Ororo's ghost story II: Raccoon City

[Shadow Weaver]

the restaurant

<< Time had passed, PAINFULLY slow during this lunch. The doctor was running out of options and to keep blocking her daughters the way she was would do damage to their family that no magick could fix. Karen WAS weary in many ways and her daughters were right.>>

<< she glared at Blaze with disapproval as the young woman slammed her hand on the table. Karen was ALWAYS adamant that they fly the flag of finesse in public. and as she relented from her glare, she looked around and eventually saw none other than...>>

MICHAEL ARMSTRONG

<< he was with some exotic looking young woman though and so, rather than give the man any MORE place than he'd already tried to take in her life with his constant search for information, she returned her focus to her daughters as Blaze and Morgan spoke. Her heart ACHED. She KNEW they needed her more than she'd given herself to them over the last year but HOW could she just TELL THEM....>>

flash

<< a dark, technologically advance research facility. computers, data feeds, and other equipment...stasis tubes with various organic objects as well as humans...some alive...others...less so.>>

<< Karen, James Marcus, Rick Riley and Diana... all partially enshrouded in shadow as they stand around a surgical table watching as James Marcus performs experimental procedure on already mutated leeches involving the T-VIRUS. the same virus that was behind the creatures lurking in the vast forest of the arklay mountain range...the same creatures that ATTACKED BLAZE.>>

flash

<< how could she tell them that she KNEW what it was that attacked Blaze because it was something SHE and her research team presided over. Not that SHE would have wanted to see the virus unleashed in anyway...but a string of events had already taken place that were slowly pushing Raccoon City towards a nightmare of destruction.>>

<< HOW could she be there for them without ...without them HATING her.>>

<< she was gripped by fear and doubt so badly, the irony that a woman who specialized in psychiatry would be gripped by this and anxiety was lost on her.>>

<< still, she held the key to her family staying together and so much more.>>

<< she took morgan's hand with one of her's and Blaze's outstretched hand with the other as they sat in the restaurant among the other rich patrons.>>

Listen, my children...

<< she paused...>>

I've been...under a great deal of pressure and its getting worse. Michael Armstrong has been harrassing me...repeatedly and he's making it worse. I'm considering going to his superiors at the Raccoon City Police Department...

Morgan: That hot shot bastard that Delilah works with? WHY is he bothering you?

<< Karen felt a lump in her throat.>>

He's looking for...information. It's more serious than i intially let on.

<< her hand held device went off again.>>

I've decided that I must tell you...if only because I can't bear the thought of lying even to protect you or myself anymore. But not here. Michael is here...even NOW.

<< they all looked over to see Mike...and Morgan GLARED at him menacingly with her violet eyes.>>

Don't make a scene, Morgan.

<< gently squeezing her hand.>>

I'm afraid that we must end our lunch now. I need to leave...i'm being paged, a patient of mine is in serious condition.

But we must talk, my children. I'll call you this evening.

<< her voice's elegant tone was tinged with a shakiness. But after a moment of sincerity in her opal blue eyes that let her children know that indeed she had something she was going to tell them, she let go of their hands and stoodup.>>

My driver is already waiting out front. He received the same page. Lunch is on me, my darlings.

<< standing up...she hugs Morgan and Blaze...now THAT was something she hadnt done in a while and in public no less. she grabs her Donna Karen attache' and tailored black jacket and walks, with Morgan and Blaze following. Ava , Alison and Cameron had JUST left before them but as THEY pass Mike, Morgan and Blaze shoot DAGGERS at him with their eyes. Karen o n the other hand refuses to look at him as she places her designer gucci sunglasses on her face and they all step out into the late afternoon sun.>>

You take care....be carefull...and i love you both...

<< Karen said as sure enough, her driver was waiting...in a suit with sunglasses. the door to her luxury car already open. the black on black vehical was tricked out and designed for comfort travel as well as speed and handling. the vehical bared the logo of Mystech on it and for Morgan and Blaze to see their mother be quickly helped into this sleek back vehical and then the door shut so they now couldnt even see INTO the vehical...it looked so ominous, like she was being carried off to hell.>>

<< perhaps she WAS on her way to hell, or something like it. the car zoomed past where Alison and Ava stood, they didnt see who was in the car but the logo of the car and the fact that it was so sleek with totally black tinted windows and bore the insignia of Mystech lead them to believe someone of importance must have been in there.>>

 

[Spellbinder]

leaving downtown Raccoon City

<< she felt her mother shaking as she took her hand and as Karen revealed that Mike had been hounding her, Morgan felt a flash of anger.>>

He's got some nerve, after the way that parade of idiots at the police department showed how MASSIVELY incompetent they are with the handling of Blaze's case.

<< Morgan wanted to go over there and punch Michael into the wall and she could do it too. But Karen admonished her not to make a scene. Morgan returned her gaze to her mother.>>

I knew something was wrong...

<< but Karen's hand held device went off. she was being paged for a patient in serious condition. Morgan sighed as she stood up with her mother and sister and embraced her mother.>>

alright mom, make sure you call or i'll be calling you. be carefull.

<< Karen paid the bill and together they left, walking past Mike. Morgan looked at him.>>

stay away from my mother, you bastard[/b]

<< she thought with venom as they left.>>

Mom, if Michael bothers you again...call me...in our special way. I'll make SURE he sees the error of his ways.

<< she and blaze stood together and watched as Karen was quickly shuttled away.>>

Blaze...part of me is actually happy, i think mom is FINALLY going to open up to us but if she's been hiding something this long, this hard...I'm almost AFRAID of what it might BE!

<< their limo pulled up and they entered. >>


I'm tempted to wait and confront Michael. Who does he think he IS!? If he's responsible for my mother feeling and acting the way she does...i'll bend his over developed ass over backwards and turn him into a human chaise lounge!

<< huffing with annoyance.>>

well, i'm not needed at Rejuvination for the rest of the day and Jennifer has already left. she messaged me while we were eating. We may as well head home and get ready to receive our out of town guests. A night of fun with friends is probably what we need...its been a while...for both of us.

what do you say...up for some fun tonight?

<< Morgan smiled a bit at her sister.>>

 

[Prophet]

the restaurant

:: As Cameron and Alison exchanged words he thought of Morgan and her contract with Rejuvenation. She didn't seem all that happy of a person. Almost like she was doing a job for the security it brought her, not because she enjoyed it. He suddenly saw Morgan in a different light. ::

Alison: And as for this town? all I can say is... be ready to let go.

Nothing is worth your life...

"Amen to that. If it comes to it. I'll be ready to go."

:: Reflecting on his own thoughts for a moment he looked at the body language of his sister across the table from him. She was seeing something. Not outside but in her mind. This used to happen to her all the time when they were younger. She would just kind of zone out and there would almost be a somewhat static energy in the air, her pupils would dilate. When she snapped out of her vision and shivers feverishly before knocking a goblet on the floor, shattering it. Thinking on his toes, Cameron mentally influenced the patrons in the restaurant not to see what had just happened, minus the waiter sweeping up the glass. Instead they would see Cameron and Alison laughing loudly about one of Alison's overseas adventures. They couldn't afford to cause a scene in this town for a moment. ::

"Sounds like a plan Alison. You okay?"

:: Before she responded she notedly got up from the table to get Ava and promptly told him to pay the bill. Of course she did. He smirked for a second before heading to the front, paying the bill and heading outside to meet with Alison and Ava for the valet. ::

"Well you do know how to make a scene Alison. I did SOME damage control, but that outfit definitely marks you as NOT from town.. and Ava, have I rubbed off on you?"

:: Cameron smiled ::

 

[Harbinger]

the limo

[smirking] "It was strictly buisness. [nudging her back]

oh i am SO sure...

:: she says with a low, playfull sarcastic tone, laughing a bit::

what kind of business was he looking for? tonsil cleaning? if his tongue had been any further in your mouth i think he would have on a deep sea diving expedition.

that kind of business is strictly PLEASURE honey.

:: a little levity as they exited the restaurant and watched a sleek black vehical drive past while they waited under the canopy. not immediately aware of who was in there and how she tied into what they were there for. as the afternoon breeze blew a bit, Alison became a bit more serious, as did Ava. ::

I'm meeting with Mr. Beefcake in an hour. He has documents that could help further shed light on what's really going on in this city, and how it ties to Haleigh.

...

looking to Alison, the precog looked tense] You okay, AM?"

well...it's just that...

::their limo pulled up and Cameron soon joined them as they all climbed in. the doors were shut and they were secure in their cabin.::

It's this town...the people in it...so FOOLISH and blindly unaware.

:: Ava knew that the precog could see MUCH that was unseen by many, even the supers and while Alison was KNOWN for her boredom with America...it seemed that this town bothered her more than most other places before ever had. not a good sign.>>

michael armstrong, the closer you get to him, the harder it will be for us to move secretly. dont let him compromise OUR plan. the R.P.D. failed Haleigh, failed YOU...and I don't want us to get side tracked by HIM.



I'll keep an "eye" on you of course, but remember we're to meet with Morgan tonight. Don't tell Mike where you're staying either. Be carefull of him.

:: that wasnt all. Cameron saw the way Alison had zoned out for a moment before dropping her glass in utter shock. what was THAT about? ::

 

[Prophet]

the limo

:: As the Limo took off down the street Ava and Alison had a conference of sorts about what to do about Michael and Cameron agreed with Alison. Michael would only get in the way of things. The way he was just sitting there watching everything unfold like a fly on the wall really just bothered him. Michael's mind was strong and the only thing Cameron could pick up on was Karen Victoria. But he pushed those thoughts to the side for now. ::

"I do agree with Alison. He failed YOU, get the information, and get out. Let him do what he thinks is "helping" and leave him be. It might be smart to take Morgan up on her offer of staying with her at her place. You can just tell mike you are staying at the hotel. You still have the room reserved I assume."

:: Cameron watched his sister express her concerns about Raccoon City. And he had also seen her quite disturbed about something. He needed to know what was going on. They all did. ::

"Look Alison. I know you are trying to play this close to your chest, but what the hell was responsible for giving you that look of dare I say it terror... What did you see at the restaurant?"

 

[Harbinger]

the limo ride

:: Alison quickly knocked back another goblet of hemlock as she settled into the deep leather booth next to Ava and across from Cameron.::

:: it relieved her that beneath Cameron's playboy exterior there was a very intelligent, astute young man. a few years ago there wasnt much intelligence there...just male instinct ::

:: he seemed to have a sense that there was a layer beneath the shiney metal and sparkling technological facade of Raccoon City and he was not caught up in the hype like she initially thought.::

:: as he and Ava asked her what the matter was. Alison remained tight lipped but Cameron pushed. many people were afraid to do that with Alison but Cameron and Ava knew how far to go.::



::sigh:: there is a reason I see things you can't, baby brother. if i told you NOW what you are not supposed to know...it would effect the timethread that binds us together...the timethread that most favors us finding Haleigh.



:: in truth, she needed to protect Cameron and Ava from needless fear and the possibility of them altering their course of action which in turn would muddle their path to the most favorable outcome.::

:: it was not always a pleasure to hear what she had to say but it was equally just as difficult for HER to bear the burding of "SEEING" without being to always SAY.::

:: she looked at her brother.::

trust me, when the time is right, I will reveal what i must. for now let's just get Ava to where ever she's supposed to be meeting Michael. we're going to be close by and I'm going to be watching her as she deals with this mortal.

Ava call him now and ask him where you're supposed to meet. once you're done with that, we can get to Morgan's and....truly...

:: looking out of the window, the ghostly image of a burning city of the damned passed right along with the actual city she saw outside the window.::

decompress.


:: leaning back in her seat, she closed her eyes and inhaled, then slowly exhaled.::

I think I might be a little tired too...after all, we came straight here from the air port and the massive time change along with the difference in air quality and such.

:: and she wasnt lying either.::

 

[Prophet]

the limo

:: He knew he wasn't going to get much information out of Alison but he at least had to try but he couldn't help but be a little scared that whatever she had seen was coming and soon. Cameron also felt uneasy about Ava going alone to meet with Mike. He voiced his concerns. ::

"I know Alison. It's just.. i've never really seen you like that before. And as for Ava. Haleigh has dissappeared and this isn't the first instance of people with information dissappearing in the city. I know we'll be watching and I know Ava is quite capable of a woman, but let's just be careful. I really don't trust that guy. He was supposed to be Haleigh's partner. If he doesn't know where she is, it makes me wonder if he had anything to do with it..."

:: Cameron exhaled and stared out the window at the bustling city as the limo rushed by the skyline, wondering what was about to transpire over the next 48 hours and just what had messed with his sister so much inside. He didn't like it and as carefree as he may have seemed at the time, if he had to, he would FIGHT. ::

"And I agree both of you seem exhausted, and with all of this ominous stuff I could use a drink..."

 

[Persephone]

Alison: michael armstrong, the closer you get to him, the harder it will be for us to move secretly. dont let him compromise OUR plan. the R.P.D. failed Haleigh, failed YOU...and I don't want us to get side tracked by HIM.

Cameron: I do agree with Alison. He failed YOU, get the information, and get out. Let him do what he thinks is "helping" and leave him be.

"Nothing is going to compromise me finding my sister. Like I said, it was strictly buisness. Nothing more."

Ava wasn't exactly telling the whole truth. She actually found Mike's brash attitude and concern for his sister appealing. But she wouldn't admit that of course.

Looking over to Alison after Cameron asked what she had 'saw' in the resurarunt, she refused to say. Ava wasn't angry....she was used to Alison having to keep what she saw a secret. It would change the outcome of the future, which could ultimately mean, Haleigh being killed. Ava hated not knowing--and from the looks of it, Cameron did as well--but she didn't ask any further questions about the subject.

Alison: Ava call him now and ask him where you're supposed to meet. once you're done with that, we can get to Morgan's and....truly...decompress

Taking out her cell phone, Ava called the number Mike had given her. Putting the phone up to her ear, he promptly answered.

"Mr. Armstrong? Ava Cassadine....i'll be arriving shortly to meet you."

 

[Arsenal]

Mike finished his meal, then did a cursory sweep of the restaurant security. He reported back to the security head as he left.

Everything is in order. One issue though. You have a man with a directional Mike in the opposite corner to my table, probably fake credentials. Considering your rules here, he should be detained. Good day, gentlemen.

Mike left as the man who was trying to listen to him stood suddenly. He was being held up by the guards even as Mike entered his car and pulled off. He had a feeling, and so he pulled over suddenly into a garage, paid the attendant for 3 days, and walked up the street. He saw a bicycle stand and, taking out his silenced opistol, he shot off the lock, wrapped 2 $100 bills around it, and rode his bike to an garage a few blocks to the east.

There he unwrapped a car he'd just bought last week and had not been seen driving, an old Pontiac GTO with a souped-up engine. He pulled out just as Ava was calling him.

Armstrong. Yes, hello Ava. Meet me at 132 Pine ave, in front of a spot called Booty's Soul Food. It is in not the best part of town, but you will be safer than anywhere else, trust me. I will be there in the next 10 minutes.

Mike moved quickly, making great time there. He pulled to the back and walked in to see an old man.

Booty!!! Wassup, baby!

Nothing much, kid. I was just settuing up for the night crowd. Want something to eat?

Nah. I ate at work today. Otherwise, I would get my fill. I got a REAL doll coming in in about 5 minutes, I want you to put her at a good table. I will be out once I get some things from the back.

Whatever you say, kid. I am GLAD to look out for pretty women.

Booty walked slowly out front. The place was homey, but VERY clean and smelled of food that was decidely African-American in taste. He stood straight as he looked out from his counter and wauted. Booty had been here a long time, since before th gleaming towers, before the changes. Mike had come a few years back and cleaned up his neighborhood, helped him get the area organized, and his business was better than ever. Booty had all the money he and his family would ever need, but he was glad to serve good food to good people in this old area of the city where money was sometimes hard top come by. He owed Mike for that, but Mike only wanted a closet to keep somethings and an older guy to confide in. One who had been in World War Two and could keep his mouth shut. He older man walked back out to find Mike arming for bear.

Big night tonight, son?

Big time here. Booty, you know we talked about this, and it's time. You call Louise and the kids, all your family. You take them to Disney World for ten days and close up, like I told you. You insurance is paid up full, and you are just fine losing a week, we BOTH know. If this city is here in ten days, come back. Otherwise, you keep living and keep moving, you got me old man?

But son, is it THAT bad?

I have a feeling Booty, and I can't shake it. I want what's best, and that is you OUT. This is your LAST night here. You close up after my visitor's fine ass hits the parking lot, and you be on the 10:30 PM plane to Orlando. The money you gave me to vacation with last year paid for the tickets, and your family has almost the whole damn plane on my military discout. Tell them it is for the party JOnes, and the tickets are in your till. No questions. PLEASE.

OK boy. Let me look at this woman that is so fine I have to close after she goes. Mikey?

Yessir?

You be careful. And you find me when this is all over. Louise will have a FIT if you don't.

Yessir.

Old Boris--That's why he preferred Booty, whoever heard of a Black man named Boris?-- went back out to wait for Ava...

 

[Persephone]

Mike: Armstrong. Yes, hello Ava. Meet me at 132 Pine ave, in front of a spot called Booty's Soul Food.

"Excuse me?"

Cocking one of her finely shaped eyebrows up, Ava shook her head at the place Mike decided to pick to meet up.

Mike: It is in not the best part of town, but you will be safer than anywhere else, trust me. I will be there in the next 10 minutes.

"Fine...whatever. I'll be there."

Ending the call, Ava pressed the intercom that linked to their driver.

"I need to go to some place called...Booty's Soul Food. Drop me off a couple of blocks away from the facility."

Driver: Yes ma'am.

Shooting a look to both Cameron and Alison, Ava sighed at how ridiculous she felt saying that to the driver.

[deadpan] "What the hell am I getting myself into.."

Ten minutes passed and soon the car pulled to a stop two blocks away from Booty's Soul Food as instructed. Opening the door, Ava climbed out of the car and began to tie her black trench coat tightly shut.

Dipping her head into the car.

"Twenty minutes...if i'm not out by then, assume i've drowned in a vat of bacon fat...."

Cracking a joke, Ava gave them both a smile. She knew if anything bad were going to happen, Alison wouldn't even be ALLOWING her to meet with Mike alone, therefore it was easy to be lighthearted about the situation.

Closing the car door, Ava quickly jogged across the street; her healed shoes hit the concrete surface rhythmically. Reaching the sidewalk, Ava slowed her pace to a fast walk; in the distance she could see the sign for the restaurant. Finally reaching Booty's Soul Food, Ava opened the door seeing Mike standing there waiting for her.

"Nice choice of venue."

Glancing over to the owner before returning her attention to Mike.

"Perhaps we could speak somewhere more private?"

There were a few booths in the very back of the restaurant that didn't have anyone around them. Without waiting for Mike, Ava headed back to one, taking a seat.

 

[Harbinger]

less desireable part of town

:: as they continued to talk, Alison reached over to the bar and decided to nibble on a few cherries that would normally go in a drink.::

:: Ava calls Mike and when she communicates to the driver where she needs to go, Alison looks over at Ava in disbelief while Ava MEETS Alison's look.>>

[deadpan] "What the hell am I getting myself into.."

Ten minutes passed and soon the car pulled to a stop two blocks away from Booty's Soul Food as instructed. Opening the door, Ava climbed out of the car and began to tie her black trench coat tightly shut.

Dipping her head into the car.

"Twenty minutes...if i'm not out by then, assume i've drowned in a vat of bacon fat...."

Ava, i think everything you're wearing cost more than this ENTIRE AREA.

:: Alison let down the window to watch Ava before the woman disappeared behind a building.::


This is ridiculous. A model and a socialite slinking about the "low end of town"...what kind of associations does this Michael Armstrong HAVE?

:: letting the window back up, Alison sank back into the deep leather booth and crossed her long, smooth , bare legs at the knee. twirling her ankle a bit and looking at her open toed, sling back high heel::

::sigh:: well Cameron...this is certainly one adventure i'll never forget.

oh sure, i've traveled the world, sampled the finest cuisine, drank champagne with diamonds in the glass and have enjoyed the company of some of the most beautifull men...and to top it all off? i visited my baby brother in a place called Raccoon City...specifically the part of town straight out of a bad 1970's gang flick while waiting for my friend to obtain information from Officer Muscle Head.

:: picking with cameron a bit.::

Oh Cameron, you really know how to show a girl a good time.

:: laughing softly as she laid her head back and looked up at the ceiling::

I'm keeping an "eye" on her now. Make sure no one sees us here, Cam. The sight of a luxury limo in this part of town is sure to draw everything from prostitutes to drug dealers with dellusions of grandeur.

:: at that moment, with a "POP" sound, a set of floating colbalt blue eyes opens where Ava and Mike are. the eyes hover behind Ava and watch silently...AVA recognizes the sound but Mike will not, nor will he see the eyes. Ava can take comfort in knowing that whatever is happening, whatever WILL happen, Alison will be ready to help her::

 

[Arsenal]

"Nice choice of venue."

Mike smiled.

The most real place you have been in Raccoon City. Don't worry, Booty doesn't bite. Louise will have his HIDE if he does.

Mike laughs while Ava walks to a back booth and seats herself. Mike follows her and sits across from her. He smiled again, a smirk that conveys the joy he derives form having this PRINCESS slum it a little. Then his face becomes serious again. He holds up an SD card as he speaks, then hands it to her.

This is the files I have been able to gather concerning the incident and everything that ties together with it. I am no scientist or physician, but I have been paying attention to them for years, and I think that there is something fishy going on here that involves some sort of experimentation. Either that or some sort of waste dumping, That is the only way I can BEGIN to explain some of the shit I saw. Either way, it has to be big if some of the people I know are going along with it. There is some powerful shit going on, and I aim to get to the bottom of it. Take this card, I have a copy. If you need it, I have an untraceable notebook that you can use to see what is there once you get back into your limousine. Can I help you with anything else?

 

[Persephone]

"Oh wipe that smirk off your face."

Ava snapped, KNOWING Mike was enjoying seeing her--dressed like she had just stepped off a Calvin Klein runway show--sitting in a dump in the middle of a city named after a nocturnal rat.

"Do you have what I want?"

Make handed her an SD card. At that exact moment, the elemental heard a familiar 'pop' that indicated that Alison was nearby watching.

"What's this?"

Mike: This is the files I have been able to gather concerning the incident and everything that ties together with it.

Mike further explained that in the letter it showed documentation about some sort of experimentations, that explained why he, Haleigh, and Delilah had encountered mutated leaches the night of Haleigh's disappearence. Sliding the card into her trench coat pocket, there was obviously a hell of a lot more to this situation that Ava first ancicipated.

Mike: Can I help you with anything else?

"If this is all the information you have, then no."

Ava hesitated, her eyes shifting across the retaurant noticing the owner was the only other person in the establishment besides herself, Mike, and Alison. He was off in the distance mopping the floor, ready to close up for the night.

"Thank you."

Standing from the booth, Ava looked down at him.

"You should get out while you still can....before it's too late."

A grim warning of what was to come in the next few days. And with that, Ava proceeded toward the front exit of the restaurant.

 

[Arsenal]

"Thank you."

Standing from the booth, Ava looked down at him.

"You should get out while you still can....before it's too late."

I am not leaving without finding out what happened to Hales. I would hope that whatever you find, you might reciprocate. Look, I KNOW that your super friends are probably warning you that I will be no help. But Haleigh and Delilah respect me as a teammate for a REASON. If you are going to do something crazy, I want to at least be able to join in the fun.

Mike stood as a gentleman would when a lady is about to leave. He was ushering her to the door when Booty walked up to the pair with a small cheap camera.

Ma'am, may I? You two look so good together. It's just a small favor for an old man you will probably never see again.

Booty?!

He held up the camera as Mike stood beside her, smiling sheepishly.

Say cheese!

*CLICK*

Mike led her back out and watched as she returned to her car. He said one last thing before she got too far.

Ava, think about what I said.

Mike came back, smiling and shaking his head at the old man.

Man...get out of here. Kiss Louise and the grandkids for me and go.

Mike locked the door and ushered him out the back as he went to his car and fired it up to head out...

 

[Firebird]

Leaving Raccoon City

Morgan: She's just frustrated, Mother and she has every right to be.

Blaze knew Morgan would always defend her even to Karen. Even Blaze would return the favor. But as of late Blaze was just completely and utterly inundated with stress. The lack of sleep didn’t help and was probably a catalyst. “Frustrated is an understatement.” She spoke flatly while taking a deep breath.

Massaging the side of her temples from the approaching migraine. Blaze turned to glance at Morgan as she addressed Karen. Both siblings were anxious and who could blame them. Morgan was right! Karen had changed and it all correlated to MysTech.

Karen: MICHAEL ARMSTRONG

Blaze scoffed at even hearing his name. She was still displeased with him and his incompetent unit. “Somehow I don’t think he’s here for the food or the ambiance.” Shaking her head, Blaze heavily disliked Michael and found him wasted space especially with the handling of her case. “I think it’s rather amusing that he’s taking a special interest with Karen and he didn’t seem to even care about my case.” Both Blaze and Morgan would never allow him come any where near Morgan.

Smirking, “Oh come on, let Morgan pummel him a little. He’s a man he can take it. Although if he’s anything like my ex-boyfriend then that’s a different story.” Chuckling, “I loved Morgan’s parting words when she threw him out of my room.” In the past Blaze had an abusive boyfriend that Morgan had nearly brutalized.

With Karen showing signs of improvement, warmth, and even compassion Blaze began to feel hope. Watching Karen from her seat who seemed frightened although she managed to hide it well. But unfortunately for her Blaze was keenly observant. The look in Karen’s eyes even for the briefest moment was caught by the mutant. Mentally filing the memory to discuss with Morgan later on.

Now that lunch was cut short Blaze and Morgan stood up only to be embraced by Karen. Blaze tensed right up when Karen’s arms went around her. It seemed foreign to her only to relax into the embrace. Was she dreaming or maybe even hallucinating? Waving good-bye Blaze and Morgan awaited for their limo to arrive.

Morgan: Blaze...part of me is actually happy, I think mom is FINALLY going to open up to us but if she's been hiding something this long, this hard...I'm almost AFRAID of what it might BE!

“There’s more than meets the eye with her, Morgan. While she may be stressed she’s almost covering something up for MysTech.” Lowering her voice, Blaze pulled her sunglasses down over her eyes. “I’ve been doing a little digging and that company seems almost TOO clean! I’ve been putting together a compendium of documents and resources. Karen may be in too deep and if that’s the case she won’t expose the truth.”

Morgan: I'm tempted to wait and confront Michael. Who does he think he IS!? If he's responsible for my mother feeling and acting the way she does...I'll bend his over developed ass over backwards and turn him into a human chaise lounge!

Smirking, Blaze could see Morgan was as frustrated as she was. “While a chaise lounge would be good it’s not fitting for him. Turn him into a tooth brush! Make him work a little.” She teased with a chortle.

Morgan: Well, I'm not needed at Rejuvination for the rest of the day and Jennifer has already left. she messaged me while we were eating. We may as well head home and get ready to receive our out of town guests. A night of fun with friends is probably what we need...its been a while...for both of us. What do you say...up for some fun tonight?

Blaze smiled back, “I think we are both in need of some fun tonight.”

 

[Prophet]

Behind Booty's

:: Cameron soon found himself in a part of town he had hardly ever visited while living in Racoon City. Yeah he was a snob and he knew it. His sister commented and he felt a little better about his own feelings about the area. ::

"As long as he gets her the information she needs with no funny business, I guess that's all that matters. But yeah, he definitely has me wondering about him myself."

:: As Ava left the car and Alison waxed sarcasticed about what where her life had taken her at this point, Cameron did his part in mentally disguising the Limo. Any bystanders would now see the Limo as a dumpster with a homeless man in front, having a conversation with his right knee, Cameron figured this would be a usual sight for anyone who actually LIVED in this area. ::

"Roger that, Alison. Nobody should be coming near us. We should be good."

:: As Alison put her own "eyes" out to survey the scene, Cameron reached out with his third eye over the immediate area they were in. That way Alison could watch Ava and Michael and Cameron could survey the scene to make sure that nobody was coming that might cause them problems, allowing him a bird's eye view of the entire city block. He also tuned in mentally to their conversation. Hopefully he could pick up on something from Michael that Ava and Alison might not get. Any clues or leads would help them at this point, but he had a feeling that Michael might just be blowing smoke up their asses. ::

"I hope Ava is right about this guy. She seems a little bit more interested in his muscle mass index than his information..."

:: A few moments later, Cameron picked up on Ava exiting towards the front of the restaurant with the information in hand. ::

"Well, it looks like he was good on his word. Now let's just get Ava in the car and get out of this place. I feel like i'm on a bad episode of Law and Order..."

 

[Persephone]

Mike: I am not leaving without finding out what happened to Hales. I would hope that whatever you find, you might reciprocate.

Ava was hesitant. She may have come to this dump to get information, but that didn't mean she TRUSTED Mike. But as they approached the front door or the restaurant, Ava nodded.

"If I find anything new, i'll let you know."

Booty: Ma'am, may I? You two look so good together. It's just a small favor for an old man you will probably never see again.

"Uhm...[sighing out with a small smile] Sure."

Posing next to Mike, Ava did her trademark 'smile with the eyes' and sexy smirk as the old man took their picture.

Departing from the establishment, Ava began to jog across the street toward the sideway just as Mike called for her.

Mike: Ava, think about what I said.

Turning her head just as she reached the curb, Ava gave him one last serious look.

"You too."

Referring to him getting out of this apocolyptic town while he still had the chance. Striding forward, finally Ava reached the limo and climbed inside. Handing Alison the small disc Mike had given her for the precog to review.

"We'll have to look at that once we get to Morgan's flat tonight."

 

[Seer]

and so

<< afternoon had given way to evening...twilight...when the boundaries between light and dark blur and darkness takes over.>>

<< Raccoon City's gleaming skyline began to light up the sky as the night shift took over.>>


<< Morgan and Blaze had returned to Morgan's large mansion located in the suburbs of Raccoon City and had made preperations to receieve their out of town guests. Even Cameron was extended an invitation .>>

<< Alison, Ava and Cameron are driven across town and over the Arklay express way to reach the suburban areas of the metropolitan area. the houses were further apart and the owners enjoyed more land and space between them. the neighborhoods were quiet, exclusive and filled with doctors, lawyers and other professionals. there were some areas more 'high end' than others. and one of the most exclusive blocks to live on was Windmill Pointe. This was where Morgan's mansion was.>>

<< Ava, Alison and Cameron arrive and are received by Morgan's staff. Greetings, hellos and reunions abound as Ava and Alison see Morgan and Blaze while Cameron is LIGHTLY regarded by both Morgan and Blaze >>

<< cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were served against the backdrop of smooth jazz music as Morgan and her friends reveled in a night of plush fun and comfort. the evening was just getting started for this group of beautifull, rich people...but it wouldnt all be fun and games.>>

<< the had an unexpected "visitor" of sorts...a SPECTATOR who had carefully and quietly made his way to Morgan's residence. Michael, who had visited here only once before during the initial but abruptly canceled interviews following Blaze's attack in Arklay forest, was now here, using his equipment and training as a member of STARS to silently move in and observe without being spotted by the light security that patrolled Morgan's house.>>


<< He'd have to be carefull though, a summer night's storm was rolling in and that would make it harder to pick up any possible audio. Not TOO surprising was the sight of DELILAH in the mansion. She was Morgan's friend from childhood and unlike Michael, Delilah had flat out RESIGNED from STARS following the incidents with Blaze and Haleigh. SHe couldnt take the bullshit RPD and the "higher ups" were trying to heap on her. She did however keep in contact with Michael secretly. Despite their difference of opinion on how to handle the situation with RPD and STARS and Haleigh's loss...they remained loyal to one another. Seeing her there at the mansion was bittersweet for Mike. He'd halfway expect Haleigh to suddenly appear...that was how close these three of STARS were.>>




meanwhile, zooming through and away from the city, to the outskirts, the forest and mountain range

<< Dr. Karen Victoria had arrived via private helicopter to the landing pad atop Arklay mansion! after landing, the doctor entered the building in its highest reaches.>>

<< the place was secret...outside and in. many of those who worked here also LIVED here in the sprawling estate. Karen, however opted not to do so, a descision that would come to be one of the best she'd ever made.>>

<< as it was right now, the mansion was in perfect working order the perfect combination of work activity and living existed here and though this mansion was first designed and constructed in the mid 1960's it has since continued to be both an architecual and style gem, its luxe residential accomodations having been updated several times to remain fresh and luxurious while the inner workings and secret areas of the mansion continued to boast cutting edge technology.>>

<< this was a house of intrigue, a house of secrets...and house that may as well be the gateway to hell itself.>>



<< with the night time came a summer cloud burst and rain storm. it rolled across the city and out to the outskirts of arklay forest and moutain range.>>

 

[Shadow Weaver]

the secret of Arklay

<< This place is a small city unto itself. with so many acres of land and an intricate floor plan, the mansion and surrounding grounds would be hard for anyone to travel if they didnt know where they were going.>>

<< it was an odd mix of residential and industrial.>>

<< Karen walks with an elegant stride. her black leather high heeled pumps click along on the metal floor as he walks silently, flanked by one larger male guard who is clothed in black military themed uniform and a face concealing helmet.>>

<< James Marcus' voice boomed over the p.a. system in this and other selected areas of the mansion>>: Mystech family, let us pause from our duties to remember the company motto. "Obedience breeds discipline. Discipline breeds unity. Unity breeds power. Power is LIFE! NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE."

"NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE"

<< the same slogan that appears on various billboards and paper ad campaigns for REJUVINATION, the beauty, healthcare and cosmetics company that Morgan was the front woman for. Karen heard the voice of this man. and everytime she heard it, she was convinced that this man was a twisted creature. She spent much time with him working on research and other secret projects in this mansion, but she loathed him. she found his tyrannical tendencies intolerable and was one of the few that could and WOULD often stand up to him.>>

<< on she went through the various levels and "back end" of the mansion where the more industrial/ "nuts and bolts" aspect of the mansion can be seen, the pretty doctor notes the many staff members present some are highly skilled engineers and technical workers, others are just labor and hired hands. this area of the mansion is not much of concern to us but she is near the elevator which could take her to the AQUA RING, one of the most secret and mysterious areas of this place or any of the other secure secret floors/laboratories. but no...she's going further up to the actual mansion floors itself where soft classical music wafted through the well hidden but high quality sound systems.>>

<< the mansion had a warm, tranquil and almost cozy feeling to it with its candle lit halls, luxe decorations and plush carpeting. aside from the soft classical music, there was a museum like hush.>>

<< she'd made this journey several times before, finally reaching one hall in particular and now walking down past several identical looking doors, she knocks on one in particular and opens it to find the young black man, NICOLAS KING, in his quarters inside the Arklay mansion!>>

<< the young man has lived her for some time, believing that Karen was his caretaker. She had befriended him and presided over the "study" of his unique abilities and powers as well as conducting tests and such. all the while teaching him, nurturing him and using her own mothering skills as best she could to make up for the loss of his own adoptive mother, Sharon. Karen and Sharon FAINTLY resembled one another. both blondes, both regal with pleasant sounding voices and with similar sounding names...Nicolas had first thought maybe Karen was his aunt, Sharon's sister. >>

<< Karen explained to Nicolas as he grew up under her care that she was not his aunt but it was okay if he thought of her that way. she was here to help him. He believed that it was SHE who ultimately rescued him and brought him back to health and in most ways, he was correct. But what he didnt know was that this mansion was not what it seemed...not at all. He could never leave and that Karen was all that stood between him and t he cruel machinations of Dr. James Marcus.>>

<< THIS was what Karen had been summoned for. To check on her unofficial ward, the boy who was destined to be the unwitting test subject for the new G Virus, the more powerfull strain of the already tried and true T Virus.>>

Hello Nicolas.

<< Karen said as she entered, smiling as she wore her clingy V neck, long sleeved cashmere blue blouse and black above the knee pencil skirt and her tailored lab coat.>>

I'm here to check on you.

<< she shuts the door as she entires Nicolas' living quarters. Not bad at all by any standards he had no reason to suspect anything was amiss. indeed through carefull control and interaction of the mystech staff and his trust in Karen...he had no reason to suspect or fear anything from her or this place at this time.>>

<< recently, Karen had given Nicolas a present. a small, fluffy white kitten [*think the same kitten Haleigh had given Morgan]. due to his moments of agression, usually brought about after being poked and prodded by james marcus during his "exercises" [another word for the extreme testing and experimentation THAT doctor had put him through] she wanted to teach him the importance of being gentle with animals and people and the value of caring for another living thing as Sharon and now she had done with him. The kitten was still young and was laying on Nicolas' bed. Karen asked Nicolas to care for the kitten and put trust in him. >>

How are you? How is the baby kitty?

<< Nicolas had noticed a change in his caretaker. Around 6 months ago [Blaze's attack and the subsequent fall out behind that] Karen seemed to become colder, more withdrawn. She was still gentle and nurturing with Nicolas, but not as warm...not as interacative. It seemed that the wall around her mind that he couldnt breach had now formed around her entire being.>>

I heard you had quite a productive day today.



<< unknown to him, her own referring to his newly released vital stats charts. his powers had progressed almost exactly as prodicted by mystech's scientific modules. coupled with Karen's subtle use of her magick to scramble his abilities and only release them to him over the years when it was deemed necessary and appropriate, the conditioning upon Nicolas had been a subtle success but James Marcus was threatening to undo all of that with his heavy handed ways toward the young man and right before Nicolas due to be "harvested" for the G virus.>>

<< he was a young man now and had many questions , growing curiosities and concerns. this was yet another burden for Karen as she KNEW what Mystech wanted and intended for the boy but she could no longer go with that plan and now...time was runing out. She could not delay or stall much longer what they wanted.>>

<< Karen's daughters...nor Mike...nor anyone else had ANY IDEA of this secret that Karen held here at the mansion.>>

 

[Persephone]

Approaching Morgan's mansion, the house was stunning. It definitely stood out among the other suburban homes. After the initial meet and greet with herself, Blaze, and the OTHER STARS agent, Delilah, they all gathered for drinks.

"You're house is stunning, Morgan. Truly."

Ava complimented before taking a sip of her Cosmopolitan. Eventhough she found Raccoon City to be strange and ridiculously low end, Morgan did have a knack for bringing class and elegance wherever she went.

"Thank you for allowing us to stay here. I'm sure it will be leaps and bounds more better than that rat hole of a hotel in the city."

The hotel Ava was referring to DID have a five star rating and was extremely high end, but that could also be said for any Days Inn located in the midwest.