Author's note: Yes, as the description says, this is my last fanfiction. Ever. But don't get discouraged, because I beleive in going out with nothing short of a ten megaton bomb! This one is my pet project, and I'll be taking the story in directions I've never tried before. If you don't like what I'll be doing, you have no obligation to keep reading. However, you'll be missing out on some really freaking cool stuff I'm going to do once the plot takes off.I'll try to update every Monday. Enjoy the ride.

Metempsychosis

Part One: Harbinger

me·tem·psy·cho·sis (m-tms-kss) - Reincarnation.

"Welcome back," began the host. "For those of you just joining us, we have with us Dr. Vincent Tsubaki, CEO of United Communications, and Phil Teleri, CEO of Delphi." The camera cut to each person as the host named them. Dr. Tsubaki was an aged man with puffy white hair ringing his otherwise bald head. A barely perceptible slant to his eyes belied his Asian heritage on an otherwise Anglo-Saxon face. Teleri was a Mulatto, younger than Tsubaki but possessing the same keen intellect and confident gleam in his eyes.

"Tonight, we've been discussing the issue of the unprecedented expansion of communications technologies and the implications on the short and long-term scales. Now Dr. Tsubaki, you were arguing that we need to tool down the development of our technologies before the break. Care to expand on that?"

"Gladly," began Tsubaki. "As I already explained, I'm not an opponent of technological advances. I personally designed many systems in use today and have always supported the continued development of these technologies, for without progress, our society stagnates."

"I see. Go on."

"The problem we are now facing, unfortunately, stems from these very advances. I have been a careful observer of the ebb and flow of technology, and it has become clear to me that we may be making a grave error. One that, if not taken care of soon, could prove disastrous."

"Care to get to the point, Doctor?" asked Teleri.

Tsubaki remained calm and continued unabated. "The problem we face is that our systems are woefully insecure. What we lack is not the technology, but safeguards to protect the systems we have become so reliant upon. Just as there is an entire network dedicated to insuring, policing, protecting, and monitoring vehicles, there ought to be a similar system in place to protect our communications systems. Without it, our systems are like a trapeze artist without a net. He may be secure in his skills, but one foul-up and it's a long way to the ground."

"Strong words, Doctor," said the host. "Care to respond Mr. Teleri?"

Teleri cleared his throat. "Doctor, I am familiar with your work and have a great deal of respect for you. But I must disagree with your assessment of the technological state. The people at Delphi toil endlessly to secure our communications networks as best we can. The problem is, security is not pro-active. Try as we might, hackers will always be one step ahead of even the best and brightest minds. The best we can do is securing our systems as best we can and hope for the best."

"Hope for the best? Just last month the entire INS computer system was almost wiped out by a vicious hack job the perpetrators of which have yet to be identified. If I'm not mistaken, isn't your company contracted for the INS's system security?"

"Doctor, you of all people should realize that a completely secure system is a myth. There will always be some cracker out there with A-class skills who will find a way into any system if he has enough time and patience."

"I am aware of this, thank you. I've lost many a hair to solving my company's own security issues."

The two of them chuckled before Tsubaki continued.

"However, I have come to believe that this game of leap-frog is the result of outmoded business practices and thought processes. I believe that a completely secure system is possible, but the way in which the industry is run prevents that."

Teleri shifted and focused on Tsubaki. "Go on."

"The problem lies in progress itself. How on earth are we supposed to develop completely secure systems if we keep adopting new ones every year? The pace of technological advance has reached such a rapid pace that we no longer have time to perfect the systems we have today because we are too busy preparing the systems of tomorrow. Instead of fixing the current issues, we patch them over long enough to keep us 'till the next version."

"So you're saying that progress is unhealthy? Coming from a CEO, that rings of blasphemy, Doctor."

Tsubaki snorted. "Too much of a good thing is never good, Teleri. My fear is that our technological progression is outstripping our ability to protect it. This is why cybercrime has become such a major issue in the last few years."

"Cybercrime will always be a major issue in the future. As the technological field grows, so will the criminals who will try to exploit it. That's how it has always been, and always will be."

"I don't think it has to be that way."

"Then what do you propose?'

"I propose that we place a temporary hiatus on developing new systems and focus our energies on securing our current systems from harm."

Teleri paused. "I don't think your investors will like hearing that. A complete halt to research and design would cost your company millions of dollars a day, even if it is to fix these problems you speak of."

"Then let them. Cybercrime is expanding at an alarming rate. If we fail to take measures to protect our vital communications systems, there's not telling what kind of disasters we're setting ourselves up for in the future."

"Frankly, Doctor, I think you're blowing this out of proportion. Security advances right alongside technology. Only an idiot would build a house with no locks, and we are not idiots, Doctor. All of our systems go through extensive testing and we install extensive security measures into each and every one. Even when they are broken into, it's usually some time before the system is hacked and the flaw is usually easily repaired."

"Refresh my memory, Teleri. Windows XP was hacked how soon after it was released?"

"Public operating systems are one thing, but A-class security systems contracted out for millions of dollars are an entirely different matter."

"So what? They're both complex compilations of code that can be manipulated by a skilled enough programmer."

"Then we agree on something?"

"Yes." Tsubaki smiled. "Doesn't that mean the debate is over?"

"Pretty much,' said the host. "Closing arguments?"

"Our most vital systems are critically vulnerable, and prolonged hesitation in rectifying these vulnerabilities will only lead to disaster. For proof, look no further than last month's INS case."

"So long as people look hard enough, they will always find ways to exploit a system. Total security is impossible, as there will always be more people trying to break the system than those who enforce it. The best we can do is, should the system be broken, insuring there's a backup plan."

The station's transition music began playing and the camera cut back to the host. "Thank you gentlemen, it's been a pleasure having you both here. After the break it's World News at Nine. Good night, America." The camera panned away to show the host and his guests exchanging handshakes as the lights dimmed before fading to the first commercial.

Sam was waiting for Dr. Tsubaki beside the studio door and opened the door for him. She handed his briefcase to him and fell into step beside him as he walked briskly down the narrow hallway.

"How did it go, Vincent?"

"This nation is full of fools," he growled.

Sam fixed her jaw. "Oh. That bad?"

"The problem is right there in front of us but no one will bother fixing it because next year's model is always just around the corner. I'd resign right now if I didn't think I could do some good in my position."

"Uh-huh." They approached the elevator and Sam pressed the call button. Tsubaki pressed two fingers against his forehead and sighed. "Sorry about that, Sam. I'm just a frustrated old man."

"There, there," she cooed. "It's just one debate show. I think you smoked that guy."

"Aye. But will anyone remember what I said in the morning?" The elevator doors opened and they stepped inside. Sam pressed the lobby button and the elevator quickly descended.

"Can I get you anything? To drink perhaps?"

"Something cold, please."

"O-kay!" She'd have to make a quick detour at the vending machine in the lobby. She found 75 cents in her purse and held it ready in one hand. As soon as the doors opened, she veered to the right while Tsubaki strode purposefully to the front door. Sam quickly selected a canned tea drink and rejoined him as he reached the security checkpoint. They passed the inspection and headed out the front doors, where a limo was waiting for them. Tsubaki climbed in and Sam took her seat opposite him while he started on the canned drink.

Sam sat rigidly as possible while Dr. Tsubaki's mind appeared to wander off somewhere else. During the entirety of her long internship, she still hadn't quite been able to ease up around the respected developer. He was her boss, after all. Professionalism is everything, Samantha, he had told her during the interview. I only hire and work with professionals, can you manage that?

Yes! Was her reserved, but enthusiastic reply.

Sam looked up from her reminiscence to find the Doctor staring at her.

"Is there…something the matter, sir?"

"Sam, have you enjoyed your internship with my company?"

"Yes!" There were parts that sucked, but overall…

"Do you feel that you've learned something valuable as a result?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"Just making sure. I've kept you on a long time, Sam. Much longer than usual for an intern. Do you know why?"

"Um, not really, no."

He sighed. "I don't really know myself. I guess I just like you, is all."

Sam fidgeted nervously. She unconsciously began twisting her engagement ring on her finger.

Vincent smiled teasingly. "Not like that. The truth is, I think you'll go far, Sam. You're driven, intelligent, and idealistic. It almost makes me mad that you want to get into politics."

"Well, what do you expect me to do with a Political Science degree from Harvard, flip burgers?"

"Point taken. You know I was in the State Legislature for a spell, right?"

"Yes sir."

Vincent sighed. "The political machine is a slaughterhouse for idealistic young people, Sam. I should know, I was one of them when I started."

Sam said nothing and waited for him to continue.

"Politicians are owned by special interests. As long as they keep filling congress' coffers, they're the ones that decide policy. Maybe that's why I started United Com. I wanted to make a real difference in the world."

Sam brushed a loose strand of hair out of her face. "Well that's an awfully pessimistic way to see it. Did you honestly think one person could change the whole legislature?"

"Then you agree that the whole system is full of backstabbing, self-centered, spineless wonders?"

"Well I wouldn't go that far, but yes, I do think there are a lot of bad people in the government. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to change it. The whole reason it got like that is because people who should be running for office aren't even trying."

Vincent eyed her while he took another sip from his drink. "I wish there were more people like you. Then maybe we'd see some real progress."

"Exactly! Somebody has to start it! Don't all actions start with one person's idea? Jefferson's ideas about freedom practically wrote most of the Constitution."

"And just what do you intend to do to get other driven, intelligent people into the circus we call politics?"

Sam paused. "I'm not sure, but I'll figure something out."

Vincent smiled again. After a while, he asked, "So, how's your fiancée doing? What was his name again?"

"Brad," she said with a barely-controlled dreamy twist.

"Ah, that's right. How is he?"

"Wonderful as ever. At least when I left LA he was."

"I'm sure he'll be fine when you get back. Sounds like a fine young man, from what I hear of your raving on the phone."

Sam blushed. "You've…heard me on the phone?"

"I may be an old man, but I'm not deaf. Sometimes I do sit close enough to overhear your cell phone chatter."

Sam averted her eyes and stared out the window. "Are we close to the airport yet?"

Vincent laughed. "Is it really that embarrassing, Sam? Most women I've known gladly spill their guts about their groom-to-be. I remember my wife wouldn't stop when we were engaged."

"Well, it's just that…you told me this job is all about professionalism. I just didn't think-"

"That the love of your life is something to discuss in front of your boss?"

"Sort of."

"Come now, Sam. Your internship ends in two weeks, and then I cut you loose upon the world. I think you have a little breathing room as far as decorum is concerned."

"Well, it's also just that this is something I usually keep between friends and family. You're my boss, not that I don't like you or anything, but I prefer to keep my family life separate from my business life."

"A wise choice if ever I heard one. A wise man once said to never confuse what you do with who you are."

Sam considered the proverb. "Hmm."

They sat in silence for a while as they drew closer to the airport.

"Well, New York was fun," said Sam, "but I can't wait to be back in LA."

"Me either. This place may be the greatest city on earth, but it lacks Southern California's climate."

"I'll drink to that." Sam started to reach for the tiny compartment with the drinks, but Tsubaki stayed her hand.

"Please, not now. I'm getting a headache from all this rushing around today."

"Okay. Do you need some aspirin?"

"No, just a nice nap in a dark room."

"Okay." Sam leaned against the window and sighed heavily. "Man, what a long day. I can't wait to see Brad again."

"Believe me, whatever you've been through, I've had it worse. Just be glad you still have your youth."

"Youth? I'm almost 26. I can hardly be called a youth anymore."

"And when you're almost 60 like me, you'll be saying the exact same thing to some young intern. Which reminds me, I've been meaning to ask what you were planning on after your internship terminates?"

Sam thought for a moment. "Well, Brad's got some strings he can pull and thinks he can get me a nice job in the Governor's department."

"The Governor's office? He must have some mighty big strings. What does he do for a living?"

"He's been in and out of the publication business for a long time, now. Right now he's got a job with the Commerce Department."

Tsubaki raised an eyebrow. "Impressive. What does he do there, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Not at all. He travels a lot. The majority of our conversations are over the phone. He's always really busy."

"I see. Do you plan on having any children?"

"Eventually, yes. But not right away." She paused. "Why are you so interested in my personal life all of a sudden? The most you've asked me before is where I went to lunch when I came in late one time."

"I remember that. I've just been thinking back and I've suddenly realized just how valuable you've been to me. I'm actually quite sad to have to let you go. Of course, I can find you a useful position within the company if you'd only ask."

Sam giggled. "Thanks, but no. I've been working toward this for a long time, now. Though I do appreciate the offer."

"So how high do you intend to go?"

"As far as I can."

Tsubaki stared at her for a moment. "No, Madame President doesn't really suit you. Senator seems more appropriate."

Sam blushed and giggled. "Oh, stop!"

"I'm sorry, but I just have a hard time seeing you behind the seal of the Office of President. But if it comes to that, I suppose I can adjust. I've always been flexible."

"Well, by the time I'm old enough, you'll be a senile old man, anyhow."

"No, I'll be retired with my wife in the Caymans, running my own charter sailing business to keep busy."

Sam looked at him quizzically. "I'm sorry, I just have a hard time seeing you in shorts and a cabana shirt."

They shared a laugh as the limo pulled up to the airport entrance. They got out and passed through several layers of security before proceeding to their terminal.

"You know, flying used to be a lot of fun," said Tsubaki. "Your family was always waiting for you at the terminal when you arrived, or waving goodbye as you left, and you didn't have soldiers everywhere. Nowadays I feel like I walking through Ft. Bradley instead of JFK."

"Well, I think it's your own fault if you give potential enemies weapons to fight with in the first place. After all, we did arm Al-Quaeda during the Cold War."

"That may be. But I've had an easier time in Beth Israel, and they're literally surrounded by people who would like nothing more than to carpet bomb their country. Why we can't take a page or two from their airport security manual is beyond me."

Sam shrugged. "Because that would be the smart thing to do."

Tsubaki grunted his agreement as they approached their terminal. The company jet waited for them outside with the engines running and the lights glimmering like diamonds in the night. The two of them stepped out into the night air and walked down the stairs to the tarmac. They crossed the open space to the plane, where a flight attendant greeted them with a warm smile at the hatch. They climbed into the plane, said hello to the pilots, and took a pair of the thick leather seats that occupied the cabin.

They strapped themselves in as the plane taxied onto the runway and took off.

Sam looked out the window and watched the sea of lights that was New York City. The plane banked and the city was hidden from view as the plane set a western course for Los Angeles. Sam felt her ears pop as the plane ascended. It was a crystal-clear night, so there were no clouds to rise above. There was no moon that night, which gave Sam a good look at the heavenly expanse above them. The plane finally leveled out after several minutes and Sam and Dr. Tsubaki unbuckled their belts. Tsubaki rose and stretched.

"I'm going to take a nap. Wake me up when we get close to the city."

"Yes sir."

"By the way, there's something I've been meaning to ask."

"Yes?'

"I remember from your resume that you once worked for WOOHP. It sticks out in my mind because most of the information was classified. Am I correct?"

Sam started. All these years, she had been totally secretive about her employment with WOOHP. Jerry's parting gift for them had been to classify all their work for their own protection. All her employers had been satisfied with even that much information.

"Uh, yes sir. I did work for the WOOHP for a few years."

"As a receptionist, right?"

"Y-yes sir."

Tsubaki shot her a penetrating look, and then shrugged and turned away. "Alright, just making sure. Good night, Sam."

Tsubaki went back to the sleeping compartment and closed the door behind him. Sam turned to the window and stared out at the dark expanse for a long time.

Two weeks. In two weeks her internship with Dr. Tsubaki would end. She couldn't help but feel a bit of trepidation at the prospect of being cut loose in the professional world, all on her own for the most part. She knew she couldn't go with another internship. She was almost 26. She was getting married for crying out loud! She had already taken the first few steps to her career, and now it was time to take the next few. And she had Brad to thank for it.

Brad. Her wonderful fiancée. Handsome, brilliant, and well connected. Also a bit of a slob and a workaholic. Yet she still loved him with all her heart. She raised her hand and gazed at her engagement ring. It seemed so bizarre at one level. Just a few months ago, they were holding hands and walking through the park on a clear spring day. Then without warning, he got on one knee, produced the ring, and asked her to marry him. She had been expecting him to pop the question for some time, but it still came as a total shock. Now, just a few more months until the wedding. She sighed and held the ring to her chest. It all seemed so surreal. Even more so than when Alex showed up one day a couple of years ago with an engagement ring on her finger. Sam couldn't help but remember the strangest sense of vertigo when Alex came bounding into Clover's apartment with the ring on. She knew Clover felt the same way, if not worse.

Poor Clover. She's so pretty, yet she hasn't found "the one" yet, even as hard as she's trying. Sam knew someone was out there for Clover, they just hadn't crossed paths yet.

She sighed heavily and decided to give Brad a call. She picked up the plane's phone and called his apartment. No answer. Brad rarely turned his answering machine on. She tried his cell phone. The tone rang a few times before he answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"Brad!"

"Hey, honey! What are you up to?"

"I'm on my way back to LA. I should be back in a few hours."

"Great! How'd your boss' debate go?'

"He ran circles around his opponent, but I don't think anybody really cared."

"Ouch. I guess that's how it goes, eh?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"So, how are you?"

"Exhausted, but otherwise okay."

"Good. Long day?"

"Extremely. Crossing the country twice in the same day isn't the most relaxing experience ever."

"And you're the one in a company jet. Just try doing it coach."

Sam chuckled. "Leather seats or no, it's not much fun."

"I'm sorry. I guess you're planning on sleeping in tomorrow?"

"Yeah, probably. I feel like a dead woman." Then Sam had a thought. I haven't seen Alex and Clover in a long time. "On second thought, I do have plans tomorrow."

"Do they involve not going anywhere all day long and locking your apartment door?"

"No, I need to see Alex and Clover again. I haven't seen those two in a long time."

"Clover? She's the Maid of Honor, right?"

"Yeah. I think she deserves some part in a wedding, since she's the only one of us who hasn't had one of her own."

"Yeah, that's really sweet of you, Sammie."

"Thanks. I owe her more than you can imagine. It's only fair."

"Right. So when can I see you again?"

"Anytime you like, silly! Why don't you come with? I know Clover and Alex like you a lot."

"Naw, I know you guys were inseparable way back. I'd just distract you. You need to see just them."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." She paused. "I miss you."

"I miss you too, Sammie."

Sam's heart ached. She wanted to be beside him again. She knew both of them had important work to do, but she couldn't help feeling a little selfish. He was going to be her husband. It just didn't seem right that they should be separated so often. These periods of separation did make their time together that much more special, but she wanted more. She wanted him so badly.

"So what are you up to?" she asked.

"Guess."

"Work?"

"Nope!"

"Okay then, what?"

"I'm sitting in Barnes & Noble, sipping coffee and reading a book."

Sam smirked. "Are you sure that's a good idea? If your boss finds out, he might make up something for you to do on the spot."

"Fat chance. He doesn't have my cell phone number, and I already finished all my projects."

"Well you've just got the whole world in your palm, don't you?'

"I'd much rather it be your chin, but I'll take what I can get."

Sam giggled.

"Seriously! I'd rather be drowning in work and have you with me than free and you not around."

"Me too."

They let the silence linger with Sam's words hanging in their minds.

"Well, I guess I should let you enjoy your day off," she said at length.

"I am, Sammie. I am."

"I mean, if you've got something more important to do…"

"I don't. What could be more important than talking to my future wife?"

Sam's cheeks turned a deep shade of red. She always did that anytime he referred to her as "wife." It still felt so uncanny.

"Sam, if you've got to do something, then feel free to hang up. We can just get together later. How's the day after tomorrow sound?"

"Sounds wonderful!"

"Great! A romantic dinner for two it is, then."

"Perfect."

They paused.

"I love you, Sam."

"I love you, too."

Sam hung up the phone and sighed. She drew her knees to her chest and rocked back in her seat as she stared out the window. The view was now wrapped in a blanket of night, except for the pinpricks of light from the stars above. She smiled to herself and sighed romantically.

Just three more months.