The main lounge of The Spa was something of a misnomer, being a hall nearly two hundred feet long and fifty wide. Mirrors were fixed to the two long walls, shrouded with gossamer gold curtains that moved in the breeze from passing patrons, while large majolica jardinières holding a veritable forest of tall plants were spaced at equal intervals, leading to a fountain that glittered at the far end. Above hung five huge crystal chandeliers, sparkling their light over the activities below as music played softly, just on the edge of hearing, and delicately perfumed air circulated across the floor.

And then there were people. A lot of people, playing idly at the gaming tables set up down the left side of the lounge, or sitting in the comfortable chairs on the right, or simply standing and talking. They were all dressed in their finery, jewels around necks and in ears, diamond stickpins in ties, and showing every colour under the sun. Waiters in more of the ubiquitous purple and gold darted in and out.

It put Freya in mind of a flock of birds of paradise, all showing off, dancing around trying to mark their territory. She really didn’t want to be there when they started the mating rituals.

Zoe decided that maybe her outfit was about right as her eyes swept the room. “Have to say, I can see a hell of a lot of Alliance out there. And I ain’t the only one - there’s a number of guards packing heat.”

“Mmn,” Freya agreed, equally quietly.

“Feds?” Mal said in both their ears.

“Even a member of Parliament or two.”

“Rut it.” His voice was bitter. “Better get the job done soon as you can.”

“I wasn't planning on dawdling,” Freya responded, then put her superior air back on as the flunkey from before approached them, another man at his side. “Game on,” she whispered.

The flunkey bowed low, then turned to his companion. “Sir, may I present Madam Romanov?” Looking back to Freya he added, “Madam Romanov, this is your host for this evening, Mr Gabriel Salazar.”

Freya exten