The old order changes

[Tachyon]

If he were more thin skinned, he would mark this all as rather rude.

He saves the damsel in distress, helps her defeat the Robot Hunter of Death and save her brother and then nothing. Of course he was not ridiculous enough to expect her to melt in his arms - most women worth their salt rarely did anyways - but he was hoping to kick back some drinks with her, maybe talk some occult. She was obviously extremely knowledgeable and that was sexier than her battle corset and bodice.

Well, good luck for her, he knew where to find her and, for now, he was hanging around. No idea why, but that is what he was doing. He dressed in something comfortable but worthy and made his way down to the Lounge where she was. He seated himself and ordered a drink.

White Russian please, and another of whatever the lady is having for her please.

As the bartender made his way to make the drinks, he caught the gaze of Alison and spoke.

So...how have you been since the...

<makes explosion noises and moves his hands to pantomime the Nimrod being banished>

Yeah, since that. How are you?

 

[Harbinger]

:: Alison had chosen to remain, after STRONG persuasion from Ava and Haleigh. The truth was, she wanted to leave because she was STILL rattled by how she'd fallen into the Purifiers' TRAP. If it HADN'T been for Tachyon...::

Tachyon...


:: She thought with a bit of disdain as she sat on the lounge in a black bra strapped corset and black pants with black high heels::


:: He had made all the difference, in more ways than one. Nimrod had managed to ACCOUNT for Harbinger, but with Tachyon, Harbinger managed to take BACK the element of surprise.::

:: She HATED that she HAD to rely on help...from a STRANGER, but what was more important? Her PRIDE or the lives of Cameron and Cass, not to mention getting Nimrod OUT of their timeline?::


:: She'd done the right thing. She'd made the hard choices, and in the end it PAID OFF. This was how it was ALWAYS supposed to be. The BLUE MOON was just ...just a MISTAKE. EVERYONE has them.::


:: But in her heart...the "marble hard" defense was returning as she continued to push thoughts DELILAH TRELEVAN OUT at any cost!::


SHE just better just STAY OUT OF MY WAY...Or I WON'T be responsible for my actions...

:: And she meant that! but before she could sink into a BAD train of thought...::

White Russian please, and another of whatever the lady is having for her please.

As the bartender made his way to make the drinks, he caught the gaze of Alison and spoke.

So...how have you been since the...

<makes explosion noises and moves his hands to pantomime the Nimrod being banished>

Yeah, since that. How are you?

:: Alison just stared at him with her colbalt blue eyes before looking up and rolling her eyes::

::Sigh::

I'm fine, Xavier.

My brother is alive, so is my friend. Nimrod is gone...the purifers are gone.

I succeeded in my mission AND I made sure to express my gratitude for your aid...WHY are you bothering me now?


no...it's not HIS fault. Don't take it out on HIM.

I'm sorry. That was unfair of me. I normally prefer to be ALONE.


:: Looking at him for a moment longer, she realized that she had an opportunity to talk to someone who was completely unconnected, someone who WOULDN'T unintentionally remind her of ..."family issues". He was ODD, but she could chalk that up to him being from "across the pond", and really, where ever SHE went, people often didn't know how to take her, so it wasn't so bad::


You're still here.

:: She COULD have just "looked" across his time threads to see what he planned on doing, but she decided to give him a chance once more::

Why?

:: What better way to distract from less pleasant thoughts AND people, than be learning about someone new? What did she have to lose at this point?::

 

[Longshot]

Upper East Side

< Simon had spent the last few days in the privacy of his own home on the Upper East Side. The situation had left him feeling very drained and his mind out of sorts. Much of his time home had been spent getting drunk and playing his piano. The only time he left home was to head to the fencing club in order to work out his aggression. His face was scruffy and his eyes were puffy but he was finally getting the space that he needed from The Six. Cameron had ensured him that his job would be safe as he took some time to distance himself from the world around him and while that was slightly comforting, it nearly turned his stomach to think about returning to work for The Zenith Group. >

< He sat in his underwear on his luxurious king sized bed and mindlessly began flipping through the channels. He allowed his mind to wonder until he came across a cable news show that seemed to be discussing the recent activies surrounding WilPharma. A beautiful brunette flashed across the screen as music began to play signaling the start of the broadcast. >

< The brunette begins to shuffle her papers together as she smiles into the camera. >

 

[Chimera]

From Coast to Coast...

Production: "Final hair check...get rid of that soda on the news desk? Kathy! Please! Now..and we're going live in 5...4....3...[hand signals the last two counts]

*She takes a deep breath, centers herself and faces the camera with a smile.*

"Good evening America. I'm Lauren Danvers and THIS? Is "In Moderation." Today's hot topic is New York Senator William Stryker and his involvement in what experts are calling one of the biggest political scandals the country has ever seen!"

*Lauren Danvers turns her head to the opposite camera as her light brown eyes sparkle.*

"Thanks to new evidence secured by Charope LLC..led by former Distric Attorney and Chairwoman on the Committee on Superhuman Affairs, Alycia Barnett and the Anti-Bio Terrorism group Terra Save, the far reaching corruption of WilPharma, an up and coming powerhouse in the field of bio-technology has been exposed...and it appears our boy Billy Stryker was VERY deeply involved..."

"Through a series of super pacs and shadow groups, Senator Stryker had been funneling money into the morally ambigous agency for quite some time, violating several campaign laws as well as ethics codes. You'll remember that the last time WilPharma made headlines it was for a BIO Terrorist incident that occured at LAX where Ron Davis, the companies head was found DEAD at the legendary Hellfire Club shortly thereafter..

"I also should also be sure to mention the COUNTLESS reports released by Terra Save a few years ago detailing the kidnapping and genetic testing of children in poor countries overseas...countries that ALL have a WilPharma lab in close proximity. It would appear now that Terra Save was correct in their suspicions and that we are a mere hours away from dismantling an organization that is allegedly repsonsible for the death of thousands of people..."

*Shaking her head back and forth.*

"If that's not enough..it is being highly speculated that WilPharma was the one who funded the weaponry and technology for the anti-mutant TERRORIST group, The Purifiers who took the city by storm only a few days ago, seeming only to lend to the fact that Stryker betrayed the city he was elected to represent in order to turn a profit and promote the death of hundreds of the city's residents..."

*Her voice was sultry and gritty but light and it had a way of captivating people when she spoke. Lauren had always had a natural ability to get people to listen to her. As a journalist that was half the battle. Sometimes ALL the battle.*

"If I can take a moment to be frank with you viewers at home...as much as I try to offer a neutral and unadultered opinion on what is happening in this country..tonight?...I need to represent myself as a New Yorker. William Stryker only secured his Senate seat because of the death of Sharon Kelly a few years ago. She had won her re-election bid by a landslide but due to the circumstances surrounding her death her seat was essentially GIVEN to Stryker without so much as a second thought. We gave a man who had the OPPOSITE beliefs VOTED ON by the PEOPLE a position to UNDO the very work Sharon Kelly spent countless hours doing..and it has THIS reporter in a FIT of anger for the citizens of New York City. During the wake of The Purifiers assault it's become CLEAR that this Police Department has no interest in protecting and serving unless it's to organizations that seek to harm it's citizens. Countless 911 calls during the assault have been unearthed detailing the terrifying experience of those being attacked by the Purifiers..and ALL of them. [slamming her hand down on the counter] ..ALL of the calls were either ignored or thrown on the back burner..and EVERY single one of those people is DEAD..."

"As if it could get even MORE shocking, the evidence brought in by Charope has revealed that MANY police officials have been bought off or corrupted as well as other PUBLIC officials orbiting Stryker's office, so much so that a FEDERAL investigation is underway. We are talking corruption of the HIGHEST order right under our noses. The CITY has been through enough in my opinion...."

*She stopped herself for a second before she got too angry.*

"Reports just coming in are also confirming that Stryker is missing in action after officials found a suicide note in his home..to which I must roll my eyes and say OF COURSE. Why WOULD we get to hold such a man accountable for his depraved and amoral actions...rest assured *I* will not rest. I will CONTINUE to report on this story and I will MAKE sure that whatever wiggle room William Stryker has left is TAKEN AWAY before he ever gets to hurt another citizen of our city. Consider this a new regime, BILLY. We in New York are sick of being TEST SUBJECTS and VICTIMS. We need to get the RIGHT people in there to hold ALL of those involved accountable and punished to the HIGHEST degree of the law..HELL! Pull Barnett out of her self imposed exile and bring her in! Who better to take down the man who it NOW seems had a hand in taking down Sharon Kelly?"

"The plot thickens in New York City tonight..and as my viewers know..The TRUTH will ALWAYS come to the light. I will continue to bring you more on this story as it develops. Coming up after the break we will explore the list of people primed to take Stryker's seat should he secede or be removed from his elected position. Stayed tuned!"

*Giving the camera a determined look she could see the light flicker off*

Production: "And we're clear!"

*A buzz of staff members circled her and did light touch ups on her makeup and hair, but her mind was somewhere else. Her mind was on just how deep this story went. She had withheld footage of The Silver Swan and her colleague taking down Purifiers in the city because she was fairly certain that The Silver Swan was Sharon Kelly and she didn't want to bring any more attention to the woman after what Lauren herself knew she had endured, having saw some of it with her own eyes. Then there was the dissappearance of Alexis Quartermaine..and Blaze Fielding...and Erika King...the list went on. It seemed as if she was getting closer than ever to uncorking the story that had haunted her for years.*

Production: 15 seconds to air. 15 seconds...

*Lauren brushed a way a bit of hair from her face as she prepared to continue her show. The fact that she had HER OWN show was still a relatively new feeling. After everything she had been through..after everytime she thought she was about to lose it all..she was BACK in New York and she was determined that THIS time..she was GOING to get the scoop.*

 

[Longshot]

Upper East Side

"Looks like the Channel Six News girl finally made a name for herself..Good for her.."

< Simon knew Lauren Danvers as did most of the people who lived in the city. She was the girl who had a hand in helping take down Victor Klein and she was the bubbliest and most aggressive on the scene reporter the news channel had ever seen. She went to extreme lengths to expose the truth and often put herself (and her camera crew) in grave danger to get the story...but that's what people loved about her. >

< He watched her report with morbid curiousity. While at Charope he knew had heard Alycia talking about exposing WilPharma for what it was and after seeing her in battle he should have known that when Alycia said she was going to take somebody down, she MEANT it. The media coverage it had been receiving in the city was astronomical though it enraged Simon that because of it..coverage was taken away from the brutal acts of The Purifiers and their outright murdering of 41 mutant children. >

< Anger welled up inside of him as he balled his hand into a fist, firing a silky green blast of psionic energy right at the television BLASTING it to pieces. Lauren was only reitering what had been through his head in the last few days. Everytime he closed his eyes he saw one of their mangled bodies. So he started drinking. But then he started seeing their faces even when drunk. He couldn't let this go. Simon had been a self serving bastard his entire life. He had ignored and refused to acknowledged MANY things..but this had really taken root in him. >

"Get the fuccck up out of bed, Pratt."

< Simon had gone over the plan thousands of time in his head. He knew the steps that he needed to take. It had been easy enough. File the proper papers, bring in the right people, move some money around, stick it to his bigoted and narrow minded parents and inform the world that the GOVERNMENT and RELIGIOUS FANATICS no longer had the responsibility or the RIGHT to marginalize and consistently degrade the mutant population. They were living in a world where the ONLY way a mutant stayed safe was to NEVER use their power in public to hide all aspects that they were a mutant..and for what?! To get shot in the face if you accidentally or subconsciously manifest an ability? It wasn't right. Mutants were being treated like SUB HUMAN creatures and Simon intended to change that. He was no longer going to sit around and let an entire population of people be tortured or murdered or tested or beaten because they were a mutant. They WERE going to get the rights and protections under the law they deserved. >

< He was never a man that had a cause..because he never needed to. And that was the reason that Simon knew he had to stay his course and push things further. He had never wanted for anything in his entire life and he was smart enough to know that if he felt THIS strongly about it..others would too. He would be enacting change in a PEACEFUL but LEGALLY BINDING way..he wasn't going to storm the city and enact some kind of horrid Purifier vigilante style justice. >

< All Simon needed to do at this point was sign on the dotted line and his future would be forever altered. The amount of pressure he would receive from all sides. He would become a voice and people would look to him..and even in his righteous way of feeling, he was still too much of a pussy to reveal to the public that he was a mutant. But then again they all were for their own reasons. Simon felt that it would be the one thing that could legitamize his new cause but he knew the risks. Not only would he be endangering his life but the lives of people he had fought alongside to save. He couldn't make that kind of decision without their approval. At least not now..but if the right opportunity presented itself..if he KNEW it would HELP get him to where he was going..he knew deep down he would do it. He was that committed. >

< He would give himself a few days to formally announce his new endeavour, talk it around with a few people. Right now, he needed to head down to see Rose. Nicolas and himself had something in the works for her and Simon wanted to talk to her about his ideas. Though most of the last few days had been spent in bed or crazily writing things down while drunk, he had managed to bring food to the orphanage Rose ran every night..and just sit there to watch the children eat and be happy. It was the one thing keeping him going and for some reason he knew Rose would have something to offer him in the way of advice. >

< Changing into a pair of dark jeans and a grey v-neck t-shirt he shut the lights off in his apartment and headed out the door. Last week he would have never left his apartment looking the way he did right now..but last week he hadn't been a killer. Last week he hadn't witnessed a massacre and last week he hadn't seen something that had the potential to destroy the entire mutant population in record time. It was THESE things that drove him now. Not the tabloids, not the attention..but JUSTICE. >

< As he faded out into the night he decided to walk to Rose's..taking in the cold night air. His mind was full but his body was willing. This was the precursor to something huge for Simon..he just hoped he was a good enough person to actually carry it all out. He appeared at the front door to Rose's place, knocking and waiting quietly. >

< For a second he felt on edge, that like at any second a Purifier might STRIKE him dead. His fears were alleviated by the opening of the door. >

"Hey Rose...mind if I come in?"

 

[Recall]

The Parthenon - Cameron's Penthouse Suite

:: Vivica listened as Cameron spoke and for the first time in a very long time she felt as if it were the Cameron she had known and loved speaking to her, not the snob who she felt left her for The Six. These last few weeks had been so world expanding for Vivica. She had left New York so absolutely saddled with bitter feelings and such confusion. Everything in her life seemed to need fixing and so she took a leap of faith and focused on fixing herself. Her first truly selfish act when it came to her relationship with Cameron. When she returned to the city after Oracle helped Clandestine's medical staff implant the chip in her head, she finally felt centered. Her art had brought her so much joy and her job was still exciting. ::

:: When she was faced with The Six again..little cracks began to form in her confidence. It was as if she was back in high school faced with all the popular kids who didn't want her around. She faltered for a moment and she attacked Alycia..the woman who seemed to represent it all. But the moment Nicolas drug those two apart and forced them to speak, she came to the realization that she still had work to do in order to heal from what happened to her..and while Alycia DID deserve to get slapped (and while it gave Vivica GREAT joy to do so) she knew that the person she NEEDED to talk to was Cameron. HE was the one who needed to hear all of this. ::

:: Getting it all out was cathartic and hearing Cameron FINALLY acknowledge his part in the fracturing of their relationship...well it was something she had waited a LONG time to hear. The weight she had been carrying around for years finally felt lifted. She was unburdened. For the first time in her life she was standing there free of anger and regret. ::

:: The two hugged as Vivica began to wipe away tears from her eyes. ::

"I promise you..I will NEVER let what has happened between us happen EVER again...but the next time you feel something is wrong..I need for you to say something..Vivica I know it looks like you are at the start of something with Oracle and Zach..but..and not to discredit you..there is a REASON we are The Six..The state of the WORLD is the direct result of the sins of our fathers and mothers..it's never NOT going to be us that are first led to slaughter. And sometimes...that IS going to take a LOT of my attention..and I need to make sure you know that none of that is me pushing you away or icing you out...but we have a job to do. A job that has shitty benefits and has cost the lives of MOST of the people we love..so I want you to make sure that before you ride off into the sunset with Zach that you understand the types of things you are going to be dealing with..You wanted me to show more regard? I'm doing it now...Promise me you'll think long and hard about what that will mean for you and promise me you will be careful..."

:: The two ended their hug as Vivica leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. ::

"Cameron..thank you for everything. It...it was everything I needed to hear from you. And I will tell you...the next time I feel us drifting apart. I won't keep it in. As far as working with Oracle..it's nothing new for me. I've been in the field for over six years Cameron. I've been in sticky situations in Spain, got the shit kicked out of me in Prague..bitten by a snake in Belize..that was just on vacation actually..Oracle is probably the best person there is. Am I not even kidding when I say that. She sees the good in EVERYONE..it's obnoxious but it's totally endearing...and after what she has done for me...there's nothing I won't do to help her. I'm in good hands Cameron..and I gotta forge my own path here in New York..Look at what's happening in our city. I know too many people in this city that I would be heartbroken without..and it's time people like US who have the know how and the capability DO something..."

:: Cameron seemed to agree and then revert to the cheeky little bastard that he WAS. ::

Cameron: "Now that's that all of the way..forgive me if I am being forward but I gotta ask. Have you always been a lesbian? Because remember that girl Monica from your college? I ALWAYS thought you two had something going on! I swear to God! Also...how IS Blaze Victory in bed?"

:: She rolled her eyes as she laughed out loud, punching him square in the chest with a high level of impact. ::

"My God, Cameron! REALLY?! You can't EVER just let the moment be the moment can you?"

:: Vivica leaned back into her seat. ::

"And yeah...I might have made out with Monica a few times. But you keep your MOUTH shut about that! She's a married DOCTOR now. Two kids..smart husband..."

Cameron: "Secret nubian princess lover!"

"You're AWFUL. And about Blaze..let's just say...she's about as good as I'm sure a sicko like YOU has imagined. Grade A!" [laughs]

:: Thinking for a moment. ::

"I think it might be time to head to my next stop on the Vivica Lennox Redemption Tour. I know your sister is still here..I was hoping I might be able to talk to her. Mind giving me a heads up on her whereabouts?"

:: Prophet furrowed his brow. ::

Cameron: "She's down in the lounge..with that young speedster...but Vivica?" [pausing for a moment] "She's really "Enter with Caution" these days. Everything that's going on with Delilah and then Morgan being gone..you really might not get what you're looking for from her. Might want to wait to talk to her..."

"I'm not planning on smacking HER, Cameron. I just need to talk to her. I've been MEANING to talk to her for quite some time..."

:: Cameron interjected. ::

Cameron: "Then you might want to hurry...I think Blaze and Cass are on their way up. And Blaze is on drink number four. So she's sure to try and pin you to my carpet."

:: She rose from the couch and shook her head. Cameron and Blaze's relationship was so funny to her. It was almost like they were obnoxious BROTHERS...always horsing around and getting the other to do any number of outrageous things. She gave him another hug. ::

"Thanks for the heads up...and thanks for this talk Cameron..it was just what I needed."

:: Vivica brought her hands to either side of his face and pulled his head down, kissing him warmly on the forehead, exhaling. ::

"I love you Cameron King...I really do."

Cameron: "I love you too, Vivica. Forever and a day."

:: Smiling Vivica headed out of Cameron's apartment on the top floor of The Parthenon and towards the private service elevator, pressing the button for the lobby. She would go to get a drink and give Alison her space until they were ready to talk..and knowing Alison she was already planning on Vivica's arrival. She exhaled deeply, leaning against the steel wall of the elevator as it zoomed down the floors at a rapid pace. ::

 

[Tachyon]

Alison was a charmer, he HAD to admit. Apparently she was about to ask him why he had the right to buy a pretty lady in a freaking CORSET in a LOUNGE a drink. He could only smile as even SHE realized that she was overdoing it. So rather than talk to him, she decided to interrogate him again. No problem. Sometimes the burden of conversation lies more with one side.

You're still here.

:: She COULD have just "looked" across his time threads to see what he planned on doing, but she decided to give him a chance once more::

Why?

There are a number of reasons why I would still be here and all of them play their part. You ALONE would be a reason to stay. You are a fascinating although IRASCIBLE person and definitely pleasant to gaze upon. But the truth is, it becomes more than that.

Xavier drinks half his White Russian, which has just arrived. He doesn't even flinch at the alcohol, and taps the bar for another as he holds the one he is currently working, his mouth pulling back into a more serious expression.

There really is no UNSEEING what has been seen here, no turning 'round from what we have faced. I am not freaked out or anything, but I DO realize that this escapade should incite more change in what I do everyday that simply trying to chase down a buxom brunette who seems immune to my charms. And when you can do all of your daily tasks in 3 or 4 seconds first thing in the morning, you have a lot of time to think.

Xavier finishes his drink and grabs the next one, tapping the bar again.

And I think that I am going to hang out here while I figure out my next move. And who best to speak to about such a thing than one who can see future timelines. Tell me, how much do you and Kassandra of Troy have in common? Do you see what is to come but are not believed? How do you bear such a burden? Is there an issue of free will?

Xavier sat back. It was her turn to talk and he did not plan to miss a single sentence...

 

[Rose]

<< Rose's home was a small building right next door to her oprhanage It HAD been a walk up, but she converted the entire thing into a multi-story, mult-room apartment for herself and guests that she may have from time to time. Not only did she own that building and the two buildings that housed the orphanage next door, she pretty much owned the whole BLOCK. ALL the buildings were connected via underground passages and there was a special door between her dwelling and the orphanage built in the wall that allowed her to get over there in a moment's notice. Clandestine INc was currently working on an express jet in the underground tunnel, that would allow Rose to evacuate her children much more safely and securely should their ever be a need again.>>>>

<< Rose was a mysterious woman, who didn't spend much time talking about herself to others. She was close friends with Alycia and Sharon, and had recently gotten to know Zach. For years, Alycia and Sharon, in their former lives, had support Rose's efforts with the Orphanage, making sure she had supplies permits, and whatever financial backing she needed. Zach succeeded them in this role.>>

<< The orphanage itself was in a "quiet" area of the city, an area that had been "forgotten" as development spread around to other parts. But Rose preferred it this way. She kept it quiet and stable, allowing her children to live in relative peace and safety.and for years Sharon and Alycia, and now ZACH advocated for her, handling public utility and a host of other issues, making sure she had everything she needed to safely house her children. More recently, Simon Pratt had began supplying her with food and nutrition for the children and she graciously accepted his generosity.>>

<< Clandestine had done a MARVELOUS job of "cleaning up" all signs of the bus attack ,then, working with Rose, they fortified all the buildings on the block that she owned with security, defense/anti-personnel tech and communication capabilities, allowing Rose to BYPASS "traditional" avenues for calling for help (911). If she was ever in distress, she would have a direct line to Clandestine and Zach anytime. Oracle reached out to Rose, which gave the psionic two reliable sources of support if there was an emergency. Oracle and Clandestine would also monitor the area and help to keep it clear of people trying to expose Rose and her orphanage.>>

<< No one wanted to see anything close to what happened in the bus attack repeated again. Nor would they to allow anyone to harm the weakest and most downtrodden of the city and while Rose was PLENTY powerful, as Richard, Ana-Leigh and others had seen during the battle with the purifiers, she VERY MUCH appareciated the renewed support she was receiving from her friends and associates.>>

<< No matter what happened, or how things changed...there would always be children in need, especially homeless mutant orphans, the ones NOBODY seemed to want.>>


<< And Rose, a beautiful, glamorous and POWERFUL woman, who could go anywhere and had considerable financial resources of her own, chose to remain here, taking care of these children. Now though...she only had 5, including Katie, who had been rescued by Silver Swan over a week ago AND the baby that Isis had rescued from the Purifiers. She didnt seem caught up in the trappings of modern, rich life. She kept herself looking youthful, beautiful and elegantly attired, and she had a calm, serene spirit, she was also very worldly and sophisticated. So while she CHOSE to live a modest lifestyle , she could "rub elbows" with ANYONE on the social ladder and look as though she belonged. >>

< For a second he felt on edge, that like at any second a Purifier might STRIKE him dead. His fears were alleviated by the opening of the door. >

"Hey Rose...mind if I come in?"

<< Rose opens her doors. Her hair flows behind her, even though there's no obvious breeze inside. It's a manifestation of the immense SOUL POWER she channels. She looks at Simon and smiles>>

No I don't mind at all! Pease come in.

<< gesturing for him to enter, she closes the doors behind him. Leading him down the hall and into her victorian parlor, she turns to face him once more>>

Do sit down.

Would you care for some coffee or tea?

<< The parlor he sat in had a very comfortable, old world feel to it. There were many books, a large globe, some scrolls, a few small figurines and other curious objects, including a desk where a GLOWING deck of tarot cards sat, along with a genuine crystal ball that had some kind of spectral light swirling around in it.. Soft classical music played at a low volume and a sleek black cat lay on one of the couches, grooming herself. She looked up Simon curiously for a moment, before returning to her grooming>>

The children are asleep now. Doctor Victoria has been visiting, working with me and helping the older ones. The babies...thankfully they remember nothing. But a few of the older ones, including Katie, are still having nightmares. We've helped calm her, but it's going to take some time. Sharon visited with Katie earlier today. It was a touching scene.

Now, What can I do for you, Simon?

<< Rose asks as she seats herself across from him and pours herself some tea from the serving tray on the coffee table between them and Rose's kitty immediately got up and trotted over to the couch where Rose sat, jumping up with a soft mew, curling up right next to Rose and now watching Simon with her jade green eyes.>>

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon – Blaze’s Suite

"You carried chains and ghosts with you for so many years, Cass. You didn't know HOW to let go because you didn't think you should...you didn't think you deserved the chance...the GIFT of a life BEYOND that. NOW you seem to understand that, and thankfully, it didn't take anybody else DYING."

"What happened to you in your original life was horrible and there's no denying that. But it wasn't your fault, and that's your past now; your DISTANT past. What matters is NOW and TOMORROW, and you DO deserve all the best. I had to be reminded of that myself when reconciling my issues with my alternate in this timeline. You FINALLY understand what we've been trying to tell you!"

"Evil never really dies...it just...mutates. If it's not the Nazis, it's mystech...or the purifiers or something else. It will ALWAYS rise up when it sees an opportunity to strike and WE'LL always be there to oppose it. But we'll do much better TOGETHER, as a FAMILY!"

"FINALLY you understand!"

"And I want you to know; that your courage in standing up to Mary Justice and Sarah Smythe, even when you were depowered...that was proof of the depth of care and love you have for Cameron. It would have been easy to just fold up and "check out" permanently. But you didn't. That will never be forgotten by him, me or anyone else in our group. If you didn't know it before...I hope you BELIEVE IT NOW...you're ONE OF US."

:: Cass nodded happily. Karen had advised her to talk to Blaze about all of this, and the succubus was glad she did follow through on that advice. ::

I never should’ve been worried…

:: Next Cass told Blaze about her feelings. The fire elemental was pretty cool about it and even said that she FELT her attraction to her? Cass kissed her back and returned the warm hug. ::

“Thank you for being so cool about this, and also for listening to my life’s story. I really appreciate it and of course being your bestie is as fullfilling for me as it is for you!”

:: Cass’ eyes brightened when Blaze mentioned Alycia, Cameron, and Vivica. She hardly spent time with them due to her ‘isolation’ but now she was ready to hang with them…as well as continue to develop her friendships with all three of them. ::

“Yes! Let’s go!”

 

[Black Widow]

Karen: I know you are not one to acknowledge vulnerability, but regardless of your hybrid nature, you ARE still at your core, a human being with a human psyche. The BODY REACTS to the mind, and what you're describing is certainly NOT normal, even for YOU.

"REALLY...."

She deadpanned, straight faced. It was all she could do not to say 'fuccking DUH', but she knew this wasn't Karen's fault, and that the doctor was just trying to help, which Haleigh herself had asked for. Still, she had hoped this would be quick and easy, and relatively painless. It wasn't looking good.

Karen: I can rule out possession of any kind at this point and I can safely assure you that you are NOT experiencing nightmares...the kind that BARBAS would bring.

Haleigh shook her head gently, looking off in the distance.

"It doesn't feel anything like that.... it's.... as vivid and real as sitting here with YOU, except it can't be."

Karen: Haleigh, the symptoms you describe- the headaches, the growing pressure, the blackouts... you mentioned that the LAST time this happened was when you were fighting the Purifiers. But when EXACTLY did they BEGIN? Prior to the last black out did you notice a pattern to the onset of each episode?

"I didn't exactly have time to decipher a pattern.... there was a CRISIS to deal with. Let's see.... the first time was at lunch with Delilah and Cameron. The headache came on early, on the way to lunch, really. The 'episode' happened just before Malice crashed the party. When it was over, so was lunch. Delilah and Malice had both already left, Cameron and I had to pull some crazy shit to get out of there."

She had ruled out the possibility that Malice was the trigger. For one, based on Cameron's account of lunch, Malice had paid Haleigh absolutely NO attention. Plus, Malice hadn't been present at any of the other flashes.

"The second time was in my office. I was reviewing some intel on the purifiers, trying to get a head start. I had another headache, but it was mild. Then I got the call that Sally had been attacked, and Cass had been taken. My condition worsened quickly, I blacked out within minutes of getting the news."

She took a deep breath and focused on recalling the next event, her brow furrowed.

"The third event was in the car, responding to an emergency call by Ava, regarding Sharon and Zach. Isis had just been taken into custody. I was driving.... We were almost there when the missiles were launched. I..."

She paused, glancing back at Karen, not sure she wanted to say it out loud, least of all to KAREN, who'd been so judgemental of Haleigh in the past. But if she hid anything, she might limit Karen's ability to actually solve the mystery.

"I had to choose which vehicle to save. Ours, or the bus. I chose ours. I succeeded in preventing a direct impact. The crash knocked me out. When I woke back up, the purifiers were upon us. Cameron was taken shortly thereafter."

She sat forward, her elbows on her knees, her face in her hands. She remained still for a beat, then ran her hands through her hair with a sigh.

"The last flash was night of the fight, like I said. I had the headache going into it. I was able to function fine, for the most part of the night. Once inside the cathedral, I was overwhelmed by purifiers. That guy Ava's seeing... the one who works for Cameron and had a total meltdown over the dead kids? Simon. He hit us with some shockwave of green energy, and I blacked out. When I woke up, Nic was pulling purifiers off me..... but that's been IT. I haven't had any.... SYMPTOMS since then. It's been a quiet week, overall."

Karen: Typically, these kinds of symptoms can be associated with repressed memories or trauma, trying to come back to the surface.

"Well.... yes, they kind of FEEL like memories. It's not like... I'm not a passive SPECTATOR when I blackout. I PARTICIPATE in the experiences. I think and feel.... say and DO things.... I play a pivotal role."

 

[Longshot]

Rose's House - New York

< Walking into Rose's house was like walking into another world. She lived a very "normal" life and it was oddly comforting to somebody like Simon who had been raised in the highest pedigree. He had seen living rooms nearly the entire size of the first floor of Rose's place. Still the atmosphere of her place was incredibly inviting and as she warmly welcomed him into her home he tried to drop the incredible amount of privilege he was facing at the door. He needed her help and her advice. She was one of the few objective voices he would be able to find amongst his new circle of friends. >

Rose: "No I don't mind at all! Please come in!"

< He gave her a hollow smile as the two of them entered her parlor and took a seat down. The room was very inviting and had a significant old world feel. The calming music and the crystal ball and the ominous glowing deck of tarot cards on the table beside them. As he took a seat on the plush couch he noticed the curious black cat who at first seemed intrigued by his appearance but soon lost all interest as she continued to groom herself. >

Rose: "Would you care for some coffee or tea?"

< Simon shook his head. >

"I'm fine..thanks for asking. Been surviving on mostly whiskey these days anyday.."

< He watched as Rose gave him a curious look. >

"I don't need an intervention..I just need someone to talk to. Somebody that isn't so connected to the world that I found myself a part of.."

< Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a flask and took a deep swig before returning it to his pant's pocket. >

"Ever since the night of the accident...I can't stop thinking about those kids. Believe me..I realize who I'm saying this too..I can't imagine what you must be going through. And really..if there's anything I can do just let me know. I will help in whatever way I can..."

< Thinking for a moment. His eyes were both dry but glassy at the same time. Rose had been the only interaction he had with society at large for the last few days. She knew what he had been going through. >

"I've been coming up with a plan. Something to bring these kind of things to the light. A political watch dog group that looks out for mutants and their rights. I need to do SOMETHING..it's just.."

"..watching the news tonight, they were talking about WilPharma and everything Alycia released to the press about it. The reporter though..she was a New Yorker..she talked about Sharon Kelly and her death and everything she did for the mutant population..and it scared the hell out of me. I want to help. I think I COULD help..I think they could use a guy like me out there..BUT.."

< His eyes betrayed a sober look for a moment. >

"I don't know that I'm that brave enough. And now...I don't have just ME to worry about. Ava--well The Six and their allies..I'm connected to them now. Associated. If the spotlight goes on me..it goes BACK on them. I don't know if I have the right to speak for a population I...don't really know anything about.."

"..and one I haven't fought for like they have. But I do know..I can't do nothing. Not anymore..THEY fight hard to protect each other..and in the process they save the world a lot. But there are people they aren't getting to. Mutants who are suffering because of how they were born. You know that better than anybody. I mean it's bad enough to be an orphan but to be orphaned because you are a MUTANT? I mean..this can't all be in the shadows anymore. This can't be just some secret war. I could have lived my entire life and not known any of this was going on..and what good is that? Why does the plight of mutants never get to be heard. Even when they talk about the atrocities we face..they focus on the people doing it. They don't focused on the people like US who were lost because we're just statistical information."

< Pulling out his flask he took another deep swig. >

"I'm sorry for unloading all this on you, Rose. I know..we aren't exactly good friends. But I need to hear something from somebody who isn't a member of The Six..or a former Senator or a ball busting attorney. I need to hear from somebody..more like the people I want to help. Good..NORMAL people who happen to be mutants and people who deserve the right to live their lives the way everybody else does..."

[pausing for a moment]

"You know..it's fuccked up. Me coming here. I shouldn't be involving you in the musings of a drunk pretty boy born with a silver spoon in his mouth who' finally understanding what privilege really means. It's sick...I should go..."

< Simon began to rise from the couch, ready to head towards the door and back to the safety of his apartment. He was getting increasingly umcomfortable and on edge. Ever since the Purifiers he had been very literally scared to leave his house for fear of another attack. Someone waiting around the corner ready to kill him and any other mutant who might cross their path. >

 

[Harbinger]

There are a number of reasons why I would still be here and all of them play their part. You ALONE would be a reason to stay. You are a fascinating although IRASCIBLE person and definitely pleasant to gaze upon. But the truth is, it becomes more than that.


Xavier drinks half his White Russian, which has just arrived. He doesn't even flinch at the alcohol, and taps the bar for another as he holds the one he is currently working, his mouth pulling back into a more serious expression.

:: Alison lifts her eye brows a bit, intrigued by his reply/compliment. He certainly was thick skinned, not overly sensitive and noticeably not easily intimidated. ::

There really is no UNSEEING what has been seen here, no turning 'round from what we have faced. I am not freaked out or anything, but I DO realize that this escapade should incite more change in what I do everyday that simply trying to chase down a buxom brunette who seems immune to my charms. And when you can do all of your daily tasks in 3 or 4 seconds first thing in the morning, you have a lot of time to think.

Xavier finishes his drink and grabs the next one, tapping the bar again.

Hmm. Well, fast as you are, If I don't WANT to be found...or caught....I WON'T be. So perhaps that will help you to settle a bit.

:: Winking at him as she shifts in her seat and crosses her legs at the knee::



You're definitely different, Xavier. You may never win me over with your "charms", but You've caught my attention, and for a precog, that's NOT an easy thing to do. Even a man who can move as fast as you, still has to do so through time and space. You have an abundance of time on you hands...and I can SEE through and manipulate time. Makes for quite an interesting combination.

:: Alison said in a rather knowing tone as she finished her drink and looked at Xavier once more::

And I think that I am going to hang out here while I figure out my next move. And who best to speak to about such a thing than one who can see future timelines. Tell me, how much do you and Kassandra of Troy have in common? Do you see what is to come but are not believed? How do you bear such a burden? Is there an issue of free will?

Xavier sat back. It was her turn to talk and he did not plan to miss a single sentence...

:: Alison's colbalt blue eyes sparkled with intrigue and amusement at this. She signaled for another drink as she decided to indulge Xavier.::


You're more than just a pretty face.

I could introduce you to one of my teammates, a very dear friend of mine, who actually KNEW Kassandra of Troy.

:: Alison was, of course, referring to Persephone, but she knew Xavier would be surprised to know that there was someone in her midst that actually would KNOW this woman who, like Persephone herself, was widely considered to be a MYTH but was in fact just as real as either of them sitting there. ::

You draw an interesting metaphor, mentioning Cassandra of all people. But a closer look will reveal many differences. I was BORN with my powers, as prohecied by Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft and my successes do not depend upon the whims of a man.


Still, the one thing Kassandra and I probably have the most in common is people who find it easier to DISBELIEVE.

My visions and warnings are met with skepticism, resistance, flat out denial and contempt.

:: Alison said with a hint of bitterness in her tone::


TO walk the line of when to share/not to share information, visions...WARNINGS does not get any easier. Just when I think I am dealing with people who might appreciate the burden I bear, I am reminded how often precognition/retrocognition is misunderstood or taken for granted, even among a group of peers who possess such powers that could change the world.Some regard precognition as a novelty or a mere suggestion. Others consider it to be me "prying" into their lives and that I should mind my own business. But THEN if i do that and something BAD happens, I'm blamed for not warning them.


It's a WONDERFUL road to walk!

::She said, rolling her eyes, her tone dripping with sarcasm::

To look at someone, especially a loved one, and know what's coming for/to them...I have always been willing to say/do whatever I have to do to protect my loved ones from disasters, even DEATH, but I have learned that some people...don't want to be saved.


I have also had the...humbling lesson of realizing that just because I KNOW what's going to happen, doesnt mean even *I* might not make a MISTAKE in my efforts to alter the outcome. Sometimes...my emotions cloud my judgement. For anyone else, that's not a big revelation, for ME...it was quite a shock.

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Zizi had strategically sent Ashley out for a night/next day of bar-hopping, pool-playing and drinking/fighting, so she was alone in the apartment at the appointed time for Isis to arrive. Alycia and Sharon were the “known” candidates, so the only variable was whether they would say yes or no to her proposal. With Dominique, there were any number of ways she could react to this meeting, from only showing up to scream at her about Ashley to enthusiastically saying yes. And everything in-between.

She was just finishing straightening up. Zizi paused to look out of one of the large windows at the city skyline. She loved New York at night – everything was alive.

Checking once more through her open-floorplan apartment that everything was neat and orderly, the way she liked it (and none of Ashley's unmentionables had found her way onto a chair or lamp), she nodded satisfactorily.
All she could do now, was wait for her guest to arrive.

 

[Tachyon]

:: Alison lifts her eye brows a bit, intrigued by his reply/compliment. He certainly was thick skinned, not overly sensitive and noticeably not easily intimidated. ::

Hmm. Well, fast as you are, If I don't WANT to be found...or caught....I WON'T be. So perhaps that will help you to settle a bit.

:: Winking at him as she shifts in her seat and crosses her legs at the knee::



You're definitely different, Xavier. You may never win me over with your "charms", but You've caught my attention, and for a precog, that's NOT an easy thing to do. Even a man who can move as fast as you, still has to do so through time and space. You have an abundance of time on you hands...and I can SEE through and manipulate time. Makes for quite an interesting combination.

:: Alison said in a rather knowing tone as she finished her drink and looked at Xavier once more::

Xavier smiled at this. He was unsure if she was trying to shoot him down or draw him in...so he just decided to enjoy the conversation. He replied just enough to encourage her to continue.

Indeed it does.

You're more than just a pretty face.

I could introduce you to one of my teammates, a very dear friend of mine, who actually KNEW Kassandra of Troy.

ASTOUNDING. She would be over three THOUSAND years old at LEAST. I wonder if she would be willing to speak with me?

Xavier mused half to himself as he allowed her to continue, this is when things became MOST interesting.

You draw an interesting metaphor, mentioning Cassandra of all people. But a closer look will reveal many differences. I was BORN with my powers, as prohecied by Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft and my successes do not depend upon the whims of a man.


Still, the one thing Kassandra and I probably have the most in common is people who find it easier to DISBELIEVE.

My visions and warnings are met with skepticism, resistance, flat out denial and contempt.

:: Alison said with a hint of bitterness in her tone::


TO walk the line of when to share/not to share information, visions...WARNINGS does not get any easier. Just when I think I am dealing with people who might appreciate the burden I bear, I am reminded how often precognition/retrocognition is misunderstood or taken for granted, even among a group of peers who possess such powers that could change the world.Some regard precognition as a novelty or a mere suggestion. Others consider it to be me "prying" into their lives and that I should mind my own business. But THEN if i do that and something BAD happens, I'm blamed for not warning them.


It's a WONDERFUL road to walk!

::She said, rolling her eyes, her tone dripping with sarcasm::

To look at someone, especially a loved one, and know what's coming for/to them...I have always been willing to say/do whatever I have to do to protect my loved ones from disasters, even DEATH, but I have learned that some people...don't want to be saved.


I have also had the...humbling lesson of realizing that just because I KNOW what's going to happen, doesnt mean even *I* might not make a MISTAKE in my efforts to alter the outcome. Sometimes...my emotions cloud my judgement. For anyone else, that's not a big revelation, for ME...it was quite a shock.

This revelation interested him greatly, and her reaction to it finally prompted him to speak with more discernment.

Your emotions can be a wonderful drive when focused by your mind. You were a BRILLIANT strategist a few days ago, and even the brilliant are not infallible. You have a gift that very few GODS possess by Pantheon, according to the writings that seem more real every day I live. That is one hell of a burden and you cannot expect yourself to be perfect on that path. Knowing the path and navigating it are two different things. If you cannot find a way to forgive yourself when mistakes happen, you will not be able to see clearly enough in the future...and the stakes apparently are quite high.

Xavier reaches out and places his hand on hers, giving it a good-natured squeeze.

You need to decompress, hang out, have fun, not be burdened by your mantle. And since you are immune to my charms and I am APPARENTLY no danger to someone as MIGHTY as you are, you may as well hang with me a bit. I offer entertainment services as well as unsolicited advice. For starters, I thought all you witches drank Hemlock?

 

[Firebird]

Cameron's floor

A knock in the door. The doorbell rings. Then there's wild knocking from both Blaze and Cass.

As Cameron opens the door and begins to chide them both, Blaze and Cass BOUND into Cameron's apartment, jumping around him and screaming like high school cheerleaders!

Blaze soon jumps into Cameron's arms, wrapping her legs around his waist and Cass tackles him at his legs, causing him to topple down to the floor! Blaze then pins his arms down to the floor.

Laughing at Cameron's bewildered expression, Blaze looks down at him.

"HI!"

"We were in the area, and thought we'd come see you!"

Smiling sweetly at Cameron

"...and maybe HAVE OUR WAY with you!"

Laughing as she gets off of Cameron and easily helps him up.

"But first...How about a drink?"

 

[Isis]

The clock tower

:: Dominique Deveraux made her way up the stairs to the double doors of Elizabeth York's clocktower suite and pressed the button, listening to a tone sound off in the air::

:: Eventually, the doors opened and there was Zizi.::


Good evening.

:: Dominique said in a clear, cold tone.::

::The young woman invites Dominique in::

Thank you.

:: Her high heels click-clack along the hard wood floor as she walks, following Zizi further into the spacious apartment. She noted the exceptional skyline view from the large windows::

:: She removed her gloves and cape as she seated herself and when Zizi offered her any refreshment....::

Some hot tea would be nice, thank you.

:: The woman was already prepared. Dominique couldn't help but think back to Detective Steele, who had made an educated guess that tea was her drink of choice. She ALSO recalled the look of grave concern Zizi had on her face that night in the cathedral when Steel had been wounded and the gratitude she expressed when Isis healed and restored him. ::

I was surprised by your invitation this evening, Miss York, but I know you wouldn't reach out to me for idle chit chat. So I am curious as to what this is all about.


:: She had observed this woman at the cathedral and there was clearly more to her than it seemed. She obviously had a connection to Steele...AND that obnoxious cow Valkyrie. Still, Dominique was feeling more "open" to new encounters in the aftermath of the Purifiers. Working with Morningstar had a lingering impact on the sorceress, and she knew there was value to maintaining an open mind on some things. ::

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

The doorbell rang, and Zizi wheeled herself to the door. She took a deep breath and exhaled before opening it wide – preparing for this to be a trying experience.

Good evening.

Despite Dominique’s cold expression, Zizi smiled brightly.

“Ms. Devereaux – welcome! Please, come in.”

She moved her chair aside so Dominique could enter, then closed the door behind her guest.

“May I take your wrap?”

Zizi wheeled ahead of Isis, in order to show her into the sunroom, where a white porcelain tea service was laid out on the table, along with small plates of fruit and tea cookies. Although it was dark out, there was a fantastic wraparound view of the city.

“Please sit. May I offer you some tea and refreshments?”

She allowed Dominique to choose her seat, then wheeled herself into the sitting area. She poured tea for both of them, then was still as she listened intently to what Dominique had to say.

I was surprised by your invitation this evening, Miss York, but I know you wouldn't reach out to me for idle chit chat. So I am curious as to what this is all about.

“Please, call me Zizi. Everybody does.”

She smiled warmly before continuing.

“I asked to meet with you tonight, in order to ask for your help. I know that must seem presumptuous, after all that you did for us at the Cathedral.”

She took a small sip of her tea.

“But what happened that night made me realize that in the same way The Six can’t defend this city alone, I can’t either. Recall, Valkyrie and I – we’ve been doing what we can to help people, on the ground, in the streets, but we aren’t enough. Zach – Orion – helps, and Steel does too when he can, but we need a real team, like the Six. You are strong, experienced. You’re a magick user, a healer – and I know you care about the innocents who can’t help themselves. I’ve SEEN that for myself. I want to invite you to join this new team – The Birds of Prey. Help us help this city. Please.”

 

[Rose]

Rose's home

"Ever since the night of the accident...I can't stop thinking about those kids. Believe me..I realize who I'm saying this too..I can't imagine what you must be going through. And really..if there's anything I can do just let me know. I will help in whatever way I can..."

<<Rose gazed upon Simon Pratt. His aura was strong, there was a well of untapped potential in the young man, but he was so disjointed and out of balance! He was like a newborn in someways, his eyes JUST opening to some harsh, age old, unfortunate realties about the ugilness and failures of human nature. He was right, she HAD been there for it. She didn't look down on him for what could have been a seriously self involved and thoughtless comment. He was struggling, like someone suddenly thrust out into the sea.>>

<< It didn't help that he was "coping" by drinking.>>

<< He was a well meaning man, but if he wasn't careful and was too emotional or impulsive, he would be his own worst enemy, in more ways than one. >>

[pausing for a moment]

"You know..it's fuccked up. Me coming here. I shouldn't be involving you in the musings of a drunk pretty boy born with a silver spoon in his mouth who' finally understanding what privilege really means. It's sick...I should go..."

< Simon began to rise from the couch, ready to head towards the door and back to the safety of his apartment. He was getting increasingly umcomfortable and on edge. Ever since the Purifiers he had been very literally scared to leave his house for fear of another attack. Someone waiting around the corner ready to kill him and any other mutant who might cross their path. >

Simon, please have a seat.

<< Rose said with a calm but commanding tone.>>

In order to to be kind and helpful to others, you must first be kind and helpful to yourself.

Everyone has different levels of awareness, due to the environments they operate in. Your eyes have been opened to a very unfortunate, long standing problem and with new awareness and perception, there often comes a tremendous feeling of anxiety and disorientation.

That's to be expected.

But as the old saying goes, when you know better....DO better.

You can't reach the goal until you take the first step forward, and in order to make each step foward COUNT, you must have a clear and open mind.

That...

<< pointing to the flask>>

Will not help you.

Nor will punshing yourself for your ignorance.

What matters now, is what you do from here on, knowing what you know.

Will you be like these politicians , so called "philanthropists" and some of the other glorified metahumans that want to make a PRODUCTION out of tackling a proclaimed "social cause" or will you plant a real seed of change, nurture and tend to it, and see it come to fruition? The former makes it about YOU, the latter makes it about what/WHOM you're trying to help.

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon – Cameron’s Floor

:: Blaze and Cass entered the elevator to go to Cameron’s floor. They were both giggling. ::

Blaze: “Okay, so this is the plan: we knock once, ring the doorbell, then knock like crazy on the door! Then, when Cam gets annoyed enough to answer the door, we jump and scream like cheerleaders! And then…we’ll TACKLE him! I’ll jump in his arms, and you tackle his legs!! It’ll be GREAT!”

*snickering*: “How did I know you’d be a top kind of girl?”

:: Blaze gave her a friendly smack on the butt before the doors opened onto Cameron’s private floor. They both went up to his door with twin mischievious grins on both their faces. Blaze knocked once, and then Cass pressed the doorbell. One second later and they BOTH started wildly knocking on the door! Cameron opened the door and started in on a lecture when they BURST through the door and started jumping around and screaming!! Cass laughed at the expression on Cameron’s face. ::

:: Blaze jumped into Cameron’s arms and wrapped her legs around his waist, giving Cass the signal…and Cass DOVE at his legs, knocking him to the floor! Blaze then pinned his arms to the ground, causing Cass to let go of Cameron’s legs, laughing hysterically and wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. ::

”HI! We were in the area, and thought we’d come see you!” *impishly*: ”…and maybe HAVE OUR WAY with you!”

:: Blaze gets off of Cameron and extended her hand. ::

”But first…how about a drink?”

*laughing*: “Hi Cameron.”

 

[Orion]

Zach sat on the sofa in Haleigh's penthouse suite at the Parthenon, watching sports on the flatscreen. He may not like the asshole that owned this building, but he couldn't knock the man's taste in decor. The suite was very well done, and didn't FEEL like a hotel room, it felt like a spacious apartment. Zach might even admit that it rivaled their place at Illustra.

Zach relaxed shirtless after a little afternoon romp with Haleigh, but he had an iPad in his lap. He needed to review the paperwork for all the changes made to Rose's santuary and home, but he absolutely HATED paperwork. It was so very tedious. Technically most of this paperwork was completed by Sentry and Mirage, with financial approval by Tycoon. But since it was one of Zach's personal projects, he also needed to comb through and finalize ALL the forms with his signature. Clandestine at least did all their paperwork digitally, which was better than when he worked for the CIA and had to deal with the mountains of actual PAPER forms.... but that didn't mean it was any more enjoyable.

Watching tennis in between forms was a decent way to break up the monotony. He gave Haleigh a kiss on her way out the door to meet with Karen, glad that she was finally going to TALK to somebody about what was bothering her. The only thing she would tell HIM was that she was having headaches and blackouts, and some kind of memory glitches, but she refused to elaborate.

FINALLY putting his electronic stamp on the last form, he leaned back and stretched. He looked out the window at the lights across the city, then decided to get dressed. Jeans, a tshirt, a hoodie and a Harley Davidson leather jacket. He wanted to go up top to the roof and see the city from a bird's eye view. After having been up on a couple of roofs last week, he realized he needed to become comfortable with heights. Apparently all these crazy, beautiful women LIKED rooftop gazing. Which meant he was likely to see many more rooftops, and he didn't want to have flashbacks to his mommy issues every time one of them was upset on a ledge.

He only had to bypass ONE floor [Cameron's] to get to the roof, and he let himself out into the cold breeze. He pulled up his hoodie and zipped up his jacket before shoving his hands in his pockets. Then he spotted Sharon and Alycia and smiled warmly.

"Hello Ladies. I didn't expect anyone to be up here, but it's nice to see you both."