Alice scowled at the monitor in her room as Charon looked straight at the camera. What an annoying man! She didn't seem to be the only one who found him obnoxious - when he greeted the onlookers, he received no response at all.

"Before you get to look through your books," said Katie, "I'm afraid there are some formalities to deal with. You'll be meeting with the Oracle... remotely, so you can't threaten her again. Follow me."

Katie left her position and made for one of the room's back exits, motioning for Charon to follow.

***

As she approached the room she was leading the medic to, Katie whispered, "You and I should talk later... privately. But, for now, just try not to get into trouble. She can be a fickle little one."

Without awaiting a response, Katie turned on her heel, leaving Charon alone with the brat.

***

Despite her best attempts to maintain regal composure, Alice couldn't quite hide her irritation at the fact that the man she had ordered to be killed was now standing before her, alive as ever. "Sit down," she said coldly, "If you want to keep living, you'd better do what I say. Firstly, you [i]will[/i] give up those samples you mentioned. They don't belong anywhere near me. Secondly, you must swear not to try to undermine my authority again. Usually, I make people swear it in the name of the Highest, but I doubt that would hold much weight with you, so how about you swear it in the name of your sister, and everyone else you've failed to save?" An icy smile formed on Alice's lips. If Charon dared refuse, he would just be killed like she had wanted, and he was bound not to agree to such an oath!