Bob had handed her a familiar manila folder shortly after she had returned to Castle Anthrax after humiliating Kristisi. Celly's jovial mood after beating up the Otaku had sobered immediately, and she had taken the files from him and sat down in her accustomed place. It was a slow process as Celly had rechecked and cross-referenced the information on Lamda Project against each other. But, there was no doubt about it. She could not stop Lambda Project anymore. Before, she had been able to contol all of the pieces, but now... now things had gone too far. There were too many variables, there were too many unknowns. There was no way to accurately predict what would happen when Lambda Project was unleashed. It could theoretically destroy all of Bishounen World... and that was one of the better case scenarios.

I had the power to control it before, Celly thought, her eyes still closed. I still can control it to a degree. But, if worse comes to worse, there's no way I can stop Lambda Project from tearing things apart. And now... now I can't stop Lambda Project from progressing either. The only thing I can do now is to stick to the original schedule and hope things go for the best.

Celly sighed and then switched subjects. She opened her mind and felt the contact she had with Bishounen World. Her mind wandered briefly to a large blank in her memory which had occured when she was talking to the Otaku. Hmm... I wonder what happened? It's damned inconvenient that I keep blanking out like that. It's bad enough that I can't remember my past, I don't need to be forgetting the present either! Memories... for some ridiculous reason Celly felt like crying. She shook her head though, and concentrated.

First, Nyx... Celly stretched her mind, searching for her wayward ally, a girl she might even call friend. There was nothing. So, she's either out of my range, in a dimensional rift, asleep, unconscious, or dead. She's not dead, or else I would have definitely felt *that*. She's not unconscious... the system hasn't picked up any major fights or disturbing energy readings. Well, she must be in good health then.

Second, Hotohori no Otaku, Remy. Celly didn't know the Otaku very well, but Dion had told her about the second Hotohori no Otaku. Arigato, kami-sama! She's nothing like the first. Celly's mind searched for the Otaku's presence. She found the girl after a while, making good time and heading straight for the Mori. Oh, that's nice. She wants to visit me. I guess that means she isn't afraid of me. Good. Dion said that she's pretty nice and knows the Truth. Her powers haven't manifested yet, but that's okay. I can help to train her and bring out her full potential.

Last but not least, Celly searched for one of the most important presences in her life. Dionysus. She cast her mind out, searching for him through all the empathic levels; not only the one they had as Otaku and Guardian, but the one between them because of their relationship. Celly flushed a little when she thought about that, then concentrated on the task at hand. She found his presence somewhere near the Konan capital. He was headed to the Mori too. Hmm... maybe he was trying to stay away from the Council again? He did tell me that they won't let up coming after him. Celly could feel a happiness emanating from the man she loved. I wonder what he's so happy about?

Celly withdrew from her trance and blinked her eyes. She looked down and frowned at the manila folder in her hands. "Shimatta, I have too many things to deal with," she said to herself outloud. "Bob!"

"Hai, Mistress Celeste." Her major domo appeared as quick as ever.

Celly placed the folder in his hands. "I'll deal with Lambda Project later. Right now I'm going to head over to the Mori and see Dion."

Celly thought she saw Bob frown, but quickly ignored it. I'm just imagining things, she assured herself. She issued a few other orders before taking one last look at Special Ops. I really need to change that screensaver...

TBC...