Night moods

[Prophet]

Golden Palace

:: Cameron was really surprised by Vivica's words and her tenacity at plowing him a new one after he had only been back in her world for a good five minutes, and then he realized that is what he loved about her. Even though other people had been telling him the same things in different words, it some how made sense when it came out of her mouth. That's the funny thing about best friends. They state the obvious in a way that makes sense to you. He quickly downed the shot of Saki and sighed deeply, knowing her words to be the truth. ::

"I understand you Vivica, but easier said than done. I will call Alycia first thing in the morning, even though after my journals were discovered...She will probably want to filet me, but I will suck it up and do it. Being gone from all of you for so long has given me this weird sense of...appreciation. The dream I had is now suddenly beginning to make sense. If it wasn't one vice, I substitued it for another. I treated everyone around me like they should give me a respect I didn't deserve, I treated everyone like SHIT and I didn't care. I didn't want a family, I didn't want friends, and I didn't think I needed them, but I am realizing now more than EVER that even though we have fought tooth and nail, these people love me, on SOME fucked up level. I DO want a relationship with Morgan, I was jealous. I wanted what Morgan had with Alison more than I wanted to admit, and I took that out on Morgan and it wasn't fair to her, even though we did push each other's buttons. In terms of Haleigh, I WANT to tell her Vivica, I want to tell her, but I don't feel it's right. Something is going on with her right now and I dont want to hurt that even more. Plus, it's not my RIGHT to come back and be like it was after I have been gone for so long, and expect it to be the same. It can't I know that, but when we saw each other, when there was that FIRE in our words, our INTENT to hurt each other, it was all over our faces even Zach's about how we felt about each other. We knew, it took my death and her engagement to realize that, but SHE knows... and I know, and one of us has to say something and I KNOW that it is going to have to be, because she can't right now, but it has to be said and soon. But.. all that aside, Vivica, I am really glad to see you. I love you, you're my best friend. Thanks for coming here.. just thanks for everything, and now, tell me. How is everything going at the good old business? Are we still on the Forbes list?"

:: Cameron listened as his friend told him the ins and outs of what had been happening with the business and how well Morgan and Alison were doing. Alison. He didn't have the heart to speak about her right now, he couldn't even say how he felt. He wanted to contact her, but it would be selfish, she was fufilling a destiny that was rightfully hers and contacting her would most definitely make her come back to a life that wasn't hers any longer. Cameron and Vivica stayed at the restaurant, talking and laughing about the things that had changed since he had been gone. As they sat in the restaurant, the lights began to flicker, the streetlights went bonky and the lights in the restaurant actually bursted from their bulbs causing darkness to cover them. Cameron looked intently. ::

"This.. is not Good. Vivica, I would love to stay here and talk until the sun comes up, but duty calls. Something has to be wrong with the Six, and with Haleigh's powers malfunctioning, this could be the reason. I have to go to Illustra, but first I need to contact someone. I love you, go home and be SAFE. I don't want you getting any more bullet wounds..."

:: He kissed her on the cheek as she made her way back to her Soho Loft as Cameron ran into a nearby phone booth that was, thankfully still working and dialed the Number to Morgan Victoria. The phone rang. She was to go out with Nicholas and he hoped she at least had kept her phone on vibrate, knowing how quiet nights out usually ended up. ::

 

[Rampage]

Le Bernardin

As Karen walked out side, Nicolas turned back to Morgan.

So where were we? Oh yes, I was helping you watch your figure. Well, Ms. Victoria, I have been watching it for quite some time and I think that..EH?!

the lights flickered, then SURGED as some bulbs blew out . Nicolas made sure that the glass made it safely to the floor when he looked out the window and realized that this was NOT localized. He contacted Mike.

Mike, what's going on?

Mama Bird has disappeared, bossman, I am in-

WHAT?! Regain visual yesterday, man! We cannot lose-

I am on it, and FULLY strapped.

I will meet you outside shortly.

Mike left the car, a pair of chrome desert eagles with silencers in hand. He made his way quickly, but surprisingly quiet and furtive for a man of his size, as his eyes searched for Karen Victoria across the parking lot...

Nicolas turned back to Morgan as her phone began to ring. He grabbed her hand.

Morgan, Mike has lost visual on Ma outside. We need to leave now. I think something is going bad here. This is all TOO coincidental.

Nicolas stood quickly, carefully helping Morgan from her seat so as not to arouse too much panic, but quickly urging her outside...

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah had showered and changed after a day of "stepping disc" travel, and now she was busying herself making preparations for Alycia's stay - wanting to be a good host - and making sure she had everything she would need. It would be nice spending some time with Alycia, despite the circumstances, and especially now that Alison was gone. ]

You've really made this place your own, havent you? ::looking around.:: I know that this kind of living is what Morgan was made for but did you ever think you'd be living in a sprawling place like this?

"Never in a million years - especially not on a cop's salary."

[ Delilah chuckled good-naturedly. ]

"It certainly took some getting used to. But the one thing about Morgan is - despite her fame and obvious glamour - she doesn't make you feel inferior because you aren't a celebrity. I don't think we'd be friends if she did."

[ She stopped what she was doing for a second as she thought about it. ]

"But it is strange to see how the other half lives, that's for sure."

[ She smiled at Alycia. ]

You know....If you have plans tonight, you dont have to stay here with me. I'll be fine. I may be ONLY HUMAN, but i can take care of myself.

"Oh you know me - my plans usually consist of take out and a game of pool at the local bar."

[ She laughed. ]

"I really only do the big "club" thing with Morgan...or Alison. Used to anyway."

[ Alycia commented on Alison being away. ]

"I know - it seems like she's been gone forever. I expect it will be a while until we see her, she'll need time to adjust to her new life I expect."

[ She paused again, trying to think how to phrase what she was going to say next, without being intrusive or offending Alycia. ]

"Alycia...if you need or want to talk about what's happened...you know I'm here for you. I don't want to overstep my bounds, but I just wanted you to know."

[ She smiled reassuringly. Maybe if Alycia vented to her a bit she wouldn't blow Haleigh's head up the first chance she gets. Just then, the lights began to flicker. ]

"What is going on with this place lately?"

 

[Persephone]

:: Ava sat down as Zach pulled out her chair for her. Nodding a thank you to him, she picked up her cloth napkin and spread it across her lap. Just as Haleigh was answering her question, she stopped, realizing that Alycia had brought the damn army with her, in weapons fashion. Turning around in her chair to look at the screen, she watched Alycia. Haleigh began to freak out, and Zach trying to calm her, but soon, but became too much. The lights began to flicker; bulbs bursting throughout the penthouse. Quickly standing from her seat, she bumped the table causing their glasses to fall and break. Moving to Haleigh's side as she began to have another episode, this wasn't simply something that was going to pass. Images flooded the main view screen of Sharon Kelly's death. Of Alycia confronting Haleigh about the Cassadines, and putting a HIT out on Ava herself. Although pissed at this new revelation, Ava placed her anger toward Alycia on the backburner and focused on Haleigh. ::

"Zach, call Morgan and tell her to get here with Karen, quickly."

:: Seeing how concerned he awas about Haleigh, Ava instructed him firmly to focus his mind on something. Placing her hand on Haleigh's cheek, she ducked her head down trying to get a better look at her face. ::

"Try and focus on my voice..."

 

[Black Widow]

the Davidoff Loft: Residential floor 105

Zach tried to reassure her, but he was too late.... the sight of Alycia's preparations.... the THOUGHT of capture and the memories of what Karen had shown her flashed in her mind... the screen came back to life... jumbled images of the future Karen had shown her, the torture and death she might have faced... more flashes of Morgan slipping from Haleigh's fingers and being yanked into the Seige Perilous gave way to a more coherant but equally painful memory: Sharon Kelly's last minutes and Alycia's anguish...

However, as the lights flickered throughout a 15 mile radius, Haleigh's memory broadcast was not limited to JUST this room... in fact, every screen and monitor in the entire Illustra tower came on, as the lights went out, and now Alycia and Delilah as well were treated to the sight.... this would help alert Delilah to what was wrong.... and for the first time, Alycia would see HERSELF in the moment she pulled the rug out from under Haleigh.... she would be subject to the bloodlust that had consumed her, through Haleigh's eyes.... like a movie with a scratch, a few of Alycia's more damaging words repeated after the scene played out:

Alycia: "You may as well have murdered Sharon yourself." and then, if possible, with even greater contempt: "It seems that a leopard really CAN'T change it's spots after all."

No one has seen this before... not one other member of the Six knew just how bad this fallout had been... and the playback captured the essence in such a way that it was nearly as real to those watching as it was to the two people that had been involved with it. Zach runs to the phone in the kitchen and immediately calls Morgan for help, as Ava does her best to try and bring Haleigh back down:

Ava: "Try and focus on my voice..."

Haleigh can barely hear her sister.... the screens jump back and forth with scrambled memories before Haleigh DOES focus on Ava's voice.... and inadvertantly triggers a diferent memory to play, and life is once again seen through a younger Haleigh's eyes:

"What, did you sleep in, Haleigh? Me and Patch got all the bacon. You snooze you lose!"

Ava says cheerfully, as I come down for breakfast at six a.m., pulling a turtleneck sweater on over my longsleeved thermal. Patrick sits at the table sipping hot chocolate and looking sheepish. I give him an alarmed look. What the hell is he still doing here?

"Patch, what--"

Mama comes around the corner and sets a plate on the table in front of him. She silences me with a knowing look. Busted. Shit. Ava sits at the table across from him, spellbound. She even stops chewing. Lord, the girl is nosy. I hope I wasn't like that at twelve. Mama breaks the uneasy quiet.

"I caught Patch sneaking around this morning. He tried to say he'd let himself in... that he wanted to surprise you with breakfast in bed. When I told him I knew he never left last night, he said that you two fell asleep after your homework and that it was all his fault. Chivalrous, isnt he?"

I momentarily consider backing his story up... but I'm terrible at lying to my mother. I shake my head and pour my own mug of hot chocolate as I grab a piece of toast.

"Ma... [deep sigh] Look... Patch and I made this decision together..."

The only movement in the room is Patrick and Ava shifting their gaze from me to Mama. Stavros comes into the kitchen/breakfast area in his bathrobe, a sight that threatens to put me off my breakfast, grumbling about something or other. Mama gracefully changes the subject.

“Are you gonna finish mending the fence on the west side of the mare pasture today?"

"Yeah.... I got all the posts in, just the slats left to replace now." I say, moving to the window. The first snowflakes of the season begin hit the windowpane. "Oh look... and now its snowing. How goddamn poetic." I comment, sipping my drink and staring off. I realize what I let slip a little too late, but Mama doesn't say anything... and decides to let the swearing slide. We both know why... Today is the anniversary of Daddy's death.... and Mama always makes a point to give me a little slack this one day of the year. Stavros, however, doesn't care what day it is. He hates that Ava looks up to me... and every chance he gets to reprimand me, he does.

Stavros: "Watch that mouth, kid, or--" He realizes that Patrick is sitting at the table, trying to be inconspicuous. "What the hell are you doing here boy? I don't have any sons. Did you spend the night here?"

Patrick looks at me for an answer, but I stare Stav down, and he can tell what answer I'd like him to give. He clears his throat and sits up straight. "Yes sir, I did." My crooked, defiant smile grows as I watch Stavro's anger build. I know he can't stand the nerve Patch just showed. Stav turns to Mama with a growl.... he knows his wife wont let him discipline me like he wants to. I'd half like to see him try... I'd love an excuse to knock the shit out of him. I'm stronger than I look, and he doesn't understand how much fight I have in me.

"You'd better TALK to her, Lara. I won't have those two animals mating in MY house."

He stomps off, and Mama gives Patrick a scolding look, while I give him a high five. HA, animals. I finish my toast and swipe some of my lifelong friend's bacon. I slowly drink the last of my cocoa and rinse the mug out in the sink. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the weight of the day. The pain attacks me like a pack of wolves. Speaking of...

"Hey Ma... where's the extra buckshot?"

Mama pauses and slowly looks over her shoulder, as if she thinks I might be thinking of shooting Stavros. I entertain the thought... but it's the getting away with it part I'd have trouble with.

"In the coat closet on the shelf, why?"

I go to get it, and Patrick picks up his plate and washes it in the sink as I come back, setting the ammo on the counter and putting my thick parka on. "I think the wolves are back.... I saw some tracks out by the fence yesterday. I'd better get on it... before this snow gets too heavy."

Mama nods knowingly. "The new Browning shotgun is under my bed." She offers, but I shake my head.

"I've got Daddy's old break action in my Jeep." I reply, looking to Patch. He thanks Mama for breakfast and volunteers to walk me out. Good idea, genius. I pull my camera strap over my shoulder... never know when I'll find an opportunity, and with a mood like mine, I could chance on a dark, soulful shot. Mama tells Ava to feed the horses, and reminds her to keep the barn doors closed because of the cold. She hands us each a travel mug of hot chocolate 'for the road', and watches us leave, Ava offering to help me with the fence if I will help her dump feed in return. I hear Ma chuckle softly, both of us knowing Ava's idea of helping me is occaisionally handing me stuff but mostly talking. I'm more of a listener, so I agree, primarily because I'd like to have company and be distracted from the gravity of this particular day.

 

[Spellbinder]

back outside

<< Morgan blushed as her mother reprimanded her in a stern, yet maternal way. it was all in her mother's voice. she had that unique ability>>

pardon me for going into "mother" mode on you

too late, mother.

<< Morgan looked sheepishly as Nicolas agreed with Karen about eating....and loving to see WHATEVER she did and Morgan blushed. she was being double teamed by a most cunning duo >>

<< Nicolas playfully waved a fork full of food to Morgan and Karen excused herself to take a call. Morgan giggled a bit before turning to watch her mother leave.>>

oh nicolas...to borrow a song from Chaka Khan....

<< she held his hand that held the fork>>

You're SO NAUGHTY!


<< pulling his hand forward, she gladly takes the bite he offers as her icy violet eyes sparkler>>

I caught on to your little double entdre at the end of your co sign with my mother, mister.

<< she winked.>>

<< just then, the lights began to flicker and as some bulbls exploded and people began to scream, Morgan jumped with surprise as her phone rang. >>

It's Zach!

<< she didnt realize that Nicolas was in mental contact with Mike and that Mike had lost sight of Karen as people outside began to react to the chaos in the air but as she heard Zach's urgent call for her and Karen to back to Illustra , Nicolas grabbed her hand. they needed to reach Karen before the crowd got out of control.>>

Nicolas! << she said as she let him usher her along>>

Something's wrong with Haleigh! it's WORSE than before!

<< moving with him through the crowd...she knew the noise around them would prevent them from being heard.>>

I think SHE'S causing these malfunctions. she has mechanical empathy and she once went so far as to tap into a LASER SATELLITE when we were fighting master mold. there's no telling WHAT could go wrong in the city if her power is going on the fritz!

<< outside...Morgan looked around.>>

MOM!?

<< looking to NIcolas>>


WHERE IS SHE!?

<< morgan felt a tremendous sense of DREAD ...like something was COMING>>

 

[Persephone]

:: Quickly looking at the screen as a memory of their childhood is played in cinematic form, Ava grabbed both of Haleigh's shoulders, gently shaking her to try and knock her out of this trans. ::

"Haleigh! Listen to me! Focus on ME!"

:: Not wanting any more private memories of Haleigh's past to be played for God knows who, Haleigh would be mortified. And...in some circumstances, Ava as well. There had been some heated moments in their past involving Stavros, herself, and Haleigh. It wouldn't be pleasent to see them again, or have anyone else see them. She already experienced enough of that in their last little caper. ::

"Haleigh, how far can a 22 caliber shoot."

:: Trying to train her mind onto a different subject and get her conciously THINKING, hopefully that would help tame the memories. ::

"Oh come on....You always brag about how much more you know about weapons. Prove it to me."

:: Giving her a little insentive by egging her on, Ava's voice, however, showed how truly concerned she was for Haleigh. Looking over to Zach quickly to see if he had gotten ahold of Morgan, she turned her attention back to Haleigh. ::

 

[Prophet]

5 blocks from Illustra

:: She wasn't answering the phone. Perhaps the signals were being scrambled due to the power flux? It was his best answer. He shot a message to Nicholas, the only neutral person in this mess who wouldn't be offended if he sent a telepathic message and the only one he knew could respond since he didn't know just where everyone was. ::

"Nicholas, it's Cameron? The outage... it's Haleigh? Right? I want to see her! I want to help! Are you all in Illustra?

:: He hoped everything was okay with Haleigh, she was a strong girl but somebody was messing with her and Cameron was determined to figure out who it was. Even though he hadn't gotten an answer, he began to make his way back to Illustra, ready to help the team. ::

 

[Shadow Weaver]

outside the restaurant

<< as Karen stepped outside and away from the hub, she took her call. unaware that she was being watched by Mike. not that she would have objected. Mike seemed to be a loyal, trust worthy individual and obviously a long standing confidant of Nicolas>>


<< as the wind blew a bit, Karen put the phone to her ear...>>

This is Dr. Victoria...


<< the phone unleashes a HORRID feedback and SHOCK...causing Karen to cry out in pain!>>

OW!!

<< dropping the phone as she covers her ears...she doesnt realize that this as all part of a plan orchestrated in "the cell", as they have cloned a phone number and used it to dial her phone...to lure her away from nicolas and morgan.>>


<< as the traffic lights began to go crazy and street lights explode...people began to surge and run...obscuring her view from Mike at the moment. She's around the other side of the building and at that moment, she was ATTACKED by MEN....wearing CLANDESTINE INC suits!!>>


<<GASP!!>>

GET AWAY!!

<< she dodges the first man and thrusts her hand out, instinctively lashing out with a golden mystic force bolt, blasting one of the men squarely in the chest before being smacked in the back of the head by another one with a club>>

AGH!!!


<< the men seem to be without voice or emotion, wearing helments with visors that mask their face in opaque black cover. b ut its CLEAR from the uniform insignia that they are CLANDESTINE INC soldiers...>>


<< with all the people in the area, its hard to see....hard to think! and now the three men are about to try to BEAT the doctor bloody.>>

 

[Rampage]

Outside...looking for karen.

As Nicolas exited with Morgan, he "heard" Cameron calling him. SHIT!!! He did NOT need this now. Haleigh or Alycia would be at him all night.

Cameron, stand down. Illustra is not ideal. I have a fix on you and I will meet you at Illustra later. But you HAVE to be patient. If Haleigh is in a bad way, you may unfortunately make it worse. Find somewhere to be close by. I will keep in touch.


As Nicolas emerged outside the restaurant with Morgan, he reached out to find Karen. He found her around the corner to the right, being attacked by some soldier-type thugs!!!

Mike, hard my right. Go infrared.

Nicolas knew that Mike had located him as he exited and that he would be setting up to assist, so he went around the corner at an amazing pace, easily outrunning Morgan as he reached Karen with of the soldiers preparing to hit her again with the club. He grabbed the man's arm, breaking both the radius and ulna before hitting him in the back of the head, knocking him out. As one of the other soldiers squared off, a nearly-silent shot entered his shoulder, exiting cleanly.

Mike had rolled around so that he could get a shot off while wearing his shades, which were apparently equipped for infrared night-vision. He advanced, using cover as Nicolas relayed to him his plan.

As Nicolas saw the second soldier fall, he grabbed Karen, puling her behind him as he he advanced on the third assailant. Mike, having made his way behind Nicolas, picked her up and began to carry her away from the fray...

 

[Prophet]

One Block Away

:: As he heard Nicholas speak to him and give him a plan, he also heard thoughts of Alycia in Nicholas' head. Great, she was already at Illustra and was already pissed off at him. This was ridiculous, he hated having to be on the sidelines for now but he understood. Getting a fix on Nicholas, he decided to wait nearly a block away at a close by newstand from where he was at the moment with Morgan and Karen and her assailants. Cameron was just so frustrated with the whole situation. If anyone was to see if Haleigh was alright, it should have been Cameron. He could just picture Zach now, holding Haleigh in his arms, telling her everything would be alright. ::

:: He wanted more than anything to be the one to fix Haleigh, to be the one to save her. He felt he owed her that, to show her that he cared, to show her he could protect her and weather her from the storm more than Zach ever could. Cameron wanted to be there for here because he wasn't before. Life was getting hard. He wanted to jump right in and help and he wanted his team back, but he knew it couldn't be like that. Tempers would flare, people would react and it would be bad. He sat down on a nearby bench and waited. Thinking to himself. ::

"Jesus Christ, Cameron, were you REALLY this fucked up before you died? Get it together..."

:: And so he waited for word from Nicholas ::

"Sounds like a plan, I am at the Newstand just by the restaurant.. about a block away. Waiting for you man.."

 

[Artemis]

Illustra!

Alycia...if you need or want to talk about what's happened...you know I'm here for you. I don't want to overstep my bounds, but I just wanted you to know."

[ She smiled reassuringly. Maybe if Alycia vented to her a bit she wouldn't blow Haleigh's head up the first chance she gets. Just then, the lights began to flicker. ]

:: Alycia blinked and looked rather blankly at Delilah for a moment. during this whole situation, it was the first time ANYONE had really ASKED Alycia how she felt or if SHE needed to TALK about how she felt. She wanted to let the flood gates open but she had an image to maintain....::

Delilah....I...

:: the lights began to flux and bulbs exploded in lamps as the power in the building began to wane. Alycia looked out of the window...it was happening all around them within a certain radius too.::

[ Just then, the lights began to flicker. ]

"What is going on with this place lately?"

:: the place went BLACK before Delilah's large plasma screen TV blinked ON::


::the screen came back to life... jumbled images of the future Karen had shown her, the torture and death she might have faced... more flashes of Morgan slipping from Haleigh's fingers and being yanked into the Seige Perilous gave way to a more coherant but equally painful memory: Sharon Kelly's last minutes and Alycia's anguish...





:: seeing this again..ALL of it....was too much, as Alycia covered her mouth, she felt as if she had been SENT BACK in time to relive Sharon's death.. it made her HEART hurt as tears begin to well up in her eyes.::

no....this is TOO MUCH!

:: she said softly as she covered her face::



::However, as the lights flickered throughout a 15 mile radius, Haleigh's memory broadcast was not limited to JUST this room... in fact, every screen and monitor in the entire Illustra tower came on, as the lights went out, and now Alycia and Delilah as well were treated to the sight.... this would help alert Delilah to what was wrong.... and for the first time, Alycia would see HERSELF in the moment she pulled the rug out from under Haleigh.... she would be subject to the bloodlust that had consumed her, through Haleigh's eyes.... like a movie with a scratch, a few of Alycia's more damaging words repeated after the scene played out::


Alycia: "You may as well have murdered Sharon yourself." and then, if possible, with even greater contempt: "It seems that a leopard really CAN'T change it's spots after all."


:: Alycia balked at the sight of herself. what had she become? she almost looked DEMONIC as she her enraged face. her eyes ablaze with such HATRED and BLOOD LUST! WHO WAS THIS WOMAN!?::

:: she could barely breathe as this played out again....not realizing just how VICIOUS she had been with Haleigh. she'd torn down companies before, blew criminals out of the water in court and most recently become a hardened fighter...but watching herself attack Haleigh in that moment...Alycia had become something she was not at all pleased with and it upset her.::

:: she put her hand to her forehead as she looked up::

I ..havent done a very good job of honoring Sharon's memory...I've hurt people that I was supposed to be helping....what kind of monster have i become?


:: she was beside herself...almost DIZZY with confusion and anguish. WHERE was all this coming from? these awfull images, this whole situation? she looked over to Delilah, tears streaming down her face. Delilah (nor anyone else) had never seen her like THIS before.::

I ...want to ...pass out.



:: but she wouldnt be able to enjoy THAT "luxury". ANOTHER image flashed, this time it was less severe. and the faces...they were familiar to her. not from first hand memory..more like from association.::

Haleigh and Ava....PRE seige perilous...and .....Patrick Phillips....the SUPER SOLDIER!

:: Alycia steadied herself on a table. she still felt terribly dizzy and slightly disoriented. the previous images having smacked her hard in her psyche. WHO was responsible for all this?::

what does all this MEAN!?

:: she bellowed as she grappled for control in some way::


:: Looking over her shoulder, her cell phone began to ring...an ALERT tone.::

that's my emergency tone! something must be wrong!

:: rushing to get it, she hesitated before grabbing one of her golden desert eagels and returning to Delilah::


<<Barnett here!

>>miss barnett!! there's some kind of disturbance sweeping across the city but ILLUSTRA seems to be the focal point. traffic lights, street lights, and other light fixtures and media outlets are malfunctioning! worse yet, dr. victoria is under attack...by CLANDESTINE INC AGENTS!
<<WHAT!?


:: Alycia shrieked as she looked at Delilah!::


<< WHERE IS SHE!? where are MORGAN AND NICOLAS, they were supposed to be together!

:: she spoke to delilah::

Karen is being ATTACKED by Clandestine inc agents!! everything within a 15 mile radius of Illustra is suffering from electrical/mechanical malfunctions!

::back on the phone, her operative declares the location AND that Cameron King is in the vicinity::

<< well dont just stand there! HELP THE DOCTOR and as for Cameron King....

:: gritting her teeth::

Dont do anything to him, just keep a CLOSE EYE on him for now. He'll probably come HERE anyway, knowing him.

:: she slammed her phone shut and all traces of regret vanished as she became thoroughly agitated with the seemingly incriminating news about Haleigh's men attacking Karen.::

I KNEW IT!! HALEIGH is behind this!! She's going to hurt Karen just like she hurt SHARON!

:: Alycia went back to her room, and with remarkable speed for a human, changed into her state of the art body contouring "body armour" suit that made her look like a sleek, glamorous S.H.I.E.L.D operative. strapping her desert eagles on to her holsters and grabbing a repulsor blaster in one hand while grabbing the EMP wand in the other::

I'll deal with her as she deserves!

:: making her way for the door to the hallway and to the elevators::

 

[Spellbinder]

the getaway

<< Morgan called out after Nicolas as he sprinted off.>>

DAMMIT!

<< she ran VERY well in heels..but she couldnt keep up with HIM! he must have found her mother! the screeching of tires marked MIKE driving the limo with deft skill to meet with Nicolas as he attacked Karen's assailants. Morgan FINALLY rounded the corner>>

MOTHER!

<< Nicolas had moved Karen behind him and Mike was about to fire upon another man, Morgan grabbed her and ran her to the Limo, oppening the cab door and getting her inside. Not wanting to leave Nicolas alone...even though he was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, Morgan turned to see Mike pick off the other soldier with splendid skill.>>

wow. mike is more than meets the eye.

<< as the last soldier fell, Morgan rushed over>>

Nicolas....thank the goddess you found her in time!

<< breathing heavily as she looked at the fallen men, her icy violet eyes widened as she bent down and examined a uniform>>

Nicolas...these uniforms are CLANDESTINE INC! these are HALEIGH'S MEN!

why would they be attacking my mother!

<< she opened one of their helmet masks....but the face was that of....a DEMON. black uniforms, featurless black helmet masks, ....she hadnt seen something like this since the black guards that had attacked Shockwave back when the Citadle first melted down. but why would black guard cast offs be working under clandestine inc. morgan shook her head >>


this doesnt MAKE ANY SENSE!!

<< she cried out....hearing sirens in the area....>>

we have to get OUT of here.

<< Morgan takes Nicolas by the hand back to the Limo....where Karen is sitting, looking dazed.>>

Mother....thank the goddess you're allright. I'll take care of your wound with my magick.

Nicolas....please ask mike to drive as soon as he's ready, I'll CLOAK the car with a spell so that he can drive FAST back to Illustra. but if i teleport it....MIKE will get a glimpse of Limbo and i cant risk that.

I cant even begin to understand what's going on...but if it's THIS BAD here...then we need to get BACK to illustra, Haleigh must be in terrible trouble.....and the soldiers of hers must be a product of that. thats the ONLY THING i can think of right now to explain it!


<< she was unaware that Nicolas and Cameron had been in contact via telepathic rapport and that was probably a good thing. but even as they were getting ready to back to Illustra , they would find that they werent the only ones en route.>>

 

[Rampage]

Back to Illustra!!!

As Mike picked off another of the soldiers, Nicolas smoothed away the ballistics markings on the bullets. This was not their first ride together, nor would it be their last, and Nicolas prepared to take one of the guards with him when Morgan requested that they move fast to Illustra. The revelation that these were Haleigh's men shot off alarms in his mind and he signaled Cameron.

Hightail it to Illustra. I am en route now. The car right in front of you? <<turns car on with his TK>>It's yours for the moment. Drive to Illustra and wait for me there.

Nicolas wraps one of the injured soldiers in asphalt up to his nose and tosses him into the open trunk, all by TK. He ushers Morgan into the back beside her mother as Mike stomps the pedal to the floor. Nicolas erects a buffer of force around them so any obstacles are pushed away as gently as possible while they speed to Illustra. Cameron's car is afforded the same luxury.

Morgan, Cameron has been in mental contact with me. He is heading to Illustra also as we speak. We will have to be careful. I am concerned that Alycia and Cameron around is too much for her...

 

[Prophet]

En Route to Illustra

:: Cameron didn't have time to feel bad for himself as Nicholas gave him the go ahead and the transportation to get to Illustra and more importantly, get to Haleigh to see if she was alright. If Alycia was at Illustra, he figured it would be better if he was there to cushion her rage rather than Haleigh. She didn't need this right now and what was happening in the city? Alycia along with the others would blame Haleigh from the memories she had shown in the Conference Room... it just would be a complete disaster and Cameron didn't care who was upset at him for coming to Illustra. ::

"Alright, Nicholas, i'm on my way. Please tell Morgan, I don't want her to be surprised at my being at Illustra. It's not going to help."

:: Prophet was making his back to Illustra a block over but keeping up with Morgan and Nicholas. ::

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah looked around her as the images invaded her television screen, scanning the apartment for intruders. Her cop senses recognized no foreign sounds. She tried to remain distant from the scenes playing before her - not reliving the emotions that accompanied that day. She was detached - a lesson learned long ago at gruesome crime scenes.

She had no time to comfort Alycia as she watched herself, for Alycia's phone rang and they learned that Karen was being attacked. And by Clandestine? ]

"But that's Haleigh's..."

[ Delilah grappled to make sense of the situation when Alycia went ballistic about Haleigh. Delilah trailed after her. ]

"Alycia - wait! Haleigh would never attack Karen. There's something more going on here and until we know what it is, we can't just go after Haleigh!"

[ She managed to get in front of Alycia and block her path. ]

"If Haleigh has attacked Karen, I'll kill her myself. But we need all the facts first. And our priority now needs to be making sure Karen is safe!"

 

[Black Widow]

the Davidoff Loft: Residential floor 105

"Ava...."

Haleigh says dazily, her pupils are small pinpricks, and she wobbles slightly.... the silwerware on the table begins to tremble.... and the metallic din it creates spreads to the other metal objects in the room... the memory playing on the screen pauses briefly... then picks up a few moments later. Zach gets a hold of Morgan and tells her to come quickly... and he comes back into the room to try and help with Haleigh.... but there is little help for her, as the suits tucked away in another part of town are manipulating Haleigh as they wish and even SHE doesn't know it. The memory flood plays on:

I give Patch a parting kiss as Jeff pokes his head out of a stall and chastens him to get to work. Ava and I feed the horses together, taking care to shut the barn doors, and then jump in my Jeep Wrangler to head out to the far side of the mare pasture, where the fence work needs to be done. We unload the supplies and get to work, with me carrying on the bulk of the work and Ava carrying on the bulk of the conversation.

Ava: "Do you ever get tired of this all? You know, the stables life... all the work and stuff?"

I pause a moment before nailing a board up the rest of the way into the post and shrugging my shoulders. "No... its kind of relaxing... and at the end of the day... I'm sore and tired and wore out... but I have the distinct sensation that I accomplished something... its really nice, I think."

Ava lays in the backseat of the topless jeep, staring up at the sky and considers this... but she doesn't seem to see what I do. She is her father's daughter, and the charm of the horse country has worn off. Ava wants to see the world... and own it. Both of us girls know that Mama and Stavros have grown apart... and Stav mentioned at dinner the other night that he got a job offer... in Greece. He wanted to accept... but it wasn’t like Ma and I were going to uproot and leave behind our land, horses, and everything we had ever known. Good riddance. I couldn't be more thrilled... but I hid it. Ava, on the other hand, didnt. She wanted to go with her dad to explore the world... and her visible excitement had obviously pleased Stavros, who had agreed to take her along... if that was okay with her mother.

Ava has gotten that day-dreamy look again, and relaxes in the bench seat as she lays her dreams on me. "I dunno Haleigh... I'm much more restless than you... We've lived in this house all my life... and yours too.... I just... want MORE. I want to go to every place I've ever heard of, just so I can say I've BEEN there... I want more money than I can ever waste.... I want to own TEN brand new cars and a house with FIFTY rooms and a maid for each one so i never have to clean up... and all my neighbors will be jealous. AND I could just QUIT school and pay people to think for me."

I laugh and ask Ava to pass me a slat. She's got a lot to learn. Ava asks if that sounded like the life to have, and I look up, resting my arms on the post and smiling softly at my little sister. She just didn't get it. How could we be so alike and so different at the same time?

"You know what they say, Rugrat.... the more stuff you own the more your stuff owns you.... that all sounds swell... but do you NEED it? you should ask yourself... what is it you're MISSING in your life.... that money can buy you....[I pause, waiting for Ava to say something... but then continue when it was clear she would not] and how happy would you really be, with all those flashy belongings.... knowing that if you follow your father to becoming filthy rich...itll only be done by exploiting other human beings?"

Ava doesn't have an answer, and I knew what she was thinking. 'Good god, couldn't the crazy girl ever lighten up?', and after a short pause, Ava said as much, which ellicited another laugh from me.

Ava:"I'm going with Dad to Greece."

I go back to work solemnly, as my heart sinks and a lump grows in my throat. Talk about killing the mood. I take deep breaths and try to hold it together, even as I think about how hard it would be to say goodbye.

"I was afraid you might." I say softly, before moving to the next post and busying myself with fixing the board to this one as well. Ava's next question was tenative and quiet.

Ava:"Are you mad?"

I look up abruptly, despite the mist in my eyes. Why would she think that? I shake my head firmly and catch my sister's eyes. "NO... no, I'm not mad. You deserve to reach for your dreams Ava, to earn EVERYTHING you want for yourself... you deserve to see the WORLD... and all that. I could never be MAD at you for doing just that... and I know i could never live with myself if I was selfish enough to hold you back from that... but I just... I'm gonna miss ya, rugrat." I croak, and beckon Ava to come over, pulling her into a hug. "I'll miss ya." I repeat, partly because I know of nothing else to say, and Ava confides that she'll feel the same.

It was a glimpse of just how different Haleigh had once been.... proof that she was not always a monster.... and that she kept this part of her buried out of self-preservation. A few floors below, Alycia tries to get to Haleigh with the EMP.... but it seems Haleigh had already taken precautions to keep Alycia from roaming around on HER floor, for as Alycia tries to use the elevator, it won't comply.

>>Access Denied. Occupant is not authorized for this floor. Please select a different floor. Access Denied.

Meanwhile, on Haleigh's floor: Ava tries to reign Haleigh back to the world of the present by asking her about guns.... a move that could have been helpful turns sour.

"22? shoot...." Haleigh mumbles... and the guns in the armory start to FIRE. Luckily, the walls of the armory are fortified... but the loud crackle of gunfire is scary enough. Zach leaves the room quickly... and downstairs, the DESERT EAGLE that Alycia is carrying starts to wildly discharge as well!

Zach:"I'm sorry, baby.... I have to." he says, as he produces a magnetic flare baton... turns the expose up to BLAST.... and turns it on. It flashes brightly, and Haleigh shudders.... she gasps in pain... and loses consciousness, slumping into Ava's arms. Zach turns the MFB off.... as silence falls around them. The metal in the apartment becomes still once more.... the screens around them black. The lights stop flickering and, most importantly, the guns in the armory [and Alycia's downstairs] stop firing at will. Zach takes a deep breath, making eye contact with Ava as he bends down and lifts Haleigh from her seat at the dining table, taking her into the living room.

Zach:"She'll wake up in a few minutes.... hopefully by then the rest of the Six will be back here.... [speaking up] INTERCOM, ON. FLOOR 101. Miss Trelaven? Are you okay? Haleigh had another attack.... as I'm sure you saw... it was triggered when Haleigh saw that Alycia had an EMP to use against her [haleigh]. Did you SEE those memories? You can't allow Alycia to come up here... NOT if she's going to act like THAT. NOT if she's going to bring.... that weapon. We have Haleigh subdued... Miss Victoria and the rest are on their way."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

back to illusta

<< Karen's head was ringing hard. She'd been nailed with deadly accuracy by that club. a blow like that would have killed some victims or rendered them unconscious but Karen had never been easily to render unconscious...even with an anesthetic. her magicks always gave her a boosted level of clarity and cognition.>>

<< still as she fended off the obvious attack from the front, she was taken from behind before she could do anything more. Falling to the ground, stunned from the shock and pain, Karen looked at her phone and struggled to control the pain in her head. not really registering the fact that three men were surrounding her at first.>>

<< as the unrest in the area around them all continued due to the fluxuating traffic lights and other mechanical devices, the rushing throng of people made it seem like she'd never be able to get her bearings and get to Morgan, but she didnt have to worry, for Nicolas was there now and instantly upon the "men". >>

Nicolas


<< he moved her out of harm's way and then, shortly after, Morgan took her and ran her back to the Limo, getting her inside while Mike began to open fire on the men Nicolas was fighting.>>

<< Karen began to come around and as the group sped off, Morgan healed her mother's injury.>>

Thank you, Morgan....and you Nicolas...and Mike as well.

I am very gratefull.

<< the doctor said, breathing out slowly as she rubbed her head.>>

it all happened so FAST! as soon as i took the call...i was bombared by a blast of "white noise" and JOLTED by an electrical pulse...it almost seemed DELIBERATE!


<< she had her phone in her hand....and opened her hand slightly. the phone was still in tact, and had not been damaged, even when she dropped it.>>

<< Mike was speeding along to Illustra as Karen looked at Morgan for a moment.>>

You mentioned Haleigh. Perhaps whatever was plaguing her as returned to a more extreme level.


<< running her hand through her blonde hair as she looked down at her dress.>>

well Vera Wang is a good investment, even an encounter with maniacal guards doesnt cause her dresses to rip.

<< she said with a hint of icy sarcasm as she looked over her body for any other bruising. Nicolas revealed that Cameron was on his way to Illustra and that he had been in contact with the mutant as well.>>

Nicolas, Alycia and Haleigh are one thing....Cameron and Alycia...or Cameron and Haleigh are another thing all together. CAMERON is the greater risk, not Alycia. SHE, at least, we can trust.


Cameron would do well to stand back and let those who can do the most help take the lead.

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah dove at Alycia, knocking the desert eagle away and taking Alycia with her over the couch to cover. She would apologize for the bruising later. Clearly this was Haleigh's malfunction at work. When they were sure the gun was not going to start blazing again, she stood and brushed herself off. ]

Zach:"Miss Trelaven? Are you okay? Haleigh had another attack.... as I'm sure you saw... it was triggered when Haleigh saw that Alycia had an EMP to use against her [haleigh]. Did you SEE those memories? You can't allow Alycia to come up here... NOT if she's going to act like THAT. NOT if she's going to bring.... that weapon. We have Haleigh subdued... Miss Victoria and the rest are on their way."

[ Delilah turned her head and looked at the nearest intercom box. She waved her hand at it, the box having been modified with a light sensor allowing her to activate it from where she stood. ]

"Alycia is with me now. Do you know if Karen is with Morgan and Nicolas? We've had word she was under attack."

[ She looked to Alycia, her voice lowered. ]

"It is not safe for you to be around Haleigh right now. I respect your position, and more than that, you're my friend - but I will use force if necessary to prevent you - or the rest of us - from being shot by a weapon with a mind of its own."

[ She knelt and picked up the two desert eagles, carefully pointing the business end down and away from her. Taking them to the table she opened the chamber of one. ]

"I think we should keep these seperate from their ammo for the time being..."

[ She was not looking forward to seeing her bedroom and whether the Firestar she kept under her pillow had decided to shred her favorite set of sheets... ]

 

[Artemis]

Illustra- 101rst floor

:: As Alycia stormed toward the doors of Delilah's department, ready to march up to Haleigh's floor and render her inert, Delilah blocked her path.::

DELILAH!

::Alycia exclaimed...::

[ She managed to get in front of Alycia and block her path. ]

"If Haleigh has attacked Karen, I'll kill her myself. But we need all the facts first. And our priority now needs to be making sure Karen is safe!"

:: Delilah was RIGHT. Despite what appeared to be OBVIOUS...it was MORE important to make sure Karen was okay. Despite how she was now dressed and how she looked ready to wage war on Haleigh, Alycia's head was THROBBING. the images she had just seen of HERSELF had upset her. this wasnt what her parents her to become. this isnt what Sharon would have wanted....and she just couldnt understand HOW she could look so DEMONIC and SEEM so out of control! she was in a world of pain...between THIS and the rising bitterness and resentment in her heart toward Cameron for his being here while her father and sharon could NOT be here...it was taking a toll.::


:: Alycia didnt try to press pass Delilah and just as well, as the elevators would not have cooperated with her request to go to the 105th floor. she lowered her hand with the EMP wand....setting it down on a table and putting her hand to her forehead.::

WHY did i come back here!

:: she looked up, with tears in her eyes. Yes she had a serious problem with Haleigh....but there was something ELSE was getting to her.::

I HATE HIM Delilah! WHY DOES CAMERON get to come back from the dead when my FATHER and SHARON cant? HE as the WORST KIND OF MAN! and YET HE GETS A SECOND CHANCE! HOW does someone like HIM get a reprieve from the "powers that be" when TRULY GOOD PEOPLE have to be bound by the "rules"?

:: as she screamed her desert eagles discharged....her eyes widened with shock as Delilah dove to get alycia AWAY from them. it was a rough roll, but at least Alycia wasnt burned or WORSE the discharging weapons and finally as they became inactive, Alycia raised her head. Delilah had probably just saved her life! Delilah made it clear that Alycia couldnt bring those weapons with her if she was intending to go to Haleigh's apartment and that it was not safe for her. Alycia's facial expression betrayed defiance and consternation all at once. but she wasnt angry AT Delilah for doing what she had to do.::


:: images of Haleigh and Ava again....pre seige perilous. Alycia slowly looks around to watch it. Haleigh is younger, and clearly this is before her infection with the T.O. virus and the INferno for her body , her face are different. THIS look she sort of remembers. Haleigh and Ava are reflecting, showing each of their distinct out looks on life. Stavros is on the verge of getting "in bed" with Mystech and this means a world of wealth and privilage for his family. Ava cannot wait, Haleigh is less enthused. Watching Haleigh, Alycia sees the values and ideas that HER parents taught to HER as a young girl. they had more in common than Alycia might have suspected and this was a glimpse into the life of a woman who was HUMAN, who had hopes, ideas and dreams. She wasnt the cold blooded "monster" that Alycia knew her as now.::

:: this look into the past...WHY was it happening, why NOW in front of Alycia? she didnt know about Haleigh's earlier malfunction and so...this all seemed so unusual to her.::

:: the images fade away as Zach's voice comes over the intercom. he explains that Haleigh had been watching Alycia and when she saw the EMP wand...knowing what it would most likely be used for, she had a severe reaction to it...and that this reaction caused the malfunctioning lights, the power fluxuation in the building and surrounding areas as well as the images to be seen on the screens. ALL of them.::

:: She didnt need to hear what he said next. she alrady KNEW that it could be implied that Alycia was indirectly responsibile for this or at least had SOME culpability and that Delilah couldnt allow her to go up there ...certainly not with the EMP wand.::

I have a right...to defend myself. I DON'T want to end up like SHARON.

:: Alycia replied in a weak voice. clearly she had a severe headache and as she looked to Delilah again.::

I'm going DOWN to the crystaline lobby. i want to be there when Morgan and Karen arrive.

:: it was clear that Alycia didnt want to address what she was truly feeling and NOW wasnt really the time anyway. She was determined to do what she could to help. she noticeably did NOT force the issue about confronting Haleigh, which would make Delilah's job much easier.::

:: with the power having stabilized again in the building. a small beep could be heard on her phone. she looked.::

images from the attack....my i use your computer for one moment?

:: she asked and as Delilah nodded, she went over and set up a usb connection from her phone to the computer, downloading the images and printing them. crystal clear and frighteningly detailed captures of Karen stunned by a discharge from her phone, as well as being attacked by what appeared to be clandestine inc soldiers who were wearing black helmets and face visors that obscured their faces.::

:: several more shots showing Nicolas and an unidentified man in a limo taking care of the attackers while one showed Morgan getting Karen to safetly.::


here are images from the battle that my men captured. this is evidence we will NEED when we...DISCUSS the situation.

:: she placed them in a file folder and carried them with her as she turned, preparing to go to the elevator and head down to the main floor. despite the pain Alycia was in, she was doing what she did best, TRYING to keep herself at a professional level. she didnt want Delilah to worry about her, or to be a burder.::