Samuel Perkins was extremely annoyed. Whether it was at Addison Black or her infernal tiny black menace, Spike, he wasn't sure. Once again Addison had expected him to baby-sit that sp.a.w.n from h.e.l.l, that terror with tiny teeth, the demon in a dog's body. Well, I am a respected scientist and government agent and it's time everybody realized that. It's way past time.

Tonight Samuel had shed his role of Special Ops' resident nerd and was resplendent in his uniform. Tonight Samuel was going to the gala and he didn't care who wanted their dog watched. Addison had found other accommodations for her mongrel.

You've always underestimated me, Addison. Maybe tonight you'll learn that was a big mistake.

Addison had made a big mistake and she realized it the moment Skyler opened the door. The gown she bought that she figured would compliment her lover's look did a lot more than that. The green dress gave an emerald fire to Skyler's eyes and the plunging neckline gave an ample view of the blonde's a.s.sets.

Addison swallowed thickly, unable to tear her eyes from Skyler. If Skyler noticed the stare she said nothing about it. Actually she might not have noticed because she was completing a visual survey of her escort at the same time. It was Addison who first snapped back to the realization that they were staring at each other through an open doorway.

"You look stunning, Skyler, absolutely beautiful." The tone of the agent's voice left no room for doubt that she was speaking her very thoughts. Skyler blushed, both pleased and a little embarra.s.sed at the compliments.

"I don't know if you can call a Soldier beautiful when she wears her uniform, but if you can, she is."

Addison smiled at the slightly awkward comment.

"Your carriage to the ball awaits, Madam," the agent said gallantly as she offered her arm to Skyler. It was as the arm was extended toward her that she noticed the sash slas.h.i.+ng diagonally across Addison's chest.

Skyler stopped as she was just about to step out the door.

"Your sash..." she said and then faltered as she remembered the conversation with her mother a few days before.

Addison looked down at the sash then back at Skyler.

"Yeah, quite the coincidence the dress and sash being the same color. It's almost like it was planned." The American nearly believed Addison's innocent expression until the agent winked at her.

The romantic gesture touched Skyler deeply for a reason she couldn't name and she moved forward a few steps to plant a light kiss directly on Addison's lips. The Brit raised her eyebrows, but was obviously pleased by Skyler's response.

"What was that for?" Addison asked.

Skyler reached back to pull the door shut and slipped her arm through the agent's. "Nothing, just a small preview of the real celebration after the ball."

Addison smiled in surprise as Skyler tugged her down the hall.

It was only half an hour journey to the secure location of the gala. Starting at half past eight, all guests were expected to arrive at least twenty minutes before hand. Addison had left to pick up Skyler with plenty of time to spare. The young doctor had pre-warned her that she needed time to get ready. Addison had simply rolled her eyes neglecting to mention it would probably take her the same amount of time to prepare herself. She had a reputation to maintain after all.

Sitting beside Skyler in the back of their chauffer driven Rover, Addison observed the scenery as their navy car steered its way towards the gala's entrance. Feeling the car begin to slow, Addison turned to Skyler. Once again she acknowledged how stunning the doctor looked. She smiled as Skyler looked at her.

"Are you ready?"

"Well," Skyler pondered the question. "Yes, although I'm still not completely sure what to expect."

Addison's features twisted to an ironic smile. "Ah, you know... your typical military bash. That is unless we do get a couple of posh-k.n.o.bs attending; then you throw in a bit of pomp and pretentiousness for good measure." Addison looked out through the driver's window to where uniformed and civilian dressed guests were entering a highly guarded building. "There will be a high level of security due to recent eventualities. The P.M. was said to be attending but I was told that had been cancelled. I've heard no different so far."

"That's a shame," Skyler remarked. "I was looking forward to meeting your uncle Tony."

Addison grinned. "Some other time?"

Skyler nodded as their car pulled up outside the entrance. Addison opened the door. Climbing out of the car she walked around the Rover and opened Skyler's pa.s.senger door. "Ma'am."

"Thank you." Skyler slipped effortlessly out of the car and Addison pushed the door closed. With a proud smile the soldier held out her arm and Skyler hooked her own through it. They turned to face the building. It was a relevantly new structure; built in the early sixties and owned by the government. Standing on only two floors its slightly weathered brick structure had been painted a bright white. Addison could tell a fresh coat of paint had been applied within the last fortnight.

Ascending six steps, Addison and Skyler approached an arched entrance. Two soldiers stood either side of the door and just beyond that stood a third soldier holding a list of guest names. Addison took an I.D. wallet from her pocket.

"Captain Black and guest, Skyler Tidwell."

The young officer, although he knew Addison, checked her identification against the guest list. "Welcome to the festivities, Captain. You are some of the last few to arrive."

"Thanks, Miller." Addison led Skyler over to an identification gel pad; it was very much the same as the one that allowed access to her armoury back at home. She pushed her fingertips into the electronic print register and then urged Skyler to do the same. "It's just a log to record the entrance and exit of all guests for the evening."

Skyler pushed her fingers into the device and slid her tips onto its copying pad. It was cool against her skin. She saw a red light move down the screen, recording her prints. "Do you have to do this at all army functions?"

"No," the soldier replied. "Just MI5, Special Operations, especially function guests." They began walking together down the wide, maroon carpeted corridor. "Believe it or not, there are surveillance devices all over Special Ops. They are often a lot harder to locate than you would realise. At the moment we have fingerprint and retinal scans but General Blithe is waiting approval on some new inter-monitoring equipment."

To further improve the security Mark Blithe had began proceedings to install a new form of security device. Samuel Perkins had recently designed and built a working model. It was a system incorporating voice and implant recognition. Every operational agent within MI5 that bore an implant would be monitored, even within head quarters itself.

Stopping in front of a set of wide double doors, decorated with the Regimental Crest, carved into old English oak, both women could hear soft music and conversation from within the main ballroom. With a feeling of antic.i.p.ation, Skyler looked to Addison. The soldier smirked, the right side of her lips quirking upwards.

"Ready for a night to remember?"

"Bring it on," Skyler replied.

Addison nodded as she pushed the doors open onto a night neither of them would ever forget.

Almost the size of a soccer pitch, the ballroom was a hive of festivities. Upon a small stage at the front of the room a regimental band played easy listening music. In one corner a disc jockey station had been set up for late night dancing. Before that was a large dance floor on which several groups of people conversed. The remainder of the room was filled with circular tables; each one draped in maroon cloth and set ready for dining. A vase containing a single, fresh rose stood centre display upon each six-seated table.

Like the stereotypical German said to claim their sun-bed with a towel, so Addison knew Mark Blithe would claim his table in a similar way. Remembering his preference for front centre, Addison scanned the first row of tables. Sure enough she saw the General's large coat draped over the back of a chair. Not more than ten feet away stood the man himself, conversing with Marlene Tidwell and Major Thompson.

"I suppose we're somewhere over there," Addison acknowledged as she began leading Skyler towards her mother and the General. They got less than half way before a tall striking man with dark brown hair and eyes stopped Addison. Flecks of grey peppered his temple, making him appear older than his years.

He held out his hand to Addison. "Congratulations on the Israel Operation, Black. I heard your completed your mission to destroy Agnes Brodie once and for all. Wish I could have been there to see that."

Addison shook his hand. "Thanks, Brian. It was well overdue."

Brian Cooling, also known as S.O.7, was an ex desert rat. He lived and breathed the military. Though it was common for operatives to have very little ties, Brian Cooling took that to the extreme. Upon first joining the army he had cut off all links with civilian life and made the military his world. He lived in the Barracks and socialise only with fellow soldiers and agents. Addison occasionally wondered what Sergeant Cooling would do when age led to his departure from the service.

"Congratulations to you too," added Addison. "Blithe said you retrieved the Defence Data Files without detection and police capture." Addison looked to Skyler then back at the Sergeant. "Brian I would like you to meet Doctor Skyler Tidwell... Skyler this is Sergeant Brian Cooling."

"h.e.l.lo," Skyler greeted, shaking Cooling's hand.

"American," Brian said, and then realisation dawned. "Tidwell... oh of course. Your mother must be the professor with General Blithe I a.s.sume."

Skyler looked over to where her mother remained beside Mark Blithe. "That would be me."

Brian smiled charmingly. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Oh, you too," replied Skyler, though there was something about the man that made her feel a little uneasy.

"If you will excuse me. I'm making the rounds and there's a certain person over there," Brian pointed to Samuel Perkins standing in the far corner of the room beside an exit sign, "I need to speak to. Catch you later," he said as he made his way towards Perkins.

Addison and Skyler continued to make their way through the groups of soldiers. There were nowhere near as many civilian dressed bodies. Even those without uniform were in some way involved with Special Operations in a high-ranking position. It was doubtful Skyler herself would have been allowed access to the knowledge of Special Operations if it were not for her mother's work and Brodie's supplied information of the clandestine network.

"I've a question," Skyler said.

"What's that?"

"Why would what Brian was doing possibly land him in trouble with the police?"

Addison stopped walking. "Ah, well you see..." She thought for a moment on how best to explain their situation. "Sometimes our a.s.signments can be targeted at people who appear to be living within the law. We can know differently. In order to carry out our mission it may involve entering a situation that is quite literally considered breaking the law." Addison thought of a non-related example. "For instance, it could involve breaking into the residence of a high profile establishment to gain access to illegally held information. There are many situations where we just cannot admit or provide any knowledge of who we work for. In fact, if we did, our time in the army would be denied or the military would even say a soldier was given a dishonourable discharge years earlier, rather than admit to any knowledge of our actions. Quite simply, we could and would be sent to prison under justified laws."

Skyler was less than impressed. "That's way too harsh; all for serving your country? How can you work under so many possible threats?"

"Because we all believe what we are fighting for is the right thing. Far more good is done to want an end to Special Operations, Sky."

The doctor wasn't convinced with Addison's reply. She held little doubt what Addison said was true. What she did believe, however, was that Addison's motives might hold different undertones of reason. "That may be true, Addison, but I have a feeling the guilt you still feel for your youthful misdeeds still pushes you to work selflessly for the good of others now. There are people today, even kids, who get up to a lot worse than you ever did with petty theft."

"Maybe," Addison replied. "You're right, I know, but as long as I believe what I'm doing is right, then I shall continue." The soldier pondered her response. For the first time she felt she had another person to consider in her actions. "Does um... does it bother you? I mean... I know how you felt about your dad's line of work and his death... I..."

"Addison!"

Addison turned to the direction from which her name had been called. Quinton Zimmerman approached, Miss Bakersfield on his arm.

"You're a dark horse," Addison said to Quinton. "I didn't know you two were going together."

"I would ask if you were jealous but I think we both won out on this one." Quinton took Skyler's hand and kissed it. "It's a pleasure once again Miss Tidwell. Nice to see you under less tense circ.u.mstances."

Skyler beamed. "You too, Quinton." She looked to Miss Bakersfield noticing the curious appraisal she was being given. "Um... Addison?"

Being jolted back into remembering her manners, Addison spoke up saying, "Skyler Tidwell this is Miss Bakersfield, Miss B... Skyler Tidwell."

The brunette shook her head. "Antonia please," she said to Skyler. "This one is always called me 'Miss Bakersfield'... unless she wants something." Antonia winked. "Anyway, I'm the Generals a.s.sistant."

The women shook hands as Skyler's eyes took in the slinky black dress Antonia was wearing. It was satin and low cut, hugging her figure in a very flattering manner. Her look was finished off beautifully with a unique necklace. Black and green, round cut stones lay around her neck, resting delicately over her collar bone and joining with a square cut black stone just above her breast bone. Skyler also noticed earrings that matched.

"That's an interesting necklace you have," Skyler complimented.

Antonia ran her fingers over the stones. "I know... it's amazing what you can find in a charity shop. It's only costume jewellery but I thought it would go well with this dress. I just had to find the right occasion to wear them."

"Oh I know what you mean. I have done the same thing," Skyler admitted. "I found a beautiful bracelet at a back street bazaar in Egypt. It was second hand but in astounding condition."

"Egypt!" Antonia gushed. "What a place to shop. I wager that was a wonderful place to find interesting bargains and peculiar finds."

"I found the most beautiful woven bed spread while in Cairo," Skyler continued.

"Really?"

"That's it," Quinton interrupted. "If you two are going to talk shopping all evening Addison and I are going to prop-up the bar."

Antonia held up her hands. "Subtle hint taken. Besides, if you are going to the bar you can buy me a stiff one!"

"It's free, remember?" said Addison.

"Oh of course. Well in that case I'll have two!"

Quinton chuckled as he led Antonia towards the bar. Skyler watched them leave with a smile. She knew she would be meeting many of Addison's friends and work colleagues. So far they had all made varying degrees of impression on her. However, the underlying fear that one of them may well be the unknown 'Dr. Kleein' was never far away from her mind. It did serve to bother her a great deal, especially considering this person had ordered her death, but Skyler knew she couldn't allow it to cloud her evening. She had Addison and her faith in the agent was immeasurable. They had both agreed, on their car journey to the gala, not to allow remaining issues mar their enjoyment of the night.

"So..." Addison turned to Skyler. "Are you feeling okay so far?"

"I'm doing fine. Looking forward to a fun evening and then maybe a very enjoyable night?"

"Ooh!" Addison took a step closer to Skyler and slid one hand around her waist. "You read my mind." She leaned in further to kiss Skyler. Their lips connected for a soft, brief moment; just enough time for one set of eyes with malicious intent to capture their act.

Skyler heard the distinctive sound of her mother calling her name. "Mom!" the blonde said, making an expeditious turn away from Addison's tempting lips.

"Honey, you look beautiful." Marlene looked her daughter up and down. She ran a hand over the fabric of Skyler's dress. "Very soft!" Marlene looked to Addison. "A good choice."

"Thanks Prof... Marlene."

Mark Blithe nodded at Addison. He took her arm and pulled her to the side while Skyler and her mother spoke. They stood close to talk quietly.

"Security seem efficient to you?"

"I'd say." Addison looked around them. "How many do you have posted?"

"Three on the door, four outside, six located inside the building plus an extra five here as guests."

"Final guest amount?"

"Ninety six. All arrived and accounted for as well." Blithe nodded with satisfaction. "Everything is going to plan and running like clock work. Your presentation is to be held at eleven. The waiters begin serving dinner at nine o'clock. People are already beginning to take their seats."

Addison looked around her and sure enough tables were being filled. Each setting was allocated with a nameplate and there were six seats to a table. Ignoring the knowledge of her forthcoming presentation she asked, "Where are Skyler and myself sitting?"

"With Marlene and myself, of course." General Blithe inclined his head to their table where it was already occupied by two bodies. "And Major Thompson and his wife."

The agent groaned. "Ugh... not 'Miss Majorette'. That woman barks out orders more than you."

"Well be nice," Mark reprimanded playfully. "Don't go feeding her any fairytales this year about suspicious extraterrestrial, U.F.O. sightings while on night watch as a young marine."

Addison had to chuckle. "You were trying not to laugh as well."

"Yes, but you didn't have Major Thompson asking you why his wife had developed such a sudden interest in Astronomy. She spent almost eleven hundred pounds on a telescope."

The soldier burst out laughing as General Blithe checked his watch. Right on schedule a bell sounded, giving everybody fifteen minutes to get seated before dinner was served.