

"They've decided?" Ash said.

"They're gods. Yes, they've decided."

Ash took a deep breath and looked at the clock.  Then he stood up and walked over to the scotch.  He held it up to Guy saying," It's five o'clock somewhere."

"I'd love one," Guy agreed.

Ash poured two and handled one to Guy.  He swallowed his in two drinks.  Then he refilled his glass and sat down again, this time in an arm chair angled towards Guy.  "Okay," he said slowly.  "That was the telegram.  Give me the 'details to follow soonest.'"

"I don't know everything, that's the first thing you're going to have to realize. And they can take over my body, so that's the second. The fact I hate this might be a factor too. I came here from an entirely different version of Earth and I still haven't escaped them, so that's another."  Guy chugged his drink. "The Lokapala are good spirits, in the sense they want what is best for their area.  They're guardians in the most complete sense. That does not mean, however, they feel any particular kinship to any one species. They have, and will without a bit of conscience, wipe out what they see as an invading infection. And it's been humans from time to time.  Luckily they play the long odds so they are willing to bid their time and see how things work out. But they're getting restless now. They want things to change."

"And what exactly do they think we can do?  Basically I'm in the business of law enforcement, albeit vigilante."

"They just want you to expand your brief a bit."

"And that means what exactly?"

"To consider what is good for the environment and the Earth itself as well as for your people."

Ash drew his brows together.  "Where's Kiril when I need him," he muttered.  And then aloud, "To go green, as it were?"

"Well, now that you mention it, I think seeing him involved got them started thinking. Not to mention Skylar.  But think beyond that, even. Everything, animal, vegetable, mineral, us, the wind. All have spirits and all live, even if we can't communicate with them. That's what they want to happen. That someone will look out for everyone, everything."

Ash considered him for a moment, rubbing his chin.  Then he said, slowly, "Long ago, from the Navajo, I heard a story about those they called the Earth Kin.  They told me they were shapeshifters, the children of the Earth Masters, the Holy Ones who created all life and gave to them, their children, the faculty of attunement to the spirits of all of creation so that there would never again be a spirit that wept alone.  It was at once a gift, a life's work, and an atonement because the only mistake the Holy Ones ever made was to create human beings without the ears to hear or the eyes to see -- without the hearts to know -- that all of creation has a spirit akin to theirs, that it is a part of the Great Spirit."

"Ah. Yes.. True."  Guy shifted a bit in his seat and looked down at his hands.  "Many creation myths have a kernel of truth in them, such as Kiril's Raven stealing the sun, the Vedic stories which hint at the Lokapala and the Kings of Heaven, who are, after all, quite real.  Humans, much to our dismay, have failed to act as protectors, instead raping and laying waste.  The Guardians want to begin anew."

"So they're going to vampires?" Ash asked, making no attempt to hide his disbelief.

"The term 'unlife' hardly explains things, does it? You're merely a subspecies. No less a part of the cycle of life than any other sentient or semi-sentient creation."

Ash thought briefly of Tabitha's views on vampires and wanted to groan.  "It was going to be a nice, simple, mutual cooperation pact."  He refilled his glass and Guy's.  "So what are they going to do?"

"I don't know. They tell me only so much. I'm only half demon. But they want me at the meeting, in case you need a translator. They can speak the words, but they feel they have been too removed from humanity. Therefore they think I can try to bridge that gap. Explain to them your side of things, and explain to you theirs."

"You're going to tell these people that the Kings of Heaven have decided -- decided mind you, they aren't asking -- to enact a blood binding between them and all the spirits of the Earth -- do I have that right? -- in order to make them responsible for what?  Promoting responsible environmental stewardship?  Veganism?  Recycling and energy conservation?  Saving the unborn baby whales?  And hunting down those who won't?"

"And no doubt promoting solar energy and kicking global corporate ass. Look, it's hard not to be flippant about this. I'm student at MIT, when I'm not being a demon."

"Well I'm a big fan of working your own way through college, so I suppose as jobs go it's better than most," Ash said absently.  He was about to say more more when there was a knock on the door.  "Come in," Ash called.

Henry opened it and said, "Breakfast sir."

Ash looked over at the clock.  Then he turned to Guy.  "Have you had breakfast?  Or are you staying with the liquid diet for now?"

"No, I drove all night to get here."

"Henry, another place if you would."  Then he smiled at Guy.  "Convince these guys and you've got a shot at the Principals," Ash said.

"Right. I think the gods are all too fallible sticking me with this mission. I'm beginning to think it might have been better to die, rather than live through it," Guy said with a sigh.

"I've had days," Ash said, clapping him on the back, "where I know just how you feel.  So I promise you won't have to change Anders' diapers while you're here."

"Very kind, I think," Guy was saying as they walked into the dining room.

Anders was there already, for once being an angel. Lynne raised an eyebrow as they walked in. "Hullo, I'm Lynne Winters."  She did introductions all round, and Guy was busy bowing and namasting to everyone. Buffy frowned a lot.

Ash whispered a few words to Henry before he sat down, sending Henry from the room briefly while Guy filled a plate from the sideboard.  When he was settled Ash took Anders from Lynne and then said, "Mr. Wolfe has just been explaining to me that there will be a few changes to the agenda for the meeting."  Then, ignoring the looks, he recounted, without inflection or emotion what he and Guy had discussed.  When he finished he looked at Dec first, maybe because there wasn't any food in his mouth to choke on.

"Well," Dec drawled slowly, dragging it out.  "I'm an atheist myself, so the Kings of Heaven aren't included in my usual chain of command.  Still, trying to keep an open mind, and meaning no disrespect, how do we know you're telling the truth and not someone needing serious pharmaceuticals three times a day who can't afford them?"

Guy shrugged. "No idea."

"Well," Buffy said, frowning again, "we're all rather unusual so I think it's a bit unfair to demand Mr. Wolfe here prove his bona fides and us not."

"Yeah well," Damon said, "We're not proposing to tell nine of the biggest egos around what they're going to do and how they're going to do it.  Who also, I shouldn't have to point out, have the balls to tell us to pack sand and the means to try and make us."

"Good point," Cayden said.  "But there are others."

"Such as?" Ash said, looking up from Anders.

The first is, am I to conclude from the fact that he's sitting here eating bacon and eggs with us that we think this is a real good idea whose time has come?  Or is it merely a sign you're finally cracking under the strain."

Ash grinned.  "Neither.  I figure if he can make the case with you lot, then we'll survive him trying to make it with the nine egos."  He thought or a moment.  "Or eight, since Kiril's bound to go for it without a worry.  Especially if he and Skylar are bickering again."

Buffy grinned. "Yeah, as weird as this is, it'll make perfect sense to him. And her."

Lynne watched Guy for a moment then said, "So you don't do this a lot?"

"No ma'am," Guy said once he'd swallowed. "Mostly they leave me alone. But the tattoo is a symbol that I'm bound. To Agni. God of Fire, Lokapala of the Southeast. Demi-god. Sort of."

"I see. And do you have ... you know.. psi abilities?" she asked.

"A few. But I'm not to use them lightly."

"Ah, and you... drove here from MIT?" Lynne asked.

He nodded.

"And then?" Lynne asked.

"I'll drive back," Guy said. "And hope I can talk my professor into forgiving me for missing a major presentation."

"So they're going to make you all blood brothers to the wolves and the chickens?" Damon said.  "Does that mean we have to give up the bacon?"

"Maybe pigs are exempt," Cayden suggested.

Dec waved a hand at them, his eyes on Guy.  "You know, for once, I think perhaps we should skip the comedy show.  I don't know why but..."

"So what are you?" Buffy asked, ignoring Dec.

"Me?  Mostly human."

"Mixed with what?" she asked.

"My mother was a demi-god, my father a scientist. I didn't know about any of this until I got this," Guy said, as he touched his cheek.

"Nice tattoo," Damon said as Henry stepped out to answer the door.  He returned a moment later, saying, "Mr. Callahan for you, Ms Summers."

"He said I could have some coffee," Chase said, as he followed Henry in.  "If that's okay."

"Oh," Buffy said, blushing. "Uhm, sure. You know everyone. Well, except this guy. He's Guy."

Guy turned and then stood. His tattoo suddenly came to life and his face was covered with red, gold and black swirls. He turned to Chase fully and put his hands together. "Namaste. I'm honored to meet one of your kin."

A muscle jerked in Chase's jaw as he put his own hands together.  "Namaste," he said, bowing.  "The honor is mine."

Buffy's eyes went wide.

Guy stood until Chase had taken a seat, then retook his chair.  He went back to his food as if nothing had happened out of the ordinary.

Buffy tried to catch Chase's eye but he was carefully looking the other way.

Ash looked from Chase to Guy and then leaned back in his chair, his eyes thoughtful.  "Have you eaten?" he asked Chase.

"Yes, thank you," Chase said blandly as Henry filled his cup.  "I didn't mean to interrupt.  Elizabeth and I are going riding."

"It's a lovely day for it," Ash said.  "Central Park, I assume."

"Yes.  Not as open as the mesas but for the city pretty good."

"Unless, under the circumstances?" Buffy asked Ash.

"No, it's fine Elizabeth,  Go.  Enjoy yourself," he said.  "It's good to see you having some fun for a change."

"Yeah," Cayden piped up.  "We'd like to see more of it."

"Playing with fire there, pal," Dec whispered.  "She's got that look in her eye."

"It is very good to see you again, Chase," Lynne offered warmly. "You should come by more often.  I'm sorry we'll be leaving town soon, which will make visits a bit tougher."

"But it's lovely for you," Chase said.  "Being out of the city in the summer."  He looked at Anders, sleeping in Ash arms.  "You have a beautiful son."

Lynne laughed. "Texas charm?"

"Truth," Chase laughed back.  "I envy you.  But charm is good too."

Lynne grinned. "So it is. A refreshing change too. We New Yorkers tend to bluntness. It's a shame really. We tend to be a suspicious lot too."

"With reason, most times," Damon said pushing his chair back.  "Fifteen minutes?" he asked looking at Ash.

Ash nodded.  "I think they're willing to take the chance, Mr. Wolfe.  I am impressed."

Chase looked at Guy over the rim of his cup, his expression closed.

"It is most kind of you to think so," Guy replied. "And I should be going. I've a long drive ahead of me."

"When may we expect you back?" Ash asked.  "And anything we can do in the meantime?"

"I should see you at Cliff House, I hope I'll be welcome?"

"Most welcome," Ash said dryly.  "Since I'm going to let you explain.  Though if you want my advice you won't bother explaining ahead of time."

Guy grinned. "I'll take that suggestion under advisement."  Guy bowed his way out the door.

Buffy waited until he was gone then said, "Well, Chase and I should get going. I'm on the cell if you need me."

"I'm ready if you are Elizabeth," Chase said, a wry grin on his face.

Buffy and Chase were standing on the front stoop of the townhouse as Guy climbed into a beat up old VW Bug.  He fought to get it started, waved at them, and chuggled off for the long trip back to MIT.

"So," Buffy said. "Riding then."

"As in horses," Chase said.  Then he kissed her.

When the kiss ended, she said, "You aren't getting off that easy, Chase Callahan. I want to know just what Guy Wolfe saw in you."

"A good guy with a handsome face," he said, steering her towards the stables in Central Park.  Then he took a look at her face and sighed.  "Elizabeth I'd never met the man before this morning.  So how would I know?"

Her lips set in a stern line. "Gee, can't imagine."  She marched off to talk to the groom who was getting their horses ready for their ride. She ignored Chase until she'd swung up into the saddle, quite lithely.  "Did I say," she said to him, "I was a stunt double for several women in westerns?"

"No, but you've strongly implied you're tougher than you look," Chase said.  "And more experienced."

Her lips set in a line again. "Not the way you mean."

"Whoa.  What did I mean?" he asked.

She turned her horse and headed out without replying.

He resisted the urge to haul her over his saddle and paddle her.  Instead he followed her out of the stableyard and onto the bridle path, drawing abreast of her as it widened out while he searched for a way out of the quagmire Guy had, all unwittingly, created.  And wasn't that a kick, he thought, running into a Chosen One at her breakfast table.  God must really be annoyed with him if he was arranging these little coincidences.

"Nice day," Buffy said, looking around at a foggy misty morning that promised rain.

"Yes, it is," he said agreeably.  "So how are you?  I've missed you the last few days."

"It's been pretty hectic. We're moving tomorrow.  Well, we're settling Ash and Lynne and the baby tomorrow.  And Mrs Peacock of course.  I'll be here for a few more days shutting up the house and helping Lynne deal with the contractors."

"Will we be able to spend some time together before you leave?"

"Yes. Possibly with bustier."

He grinned.  "I'm looking forward to that," he said.

"Hmm," she said and hit her heels against her mount's flanks. The horse did not need encouragement. He trotted off far more happily than he'd been just walking along.

Chase nudged his horse to keep up and took a look at her profile.  Set in marble, was his conclusion.  He blew out a breath and said, "I hate emotional manipulation," he observed.  "I'd much rather fight it out."

She looked over at him. "Emotional manipulation?  Hah. And what's to fight out. You'll tell me it's none of my business, and I guess it isn't. I'm good."

"If you were good, you wouldn't be sitting there fuming," he said.

"It's good for my self-control issues," she replied. "I'm told I have them."

"Really?"  He looked again at her profile.  Still marble hard.  "Elizabeth," he said quietly, "I'd tell you if I could."

"I'm sure you would. Look, let it go. We're not getting anywhere and I'd really rather not be angry with you.  Do you keep horses in Texas?"

"Yes," he said before he processed the question.  "Mostly at the ranch."

"Ah. And do you miss riding every day?"

"A lot," he said.  He looked around the park for a moment and said it again, his voice much lower, the inflexion more intense.

"There's a stable not far from Cliff House. Lovely country up there to ride in. If you come up I'll see we have time to go for a ride."

"I'd love to," he said, surprised.

She glanced over at him a half smile on her lips. Then turned back to just ride in silence.

He led them to a secluded spot, and reached over to grasp her mount's bridle, looking at her, his eyebrow raised.  When she nodded and started to dismount he did too, tying the horses to a tree.  Then he took her in his arms, burying his face in her hair.  After a moment he said, "it has nothing to do with not trusting you.  Please believe that."

She hugged him close. "Crap. This sucks."

"Yeah, it does," he said.

"Okay, I'll stop worrying about your secrets. Just know that if you ever mean any hurt to Ash or Lynne or the boys, I'm gonna hunt you down and stake you to an ant hill in Texas. "

He sighed.  "I thought we were past that part," he said, letting his arms fall and stepping back.

"We are. Honest. I just like to be up front," she replied. "I expect if I hurt you or yours it'll be the same."

"No, probably not," he said.  "It would hurt too much."

"Yeah, well, I'm 99 percent sure it'd kill me to do it to you so I guess we're even."

"No, actually we're not," he said. "But I have hope that someday we will be and that it won't even matter."  He looked at her for a moment his eyes hollow and unguarded.  "Jesus Elizabeth, can't we just be for a while?  Be and have it be enough?"

"I'm sorry, Chase. I'm not very good at the whole trusting thing. You know how they make you go to seminars and fall backwards and trust that someone else will catch you?  Not on your life, my life or even Ash's would I do that. I'm just... me," she added in a very small voice. "My issue. I know it. I own it."

"But when it seems I don't trust you...' He cut himself off abruptly.  "You're getting wet," he said, wiping the mist from her cheeks.  "I should get you home so Ash won't kill me for not taking care of you."

She let him help her up into the saddle. Once he was in his and they'd turned the horses toward the stables she commented, "In the country there are some great paths. And open fields. You can really ride, not just poke along. You'll like it a lot better."

"I hope you will too," he said.

Rimes looked at the faces staring at him around the conference table.  People he barely knew, people Stephen and Ian had sent his way when he'd told them what he'd been ordered to do.  Jedediah McClean, Lucille Pratt, Joey Marino, Barney Weber, Jane Jarman and Donald Sipowitz.

He rubbed his chin, mentally shaking his head.  He hated Congress.  It didn't matter which one, he hated them.

"Okay," he said, looking at them.  "It's a done deal.  Coop's got your orders.  We're setting up shop in New York City so we can, and I quote, 'liase more effectively with our foreign counterparts via UN channels.'"  He wanted to gag as he said it.

Barney looked at him. "New York? No shit. Who's paying the rent?"

Jedediah yawned.  "Always on the money. It must so suck to be you..."

"There'll be a cost of living adjustment according to the regulations," Jane said.

Rimes sighed.  He missed the way it had been when it had just been the Jo's, Terry and Leroy.  He hated bureaucrats as much, if not more than Congress.  And he was a bureaucrat.  "Yes, there will be.  And the rent on the office, obviously, be paid by the Agency.  The office has three weeks to open.  So you've got three weeks to move.  Obviously we'll help how ever we can."

"I hate New York," Joey said, which was rather daunting since he was from Queens. "I came here to get out of New York."

"Well, but you know it, right?" Lucille asked. "We need someone there who does." Lucille was from Kansas City.

"And Mr. Smalltown USA will have to cooperate," Jedediah said, casting a look upon the cheap one. "No way we're going without you, Barney. So pack your plastic bag and be ready." To the others he said "No problem, I'll be ready when we need to be."

Barney looked angry. "Sure. Mr. Chicago knows best, right?" He folded his arms over his chest and looked as if that would be the last they would hear from him for now.

"Mr. Chicago is from a decent town, and knows how to appreciate the art and culture of a big city," Jedediah retaliated. "And I will personally take it upon myself to show those things to you. Mind you, I'll -show- them to you. Not train to appreciate them. I won't live that long."

"Enough," Jane said, rolling her eyes.  Then to Rimes, "Who's the agent in charge going to be?"

"Donald," Rimes said, looking at the only one who'd not spoken so far.  "Temporarily.  They want to make it a GS 15 slot so they're going to hire competitively."

"A fifteen?" Jane gasped, "You're kidding."

"I wish I were," Rimes said.

"Any pointers yet who our illustrious counterparts are? Any specific countries and such?" Jedediah wanted to know.

"England and Israel so far.  There's other possibilities I'm sure you can guess at.  And, in part, we're there to identify them," Donald said.

"And even if we don't, there's been a lot going on in New York of late. We need to make friends there," Lucille pointed out. "It isn't like there isn't a need for us to have a presence there beyond the political."

"Making friends?" Jedediah could not refrain from glancing at Barney, who was still playing deaf and dumb. "Sounds like a challenge. But anyway, good to know I can start brushing up on my Arabic." To Lucille he said "You're right. Plenty to do in New York. It's good to spread our wings there."

Barney snorted. "Alright. I'm in. I can do friends. Smalltown people make friends more easily anyway, so..."

"Yeah," Jane said dryly.  "Sure."

It ended up being six weeks and a couple of days, but the morning came when they rode an elevator up to the fourth floor of the Federal building and walked into their new offices.  Jane looked around, a box of personal belongings in her arms that the government had refused to move with her office things, but had happily moved with her personal belongings.

It was all government issue, gray metal and carpet designed to withstand nuclear attack.  Two offices, a conference room and a series of cubes in the open spaces.  Two secretaries were already there, along with the IT guys and the phone company.

"And welcome to New York," she muttered to herself as she set her box down in the cube that had her name on it.

Barney had a small box with him. Stapler, pens, notepad and more of that kind. He did not need personal things. His own person was enough for him.

Jedediah watched him go. He grinned and did not say a word. Not on the first day. It was new to all of them, so getting Barney onto the ceiling was not called for. Yet.

He found his own cube and looked things over. "Luscious," he mumbled as he sat on the chair and started adjusting it to his liking. He saw one of the IT guys walk around. "Hey, whizz kid, does this thing work already?"

The IT guy looked at him, shoving his glassed back on his nose. "Thing?"

"Yeah, the stupid screen and keyboard thing."

"Oh. The computer. It should work. It is already wired to the network and this morning we set up the routing to the mainframe and you already have secure SSH shells-"

"Thank you. 'Yes' would have done." Jedediah moaned. Not one of those. You could not talk to them in English. He punched the power switch and waited for things to come alive.

Joey came in whistling. He was the one with sense. He'd brought Starbucks for all of them.  "Don't crowd around boys and girls. I've got your favorites right here. We can even arrange for delivery. God knows I don't want to drink the stuff Jed perks up."

"Thank God we landed in civilization," Donald said, reaching for his Americano and inhaling deeply.  "I'm going to live."

Jed looked over the coffees and glared at Joe. "What's wrong with my brew? I can't help it my mother's dad was a cowboy. Only way she could do coffee was to make it strong enough to float a horseshoe..."

"Pffft. You don't even like your own coffee," Joey retorted, looking up as Lucille, the last of them walked in. Right behind her was a Fed Ex guy with a large package, a heavy one apparently, since he had it on a dolly.

Barney was out of the way already, coffee in hand, grinning at how Jedediah was cursing at the PC that bleeped at him.

"Stupid box," Jed yapped, as he punched all the keys on the keyboard with the mouse.

"Put it in there," Lucille told the Fed Ex guy, as she glanced at the documents to sign for the delivery.  "Now why couldn't they have sent this stuff with the rest? Instead sending it on by its own. Oh, right, Lucille, it's the bloody government," she muttered to herself.  She signed with a flourish and handed it to the Fed Ex guy who ducked his head, smiled, took his paperwork and hurried off to deliver more stuff elsewhere.

Donald eyed it.  "We aren't expecting anything," he said as he found a pair of box cutters.  He started snipping the metal binding and then pulled the front of the carton away.  "I wonder what Rimes is sending..."

And that was as far as he got before it exploded, killing everyone there, and sending New York City into a frenzy as it blew out the front of the federal building, and parts of the floor above and below the Zoo's first ever satellite office.