Having Fathom as his new head of security, however, certainly made it easier. As he thought that, he heard the faint chime from his door announcing her arrival. "Come in, Madeline." "Good morning, Director. Or is it afternoon?" Madeline glided in, every golden hair impeccably in place as usual. Easier on the eye as well as on my schedule, Nicholas mused. He was quite honest about the fact that he thought both Joe Buckley and A.J. Baker were exceedingly lucky men. Or perhaps just much easier to live with, he corrected himself. As an admittedly handsome and very well-known figure, he'd been "lucky" that way four times, each time ending with a divorce: one friendly, one neutral, two savage. He'd been single for some years now, and suspected he'd be smart to remain that way. For whatever reason-probably flaws in his own personality, he'd readily admit-Nicholas Glendale and marriage just didn't seem to suit each other. "I suppose it depends on your preference," he said, in answer to her light question. "The standard Martian time is early morning.

Hopefully we should be concluded by the time Joe is ready to call you." She gave a slight frown. "I shouldn't be that transparent."

"Madeline, my dear, youshould be that transparent about something that isn't at all a secret. You have to bounce constantly between here, Phobos Station, and Mars-the last thing I want to do is cause you to miss out on whatever you married Joe for. This may be a mystery to the rest of us, but as long as it keeps you happy…" Fathom grinned, sticking her tongue out. Glendale smiled in response. "Always glad to be of help. It's time for the general briefing, is it?" "With new wrinkles and info, yes. I've sent it to your e-mail, too." "Which I will file with the others after I get the live presentation, yes."

Maddie sat down across from him. "Well, I'll try to make it fast.

First, Ares.