Baptism by Fire

[Mary Justice]

<< while the captive Cass laid on the floor in the dungeon, time passed slowly. Were it not for her tested durability, she would have perished or come close to it, but she was stronger than Mary Justice gave her credit for, in more than one way.>>

<< Still, Sister Mary Justice was absolutely certain of her course of action and had no qualms about the punishment she dished out to the psionic succubus.>>


<< At the moment, the nun was elsewhere in the church. While most of the main floor and areas of the church remained as they were, some of the areas even untouched following the Silver Swan incident, OTHER parts had been change, converted…outfitted with powerful technology, more gifts from the “woman in shadow” that Mary regarded as an angel from the lord.>>

<< and in the center of the sanctuary where a life size crucifixion once stood, was now the NIMROD component. CURIOUSLY, the object had GROWN since it was first presented to Mary Justice and now resembled the complete TORSO and head of the infamous mutant hunting sentinel. >>

<< It was connected to various cables and wires and off to the right was a LARGE compoture console with one large floating screen and several smaller ones around its perimeter, broadcasting images from the Nimrod’s data base of information that Mary regarded as “visions” of things yet to come. Indeed, this Nimrod had not yet been encountered in Mainstream time and so it DID have a wealth of images and information that were not only of the past AND present, but also the FUTURE.>>

<< Sister Mary Justice stood in front of the large floating screen, watching images of Cameron King with images of Alycia Barnett on a smaller monitor on the left side as well as images of SHARON KELLY and ZACHARY ARMANI on yet another monitor below the one showing Alycia.>>

The time has come…

<< She presses a button on the console.>>

Sarah?

>> Sarah Smythe: Yes, Sister?

Advise Matthew that he is to go throught he [ghost box] portal now. It will deploy him to the appropriate descision for him to carry out “Angel of DEATH.”

>> Sarah Smythe: Yes, Sister. And the other group for the white devil? [Cameron King]

Wait for my signal. He is still too well insulated. I have already seen the moment that will be best to capture him.

<< She says as she watches images on the screens. She’s about to press the button, closing the channel of communication, but then…>>

Sarah?

>>Sarah Smythe: Yes, Sister?

Bring the red devil (Ruby) up to the main floor and chain her down. We’re expecting a…visitor and I’ve had the Sentries prepare an appropriate reception. I want that creature to see that no weapon formed against us shall prosper and that not even WITCHCRAFT can stand against the will of the lord!

>> Sarah Smythe: Yes, Sister. Right away.

<< THEN Mary closes the channel. Holding her energy baton in her other hand>> It won’t be long now. Soon I’ll have BOTH of genetic abominations in custody and we can show all of our followers how the lord works and rewards the faithful.

<< down in the dungeon where Ruby is held, the darkness is IMMEDIATELY dispelled as the door flies open and two large built purifiers come in>>

<< One roughly grabs Ruby up>>

Purifier: ON YOUR FEET, GENE-JOKE!

<< he commands to Ruby.>>

Purifier 2: Sister wants her placed in the center of the sanctuary.

Purifier 1: And you’re SURE we’re not supposed to chain her?

Purifier 2: Nope, Sarah repeated her orders. She’s POWERLESS anyway with the neutralizer collar on.

<< they handle her with less care than a delivery man would handle a package, dragging her along to an elevator and finally reaching the back hall leading the sanctuary. Once out there, the TOSS her on the floor.>> Purifier 1: If you know what’s good for you, gene-joke you’ll not try anything stupid. We don’t have ANY problems with beating you bloody

<<Purifier 2 intervenes>>

Purifier 2: COOL it with that. Sister’s orders are that she’s to be left alone and left HERE. And WE are to get out of sight! We’ve got COMPANY coming and she’s got the TRAP set for the WITCH.

<< They leave Ruby laying on the floor, in the dark, cold sanctuary, with only the odd, haunting light of the NIMROD component posted above her providing some light. A church was SUPPOPSED to be a place of refuge and comfort, but for Ruby so far it was a place of PAIN and TORTURE.>>

 

[Black Widow]

Blondie: Haleigh Davidoff. Hmm.

The woman replied, and then just brushed her off, as if she was an inconsequential development.

Quite the poker face you've got, you confident little cunnt.

Haleigh thought with an audible scoff. But she didn't miss the fact that she had been recognized by her actual name, as opposed to the public alias in the press. Which meant that this bitch most likely knew EXACTLY who she'd just blown off, and was too stupid to care.

Haleigh could easily make all these people disappear..... for good..... but she recalled Alison's advice. Don't spread yourself too thin, her friend had said. If these people weren't after Cameron, or one of her other family members, then it was a better idea to avoid making a scene. Nicolas would find it callous to know she was thinking that Dominique was not her problem, but then, Haleigh counted herself lucky that none of the telepaths in the room could read her mind anymore.

Thanks, Diana.

Haleigh stood off to the side now, looking the woman up and down with such focus, it looked like she was blatantly checking her out. What she was actually doing was giving the cop the X-Ray treatment. She found and inspected the badge, then researched the badge number, pulling up the official files, then branching out and checking credit history, bank accounts, phone records, licenses, past and present home addresses, and other intensely personal information.

"Look, officer friendly. I understand you have a job to do, but you aren't doing it very well. We aren't some ignorant lowlife thugs without a clue. You AREN'T intimidating any of us with this sorry ass show of farce here. You know who I am........ You must know that I could make this really, ridiculously difficult for you. But since I know who YOU are, Detective Oldenburg........ I think I'll just keep a very close eye on you."

She said nonchalantly, before turning to regard Dominique directly for the first time.

"I wouldn't presume to tell you what to do, Dominique, but I advise you utilize your RIGHTS. Do you have an attorney on call, or would you like to borrow mine?"

It was a simple courtesy, extended to an ally. The truce was still active, after all, and this was Nicolas' aunt.

 

[Ruby]

:: Cass curled herself into a little ball. She was cold, and hungry, and thirsty. On one hand, she was actually pretty excited that they were going to capture Cameron because it meant that she wouldn’t be alone anymore but on the other hand…she hated the thought of him being kidnapped. Cass bit her bottom lip to keep from crying out. Somehow she knew that SHE was the cause of all of this. If she hadn’t gotten…HUNGRY at Envy, she wouldn’t have been kidnapped and nobody would be paying any attention to her team. ::

Please let me have another chance…

:: She hated the fact that she got taken away right when she was getting comfortable with her life. She had had a pretty adventurous life, one that was filled with more downs than ups but she knew that she was finally turning a corner all thanks to one Blaze Victory. She did have feelings for the feisty fire elemental but she didn’t know how to deal with those feelings. The last person she had truly given her heart to DECIMATED her with his betrayal and she had vowed to herself that she would never be in that position again. So the realization that she did have feelings, no matter how big or small, for Blaze absolutely terrified her. But she did enjoy Blaze’s company. Blaze was great to be around and Cass gave credit to her for finally helping her come out of her shell. When they were both in Los Angeles last, Cass brought Blaze with her to After-Dark, the club she managed, so that Blaze could see how a club was run. Not that Blaze needed tips and tricks, but at least it gave her some ideas, with a Blaze twist of course, on how she could run XS. ::

:: A sweet smile appeared on her lips. Blaze helping Cass overcome her hostile nature paved the way for new friends in the forms of Nicolas, Cameron, and Haleigh. Although, in Nicolas’ case, it was more because he had been watching Mike Armstrong - with a little help from Karen Victoria - slowly make progress in helping Cass to overcome her suspicious nature of all men. Cameron was a complete surprise. She had originally found him to be intimidating and whatever he said to her seemed to be condescending and out of order - - but he really surprised her in the end. Haleigh…she and Cass formed a unique friendship in a way that can only be considered bizarre such as when they bonded on adventures whenever Cass got ‘hungry’ and had/needed to feed on souls. Most people would be intimidated By Haleigh Davidoff, but Cass liked her and enjoyed her company on her ‘food’ outings. ::

:: There were OTHER people in her life as well. Karen Victoria, being one, was like a mother figure to her and she, too, had a hand in helping her overcome her hostile and suspicious nature. Her partner in life, Mike Armstrong, was like a big brother to her and she felt safe with him. Granted, it took some time, but he was the first of the many men in her life to create a friendship with her. Sally Spectra was a beloved person in her life as well. Then there were Alycia and Sharon. Cass looked to both of them as ‘big sisters’ and they, too, helped her overcome her standoffish nature. Cass blinked back a tear. What she would give for one of Sharon’s SADISTIC training sessions right now! Hell, she would even pay money to go at it with AVA CASSADINE right then. She missed that bitch more than she’ll ever admit. She even missed Delilah, even though MorningStar wasn’t the least bit interested in human contact at the moment. ::

:: She shut her eyes when she thought about After-Dark, specifically, Bryan Ross and Ella Price. She had no way of knowing how long she was gone for, it felt like an eternity, and she was very concerned about her job. She was ALWAYS in contact with either Bryan or Ella and she was hardly ever out of contact so there was a real concern on Cass’ part. She hoped that everything was okay. ::

:: And finally, there was a new potential friend on the horizon…Vivica Lennox. She genuinely liked the girl and wanted to get to know her. She found her fascinating. She hoped she’d get more chances to hang out with her in the future. ::

:: She let out a quiet sob when suddenly…the door BURST open and two other religious psychos came storming in towards her. One of them grabbed her roughly. ::

“Hey!”

Purifier: “On your feet, GENE-JOKE!”

:: Cass chuckled, delighted to have some contact. ::

“Funny, you should be looking into a mirror when you say that…”

:: That earned her a SMACK. She listened to the back and forth between Dumb and Dumber as they dragged her down the hall and threw her into the elevator, literally THROWING HER, before dragging her to what she supposed was this sanctuary and tossed her inside. They said something about how she shouldn’t touch anything and then mentioned something about a witch… ::

Witch? What witch?

:: Cass rubbed her wrists where her chains were chafing her and she sat down, her arms around her knees. An abandoned chair was near her and, Cass being Cass, she reached out and TOUCHED the chair. ::

*defiantly*: “TOUCH.”

:: She looked around her, trying to get her bearings. She was a bit concerned about the witch that they mentioned. The only ones she knew were both Karen and Alison. She had no idea as to how to warn them that something bad was going to happen or even if they were the ones the yahoos were talking about. She eyed the weird thing giving off light. She didn’t like the looks of it. ::

 

[Recall]

:: Blaze and Vivica were in the elevator in record time as Firebird's access card allowed them to fly down the floors of the hotel at top speed without having to stop. They reached the main level of the hotel, where The Starlight Lounge resided. As they moved through the crowds of the always busy location and down the event hall. They attempted to get into The Starlight Lounge, but were stopped dead in their tracks. ::

:: Four large men decked out in SWAT Gear stood in front of the door which made a lump form in the back of Vivica's throat. These men were outside of The Starlight Lounge which mean the person they were mostly likely trying to detain was Dominique Devereaux. ::

"How much have I missed? Did Zizi find something I missed?"

:: Blaze whispered to Vivica ::

Blaze: "Oh we could wipe these guys out EASILY."

:: The mutant looked at the elemental as if she had gone clinically insane. This type of attitude that mutants had sometimes were often the reason that people wished to see all of them dead. They COULD take out this group of men and in record time. But sometimes you had to operate within the system and on the ground floor to get things done. ::

Blaze: "I'm not going to attack them!"

"Well..that's a relief!"


[Officer]: MA'AM PLEASE STEP BACK.


Blaze: "Officer, what's the trouble here?"


[OFFICER]: SORRY MA'AM. NO ENTRY.

:: Vivica thought for a moment. If this was in fact motivated by her new associates, then the person most likely to be on the scene would be Ashley. If she could just get in there, she might be able to halt the progress of some things until she could explain what she knew of the developing situation. She knew at some point there would be a conflict that she was working with people involved in matters that pertained to The Six..but often the actions of The Six caused a lot of collateral damage. Damage that they didn't have to clean up themselves..this was what her associates and her did best..cleaned up messes and hit the ground running on things overlooked by those who apparently had bigger things to worry about. Vivica sprung into action. ::

"Rethink your last statement, Officer -- [glancing at his badge] Collins.."

:: Fiddling with her purse for a second she brought out what looked to be like a badge and flashed it. It was a fake badge, one given to her by Ashley specifically for times like these...but it was a good one. ::

"The name is Lennox...I'm working with the department on this case. Specifically with Detective Oldenburg and Chief Steele. I've been given strict instructions by Chief Steele to get in that room and NOW..."

[the officer looked at her for a moment confused]

"That means MOVE you TREE TRUNK! Or I will be sure to let our Chief know which two Officers are responsible for ruining what he PERSONALLY has set into motion!"

:: Vivica didn't wait, she slammed the fake badge back into her purse, grabbed Blaze by the hand and bursted through the brigade with a strength that the officers would not soon forget. Much of a con was in your ability to be convincing and not give people the chance to figure things out. Dazzle them. Although right now she was certain that Blaze might be less dazzled and more confused than ever. She looked at Blaze as the two began to make their way down the stairs which were hiddent behind the main stage. It would take them a few seconds to reach the others. ::

"I know...I know. But let's just focus on Cameron...and Dominique for now? We've got to move."

 

[Matrix]

The moment between Rich and Nicolas was broken...by the police?!

They THOUGHT they would come to take the Queen. They ignored well meaning requests otherwise from Haleigh Davidoff. But they would not be able to ignore HIM.

NO. She ain't goin' nowhere with you. We have your warrant but you will need more than that to speak to Ms. Devereaux further. I will not warn you again.

Instinctively he stepped between Dominique and everyone, his voice even and a bit quiet. But the threat was evident in the tone. The first person to take another step to Ms. D would be the first one to die.

 

[Rampage]

For once they agreed on one thing as the police came for Dominique. They said one word in one voice.

NO.

Rich continued as Nicolas took the warrant from Dominique, quickly reading it as he also moved between her and the cops. He was silent, but his gaze met Haleigh's and she knew what that look meant. He was not going to let this happen.

 

[Valkyrie]

The so-called “Black Widow” was spouting off a bunch of nonsense which was incredibly tiresome. Ash was never going to get out of here if all these people didn’t stop butting in. Now Vivica was walking towards her, toting yet another member of the Six. It was really shocking how little they accomplished with so many damn people. Honestly, was anyone in this city NOT a part of their little team?

You AREN'T intimidating any of us with this sorry ass show of farce here.

She pinched the bridge of her nose. She was so getting a migraine from being around stupidity too long. Vivica and friend had arrived, and Ash looked over at her, still massaging the area between her eyes. She raised her voice to a louder than normal decibel.

“Is there anyone else who would like to show up and be a pain in my ass?!”

Then, lowly, to Recall.

“Hey Viv.”

She looked from her to the direction of the door.

“You use that badge I gave you? Good girl. But you know, when I gave it to you, I really meant for you to use it in a strippergram sort of way…”

Haleigh was STILL going on…and on…and on…

“Oh for fuck’s sake will you shut up already?”

She lowered her arm and looked at Haleigh. With an exasperated sigh, Valkyrie pushed her power out to the hyperactive toaster – not full strength, but just enough to make her sit quietly in the corner until Ash and her suspect were out of the building. To Haleigh, Valkyrie’s face would morph into something half-skeletal, rotted flesh hanging off of it, with eyes like two black holes. An intense emptiness, depression, doubt would fill Haleigh, as she would be forced to recoil in fear and intimidation from Valkyrie’s true face.

She threw a smidge Richard’s way as well, as he tried to get between her and his Queen, and to Nicolas, who looked like he was about to try and get a word in as well, and she was not having that.

“Richard Martin, the Red Court may be punishing me at this particular moment but that will not last forever and you know you do not want me as your enemy, so just stand down.”

She shook her head and addressed the assembled crowd…which was probably bigger than the United Nations.

“Look, we can do this the easy way, or we can do this the hard way. Actually, we can’t do it the hard way because that is way more effort than I want to put in. So everyone who is NOT Dominique Devereaux can take a step back, while Miss Devereaux and I take a little ride down to the police station where she is going to answer a few questions and that’s that.”

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah sat next to Andrew on top of Sally’s desk, not speaking, her head resting on his shoulder. Andrew might have been having some time for quiet reflection, but inside Delilah’s head things were quite different. She was listening to the commotion going on downstairs. She was sure that the police downstairs were actual police and that Cameron was in no danger from them – otherwise she would have been at his side at the speed of light – so there was no reason to be forced into another round of “everything is Delilah’s fault” with the Six. She heard John Steele’s voice outside earlier, so that was good – she knew him to always be fair and honest. But they were taking Isis in for questioning, and to her great annoyance Delilah was going to have to do something about it.

“Listen-”

She slid off the desk and turned to face Andrew. She took the spare keycard for her room out of her wallet and handed it to him.

“I have to check on a [pause] friend. Why don’t you go upstairs, take a long hot shower, order some McDonald’s, and I will be back as soon as I can.”

He nodded, took the key, and walked her to the elevator. While he was safely heading up, she was taking the stairs down to the garage level where her car was parked. She knew they would take Dominique to the 19th Precinct, so she turned uptown and drove the short distance. And then she watched and waited.

 

[Isis]

“Dominique Devereaux?

::without even looking, Dominique replies, as if it were reflex::

This is a CLOSED rehearsal...

"NYPD. You are wanted for questioning in connection to the murders of Solomon Eagle, Henry Zuckerman and Amos Starkadder, and the disappearance of Mark and Jill Reilly. Come with me.”

She stopped several feet away from Dominique, and put away her badge.

“We also have a warrant to search your apartment. Officers are doing that now.”

I don't think I'll go ANYWHERE with you. How DARE you and your common RABBLE invite yourselves into my private dwelling.



:ominique was TRULY offended! This woman just announced in front of EVERYONE that Dominique was wanted for questioning AND that officers were going through her PRIVATE dwelling!::

:: BLACK WIDOW appeared! Dominique's eyes widen with surprise and then she blinks a few times, collecting her OWN emotions, which had SPIKED at the revelation of why this woman
was here.::

::Haleigh was running interference, and doing a spectacular job. whether it was entirely for Dominique or not at all, it gave the sorceress a much needed moment to collect herself. Richard stepped in front of her. The woman may not have known it, but the black knight was a truly dangerous foe, especially when defending his queen. but Dominique would NOT allow him or anyone else around her to be molested by the NYPD.::

::She nodded in total agreement with Haleigh when the hybrid informed the woman that NONE of them was intimidated by her. But she realized that THIS was an OPPORTUNITY for her to execute the latest part of her plan!::

NICOLAS!

:: She immediately called out to her nephew via their familial bond::

Do not waste another moment with this foolish woman or her pathetic piece of paper. Instead, contact the Hellfire Club's attorneys.
Tell them who you are and what has happened to me.

:: She gave him the number in their silent communication::

They will bring a hammer down on this rat tag group of lego toy cops for even bringing me to the station

:: Indeed, not only were several high ranking members of the NYPD card carrying hellfire members, INCLUDING some judges, but the chief of police himself had dealings with more than a few of the chamber maids at the club, courtesy of William Stryker.::


I will be in and out of there within an hour and I can handle these toy soldiers with ease.

:: She took a step forward and gently placed her hand on Richard's shoulder, gently. She was not aware that Valkyrie was using her power to SCARE him into silence, but her own voice would RING OUT to him in his mind courtesy of the "hearing thoughts" spell she cast on him sometime ago to allow for silent communication when it was needed.::

RICHARD. Hold, my Black Knight.

Be at ease, for I am in NO danger from this woman, and I will not see YOU detained or harmed by her either, for THEN she will have a fight on her hands that she truly would REGRET. WE have a plan to execute. TONIGHT and while I am at the station with this silly woman, YOU must carry out our plan of action against STRYKER. By me being at the station, this will only serve to confuse them and keep them several MORE steps behind than they already are.

I will leave with her now. You stay behind and slip away as only YOU can. You know where to go and what to do.

:: Squeezing his shoulder reassuringly, with her one hand, she takes Nicolas' hand in her other free hand::

Nicolas, do not waste time, call the Hellfire legal counsel now. I will be fine, I assure you.

:: And with that, Dominique steps forward.::

You will leave my Nephew and my knight ALONE, woman. I do not suffer such intrusion upon my person OR my loved ones lightly.

I will entertain your request, provided you stop this posturing. The lengths to which you have gone for a mere "questioning" are beyond theatrical and truthfully would avail you NOTHING anyway if I chose NOT to cooperate.

:: She is closer to Haleigh now, who looks a bit...PALE...it was a look similar to Richard's own facial expression! What was wrong!?::

:: She looks directly at the Hybrid and spoke to her, placing a hand on her arm::

Thank you for your concern.

I have decided to indulge this mad woman's request. My legal counsel will be arriving to the station directly and this matter will be resolved QUITE SHORTLY.

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas was about to continue when he...felt DIFFERENTLY. And it was from...this person. Dread? FEAR?

Uhhh.....NO. Not the button to try to push with the son of destruction.

Nicolas' cane was already faintly glowing as he managed to finally ward off her attack on HIM, and this was about to get messy when he HEARD Isis in his head.

NICOLAS!

:: She immediately called out to her nephew via their familial bond::

Do not waste another moment with this foolish woman or her pathetic piece of paper. Instead, contact the Hellfire Club's attorneys.
Tell them who you are and what has happened to me.

:: She gave him the number in their silent communication::

They will bring a hammer down on this rat tag group of lego toy cops for even bringing me to the station

Nicolas nodded and then looked as she calmed Rich and then Haleigh...they were affected as well. He pulled his phone to make the proper calls.

He directed a thought to the woman.

Keep your psionic fear power to yourself or I will turn your mind into cream. Have a nice day.

Unaware that she had a psi-screen, Nicolas turned his back to the group as he reached the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle Concierge...

 

[Artemis]

:: Alycia observed the NOTICEABLE tension between Nicolas and Richard. It was...unexpected to say the least!::

:: She eyed both of them intently before looking at Cameron.::

What is wrong with this picture?

:: But before much more could be addressed, a tall, striking woman appeared. She flashed her NYPD BADGE and was flanked by two men in SWAT gear::

What's all THIS?!

:: She bellowed::

:: They were here for DOMINIQUE!?::

Nicolas, let me take a look at that warrant...

:: There was something WRONG here and Alycia took a few steps forward beside Nicolas, INTENTLY reading the warrant for ANY discrpencies or errors that would call it's legitimacy into question. After all, she WAS the ADA at one time, and before THAT, she was a private attorney. ::

:: She looked at Nicolas and sadly nodded that it was legit. HE wasnt ready to let things go down like that and honestly, SHE was still suspicious of it as well, especially this woman, who REEKED of arrogance and bravado.::

DELILAH never conducted herself this way when SHE wore a badge...

:: Alycia thought of her time as an ADA and how closely she worked with the police. It wasn't that long ago, and yet it felt like EONS. She wasn't as "in the loop" and had only RECENLY had her legal credentials restored by the NY BAR Association. Whoever this woman was, if she represented the way the NYPD was being ran now? How many MORE problems were the Six going to have?::

:: Haleigh came in like a tornado and Alycia couldnt help but smirk and silenly applaud the hybrid. They may not have been on the ground themselves, but credit must be given where credit was due.::

Give this bitch HELL, Haleigh.

"Look, officer friendly. I understand you have a job to do, but you aren't doing it very well. We aren't some ignorant lowlife thugs without a clue. You AREN'T intimidating any of us with this sorry ass show of farce here.

Got THAT right.

:: Alycia's feminium bracelets shimmer as she nods and VOICES her agreement on that.::

You know who I am........ You must know that I could make this really, ridiculously difficult for you. But since I know who YOU are, Detective Oldenburg........ I think I'll just keep a very close eye on you."

She said nonchalantly, before turning to regard Dominique directly for the first time.

"I wouldn't presume to tell you what to do, Dominique, but I advise you utilize your RIGHTS. Do you have an attorney on call, or would you like to borrow mine?"

It was a simple courtesy, extended to an ally. The truce was still active, after all, and this was Nicolas' aunt.

And I will provide any legal assistance needed as well, Dominique. You don't have to face this alone.

:: Suddenly, Blaze and VIVICA showed up!?::

:: Alycia's hazel eyes narrow with contempt and SUSPICION as Vivica speaks to Detective Oldenburg with FAMILIARITY!? ::

:: THEY know each other!::

:: she quickly looks at Cameron and then back at Vivica::

Hmm...why am i NOT surprised. TROUBLE appears and VIVICA LENNOX FOLLOWS.

:: she wanted to make sure EVERYONE noticed that Vivica was more than a little aquainted with Ashley Oldenburg.::

:: Dominique decides to GO with the detective. Alycia is concerned, but the sorceress seems quite certain of her choice of action.::

:: Before she can say anything to Nicolas, her iphone rings.::

It's Ana-Leigh

:: Ana-Leigh Moreau, Alycia's bright, young and ambitious paralegal at Charope Inc, who ALSO happens to be a mutant, which is one of the reasons why Alycia hired her, given what
her firm's mission was. She was now ringing Alycia on her direct line.::

:: She quietly excused herself from Cameron and Nicolas, just a few paces away::

Yes, Ana-Leigh?

:: She was informed that AVA and SIMON were at her office. Ava's appointment with Zach and Simon's with Alycia [a PROFESSIONAL COURTESY for Ava]::

Oh yes!

Oh DAMN! With everything that's happened, I nearly forgot! and ZACH...why isnt HE there!?

Make them comfortable and I will be there shortly. Keep things calm and smooth for me, Ana-Leigh! See you soon!

:: Ending the call, she returns to the others, waiting for the right momenet to tell them she has to leave and that Cameron is going with her.::

 

[Black Widow]

Detective: Is there anyone else who would like to show up and be a pain in my ass?!

"OH I can call in a fuccking parade here."

Detective: Hey Viv.

"Hey Viv?? (Shooting a cold glance at Recall) oh honey, you've got some explaining to do!"

Detective: Oh for ****’s sake will you shut up already?

Haleigh turned back to the bold blond, giving her a deadly stare, about to say something when Oldenburg's face changed to something else. It was inhuman, and undead looking, and filled her with a sense of emptiness, doubt and horror. So basically, she felt normal.

"WHAT THE FUCCK just happened to your face?! Tell me somebody else saw that SHIIT."

Haleigh was reaching for her gun when Dominique spoke up. She stopped short of an act of aggression, but it was thisclose. Dominique consented to going with the police, assured them all it would be dealt with quickly, and thanked Haleigh for her efforts. Haleigh nodded in response, then caught the arm of the woman that had dared to stand her ground.

"I don't know WHAT that was, but you're going to deeply regret showing it to ME."

The Swat guys didn't like Haleigh getting handsy, and they quickly drew on her, demanding that she release the detective. Haleigh just laughed.

"Or WHAT? You'll shoot? That's cute. Relax officers, I didn't hurt your little cheerleader. (Turning back to Oldenburg) But I'm not done with you YET."

She let go, glaring, forcing herself to look the bitch in the eyes instead of looking AWAY, like her instincts insisted. She wasn't one to bow to fear, no matter how strongly she felt it.

 

[Firebird]

Blaze waited for Cameron OR Nicolas to respond before she considered "SHOUTING" to get their attention. But Vivica had a resource of her own to get them in that didnt require fire alarms or sprinklers. It was a...BADGE!?

Okay it was a FAKE badge but it had been given to her by the WOMAN who was apparently on the other side of these doors trying to take Dominique to the police station!

She looked at Vivica in disbelief!

"Wait...you KNOW who's here? who's doing all THIS!?"

Blaze didn't like how this looked AT ALL

"I know...I know. But let's just focus on Cameron...and Dominique for now? We've got to move."

Nodding in agreement, Blaze was pulled along as Vivica bulled her way through the men with a force THEY weren't expecting.

Inside, they quickly closed the gap between themselves and THEIR group. There was this woman, this TALL woman with classic nordic features.

Blaze's apple green eyes immediately fixated on her. Her aesthetic beauty could only be mometarily appreciated as her aura, her very nature SCREAMED arrogance and ugliness to Blaze.

"Wow! Who is THIS animated broom from Fantasia!?"

It became clear that Cameron was NOT in danger, still, Blaze was glad to be there to support Nicolas, as his aunt was the one who was in trouble.

"WHAT'S going on here!?"

Yeah, she wanted her presence to be known and the woman clearly didn't appreciate that MORE people arrived. Blaze noted her greeting to VIVICA, giving Viv a SIDE EYE and a bit of a frown.

"Hey Viv?? (Shooting a cold glance at Recall) oh honey, you've got some explaining to do!"

:: she quickly looks at Cameron and then back at Vivica::

Hmm...why am i NOT surprised. TROUBLE appears and VIVICA LENNOX FOLLOWS.

:: she wanted to make sure EVERYONE noticed that Vivica was more than a little aquainted with Ashley Oldenburg.::

Blaze folded her arms and exhaled, shaking her head.

Vivica had apparently been holding out on her, and that was not cool at all. BUT she wanted to hear what Viv would have to say before passing final judgement. That was only fair and there had been ENOUGH problems caused by any one in the six flying off at the handle before knowing just what was going on in the recent past.

Dominique decided to go with the detective. Blaze didnt like what she felt from this woman AT ALL, but Dominique was no weakling and could handle herself and if they were stupid enough to try to hurt her? Well, they'd be hard pressed to deal with the PAIN Nicolas would serve them for THAT mistake.

She continued to eye the woman, pursing her lips as Dominique takes her black wrap and walks with the detective.

"Are you sure she'll be alright with her? There's something...NOT RIGHT about her."

And even though Ashley did NOT show her dark visage to Blaze, Blaze had that aspect of her own power that allowed her to perceive if someone had BAD intentions. The woman appeared to be an officer of the law, but there was MORE to her than what was immediately seen, THAT much Blaze was sure of.

Dominique exited with Ashley, the SWAT goons soon left after thinking they could scare Haleigh with their guns and now it was just THEM...members of the SIX and VIVICA.
The initial shock of it all was subsiding and eyes were starting to shift to the big question in the room.

"Vivica? That woman brought a SWAT team here...for Dominique? why would she do that unless she KNEW who Dominique actually was? And HOW would she know that? Is there something you'd like to tell us?"

 

[Seer]

<< Across town, Ava and Simon were advised by Alycia's sharp paralegal, Ana-Leigh, that Alycia would be arriving at the offices shortly and to please make themselves comfortable.>>

<< Ava didn't mind at first, but after a little while, she began to wonder. It wasn't like Alycia OR Zach to keep someone waiting.>>

<< She was already on edge and Simon, doing his best to be supportive, felt himself to be in deep, uncharted waters. They both had reason to feel as they did.>>

<< At another point, while waiting, Ana-Leigh emerged once more, advising them that Zach was out in the field with SHARON KELLY on an urgent call of assistance but that he was near by and wanted Ava to wait for him.>>

<< THAT at least gave Ava some idea of what was keeping Zach, but still it sounded unusual. Zach and Sharon worked together in the past, when Sharon was a senator and he was her page.
What could they be doing now? Ava didn't even known SHARON was in town! She hadn't seen the woman SINCE the immediate aftermath of the BlueMoon caper. >>

<< As Ava and Simon sat at times, paced at other times and explored a bit of the sleek office setting that was Charope, Inc, while standing at one of the floor to ceiling windows, Ava caught sight of something with her keen eye sight, coupled with the elevated view from where she was standing.>>

<< It was just a few blocks away! But there was no mistake about it, She saw Zach AND Sharon, who was in full Silver Swan appearence and they were in front of a building with a bus!>>

<< A quick check with Ana-Leigh confirms that this is the call she was referring to. Because Ava was close associate of Alycia's as well as Zach and Sharon's, and because she KNEW Ava's actual status as a goddess from Alycia and her files, the paralegal revealed to her that Sharon and Zach were evacuating an orphanage of mutant children who had been victimized
and harrassed with increasing severity by the PURIFIERS.>>

<< The realization of what she was seeing would no doubt CHILL her. The CHILDREN. Alison's WARNING! But Ava also knew that if she wasted too much time WAVERING on "what to do", THAT could be what leads to the deaths of 42 CHILDREN. SOMETHING was going to happen and Sharon and Zach had no idea it was coming. Ava had no choice, she had to get to them and WARN them before it was too late!>>

<< Moving far more quickly than she had thus far this evening, she obtained the address for her gps, thanked Ana-Leigh and told her to call Alycia and tell her to get to that location as soon as she could and then she left, with Simon hot on her heels.>>

<< Moments like this, she wished she WAS alone, rather than trying to explain any of it to Simon, but whatever she DID tell him about why she was racing several blocks away to get to Sharon and Zach, she would INSIST that when she exited the vehicle, HE stay put. He may be a mutant, but he was NOT as experienced in THESE things as SHE was.>>

<< They made their way to the location quickly.>>

 

[Prophet]

:: Everything happened so fast. All at once he was watching Dominique completely dodge her question about what was going on with her and the next thing he knew some tall hot blonde was standing in the center of the room attempting to bring in Isis for questioning in regards to murder! ::

:: He didn't have time to focus on the tension breaming between Nicolas and this Richard Martin character. He didn't have time to focus on anything but the situation at hand..and his business. ::

Ashley: “Dominique Devereaux? NYPD. You are wanted for questioning in connection to the murders of Solomon Eagle, Henry Zuckerman and Amos Starkadder, and the disappearance of Mark and Jill Reilly. Come with me.”

[Cameron tried to interject]

"Surely..this has to be some kind of mistake. I can confirm whatever question you have about her whereabouts right here and now."

:: The telepath was ready to craft an illusion on his phone of a list of meetings personal and otherwise where the two could be linked together, but as he pulled out his iPhone, he first dialed a secret security code to alert The Parthenon Security Detal seal off all entrances and exits to the main floor and to get the rest of the staff in alert to field questions and concerns from guests, hoping to deter or at least curb their curiousity of the events happening right now. Cameron's staff was well trained in PR and specifically trained in situations that were sensitive as these ones. ::

:: He didn't get the chance to finish his sentence as Haleigh barreled into the room. ::

"Great..just GREAT."

Haleigh: "She's wanted for questioning, or you have a warrant for her arrest? Because this is a rather over the top police presence for anything less than a SWAT response. Don't put that badge away, I'd like to see your identification again, Blondie. And the warrant, if there is one."

:: This lit the match for some kind of dominance assertion between the two women and just as Cameron was about to intervene in between the two women's back and forth he saw Vivica and Blaze arrive on the scene with Blaze looking confused and Vivica looking determined. ::

"Ok...this is officially a shit show!"

Ashley: “The sooner you come down to the station, the sooner you can get back to…whatever it is you’re doing.”

Haleigh: "I wouldn't presume to tell you what to do, Dominique, but I advise you utilize your RIGHTS. Do you have an attorney on call, or would you like to borrow mine?"

:: It seemed as if the situation would be resolved until Richard Martin stepped in, with his young and full force bravado, reminding Cameron of himself as he looked upon the young man. ::

Richard: "NO. She ain't goin' nowhere with you. We have your warrant but you will need more than that to speak to Ms. Devereaux further. I will not warn you again."

Nicholas: "NO."

:: Cameron rolled his eyes. ::

"Oh for FUCKS sake..."

:: He was all for protecting the members of this uneasy alliance but at the end of the day, Isis was a goddess and if she didn't feel like being held by local law enforcement she simply wouldn't be. They all had reaped the benefits of playing god because of their mutant status..but sometimes people like Isis were ABOVE the law, like it or not. Nothing BUT somebody like her could keep a hold on her if they wanted to. ::

:: Cameron watched with wild curiousity as Ashley and Vivica spoke like old comrades. He knew that Vivica knew a lot of people in the city because of their various real estate projects and how many branches of local government that could entail..but something seemed off about this. Vivica had been gone for a year and only recently came back...as a PAINTER. Something was going on. ::

Ashley: “Look, we can do this the easy way, or we can do this the hard way. Actually, we can’t do it the hard way because that is way more effort than I want to put in. So everyone who is NOT Dominique Devereaux can take a step back, while Miss Devereaux and I take a little ride down to the police station where she is going to answer a few questions and that’s that.”

:: Thankfully this seemed to appease Dominique. ::

Dominique: "I will entertain your request, provided you stop this posturing. The lengths to which you have gone for a mere "questioning" are beyond theatrical and truthfully would avail you NOTHING anyway if I chose NOT to cooperate."

:: Haleigh calmed down for a second as did Nicholas and Richard and Dominique finally decided to leave with the police. They could go back to their course of action..until. ::

Alycia: "Hmm...why am i NOT surprised. TROUBLE appears and VIVICA LENNOX FOLLOWS."

Blaze: "Vivica? That woman brought a SWAT team here...for Dominique? why would she do that unless she KNEW who Dominique actually was? And HOW would she know that? Is there something you'd like to tell us?"

:: Blaze raised a valuable question. However, the city was being overrun by an anti mutant group that had kidnapped a member of their team and would be successful in capturing him. There wasn't this kind of time. ::

[looking at Vivica] "She raises a good question, Viv...but we have more important things to worry about right now. We need to make contact with the rest of the team. We don't really know what's going on but we need to make sure everybody is in a safe location and that the PD haven't picked up anybody else...I'll make contact with Delilah and have her head to the station. Ava and Simon are safe at Charope, right Alycia?"

 

[Silver Swan]

[ in 24 hours, with Zach's help, arrangements had been made to get Rose and her young mutant wards to safety.]

[ As powerful as Sharon now was as the Silver Swan, there were things that required abilities she no longer had access to. In her days as a senator, she could have taken care of all this with phone calls and a stroke of a pen on a blank check to cover all funding, but those days were gone and she was no longer that woman. Still, being back in the city she once represented as a Senator DID stir up old feelings, reminding her ties that she thought she had put behind her.]

[ Zachary Armani had once worked for Sharon, as her page when she was a Senator. Theirs was a long history, one that was now writing a new chapter as he had filled in the gaps left by both Sharon and Alycia when they vacated their original postings from their former lives. He had done a marvelous job and even managed to bridge gaps that they couldnt close before.]

[Zachary recently learned that Rose and her orphanage were one of many "pet causes" that Alycia and Sharon kept close to their hearts and once he understood the true nature of it he was only too glad to pick up where they left off. 24 hours ago, he met Katie, a little girl that had been ORPHANED thanks to the Purifiers. She would had died herself had Silver
Swan not intervened. Together, they got Katie to Rose's sanctuary, only to learn that things had gone from bad to worse with the Purifiers campaign of harrassment.]

[Rose herself was a mutant. A powerful psychic who channeled "soul power" or astral energy. Up until now, she'd been able to fend them off, but something had changed! The Purifiers had become bolder, were armed with more powerful weaponry and seemed to know JUST WHEN to strike. Despite the changes Sharon had undergone since she'd last seen Rose, Rose IMMEDIATELY recognized Sharon and asked her for help in getting the children to safety. Sharon agreed to help and Zach offered his assistance as well.]

[ Between that time and now, Sharon was introduced to Eliabeth "Zeze" a.k.a. Oracle. A mysterious, well connected woman who resided in a clocktower that had been a modest but consistent fixture of the NYC skyline for some time now.]

[ The meeting planted the seed of something that might come to fruition for Sharon soon, and at Zeze's request, Sharon agreed to meet with her AGAIN soon but she HAD to take care of THIS first. She HAD to get these children and her old friend Rose OUT of here.]

[ She and Zach agreed that moving them at NIGHT would be best. Traffic would be thinner, activity lower and between his and Rose's powers along with Sharon's raw physical power, they SHOULD be able to repel anything that comes their way! It was a simple plan, one that they all felt good about.]


[Still there was an uneasiness in the air. Zach and Rose helped the children onto the bus, some were smaller than others. Some couldnt walk on their own and had to be carried.]

[ Sharon stood watch, in full Silver Swan mood, her silver mask covering her eyes, and her two silver gryfalcons sitting sentry on a light post, helping her to keep watch]

[ So far, nothing. NO sign or hint of hostile intruders]

[ But there were still quite a few children to load and they were afraid. Zach was helping to calm them with his powers and Rose kept the SMALLEST of the children asleep safely in their portable mini cribs.]

[ THis bus was a LARGE, well equipped, sleek black bus with tinted windows. Plenty of room for the children and the cribs with the babies, and it would surely give them a comfortable ride to where they were being taken]

Artemis, light our way tonight. Athena provide us clear passage and grant me the strength to protect these children and Rose, as I've promised!

[She continued to stand watch, looking about her occassionally, using her sonar to detact anything coming toward them. So far NOTHING.]
[ But then...a large moving object...a CAR]

[ She motioned for Zach and Rose not to stop and to continue, SHE turned to face the oncoming car! But it wasnt COMING AT her, it was slowing down. The lights turned off and she could see...]

AVA!?

[This was quite a surprise. What was SHE doing here? Not that Sharon had a PROBLEM with her, but NONE of the Six except ALYCIA knew she was in town just now!]

 

[Recall]

Ashley: "Hey Viv."

:: Recall and Firebird had continued to run down the aisleway of the seating area to where the others were waiting. Vivica had been right in her suspicions that Ashley would be involved. She may have some explaining to do with Blaze but she truly just wanted to get in there and smooth over the situation and help The Six help their ally...no matter what Vivica thought of the entire "truce." Some things were more important than saving face. ::

Alycia: "Hmm...why am i NOT surprised. TROUBLE appears and VIVICA LENNOX FOLLOWS."

:: Well..some things were more important to people who weren't Alycia Barnett. Rolling her eyes she made her way closer to the group. ::

Ashley: "You use that badge I gave you? Good girl. But you know, when I gave it to you, I really meant for you to use it in a strippergram sort of way…"

:: Vivica rolled her eyes for a moment taking a second to gauge the reaction in everybody's face to see how they were reacting to the fact that she knew who Ashley was. ::

"Bad timing, Ash...real bad."

:: Ashley was a very hot and very obnoxious woman who Vivica thoroughly enjoyed..but being who she was had left Ashley with an inability to censor herself, no matter what the situation. ::

:: Soon Ashley had left with Dominique Devereaux in tow and many sets of eyes looking squarely at Vivica Lennox. ::

"This wasn't what I had in mind when I wanted them to pay attention to me..."

Blaze: "Vivica? That woman brought a SWAT team here...for Dominique? why would she do that unless she KNEW who Dominique actually was? And HOW would she know that? Is there something you'd like to tell us?"

Cameron: "She raises a good question, Viv...but we have more important things to worry about right now. We need to make contact with the rest of the team. We don't really know what's going on but we need to make sure everybody is in a safe location and that the PD haven't picked up anybody else...I'll make contact with Delilah and have her head to the station. Ava and Simon are safe at Charope, right Alycia?"

:: Vivica stared at them for a moment, feeling very observed and judged at the moment. She was merely trying to get a member of their team closer to somebody they were trying to protect. ::

"You know what? There is....The Black Queen of The Hellfire Club likes to go out on the town and dabble in vigilante justice herself..and she was stupid enough to get caught."

[sighing]

"She murdered a set of Purifiers, stripping their flesh from their body..."

[looking at Nicolas]

"Sound familiar?"

"...and arranging them in the most horrible of ways..she's aso gotten the bodies of two children with her somewhere who fell victim to the Purifiers in an altercation beforehand."

"I'm also not the only person in the room who knows that information.."

:: She looked at the group calmly before shooting a glance back to Cameron. ::

"And you have more important things to worry about..rather than me? Well that seems like business for usual for you over the last few years, eh Cameron?"

:: Vivica nervously cast a glance at Haleigh before turning back to the group as a whole. ::

"I was left to bleed out...cold and alone in the rain on Cassadine Compound in Greece. I was dying and watching my life fade out right in front of me..but I was rescued. By a recon team from Clandestine Intelligence. I was in the ICU for three weeks...I lost my powers. I felt worthless..."

:: She did not want this to happen now or here but she was angry that immediately everybody seemed to think that she had so much to answer for when in reality, the secrets that they were keeping from each OTHER were far more important and harming to the structure of the team. Vivica was helping out. ::

"Zach helped me out...got me a job in Europe with the agency. I've been working with them ever since."

:: Vivica walked slowly over to Haleigh. ::

"In terms of me explaining myself to YOU...well, I've been working privately alongside the woman who fixed my brain and Zach himself. I originally thought you were in the loop but even when I found out you weren't, I still wasn't about to NOT help the guy after everything he did for me. And I agree with the work we are trying to do..."

:: She turned to face the group. ::

"We were simply investigating the threat of The Purifiers when I connected the two crimes..but I never got farther than that as were attacked outside of Club XS before I could follow up. I don't know why she's headed in for questioning...but my guess is they found something more substantial to go off of..."

"I didn't tell any of you because quite frankly I wanted something in my life that belonged to me and where my worth as a valuable asset to an organization wasn't dependent on how well liked I was by a group of obnoxious BITCHY women who cast me aside without so much as a second glance.."

:: Pausing ::

"Some of you weren't there...but for the ones who WERE there should know. After seeing how absolutely disposable I was..you can understand my reservations about sharing every single part of my life with all of you...because historically you haven't cared..and because nothing I am doing interferes with what you are doing..because you can't blame ME for the fact that Dominique Devereaux made an angry and stupid mistake...regardless of whether or not she was justified in doing it..she does not have the right to act as the JUSTICE for the entire race of mutants..."

:: She exhaled deeply and shook her head for a fast and furious moment, trying to shake off what she was feeling. ::

"Look...none of any of this matters right now. Cameron is right in THAT aspect. We need to get a pulse on the rest of the team..."

 

[Artemis]

:: Alycia, Haleigh AND Blaze were ALL eyeing Vivica, and no doubt Nicolas was not pleased with what seemed to be before him either! RICHARD MARTIN, however, had slipped away and completely out of sight! Just as he [ & Dominique] WANTED!::

:: Alycia despised Vivica, she always felt the woman was a day late and a dollar short. NOW she was apparently a TRAITOR to The Six & their ALLIES!? She couldn't WAIT to hear Vivica try to explain her way out of THIS one.::

"You know what? There is....The Black Queen of The Hellfire Club likes to go out on the town and dabble in vigilante justice herself..and she was stupid enough to get caught."

[sighing]

::Alycia was listening, but as far as she was concerned, it was nothing more than a worm wriggling on a hook, willing to do ANYTHING to take the heat off HERSELF::

:: CAMERON's cool head prevailed::

[looking at Vivica] "She raises a good question, Viv...but we have more important things to worry about right now.

We need to make contact with the rest of the team. We don't really know what's going on but we need to make sure everybody is in a safe location and that the PD haven't picked up anybody else...I'll make contact with Delilah and have her head to the station.
Ava and Simon are safe at Charope, right Alycia?"

SHE [VIVICA] shouldn't be allowed to travel with us.

We shouldn't even be having to WORRY about "the PD picking up anyone ELSE!"

::Alycia wasn't saying anything certain OTHERS in the group weren't THINKING or at least CONSIDERING::


::But VIVICA fired BACK and THIS time, Alycia couldn't dismiss it as her trying to get out of her own way. She...LISTEND and a LUMP formed in her throat as she "RECALLED" the events at the Cassadine Compound. Alycia had been on a BLOODTHIRSTY RAMPAGE for VENGEANCE for SHARON, who had died at the hands of Master Mold, who had been BUILT by Cassadine Corp!

Alycia's SMUG perch suddenly crashed down as she listened to Vivica.::

I...I didn't know. I didn't THINK about what happened to HER.

:: At the moment, Alycia FORGOT that her thoughts were just about BROADCASTING to Cameron as her mind raced.::

:: What would Alycia or Sharon have done if THEY had been left behind by the Six on any given occassion? Yes they more than pulled their weight when they were "...only human". but to hear Vivica's cutting retort, it DID give Alycia pause. This was an issue that would not be dismissed and would HAVE to be addressed by her...by ALL of them, were it not that they were being encompassed in the eye of a storm right NOW...::

You're not responsible for Dominique's actions, but you're sure as hell responsible for HELPING LEAD THAT WOMAN and the NYPD to her.

WHO'S SIDE ARE YOU ON!?

:: She stopped herself and looks away as Blaze stands between them::

:: To Cameron::

Yes...

Actually...

:: holding up her iphone and running her well manicured finger nail down the screen to scroll through an urgent message::

I...WE need to get there now! But not to MY office...

Ava just messaged me. There's an EMERGENCY with Silver Swan and Zach Armani.

:: Haleigh whistled up a large, sleek black SUV capable of carrying ALL of them and Alycia gave her the address that Ava texted her::

Nicolas, I've got to stay with Cameron no matter what, but if you want to go to your aunt...

[Nicolas informed the group he would REMAIN with them. He was able to communicate with Dominique via their familial bond and she assured him she'd SQUASH this matter with the NYPD within the hour. he wanted to stay where he could do the most good and he knew his aunt was quite capable of handling this, especially with the powerful and well connected HELLFIRE LEGAL COUNSEL on THEIR way to the PD as well]

Oh goddess...that's ROSE'S sanctuary! WHAT could be happening!?

Haleigh, please...hurry...

:: For the moment, her contempt and suspicion of Vivica took a back seat to the very real sense of urgency she felt::

::As climbed into the SUV, she held on to Cameron's hand and sent a thought call::

I'm sorry for errupting back there. I just can't BELIEVE what's happened to Dominique! It doesnt make any sense!

And I suddenly find my perception of Vivica in question. NOT in a "is she stupid or is she horrible" way, but in way that she TOO is a casualty of the Six, one that...was somehow OVERLOOKED! Yes, Sharon & I were in need of the Six's aid time & again
and we did pull our weight despit being "...only human" but when Sharon died, she was avenged...when I was bitten by Zombies in Arklay Mansion, The Six moved heaven and earth to save me from the virus. I never realized that Sharon's story and my story with the Six is so much...DIFFERENT than her's.

and I'm nauseated with worry over YOU. you're being so CALM. I remember when SHARON AND I were abducted by Rick Riley...WE knew it was coming too courtesy of Alison but I dont think either ofus was as calm and collected as you were. I don't care how things are going to play out....the Purifiers won't get you without a FIGHT from ME!

 

[Harbinger]

:: Harbinger creeps along silently toward the church. She wasn't present for the initial rampage of the Silver Swan, but she's "SEEN" the church many times in her visions.::

:: A cathedral was the last place you'd expect to see a WITCH, but Harbinger had urgent business here which would help determine the outcome of the Six's caper::

:: Her goal was to get in, take down as many purifiers as she could before they knew who they were facing and THEN remove their "advantage", leaving them crippled for the Six to finish!::

:: It was a simple strategy and all "checks" that she'd done with her precognition indicated she would emerge successful. So why did she feel such apprehension? What could she possibly have to fear from FLATSCANS!?::

:: She arrived to the large double doors of the cathedral and as she began to decloak from the spell she cast earlier, she cast a simple but completely effective SLEEP SPELL on the purifier guards at the door and then held out her hand, "beckoning" as a rushing, chiming sound is heard, and the double doors open JUST enough for her to slip through.::

:: The SLEEP SPELL, like any other spell she cast, would remain in effect as long as she was CONSCIOUS...and/or not suddenly depowered::

:: Inside, she removed the hood of her cloak and looked around. It was very code and dark. There was an odd duality of stagnation and UNNATURAL PROGRESSION in the air around her in the dark area just beyond the façade, before the nave leading to the sanctuary::

:: Where she stood, there were a few candles and nothing had been changed from it's original appearance when the Silver Swan had first been here::

::Nothing had changed, yet EVERYTHING had changed::

:: Harbinger took several steps forward , looking out "ahead" and she saw::

CASS! She's right in the sanctuary! But she's hurt!

:: Harbinger had this...IMPOSSIBLE chance to also RESCUE Cass now, but before she took but a couple steps foward through another set of doors to the nave, she was suddenly confronted by a group of well armed, large, men. ::

Purifier: HOLD IT, WITCH!

3 of them...surrounding me at 9, 12 and 3 o'clock...

:: Harbinger narrows her colbalt blue eyes, a rushing, chiming sound is heard as the lead purifier is sent FLYING.::

Purifier 2: GUN HER!

:: They open fire at Harbinger! She thrusts one hand out and TK's a blast BACK at one of the purifiers, vaporizing him painfully, the other one moves from his spot, firing a rapid volley of blasts at the witch::

He has military training, and a natural aptitude for gymnastics

:: Harbinger BLINKS out of side, letting him search for her for a few moments before she BLINKS in again. ::

Hey!

:: She whispers and as he turns around, she IMMEDIATELY gestures and telekinetically SNAPS his neck, letting him crumble to the ground.::

Praise jesus, hallelujah.

:: she softly mocks as she steps over the body and through the doors now facing the nave leading down to the sanctuary. She moves slowly, using her eyes and her precognition to try to keep her guard up. So far NOTHING. THIS was the HUB of the Purifiers? The place where Sharon first returned?? It seemed odd that it was not more well attended.::

:: as she drew closer to the alter, she noticed Cass laying on the floor and ABOVE her, a large glowing pink/white object that resembled a roughly humanoid torso. IT was where the large cross once stood. The crypt behind the alter, the baptistery to the left and the lady of Guadalupe on the right, BOTH appeared dark and unattended and the OBJECT above the center of the alter:

The NIMROD component!

:: But there's something WRONG here, the object, it didn't LOOK the way she saw it in her visions. HOW was that possible? First thing was first, her teammate::

Cass?

:: She called out quietly...::

CASS?

:: A bit more urgently. The mutant stirred a bit and saw her, before she could react TOO loudly, Harbinger placed her index finger over her mouth to shush her:::

Be quiet, and Be still....I'm going to get you out of here...

::She reached Cass on the floor of the alter, kneeling down next to her::

A power neutralizer collar.

:: She said with disgust as she looked at Cass, who had been badly beaten::

Those bastards are going to PAY for hurting you. I'll see to it. But first, I've got to get this thing off you, get you out of here...and THEN....

:: She couldn't finish her thought, as STROBE LIGHTS flooded the sanctuary and a woman's anguished CRY filled the air::

 

[Seer]

<< If this attempt had gone too easy for Harbinger and she was concerned, she had every reason to be!>>

<< As she was momentarily started by the SCREAM and the strobing lights, she immediately looked up at the Nimrod component and GASPED as she saw it broadcasting images...of HER...laying UNCONSCIOUS on the floor of the nave in the cathedral at the feet of several purifiers.>>

<< How could SHE not have seen THAT?>>

<< There was something about this object that was MORE than even she could have anticipated!>>

Purifier: Scan identifies her as Alison Marble, a.k.a. HARBINGER. Witch, Telekinetic. Precog!

Purifier 2: Deploy the lotus bomb!

<< Harbinger, who by now was attempting to go TOWARD the purifiers and lead them AWAY from Ruby, gestured wildly! A rushing, chiming sound was heard as she sent TWO of them FLYING into the air, their bodies SPINNING as their necks SNAPPED while they were in the air>>

Purifier 2: TARGET IS ENGAGING US! DEPLOY THE BOMB!

<< The Nimrod component's EYES began to spark and LIGHT UP>>

Nirmod: MUTANT GENE SCAN POSITIVE. IDENTIFIED AS HARBINGER. HIGH LEVEL THREAT. TERMINATION SANCTIONED.

<< two openings high up on both of the walls in the sanctuary slide open. from those openings, two sets of black spheres come shooting out and descend toward Harbinger, forming a circular pattern before EXPLODING and FLOODING the area with the fumes of the BLACK LOTUS BLOSSOM!>>

Purifier 2: two of my men are dead. the sharp shooters on either side of the sanctuary are in place. the lotus bomb has been deployed! But ...someone needs to tell the sister that SOMETHING is happening on the alter!

Nimrod: TERMINATION SANCTIONED!!!

<< The NIMROD component seemed to be POWERING UP! its body glowing and a build up of energy was forming around it's chest area! It was getting read to DISCHARGE A BLAST, one that would SMASH through ANYTHING and completely VAPORIZE Harbinger>>