Rose of destruction

[Spellbinder]

Limbo

Haleigh pivoted slowly, lifting her hands up from the ledge, and holding them out in front of her, palms out, a nonviolent stance that was still ready for anything. She carefully evaluated the demeanor of a provocatively dressed Morgan. Then, with a steady gaze and a steely tone, she responded.

"Hello Morgan."

<< Morgan looked upon Haleigh Davidoff with a calm smile, as her blonde hair flowed a bit to the side.>>

You have nothing to fear from me.

I summoned your astral self here. YOU remain in the mansion, where no one, including your mommie dearest, is the wiser.

<< She steps forward, and takes Haleigh, gently turning her to face a full length mirror that's near by>>

Do you like what you see?

Have you given much thought to who you REALLY are?

<< She SPINS Haleigh back around to face her, gripping her by the arms with her strength, and SHAKING her a bit>>

or who you may yet BE when this is all over?

<< She says with a bit of force in her tone as thunder CRASHES in the myterious skies of Limbo all around them>>

Was your FEAR of MALICE GREATER than your BELIEF in your family? In ME, the sorceress supreme of the world we live in!?

<< she shoves Haleigh down on the bed, and stands over her. Haleigh could somehow sense that Morgan wasn't trying to hurt her, but she wanted her to know that she meant business >>

You have questions, and so do I.

But YOU'RE going to answer MY questions first!

No games, Haleigh. No smart remarks. No "cat and mouse," no...."WORKOUTS" << an a jab at her and Berserker's bizarre and often bloody dynamic>>, and NO deflection.

We can do this the EASY WAY? or we can do it the HARD way.

<< and that was no idle threat.>>

But I've been watching you, SISTER, and I think you've been through ENOUGH at the hands of Malice. Do US both a favor, and meet me where I am...and TELL ME....

HOW could you sit there, in front of me, and conduct business with me, while LYING TO MY FACE about your drastically altered appearance. How could you deceive me on what you were planning to do to us, to YOURSELF!

What exactly did you think you were going to ACCOMPLISH?! Did you really believe YOU could satiate MALICE, and that YOU ALONE would STOP her from coming after US?

HOW you hurt my mother the way you did!? She BEGGED you to let her...let US help you!

What about Delilah, a woman who'd go to the ends of the earth for you, just as you did for HER and Alexia, Did you DOUBT US?

Did you think that WE couldn't PROTECT EACH OTHER, YOU INCLUDED!?

And finally...

<< She hoped Haleigh was listening carefully>>

...did you really think that MALICE would have the final say on what happens to MY family!?

<< She wasn't necessarily speaking of the SIX, although they WERE her family, she was speaking of herself, her mother, and her SISTERS>>

<< Right now, this was a TEST, to see if Haleigh had truly LOST herself, OR if she still had even an OUNCE of connection to HERSELF, her FORMER life, and the people in it, her FAMILY. if she DID, then Morgan could proceed with the next part of her..."inquiry" and investigation.>>

 

[Silver Swan]

The Sanctuary- Rose's brownstone

[A new day, the HOPE for progress, and chance to seek and FIND JUSTICE]

[ She made her way from her guest dwelling noting the curious atmosphere of being in the Sanctuary. This was an entire city block owned by one woman, and while in the grand scheme of things, it was but a grain of sand on this urban beach, but Rose had created a truly unique place here, a veritable village, with the various buildings and structures providing a variety of shelter options, all fully furnished, but also, beneath the facades was a truly remarkable network of technology that surved for security and protection- at least until last night. Furthermore, they combined to form a an extensive labyrinth of secret passages, and underground connections, that allowed Rose, AND her children passage to/from the Sanctuary to the underground bunker, which was well stocked fortress itself.]

[ After the bus accident, CI had worked overtime, under Zach's direction to create an underground tunnel, with an express jet, that would linke the Sanctuary to Charope's Infirmary. It was a top secret, well maintained escape route, and thankfully, Rose had NOT destroyed THAT piece of CI's architection]

[ Still, even as Sharon, Rae, and Danny, whom Sharon had noted not so subtle hostility from, were gathering with Rose for a delicious breakfast, including a truly appealing selection of fresh fruits- Sharon's favorite thing to eat, urgent signals came through her communication equipment that all the BoP were provided by Oracle. Zach was calling her!]

Excuse me, I need to take this call.

[ She made her way to another room within the brownstone.]

Good morning, Zachary.

"Sharon, how ARE you this morning? I'm sorry to bother you, but I was hoping you could explain what exactly is going on at the Sanctuary?"

[ Sharon Sighed, shaking her head. ]

I....wanted to see you this morning. Talk to you, and tell you this in person. You and Alycia both.

Zachary, I need you to go into Alycia's room, and make sure she hears this. It's IMPERATIVE that she hear this too.

Once you're with Alycia, you need to be sitting down.

[ She waited a few moments, until she heard Alycia, and apparently Vivica in the background. After a few moments, she began.]

No doubt the reason you've contacted me before I could come back to see you and Alycia is because Rose went on an absolute rampage, and destroyed nearly ALL of Clandestine's equipment...in under 15 minutes.

Listen to me carefully.

Rose has FIRED you, Zach. You...and ALL of Clandestine Inc, effective immediately.

Last night was her official "BREAKING" of whatever contract Clandestine Inc had with her to provide security and protection.

In HER mind, Clandestine Inc is as souless and corrupt as Black Widow...and YOU lead her here. She considers you an abject failure...and she....she blames you for Haleigh.

She has declared you are BANNED from the premesis, and from contact with Jake. I tried to protest [ his being banned from seeing Jake], but she wouldn't hear of it.

I'm sorry Zach, but for your safety, AND to keep HER placated, you CANNOT return to the Sanctuary.

Give Alycia her portfolio back straight away. Rose demanded it, as of last night, after she VAPORIZED the entire CI security net around the Sanctuary.

[ She knew Zach would take this hard, as unfortunate as this was, the time had come to tell him the truth]

Zach...there's one other VERY big thing.

The night that Black Widow tressspassed onto the Sanctuary to kidnap Jake, and Rose confronted her, She scanned her with soul power and saw...TURMOIL in her soul. She offered to HELP Haleigh, but the woman inexplicably refused. Rose scanned more intensely, and then she DIVINED something from Haleigh's mind and soul. A dark truth that no one, not even YOU were aware of at the time.

That night...when the bus accident occurred?

[FLASH!]

<< MOMENTS EARLIER, as the aircraft had descended into a bombing pattern...>>

"Sorry, but it's my SISTER and the love of my life we're headed to, DO believe me when I say I'm properly motivated to expedite this--"

She fell silent when she spotted the plane. It was flying a standard bombing run flight pattern, and Haleigh had direct access to its target database. Two targets...... their SUV..... and the bus full of innocent orphan children. The aircraft launched two missiles simultaneously, and Haleigh's heart sank.

She had to choose. There was no time to second guess or weigh the options. She decided to save her SUV, and the six lives inside. She detonated the missile several meters before it reached them, muting the impact on their vehicle. She swerved forcefully, throwing the SUV into an induced roll so that the belly of the vehicle would absorb the shrapnel and most of the blast. As they flipped upside down she saw what twisted metal remained of the warhead hit the pavement and ricochet back at her. She tried to shield her face, but it wasn't enough. It knocked her clean out.

Haleigh knew what was going to happen. She knew that a missle was on a direct collision course with the bus full of Rose's children, and she chose to save herself and the Six instead!

[ Sharon relayed this information in a low, cold tone]

You know what happened next. You and I were both there.

[FLASH!]

<< Zachary and Rose are THROWN clear of the blast and barely conscious as they are PELTED with glass. SHARON, who was RUNNING forward is knocked back and SLAMS into a nearby car. Ava is knocked off her feet. BOTH women are still fully conscious. The BUS has been HIT! It's in FLAMES...car alarms near by are going off, CHILDREN are crying in pain. >>

When Rose divined this awful truth from Haleigh, she confronted her with it. Haleigh's response?

[FLASH!]

<< Rose GASPED...and recoiled as she looked at Haleigh, one moment in SHOCK...the next in cold CONTEMPT as her eyes began glow>>

YOU...COULD HAVE SAVED THEM!? But you REFUSED!

<< Rose bellowed black tears began to fall from her glowing purple eyes>>

You CHOSE to let them die...MY CHILDREN...the unwanted...the WEAKEST and MOST IN NEED...

"Yes, I chose to let them die. If I had tried to save THEM.... I would have risked Rampage, Firebird, Recall, Charope, Prophet, and myself. Logically, I chose to save those who had the most to contribute to society."

She replied, unapologetic.

[ EVERYONE was silent for a moment as this information was processed. They all heard Haleigh's response...her reasoning...her UNAPOLOGETIC stance on the lives of 42 mutant orphans being expendable.]

Zach...Rose is in an AGREEABLE state right now,

[ Not immediately aware that Dennis Nedry had just made his way onto the premesis]

in large part due to the talk we had last night.

I've GOT to do everything I can to KEEP her that way.

And now that you know the truth, you've GOT to do the same thing.

Stay AWAY from Jake, AND the Sanctuary.

If Haleigh is SMART, she'll do the same thing.

She BARELY survived her encounter with Rose last time.

I think we ALL realize now that Rose can...and WILL kill her if she gets the chance.

[ Sharon wasn't concerned FOR Haleigh, she'd brought Rose's wrath on herself with the chocies she made. Sharon WAS conerned for Rose's state of mind, and ZACH'S physical well being.

 

[Black Widow]

Limbo

Morgan: You have nothing to fear from me.

"I do this to reassure YOU, Morgan. Or have you forgotten that we stand in opposition now?"

She said, lowering her hands smoothly, a grim look on her face.

Morgan: I summoned your astral self here. YOU remain in the mansion, where no one, including your mommie dearest, is the wiser.

"Clever girl. So what do you want with me?"

Morgan gently turned her to face a full length mirror, but Haleigh didn't look at herself, she looked past herself, at Morgan.

Morgan: Do you like what you see?

Haleigh scowled at the question, with only the slightest glance at herself, then her gaze was back on Morgan.

Morgan: Have you given much thought to who you REALLY are?

"This ISN'T who I AM!"

She snarled, as Morgan grabbed her and spun her around, seizing her by the arms and give her a jolt. Her hands instinctively came up inside of Morgan's arms, and she braced herself by clamping her hands down on Morgan's shoulders.

Morgan: or who you may yet BE when this is all over?

"RELEASE ME Morgan. I don't WANT to hurt you."

Morgan: Was your FEAR of MALICE GREATER than your BELIEF in your family? In ME, the sorceress supreme of the world we live in!?

"I DON'T FEAR MY MOTHER!!!"

She shouted over crashes of thunder, as Morgan shoved her forcefully backwards onto the bed. Haleigh sat back up as soon as she landed, her glare piercing.

Morgan: You have questions, and so do I. But YOU'RE going to answer MY questions first! No games, Haleigh. No smart remarks. No "cat and mouse," no...."WORKOUTS" and NO deflection. We can do this the EASY WAY? or we can do it the HARD way.

"ASK your fucking QUESTIONS then, but beware, it's highly unlikely you'll get the answers you want."

Morgan: But I've been watching you, SISTER, and I think you've been through ENOUGH at the hands of Malice. Do US both a favor, and meet me where I am...and TELL ME.... HOW could you sit there, in front of me, and conduct business with me, while LYING TO MY FACE about your drastically altered appearance. How could you deceive me on what you were planning to do to us, to YOURSELF!

"THAT is the question you really want to ask right now?!"

Morgan: What exactly did you think you were going to ACCOMPLISH?! Did you really believe YOU could satiate MALICE, and that YOU ALONE would STOP her from coming after US?

"Of COURSE not Morgan, didn't you hear a WORD I said the night I left?"

Morgan: HOW you hurt my mother the way you did!? She BEGGED you to let her...let US help you!

"NO ONE CAN HELP ME!"

Morgan: What about Delilah, a woman who'd go to the ends of the earth for you, just as you did for HER and Alexia, Did you DOUBT US? Did you think that WE couldn't PROTECT EACH OTHER, YOU INCLUDED!? And finally...did you really think that MALICE would have the final say on what happens to MY family!?

"It's NOT that SIMPLE, Morgan."

 

[Artemis]

Charope Infirmary- Alycia's suite

:: Thanks to Spellbinder, Charope's sleep was so deep and peaceful. Her mind, her body AND her soul were at rest for the first time in a long time. She was comfortable, she was SAFE, and Isis' magick had run its course on her body.::

:: She dreamed everywhere, and no where at the same time, and this time, there were no golfclubs involved ::

:: Soon, she naturally began to return to consciousness. Her awakening was natural and easy. The beautiful magick flower that Morgan had conjured for her was still next to her. But she had another unexpected susprise, a visitor in the form of...::

"Alycia...are you awake. Sorry to bother you, boo boo kitty. I brought coffee..and a set of golf clubs if you're up for it.."

:: Alycia smirked a bit in spite of herself, as she eyed Vivica, gesturing for her to come in and sit down::

[smirking]

"just kidding."

Yeah, cute. Really cute, Vivica.

:: She said with a hint of amusement in her voice::

If only you'd opened with humor all those years ago....

:: One good joke deserved another, and laughter WAS good for the soul.::

:: She laughed as she made her way into the room and set the coffee down on the night stand, taking a seat in a guest chair, crossing her legs. ::

"You look good. Actually..you look refreshed. What kinda cocoa butter they got in this place?"

:: Alycia laughed/scoffed, and rolled her hazel eyes::

You're a real riot, ya know that?

:: Vivica was joking, but she was also trying to lighten the mood, mostly because she couldn't believe how much she actually cared and was happy that Alycia was okay and alive. What a difference a day makes. ::

"How you feelin?"

:: Alycia looked at Vivica for a moment.::

::Never in a million years could she imagine a moment like THIS unfolding between them. But here they were, and it's worth noting that Cameron King, the strongest commonality between them, was now their mutual source of HATRED. A moment that he had one day hoped to see, and now he'd be BEYOND the LAST person that EITHER of them would want in this room::

I feel...like a million bucks in this moment, actually.

:: she nodded with satisfaction as she sat up a bit in her bed::

Thanks entirely to Isis, and Spellbinder, who also gave me this beautiful magick flower.

:: she holds it out to Vivica, to let her take in it's beautiful fragrance. Recall would feel her nasal passages, her lungs, her brain, EVERYTHING feel so...CLEAR and REFRESHED as she breathed it in, that was part of it's therapeutic charm.::

But while they did for my body....I did for my heart and my soul last night.

Zach came to see me.

And....we made up.

We found our way back to each other again.

We still don't agree about Haleigh. OR Ashley....but our deep, abiding friendship is more important than one of winning an argument, and we've REAFFIRMED a promise we made to one another, when we BOTH knew the darkness of Cameron and Haleigh was closing in on both of us.

:: And...almost as if on CUE, Zach comes in, but he looks terribly grim!::

Zach??

::She and Vivica look at both him::

What is it?!

::As Zach closes the door to Alycia's suite, he greets them both, and then switches his phone to speaker::

:: SHARON is on the line::

SHARON!

Hi, Alycia. I wish this were MERELY a social call...but I have some unfortunate news for Zach, that you need to be included in.

:: Alycia braces herself , and Sharon deliver knews that hits like a TRUCK.::

::True enough she had gently convinced Zach to release Rose's portfolio back to her, but the transition, under her direction, would have been quiet, and seamless. ROSE decided that was not an option, and she FIRED Zach, AND Clandestine Inc, in a MAJOR way!]

:: She whistled softly, as Sharon described what Rose had done, and the way she summarily dismissed Zach. She looked at Zach, she didn't want THIS for him.::

Sharon, Zach...he....really cares for Jake. He's been a father figure to Jake...

Sharon: I'm not disagreeing with you on that, Alycia. I TRIED to protest THAT part of her condition, but she wouldn't hear of it, and given how agreeable she's been since our talk last night...I didn't want to jeopardize this moment of relative calm on her part.

:: Vivica watched, and listened as the three interacted. She could see the firm foundation of their group dynamic. If anyone qualified as a "spin off" of the Six, it was these three. It underscored how many worlds Zach had lived in, AND she got to see a glimpse of Alycia and Sharon being focused on something...someone [Rose] they cared a great deal about::

:: Alycia sighed, placing a hand on Zach's arm::

Zach....I'm sorry.

::They both knew he hadn't been doing what he should regarding Rose. Under OTHER circumstances, it might have been viewed quite differently, but THEN]

Sharon:...there's one other VERY big thing. The night that Black Widow tressspassed onto the Sanctuary to kidnap Jake, and Rose confronted her, She scanned her with soul power and saw...TURMOIL in her soul. She offered to HELP Haleigh, but the woman inexplicably refused. Rose scanned more intensely, and then she DIVINED something from Haleigh's mind and soul. A dark truth that no one, not even YOU were aware of at the time.

::Sharon got to the HEART of why Rose had dismissed Zach, banned him from her premesis, AND destroyed nearly all of Clandestine's equipment.::

Sharon: That night...when the bus accident occurred?

:: And the awful truth about Haleigh's choice was revealed::

GREAT HERA!

:: Alycia exclaimed as she immediately looked at Zach! Astonishment, and ANGER flashed in her eyes::

::FLASH!::

"Do YOU really believe she'd ever hurt a CHILD if she thought she had a choice NOT to? I know you don't think very highly of her, but come on.... she was willing to DIE to reunite Delilah and her daughter. Just because Haleigh can't HAVE kids doesn't mean she hates them or wants to hurt them."

You were SAYING!?

:: She bellowed. She wasn't angry at HIM, nor was she reverting. She was just SICKENED by what she'd heard. The choice itself was horrific enough, but Haleigh's unapologetic response when confronted about it?! How could Zach justify THIS? would he even TRY? She hoped, for HIS sake, that he would not try to rationalize how someone could decide that 42 helpless, orphaned mutants WEREN'T WORTHY OF LIFE because "they weren't going to be productive members of society." ::

[ EVERYONE was silent for a moment as this information was processed. They all heard Haleigh's response...her reasoning...her UNAPOLOGETIC stance on the lives of 42 mutant orphans being expendable.]

Zach...Rose is in an AGREEABLE state right now,

[ Not immediately aware that Dennis Nedry had just made his way onto the premesis]
in large part due to the talk we had last night.

I've GOT to do everything I can to KEEP her that way.

And now that you know the truth, you've GOT to do the same thing.

Stay AWAY from Jake, AND the Sanctuary.

If Haleigh is SMART, she'll do the same thing.

She BARELY survived her encounter with Rose last time.

I think we ALL realize now that Rose can...and WILL kill her if she gets the chance.

[ Sharon wasn't concerned FOR Haleigh, she'd brought Rose's wrath on herself with the chocies she made. Sharon WAS conerned for Rose's state of mind, and ZACH'S physical well being.

:: Shaking her head as she sighed, then her device chimed, with an URGENT message. She reached over and took it in her hand::

It's from Oracle...

Hi Alycia, Steel's X Unit has advised that Dennis Nedry, of CPS has arrived on the grounds of Sanctuary, and is demanding to see Rose

DAMMIT!

[ she shouted, causing everyone to jolt as they looked at her]

SHARON, I just received word from Oracle! Dennis Nedry! he's THERE! He's at the Sanctuary!

Sharon: WHAT!?

Alycia: STALL him, INTERFERE, do whatever you have to do until I can get there!

Sharon: I'll stop him! I'm going to confront him RIGHT NOW!

Zach: I'll....

Alycia: No.

Zach: ALYCIA!

Alycia: Zach, NO! You HEARD Sharon! Rose has dismissed, AND banned you! Like I told you last night, this isn't me trying to shame or punish you. Your SAFETY is at risk!

You've SEEN what she can do when she's ANGRY. Right NOW...she's...leaning toward OUR side. If YOU show up NOW? She'll become OUR enemy, and we DON'T need that. YOU don't need that.

:: She leaned forward, with her hand placed on his::

But DAMMIT, Zach! You better HOPE to the GODDESSES that SPELLBINDER CAN find a way to DEAL with Haleigh and Persephone, because the consequences of THEIR actions are coming down on US instead of them, and THAT isn't RIGHT. I don't care HOW you feel about them...WE should not be having to SCRAMBLE like this. ROSE shouldn't be facing the scrutiny of CPS because of something HALEIGH did!

She....she DAMNED 42 children to their death, she SHOT a child in the back, and now...Nedry wants to BLAME ROSE for it!

:: She got out of her bed::

I've got to HURRY and get over there!

 

[Persephone]

Alek: “Don’t worry, we made it look convincing until everyone was asleep. So then there was no point.”

So Haleigh had been watching them before and knew that Alek had turned a corner in regards to his feeling for her. And hers to him. How lovely, Persephone knew Haleigh would seek her out at some point to confront her.

Alek: “I AM being the Red Knight. I followed you, didn’t I? Couldn’t let you go off to destination unknown…not after that stunt you pulled with Helena’s car…”

That made Persephone smile.

"She stole my necklace."

She quipped as she glanced over seeing him smile as well. But both their smiles faded as they turned to look at the ocean once again.

Alek: “And what about the Red Rook? Are we going to see a revolving door of bed partners coming through your chambers?”

Was this is way of asking if she was exclusively with him? Persephone looked over, her midnight eyes a little softer.

"If it keeps me alive."

Alek: "I know how to keep up appearances, how to…do what needs to be done whether I want to or not. You don’t need to worry but-But I want you to know, you are the only woman I want in my bed.”

He turned to look at her, Persephone's eyes shutting at his admission.

Damnit.

This made things so much more complicated. Was he saying this to her? To Ava? Both? Would she survive the Hellfire Club in th aftermath of their impending battle with the six? There were so many variables and Alek wasn't one she had expected to figure out.

Alek: You’re the only one I think about when you’ve gone.”

Persephone sighed, leaning into him and resting her head against this shoulder.

"I hate you for saying that."

She admitted quietly as she stared back out to the ocean, feeling his arm wrap around her.

"You know this will end badly..."

She paused hearing people starting to fill the pier above indicating the start of the day.

"We need to stop this before it goes any further."

 

[Mockingbird]

Upper East Side - Jennings Foundation Offices

:: The large and expansive location of The Jennings Foundation was abuzz with energy. A gala was being planned in an effort to raise money to help with rebuilding efforts and infrastructure issues that the city had faced in the aftermath of The Purifier Event. People were running around, coordinating vendors and sponsors, trying to pull together a proper committee for the event. It was organized chaos, but Kristin Pratt felt right at home, despite knowing that people she was allied with had caused the very event that the city was trying to recover from. She walked the halls of her foundation, one she had taken over after the death of her mother ten years prior, with an aura of confidence and warmth, passing by the young ingenues who would sell their souls in order to be a part of her world. Girls who eyes avoided Kristin at all costs as she strolled freely from the ballroom space the foundation owned towards the main lobby and foyer of the building. Tugging her clean and pristine jacket a bit at the bottom, she continued to move with confidence. Kristin had been in this game a long time, and there was one thing she new to be to true. Here on The Upper East Side, there was NOTHING more intimidating than a bright white vintage Chanel suit, the likes of which she had in spades. ::

:: Heading into the double doors of the lobby, a peppy young secretary jumped up at the sight of her, adjusting her head set and frantically pawed at her. Kristin's eyes flashed with embarassment as she remained composed. ::

Secretary: "I..he--well--I"

"Ramona, find a verb dear..."

:: the secretary gained composure. ::

"I'm sorry Mrs. Pratt...but your son is here. He wouldn't wait for you! He's in your office! I tried to get him to leave but he wouldn't!"

:: For a moment her blood ran cold. She hadn't seem him she had shown up the shambles that was his new living situation and begged him to stop his pursuit of Vanguard. She had created the dynamic of him never listening to her, and she was beginning to regret it. Still, she wasn't about to let the Jennings/Pratt name be soiled by her sons lofty and unattainable goals, so she had flexed a bit of muscle to ensure that every door he approached would be slammed in her face. There was too much going on now with Malice and The Hellfire Club to have her son trying to become a masked hero for the city. His very existence was something that Malice had begrudgingly continued to allow. He didn't know what he was getting into and she had spent so much time trying to steer him in the opposite direction of where he was right now. But she could never tell him that. She could never really be honest about what she did and the reasons behind them to ANYBODY...except Diana. ::

:: Kristin noticed the uncomfortable look of the people in her lobby, so without a moment's notice she smiled and laughed, placing a warm hand on her secretary Ramona's shoulder. ::

"Ramona, dear! I know my son is a little bit of a naughty scamp, but he's no Guliani! I'll take things from here!"

:: Laughing she headed towards her office with a bit more speed as she opened the door to see her son Simon standing at the bar, with a martini shaker in his head, shaking the thing wildly. She opened and closed the door, leaning behind it as she looked at her son. ::

"What exactly did you say to Ramona! She caused quite the scene out there!"

:: She watched as the boy she nearly gave her life looked up at her, their matching eyes meeting for a moment. His were not full of love and all the things they should have been filled with when a boy looked at his mother. They were glossy and a bit dubious. ::

Simon: "Oh that's easy. I just started screaming about how The Jennings Foundation has done nothing to help the ongoing genocide in Darfur and that I wasn't leaving until the bitch who runs the place gave me a few moments of her time."

:: Simon poured the shaker out into two martini glasses. There were no olives because neither of them were amateurs. He sauntered over to her handing her a glass. ::

"So..we are calling me a "bitch" now? I preferred lush...or alcoholic."

:: Simon smiled. ::

Simon: "You should be relieved. Your behavior has consistently caused me to enhance my vocabulary. Drink up, Mom."

"It's 8 o'clock in the morning, Simon."

:: he took a sip of his martini and smiled. ::

Simon: "As if the time of day has ever stopped you before. Remember that Christmas in the Hamptons when you stayed up all night drinking and forgot to wrap the presents? I found you in the morning..dancing in the foyer in a dress you made out of wrapping paper"

:: Kristin swallowed hard in her throat as she took the martini and made her way over to the desk. He was so much like her and it hurt her so much as a mother to know that the hamptons story was just one of the many harrowing stories she had given Simon to tell his therapist. Still, she would not be railroaded by her own son, not after everything she had suffered to even be able to bring him into this world. She sat the glass down on the table after taking a sip or two and grabbed her fountain pen, barely looking at him. ::

"I assume you've come for her a specific reason. Perhaps good news? You've come to your senses are ready to put your tail between your legs? Your penthouse hasn't sold yet."

Simon: "I came here to know how long you've been working for The Hellfire Club and why."

:: Her body went cold. She was paralyzed for a moment. ::

"So the time has finally come."

"I beg your pardon?"

Simon: "Don't play dumb with me. I KNOW what you've been up to, Mom. Do you REALLY care about the legacy of our stupid family so much that you would KNOWINGLY sit back and let those people MURDER innocent children? DESTROY LIVES! TAINT the very things that Grandpa STOOD for!? [pausing] How could you get in BED with those people! Does DAD know!? Has our WHOLE FAMILY just been a fucking LIE!?"

"Simon lower your voice."

Simon: "Or WHAT?! You'll have me killed!? Lord KNOWS you must have a HELL of a lot of BLOOD on your hands...Are you trying to stop me from doing what I'm doing because it's going to infringe on your agenda?! Your agenda or TORTURING and HURTING the people of this city!? Of THIS WORLD!"

:: Simon moved over to the desk, SLAMMING his hands down on the table, causing Kristin to jump for a moment in reaction. He was so angry, so upset and so dissappointed. She had hoped this moment would never come. She had rehearsed how she would tell him, or maybe deep down, she hoped that maybe he would be by her side in all of this...understand why she had done what she had done, and help her out of it. Or help her move forward. Continue things as they were. But she had made a mess of that because of her own depression upon realizing that the boy she gave birth to...was a mutant. That despite her own bitter hatred of mutants, she possessed the gene structure that could CREATE them. There were so many layers to this, so many hidden and painful secrets she had that would die with her. And now she would have to battle her son...without revealing any of them to him. ::

Simon: "I WON'T let you do this. PLEASE...this CAN'T be who you are! You are a MESS of a woman! But...I love you, Mom. You can't really be this kind of MONSTER!"

:: Kristin knew that Simon had been told thanks to intel she had received from Diana earlier. Despite what many thought, Kristin was one of Diana's most useful assets and she protected her assets. But she thought she would have more time to prepare. She thought that Simon wouldn't be so brazen to just show up to her office and confront her. He was spiraling, and she needed to get control of this situation. She would need to swallow the love she had for him, the need she had to console him or to reach out to him, and do what she DID. ::

"And you've come to what? Save me? Confront me? Admonish me for decisions I've made the likes of which you know absolutely NOTHING about..well outside of what some.."

:: sipping her martini mid sentence. She continued to speak with her signature and delicate lilt. ::

"former gloriffied assistant to Cameron King turned lesbian ART dealer has told you?"

:: laughing. ::

:: she rose from her seat and sat on the corner of her desk crossing her legs. ::

"Simon dear, none of what I have invested my time in has been CHILD'S PLAY...and it's clear by your reckless arrival here, and your LACK of discretion for the words you are so freely spewing from your mouth...that despite the facial hair and the cliche brooding of a poor little rich boy who's figuring out..only NOW..how much Mommy has protected him from the world..you are STILL...a child. One I owe absolutely NO explanation to."

:: her eyes smoldering. ::

"Tell me this...were you not raised with every privelege afforded to you. These skills you are honing now to [mockingly] fight the good fight, were they not paid for by own hands? Archery lessons? Fencing? Ettiquette? Were you not handed a pedigree and an education the likes of which most people in this world only DREAM of...and asked for nothing in return?"

:: Simon was silent. The moxy he had when he arrived was slowly slipping away. She needed to break his strength, weaken his resolve. Her face became a bit more cold. ::

"That's what I thought. Have you ever once stopped to think that at some point, you might feel in the least bit responsible to carry on the legacy that your father and I have created, out of the sheer fact that we created you? Or have you squandered your opportunities, used your influence to become a superfluous party boy, jetting around the world to dance on tables and stumble out of bars, only MUCKING up The Pratt name as you appeared in every gossip column in the continental United States?"

:: She grabbed his hand...for the first time in what felt like TOO long. He felt like hers...but she couldn't show it. She had to stay focused or she would unwravel. ::

"Every family has their trials and tribulations, Simon. I'm not ignorant to the mistakes I've made in raising you. But YOU have been ingorant to the path that I suffered to HAVE you. And NOW, when ALL I require of you is to STOP this nonsense with Vanguard and continue to keep your head in the sand, you appear at my door, looking as if you have been in a bar room brawl and proceed to denigrate me for my connections to The Hellfire Club."

"Who's the true villain in this scenario? You or me."

:: She let go of his hand and stood on her feet once more, making her ways towards the door, stopping just before it and turning around. ::

"I do not know what you will continue to think of me after you leave here, which will be very shortly, by your own volition..or by force, but I DO know that when you DO leave, you will make NO MORE implications on my character..because if you haven't realized this yet, my son..Hellfire is bigger than you could possibly imagine. The doors closing in your face, the real estate market becoming scarce as you searched for headquarters, the perpetual roadblocks you will face as you stubbornly try to get your little charity off the ground? That is all Hellfire. That is me not even using my own PERSONAL social connections and prowess, Simon. That's me wielding a VERY small fraction of the power that I HAVE."

:: smiling a bit sadistically. ::

"Not all the greats are mutants, dear. But one thing all the greats have in common, is that they are MASTERS of their domains..and there are not many who DARE encroach in mine."

"I will ask you this one FINAL time, Simon. Stop all of this nonsense. For me..for your MOTHER."

Simon: "I'm sorry, Mom..I won't..But I can help you out of--"

:: She held up his hand, silencing him. ::

"Well then..it appears we are at a standstill. I'll leave you with a few words of advice. In order to save the world as you so naively think you can, you have to be prepared to make decisions. You also have to be prepared to LIVE with those decisions. Lucky as you are, the scars on your face should be enough to let you know that at some point you will find yourself overwhelmed with no options other than to survive. You haven't even begun to crack the surface of the things that go on in this world. The absolute and constant horrors that are awaiting for you around every corner of the journey you are about to embark on. No decisions are black and white and ALL of them have consequences..at SOME point..you WILL do things...you NEVER...[voice breaking for a moment] thought you would do...to SURVIVE..to pull yourself UP by the boot straps and ENDURE. To PROTECT the things that you love and care about..."

:: Kristen opened the door to her office and looked at her son. Wanting to hold him, wanting to console him, and kiss him and touch him and feel like he was her little boy again. She did none of those things. ::

"Perhaps when you have LIVED a little bit longer..and REALLY know what it means..to survive in a world where there are any number of monsters primed and capable of taking you out and destroying your legacy..you might seek out your dear old mother with a bit more understanding and compassion."

:: Gesturing her hand towards the opening of the door ::

"But until that day....[gripping the bridge of her nose with her thumb and index finger] Simon...get out of my office."

Simon: "Mom..Mom please. It doesn't have to be like this. You can TALK to me. What do they have on you! We can fix this. I know people who can help."

"Simon. GET. OUT."

:: Her heart broke as she could see his heart break in the eyes that they shared. His posture changed. He slumped over..and said nothing. He left. He did exactly what she asked and somehow she still felt so bad. Closing the door behind her, she exhaled deeply. Tears appeared as if they were about to fall from her face, but she pulled them back into her body. She gained composure outside of a small vocal cry she couldn't help but to escape from her body. A moment later, she was completely pulled back together. She spoke into her Cartier watch. ::

"Mockingbird to base ops, increase optics on Longshot. Implement hostile contact protocol."

:: She put her hand down as her eyes immediately found her half drank martini on her desk. There was so much she had to do today, and if she was going to get through it, she might as well be drunk. Kristin walked over to her desk and downed the rest of her drink in one gulp. ::

"It's going to be a long day.."

 

[Recall]

Charope

:: Alycia looked at Vivica for a moment.::

Never in a million years could she imagine a moment like THIS unfolding between them. But here they were, and it's worth nothing that Cameron King, the strongest commonality between them, was now their mutual source of HATRED. A moment that he had one day hoped to see, and now he'd be BEYOND the LAST person that EITHER of them would want in this room::

I feel...like a million bucks in this moment, actually.

:: she nodded with satisfaction as she sat up a bit in her bed::

Thanks entirely to Isis, and Spellbinder, who also gave me this beautiful magick flower.

:: she holds it out to Vivica, to let her take in it's beautiful fragrance. Recall would feel her nasal passages, her lungs, her brain, EVERYTHING feel so...CLEAR and REFRESHED as she breathed it in, that was part of it's therapeutic charm.::

But while they did for my body....I did for my heart and my soul last night.

Zach came to see me.

And....we made up.

We found our way back to each other again.

We still don't agree about Haleigh. OR Ashley....but our deep, abiding friendship is more important than one of winning an argument, and we've REAFFIRMED a promise we made to one another, when we BOTH knew the darkness of Cameron and Haleigh was closing in on both of us.

:: Vivica smelled the mysterious flower as her senses were overtaken. he felt rejuvenated and refreshed. She hadn't slept in quite some time and after only a few moments of contact with this flower, none of that seemed to matter. She felt strong and capable. Refreshed and ready for whatever was to come at her. ::

"Damn. That's one HELL of a flower."

:: Leaning back. ::

"I'm really glad to hear that Alycia. You know Zach may be frustrating at times, but he's--"

:: ZACH appeared in the room in somewhat of a panic! ::

Alycia: "Zach?! What is it!?"

:: Both Alycia and Vivica exchanged worried glances. He was on the phone with Sharon. This wasn't going to be good. ::

Sharon: "Hi, Alycia. I wish there were MERELY a social call...but I have some nfortunate news for Zach, that you need to be included."

"Oh Goddammit! Can we PLEASE just catch a BREAK!?"

:: They couldn't. ::

:: Alycia braces herself , and Sharon deliver knews that hits like a TRUCK.::

::True enough she had gently convinced Zach to release Rose's portfolio back to her, but the transition, under her direction, would have been quiet, and seamless. ROSE decided that was not an option, and she FIRED Zach, AND Clandestine Inc, in a MAJOR way!]

:: She whistled softly, as Sharon described what Rose had done, and the way she summarily dismissed Zach. She looked at Zach, she didn't want THIS for him.::

Sharon, Zach...he....really cares for Jake. He's been a father figure to Jake...

Sharon: I'm not disagreeing with you on that, Alycia. I TRIED to protest THAT part of her condition, but she wouldn't hear of it, and given how agreeable she's been since our talk last night...I didn't want to jeopardize this moment of relative calm on her part.

:: Vivica watched, and listened as the three interacted. She could see the firm foundation of their group dynamic. If anyone qualified as a "spin off" of the Six, it was these three. It underscored how many worlds Zach had lived in, AND she got to see a glimpse of Alycia and Sharon being focused on something...someone [Rose] they cared a great deal about::

:: Alycia sighed, placing a hand on Zach's arm::

Zach....I'm sorry.

:: Vivica shot a look at Zach in which she tried to say that this was all temporary and that they would figure this out. That Rose was just upset and that at some point she would come to her senses. But this was a delicate situation, and a bit ironic as she looked at both Alycia and Zach, thinking of Sharon on the line. The four of them had been the closest people that The Six had ever had in their lives. Nobody came close. Each of them had played such a crucial role in making The Six who they were, and here they were...dealing with this. Dealing with this because yet again, The Six had cast a blind eye towards the people around them. ::

"Zach..we can fix this. I promise. We can!"

:They both knew he hadn't been doing what he should regarding Rose. Under OTHER circumstances, it might have been viewed quite differently, but THEN]

Sharon:...there's one other VERY big thing. The night that Black Widow tressspassed onto the Sanctuary to kidnap Jake, and Rose confronted her, She scanned her with soul power and saw...TURMOIL in her soul. She offered to HELP Haleigh, but the woman inexplicably refused. Rose scanned more intensely, and then she DIVINED something from Haleigh's mind and soul. A dark truth that no one, not even YOU were aware of at the time.

::Sharon got to the HEART of why Rose had dismissed Zach, banned him from her premesis, AND destroyed nearly all of Clandestine's equipment.::

Sharon: That night...when the bus accident occurred?

:: And the awful truth about Haleigh's choice was revealed::

GREAT HERA!

:: Alycia exclaimed as she immediately looked at Zach! Astonishment, and ANGER flashed in her eyes::

"Oh...Oh my GOD."

:: Tears welled up in her eyes, but not for the same reasons that Alycia was experiencing. Vivica had lived in the world of intelligence. She had made decisions that weren't the most morally white. She knew that sometimes in order to protect what you needed to protect, you had to make an unpopular decision and sometimes that decision had to be paid for with innocent lives. But they weren't in some war torn nation. There was no greater GOOD to be had here. Or was there. If Haleigh hadn't made the decision that she made..perhaps The Purifiers would have taken over the city. Perhaps they would still be here, doing what they were doing, enacting their twisted revenge. Vivica MOURNED the lives of those children, but she wondered...was there TRULY a "winning" alternative? ::

[ EVERYONE was silent for a moment as this information was processed. They all heard Haleigh's response...her reasoning...her UNAPOLOGETIC stance on the lives of 42 mutant orphans being expendable.]

Zach...Rose is in an AGREEABLE state right now,

[ Not immediately aware that Dennis Nedry had just made his way onto the premesis]

in large part due to the talk we had last night.

I've GOT to do everything I can to KEEP her that way.

And now that you know the truth, you've GOT to do the same thing.

Stay AWAY from Jake, AND the Sanctuary.

If Haleigh is SMART, she'll do the same thing.

She BARELY survived her encounter with Rose last time.

I think we ALL realize now that Rose can...and WILL kill her if she gets the chance.

[ Sharon wasn't concerned FOR Haleigh, she'd brought Rose's wrath on herself with the chocies she made. Sharon WAS conerned for Rose's state of mind, and ZACH'S physical well being.

"I don't agree with what Rose is doing..but Sharon is right Zach. We can't afford for Rose to go off the deep end. Not now. There's too much at stake!"

Alycia: "It's from Oracle."

DAMMIT!

[ she shouted, causing everyone to jolt as they looked at her]

SHARON, I just received word from Oracle! Dennis Nedry! he's THERE! He's at the Sanctuary!

Sharon: WHAT!?

Alycia: STALL him, INTERFERE, do whatever you have to do until I can get there!

Sharon: I'll stop him! I'm going to confront him RIGHT NOW!

Zach: I'll....

Alycia: No.

Zach: ALYCIA!

Alycia: Zach, NO! You HEARD Sharon! Rose has dismissed, AND banned you! Like I told you last night, this isn't me trying to shame or punish you. Your SAFETY is at risk!

You've SEEN what she can do when she's ANGRY. Right NOW...she's...leaning toward OUR side. If YOU show up NOW? She'll become OUR enemy, and we DON'T need that. YOU don't need that.

:: She leaned forward, with her hand placed on his::

But DAMMIT, Zach! You better HOPE to the GODDESSES that SPELLBINDER CAN find a way to DEAL with Haleigh and Persephone, because the consequences of THEIR actions are coming down on US instead of them, and THAT isn't RIGHT. I don't care HOW you feel about them...WE should not be having to SCRAMBLE like this. ROSE shouldn't be facing the scrutiny of CPS because of something HALEIGH did!

She....she DAMNED 42 children to their death, she SHOT a child in the back, and now...Nedry wants to BLAME ROSE for it!

:: She got out of her bed::

I've got to HURRY and get over there!

"Zach if you go..you will be adding an element that will cloud things. Steel has his X-Unit there..and there is nobody alive that can beat down Sharon. I know you want to be there...to HELP...but let's be smart. Let's be real. Your presence could complicate things. Could make Rose do something she will regret...It could hurt the chilren. They've been through enough..."

"At the hands of your ex-fiance.."

:: They weren't good thoughts to have, but she couldn't help it. She both understood Haleigh's reasoning and hated her for it. ::

"Alycia! Go! Get with Sharon and you protect her from that CPS bastard. I will down the fort here...WITH Zach."

:: She looked at Zach a bit desperately. ::

"Just...calm down until there's REASON to freak out. Please...just stay put. I trusted you to do what you feel is necessary...please. Trust me now."[/quote]

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: “Birds of Prey, Gabe. Birds of Prey.”

"Whatever. Who came up with that? Sounds like something out of Batman."

She quipped as he opened up his laptop and turned it on.

Zizi: “I just bought a few additions to my regular tech..no big deal…Here, I’m all warmed up and ready for you to plug into my system.”

Gabe lifted a brow as he turned to Zizi with a smirk.

"Why Ms. York, we haven't even had breakfast yet."

He could see the color building in her cheeks causing him to chuckle.

Zizi: "Bad choice of words."

"Hilarious choice....hilarious choice of words."

Gabe plugged in his laptop to the mainframe, linking his network to the Clocktowers. It would take a few minutes for everything to sync allowing him to turn to Zizi who became more serious. She began to explain more about the orphan situation and a few details that he wasn't expecting to hear.

Zizi: "...the redhead is your girlfriend Ava’s sister, by the way. Well, not biologically, but, you know, it takes a village.”

"Wait, what?! THAT was Haleigh?"

Gabe's eyes were wide in shock, his line of sight lowering as he began to process what Zizi had just said. He knew Haleigh, met her a couple times back when he was dating Ava. She was a cool chick, very much a guys girl which made them get along pretty damn well. She loved the hell out of Ava, he remembered that clearly. Very protective....kinda scary actually. But the second part of what Zizi said stuck out to him....Haleigh wasn't Ava's BIOLOGICAL sister? As far as he knew they had different fathers but the same mother. He didn't understand what changed, but as it all processed in his head, he roughly ran his hand down his face thinking about Ava and how she absolutely adored Haleigh. The woman could of kill a litter of kittens and Ava would of found a way to justify it just to protect Haleigh--just because she loved her THAT much. He couldn't help but feel horrible for Ava, knowing she was likely devastated by the revelation.

"Fucking hell."

He muttered out with a shake of his head. Maybe that was why she was acting so strangely when they met...or was a 'different' Ava. He still didn't quite get what happened at that Japanese restaurant.

"Sorry, just kinda shocked."

A ding went off on his computer indicating everything was synced up properly. He gave Zizi a smile, reassuring her that he would do everything in his power to help those orphans out.

"Alright, lets get to work."

Zizi went to get the doughnuts as Gabe began to bring up the schematics of The Sanctuary. She stopped, causing him to look back at her. Her face was angelic as she smiled.

Zizi: “And Clandestine…they’ve got nothing on you, Gabe.”

Zizi was so incredibly sweet, sometimes he wondered why he even deserved someone like her in his life. A large smile appeared on his lips.

"The fuck they don't."

She opened her mouth but Gabe beat her to the punch.

"I know, language."

He grinned before turning back to his computer.

"Better get used to it Lizzie, you know how I get when I program."

Gabe brought up a 3D blue print of The Sanctuary, small red dots indicating all major entry ways into the building. Next to the image of The Sanctuary was a 3D blue print of the streets surrounding The Sanctuary with red dots indicating the best locations for cameras. Zizi soon came back with a plate full of Dunkin Donuts and a cup of black coffee.

"You're a Goddess among men."

Grabbing a pink sprinkle donut from the bunch, he took a bite as he pointed at the screen.

[while chewing] "We can set up new camera's at all the marked points. There are a few blind spots that we have to account for, but that should be a simple fix by just positioning a few additional camera's at the cross points. With a continuous feed, not even Harry Houdini would be able to get in or out of that place."

He took a sip of coffee to rinse down the donut.

"The camera's will be on a multi-coded system, kinda like the HBI system but way more advanced. The codes will be changing every 186,00o mi/sec making it impossible for anyone to link onto it's frequency long enough to hack in. The continuous feed will be filtered through numerous firewalls to your mainframe here and giving you HD liquid crystal images in real time."

Gabe took another bite of his donut.

[while chewing] "This new system is like taking the USS Enterprise 1701A to a 1701F class, legit. And that's just the cameras. Wait until I show you the actual security system."

He took another gulp of coffee, bringing up the new security system that would be installed inside and around The Sanctuary.

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- The Infirmary

Sharon: I....wanted to see you this morning. Talk to you, and tell you this in person. You and Alycia both. Zachary, I need you to go into Alycia's room, and make sure she hears this. It's IMPERATIVE that she hear this too.

"Eh.... ok, hold on a minute."

He replied, rolling out of bed and setting his bare feet down on the cold tile. He looked around the room for several seconds.

Where did Morgan throw my shirt?

He asked himself. He noticed Andrew on the other side of the interior window, in the lounge area, and Zach gave his friend a wave and a smile. One last futile attempt to find his shirt, and then he gave up, and headed out of his room topless, trying to make his hair behave as best he could with one hand.

Sharon: Once you're with Alycia, you need to be sitting down.

"Yeah, Sharon, you're starting to freak me out. Did somebody else get hurt?"

He asked as he knocked and let himself into Alycia's room.

Gods please let her be fully dressed.

Alycia: Zach?? What is it?!

He shook his head to indicate he didn't know, then lifted his free hand to say hi to Vivica, and put his phone on speaker as he sank into an armchair.

Sharon: No doubt the reason you've contacted me before I could come back to see you and Alycia is because Rose went on an absolute rampage, and destroyed nearly ALL of Clandestine's equipment...in under 15 minutes.

"Yeah, it sounds like she had a conniption. I assumed you talked her back down, Specter is sending Verdict over this morning to--"

Sharon: Listen to me carefully. Rose has FIRED you, Zach. You...and ALL of Clandestine Inc, effective immediately.

"Wait.... what??"

Sharon: Last night was her official "BREAKING" of whatever contract Clandestine Inc had with her to provide security and protection.

He was shaking his head, even though Sharon couldn't see that.

"No, it doesn't work like that Sharon. The commitment from Clandestine was arranged to last the lifetime of the company. Verdict will know the details of the contract but he gave me the impression it was IRON CLAD."

He explained patiently.

Sharon: In HER mind, Clandestine Inc is as soulless and corrupt as Black Widow...and YOU lead her here. She considers you an abject failure...and she....she blames you for Haleigh.

"Listen, Sharon, the board voted to remove Haleigh from a position of authority after last night's attack, okay? So, you tell Rose that Clandestine is going to make this right, and that Haleigh WILL be kept away from the Sanctuary, and I'm going to get dressed, and I'll be RIGHT over to talk to Rose myself."

Sharon: She has declared you are BANNED from the premesis, and from contact with Jake. I tried to protest [ his being banned from seeing Jake], but she wouldn't hear of it.

"What??"

He croaked, feeling like he got the wind knocked out of him.

Alycia: Sharon, Zach...he....really cares for Jake. He's been a father figure to Jake...

Sharon: I'm not disagreeing with you on that, Alycia. I TRIED to protest THAT part of her condition, but she wouldn't hear of it, and given how agreeable she's been since our talk last night...I didn't want to jeopardize this moment of relative calm on her part.

"This isn't RIGHT, Sharon. I mean, what about what JAKE wants? We have a good relationship, she's going to deprive him of that at a time when he needs it the most??"

He asked, his frustration rising.

Viv: Zach..we can fix this. I promise. We can!

He glanced at Viv, and nodded as he tried to calm himself down, tried to believe in the idea that this was fixable.

Sharon: I'm sorry Zach, but for your safety, AND to keep HER placated, you CANNOT return to the Sanctuary.

He made an angry sound low in his throat as Alycia reached for his arm and offered an apology.

Sharon: Give Alycia her portfolio back straight away. Rose demanded it, as of last night, after she VAPORIZED the entire CI security net around the Sanctuary.

"That's ALREADY been taken care of."

He replied abruptly. he knew Sharon was just the messenger, but her message was steadily stoking his fury. He couldn't BELIEVE how vindictive Rose was being. And normally, if it had only affected him, he'd have just let it roll off his back, and worked patiently towards reconciliation. But this was different, because she was going to make JAKE suffer, and for Zach, that was NOT acceptable.

Then Sharon had more bad news. She brought up the bus incident, and explained just why Rose was so upset with Haleigh. Zach grit his teeth as he heard it.

So THAT'S why Haleigh always got angry and guilty if I tried to talk about that day. She felt responsible for what happened.

He surmised. Vivica was the first to speak.

Viv: Oh...Oh my GOD.

Alycia: You were SAYING!?

Zach gave Alycia an aggravated look.

"HOW is that helping? Sharon, I'm not going to try to defend Haleigh's decision, because I don't know what difference, IF ANY, she really could have made that day. But LOOK, we all have to make decisions in the heat of battle and they AREN'T always the best. I chose to grab Rose, and to try to protect HER, instead of making an attempt to address the missile. There just wasn't enough TIME. Whatever reasoning Haleigh used, whatever she SAYS about it now, is just her way of justifying what she did, and coping with the guilt. Which means she DOES feel guilty, or she wouldn't try to explain herself. We're going to have to get Rose to see that somehow."

Sharon reiterated that she had to keep Rose in a good mood, and that he wasn't going to be allowed on the premises of the Sanctuary. Alycia got word that Dennis Nedry had arrived at the Sanctuary, and Zach rose to his feet quickly, ready to go, despite being told not to, because stopping Nedry was more important than personal squabbles, and surely everyone knew that. Alycia shut down his protests quickly, and tried to placate him by reaching for his hand.

Alycia: But DAMMIT, Zach! You better HOPE to the GODDESSES that SPELLBINDER CAN find a way to DEAL with Haleigh and Persephone, because the consequences of THEIR actions are coming down on US instead of them, and THAT isn't RIGHT. I don't care HOW you feel about them...

He pulled his hand from hers abruptly, a look of hurt betrayal crossing his face, before indignation replaced it.

"I thought we were in this TOGETHER!"

Alycia: WE should not be having to SCRAMBLE like this. ROSE shouldn't be facing the scrutiny of CPS because of something HALEIGH did! She....she DAMNED 42 children to their death, she SHOT a child in the back, and now...Nedry wants to BLAME ROSE for it!

His hand balled itself into a fist.

"She SHOULDN'T be dealing with Nedry, but she IS. I'M the one that got rid of him LAST NIGHT, and now you're not going to let me help?!"

Vivica: Zach if you go..you will be adding an element that will cloud things. Steel has his X-Unit there..and there is nobody alive that can beat down Sharon. I know you want to be there...to HELP...but let's be smart. Let's be real. Your presence could complicate things. Could make Rose do something she will regret...It could hurt the chilren. They've been through enough...

They were triple teaming him and he did NOT like it. He turned his back on them, trying to breathe and calm himself down. He wanted to destroy something, he was so furious.

Alycia: I've got to HURRY and get over there!

"THEN GO."

He growled over his shoulder. Vivica agreed that Alycia should go, and then she tried to reach Zach.

Vivica: Just...calm down until there's REASON to freak out. Please...just stay put. I trusted you to do what you feel is necessary...please. Trust me now.

"FINE."

He huffed angrily. If they weren't going to let him help with Rose, then he was going to have to focus on SOMETHING to keep himself busy. He needed to speak with Bishop before he left, so he could find out more about Haleigh's attack.

"I'm going to interview Bishop. Do you want to be there to record it?"

He asked her, his tone measured and his expression still vexed. He barely waited for her to say yes before he stormed out of the room with her in his wake, headed directly to look for Bishop. He seemed to have completely forgotten that he wasn't wearing a shirt.

 

[Valkyrie]

Charope

Valkyrie opened the door to the Infirmary and marched in. She saw Bishop, Steel and Andrew all sitting in a triangle as far apart from each other as they could get. She raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t everyone greet me at once.”

Steel stood up, and came towards her angrily.

Steel: “Where the hell have you been?!”

She looked at him like he had six heads.

“I had to make a stop.”

She held up the small bouquet of flowers in her hand.

Steel: “Bishop and Andrew almost had World War Three in here.”

She laughed.

“You’re joking. What could these two [waving her hand at each of them in turn] do to each other? You probably should have let them both have a go…would do them some good.”

Steel: “Doesn’t change the fact that you were supposed to be here.”

She patted him on the chest then moved past him into the room.

“Okay, dad, I’m here now, keep your shirt on.”

She glanced into Zach’s room and saw that it was empty.

“Where’s Zach?”

Steel: “He went down the hall towards Alycia’s room.”

“Oh, did he?”

Did he, indeed.

She took a seat next to Bishop, setting the flowers on a table next to her. She put her arm through his.

“So, where your girl run off to?”

She feigned as if she’d made a mistake.

“Oh, I guess I should say woman – she is a bit mature after all, don’t you think?”

She smiled deviously.

“She get mad you weren’t saving yourself for her and leave?”

He turned his head looked at her stonily.

Bishop: “She’s talking with Isis.”

“Oh, my OTHER favorite person. That’s great. I thought they might be friends.”

She patted his arm.

“Mark my words, Max – that girl’s not the type to let another woman in bed, so if you get with her, your threesome days are O-VER.”

Zach came storming in to the room where they were. Without a shirt, no less. She made no effort to hide the fact that she appreciated the view, eyeing him like a cat eyes a mouse.

 

[Berserker]

Coney Island – Pier

He asked her if she was going to be sleeping with other people, to “keep up appearances”.

"If it keeps me alive."

He laughed without humor.

“What happened to the Persephone who reminded me how she’d survived over three thousand years and wasn’t easy to kill.”

He tried to tell her…that whatever he might do, it was her he cared about. That she was the only one he cared about. She put her head on his shoulder, and he wrapped his arm around her, holding her against him.

"I hate you for saying that."

He kissed the top of her head.

“You’d rather I lie?”

"You know this will end badly..."

He shook his head.

“Come on, Seph…take a chance, have a little faith. Otherwise, what’s the point of being alive?”

"We need to stop this before it goes any further."

He froze. He removed his arm from around her shoulders, leaning back and turning his body to look at her.

“No.”

He just looked at her for a long moment, then he stood up, angry.

“Is it so easy for you? Do you care so little?”

He waited for her to answer him.

“Why are you refusing to allow yourself to be happy?”

He calmed a little, and his voice was sincere as he asked,

“Are you afraid of Helena that much?”

His eyes softened.

“Because hasn’t it occurred to you that with me, you solidify your position in the Red Court and prove your loyalty to it. Helena will have a reason to protect you.”

He turned away from her.

“But maybe you never wanted me. Maybe all you want is to be fucked.”

 

[Ruby]

Charope, LLC - The Infirmary



:: The day started early for Cass. After crying herself to sleep in the front hallway of her penthouse, sometime in the middle of the night Cass had moved to her bedroom and slept soundly for the rest of the night. ::

:: Waking up, though, was a different matter. When her ice-blue eyes popped open, she still felt confusion, hurt, grief, anger, and pain. So, she did what she always did when she had to deal with unpleasant situations/experiences/feelings: she dressed and went for a run in the beauty of nature. That is, she went for a run in Central Park. Cass had always felt calmer and peaceful after running. The beauty of nature calmed her down, and she had LOVED going for runs in the various canyons and hills that were surrounding the Los Angeles area; although, Central Park was a pretty good substitute for those canyons. Still, even the Park couldn’t quite relieve her of her storm of feelings inside her. ::

DAMMIT!!!!

:: Though she knew that she would willingly hurt either Haleigh or Ava if she had to save her own skin, that didn’t mean she had to like it. She didn’t. She slowed to a steady trot and followed a path that wound its way through the Park. Pounding the pavement while listening to one of her jams, she tried hard to keep her negative emotions at bay. She still felt…UNNERVED by the kill teams. She wanted neither Haleigh nor Ava/Persephone to die. ::

I’m not like the others! I can’t just turn my back on them just because everybody else is.

:: Gasping for breath, Cass slowed to a stop and bent over, putting her hands on her knees. Perhaps it was time to go back. Sighing, she made her way out of the Park. Maybe it was risky to run in Central Park at this early hour, but Cass never felt like she was in danger. Of course, she DID have moves if she ever found herself in a precarious situation. Hailing a cab, she headed back to The Parthenon. ::

:: She wanted to go see Zach and Alycia today, make sure that they were both okay after their ordeal. She would’ve gone last night but she didn’t want to overwhelm them, especially since the Birds of Prey were no doubt hanging around them all night. Cass could certainly understand that. She, too, would’ve been right by her team member’s side if they had gotten fatally injured. ::

It’ll be nice to see both Zach and Alycia.

:: Arriving at The Parthenon, Cass paid the cabbie and made her way into the hotel. ::

Bellhop: [opening the door for her] “Good Morning, Miss Johnson.”

“Good morning to you, as well!”

:: She made her way to the VIP elevators and made her way back to her penthouse where she took a nice long shower. Then she got dressed and ready for the day. She ordered in room service for breakfast and had a quiet mealtime. She briefly toyed with the idea of watching the news, but decided against it. It was FULL of bad news these days, it seemed. Didn’t ANYBODY care about the GOOD things that happened to people? Apparently not. ::

<< Later in the morning… >>

:: After picking up a gift card to a local beer store for Zach, and a small bouquet of flowers for Alycia, Cass met with both Blaze and Nicolas to make a trip to Charope. She only hoped that they wouldn’t start talking about killing both Haleigh and Ava while there. She still couldn’t handle it, and she would EXPLODE if she had to hear about it one more time. ::

:: Arriving at Charope, Cass immediately went inside, not bothering to check if her friends were behind her. That only showed how upset she still felt about all of this. Armed with a Starbucks grande Chai Tea Latte in one hand, and Alycia’s flowers in the other, Cass asked a Charope employee where they could find Zach Armani and Alycia Barnett. She was directed to the infirmary and quickly made her way there. She felt Nicolas and Blaze come alongside her. ::

Nicolas: *amused*: “If you had WAITED, Blaze and I could’ve told you where it was.”

:: He nudged her shoulder, and Cass gave a small smile. ::

“Oops?”

:: Up ahead, she spotted Zach hurrying out of a room. ::

Uh, okay?

:: But she’ll see him later. For now, she headed for the room that he had just come out of and was surprised to see Alycia in almost a panic and Vivica was there. Cass smiled and leaned against the doorway. ::

“Now I KNOW you aren’t leaving when we came all this way to see you!”

:: Chuckling, Cass entered the room. ::

“It’s so good to see you!!”

:: She went to Alycia and gave her a small hug before handing her the flowers. ::

“These are for you.”

:: She went over to Vivica and gave her a hug as well. ::

“It’s nice to see you, as well, Vivi!”

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

"Why Ms. York, we haven't even had breakfast yet."

She reddened even deeper – she had hoped he wouldn’t notice what she’d said. Thankfully he had just thought it was funny and not read anything into it.

"Wait, what?! THAT was Haleigh? Fucking hell. Sorry, just kinda shocked."

Zizi instantly felt terrible. She had taken a cheap shot at Ava Cassadine and now Gabe was feeling bad.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly.

As she went to get the breakfast, she tried to make sure he knew that in her eyes, he was the best – that she would take him over Clandestine Intelligence any day.

"The fuck they don't."

He smiled at her, and she opened her mouth to say something, anything.

I would share all of my proprietary code with you.

I want to have lots of sex and babies with you.

I love you.

"I know, language."

She nodded, turning back towards the kitchen so he couldn’t see her face.

"Better get used to it Lizzie, you know how I get when I program."

By the time she came back with the donuts, he had already mapped all the best locations to set up the camera, and come up with a hack proof system. He really was a genius.

"The continuous feed will be filtered through numerous firewalls to your mainframe here and giving you HD liquid crystal images in real time."

“Will it raise an alert if anyone breaches the perimeter? I mean, I like to watch and all-”

She gasped.

“Video! I like to watch video of people.”

No, no, no, no, no

She took a deep breath and let it out.

“I don’t want to have to review the security footage 24-7.”

"This new system is like taking the USS Enterprise 1701A to a 1701F class, legit. And that's just the cameras. Wait until I show you the actual security system."

He pulled up the schematics for his security system. She let out a low whistle.

“Set phasers on stun.”

A huge grin came over her face.

“Gabe, this is PERFECT! I can’t wait to show Rose. Thank you so much! I could never have done this myself.”

 

[Persephone]

Alek: “What happened to the Persephone who reminded me how she’d survived over three thousand years and wasn’t easy to kill.”

"I'm not. I didn't survive this long by following my heart."

Love was messy and unpredictable, and anytime she allowed herself to feel it the consequences outweighed the benefits. She was content with sex and the instant gratification it gave her. No strings, just pleasure. And normally she would have blamed Ava for allowing feelings to leak into the current arrangement she and Alek had, but unfortunately Persephone couldn't blame this one solely on her counterpart.

Alek: “Come on, Seph…take a chance, have a little faith. Otherwise, what’s the point of being alive?”

Persephone didn't respond. She felt a lump growing in her throat knowing what she had to do not only to protect herself, but to protect him as well.

"We need to stop this before it goes any further."

Alek: "No."

Alek pulled away and turned to her, looking at her, searching her eyes for any indication of doubts. He would find none. It was then he got angry.

Good. Get angry.

Alek: “Is it so easy for you? Do you care so little? Why are you refusing to allow yourself to be happy?”

"Why are you refusing to believe that maybe I don't want this."

She stated evenly, looking up at him as he stood.

Alek: “Are you afraid of Helena that much?”

Persephone softly scoffed, looking away from him and back towards the ocean.

"Hardly. I'm not Helena's Rook, i'm her PAWN. I'm far more useful to her alive than dead."

At least for now, Persephone thought to herself. But she would make sure she REMAINED useful while still at Hellfire Club.

Alek: “Because hasn’t it occurred to you that with me, you solidify your position in the Red Court and prove your loyalty to it. Helena will have a reason to protect you.”

It had, but it also occurred to her that Helena was a fickle, jealous woman who didn't like to share her toys. Alek thought very highly of his position in Helena's world, but he didn't know how resentful women could be....how vindictive and evil. Helena wouldn't hesitate to hurt him because he hurt her. Persephone wouldn't allow that. Helena may have held all the cards, but Persephone had a Joker or two up her sleeve.

"Your status means nothing to Diana."

She warned, knowing one whisper in Helena's ear from Diana and the tables would turn. Persephone may not have feared Helena, but she RESPECTED Diana and her powers. She knew first hand what they could do.

Alek: “But maybe you never wanted me. Maybe all you want is to be fucked.”

She watched as he turned away. Persephone's face contorted in pain for just a moment before she inhaled a deep breath and composed herself.

"You're right."

She was frank with her statement. Left no room for questions or doubt. Persephone finally stood.

"You were a good lay. I had fun. But now? This feelings bullshit? I want nothing to do with it OR YOU. Stop acting like a little school boy, Alek. You're embarrassing yourself."

Her tone was malicious and cold.

"Obviously you can't decipher your dick from your heart....so this little arrangement we have? Is OVER. You are the Red Knight of the Hellfire Club, and I am the Red Rook. We work as a team for the Red Queen. Beyond that? We are NOTHING."

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: “Will it raise an alert if anyone breaches the perimeter? I mean, I like to watch and all-”

Gabe glanced over at her with an amused grin.

Zizi: “Video! I like to watch video of people.”

Gabe started to laugh.

"You really are on a roll this morning, Liz. Someone's got you all hot and bothered."

He turned back to his computer and brought up some information for Zizi to look at.

Zizi: “I don’t want to have to review the security footage 24-7.”

"You have the option to review security footage, but everything on the system will play in real time. If we see a kid sneak out of The Sanctuary for a date, we'll know immediately."

Pointing to the screen.

"The camera's act as an alarm. Each feed is at a 2.07 million mega pixels formate. So anyone that walks within the 6 block radius of The Sanctuary--or IN The Sanctuary--the camera's will immediately decipher their facial patterns and hard link to your new database that I will be setting up for you, to see if the person is a friend or foe. Lets say their face is hidden because of masks or some other type of stealth tactic, the alarms will immediately go off without hesitation. The program even goes as far as to be able to identify pupil and iris recognition, as well as finger prints if visibly seen."

Turning back to Zizi with a smile.

"So basically, this new camera system is also the security system. Full live feeds, constant facial patterning and recognition, audio feeds as well. The works."

Zizi: "Set phasers on stun."

"Aye, Captain!"

He chuckled while sitting back in his chair, stretching his arms over his head.

Zizi: “Gabe, this is PERFECT! I can’t wait to show Rose. Thank you so much! I could never have done this myself.”

"My pleasure, kid! I have some more security features as well that will be installed within The Sanctuary. It'll be some tech shit that hasn't even come out yet."

He refrained from mentioning it was from Cassadine Enterprises.

"State of the art. Rose can rest assure that Clandestine security was child's play compared to this new system."

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- The Infirmary

He counted his steps from Alycia's room to the lounge, trying to focus on breathing out his frustration so he that he wasn't needlessly aggressive when he got to Bishop.

When he rounded the corner to arrive at the lounge, the first person he saw was Ashley. His scowl morphed into a smile as he found the first happy moment of the morning. He didn't seem to notice that Bishop was there next to her. He didn't seem to notice anything but her.

One, two, three, four. Four buttons and a hastily tied strap, and that dress is OFF. Oh wait... we aren't alone. Damn.

He thought, reigning himself back in. The look on her face seemed to match his thoughts, and he smirked.

"My eyes are up HERE, Valkyrie."

He teased in his best coquettish school girl tone. He wasn't angry anymore. He would be patient, and persistent, about fixing this mess they were all in, and when the tempers settled, the 'ban' would be lifted, and he'd be able to see Jake again. Until then, he just had to keep his cool, and keep trying to help.

He looked around at the others, giving a nod of acknowledgement to Bishop and a respectful handshake to Steele, before beaming at Andrew. They hadn't had time to develop a secret handshake yet, so they did the customary handshake/half hug of bromances everywhere, before Zach waved off the visible concern with tough-guy bravado.

"It looks worse than it is. It's good to see you man."

 

[Berserker]

Coney Island – The Pier

"Why are you refusing to believe that maybe I don't want this."

“Because it’s clear you’re acting out of some misguided sense of duty!”

He lowered his voice.

“Last night…just now…I know what it feels like when it isn’t real…”

"Your status means nothing to Diana."

“Helena can keep her off your back…Seph, please.”

He couldn’t look at her as he asked if all she wanted from him was sex.

"You're right. You were a good lay. I had fun. But now? This feelings bullshit? I want nothing to do with it OR YOU. Stop acting like a little school boy, Alek. You're embarrassing yourself."

That hit him like a knife to his gut. He swallowed hard, then turned back to face her. His eyes were cold and unfeeling. The mask in place.

“Fine.”

He wet his bottom lip.

“What time should I come to your room tonight to put my dick in you? Wouldn’t want people to think anything had changed.”

"Obviously you can't decipher your dick from your heart....so this little arrangement we have? Is OVER. You are the Red Knight of the Hellfire Club, and I am the Red Rook. We work as a team for the Red Queen. Beyond that? We are NOTHING."

He stared at her, rage boiling just under the surface of his skin. But he held it in.

“Fine by me.”

He turned and walked away, off the beach, across the boardwalk, and into the quiet side streets on the other side. And then it all came out.

“Goddamnit!”

He shook with anger as he walked down the sidewalk. He reached out his hand and grabbed a lightpost, and pushed it over. He came to another and pushed it over with the other hand. Another, and another. He picked a big blue mailbox up off its bolts and threw it into a car, then picked up the car and threw it into the street.

Who did she think she was? Who did she think she was messing with? She wanted to play games, well FINE, he could play with the best of them. He got into his car and pulled out, jumping onto Ocean Parkway and heading for Manhattan.

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

"You really are on a roll this morning, Liz. Someone's got you all hot and bothered."

She laughed, but it came out sounding fake.

“Just stress.”

"The camera's act as an alarm. Each feed is at a 2.07 million mega pixels format. So anyone that walks within the 6 block radius of The Sanctuary--or IN The Sanctuary--the camera's will immediately decipher their facial patterns and hard link to your new database that I will be setting up for you, to see if the person is a friend or foe. Let’s say their face is hidden because of masks or some other type of stealth tactic, the alarms will immediately go off without hesitation. The program even goes as far as to be able to identify pupil and iris recognition, as well as finger prints if visibly seen."

Her eyes went wide.

“Okay. This. Is. Amazing.”

She pinched and rotated the plans, looking them over in no small amount of awe.

“I officially bow down to the god of tech. Victor Von Doom couldn’t come up with half of this.”

"My pleasure, kid! I have some more security features as well that will be installed within The Sanctuary. It'll be some tech shit that hasn't even come out yet."

“No wonder they pay you the big bucks. This is more than I ever dreamed...”

”State of the art. Rose can rest assure that Clandestine security was child's play compared to this new system."

“Oh…phoey on Clandestine.”

Zizi grinned, then clapped her hands, and before she knew what she was doing she’d reached up and kissed his cheek.

“Thank you. Seriously Gabe, you’re saving my life here.”

And that might not be hyperbole.

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "Fine by me."

He looked unfeeling and cold as he turned away from her and began to walk across the beach. Persephone's mask dropped as her face contorted in pain and a small sound of anguish managed to escaped her lips. But she shook her head, shutting her eyes as she pushed it down deep knowing it was better to end it now before it got worse.

Stop.

She inhaled a few easy breaths, calming herself.

You're being ridiculous.

Opening her eyes, Persephone saw him nowhere in sight. He was gone, and finally she would be able to focus at the task at hand. No more distractions, no more second guessing.

Hearing a seagull squawk, it fluttered down by the water before turning to look at her. She wasn't about to take any chances, not with Silver Swan on the hunt to kill her.

She allowed herself one more moment of peace without prying eyes before Persephone disappeared in a tornado of winds.

 

[Titan]

Charope, LLC - The Infirmary

Andrew sulked in the corner. That guy was SUCH a dick. What did Delilah even see in him? He WISHED Steel would have let them fight. Then they’d see how tough he really was. Trying to kick him out of a hospital. Who does that?

Finally Zach returned, and he looked at Ashley like he was about to jump on her. Not that he could blame him, but still. Heaven preserve us.

"My eyes are up HERE, Valkyrie."

She didn’t stop checking out his naked torso.

Valkyrie: “I know.”

Zach nodded to Bishop, and shook Steel’s hand, before he came over to Andrew who had stood up. They did some sort of hug and handshake hybrid.

“Are you…okay?”

He looked okay. At least he was able to walk and stuff.

"It looks worse than it is. It's good to see you man."

“You too. Everyone on the team was really worried about you. But Zizi told us you needed your rest last night and that we should wait until morning to visit.”

He rolled his eyes at himself.

“I’m sorry, I should have brought balloons or a card or something…”

He smiled, genuinely.

“It’s good to see you up and around. Really good. I don’t know what we would do without you, bro.”

Bishop stood up then, rolling his eyes.

Bishop: “If you two are done making out, Zach, they told me you wanted to talk to me before I left. And I’d really like to get the hell out of here, so if you don’t mind…”