Arys walked into the lighted receptionist's lobby on the second floor. Heero had told her exactly what to expect and she had made it through the first floor lobby with little trouble. The guard had taken one look at her faked ID card, glanced at her face, smiled slightly, and waved her through the metal detector.

The receptionist at the receiving desk looked up at Arys as she approached. "How may I help you?"

"I'm here for an interview with Mr. Joaquin Remir," Arys replied, handing the woman the folder she was holding.

The receptionist gave her a knowing smile as she scanned the papers in the folder. "Yes, Mr. Remir's been expecting you. You can go right in." She pointed down the same hallway Heero had walked down.

Arys took back her folder. "Thank you."

She turned away from the desk and headed for the door to Remir's office. She stood in front of the heavy oak door, unsure of whether or not to knock.

"Come in, Miss Locke."

Arys started a bit at the booming voice that came to her through the door. Heero had told her about the hidden security camera, but she had not expected Remir's voice to be so strong. Arys slowly turned the doorknob and strode purposefully into the office, ignoring the plush carpet under her feet and the brightly lit walls around her. Remir smiled at her as she approached his desk.

"Welcome. Please," Remir waved to a chair, "have a seat."

"Thank you." Arys gracefully sat down, trying to still the pounding of her heart. She had seen this man somewhere before, but she could not remember where. A slight frown touched her lips as she scoured her memory.

Remir put out his hand for Arys' resume, and she slid it across the desktop into his waiting hand, her eyes still on his face. She sat back, allowing her gaze to travel throughout the room, appearing interested in the decor. In reality, Arys was still trying to figure out how she knew Remir. Suddenly, a forgotten memory surfaced, nearly knocking her out of her seat with its intensity. Arys bowed her head as the memories attacked her. Remir hardly noticed; his attention was still on her resume.

The voice had been cruel. Images flashed into her mind of a room, a chair, and... a needle. A man with dark eyes who had enjoyed torturing her, not with pain, but with his words. And then there was the cold, bitter cold...

Arys shivered slightly, the cold returning for a few seconds. She rubbed her arms to drive it away. It had happened three years ago, before the collapse of the Cinq Kingdom. She had never found out her interrogator's name. Now, she knew. Those eyes. She would never forget those eyes. And the way he had touched her face. The way he had caused her to betray the Cinq Kingdom. Arys looked up to see Remir giving her a puzzled look. Had he recognized her?

"Are you not feeling well, Miss Locke?" Remir sounded genuinely concerned.

Three years ago, Arys. It happened three years ago. That's a long time. He doesn't remember you.

The thoughts flashed through her mind in a split second. Arys smiled slightly. "I'm fine, Mr. Remir. Just a little nervous." She affected a short, anxious laugh.

Remir nodded. "If you need a drink, Miss..."

Arys waved him off. "Please, Mr. Remir. I appreciate your kindness, but I really am just fine."

Remir nodded again and handed her back her folder. "Well then, Miss Locke. I need to ask you a few questions."

Arys coughed and leaned forward slightly, her gaze intent on his face. He was so different from the man who had interrogated her. Perhaps he had changed over the past few years. She mentally slapped herself. Or perhaps not, if he was developing a gas capable of killing an entire colony's population.

"So, Miss Locke, your expertise lies in demolitions. Do you find it a useful talent?"

Arys smirked. "Only when it's something big."

Remir chuckled. "Ah, my dear, I have just the job for you, but I need to ask you another question."

Arys waited patiently, a spark lighting her eyes.

"Why are you here?"

Arys' smirk widened into a full-blown chilling smile. "Mr. Remir, the network is a powerful tool for finding the kind of jobs I enjoy. And I do believe the job you speak of is listed under demolitions." She steepled her fingers under her chin, leaning forward to place her elbows on top of the desk. "And I do believe that this job involves blowing up something big..." She tilted her head slightly, giving him a questioning look. "Perhaps as big as a colony?"

Remir copied her position and gave her his own chilling smile. For a moment, Arys had to fight the urge to jump to her feet and run away. That smile. It was... cruel. She had the distinct feeling that he killed while wearing that smile.

"You are a very perceptive young woman, Miss Risa Locke."

Arys remained silent. Remir gave her a confused look, wondering at her silence.

"Miss Locke?"

A smile tilted her lips. "I've never blown up a colony before. It will add a decided flare to my resume."

"So, you accept?"

Arys stood to her feet. "I do."

Remir stood to his feet and came around the desk. He took her hand. "Your job will require you to report directly to me, Miss Locke. You begin work tomorrow morning at 8:00."

"Understood."

Arys pulled her hand from his and turned away. Without another word, she left the office, leaving behind a still-confused Remir.

Remir stared at the door long after she had left. Why did he have the feeling that he had met her before? She walked like a soldier, took orders like a soldier, and had one of the coldest gazes he had ever seen. In fact, her behaviour was similar to that of the young man named Hikaru Sotoru whom he had employed more than a week ago. Were they connected in some way?

He placed a finger against his lips. "Indeed, a most intriguing woman."