Surrounded by darkness

[Matrix]

Brenda was right...anyone might have had a tough time. He listened as she brought up a name...The White Queen.

He continues to listen as she spoke of The Silver Swan or whoever it was.

"Neither do I... even AFTER the Silver Swan started to shred the team, their plan was still 'capture the Castle'. But there was something Silver Swan said to me afterwards.... 'you weren't supposed to be the one they attacked'. I think she knows who they are, who they work for. I have to find some way to talk to her again."

What do you think would get her attention? This might be an option, though a somewhat risky one.

Rich changed to the uniforms he saw the guys in, then changed back.

Barring THAT what do you suggest? We might wanna find her before these guys and this Queen take another shot at you.

 

[Bishop]

Connor tried to keep cool. He figured panic would get him nowhere with this one, and probably get him killed. So he stood tall, unwavering.

Well then just who ARE you!?

"They call me Bishop. And like I said, I’m not part of MysTech."

Connor nodded as the woman told him that she had been a test subject. He pondered it a minute.

“I’m not going to sugar coat how much help you would be to us…but maybe you’d like to take what they did to you and shove it back up MysTech’s ass as much as we would.”

I'm ALL FOR anything that involves DESTROYING MYSTECH!

“Well, that is the name of the game. Name a time and place to meet, and we’ll be there.”

Connor extended a hand as a sign of trust. This bird woman was too good to be true – exactly the type of heartless destroyer they needed. Someone who would rain terror down on Mystech without a care. The corner of his mouth slid up into a half smile. The tide was turning.

 

[MorningStar]

The last time I saw you....you did not have this chair.

Delilah turned her head away.

I know you went to the Citadle...to seek revenge. Alycia told me that you personally saw to it that my ex-husband, Morgan's father and his twisted associate, Adam Chandler had been dealt with, PERMANETLY.

“Karen, that’s preposterous…”

But a glance at Karen’s face told her that she wasn’t buying it.

The RELIEF that I felt...

Delilah closed her eyes at this, a peace washing over her. That had been what it was for – it was all worth it, for Karen to be safe.

By the goddess, Delilah, you could have been....they could have taken you...just like they did my daughter, her sister...Alison and those others!

Delilah’s eyes flew open.

“I OWED it to Morgan! To protect you, to destroy the ones that took her. I HAD to! I couldn’t just stand by and watch her death be for NOTHING!”

Her voice was intense, but not angry, the strength of her convictions coming through her words.

I felt that it was time to come and see you...and visit my daughter's place...which is now YOUR place....

More softly now,

“It will always be Morgan’s place. I’m only here because that was what she wanted.”

I'm not handling this very well....

At this Delilah leaned forward and took Karen’s hand, urgently.

“Oh Karen, no one expects you to be a rock. It’s not an easy thing. Not for me either. Let me help you through this.”

 

[Silver Swan]

Central Park

I am Silver Swan. SCOURGE OF MYSTECH.

[ Silver Swan continued to eye him suspiciously but he did a good job remaining calm and steady. There hadn't been many in the Citadle who could do that and he explicitly spoke about taking down Mystech. Nobody among THEM does that out in the open, considering how many ways they have of spying on people.]

“Well, that is the name of the game. Name a time and place to meet, and we’ll be there.”

Connor extended a hand as a sign of trust. This bird woman was too good to be true – exactly the type of heartless destroyer they needed. Someone who would rain terror down on Mystech without a care. The corner of his mouth slid up into a half smile. The tide was turning.

[Maybe THEY could help her find NEW targets higher up on the food chain to kill and make a public spectacle of it! she wanted to rattle mystech and draw media attention to their evil but so far, all she'd managed to to was be portrayed as a sort of..."WONDER WOMAN" for those she happened to "Save", when usually they were more or less IN THE WAY...like Brenda. Just like with SIRYN. She had her idea and goal in mind but the end result was never quite what she wanted and it was frustrating to her.]

[ even today, maiming the senator and police chief was personally rewarding but still enough to make these people realize just WHO they were!]

a time...and PLACE...

[ No one knew where Silver Swan came from. Even Bishop now knowing she was once a prisoner of Mystech at the Citadle didnt indicate where her "base of operations" were. She didnt know what to tell him. Sharon Kelly stayed at the Parthenon but...Silver Swan was never there. She was always out in the sky, or attacking /fighting mystech goons.]

I...don't know.

[ she seemed to falter , which was peculiar to Bishop.]

I don't have a ...."place." I'm just out here...hunting for them and luring them into my traps.

You pick a place and I'll be there. I can fly and no one will be able to see me.

[ She WAS willing to meet his partner though, which suggested she could possibly work with others in the shared goal of taking down Mystech.]

 

[Bishop]

Silver Swan seemed to stumble over the concept of a meeting place. He inclined his head curiously at her. Was this an act? Or was she that cut off from her "humanity"? He had known cold blooded killers in his day - too many (and not enough). But she was different. It was a predatory singlemindedness - destroying Mystech was all that mattered to her. And in a much different way than that meant to Delilah. What Mystech had done to her had clearly messed with her - not that he blamed her for that.

"Midnight then, the roof of the Parthenon Hotel."

He wasn't stupid enough to bring her to where they lived, even as much as he had already trusted her with. But the Parthenon could be controlled, and it would be private.

 

[Artemis]

From Illustra to NYU

:: Alycia had slipped back into the penthouse and closed the double doors. Karen and Delilah were seated and talking. That was a good thing.::

:: Alycia did not bother them. She knew her way around here just as well as they did even with the small changes Delilah had made. She went to the kitchen and poured herself some coffee. Sitting in one of the bar chairs, she noticed the Time Magazine which featured Morgan Victoria and the title "one year later" on it.::

:: The stern look on her face melted away into one of soft sadness as she almost forced herself to open the magazine and slowly view the article and pictures of Morgan.::

oh god....

:: it never shouldve happened! HOW could it have gone so wrong! she wasnt alone. She had others with her but Mystech STILL somehow managed to get the drop on them and worse...they managed to cover it up, along with all those innocents TOP SIDE who were infected with one of their damned viruses and then subsequently KILLED in the coverup!::

:: she heard Karen and Delilah talking, and she herself blinked back tears of sadness and frustration. ALL her efforts to bust Mystech open had been BLOCKED. She needed a break, but so far, nothing had come. All her expertise and "power" that lead her to her stunning victory against Anthony Zacchara didn't seem to matter much in the aftermath of Morgan's death.::

:: She closed the magazine::

those BASTARDS!

:: her mind churns with anger and sadness as she drinks more of her coffee. Soon, she feels the brush of fur on her leg and looks own to see Tinkerbell, circling her chair and mewing a bit.::

Hi, Tink.

:: Alycia says softly. After a few moments, she stands up and bends down to pick up Tinkerbell.::

I wasn't allowed to have pets as a little girl, but like Morgan, I loved cats too! Such a pretty kitty!

:: she says as she nuzzled Tink's forehead. THe siamese enjoyed the affection and returned it.::

I'm not handling this very well....

:: Alycia made her way back out to the sunken living room, carrying Tink.::

At this Delilah leaned forward and took Karen’s hand, urgently.

“Oh Karen, no one expects you to be a rock. It’s not an easy thing. Not for me either. Let me help you through this.”

She's right, Karen. and if there's anyone you can...should be able to open up to, it's Delilah.

I have an idea.

:: She lets Tinker jump down onto the leather sectional and then sits down as Tinker quickly makes her way over to 'grandma' for more petting time.::

I have a speaking engagement at my alma mater in an hour. Karen why don't you stay here and spend some time with Delilah for a little while?

The limo that brought you here will stay here until you're ready to leave. I have another car ready to take me to NYU. You'll be safe. Clandestine agents now control the security of this building and they know you're here and will protect you if necessary.

:: She knew Karen didn't like to be seen out in the open too often. Even with the destruction of her ex-husband. Thant remove the looming threat of Mystech and it had already torn her family apart...she just wasn't the same after all of it.::

Delilah will make sure you're safe and while you're here, you two can talk. It's going to take more than a half hour visit.

If you need me, you have my private number to reach me at anytime. Okay?

:: she looked at the two women, smiling at them.::

Karen: I....I think that's fine, Alycia.

:: Karen looks over at Delilah and then back to Alycia.::

Karen: It has been a while since I've been out like this and to be HERE of all places, with Delilah. I think Morgan would like that too.

:: Alycia nods and smiles with understanding.::

I think so too.

Great. Well, I'll leave you two ladies and Tinkerbell. If there are any problems or any thing you need, don't hesitate to call.

:: She stands up and goes to hug Karen::

I'll check on you in just a while.

:: She turns and takes Delilah's hand::

Both of you.

:: and with that, Alycia grabs her purse and heads out of the penthouse.::


:: Back down to the main floor and outside, a smaller vehicle, a Black Lexus is waiting for Alycia. The driver is already prepped with her destination. and so she quickly enters and off they go.::

 

[Seer]

and the day goes on

<< The palace hotel>>

<< As Rich and Brenda talked and the first indications of something much bigger than both of them and far more menacing TO them began to take center stage in their minds and conversation, Brenda was handed today's paper. Among other things, it featured front page stories about "Birds gone wild" and the attacks on the police chief and senator ron davis. In the entertainment section, SIRYN was the splash image. A lengthy article about her wild popularity , her allure and mystique and more.>>

<< As she showed Rich the article, which featured another shot of Siryn along with her special "spotlight dancers" in the photo, She couldn't help but think back to her own memory of Silver Swan. BOTH women wore silver but there were subtle differences in their faces and Silver Swan's face was partially obscured by a mask. Siryn was friendly, personable...but only to a point. Brenda recalled when record label talent scouts pressed for a moment with her, she declined them flatly and left. Silver Swan was bold, vicious and brutal. And yet when she confronted Brenda at the very end, she seemed a bit..."gentle" and concerned with Brenda's well being. >>

<< so many things about this woman ....THESE WOMEN....and on top of all this, ANOTHER woman, whom Brenda only knew to be called the White Queen was after HER!>>

<< She was going to NEED a friend like Rich. Someone who was a fellow mutant and open to the possibility of flying women who could destroy entire groups of well armed men in one fell swoop. Things were changing for her, what passed for "normal" in her life was being turned on its ear and she'd only just begun to see how much it would change.>>


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

<< For Rich, whatever he'd thought he'd be doing by this time today, that was no longer a factor. He'd made a new friend, a powerfull and well connected one. He'd been able to share his secret and for the first time in a while, had a sense of camaraderie...despite their vastly different backgrounds. Their status as mutants served to bridge that gap, not to mention Rich's sense and Brenda's sensibility. She may have been an heiress, but she was far from a snob or a brainless debutant.That went along way too.>>

<< Names like the "White Queen" and "Silver Swan" may have sounded like outrageous comic book characters to him, but for many, the concept of a mutant shape shifter or telepath were equally as "fantastic". For Brenda to be unwittingly mixed up in the same sentence as White Queen and Silver Swan, whoever they were, he knew enough to know Brenda shouldnt even try to go further into this alone and so, the two found themselves fast friends. Not a moment too soon, for things were just beginning to deepen and get DARKER.>>

<< In their entertaining the idea of trying to FIND Silver Swan, they would soon find more than they wished to and then....their lives may depend on each other far more than they could guess.>>

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

<< Ana- Leigh Moreau was now on campus in the auditorium. Alycia Barnett was introduced by the Dean of the law department and now speaking to the students. For Ana-Leigh, this was just as, if not MORE exciting than her time at XS. This was apart of her path to what she hoped to be a life defining career where she made a difference in people's lives and who better than to learn from than the women who took down one of the most powerfull families of crime and evil on the east coast?>>

<< She knew that she'd be the one Alycia picked for the special one on one meeting and job-shadow program. Not because she was that arrogant, but because she sensed that Alycia would recognize that fire of truth and justice in her that Alycia herself had. She'd know soon enough if this was true and then, she'd find herself in the start of a truly life changing adventure indeed.>>

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

<< Bishop was on his way back to Illustra. His mind churning with the encounter he'd just had with the mysterious Silver Swan. the POWER that woman possessed would give Delilah and Bishop's efforts against Mystech a tremendous advantage. He almost couldnt believe how he'd stumbled upon the answer to the mystery of the bird attacks as well as a potential new ally for them in the fight against Mystech. Surely this would be welcomed news to Delilah.>>

<< Speaking of which, Delilah and Karen now sat in the home of the late Morgan Victoria. Mother and Best friend to the same woman. Friends with a mother/daughter relationship themselves.>>

<< As they talked, they slowly began to face the pain of loss together. At times sharing the balm of memories, at others one or both expressing grief. But with each moment. All sense of aprehension seemed to seem more and more distant. Eventually, Delilah asked Karen if she'd stay at least one night and how it would help HER, for she was still having a hard time adjusting to being here, especially sleeping here. Karen agrees...but just for the night. >>

<< and so...the day continues on for all of the...and so we watch.>>

 

[Artemis]

NYU- meeting with Ana-Leigh

:: Looking out on the students present, Alycia was truly encouraged by the diversity that she saw. Quite different than her time.::

:: the energy and desire to learn was present in many but she knew many of these would go on to be lawyers who sold out to the deepest pockets of special interest or those who sought to gain some sort of celebrity by defending the worst criminal scum. to use the law for either of these ends was dispicable to her::

:: then there was Ana-Leigh Moreau. She had such a passion and ernest glint in her round, youthful eyes. THe fire of passion and justice truly did burn within her.::

....and in closing, I would like to offer a personal observation. In an age when 'corporations are people' and justice can be BOUGHT, it is important for those of you who truly wish to see the law respected and used to protect those who need it most view the law as a living extension of something that is lost among most people today...civilization and society where the law is applied equally and justly.

Thank you.

:: Alycia nods as the students and faculty clap. A few moments later, the dean stands beside her.::

Dean: Alycia Barnett graduated top of her class. She has gone on to become one of NYU's most accomplished and celebrated lawyers. She maintains strong ties with her alma mater and alumni association. At her request, we invited the students of the 2012 law program to write Miss Barnett a letter expressing their personal motivation for pursuing a law degree and how they would use it to effectively foster change in today's world. Alycia received many submissions, but in the end, one in particular struck her and thus, has been chosen to receive a private meeting with her and participate in the student job-shadow program.

Dean: That winner is....

Alycia and Dean together: Miss Ana-Leigh Moreau!

:: the students and faculty once more clap as Ana is motioned to come to the stage to shake hands with Alycia in a photo op.::

:: Alycia gets a close look at the young woman. petite, but full of energy! perhaps more so than even Alycia could begin to suspect.::

:: Soon, after the dismissal from the auditorium, Alycia is now sitting in one of the guest professor offices with Ana-Leigh across the desk from her.::

Ana-Leigh, I read your letter. Of all the submissions I received...yours was the one that truly touched me. You have that FIRE in you. Just as I did when I was your age...

:: pausing for a moment...::

and THAT wasnt that long ago.

:: she looks rather serious...then smiles and winks at Ana-Leigh, indicating her little joke.::

I've read your dossier. I'm very impressed by your academic discipline and work ethic. There's also a healthy balance of extra-cirricular activity as well.

 

[Matrix]

Rich had FINALLY finished eating. There were literally a stack of plates that lay in his wake...it looked like Brenda had hosted the football team. Rich sat back and took a look at Brenda, a long look. Then he gave a small quirky smile.

I hope your day today is clear. We have to figure this out. I'll bet there is some conspiracy theory shit online on this white queen...but we can't use the internet HERE. I see your laptop...which gives me an idea...but you have to trust me.

He rose quickly, grabbed the laptop, and offered Brenda his hand.

 

[Ana-Leigh Moreau]

Two cups of coffee and a red bull later, Ana-Leigh was sitting in the auditorium watching the woman she's only ever seen on television, stand before her giving an amazing speech. She was so well spoken and didn't falter once. Ana-Leigh was cool under pressure, however public speaking wasn't her strong suit. It was definitely something she needed to work on for not only court, but in occasions of speaking to the press.

Alycia finished up her speech and everyone began to clap, Ana included. Then, it was the moment of truth. Inhaling a deep and nervous breath, the dean got up to the podium and began to announce the winner. She had a gut feeling that her name would be called....but at the same time, there were over 300 law students currently attending. The odds were against her. But a smile instantly appeared and her face lit up once she heard the dean say her name. HER name. Other students began to clap, and the ones closest to Ana-Leigh began to congratulate her as she made her way up to the stage to meet the woman who could quite possibly change her life.

It was shortly after that she and Alycia were alone in one of her professors office. Nervous butterflies filled her stomach. God, this was what teen girls must feel like when meeting Justin Beiber or something.

Alycia: Ana-Leigh, I read your letter. Of all the submissions I received...yours was the one that truly touched me. You have that FIRE in you. Just as I did when I was your age...and THAT wasnt that long ago.

Ana smiled; a soft nervous laugh following Alycia's joke. Honestly, she didn't know what to expect from Alycia Barnett. The woman was tough as nails on television. She didn't expect her to be so....nice.

"Thank you....that means a lot, Miss Barnett."

Alycia: I've read your dossier. I'm very impressed by your academic discipline and work ethic. There's also a healthy balance of extra-cirricular activity as well.

"Yes. School work definitely comes first, but i've learned after my freshman year that keeping your nose strictly in the books can sometimes drive you crazy. So I joined student government and film club. I was also huge into sports in high school which lead me to join intermural swimming and cross country. I would join more....but I try not to pile on the extracurricular's to heavily so I can still focus on my studies. And, you know...have a little bit of a life."

Ana smiled at the notion of having a life as a law student at NYU. She didn't even mention the fact that, despite having a full scholarship at NYU, she still works part time as a hostess at a swank restaurant in order to make ends meet. The life of a typical college student.

Realizing she was being so ridged and formal, Ana-Leigh let a nervous scoff escape her lips as she looked down at her fingers white knuckling the hem of her jacket.

"I'm sorry....I don't mean to sound like a robot. I'm just....i'm really nervous."

Looking back up at Alycia, Ana shrugged with a smile.

"I guess I need to work on my poker face before I hit the courtroom."

 

[Artemis]

from NYU to midtown

:: Alycia leaned back in her chair, steeping her index fingers under her chin as she studied Ana-Leigh for a moment and smiled with reassurance.::

It's okay. It's a tremendous opportunity to for you yes, but not the grand inquisition. You don't fail for being ..."only human."

:: Ironic that she herself often felt inadequate in the presence of her now fallen super powered friends, even though she'd prooven her worth and capability time and again. The phrase "only human" had become something of an odd "tag line" in her own life.::

Well, now that we've gotten the whole "awkward getting to know you and staring at each other part" out of the way, let's move on to the fun stuff.

I'll be taking you to my office in midtown Manhattan. It's located in the rockefeller plaza.

:: standing up, Alycia grabs her leather attache and motions for Ana-Leigh to follow her::

Things changed for me immensely after the Zacchara case.

We'll grab a bite along the way. What kind of cuisine do you like?

:: outside and to the waiting car, Alycia and Ana-Leigh enter into the back seat area.::

We'll be able to talk more at my office and you can ask any questions you like.

I don't have any court cases today so I'm afraid there won't be any....

:: doing her best imitation of the sound from Law & Order tv shows::

moments today for me, but there's a few open door proceedings at the criminal court house we can sit in on. I've already cleared it with the court clerk who's handling the dockets today.

:: as they begin their ride together, Alycia noticeably holds her blackberry in her hand while lightly running her manicured nails over the screen. She's wondering about Karen and Delilah. Hoping they're both alright.::

:: Ana-Leigh observes that there's something weighing heavily on Alycia's mind and for a moment...there's silence, until the young student opts to break it.::

 

[Malice]

and all the while

:: Manhattan's east side. 5th avenue. The Hellfire Club.::

:: outwardly a regal mansion. within, far more than most could imagine much less dare to partake of.::

:: below ground in the restricted sup-levels.::

:: in the center of the the underground network of tunnels & all else housed within the sup-levels, is the command center that not only controls access, surveilance and defenses of the Hellfire Club above and below ground, but also has state of the art access to information systems, data mainframes and more from sources across the world.::

:: It is a technological gem, hidden under the city but one could expect nothing less from the CROWN JEWEL that controls MYSTECH.::

:: seated in the dark command center, mostly enshrouded in shadow, is the White Queen. from the shadows, her arm extends forward. the purest of blue/white diamonds adorn her wrist in the form of a bracelet and her finely manicured hand touches various areas of the wrap around command counsel she's sitting at as various floating screens around her broadcast news, information and more.::

:: a commando, dressed in the battle uniform for Mystech soldiers, including the featureless faceplate and helmet enters the command center and waits to be addressed. The white queen, an omega level telepath/empath registers his presence and does not turn to look at him.::

Commando: The shock team sent out to capture Brenda Castle failed. Data shows that fatal interference caused by Silver Swan...

Diana: :: holding her hand up for silence:: I'm aware of all of this, trooper. I have access to the same feeds as you and I have something MORE. :: balling her hand into a fist, the electric hum of psychic energy is heard as a white halo forms around her fist::

Diana: The cameras posted on the building's exterior gave me a full view of the events. I also have the data feed from the truck and the telepathic mind scans of the troops up to the moment of their death. I did not expect them to succeed, even with the psi dampening devices I equipped them with. Brenda Castle is free at this moment ONLY because of Silver Swan's interference and Silver Swan herself, while constantly baiting us, is unwittingly providing raw field data of her own capabilities, patterns, limits and weaknesses.

Commando: White Queen, the Silver Swan has decimated our troops. The bio hazard counter measure squad has spent more time "cleaning up" rather than being ready to respond to another disaster like what happened at the Citadle...

Diana: Are you suggesting that I'm NOT aware, much less in control of the situation?

:: she asks with such a calm tone and yet the commando swallows hard with fear as he tenses up.::

Commando: ....n...no, White Queen. I apologize for my impertinence...

Diana: I sincerely hope so, or the next time...you may find yourself LESS than capable of forming even the most elementary thought, let alone speak it.

Diana: You don't send highschool varsity...no matter how well trained to take on college pros. The Silver Swan is out of the league of our standing ground strike force BUT the data we've been able to gather from her actions has been invaluable as we prepare to deal with her PERMANENTLY.

:: touching a button on the command counsel, an image forms on one of the floating screens to the left.::

Diana: the nemesis project. An experiment involving the T virus and several olympic level athletes. Of the dozen or so tested, all but 2 were utter failures. Of the two, only ONE had the inate genetic structure to take the virus without completely destabilizing. The result? The Pursuer. A massive bioweapon possessed of invulnerability, durability and regenerative abilities on par with, if not BEYOND that of the Silver Swan. What he lacks in speed, something the Silver Swan has plenty of, he makes up for in raw power. To send him after HER will be the ultimate example of "irresistable force(her) vs immovable object(him)"

Diana: He will be equipped with weaponry designed just for him from the Cassadine manufacturing facility. Left arm mounted rocket launcher; forearm mounted rail gun and a specially modified mini gun. In fact, that shipment should be arriving from Greece within the next day.

:: The commando gulps at the image, realizing this was, at one time, a HUMAN, just like he is. But Mystech forever changed all of that about this creature and now, he was going to be unleashed on the unsuspecting populace, for the purpose of capturing Silver Swan.::

Diana: So you see, it's not that we CAN'T capture her or that we wouldn't PREFER to have her back under our control. BUT the longer she remains free, data or not, the more of an actual risk she becomes. Her attacks on Ron Davis and the police chief today were a sign that she's escalating her actions. She knows far too much and it would be foolish to underestimate her despite her own issue of identity disorder. If she makes contact with someone like Delilah Trelevan or Alycia Barnett that will present a whole new level of difficult that I would rather NOT have to waste time dealing with.

She WILL be dealt with one way or ANOTHER and no one is going to miss her.

:: images of Brenda Castle and now Richard Martin flicker onto two floating screens::

Diana: as for Brenda. She WILL be delivered into my possession. Sooner than she might think and now that Richard Martin has befriended her, that'll make HIS capture and submission to the Super Soldier project all but guaranteed. Inform Tessa that I'll be making contact via phone with Vincent Castle later this afternoon. By now he & Marilyn will have received their invitation to the Hellfire Mansion this evening to meet with me personally.

:: and on another screen, Alycia Barnett and Ana-Leigh Moreau.::

Diana: Alycia Barnett. The woman's strength of will rivals that of a certain weather witch I once battled. She's become MORE than a mere nuisance. She's a credible threat. She was able to remove Anthony Zacchara from the field and unlike most who practice the legal profession in NYC, she is not easily intimidated or BOUGHT. Through her, Morgan Victoria's precious fashion legacy lives on. I've no doubt she knows where Dr. Karen Victoria is as well.

Diana: Commando.

Commando: Yes, White Queen.

Diana: You know what to do.

Commando: Yes, White Queen.

:: and with that, the trooper leaves, preparing to carry out the white queen's orders::

And all of this...right under Delilah Trelevan's nose. She'll go to her grave with the agony of knowing that not only was she right...but she was utterly POWERLESS to do anything more about it. She'll have NO ONE who'll even believe her, much less HELP her.

 

[Ana-Leigh Moreau]

Alycia: It's okay. It's a tremendous opportunity to for you yes, but not the grand inquisition. You don't fail for being ..."only human."

Ana-Leigh smiled....only human? Right. If it were only that simple.

"Thank you....I suppose I was expecting you to be this untouchable person that i've seen on TV. But i'm seeing now that you're just like me."

The bubble of nervous energy that was weighing on Ana the moment she met Alycia was lifting. Alycia was being so gracious and kind that it was hard not to feel like they were equals, or could even be friends one day.

Alycia: Well, now that we've gotten the whole "awkward getting to know you and staring at each other part" out of the way, let's move on to the fun stuff. I'll be taking you to my office in midtown Manhattan. It's located in the rockefeller plaza.

With a soft laugh, Ana-Leigh stood from her chair and began to slip on her black leather jacket.

"Sounds great! Rockefeller? How weird, I just met Brenda Castle of the Rockefeller's last night. Small world."

Smaller than Ana-Leigh or Alycia knew.

Alycia: We'll grab a bite along the way. What kind of cuisine do you like?

"Anything really. There's a great Greek place by Rockefeller plaza called The Isle that I go to a lot. They have AMAZING salads there with all fresh cheese and vegetables.

As Ana and Alycia discussed lunch, they made their way down to Alycia's car and climbed in the back. Looking out the window as they pulled away from campus, for a few minutes there was nothing but silence between the two. Glancing over to Alycia she saw that she was gripping her phone tightly, almost willing it to go off. Nibbling her bottom lip, it wasn't really her place to pry or even ask....so she decided to distract her.

"So have you heard about these random bird attacks that have been happening? Even sitting outside in the quad this morning there was an unnatural amount of birds sitting in the trees.....I sort of felt like Tippy Hedren."

 

[Artemis]

at Alycia's office

:: even the small screen of the blackberry, Alycia could "see" so much. Her mind's eye wandered, her imagination and thoughts causing her to see..or rather "daydream" Karen's refracted image in place of her own one moment, then MORGAN'S the next and then her FATHER.::

:: She was actually beginning to wonder if she'd hit a wall. If all her efforts going after Mystech were at their limit. Outsiders thought she was some balls to the wall hotshot attorney who soaked up the "fame". But in reality, the "fame" meant LITTLE to her. Yes she was tough as nails in the courtroom or boardroom but she had to be. She knew what was out here. But now more than ever she was beginning to wonder...perhaps even DOUBT.

:elilah's own endeavors were what had given her a new hope about all of this. That perhaps there WOULD be REAL justice brought to this EVIL entity that now touched nearly all aspects of life and modern living around them, something most weren't even aware of! and then of course there was the pain, the loss of a dear friend and how that murder had been COVERED UP and she could do NOTHING about it. Delilah had destroyed Dr. Chandler and Victory and there was some SMALL measure of justice but the fact that a prominent super model could DIE under such mysterious detail and more people NOT be concerned or demand answers? It showed just how far a decline the collective consciousness of society had undergone. It made her SICK.::

:: She was lost in deep thought, looking rather concerned, tears were feeling like they'd well up in her hazel eyes when...::

So have you heard about these random bird attacks that have been happening? Even sitting outside in the quad this morning there was an unnatural amount of birds sitting in the trees.....I sort of felt like Tippy Hedren.

....

:: blinking a few times. blinking away the tears.::

the birds...

get it together woman!

Yes, actually I was reading about that this morning. In fact I saw a large flock of birds at a very high altitude from a building I was in an hour before I came to NYU. It is rather...strange isn't it? And yet, It's been my experience that when something is truly WRONG and it goes ignored for whatever reason...even NATURE has a way of drawing attention to the problem.

:: inhaling slowly and then exhaling, she takes a hankerchief from her purse and lightly dabs her eyes before turning to look at Ana-Leigh.::

Alot of things that happen in this city are attributed to "life in New York." That might have been enough of an explanation at one time...but not anymore.

If I can impress any ONE thing on you above all else, it's that you must ALWAYS keep your eyes OPEN, think fast on your feet and above all, think for YOURSELF. If the story...evidence don't add up the first time, then it won't any other time.

:: Alycia sounded serious and spoke with a personal tone.::

The lives of those who turn to you for help will depend on you having clarity of judgement and the confidence to trust that judgement...not to mention courage and integrity.


Many lawyers THESE days lay in way for what they hope to be their "trial of the century" and what they hope will be a stream of book deals and celebrity to follow. The only thing WORSE than them are the monsters who made going to that trial a reality to begin with.

:: after lunch, they later arrived at Alycia's private office in Rockefeller plaza.::

:: On the way through the ground floor lobby, Alycia is accidently bumped by a man carrying coffee. The incident LOOKS totally unexpected but as the man, who is wearing sun glasses and a suit, offers a muted apology and continues forward leaving a perterbed Alycia and surprised Ana-Leigh standing there, ALYCIA caught sight of a pin on his suit jacket lapel.::

MYSTECH!?

::her eyes followed the man's path of movement. There were two more dressed like him by the doors and another one by the main reception area who quickly glanced down at a device in his hand as he caught sight of Alycia looking at him. This building, as far as SHE knew, was not secured by MYSTECH goons. no doubt there were any number of companies in this building in league with or an outright FRONT for mystech. It just didn't seem NORMAL for one of their GOONS to be out like this...unless....::




:: She checks over her suit. No coffee spilled and with that, they head to an elevator. Inside her sprawling corner office suite, Ana-Leigh found a breath taking view of the city outside.::


:: She also saw Alycia's degrees and credentials framed above her desk. pictures of Alycia with Secretary of State [then Senator of New York] Hillary Clinton; Alycia with retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor; and interestingly, a couple of pictures of Alycia with super model Morgan Victoria. A small framed picture of Morgan sat on her desk even. Ana-Leigh had studied Alycia, but was not aware of this friendship , let alone the depth of it.::

Well, here we are. My "home" away from home.

Just a moment.

:: Peeking out the double doors to her secretary. ::

I'll be unavailable for the next several hours. Please deliver any messages after that time and NOTIFY SECURITY, no visitors either.

:: The secretary acknowledges all of that, including the subtle CODE and Alycia thanks her before shutting the doors.::

Now then.

in case they're brazen enough to try coming UP here...

:: walking toward her desk, she takes a moment to flip a few switches under the desk. A white noise jammer that scrambles any bugs/listening devices, as well as a screen popping up on her desk top's flat screen giving her a surveilance feed::

When you've been where I've been, you learn the need for precautions. These days, people have no qualms about stalking or outright attacking you in retaliation for holding them accountable for their wrong doing and abuse of others. I also value my privacy, don't you?

:: sitting down.::

Now, let's talk.

This is your chance to ask me anything about this profession and all related to it.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra- 107th floor

More softly now,

“It will always be Morgan’s place. I’m only here because that was what she wanted.”



At this Delilah leaned forward and took Karen’s hand, urgently.

“Oh Karen, no one expects you to be a rock. It’s not an easy thing. Not for me either. Let me help you through this.”

<< Karen was trembling as she bowed her head. Thankfully, before she began to fall apart, Alycia offered encouragement and a suggestion, which Karen found herself agreeing to! It just felt like a good idea.>>

Thank you, Alycia. I'll see you in a little while. Good luck with everything today.

<< After Alycia left, Karen looked at Delilah.>>

I'd ...often imagined what it would be like the first time I came back here. Yet...I don't know what I really expected. I was just so...AFRAID.

It's that first step one takes...where the feeling that it may be their last before falling into oblivion is so strongest. I've counseled patients who faced this very moment when dealing with grief over trauma and loss...and now look at me...

<< sniffling a bit as she dabbed her opal blue eyes once more with her hankerchief. despite her immortal beauty, her face showed the weary look of mourning.>>

I appreciate your kindness.

<< squeezing Delilah's hand as she looked around a bit.>>

It'll do us both some good to spend sometime together here...just like Alycia said.

Is my...the guest room still available?

<< There were 3 guest rooms all together. One had always been designated for Karen. Delilah had not changed that.>>

I need a moment to freshen up in the powder room.

<< and with that, she excused herself.>>

<< she wouldnt have to worry about sending for an "overnight bag". she could easily obtain whatever she needed from the shops in Illustra or even moreso, conjure them with her magick. But for the moment...she just needed to try to compose herself.>>

<< she felt much more at ease when Delilah said "This will always be Morgan's place." and if there were anyone to go through this with beside Alycia, it could only be Delilah. She needed to get herself together so she could help Delilah as much as Delilah might wish to help her.>>

 

[MorningStar]

I'd ...often imagined what it would be like the first time I came back here. Yet...I don't know what I really expected. I was just so...AFRAID.

Delilah smiled warmly.

“I too was afraid – afraid of what you’d say.”

Is my...the guest room still available?

“Of course it is. Just as you left it.”

Karen went to compose herself, and that left Delilah alone. She felt drained by what had just occurred. But at least now she knew that things were all right between her and Karen – and it would be wonderful to have some time with her. She took a deep breath and exhaled.

At which point, Connor came rushing into the apartment.

Connor: “You have got to see this.”

Delilah held up her hands in a shushing motion and put a finger to her lips.

“Karen is visiting – she’s resting in the guest room,” she said quietly.

Connor slowed and sat down on a chair next to Delilah’s own.

Connor: “I was cutting through the park, and I saw a weird disturbance with the birds – like you saw on the news. And then I came upon this.”

He handed Delilah his phone, a video cued up. She looked at him quizzically, then touched the screen with one hand and held the other up towards the blank wall. A video of Silver Swan’s attack projected itself in living color, thanks to Delilah’s power.

“Oh…my.”

Delilah was shocked by what she saw. Such brutality, such unrestrained violence.

When it finished she looked at Connor.

“Holy shit.”

Connor was smiling and nodding.

Connor: “Her name is the Silver Swan. I spoke to her. Those were Mystech agents she was ripping apart. They made her like that – she was at the Citadel. She’s interested in helping us – she wants to meet you, tonight. On the roof of the Parthenon. This is exactly what we’ve been waiting for.”

Delilah scoffed.

“What? A psycho?”

Delilah wheeled herself closer to the window then wheeled around to face him.

“We don’t know anything about this Silver Swan. What were you thinking? We needed to find out more about her at least before making contact. The very LAST thing we need is some loose cannon out there with us. She was at the Citadel? She could be working for them, Connor. This could all be a trap.”

 

[Ana-Leigh Moreau]

Alycia was speaking about the bird event, but her eyes told a different story. She was thinking of something else....something that was literally breaking her heart. Her brows gently furrowed as she watched her dab her eyes with a tissue.

"Are you okay?"

Alycia: If I can impress any ONE thing on you above all else, it's that you must ALWAYS keep your eyes OPEN, think fast on your feet and above all, think for YOURSELF. If the story...evidence don't add up the first time, then it won't any other time.

Ana slowly nodded, agreeing with what Alycia said. Obviously something happened to this woman that completely devestated her. Something that quite possibly was the reason she dropped off the radar for nearly two years.

After lunch, the mood seem to rise a bit as they pulled up to the building where Alycia's office was. Following her through the lobby and up to her actual office, Ana-Leigh looked around. It was big, and the view was spectacular. Instantly gravitating toward the large windows, Ana's eyes scanned the skyline. Smiling, she was a country girl.....but nothing beat this view.

Alycia: Now then.

Turning around, Ana-Leigh watched as Alycia turned on some sort of machine.

Alycia: When you've been where I've been, you learn the need for precautions. These days, people have no qualms about stalking or outright attacking you in retaliation for holding them accountable for their wrong doing and abuse of others. I also value my privacy, don't you?

So it was a jammer. Clever....this woman certainly earned her reputation.

"Absolutely."

More than Alycia knew. Hell, if Alycia DID know her secret, Ana-Leigh would bet her scholarship that her ass would be tossed into the streets. For such a high powered attorney such as Alycia, being linked to a mutant would be career suicide.

Alycia: Now, let's talk. This is your chance to ask me anything about this profession and all related to it.

Taking a seat, Ana-Leigh sat back for a moment and pondered. There was a million and one questions she could have easily thought of yesterday to ask Alycia Barnett, but sitting there now....her mind was just blank. What do you ask one of the most successful attorney's in the East Coast?

Finally, Ana-Leigh looked up and met her eyes with Alycia's.

"What made you want to become an attorney?"

 

[Brenda Castle]

Rich: What do you think would get her attention? This might be an option, though a somewhat risky one.

He suggested, as he morphed into one of the uniformed troopers briefly.

"No, that's NOT an option. You didn't see the way she reacted to those men. She'd make minced meat out of you before you could even reveal yourself. Even if she didn't, I don't think she'd trust you after seeing you dressed like that."

Rich: Barring THAT what do you suggest? We might wanna find her before these guys and this Queen take another shot at you.

"Actually, she was saying that she usually hunts men like them down..... as loathe as I am to be the subject of another attempted kidnapping, it may be another 'risky option' to consider. But let's try to FIND her first."

Her butler, wishing her and her guest goodmorning and handing her the newspaper. He took a look at the decimated breakfast spread and tersely announces that he'll call housekeeping. Brenda nodded absently and suggested she check on Pete, who was sleeping off his concussion in her bedroom. She started to browse the paper, flipping through it and just reading the stories that caught her eye, like this one: 'Birds Gone Wild!' an article describing the attacks by BIRDS on the Police Chief and Senator Ron Davis. Birds acting weird..... she thinks as she continues to peruse the paper.

Rich: I hope your day today is clear.

"Actually, it isn't. Every Sunday I meet my parents at home for drinks. It gives us a chance to catch up on what we missed in each other's lives over the past week. Since I moved out to attend Columbia, it's the only time we regularly spend together. If I don't go it will look like something's up. Daddy will want to know how my Vanderbilt date went.... and I suspect he'll want to discuss this:"

She replies, handing Rich the paper. She had it turned to the entertainment section. Siryn had made a splash with her performance last night. A picture was featured of Siryn and her impromptu dancers, including a clear shot of Brenda and the headline 'Park Avenue Princess Prances for Papparazzi'.

"Castle Enterprises has a music company under the umbrella; Titania Records. Siryn's the biggest unsigned name in the music industry right now, I'd be surprised if Titania Records wasn't courting her. When he finds out I met her last night, Daddy will hope for a scoop."

They look at it in silence for a minute, Brenda focusing more keenly on the picture of Siryn than anything else, her brow furrowed as she processes what she's seeing. After a moment, she takes a fruit fork by the tines, then lays the narrow handle over Siryn's eyes, like a mask obscuring her features.

"I wish I wasn't the only one to see her. Then I'd have someone to tell me if I was imagining things."

Rich: We have to figure this out. I'll bet there is some conspiracy theory shit online on this white queen...but we can't use the internet HERE. I see your laptop...which gives me an idea...but you have to trust me.

"Alright, I trust you. Go ahead and start. There's a Starbucks not too far from here, right up 5th Avenue by Louis Vuitton. It's like six blocks north, one street west. I'll meet you there after I stop by home."

 

[Bishop]

Connor waited as Delilah watched the video he had taken in the park. He was actually excited – this was a breakthrough, and he was proud to have brought this to Delilah himself. But she wasn’t as pleased as he had anticipated.

“We don’t know anything about this Silver Swan. What were you thinking? We needed to find out more about her at least before making contact. The very LAST thing we need is some loose cannon out there with us. She was at the Citadel? She could be working for them, Connor. This could all be a trap.”

Connor jaw tensed as his anger flared. She wheeled closer to him.

“You weren’t so cautious when it was a pretty-boy Irishmen we were talking about.”

Delilah: “That’s not fair. I researched him for months.”

“I know, I know! But the last time we went up against Mystech they put you in that chair - we NEED someone with firepower. The people you knew you could trust are DEAD, Delilah – we don’t have years for you to become friends with Silver Swan before you send her to her death!”

Delilah slapped him – hard. But he knew he deserved it. He stood up. She was upset.

Delilah: “Connor – I…”

He shook his head.

“No, I’m sorry. I’m going to go do some work down in the War Room, while you catch up with Karen.”

He headed for the door, but turned back as he reached the living room entryway.

“Just meet her, Delilah, before you make up your mind.”

And then he turned and left.

 

[Matrix]

"Alright, I trust you. Go ahead and start. There's a Starbucks not too far from here, right up 5th Avenue by Louis Vuitton. It's like six blocks north, one street west. I'll meet you there after I stop by home."

OK...see you then. Be safe.

He picked up the laptop and walked to the door, then turned and winked before exiting, whistling as he walked. He was happier than he'd been in a while. He had a friend it seemed, and she was both smart AND easy on the eyes,