Surrounded by darkness

[Matrix]

Back to the hotel? Aight, thanks.

Rich gathered the laptop and walked smoothly out of the Starbucks, making his way quickly back to the hotel. Apparently the staff was aware that he was welcome here as not one eye blinked twice when he walked over to the elevators and returned to the floor where Brenda's suite was. Walking up to the door he paused, then knocked since he had no key.

 

[MorningStar]

Illustra - 107th Floor

Delilah sank down into the hot water. She didn’t take baths often, but after the day she’d had she really needed to relax. She closed her eyes. She would have to be careful not to fall asleep, she felt so tired. And then the phone rang.

She opened her eyes and turned her head towards the phone.

“I’ll never criticize Morgan for putting a phone in the bathroom again.”

She picked up the receiver and put it to her ear.

Delilah? It's Alycia. Is Karen okay?

“Alycia! Yes, she’s fine. She’s resting in the guest room. We had dinner together and then she retired. I’m trying to give her some space to deal with…things.”

”Good. Give her as much time as she needs. Listen, I'm on my way there. I have someone you MUST meet. She's a mutant. She's also a student at NYU, who won the private Q&A and job shadow trip with me. She and I were just ATTACKED by Mystech goons in the underground structure of Rockefeller center. I thought they were after ME at first. They were after HER.

Delilah sat up, concerned.

“Oh my god, Alycia – are you alright?”

”We took care of them. She doesn't have any peers or support network here, Delilah and she needs to know what's going on. What YOU'RE doing.

“Bring her right over.”

”We'll see you in 20 minutes.

She pulled herself up and out of the bath and grabbed a towel. No time to dress properly, Delilah wrapped her wet hair up in the towel and slipped on her silky bathrobe. She opened the door before Alycia even rang the bell.

"Come in, quickly."

 

[Bishop]

Illustra - War Room to Central Park

He was never much of a computer person – he preferred his research in the field. But the War Room’s new technology was worth making an exception. Plus, he needed some time on his own, and to give Delilah some space. He needed to figure out a way to convince her not to give up on Silver Swan. He knew this strange new mutant was the key to their success. And he knew if they failed to find a team willing to fight Mystech, Delilah would insist on continuing her crusade herself. That was something Connor could not allow. He was used to his fellow soldiers dying in battle – it was part of warfare and he would never have tried to keep one of them from a fight, but Delilah wasn’t a fellow soldier. She had done her part – he didn’t want to see her die for this or any cause.

But he found nothing new on Silver Swan. Nothing of consequence, anyway.

“Damnit.”

Start at the beginning.

He went back over all the known attacks. He looked for a pattern. One of the screens had a map with the attacks plotted on it – he looked at this more carefully. He hid the bird attacks, leaving the Silver Swan ones. That was interesting. They all seemed to be centered around the Parthenon. He looked back at the list of attacks. All at night, while all the bird attacks happened during the day. And those had no distinguishing base location. The attacks also focused on MysTech agents – many of whom even Delilah and Connor hadn’t known about beforehand.

“How does she know so much about them?”

He didn’t see the Silver Swan using a computer - not that she was likely to have access of this type in any case. And it wasn’t as if she could easily blend in…or could she?

Before he could ponder that thought, however, an alarm went off in the War Room. A Mystech vehicle in Central Park…and an unidentified humanoid on radar speeding to head it off. He grabbed his coat.

Bishop was able to track the intersection of the Silver Swan and the vehicle’s path via a control pad on his wrist. He arrived there just as six assholes from MysTech were closing in on a scared child. He pulled a Browning 9mm from the holster at his back. Six against one were his favorite odds.

But then, he paused. Out of the sky swooped Silver Swan. Knowing she could easily as not tear his arms off, he let her do her work, keeping his eyes on the child. Silver Swan urges her to hide, which places her near to him. Bishop put a finger to his lips, telling the child to be silent.

Silver Swan efficiently and once again brutally dispatched all six goons. She was about to leave, when:

WAIT! are you Wonder Woman?? That lady who rescues people?? please don't leave me here...alone. You're the only one who came to help me. I don't have a mommy or a daddy. They...they disappeared a while ago. I don't have a home or anything. I don't have anybody.

The girl began to cry.

Silver Swan paused.

Bishop holstered his weapon.

And in the blink of an eye, it seemed, it was no longer Silver Swan standing there in the park, but a normal-looking human woman. She looked almost a completely different person. A person who looked like they had no idea what to do.

He stepped forward from his hiding place, slowly, cautiously. Keeping an eye on the woman who had been Silver Swan, he knelt by the crying child, wiped her tears gently. Silver Swan would be one of the few to have seen this side of Connor as well.

“Shh, shh, don’t cry child. Everything is going to be just fine now. No one is going to hurt you. It’s okay. You’re safe.”

He stood and looked at the seemingly dazed blonde woman. Still not understanding what had happened, he spoke calmly to her.

“Are you okay, miss?”

Not knowing what to call her now. He moved closer, touching her on the arm to try and snap her out of whatever trance she was in.

“We need to get you two away from here.”

 

[Brenda Castle]

Her parents spoke of the Hellfire club as if it were an honor to be a part of it. Brenda began to sense this creeping feeling that something was wrong, but she couldn't say what or why. Her intuition was trying to warn her, but about what? Since she kept her parents in the dark about her abilities, she couldn't very well come out with the whole story from last night. She couldn't tell them what was REALLY weighing on her mind, nor would she be able to explain why this last second invitation to a place called HELLFIRE was giving her the willies.

Her father mentioned that she needed a date for the party, and instinctively she wanted to bring Rich. It would be best to have someone there who knew about her, someone who knew what had happened the night before. Rich could be an extra pair of eyes. Maybe she was just being paranoid, but if she'd learned anything in the last 24 hours, it was that a little paranoia would give a person an edge.

They talked about Siyrn, another thing that puzzled Brenda. The more she thought about it, the more she felt like Siryn and Silver Swan was the same woman. But she couldn't tell her father that the artist he was trying so hard to sign was possibly an undercover superhero-massmurderer.

In the end, Brenda had told her parents that she'd invite a school friend to accompany them to Hellfire, and they all went their separate ways to get ready for the Hellfire gala. Brenda, with no other way of getting a hold of Rich, called the Starbucks she'd sent him to and asked the Barista to tell him that they should meet back at her place immediately. Traffic had lessened, or at least wasn't so bad in this direction. She beat him back to the hotel by mere minutes. She had just opened her closet door to search for something to wear when he knocked on the door. She didn't hear it, but her butler let him in and led him back to her. She glanced over her shoulder.

"Hey Rich. My parents and I have been invited to attend some Hellfire Gala tonight. It's totally last minute and I have this ominous feeling like it's not just your average high society soiree. I need an escort who isn't a total neanderthal."

 

[Matrix]

The butler (butler, really?! Dayum that's PAID) let him in and led him back to where she was looking in the closet for a dress. He met her eyes as she looked over her shoulder and spoke.

"Hey Rich. My parents and I have been invited to attend some Hellfire Gala tonight. It's totally last minute and I have this ominous feeling like it's not just your average high society soiree. I need an escort who isn't a total neanderthal."

Hellfire Club you said? Hmnnn...that is the only name that came up when I was looking up the White Queen. Otherwise, even the WEB knows nothing about her. NOTHING. This ain't good Bren. But I got your back, even if I am a total Neanderthal.

Brenda had looked away and looked back and now he was indeed a Neanderthal man, right down to the loincloth he wore. He smiled and then changed back he was now wearing a black tuxedo with abowtie that matched perfectly the color of the dress she was currently looking at.

This better? And you will look BEAUTIFUL in that if I may say so.

Rich gave away nothing in his expression as he said the last part. But his mind did. His connection to Brenda betrayed his thoughts loud and clear.

Please LORD let her rock this sexy ass dress. JUST in case I end up getting fucked up tonight, at least let me enjoy the view.

 

[Silver Swan]

Central Park

Why am I here? Who is this little girl?

Lost. scared.

In a wooded area....

<<FLASH>>

Arklay Forest

[ Sharon looks quite bewildered as she looks at her own hands and then the girl and then HEARS another heartbeat. She was so beside herself she'd missed it before.]

[ a MAN. so large. she didnt recognize him.]

“Shh, shh, don’t cry child. Everything is going to be just fine now. No one is going to hurt you. It’s okay. You’re safe.”

He stood and looked at the seemingly dazed blonde woman. Still not understanding what had happened, he spoke calmly to her.

“Are you okay, miss?”

Not knowing what to call her now. He moved closer, touching her on the arm to try and snap her out of whatever trance she was in.

“We need to get you two away from here.”

GET BACK!

[shoving him away, she sends him flying over a park bench as she stands in front of the little girl.]

I dont know you...you could be one of those MEN.

Chasing me....her....US....through the forest!

Trying to CAPTURE me again!

[ she had no idea who this man was. but he was very large and did not look like the sort of person SHE'D turn to. She wasn't quite herself. or at least what she perceived herself as being. All she knew was that she and the little girl were lost in the forest...]

[ her first instinct was to take the girl and RUN. But WHERE? Who would help them!? She kept her silver eyes fixed on Bishop.]

 

[Artemis]

Illustra- 107th floor

:: Inside of Delilah's penthouse apartment, Alycia & Ana-Leigh now sit with Delilah in the sunken in lounge area. Alycia introduces Ana-Leigh Moreau to Delilah Trelevan.::

:: Ana-Leigh had already known Illustra, Inc. was Morgan Victoria's company and now she'd figured out that Delilah must have been family or a close friend to actually be LIVING in Illustra. Alycia had already explained to Ana-Leigh on the way up the importance of confidentiality and that no one outside of a select few even knew of the private residential floors in Illustra and that it must stay that way.::

:: The first few moments of the conversation were between Delilah and Alycia about Karen. Karen had retired to her guest room after dinner with Delilah earlier. Alycia was glad that they were working through their grief over Morgan together. She wished SHE could be more apart of that process, but her duties required her to be elsewhere and so as always, she kept a brave face...as much as she could.::

:: From the serving tray, Alycia pours herself a cup of coffee. There was bottled water and other items for Ana-Leigh to choose from and soon they got down to business.::

When I read Ana-Leigh's letter, I knew with all my instincts that she was the one I should pick. I'm pleased to say I was right. During our private Q&A, I explained to her my reason for getting into the legal profession and my driving motivation. Part of that explantation included Morgan Victoria.

:: a framed picture of Morgan and her sister Blaze sat on the glass coffee table among them.::

Ana-Leigh shared some things with me as well. I realized then that she was someone you should meet, Delilah.

Delilah Trelevan is a retired NYPD officer. She was also Morgan's bestfriend since childhood. IF there's anyone who knew her better than I, it's Delilah and like Morgan, like YOURSELF, Ana-Leigh, Delilah is a mutant.

:: after drinking some coffee::

Mystech goons stalking ME is nothing new. But I've prooven to be able to fight them off.

This evening when I spotted 4 of the goons in the lobby, I kept watch on them while in my office with Ana-Leigh. When we prepared to leave, there were 6 of them in the lobby so I took us down to the underground parking structure. But we were then attacked by two other goons.

It was then that we learned they weren't after ME, but after Ana-Leigh. Somehow they knew she was a mutant & they were sent to capture her.

<<FLASH>>

<< the scene of Alycia fighting off one goon while Ana-Leigh takes down the other.>>

We disposed of them but now its obvious that even though Ana-Leigh has kept her status as a mutant well hidden, Mystech is able to identify new mutants and come after them directly. There's no telling WHO ELSE they could be targeting.

<<FLASH>>

<< Images of Brenda Castle. Richard Martin.>>

 

[Ana-Leigh Moreau]

Alycia: Those were some pretty impressive moves YOU had. Thanks for the assist.

"My dad was an ex-Marine. He taught me how to fight and shoot before I was in preschool."

Ana-Leigh said with a half smile on her face. Her dad wasn't like typical dads. He wasn't "careful" with Ana-Leigh and didn't treat her like a princess. He treated her like an equal. Always teaching her about different guns, fighting moves, or the best way to hunt and track. Ana always assumed that her father wanted a little boy but got "stuck" with her, but he never treated her that way. He made her feel incredibly special and loved. More loved than most probably deserved. Her dad was her best friend in so many ways....and after taking down these MysTech goons, she appreciated him even moreso now.

Alycia suggested that they leave and meet with someone named Delilah; another mutant and a trusted friend of Alycia's. Ana-Leigh nodded, almost enthusiastically as they made they way to her car and headed over to Illustra. Ana had never met another mutant before. And if she had, they never outed themselves to her. So this was exciting, and scary, and all around overwhelming. As they reached Illustra, the building was infamous in New York City; being linked to Morgan Victoria and her fashion empire. Getting out of the car, Ana-Leigh took a moment to look up, like a child would their first time in New York.

Finally, they made they're way up to the top floors of Illustra and to Delilah's apartment. Ana-Leigh really didn't know what to expect....but she certainly didn't expect Delilah to be in a wheelchair. Walking into the livingroom, she and Alycia took a seat on the couch while Delilah sat across from them in her chair. Alycia began to explain what had just happened to them in the garage, and how MysTech now had a way of tracking mutants. Looking at Delilah, Ana-Leigh remained silent not knowing what to say. This woman looked hard...like she had been to hell and back. She looked like the type of person who knew what she wanted, but was smart about getting it. If she wanted Ana-Leigh's input, she would ask for it. So until then, Ana-Leigh remained respectfully quiet.

 

[Bishop]

Central Park

He landed on the other side of a park bench with a thud.

Ugh.

Well she hadn’t lost her strength with her change in appearance. But then she just started acting batshit crazy.

I dont know you...you could be one of those MEN. Chasing me....her....US....through the forest! Trying to CAPTURE me again!

He was happy to try and protect mutant’s identities as much as the next guy, but this was ridiculous. He still tried to make his movements as non-threatening as possible. No need to tempt fate.

“Uh…Miss Swan, it’s Bishop. You know I’m not from MysTech. Don’t you remember me? From earlier today? I wanted to ask you to give Delilah another chance. She’s a mutant too, remember?”

Then after a pause.

“Are you alright?”

Another pause.

“I really think we need to get this child somewhere safe, in case those ones over there called for backup.”

 

[MorningStar]

Illustra - 107th Floor

Delilah sat in Morgan’s living room with Alycia and the young girl she had brought with her, Ana-Leigh. She sipped her tea, sitting in her bathrobe, her wet hair now down in loose waves around her shoulders. She updated Alycia on Karen, and then Alycia started in on her story.

IF there's anyone who knew her better than I, it's Delilah and like Morgan, like YOURSELF, Ana-Leigh, Delilah is a mutant.

Delilah covered choking on her tea a bit with a cough. She wasn’t really sure about Alycia coming right out and TELLING this girl that she was a mutant, but she trusted her, so she didn’t say anything.

This evening when I spotted 4 of the goons in the lobby, I kept watch on them while in my office with Ana-Leigh. When we prepared to leave, there were 6 of them in the lobby so I took us down to the underground parking structure. But we were then attacked by two other goons.

At this, Delilah began to scold Alycia.

“Alycia! You should have called me as soon as you noticed the goons in the lobby. Thinking you could take care of them all by yourself was suicidal! I would have sent Connor to you – or some of my friends on the force…don’t do that again. I mean it.”

The woman was tough, but NO ONE was invulnerable against superior numbers. There was a fine line between bravery and stupidity.

It was then that we learned they weren't after ME, but after Ana-Leigh. Somehow they knew she was a mutant & they were sent to capture her.

Delilah’s face grew grave. She steepled her fingers in front of her and tapped her index fingers on her lips.

“HOW did they know? And if they’re still collecting mutants, someone else must have taken up Adam and Christopher’s research…somewhere here in the city. We need to find that place.”

She took a deep breath and exhaled.

“Well…it’s a miracle that the two of you survived. We can thank our lucky stars for that. And for Ana-Leigh’s quick thinking.”

Delilah smiled warmly at the girl, then addressed her.

“You go to NYU, you’re a student? Do you live in the dorms then?”

She turned to Alycia, the smile gone.

“If they knew to find her with you they know where she lives. I don’t think she should stay there tonight. She could stay in one of the empty apartments here.”

 

[Ana-Leigh Moreau]

Delilah: “Well…it’s a miracle that the two of you survived. We can thank our lucky stars for that. And for Ana-Leigh’s quick thinking.”

Ana-Leigh gave Delilah a small smile, silently thanking her for the compliment. But it was more instinct than quick thinking on her part.

Delilah: “You go to NYU, you’re a student? Do you live in the dorms then?”

"I am. But no, I live in Brooklyn....dorms aren't really my thing."

Delilah suggested that if they knew to go to Alycia's office to look for Ana-Leigh, then that meant they could know where she lived. Hell, it could even mean that they knew her class schedule and where she worked. Furrowing her brows, this whole time she tried to hide who she was, and these people were closing in on her anyway.

Delilah: “I don’t think she should stay there tonight. She could stay in one of the empty apartments here.”

Lifting her gaze to Delilah, she looked between her and Alycia. It was slightly annoying that they were making decisions about her without actually consulting her, but considering everything they had been through, she knew they were only trying to do what was in her best interest. However Ana-Leigh wasn't a victim, nor did she take handouts. Perhaps it was her father's influence shining through, but she was very proud in that sense.

"No....I appreciate that, but I don't want to intrude. I can stay in a hotel--my friend's family owns one and he owes me a favor. I'll be fine."

Turning her attention to Alycia now.

"But you might not be. You're in their [MysTech] sights now too, moreso now that you've helped me. You KICKED ASS, but Delilah's right. There's only so many agents you can take solo without having powers. I don't want you to get hurt because of me."

Ana-Leigh was oddly very protective of Alycia, considering they had only formally met earlier that day. But with everything they had been through and found out about each other, Ana-Leigh felt very tied to Alycia. Very connected. Alycia was the closest thing to "family" Ana-Leigh had since leaving her own 3 years earlier. She refused to let anything happen to her after.

 

[Artemis]

Illustra- 107th

Alycia! You should have called me as soon as you noticed the goons in the lobby. Thinking you could take care of them all by yourself was suicidal! I would have sent Connor to you –

Oh you mean he no longer suspects ME of being a mystech agent?

:: Alycia replies in a frosty tone at the mention of Connor. Indicating how well aware she was of his suspicion of her.::

or some of my friends on the force…don’t do that again.

:: Alycia frowned when Delilah chided her a bit.::

I'm a grown woman, Delilah. I can take care of myself. I've handled myself before against Zacchara goons & Mystech goons quite well inspite of being..."only human."

::It was a source of insecurity. Alycia realizing that despite her resourcefull nature, her toughness, her ability to do battle in the court /board rooms and defend herself quite well on the streets if necessary were still no match for super powered mutants. Unlike some who harbored an irrational fear of mutants, Alycia envied them for how the merest twist of a genetic code gave the abilities to do things that most could only dream of. She was PROUD of who she was...but all too aware of her BASELINE genetic limitation.::

"I mean it.”

:: Alycia sighs as they look at one another. Delilah was not only speaking from EXPERIENCE as a police woman and someone who'd contronted Mystech directly, but as a FRIEND. Alycia understood that.::

:: She looks at Delilah with a softer expression and simply nods in agreement. It wasn't easy for her to relent on anything. But there was no logic in her becoming a LIABILITY by trying to overcompesate for her own self inflicted insecurity.::

:: There was so much more to mystech than most people knew. Knowing that herself, she knew that a misstep or an overstep could land her in a situation even she might not be able to get out of.::


:: Delilah spoke to Ana-Leigh::

She turned to Alycia, the smile gone.

“If they knew to find her with you they know where she lives. I don’t think she should stay there tonight. She could stay in one of the empty apartments here.”

I thought of that as well. It's a far better thing for her to be connected to you than to continue to be out here alone, especially since they're apparently targeting specific mutants.

:: Ana-Leigh, who while intrigued was still understandbly apprehensive::

Listen to what Delilah has to say. There's more to it than a mere offer to stay the night. Remember our conversation from earlier? You'll have a better chance of achieving your goal, helping me...US to achieve OURS if you hear her out.

"But you might not be. You're in their [MysTech] sights now too, moreso now that you've helped me. You KICKED ASS, but Delilah's right. There's only so many agents you can take solo without having powers. I don't want you to get hurt because of me."

:: Like Delilah, Ana-Leigh expressed genuine concern for Alycia's wellbeing as well. Alycia had taken a liking to the girl from the moment she read her letter and upon meeting her in person, that feeling was strengthened. It warmed Alycia's hardened heart a bit, as she'd become accustomed to standing alone and when she had opened her heart to friendship with Morgan, Alison and Blaze...they were taken away from her so violently. It jarred her more than anyone might have suspected. it stretched all the way back to her father's loss and the circumstances of it. Even Delilah wasn't yet aware of the details that Ana-Leigh now knew.::

:: STILL, Delilah and now Ana-Leigh were reminding Alycia that not only could SHE hold other accoutable for their actions but that SHE had to be accountable to those who cared about HER.::

I've been so...accustomed to certain things now that I suppose I might have underestimated the severity of that situation. A lesser person would have been overpowered and certainly killed. They weren't expecting YOU to be as quick and capable either. Even though I took steps to try minimize the danger, I of all people should know it's not always that easy to outwit Mystech...even their ground level shock troops.

It appears we BOTH learned a lesson tonight.

:: She looks at Ana-Leigh and Delilah.::

Ana-Leigh, if anyone's expecting you at the hotel, why don't you phone them and tell them you'll be delayed so they don't worry and then at least talk with Delilah for a bit longer. At the moment, no place is safer than here. I'll stick around too. We'll get something to eat.

After that, if you'd still prefer to head to the hotel, I'll accompany you and Delilah will make sure you have some security detail shadow you at least for the night.

 

[Seer]

more guests on the way.

<< What an evening it would be indeed.>>

<< For even as the tide was just signaling a turn for Delilah, she'd soon find it to be more like a tidal wave.>>

<< As Ana-Leigh took Alycia up on her offer and decided to visit with Delilah at least to hear what she had to say, Connor was now arriving back to Illustra.>>

<< He had manage to convince a disoriented and unpredictable woman named Sharon Kelly to return to Illustra with him, along with the lost little girl. This was all new for him. One moment watching a super powered, homicidal mutant [mutate] turning into a woman who looked somewhat different and was clearly confused but no less powerfull; The other leading her and a homeless young mutant back to Illustra. Not exactly the sort of work he was used to.>>

<< Still, for the goal of destroying Mystech, almost anything was possible.>>

<< He may not have known just how much a favor he was doing Delilah. SHE may not have known it...but she was about to get another break, as well as come to understand some of the mystery of the Silver Swan.>>

<< He leads them into Illustra. Sharon Kelly is now carrying the girl and although she's following Connor, she does not trust him to let him near the girl. HE can't understand why SHE behaves as though she doesn't know who he is. He doesn't realize that she's not even aware of HERSELF as she truly is.>>

<< Sharon and the girl are seated in one of the unused office suites on the floor just beneath the War Room. The 99th floor. They both relax...just a little as they settle onto a large sofa with an uninterrupted view of the new york city night skyline. Connor is not quite sure what to make of this woman who had been SILVER SWAN moments earlier, but he was certain neither she nor the girl would try to leave now and so he went to inform Delilah of what had happened, unaware that Alycia, along with yet another guest, were in a attendance.>>

<< Yes, the night will be quite interesting for Delilah indeed but the road to a goal is not always straight, nor is the path always clear and sometimes one must look a little deeper, to see what lies beneath.>>

 

[MorningStar]

The girl was quick to decline Delilah’s suggestion. She clearly still didn’t fully realize what she was dealing with. Hopefully she would understand before it was too late.

Alycia clearly agree with Delilah, though, and bought the girl some time to change her mind. She suggested Ana-Leigh call her friend.

“You can use the phone in the den, second door on the left.”

Delilah indicated the hallway behind her.

As the girl left them, Delilah watched her go, almost wistfully.

“She’s so young…”

She turned back to Alycia. And in a brief and unusual moment of insecurity, she asked,

“Am I doing the right thing Alycia?” Connor’s words from earlier rattled around her brain. “Or am I just sending other mutants to their deaths?”

When the girl returned and say down again, Delilah took another sip of tea.

“Well I would have preferred to wait to go into this until morning when you’ve had a chance to rest after your ordeal, but since that doesn’t seem to be in the cards, I’ll tell you why Alycia brought you here.”

She set the cup down and folded her hands in her lap.

“I wasn’t always in this chair. Everyone knows about MysTech’s public enterprises, the products they make are in most households in the United States. And you now also know something about what they do in private. But it is far worse than anything you could imagine.”

Delilah picked up the photo of Morgan and Blaze from the table and looked at it a moment before continuing.

“There once was a team of mutants and meta humans who wanted to stop MysTech. This is a picture of Morgan Victoria and her sister, Blaze Fielding. Morgan found out that her sister was being held and tested on – experimented on – tortured on – by MysTech. So her team went in to a secret Mystech facility in order to free her. And none of them came back.”

She set the photo down, so that it faced Ana-Leigh.

“So MysTech’s experiments on mutants were able to continue. They develop biotoxins and viruses that have been used on the civilian public. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. Six months ago, I tried to get revenge on MysTech for my friends’ deaths – I destroyed the facility, but I paid a price [indicating the chair]. And still MysTech grows.”

She looked off into the distance for a moment, then back to Ana-Leigh.

“I won’t stop until MysTech is destroyed permanently. No matter what they take from me, I owe it to Morgan and Blaze to avenge them and to keep MysTech from hurting anyone else. But I can’t do it by myself any longer. I’m assembling a new team to target MysTech – to shut them down and hit them where it hurts. You’re young Ana-Leigh, you have your whole life ahead of you, and I can’t tell you what to do with your abilities. But you have so much potential, and I can help you learn to use your powers, control them. And if you decide you want to use your gifts to make a difference in the world, I can help you with that too. But I won’t lie to you, it will be dangerous. Even associating with me could be dangerous. But then again, you aren’t as safe right now as you were this morning, are you?”

 

[Artemis]

Illustra- 107th floor

“She’s so young…”

so were we...

She turned back to Alycia. And in a brief and unusual moment of insecurity, she asked,

“Am I doing the right thing Alycia?” Connor’s words from earlier rattled around her brain. “Or am I just sending other mutants to their deaths?”

Earlier you chided me for thinking I could take too many mystech goons on by myself.

Mystech represents something that not only disrespects the LAWS of the land, but the laws of NATURE.


You know just as I do that YOU can't go after Mystech alone. Powerful as you are, you know as well as I do that their reach is far, their resources are plentiful and the depths to which they will go to achieve their goal are DEEP.

What you do, What I do...it's something...enough that that it's drawn them out of the shadows against both of us, but not ENOUGH. We have to work together, making our blows against Mystech in our respective fields come together in one giant fist....and you're going to have to take the fight TO them. But YOU can't do it alone. You need people with POWER, the kind that mutants have.

Hardly ANYONE is born knowing what their destiny will be but circumstances, experiences and more help us to become aware and once we do, we can't ignore. I couldn't after my father...and you can't now after Morgan, Blaze, Alison ...those others...and countless more.


I spoke with Ana-Leigh earlier today. We made a connection. She may be young, but she has that FIRE in her. The same that I had when I watched my father suffer and die...

:: her hand tightens around her coffee mug and it's clear there's a flash of emotion from her as she stopped short. Delilah didnt know exactly happened to Alycia's father or what made HER so bold and intense. Not yet anyway.::

...

Ana-Leigh is a smart girl. She's capable, competent and fast on her feet. I saw her use her power, she's no novice and she's definitely not a weak "little girl".

I think you'll find just what you're looking for in her and as long as you keep it real with her, she'll do the same with you.

:: Alycia spoke with unwavering confidence in Ana-Leigh. Still marveling inside herself at the fast connection that she and Ana-Leigh had developed. Between her and Delilah, Alycia was finding an emotional anchor and a way BACK to dealing with people outside of her battlefields in the courtroom and boardroom.::

:: Ana-Leigh returns and Alycia sits back on the leather sectional.::

:: Delilah begins to talk with Ana-Leigh.::

:: Both Alycia and Delilah were experiencing things that were drawing them beyond their constructed norms. In a world that had become so dark, warped and gloomy thanks to the vast, terrible power of mystech, the found themselves back to back, looking for others who would stand with them.::

 

[Ana-Leigh Moreau]

Alycia suggested that Ana stays for dinner and listens to what Delilah has to say before heading off to Marco's hotel. If she decided to stay afterwards, then there would be an available room for her. Ana-Leigh knew Alycia was giving her a less of a "hand out" way of taking Delilah up on her offer, and she appreciated it. Smiling, Ana-Leigh nodded agreeing and asked to use the phone to call Marco and let him know she might possibly be staying with him for a few nights.

After a few minutes, Ana-Leigh returned to the livingroom and took a seat. Delilah got right down to business and started to explain how she wasn't always wheelchair bound and how this was all due to MysTech. She explained what happened with Morgan and Blaze--all this she already knew because of what Alycia told her earlier. Then she began to explain how she went back for revenge and blew up The Citadel where her friends were killed....however it cost her the ability to walk. Unfortunately, none of that actually took down MysTech. They seemed to grow stronger despite Delilah's efforts.

Delilah: “I won’t stop until MysTech is destroyed permanently. No matter what they take from me, I owe it to Morgan and Blaze to avenge them and to keep MysTech from hurting anyone else. But I can’t do it by myself any longer. I’m assembling a new team to target MysTech – to shut them down and hit them where it hurts. You’re young Ana-Leigh, you have your whole life ahead of you, and I can’t tell you what to do with your abilities. But you have so much potential, and I can help you learn to use your powers, control them. And if you decide you want to use your gifts to make a difference in the world, I can help you with that too. But I won’t lie to you, it will be dangerous. Even associating with me could be dangerous. But then again, you aren’t as safe right now as you were this morning, are you?”

Ana-Leigh paused, knowing that this was true. She was a "typical" college student this morning, but now she was being targeted by MysTech. Normally, Ana would be very hesitant to willingly throw herself into a serious situation for people she didn't even know--especially since it involved mutants. But she began to think back to her childhood and everything her father taught her. Maybe this was her destiny? Maybe this was why she was giving HER powers.

"When I was little....my father and I had an unusual relationship. I didn't play with Barbies or run around pretending to be a princess....I was being trained--molded by him. But I guess I really didn't realize it at the time. I just thought we were playing. But he took all of his knowledge from the Marines and taught me how to fight, how to shoot, how to track, how to disappear without being found. He taught me how to survive. When I got older and discovered I had powers I was so afraid he would hate me....or think I was a freak. But he embraced it moreso than I think I did. He looked at it as an extension of me--like a Samurai and his sword. He began to help me control them and find their true potential. At that point I realized that I wasn't just "playing" with my father anymore....I realized that he was preparing me for something. He was making sure that whatever happened, I would ALWAYS survive. I didn't know for what....I didn't know when......but maybe it was all for this? Maybe it was to come here and help you bring down this company that is trying to destroy what my father so passionately and open-heartedly welcomed into his life without hesitation. I have no idea what it feels like to go through what you did, Delilah. Or you Alycia. But i'm willing to stay here and help you make sure that no one else is subjected to the suffering that MysTech has caused you. This is what my dad would want me to do.....this is what he TRAINED me to do. I see that now."

Realizing that this was going to change her life, Ana-Leigh accepted that she needed to go into this all the way, or not go into this at all.

 

[Bishop]

Connor really couldn’t believe that Silver Swan – or whomever was inhabiting her body currently – had agreed to go with him. Perhaps somewhere deep inside her mind she did remember him enough to know she could trust him not to hurt her. He hoped that seeing Delilah might trigger more memories in her, but he knew it was a longshot – and that something was terribly wrong with the woman. She could be dangerous, even pretending to have lost her memory, but he couldn’t just leave her and the child to fend for themselves. Not with someone clearly after the both of them.

So he had brought them both back to Illustra – not to Delilah’s apartment, but to the offices below the secret residential floors and war room. He showed them to an office suite where there were comfortable seats and a nice view of the city – might as well give the child a little treat. Children were amazed by such things, he remembered distantly. He rifled through the onsuite kitchen and found some peanut butter & crackers packages, and grabbed some juice and water from the fridge.

He gently handed the child the crackers and juice with as comforting a smile as he could, and set the water on the table for Silver Swan.

“There’s a kitchen next door – help yourself to anything in there if you’re hungry. There are some sandwiches in the fridge. I’ll be right back with Delilah.”

With a last concerned glance at Silver Swan he headed for the elevator and rode up to the 107th floor. He didn’t knock as he entered.

“Delilah, we have a bit of a problem.”

Then he noticed Alycia and another young woman in the living room with Delilah, all of them having turned to look at him.

“Uh…I need to speak to you – NOW. It's about our mutual friend from earlier today.”

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah listened to the girl speak warmly of her father. She really was like Alycia in many ways.

”…This is what my dad would want me to do.....this is what he TRAINED me to do. I see that now."

Delilah nodded. The girl had heart, but sometimes that wasn’t the best things.

“I want you to do this for YOU – not for me, or your father. I want you to be sure it’s what you want. Not because you feel obligated-“

At that moment Connor came in the room like his pants were on fire.

“Delilah, we have a bit of a problem. Uh…I need to speak to you – NOW. It's about our mutual friend from earlier today.”

Delilah turned her chair towards him and nodded, then indicated Ana-Leigh and Alycia.

“This is Ana-Leigh Moreau. And you remember Alycia. They were attacked earlier this evening by MysTech agents in the parking garage below Alycia’s office. They were after Ana-Leigh.”

Connor: “Shit.”

“Indeed. Ana-Leigh is thinking about helping us – she has truly unique abilities.”

Turning to Ana-Leigh, she explained.

“Connor is my…caretaker. He got me out of the Citadel alive.”

Then she looked back at Bishop.

“If it’s about Silver Swan, they might as well hear it.”

 

[Bishop]

Connor looked at Ana-Leigh, then back at Delilah.

“I’m not sure…”

Delilah gave him a look.

“Okay then. I was in the War Room, and the sensors picked up a MysTech vehicle in Central Park. And RADAR picked up a humanoid flying to intercept it. So of course I thought, Silver Swan. So I headed out there to see what was going on.”

Delilah: “After I expressly told you to leave it alone.”

“ANYWAY. When I got there, the soldiers were attacking a small child. Silver Swan went berserk on them.”

He sounding a little too impressed for Delilah’s liking, he could tell. He cleared his throat.

“Afterwards, Silver Swan went to skedaddle, and the child stopped her. Then SOMETHING happened to Silver Swan and she didn’t have the wings and whatever anymore. BUT when I tried to get the two of them out of them – she threw me across the field. It was like she didn’t even know me. I finally managed to get the two of them to come back here - they’re on the 99th floor. Silver Swan is waaay out of it.”

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah sat up in her chair, clearly alarmed.

“Here?! Now?!”

Considering the last meeting between the two of them, Delilah was not pleased. Why would he bring someone that volatile to the place where they LIVED. He was smarter than that. But she needed to be dealt with – and if there was a child involved she couldn’t just leave them down there alone.

“Let’s go. Alycia, I would appreciate it if you would come with me – she might feel more comfortable with another woman around and she and I didn’t exactly hit it off the first time we met. Be careful, though, the woman’s a mutant and incredibly strong. AND I’m not sure she’s all there normally, and if she’s acting strange…”

Delilah turned to Ana-Leigh.

“Stay here – we won’t be gone long and we’ll have dinner as soon as we return. Help yourself to anything I have. Don’t worry, you’ll be safe as long as you stay in the apartment. There’s an intercom if you need to reach us before we get back.”

Delilah nodded to Alycia and Connor and followed him down to the 99th floor.