Dawn of the other lights

[Ana-Leigh Moreau]

The trio decided to grab some breakfast outside of Illustra and talk privately among themselves about the situation that they were currently in. It probably wasn't the best idea considering they were all being hunted by MysTech, but she also knew that they couldn't just stay hidden within Illustra forever. Despite eating earlier, Ana-Leigh ordered an omelette, some pancakes, toast, and orange juice. She took the orange juice and toast for herself and gave the rest of her food to Rich. Smiling as Brenda did the same, it was still astonishing how much he could eat without breaking a sweat.


Rich: So... what do we do now? Get Spandex and codenames?

Wrinkling her nose in disgust as she spread some strawberry jam on her toast, spandex were definitely not her thing.

Brenda: "Um, no. Spandex is gross, first of all, and Superheros haven't worn it since like the 80's. Everybody wears leather now."

Nodding in total agreement as she took a bite of her toast, she pointed her half eaten toast at Brenda.

"I'm down with leather."

Brenda: "But codenames for sure-- what's going on out there?"

Glancing over her shoulder, she spotted the protesters holding up signs about WilPharma and even screaming about MysTech. Ana-Leigh put her toast down on her plate and took a sip of her orange juice.

"Don't you find it a little strange that every time there's something involving MysTech that birds suddenly appear? It might not be a coincidence...."

 

[Brenda Castle]

Rich: A protest for sure, but I think that business is getting ready to pick up. You two be careful, the last time I saw THIS many birds someone got messed up according to the news.

Ana-Leigh: Don't you find it a little strange that every time there's something involving MysTech that birds suddenly appear? It might not be a coincidence....

"It's not...."

Brenda started as she stared out the window, focused intently on the crowd... and something she recognized. She was searching for someone.... there!

"Silver Swan's there, but she's dressed normal, undercover, I guess. See her in the back? There's some mental force attracting the birds like a magnet. I would bet it's her.... I wish I could hear her more clearly, but her thoughts are so fluid...."

That was when she heard something else that worried her. Some law enforcement personnel approaching, only they were dressed differently than one would expect. Were they riot control? Brenda sensed their intent.

"This is about to escalate. We'd better take the side exit."

She mentally cued the waiter to come over and handed over her credit card, telling him that she was taking care of everyone's bill.

 

[Matrix]

"This is about to escalate. We'd better take the side exit."

Rich grabbed his last bite of food as Brenda paid. He stood and, pacing a hand on the back of each female's back, escorted them quickly to the side exit.

What do you see Bren?

He got his answer as the "Swat Team" approached. Thing is, he knew immediately it was no swat team at ALL. The decals were different, but you could no longer disguise Mystech battle gear from him. He instinctively stepped in front of both women as he looked. He turned back to them both.

You two should head back to Illustra. I am not going to let these goons hurt these people. I am not sure what I am going to do yet, but I AM going to do SOMETHING.

 

[Seer]

Clash

<< Brenda was still adjusting to her new diverse psi powers that had been altered by Malice. But she could NOT get any kind of read on Sharon a.k.a. Silver Swan.>>

<< Her eye for detail allowed her to spot the woman, who to the uinformed masses was not anyone they should be afraid of. Sharon Kelly had been declared legally dead several years ago and no one could guess by looking at the woman standing there that she was a super powered mutate with an axe to grind against the largest, most powerful commercial entity on the planet.>>

<< But what she DID sense was the urgency from the people of Terra Save, the people were gripped by the courage of their convictions and they all had similar thoughts AGAINST WilPharma, some against MYSTECH.>>

<< The BIRDS were also a concern to the trio. Brenda and Rich had seen them flying through the skies two days ago and later on the news, live footage of Senator Ron Davis and the NYPD police chief being ATTACKED by birds was shown. Ana-Leigh and Alycia had discussed that the following day.>>

<< As Ana-Leigh and Rich both remarked on the increasing amount of birds in the area Brenda sensed that the birds were being "called"...DRIVEN by a MIND. But she couldn't lock on to the mental signature clearly. That made her strongly suspect it was Silver Swan's doing.>>

<< She picked up multiple HOSTILE thought patterns. "Law enforcement" officers were marching toward the protestors. Soon, Ana-Leigh and Rich saw them as well.>>

<< The men were dressed in black para-miliarty garb with decals NOT belonging to the NYPD. They were armed, wearing helmets and featureless face masks.>>

<< the Terra Save protestors stood together, shouting in defiance and not moving....the confrontation WAS escalating and the tension in the air was palpable.>>

<< Rich, stepping in front of Brenda and Ana-Leigh, had seen more of the street than either of them. He'd seen the darker side of things like Prostitutes, homeless victims and other individuals falling victim to the POLICE and it being covered up.>>

<< Terra Save were good people. All different ages and backgrounds but one thing in common. THey did NOT agree with WilPharma's tactics. Some of them had personally been effected by WilPhama and they had come to learn that it was an arm of MYSTECH. They wouldn't stand for it. They'd generated stead and growing attention, making waves in the media and online as they got the word out against WilPharma and Mystech....this DISPLEASED Mystech....>>

<<FLASH>>

<< a "wide screen" view of The White Queen's icy blue eyes, sparkling with a predatory glint>>

<< Brenda felt an overwhelming "chorus" from the THOUGHTS of these men marching toward Terra Save. CRUSH THEM. SILENCE THEM! They were going to HURT these people...if not WORSE! Rich SENSED that too.>>


-------------------------------

<< The Terra Save protestors continue to walk together, chanting, SHOUTING out against WilPharma and Mystech in unison! They carried their signs.>>

<< oncoming view of the MYSTECH GOONS>>


<< Rich may have preferred Brenda and Ana-Leigh leave, but Ana-Leigh was no delicate girl. She was not going to be shooed away and NEITHER of them were going to leave Rich behind during something like this. But before any of them could do ANYTHING...>>

 

[Silver Swan]

In plain sight

BULLIES! COWARDS!

[Sharon's fist balled and clenched with growing ANGER as she saw the oncoming shock troops! They'd MASSACRE the people of Terra Save if they had THEIR way. IF.]

[ The conflict was inevitable as the two sides marched toward each other.]

[ Sharon herself remained still, not moving. In the background. Still Brenda had spotted her from a distance and pointed her out to the others. That didnt matter now.]

[ The shock troops began to assault the Terra Save protestors. The protestors try to fight back with rocks, bottles and their signs but they are being overwhelmed.]

ENOUGH!

[ Sharon SCREAMS and car windows and glass from storefronts BLOW OUT, distracting EVERYONE! But no one is sure who or WHAT did that. No one except Brenda, Rich and Ana-Leigh.]

STOP THEM! HURT THEM! PROTECT TERRA SAVE!

[ Sharon removed her glasses. Her silver eyes narrow with CONTEMPT as she mentally COMMANDS. Just as the shock troops began to escalate their assault to BLOODY levels....they THEMSELVES were ATTACKED by BIRDS!]

[ The birds SWEEP in with FURY! Songbirds, Crows and several other species! Their song of chaos and fury is both curious and terrifying...if you happen to be one of the men in black. The birds attack ONLY the shock troops.]

[ Several men shoot EACH OTHER in blind panic. Others are driven into traffic and struck by cars. Several larger birds work to sever a powerline which falls down and electrocutes a handfull of other men. It is BRUTAL and it's ALL being caught on camera...all the news outlets have been in the area covering it and this is a newhound's DREAM.]

[ Rich, Brenda and Ana-Leigh are transfixed. Ana-Leigh can remember Alycia saying that Mystech was so evil...so WRONG that even NATURE ITSELF would rise up against it. That was her response to the news of the previous bird attacks. NOW Ana-Leigh knew who was behind them. Brenda focuses in on Sharon. Sharon seems to be staring, almost blankly. Her eyes do not blink. Not ONCE.]

[ The terra save protestors are able to regroup, pull their wounded out of harm's way and take cover. They were SAVED by Silver Swan but they don't know it. Some of them assume that mother nature...or god even...has intervened.]

[ as REAL local law enforcement and fire/rescue squads arrived, the birds having laid waste to their targets leaving all but a handfull DEAD...Sharon disappeared from view. ]

[ No doubt Bishop and Delilah will be area of this by now and they'll know she did it to. She doesnt care. SOMEONE had to protect those people! And NO ONE but Connor, Delilah, Brenda, Rich, Ana-Leigh and Karen know who SHE is or what she can do. THEY won't tell and no one ELSE will figure it out.]

<<No one that is, except the people who GAVE her the powers she now uses against them.>>

<<FLASH>>

<< images of chaos and fury as birds attack the mystech soldiers.>>

::her icy blue eyes FLICKER with ANGER as the view of her eyes ...the "screen" itself seems to BLOW APART!::

 

[Matrix]

Stay back, since you decided to stay. We can see it all from here. When the time comes I will create a diversion, kick some ass.

[ The shock troops began to assault the Terra Save protestors. The protestors try to fight back with rocks, bottles and their signs but they are being overwhelmed.]

ENOUGH!

[ Sharon SCREAMS and car windows and glass from storefronts BLOW OUT, distracting EVERYONE! But no one is sure who or WHAT did that. No one except Brenda, Rich and Ana-Leigh.]

Aw Shit! Somebody is about to get their asses WHIPPED.

The next few moments are incredible. Birds were KICKING ass, killing people, but only MYSTECH people...the Terra Save people (Rich read the posters) managed to pull back and basically allow the carnage to continue. A power line fell and electrocuted some guys, creating a hazard on the sidewalk in front of them. Rich instinctively pulled the ladies back a bit more but otherwise, they stood in stunned silence, witnessing everything.

[ as REAL local law enforcement and fire/rescue squads arrived, the birds having laid waste to their targets leaving all but a handfull DEAD...Sharon disappeared from view. ]

Hmnn...show's over...but we cannot roll out THAT way. I'm afraid your man will not be able to get through this and there will be questions asked.

Ana and Brenda would notice his apprehension at speaking to the police. They would both have to remember that he is homeless and has been for some time. He was quickly looking around for an escape route, then he had an idea. He turned, grabbing each lady by her waist as he began to run quickly, then at what seemed an impossible speed. His skin began to cool and harden to the touch for each of them and, as he reached the wall at the back of the alley he ran UP it and then jumped HIGH into the air, clearing the buuildings and...

..transforming into a slightly smaller Bell 400 helicopter. Richard reasoned that they could blend in with the other media helicopters and private helicopters in town and fly safely back. So far so good, and he made his way towards Illustra.

 

[Mina Harker]

Someone has to live here and guard this...protect it. These things are largely UNKNOWN to the general populace, supers or not. Even most common magick users. Mina's exceptional knowledge is both rare and unique...and it seems that HER of all people coming here was more than a mere..accident.

“What exactly are you suggesting, Doctor? That I just pick up and move in?”

As for their other objects and talismans... Where is this facility you spoke of? What kind of safe guards does it have?? And will I....Will I be able to go...and be among my daughter's things when I need to?

“It was originally in England but we moved it here to New York, underground. The door requires a special key and code to open, plus there are mystickal wards that prevent anyone from removing anything from it without my permission.”

Mina rose from her seat (now feeling better) and walked slowly towards where Karen sat so that she was facing her. Her tone was softer than they had heard from her up until this point in the conversation.

“And you are welcome there at any time – both of you. I think you will find that my husband's library is quite extensive - you may find many useful things there to use in your quest against MysTech.”

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah had stayed silent through much of the conversation, allowing Karen to speak and find her way to a comfortable place for her instead. But now she felt the need to step in.

“I know it is an imposition, Mina, to ask you to disrupt your life and move in here to protect these things…but I believe as Karen does that you were sent here for a reason. The woman with the silver hair…she meant for you to find us and these objects, I truly believe that. I know how important it is to you to keep these objects safe. Won’t you help us?”

Mina’s face was blank for a long moment. And then she just nodded.

Karen asked about the library, and Mina described it to her.

“Perhaps Karen might like to see it, to be more sure of her decision?”

 

[Seer]

and so...

<< But before any possible tour or further discussion could happen...Bishop contacts Delilah via the intercom, calling her down to the war room for an urgent update.>>

<< It's news that will be both eye opening and upsetting as once again Bishop and Delilah disagree on certain things regarding Silver Swan, who Delilah hadn't even realized left Illustra just yet.>>

<< Karen and Mina return to the 107th floor. There's an awkward silence as Karen stands at the panoramic window overlooking the city with her arms wrapped around herself. She knows that safety is a big concern but she is dismayed at the idea of disturbing the peace of her daughter's things in the one place of this penthouse apartment where her presence is still strongest.>>

<< Delilah's keen suggestion about Karen VISITING Mina's library vault echoed in her mind. Mina, though blind, could still sense Karen's apprehension at this point.>>

<< Richard Martin carries Brenda and Ana-Leigh away from the scene that Delilah and Bishop are discussing now.>>

<< They'd just seen MORE of what Silver Swan can do and it was clear that she was attacking Mystech agents only. Ana-Leigh and Rich understood and even applauded Sharon's brutality. Brenda, while still intimidated by Silver Swan, now was more accepting of her methods...knowing that someone like MALICE was out there. Brenda herself had been changed and was now capable of a higher level of violence and brutality than she might have thought possible before.>>

<< Upon landing on the roof of Illustra, the sensors in the War Room went off and visual feeds would show Ana-Leigh and Brenda getting out of a helicopter that TURNED BACK into Richard. the trio hurried inside, racing down the stairwell to hopefully find Delilah soon and tell her what had happened.>>

 

[Bishop]

Bishop was sitting at the monitors, quite enjoying having his faith in humanity renewed by the protesters when…

Silver Swan!

Shit…

MysTech shock troops began attacking the protestors and BIRDS began attacking them ferociously. There could only be one person behind that.

Fuck.

He pressed a button on the console to activate the intercom to Delilah’s current location (106th Floor).

“Uh, Delilah, you need to get down here. Now.”

He cut the connection. He knew she was going to be pissed.

She arrived, looking at him questioningly, Karen and another woman (who was wearing Delilah’s clothes?) coming in behind her.

“We have a problem. Sharon just made an attack on some MysTech goons in a very public place.”

He pointed to the monitor behind him, displaying the news coverage of the incident.

 

[MorningStar]

There was no chance to discuss Mina or the objects further.

“Uh, Delilah, you need to get down here. Now.”

She explained to Mina.

“Connor, my caretaker. He’s down in our surveillance room. I better get down there. You’re free to come along, Mina – if you’re going to be living here you’ll need to know the buildings secrets eventually.”

Delilah led the way downstairs to the War Room. She raised her eyebrows at Bishop, silently asking what the fuss was about.

“We have a problem. Sharon just made an attack on some MysTech goons in a very public place.”

She looked around him at the monitor.

“Isn’t that WilPharma? What the hell is she doing there alone? Why didn’t you tell me she’d gone out?”

Bishop: “She’s a grown woman, Delilah, she doesn’t need me to spy on her.“

She snapped back at him.

“Well she obviously does, now doesn’t she?”

Bishop: “What do we care if she kills a few more MysTech scumbags on her own?”

“Because she’s going to expose us all!”

After a pause.

“Get Ana-Leigh and Rich down here, just in case we need to go after Sharon.”

Bishop: “They’re not exactly here.”

Delilah was furious by this point.

“Where exactly are they?”

Bishop: “They took Brenda out for something to eat.”

“How could you be so irresponsible?! People are trying to KILL them, Connor! And you just let them galavant off around town?! How stupid can you be?!”

Connor was just as mad, and visibly so.

Bishop: “They’re mutants and adults, not children. You can’t keep them in a prison – even a luxury one.”

“We need to find them.”

Bishop: “This isn’t my first rodeo – I’ve been tracking them since they left. Relax for once, will you.”

Connor turned back around to the control panel but before he could do anything alarm bells went off. The monitors automatically switched to the security feed of the roof, and Ana-Leigh and Brenda getting out of a helicopter.

Delilah gave Connor a look that said, you are so lucky.

“Since when do we have a helicopter?”

Before their eyes, Rich transformed back into himself.

“Damn.”

She turned away from the monitors, wheeling close to Bishop as she spoke:

“Get them down here. And get your head together.”

Connor’s jaw clenched, but he said nothing. Delilah turned her attention back to Karen and Mina.

“Time to meet our team.”

 

[Matrix]

They arrived, and he waited as the ladies were clear before he transformed...

...back into himself, standing upright as he did so. He cracked his joints and joined the pair as they entered the building from the roof. They heard Connor's voice as they entered.

Richard, Ana-Leigh, Brenda, to the War Room.

Rich looked at the other two as they entered the elevator and went o the proper floor. He led them in as they saw Connor, Delilah, an older lady and a goth chick who was apparently blind.

Did you see the footage of the protest? Damndest thing I ever saw.

 

[Brenda Castle]

Rich: You two should head back to Illustra. I am not going to let these goons hurt these people. I am not sure what I am going to do yet, but I AM going to do SOMETHING.

Brenda laid her hand on his shoulder, beckoning him to wait, saying it with such authority that it sounded almost like a command. She gave the impression that she had more information, but didn't expand. She didn't know how to describe it. She couldn't hear Silver Swan clearly, and she couldn't read the birds either, but she just.... KNEW that Sharon would step in. She just sensed that they needed to keep a low profile and avoid involvement if they could.

Brenda tapped into the crowd mentality and began pulling the protesters back, as the birds attacked and everything got chaotic. The protesters retreated with much less panic and craziness than usual. Brenda watches Sharon, who watches the attack. The birds are successful, and REAL law enforcement officers finally respond to the scene.

Brenda senses a sharp stab of anger and knows that it came from Malice, who has been thwarted by the Silver Swan once again. Brenda wonders if her time with Malice has left her with some kind of special connection, but doesn't think about it TOO hard. She feels a new kind of admiration for the Silver Swan. Despite her brutality, she is an opposing force to Malice, and that much, at least, can be appreciated.

Rich makes for a retreat, turning into a HELICOPTER of all things and flying them off to Illustra. Brenda thought it was pretty cool [and much more useful in a jam] that Rich could turn into ANYTHING.... and she was much more comfortable going back to Illustra now that she knew that THAT was where she'd been taken. After all, her parents had known Morgan Victoria. they travelled in the same circles until Morgan's death.

When they landed on the rooftop, they were almost immediately summoned to the 'War Room'. As they arrived Brenda instinctively took stock of the mindset. A woman in a wheelchair, and blind woman, and a handsome Navy Seal type that Brenda remembered from the rescue. The general consensus was that Sharon had gambled with the attack and that frustrated the woman in the wheelchair, whose name was Delilah. Delilah also held Connor [hot guy] accountable for the fact that they [Ana-Leigh, Rich, and Brenda] had gone out to breakfast. There were several video feeds tuned to the bird attacks. Everyone was in a high state of tension.

"I know you're concerned, but Sharon was very discreet just now. There is no reason to believe it will lead to our exposure. Rich's transformation was more risky, but I turned ALL eyes away from it, so we're covered."

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah waited in silence. When the three arrived, she wheeled herself forward and held out her hand.

“You must be Brenda. I’m sorry that we haven’t been formally introduced. My name is Delilah Trelaven.”

"I know you're concerned, but Sharon was very discreet just now. There is no reason to believe it will lead to our exposure. Rich's transformation was more risky, but I turned ALL eyes away from it, so we're covered."

Delilah studied her silently for a moment before replying.

“That’s right, you’re a telepath.”

She smiled warmly, and after another moment she looked away and turned herself towards the monitors.

“Thank you for your quick thinking, Brenda. Sharon, however…”

Delilah pressed a button on a control panel that would link her to Sharon’s com on her wrist.

“Silver Swan? Silver Swan, come in.”

Nothing. Delilah turned her head back towards the three.

“I hope you three know how dangerous it was for you to go out by yourselves…but you look no worse for wear. Where is Sharon now?”

 

[Bishop]

They waited there in the War Room for Ana-Leigh, Rich and Brenda, as if they were waiting for the guillotine. Delilah was making a big deal out of nothing. HE respected Sharon for going out there and kicking ass, why couldn’t Delilah? Perhaps being put in the chair made her overly cautious. But he suspected that after Morgan’s death she was afraid of being too reckless with other people’s lives.

Delilah introduced herself to Brenda, and then tried to get Sharon on her comlink with no success. He didn’t blame Sharon – shit, he’d like to disappear right at this particular moment himself.

I hope you three know how dangerous it was for you to go out by yourselves…

Connor stood up from the console he was leaning against and uncrossed his arms.

“Yeah, you three need to remember you don’t have superpowers. Oh wait, yes you do.”

He directed that last part to Delilah, who shot daggers back at him. He didn’t care – she was babying them and he was still angry.

“I'll keep trying Sharon. Maybe you should introduce our guest?”

He damn sure wanted to know who this blind woman was, and he was sure the others were curious too.

 

[Matrix]

Rich smiled at Connor's crack. He did not like the impression from Delilah that he would have to be bottled up or check in. His mama was in South Carolina.

“I'll keep trying Sharon. Maybe you should introduce our guest?”

He damn sure wanted to know who this blind woman was, and he was sure the others were curious too.

Good afternoon ma'am. My name is Richard. And your name is?

Richard faced her without offering his (since she could not see it) hand and spoke in a somewhat formal and very respectful greeting, just as he was taught.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

The War Room

<< Karen and Mina followed Delilah as she went to the War Room.>>

<< this was, perhaps, the most unusual area of Illustra for Karen to see. She never imagined that her daughter would have agreed to have something like THIS constructed in the building that housed her home AND her fashion empire but Alycia had produced the drafts and blueprints made by Alison and Haleigh with Morgan's consent.>>

<< Bishop seemed to be at home in the dark, sleek, high tech command center but right now, he and Delilah were having increasingly heated words.>>

<< Karen stood beside Mina, her blue eyes moved between the two young quarrelers. Bishop was quite pleased with Silver Swan's proactive measure while Delilah was almost horrified by it. NOT because it was "BAD" but because it might EXPOSE her...THEM.>>

<< She could understand that to a POINT but she wondered if Delilah's own rough start with Silver Swan before her session with Karen, along with her own trauma with Mystech including the loss of Morgan, Alison & Blaze had MORE to do with her reaction.>>

<< Her suspicions seemed to be confirmed as Ana-Leigh and two other young people whom she'd not been formally introduced to arrived. A handsome young black man and a beautiful young lady...who looked familar.>>

the girl...from the Hellfire Club! The one DIANA was torturing!

<< Karen's finely shaped eyebrows lifted and her eyes widened a bit at the sight of Brenda. It was good to know she was okay...but Karen couldnt help but wonder where ELSE she'd seen the girl. Looking as she did now...did she know the girl...her FAMILY? Karen would look familiar to Brenda as well.>>

<< Brenda calmly defended Sharon's actions and clarified that the woman had coordinated her attack in such a way that no one could trace it back to her, much less the others.>>

<< Delilah still maintained a highly concerned, protective to the point of almost micro managing stance.>>

<< Bishop was very agitated, Karen could see and sense that. If he got TOO cross with Delilah, Karen would step in herself, as Delilah was like a daughter to her...but she held off...letting Delilah handle it. She had to in order to work through things just Karen did when she went after Diana, just as SHARON was doing.>>

Delilah...I must point out...that Sharon's pattern of behavior, based on what I observed during our session...is a well maintained pattern. It stems from a vacuum of sorts within her mind...the need to recover what was stolen from her, mainly the sense of control and safety. Beyond that, the one emotion that burns most brightly within her when it comes to the issue of Mystech...is RAGE.

I know your concerns, and they are justified for the most part after all you've been through...what you & I both LOST at the hands of Mystech. But you have something that anyone else could ony hope or dare to dream for...you have a woman who UNABASHEDLY uses the power MYSTECH gave her AGAINST them. Don't be too critical of her for doing what MUST be done.

<< Delilah tries to contact Sharon, who noticeably doesnt respond.>>

Remember what I said earlier....the woman will NOT tolerate any attempts of being controlled. That is the ONE thing you do NOT want her to feel like is happening. It's a trigger point that could cause agression...which thus far has been solely focused on the ENEMY.

Appeal to her sense ...her NEED for justice and remind her that as powerfull as she is..she's NOT alone anymore and that she has people who are aware of her, concerned about her...who want to HELP HER and need...EXPECT her to help THEM help her so that you ALL may succeed where one...regardless of how powerfull could NOT.

<< Karen looks at Brenda, Rich and Ana-Leigh>>

My daughter, Alison, Blaze and those others...powerful as they were...they...they werent ...

<< Karen struggled as she swallowed hard...she stopped herself>>

You have the chance to succeed where they could not. To AVENGE them and to free us ALL from this NIGHTMARE. You must appeal to Sharon's desire for FREEDOM and make her see that the best way to get to that, is to HELP YOU.

<< Karen pulls a hankerchief from her purse...dabbing her eyes. Rich and Brenda realized that Karen was the MOTHER of someone who had died at the hands of Mystech. Brenda, already knowing who was the original owner of Illustra finally realized why Karen seemed familiar. SHE was Morgan's MOTHER. Morgan therefore MUST have been a super, like Brenda. Brenda and Rich would both have questions for Delilah but at the moment, they'd have to wait.>>

<< Karen cleared her throat>>

I think that's enough of my involvement in THIS matter.

<< looking at Delilah, taking her hand and squeezing it. She then turns to Mina.>>

Mina, would you kindly accompany back to the Mor...Delilah's penthouse? I'd like to discuss with you what we were talking about earlier? Let's leave these other matters to them.

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah chose not to say anything to Connor. It would just result in a shouting match and she wasn’t in the mood. She turned her attention back to the newcomers.

“This is Mina Harker. She’s going to be moving here to Illustra. She’s going to help us with…”

Her voice trailed off. She didn’t know exactly what to say. Mina finished her sentence for her, in that cold tone of voice she had.

Mina: “Research.”

“Yes, research.”

Karen spoke up about Sharon, urging Delilah not to be too hard on her.

Don't be too critical of her for doing what MUST be done.

Delilah nodded. She HAD been angry that so much had gone on behind her back, but what Karen said made sense.

Karen then spoke to the three young people.

My daughter, Alison, Blaze and those others...powerful as they were...they...they weren’t…You have the chance to succeed where they could not. To AVENGE them and to free us ALL from this NIGHTMARE. You must appeal to Sharon's desire for FREEDOM and make her see that the best way to get to that, is to HELP YOU.

Delilah spoke softly.

“Might I introduce Dr. Karen Victoria.”

Delilah put a hand on Karen’s arm for support as she started to tear up, and then Karen and Mina left the room.

“I know all of this has happened very fast. Ana-Leigh has already agreed to join our cause. But the rest of you deserve to know the truth so you can make your own minds up. Regardless of your decision, you are welcome here for as long as you need. This place will always be a safe haven for mutants.”

She cleared her throat, then continued.

“Ana-Leigh, you will forgive me if I repeat myself to you. A year ago, Dr. Victoria’s daughter, her sister, and several of her friends were murdered by agents of the entity we know as MysTech. They were a team – made up of mutants, metahumans and witches – who fought to take MysTech down and stop their bioweapons and terrorism activities. They gave their lives trying to shut down an underground facility here in New York City, a place where mutants were being tortured and tested on. Sharon was one of those mutants. After their deaths Connor and I went back to that facility and shut it down…but at the cost of the use of my legs. I cannot continue fighting in the way I once did. I need a new team, who is committed to taking MysTech down and stopping their reign of terror on mutants and non-mutants alike. I need your help. It is much to ask, I know that, and each of you need to make your own decision. No one would blame you for not wanting to start fighting a war. I can’t promise that it will be easy. All I can promise is that the work we’re doing is very very important to the survival of the world as we know it. And I will continue fighting, with or without your help, until it kills me.”

 

[Mina Harker]

She stood in the room perfectly still and silent. There was no need for her to interfere – this was none of her business. But then Connor’s curiosity got the best of him and he asked to be told who she was. One of the younger ones came over to her and introduced himself.

Good afternoon ma'am. My name is Richard. And your name is?

“My, aren’t we polite. So rare. How do you do?”

Mina was impressed with the formality. You saw that so little these days. She nodded to him and held out her hand for him to shake. She was wearing her gloves, so she wouldn’t get any sort of reading off of him, but Delilah had described to her what they were seeing on the monitors when the young ones had arrived home so she generally knew what his abilities were.

Delilah answered his question for her.

“This is Mina Harker. She’s going to be moving here to Illustra. She’s going to help us with…”

“Research.”

There was little need to go into specifics at this time. And the fewer people who knew about Morgan and Alison’s magickal objects the better, at least for now – until they were safe.

Karen was adamant that this group not alienate the one who controlled the birds. It sounded as if this woman had a penchant for rash actions, and while Mina certainly had her impetuous moments, a cool head was usually a much more efficient tool in battle.

Mina could hear the emotion in Karen’s voice as she spoke of her daughter. She complied immediately when Karen requested they leave together. There was no reason for her to stay in any case.

Mina, would you kindly accompany back to the Mor...Delilah's penthouse? I'd like to discuss with you what we were talking about earlier? Let's leave these other matters to them.

“Of course, Karen. May I take your arm?”

She allowed Karen to lead her back to the elevators.

 

[Matrix]

Richard listened as Delilah spoke. apparently there had been a team before this group. And all of them were dead, except Delilah, who was now in a wheelchair. But she spoke of the good fight and of taking that fight to Mystech. That was all Rich needed to hear.

Delilah, I have been dead already for weeks thanks to Mystech. My Mama believes I AM dead. To get a chance to get at the motherfuckers that did that to me...yeah I'm in. Sharon's got the right idea I think and I want to do THAT...fuck up Mystech until there is no more Mystech...take as many pieces as I can of them for taking EVERYTHING from me.

Rich turned quickly and walked to the window...visibly upset. Even as he looked upon the city, he could almost feel his mother looking into the heavens, trying to catch a glimpse of her son in the clouds. A tear streamed down his face and he was both angry and sad.