Five hours later, and Arcane was remembering clearly why he hadn’t been to the conference in years. He’d waited until Graham had given him the all-clear on Rudyard before going into the lecture hall to see if anything interesting was actually being said. It wasn’t. It had been a long time since he’d heard such a parade of pompous bores describing absolutely nothing of any significant value, all in the minutest detail. Not one single one of them was touching on ideas he hadn’t already thought of himself... or discarded as less than worthwhile. After three hours he was fighting to even stay awake, especially after the previous night. He’d caught himself starting to drift away several times.

He’d expected this of the majority of attendees, but nonetheless, three from his main list had made their speeches, including Jason Woodrue; and what he’d heard was less than inspiring: Just a supposedly hypothetical little lecture on the possibilities of genetically engineering synthetic DNA for basic life forms, with the eventual use of growing food animals in, say 10 years time, with enough research... not to mention a nice fat grant for it all. Oh, it had impressed the majority of the mental pygmies here, but with the knowledge of Woodrue that Arcane had, he knew how far ahead his real research was. Food animals indeed! The man had already been growing synthetic humans for almost twenty years! He was clearly holding back; deliberately not revealing the full potential, and it was troubling Arcane no end. That concern had been the only thing to keep the boredom at bay enough to stay awake! Sure, *he* was holding back, but he still had something to offer of significance; and *his* reasons had a definite purpose. If Woodrue was doing the same... what were his!? He wouldn’t have come all this way, after all these years, just to offer a speech not up to his usual capabilities, thus probably losing, if he had no ulterior motive. It was definitely bothering Arcane.

Carla Jeffries had led him to believe that she had something special lined up, and he had no reason to doubt that. Why lie when he’d discover soon enough anyway? Besides, Carla wasn’t the sort of woman to turn up at a gathering like this and not try to out-do everyone. She could always be relied on for that; and her ability to desire total unpredictability in herself made her the most predictable person he knew. No. He was looking forward to what Carla had to offer... not that this was helping his boredom threshold at present. He wouldn’t find out until tomorrow what she was planning since she was speaking just before him, late on the Sunday afternoon.

He finally gave up, having endured more than enough of what he could only think of as cruel and unusual punishment, and got up to stretch his legs, going over to the timetable to see who was on offer in the near future. Scanning the list, nobody struck him as impressive for a little while... although by now, he was seriously doubting that anything worthwhile would be in their public speeches either. He was better off ignoring them for now, and doing something else instead. Graham had kept in touch and had been making steady progress. He’d been through all the rooms of the main list that were actually in the hall, and several from the second list; although he’d have to wait until he and Graham were securely back in their room later that night to enjoy the fruits of his labours.

A sudden wave of dizziness came over him; Probably a combination of a lowered blood sugar level because of the lack of food since his pathetically small breakfast at The Algiers, and no discernible sleep the night before. Lunch, Anton... right now! he decided. There were just two scientists from the minor list in the lecture hall that Graham still had to deal with, but they didn’t look like they were going anywhere for the foreseeable future. He got out the celphone.

“Graham. I’m leaving the hall now. Bannister and Mgambe are still here and I won’t be able to keep an eye on them, but I seriously doubt they’ll be leaving in the near future -- probably in the first stages of tedium induced rigor mortis! -- so continue as planned. Let me know when you’ve dealt with them. If you need to find me, I’ll be in the cafe....... You have?........ Good man....... Well, if you get them both done shortly and you’re finished for now, meet me downstairs. Arcane out! In more ways than one!


“Sir?... Sir!?...” Arcane became aware of a hand lightly shaking him by the shoulder. Confused and disorientated, he gave a little start and sat bolt upright. Blinking his eyes tightly and opening them again, he glanced around to take in his surroundings. “You must have fallen asleep, Sir,” a gentle, female voice told him. He turned to see a waitress standing over him, and it was then that he remembered that he was seated in a small booth in the Scirocco Springs Cafe. He rubbed his face in his hands and collected himself, as she picked up a pot of tea and deposited it on the table in front of him, followed by a tasty looking plate of chicken strips and fries. Not the sort of fare he’d usually bother with, but it was light enough to not spoil his appetite for the evening, and likely to raise his blood sugar level quickly. Suddenly, panic gripped him. Oh my God!! How long had he been asleep!? He immediately looked down at his side to check for the bag with his research and lecture notes, and the containment chamber; breathing a visible sign of relief to see it still there, exactly where he left it.

“How... how long?...” he started to speak groggily.
“...Just a few minutes, Sir,” she smiled warmly. “You take as long as you want, and you enjoy your meal,” she reassured him.
He reached for the teapot before pushing it away and turning to the woman; “Could you get me a coffee instead... a strong coffee?”
“Of course, Sir,” she smiled and nodded, before leaving.

Arcane just stared at the food in front of him. He was so tired now, he was beginning to get beyond hunger. Still, he knew he’d only get worse if he didn’t eat, and forced himself to pick at the food.

He was still trying his best to get through the meal when he saw a familiar figure moving towards him, weighed down by a briefcase and a large bag over his shoulder.
“Doctor Arcane?” Graham said with concern as he parked himself opposite Arcane in the booth; “Are.. are you all right, Sir?”
“Do I look like I’m all right, Graham!?” he muttered.
You look like death warmed up! “You, kind of look a little tired, Doctor,” he replied.
“How jolly astute of you, Graham! Probably because I *am* tired. One of us didn’t sleep too well last night... remember!?”
“Maybe... maybe you should go lie down for a couple of hours, Doctor?”
Arcane shook his head. “Don’t be an idiot, Graham! If I’m asleep upstairs, how am I going to see who’s in the hall later?”
“I.. I would have, kind of thought that the ones on the list would have been here already if they were, like, attending today’s talks, Sir? I’ve done all the rooms on the list so far. I.. I could always check out the hall for you, and, well, if anybody else arrives... go see to things?”
“How many of them have you seen before, Graham?” Arcane asked calmly, picking at a chicken strip and forcing it down his throat. Graham just shrugged. It was a good point. Arcane may have known what most of these people looked like, but he certainly didn’t.
“The first point was valid enough, though. You can make yourself useful, man. Go to reception and check if the remaining ones have at least booked in yet, and then report back.”
“Can.. can I take the stuff back to the room yet, Doctor? i..it’s kind of heavy...”
“No you bloody well can’t! We can’t trust leaving it there to the mercy of hotel insecurity. Some swine might just come along and do exactly what I’m doing!!”
Graham nodded his head disappointedly; “Where will I find you, Doctor? Will you have gone back to the hall, or will you still be here?”
“Here, Graham! I’ve no intention of going back to that insomniac’s paradise a moment sooner than necessary... and the information you’re getting will determine that, won’t it?”
“Yes, Doctor,” Graham saw his cue and left, just as the waitress returned with a large cup, which she filled with steaming black coffee, which Arcane proceeded to clutch in his hands like his life depended on it.


Graham wasn’t a happy man. With a gloomy, nervous expression he slouched away from the reception desk. He’s not gonna be happy. And if he’s not happy, I’m going to be *real* miserable! Oh well, best get it over with. He took out the celphone and hit re-dial yet again.
“Dr. Arcane?”
“Well you dialled my number... who else were you bloody expecting!?” an irritable little voice could just be heard snarling from the other end.”
“I.. I’ll explain later, but there won’t be any more guests from your list attending the hall today, Sir........ Yes, I’m sure, Doctor........... Okay.......... yeah, I’ll meet you up in the room then, Sir... bye.”

He put the celphone back in his jacket pocket and gave a deep sigh. Now he not only had to explain why there were fewer targets, but also why his searches hadn’t been as entirely successful as Arcane might have liked. He checked his watch. It was a little before five o’clock. Two and a half hours before dinner. Two and a half hours to explain matters to Arcane in such a way as to give himself a chance of ending up with a lifespan longer than a Mayfly’s.


Back in the cafe, Arcane finished the last of the chicken strips and half the portion of fries. He took another gulp of coffee, not that it seemed to be helping matters. After his last conversation with Graham, his mood was getting blacker again. That pathetic excuse for an assistant better have a bloody good reason and plenty to make up for it, or he’s steak tartare!

Wearily, he took out a five and a ten dollar bill and left them on the table, under the coffee cup; then proceeded to get up from the booth and make his way to the exit. Halfway there, he froze and suddenly dashed back, grabbing the case that he’d forgotten in his stupor. Bloody hell!! Leaving ‘em in a sodding cafe! That one’s worthy of Graham! Anton, you have *got* to do something! He glanced at his watch. Too few hours to get any worthwhile sleep before dinner. He’d only feel worse for it. An idea struck him. On his way out, he took one of the waiters aside.

“Excuse me, but is there a pharmacy here in the hotel?” he enquired.
“Not as such, but if it’s something basic you’re looking for, the gift shop will have some things,” came the reply.
“Where is it, please?”
“Go to reception, turn left, go to the end and it’s downstairs in the shopping gallery.” Arcane muttered a quiet thank you before setting off.

Ten minutes later, a more hopeful Arcane popped a couple of Vivarin tablets into his mouth. He’d just keep popping them until he was back to normal. That was the plan. Soon be nice and alert again. Of course, he was dreading what he’d feel like when the effects wore off, but by then he’d hopefully be sleeping through all that. An early night was definitely on the cards tonight... straight after dinner, in fact, and nothing was going to stop that... was it!?


He was already feeling more alert as he returned to the main foyer. Another few minutes and he was hoping he could even attempt animated. He looked around to get his bearings, checking to make sure he had his keycard, then set off for the elevator. Yes, much better! There was a new spring to his step now as those wonderful little caffeine pills starting doing what they did best.

After about a minute, the elevator arrived, and Arcane had to step aside as fifteen Elvises piled out of it, all practising their accents. With just a disconcerted glance back at them, he got in, followed by another group of people. He was beginning to understand what being in a vac pac must feel like, but was determined to keep himself in a positive frame of mind. The Elvises weren’t going to bother him, and neither were the crowds. He’d even managed not to become too disheartened at the invasively cheery piped music serenading the occupants of the elevator with ‘Deck the Halls’, which actually managed to drown out the ever present cacophony of coins tumbling through thousands of slot machines, echoing across the massive expanse of casinos nearby.

The elevator doors were about to close when Arcane spied something ahead of him, in the foyer. Leave it till later! One mental voice commanded. No. Don’t take the chance and get in there while you can! Shouted another. The latter won out, and Arcane violently pushed his way to the front of the elevator with a new-found vigour born of determination and disturbingly high doses of caffeine, shoving several people aside as he struggled back out through the closing doors. He ignored a multitude of angry and abusive comments aimed his way, and proceeded to straighten his suit and collect himself, as the doors closed behind him. An evil smile touched his lips as he surveyed his prey ahead. Right, my dear! Time you learned the price of trying to get the better of Anton Arcane! He moved eagerly towards the hotel manager. Now remember, Anton. You don’t want her dead. That’d be too good... and she’d make a rather splendid mutant. You want her on your terms, which means getting her away from this wretched city and off to Houma. Time to be nice... very nice! It’s a dirty job, but it has to be done.

“We meet again, it would appear,” he said jovially, as he approached the woman from behind. With a very slight start, she turned, her face instantly dropping slightly on seeing who she was dealing with.
And I was having such a pleasant day... God must really hate me;
“Dr. Arcane. How nice to see you made it here eventually. Can I take it that there’s yet another problem?” There was just the merest hint of sarcasm to her voice.
“Indeed there is madam. A very grave problem --
Well, no surprises there, then.
“ -- Not the least of which is my appalling and inexcusable behaviour last night, for which I am truly sorry and wish to do my utmost to make amends for.”
*What*!?!?... Wait a minute. Of course! It’s all a dream. It’s still Saturday morning, in bed. Any minute now I’m going to start getting the dancing Llamas and Tom Selleck joining in, taking me for a candlelit dinner in Oahu... and then I’ll wake up. Yes...

“I’m... I’m sorry, Doctor Arcane. I didn’t quite catch what you said.”
“It’s precisely what I did say, but I do understand your reticence after my abominable treatment of you and your fine staff, and fully understand your surprise, but I want you to know that I am genuinely sorry for what happened last night. I had a very trying and tiring day... a lot of other problems...” he paused and looked down a little, giving a small sigh and smiling slightly at her in a warm and pleading sort of way; “... No. That’s not fair. Other people have tiring days too and don’t react as vilely as I did towards you. There are simply no excuses. I only hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.” He looked at her, his eyes widening ever so slightly.
Okay, so why haven’t I woken up yet? C’mon! Wakey wakey!! ... Oh my God, it’s *not* a dream!... What’s he up to??
“Dr. Arcane. If what you’re saying is true, it is a somewhat radical change of heart, don’t you think?”
“I agree entirely madam. I’ve had nearly twenty four hours to contemplate my behaviour... and thoroughly regret it, I can assure you. I sincerely hope you can believe me when I tell you that the monster you saw last night isn’t what I’m normally like. I only wish I could take back the things I said and did... but I can’t --”
Either he’s the world’s best liar, a schizophrenic... or he’s actually, genuinely sorry!!
“-- I’m arranging a substantial Christmas bonus for that poor man who bore the brunt of my hideous tirade last night, and for yourself of course... if you’ll accept it for what it is: an abject apology, and not a bribe --” It’ll be worth it to get the bitch where I want her! “If I could think of anything more suitable to offer as a token of my regret, I would. I know we don’t really know each other, and I probably won’t be back here in Las Vegas in quite some time, if at all, but this has been wearing heavily on my conscience -- as a scientist, and I hope, a decent human being under normal circumstances, little details are important to me; and when something like last night occurs, I’m the type that could never truly rest knowing that such outstanding heinous wrongs haven’t been dealt with appropriately -- and it would mean a great deal to me if you could accept my apology for what it is, forgive me, and if we could start out again on more civilised terms, and put that terrible incident behind us. ”
Oh my God! He really *is* genuinely sorry... Funny, but I could have sworn he was a jumped up little nazi. I’ve never been wrong about people before...

“I don’t really know what to say, Doctor.”
“Say you’ll forgive me?” Arcane raised his voice hopefully, gently taking her hand in both of his. She gave a little sigh and nodded her head slightly, a curious little smile touching her lips.
“I forgive you,” she said simply, with a little shrug of the shoulders. Arcane’s face lit up in unbridled joy. Hooked her... now to start reeling her in.
“Is the young man from last night around? I’d like to apologise to him again. I can’t honestly say that my attempt last night was genuinely meant at the time; and I would like to do it properly this time.”
“I’m afraid it’s his day off, Doctor.”
“Perhaps tomorrow then?”
“I believe he is on duty then, but if not, I’ll be sure to pass your message onto him.”
“It’s very kind of you. I appreciate it.”
“Think nothing of it, Doctor.”
“Erm, if you’re not busy, perhaps I could offer you a small token of apology by buying you a drink? Try to show you a little more of the *real* me, eh?” he said with a small degree of jocularity to keep the mood light.
“I’m afraid I’m on duty, Doctor, but thank you.” Say, you don’t think he’s trying to... Nah... Surely not? He can see the wedding ring, can’t he?
“Not even a harmless cup of tea or coffee?” he tried again.
“It’s a very kind offer, but things are very hectic at the moment, and I just don’t have the time while I’m on duty.” He’s tried twice... Mind you, it’s not classed as persistent until three times.
“I do understand. Perhaps when you’ve finished for the night then? --”
Oh boy! Three!!
“ -- Maybe you could join me for a nice civilised cup of tea. I’ll no doubt be in my room later --”
Ohgodohgodohgod!! I think I could cope better when he was being a creep! Why’s he so interested in me?? Now do I let him down gently, or kick him into tomorrow?...
Arcane must have noticed the look developing on her face, and instantly made moves to correct this. “ -- All in complete innocence, I hasten to add. I realise now how that must have sounded. This really isn’t my weekend for tact and subtlety, is it? I didn’t mean to imply anything improper or compromising... not that is to say that a woman as distinguished as yourself shouldn’t invite that kind of attention. No, I merely meant a friendly cup of tea... nothing more. My assistant’ll no doubt be there as well... or we could have a drink in the cafe, if you’d feel happier there? I just wanted to spend a few minutes of pleasant company, to show you how unlike last night I really am.”
If you exist, God... thank you! Well, I don’t suppose it could do any harm if I get a moment free...
“I can’t guarantee anything, Doctor, but yes, I think that would be pleasant.”
“Splendid!”
“I won’t get off duty until ten pm, and it’s always possible emergencies crop up. I can’t promise anything, but if I get chance, I’ll stop by your room.”
So much for an early night... but it’ll be worth it to get her! “That’s all I can ask. Thank you. No need to tell you which room I’m in, eh?” he joked, and she reciprocated with a small, if not entirely pleasant smile at the memories that comment raked up.

“Well, doctor, I hate to be rude -- Jesus! I meant that! -- but my schedule calls me.”
“After my behaviour, one could hardly call that rude!” he laughed; “ -- but far be it from me to keep you from your duty. Until later then?”
She nodded; “Indeed, Doctor. Have a good evening,” she turned and returned to her work. Behind her back, watching her go, his face glowed with a triumphant pride, and his heart quickened at the prospect of what he’d do to her once he’d achieved a friendship enough to get her to come to Houma for a brief little visit. “Enjoy life while you can, my dear. I can assure you that once you get a taste of my hospitality in Houma, you won’t ever feel like leaving...” he whispered to himself, as he set off once again for the elevator.


Graham was already waiting for him when he arrived. The combination of more caffeine and his recent encounter in the foyer had pushed his previously black mood to the back of his mind... which was probably just as well for Graham, who greeted him with a look on his face that could be described as merely glum only on a *very* good day.

“Well, Graham. I trust you’ve got all that juicy information ready for my perusal?...” Arcane clasped his hands together in anticipation, before noticing the look of abject despondency before him; “... Obviously not,” he commented, folding his arms. “Well, out with it, man! What’s gone wrong now? Everybody storing their research in hotel security, perhaps? Or maybe you left it by the slot machines? No, not you, Graham. No. It was probably a gang of kleptomaniac Elvises that stole it from you when you weren’t looking, eh!?”
“It.. it’s not like that, Sir,” Graham mumbled. “I got what I could. It’s over there...” he inclined his head towards the dressing table where a small pile of disks and folders were stacked next a laptop and printer. “I printed out hard copies of what was on disk, and the images from the camera, Sir... and, I, er, don’t think it’s kind of as good as you expected, Doctor.”
“Let me be the judge of that, Graham,” Arcane pushed past him and picked up the folders, glancing at the names on the front of each. “You know, Graham, it would be so much better looking at these with something to drink,” he said quietly. Taking the hint, Graham darted for the kettle to try and do something to placate whatever might be coming. Noticing it was empty, he headed to the bathroom to fill it up. Over the sound of the water, he heard Arcane’s voice calling him; “What was that about the guests that didn’t turn up? You had something you were going to tell me, didn’t you?”

Graham hoped he’d forget about that; “Cancellations, Doctor. They’re not coming. The list’s with the research. I’ve crossed them off.” There was a pause as Arcane obviously scanned who wasn’t coming;

“Bloody marvellous! Just what I need!”
“I was kind of thinking the same,” Graham whispered softly to himself.

“Graham, you told me you dealt with Woodrue and Jeffries. You spent nearly a bloody hour in Woodrue’s room alone!” Graham screwed his eyes shut. This was the bit he’d really been dreading. Well, this and that other thing, but Arcane would no doubt notice *that* soon enough. He came back out into the main room.
“I.. I did, Sir, but...”
“... Graham, there’s nothing here with their names on it. Would you care to tell me how you could spend so much bloody time and not find...”
“... I checked real hard, Doctor. I looked everywhere. There.. there wasn’t anything to find,” he saw the doubting expression on Arcane’s face; “I.. I checked *absolutely* everywhere. Under things, in things, behind things, on top of things... *everywhere*. I even kind of thought that they’d taken extra rooms just for that... for security... and searched all the nearby ones... That’s why it took so long. I.. I really did look everywhere, Doctor, but there wasn’t anything to find. I swear, Doctor, if there was anything there, I’d have found it.” Arcane stared at him long and hard, seemingly weighing things up in his mind. Graham tensed.

“Well, I’ll reserve judgement until I’ve seen the rest. It’s hardly unusual that those two would be deliberately awkward,” he moved on to the first folder in the pile and began looking through it.

“Useless,” he snarled, tossing it aside onto the bed; “I was contemplating that while I was still a student!... Interesting idea, but he’s working along the wrong lines... did it myself last year!” he tossed the second folder onto the bed with disdain. “Graham, I hope you’ve got me *something* here that I can actually use!” he perused the third folder, again discarding it onto the bed as less than worthwhile.

Graham felt a twinge in the pit of his stomach as he stirred the tea for Arcane. He had to admit, from what he’d seen, the data he’d been stealing all day had mostly been covered already by the Doctor, or deliberately ignored... mostly. Other bits were... well, much as he hated to admit it, if *he* understood the finer details of it, it was hardly likely to be of interest to Arcane. There were a few bits in there that were beyond him, so it was possible that some of that would be of use. He could only hope.
No cries of outrage yet. I guess he hasn’t found *that* one yet.

“*WHAT*!!? GRAHAM!... WHAT THE BLOODY HELL’S THIS!? HOW DARE HE DO THIS TO ME!?!?!”
Guess he’s found it now. “erm, I guess you’ve found, er, Dr. Von’s research, Sir?”
“No, Gra