Under cover of darkness

Status
Not open for further replies.
[ Delilah waited, at the ready, for instructions about what should come next, while Nicolas toyed with this pathetic excuse for a mercenary. But then Haleigh arrived. And that was about all she could take. ]

"Are you fucking kidding me? When I suggest that killing someone may not be the brightest course of action, I'M ganging up on you. But when YOU do it, you're a fucking saint?! Do you think maybe we could have a handbook about when and where it's acceptable to attempt to protect you, Haleigh, because seriously, I'm getting confused."
 
The Parthenon

Nicolas wacthes as the exchange between Ethan and Morgan unfolds. He is angered at the threats Ethan has the nerve to put forth at this point.

"You are even DUMBER than I thought. To tell a TELEPATH such information? Thanks to your loose tongue and weak mind, you precious bargaining chip is being hunted down as we speak, either to be destroyed by frightened lawyers and editors by day or by mesmerized janitors by night. So when you die, guess what? You're just dead."

Nicolas steps back to allow Morgan to act when Haleigh intervenes on his behalf. Her words would have struck a chord with him except for one thing: they are HER words.

"Protecting the last family check written, eh? What are you even doing here?"

As Guardian explains the last evening's events to the Six, Nicolas notes her loyalty, and then her intrigue with the death of Alycia.

"Don't you GET IT?! We will not allow you to have harm befall her!!! Stand down, Haleigh!"

Nicolas solidifies his hold on Ethan and uses the floor to hold him up for Morgan. Simoultaneously, the floor under Haleigh slides back and away from Ethan...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Haleigh stands fast, as almost everyone present demands she move aside. She shakes her head and responds to them in turn. Morgan first asks what she thinks she doing... she displays a look of hurt as Morgan suggests she ressurect MM but lets the comment slide... Morgan's health chip is registering high blood alcohol levels and Haleigh regards the jab as an unintentional one.

"I'm protecting our best interests, Morgan."

She says simply, and with such conviction that no one can doubt that is what she believes. Guardian is next to try to talk her out of it. She tries to convince Haleigh that she's being tricked, which, to Haleigh's very nature, is abrasive.... the idea of it scours and internally Haleigh denies it.

"Alison... don't you see? Our Sympathy.... Our Empathy... and Our Compassion are the ONLY things that separate us from THEM. We have to hold onto that... or we become the evil we're trying to fight. What do we STAND for, Alison? Morgan? All of you? This man has stopped fighting. He's on his knees... and still... you'll kill him? He's obviously AGAINST Mystech.... which puts him on OUR side... so it begs the question: Why are we trying nothing to SHOW HIM where he is wrong?"

Nicolas cuts in, and with the most slicing remark yet, and Haleigh stops to stare at him. What is WRONG with this man?? Morgan said something cruel... but Haleigh has history with Morgan and behind everything they both know that they could leave their lives in each others hands and not worry. Nicolas, however, is different... and has fostered an unstable relationship with Haleigh all along. A comment like the 'family check' one will NOT fly. Haleigh steps around Ethan, coming face to face with Nicolas and staring up at him. For a second they just stand there, and Haleigh looks as if she's about to say something... and she considers something... ANYTHING that might get through to him. But she draws a blank, and at the last possible second, she reacts without even thinking about it and SLAPS him square on the face... not with all her strength... but with enough to leave even THIS resillient man with a stinging cheek.

"Go to Hell."

She says, low and even. He persists on, moving the floor beneath her to put distance between her and Ethan but she lifts herself by her steel-toed boots to hover over the floor and takes her place between Ethan and the rest of the group. Delilah interjects, confused, and not without reason. Guardian explains what happened at Koi. Haleigh shrugs at Morningstar.

"Things change. I can't ask you all to understand my motives... or my behavior... some of which I'm still analyzing MYSELF."

Alison asks once more why she's protecting a man of his nature. Haleigh gives a sad smile.

"I'm not doing it for him."

She responds. Morgan, Alison, and Nicolas in turn as her to move out of the way so that Ethan can be dealt with. Haleigh shakes her head, as stubborn as she is known for.

"I can't do that. I won't."
 
Nicolas sees her hand as it comes toward his cheek but makes no attempt to move. The slap stung a bit, but at this point, he was already to angry to care, not even allowing his face to move with the blow. This woman had picked ALL the wrong people tonight to side with and he saw in this instance that Haleigh had ONCE AGAIN sided against the team. He saw a part of her argument, but one as cold and detached as this man was, one who was so easily duped into attempting to kill an innocent while aiding a murderer, this one could NOT be trusted.
As she hovers over near Ethan and stand between him and the team, Nicolas looks and Haleigh's shoes flew apart, allowing her to drop suddenly. Next, the marble in the floor grabs her feet fast and moves her BACK away from Ethan. Nicolas did not speak at this point, the time for speeches was done...
 
:: Guardian looks on with exasperation as she looks up to the ceiling.::

what the hell is happening here!? and WHO is this over?

:: watching Nicolas and Haleigh::

That's IT! I won't see this team come apart on account of this pathetic SWINE :: gesturing at Ethan::

:: she holds her hands out toward Rampage and Backwidow::

Haleigh, Nicolas...REVERSE


:: Guardian TELEBLINKS them both, each body being turned into a swirling haze of dark glowing orbs as she seperates them, breaking Haleigh out of Nicolas' hold. They are switched around and Nicolas is now beside Morgan and Haleigh is beside Alison.::

Spellbinder, your turn!

:: unknown to the others, it was a "code" for Morgan to deal with the immediate problem, since the mere presence of Ethan was causing so much strife, the best thing to do was REMOVE him from view..and allow everyone to get ahold of themselves.::
 
the Parthenon

Right on cue, Guardian.


<< Spellbinder nods and thrusts her hand forward. a crash of thunder and an eldritch chime sound off as Ethan is encompassed by a stepping disc...and TELEPORTED AWAY.>>


<< the thunder fades.>>

There.

<< wiping her hands>>

That takes care of THAT little problem.

<< turning to the others.>>

I haven't killed him.....YET.




I merely teleported him to a remote "holding cell" in Limbo. a dark, cold cavern with no possible escape. It will keep him under control while WE try to get ahold of OURSELVES

<< glaring at Haleigh and Nicolas, thankfull that Alison had seperated them>>

I can't BELIEVE you two were about to come to blows...over HIM!

Haleigh, STOP disrespecting Nicolas at every turn. Whatever you may think of him...he's a good man. He saved my mother...and Ororo sent him to us. That's a HELL OF ALOT MORE SUBSTANTIAL than the "credentials" you cited for Ethan.

and Nicolas...don't hurt her. Despite the problems we're having now....we've got to remember that WE are are a team....if we let ourselves turn on each other again so easily...like we did back when we first came together, then we truly don't have a chance.

<< Morgan exhaled.>>

Haleigh, in the goddess' name, TELL US what the hell is wrong with you? you've been out in left field ever since Alycia killed Stavros...something she was JUSTIFIED in doing and now THIS? You let this fool play on your sympathy? you risk your life for HIM but you would let Alycia hang out to dry as easily as you blinked?
<
< Morgan walked over to Haleigh and grabbed her arm. not enough to HURT but firm enough to get her attention.>>

I DEMAND that you tell us...ME what your problem is. RIGHT NOW! and if you try to leave, i'll bring you RIGHT BACK.

<< Morgan wanted to try to get to the root of this now. if they didnt, then they would continue to stumble along and someone, namely Alycia could pay for it...not to mention their own "interests" as Haleigh put it.>>
 
Limbo Prison - Dont drop the soap!

Ethan watched the exchange with a satisfying glance. Things weren't necessarily working out for him but the fact that he had NOW just been teleported to Limbo and not killed, told him that his death was not in the immediate future. He was obviously going to be questioned, that much was for sure, and he had no clue where he was. From his files he knew that Morgan controlled some other realm and this must be it. He laughed out loud to himself as he took in his dark and terrifying surroundings. It was funny, he never thought a supermodel could have so much depth and gothicism about her. Limbo was not a warm place either. It was cold as FUCK. He rubbed his arms as he thought about his next plan of action. As he saw the dynamic, he was a tad bit jealous. He was relieved about the fact that there was a team that's sole purpose was to destroy evil, mainly Mystech. He didn't attack them when he was temporarily released because he needed it as leverage. He had the option and didn't take it. Now he simply waited for whatever was next to him. He knew he had to be honest as Morgan Victoria wasn't going to be fooled by his bullshit and the fact that the name of MysTech was attached to him, didn't sit well with her either.

"Well, she certainly knows how to keep a gentlmen waiting... That was electric! I simply can't wait for Round Two!"

He slumped back down in the cell as he was sitting on the ground and wondered how to play the situation. Ethan could throw himself on her mercy or appeal to her in other ways, if he acted like Nicholas most likely he could be right up Morgan's ass too in record time, but that wasn't his style. Ethan was in a bind and time was running out. He needed to think of something quick.
 
The Parthenon

Nicolas prepared to engage Haleigh when they were both blinked by Guardian into different places, he beside Morgan and her beside Alison. He was still seething when Morgan made her appeal to them both. His mouth opened as if to reply to her as she spoke to him, but he shut it and decided to think a bit. He had promised not to harm any of these women EVER. But Haleigh's actions were making it hard to keep that promise, from her willingness to kill the others during the Terror Dome up to the antcis of today. Unlike the rest of the Six (save Persephone, who was a least her half-sister now), he had very little positive actions or any connection upon which to base his opinion of Haleigh.

But even without telepathy, he could see that Morgan was strongly determined to keep her in the fold, so he sat back and watched. This problem would have to hashed out among these four (Morgan , Delilah, Haleigh, and Alison)as they have the most history. In the end, he would abide by the team's wishes and be sure to watch this one closely no matter the outcome of this talk.

Nicolas folded his arms and watched Haleigh as Morgan tried to talk to her.
 
Haleigh grits her teeth as Nicolas pushes on and further provokes her... he just didn't know how to stop when he was ahead, did he?

"I'm running out of patience with you, boy."

She scathed, and Alison stepped in to stop a cycle that would only get worse. Haleigh continued to shoot daggers at Nicolas with her eyes as Morgan questioned her... but her gaze whipped around to the sorceress as morgan tried to criticize Haleigh's treatment of Nicolas.

"IM SORRY, where you NOT in the same ROOM with us just now??! Every CHANCE he gets he throws Stavros in my face! I can't BELIEVE you have the NERVE to give me shit about something like that! I know beyond a SHADOW OF A DOUBT that you wouldn't for a split SECOND allow him to even MENTION Christopher's name against you, but you expect what?! for ME to want to pet him like you do?"

Morgan goes on to seize up Haleigh's arm and demand an explanation... and to this, Haleigh's anger seems to relent... and her eyes soften.

"What's WRONG with me? I'm losing my MIND... I'm losing myself to this STUPID destiny! Every SECOND of every DAY is filled with DREAD because I KNOW that there is ALWAYS something looming over us.... someone to save, someone to fight, and someone among us who is NEXT TO DIE! You don't know Morgan.... you weren't here... when Alexis betrayed us... that fight took something from EVERYBODY. Delilah was fatally wounded, You were DEAD, Cameron was GONE.... and Alison was slipping through my arms JUST LIKE YOU DID. The only person I had left was YOUR sister.... and the city was in RUINS. That was a dark... dangerous place for me Morgan. I'd lost another entire team. And that moment haunts me... it torments me with the constant, unrelenting TERROR that I might have to face it AGAIN... that its only a matter of TIME before the BLACK HOLE of my entire miserable existence sucks us all in. And what am I going to DO when that happens, Morgan? I won't survive it. Physically.... maybe... but emotionally... mentally.... I'll be dead."

Haleigh pulled her arm out of Morgan's grasp, rubbing her eyes and then running her hands through her hair.

"This thing with Ethan.... forget about what he THINKS he knows... and think about what he's SAID. What if he's not bluffing? What if there are people out there WAITING to expose us? You KNOW the public isnt READY for US.... and the world we're trying to PROTECT will tear us apart. We NEED to show him he's WRONG about us. That we're on the SAME TEAM. He destroyed a developing Citadle in London, as we destroyed the established one here.... his METHODS are questionable... but NONE of us are saints either. We COULD use him. I'm NOT proposing we let anything happen to Alycia here.... the way I feel about her has NOTHING to with this. You KNOW we could use the extra help.... we ALWAYS need more people behind us. TELL me I'm wrong. hmm? You give me one DAMN GOOD reason why he's more valuable to us dead than alive."
 
The Parthenon

Nicolas tried to simply listen, to allow the four more established members to work this out. But Haleigh's attitude was making him even more angry than he already was.

"Haleigh, I am standing right here. No need to speak of me as if I am not in the room. Forst of all, I only mentioned Stavros to you when (1) we all found out that you had kept your relationship to him and their relationship to Mystech from us. Excuse me if I think that is a serious breach of trust when you demanded EVERY item of information you could get your hands on about me before letting me enter the damn building. The next mention was when Cassadine tried to KILL Alycia, even hiring metahuman help to facilitate it, and died himself. You then tried to BLACKMAIL Alycia, apparently upset that she had the NERVE to defend herself. The final mention was here, when you took the side of a STRANGER bent on killing Alycia, even at this moment, over your own team. You know little about him, he has stated intentions that threaten the team directly, and yet you chafe under my comments??? FUCK YOU!!!"

Nicolas was so angry at this point that he took a step towards Haleigh despite himself. He stopped again and said one last comment, low as a growl.

"And I am NOT your "boy". That is a racially insulting remark and I will not tolerate it any longer. You have said it to me on a couple of occasions already and there will be no more warnings. I have tried to be peaceful, even turning the other cheek for your pitifully slow slap just now. But if you call me that again, I WILL FUCK...YOU...UP!!"
 
Haleigh didn't back down, instead, she bristled towards him as well.... and took a step. She was willing to match him threat for threat and if he didn't like it, then TOUGH.

"NO FUCK YOU! You don't know ANYTHING ABOUT ME OR My family! You NEED to STAY OUT of this, you're in WAY ove ryour head. How OLD are you?? 19? twenty?? You think you're SO fucking smart? You're a BOY until you start acting like a MAN, and a MAN respects people who are stronger, older, and WISER than they. You wanna FUCK me up?? Why don't you come OVER HERE and DO IT?! You think I'm AFRAID OF YOU? I've LAUGHED in the face of things that would make you PISS yourself."
 
[ Delilah listened to Haleigh try to make sense of her own behavior after Morgan and Alison took control of the situation. But control was lost not long after. Delilah put her hands up. ]

"Okay, okay, everybody CALM DOWN. Nicolas - you are out of order. Haleigh is trying to make sense of all of this - this is not all about you so just back off."

[ She turned her focus to Haleigh. ]

"Haleigh. Can't you see that we just want to help you. Despite what you may think, we are all in this together."

[ She crossed her arms and turned back to the room. ]

"Now, as for this Ethan...Haleigh's right, we can't kill him without just cause. But if we let him go how do we know he won't turn us in or come back to kill us all? And if we don't let him go, what do we do with him? We can't exactly drop him off at the local jail..."
 
The Parthenon

:: Guardian stepped back to back with Delilah between Nicolas and Haleigh, facing Nicolas. Due to the nature of her powers Guardian was most capable of BLOCKING and containing the man if things got out of hand.::

Allright, thats ENOUGH! Both of you STOP IT!

:: Alison looked at Morgan, who now had her hands over her face, clearly she was exasperated.::

Haleigh, you shouldn't have come here. There was a REASON why Morgan relieved you of duty. It wasnt to PUNISH YOU...it was to give a chance to STEP BACK and recover from what was clearly a "hard time" back in Alycia's office. She didnt know exactly WHAT the problem was but we could all see SOMETHING was there so she did the best thing. Now that we know, we can HELP you.but constantly degrading Nicolas with racial insults...is not something that will help ANYTHING.



:: Alison looked between Nicolas and Haleigh::

Coming from the right person, "witch" or even "MUTIE" could be just as hurtfull. We can expect that from those OUTSIDE of our group but it shouldnt come from within. Nicolas has earned his place...he's proven not to be a threat or a danger to us and he's here to HELP us.

:: looking at Nicolas.::

It's a bad time right now....Haleigh is in the midst of extreme turmoil...and this problem with ethan and everything that has lead up to this moment has made it all worse.

Haleigh, you need to see Dr. Victoria.

:: Delilah spoke of Ethan, and that they had to do SOMETHING with him.::

As Second Officer and Team Tactician of this team, I am not comfortable with the idea of bringing Ethan to Illustra or even ACCEPTING HIM right now. Is this how we want to do things? let someone blackmail and bully their way into our midst? A year ago..he would already be DEAD by my hand or Morgan's...hell even my brother and Alexis wouldve wanted to rip him apart.

Nicolas is right...he came to us the wrong way and THAT can't be ignore. He threaten's Alycia's life, OUR security, OUR lives as well. We shouldn't reward his disrespect with consideration.


We have one of two choices....KILL HIM in Limbo where he will have NO CHANCE to communicate with his global contacts OR take the time to do damage control NOW before we even think about releasing him.


If we choose "damage control" then there are two ways to go about it. Either he WILLINGLY COOPERATERS and reveals his points of contact so that we may remove their access to our information (something similar to the NERVOUS caper) OR if he refuses, Nicolas can conduct a DEEP telepathic probe of his mind and find out just WHO has the "information" that is set to be released on us. He's a contract killer, and he doesnt work for Mystech..therefore he doesnt have their backing at this point.

Once we discover his contacts Morgan can plot their locations on her scrying glass and with her stepping discs, and my power to "speed" things up...we can all deal with this. It will just take time and creative thinking. it would be FOOLISH from a tactical stand point to just ALLOW HIM to continue to hold THIS kind of clout over our heads.

Alycia's destiny is to move on to her new position in the federal government. We can't keep her in Illustra forever, NOR can we be religated to being her body guards forever.
 
The Parthenon

<< Morgan looks at Haleigh>>

So you have Stavros, I have Christopher..hell i have the INFERNO, Alison has her whole FAMILY. we all have our not-so-sterling family ties or past downfalls.

it doesnt give you the right to belittle him by calling him BOY. and your own cheap shot about me "petting him up" is JUST as inappropriate. I am allowed to show affection toward whomever i wish...and that is NONE of yours or ANYONE ELSE"S concern.

<< Morgan was firm on this, it wasnt the first time Haleigh had taken a shot at her about the mutual affection shared between herself and Nicolas and she decided to call the woman on it here and now.>>

<< as Haleigh revealed what she was feeling, Morgan softened her grip on the woman's arm.>>

Haleigh......<< her icy voice was not as loud now>>

I know i wasn't "there" for what happened....I know something about what it's like to be in a city of chaos...I caused the Inferno remember? but you WERENT ALONE when Malice and Blackout nearly destro the city, ORORO came to help you when you needed it most...and you're not alone NOW.

<< looking down at Haleigh>>

Look at me. the first time you saw me wearing THIS costume [the unholy, yet sexy "inferno costume"] you DIED not even an hour after its debut..by MY hand. After the Inferno, after i was.. "myself" again Do you think it was easy for ME to just carry on knowing what kind of MONSTER i had become and the damage I had caused? My mother, Ororo...they risked their LIVES to stop me from destroying the city...and inspite of their help, Blaze paid the ultimate price. I wanted to hide in Limbo FOREVER and never return but it was ORORO who told me that I had to FACE my fears and my guilt and see it for what it was...LEARN from it and move AHEAD.

So you see, you're not the only one with struggles and fears. I am a woman who is known more for murdering her friends and family than she is for anything else. Even ETHAN knows ab out it. I may be more "integrated" with my dark soul now...i may have more control, but I STILL have to live with the guilt....the SHAME that comes with being a demon sorceress who has killed her friends and family....and could possibly do it all over AGAIN one day. THAT was one of the main reasons why i chose to lay down my own life to save you from Master Mold. I wanted to try to MAKE UP for what i had done during the Inferno.

We've come so far..all of us. EACH of us has grown and the team has become stronger because of it and even though the roster has changed...our SPIRIT is still the same and if I have learned anything post Inferno AND Master Mold...it's that its OKAY to ask for help when you need it. <<looking at Delilah, THAT was something that her best friend had reminded her of right before they went to Greece, and Morgan appreciated her for that.>>

<< just when it seemed like she was making headway with Haleigh...the tension between Haleigh and Nicolas erupted and Morgan was almost startled by how SUDDEN it was. there they were...about to come to blows AGAIN. Morgan grabbed Haleigh's hand and pulled her BACK after she had stepped forward. Delilah and Alison stepped between the two and Morgan rubbed her hands over her face. the two women spoke up and demanded calm and order, so Morgan just kept silent for a moment. keeping her voice even toned.>>

Haleigh, Alison is RIGHT. I relieved you of duty for YOUR SAKE. you were UNWILLING to talk with me BEFORE...and now that you have..before we can even attempt to deal with the problem, you and Nicolas are about to kill each other and over WHAT? ETHAN!?

He is NOTHING to us right now.


I can't have members of my team hurling racial slurs at each other..this is just INTOLERABLE. we are in 2006 New York...not 1956 in the deep south. If we cant find BETTER ways to express ourselves...then we are in WORSE SHAPE than any of us thought.



<< Delilah spoke on what/HOW they should handle Ethan.>>

He stays in Limbo until THIS problem is addressed. I think he's given us PLENTY of "Just cause"...he wants to OUT us, kill Alycia and basically strike a blow for mutants and metahumans EVERYWHERE...yet HE is a mutant himself?! what kind of moron is this?


<< pausing for a moment, then looking at Haleigh>>

Haleigh, in view of what you have just said moments earlier, and since it seems like you are dangerously close to being OVERWHELMED, until you see my mother for professional psycho-therapy...you cannot return to active duty of the Six. I am sending you HOME now...you don't need to be here for this, or what we decide to do with Ethan. I am concerned for your well being now..and as team leader, I cannot allow you continue ANY further. You need time...to rest.

NICOLAS, delicacy and sensitivity are what i need from you now. I don't expect you to be ANYONE'S doormat and i do not condone the use of racial slurs...but THIS HERE << gesturing between the two of them>> isnt helping ANYONE either way.

ETHAN is the problem now and Alison is right...we can't hide Alycia in Illustra for ever. she has to go on to do what she is meant to do AND WE have to be able to move on as well.

Alycia is MY personal friend and I will not see Ethan come anywhere NEAR her, NOR am i allowing him into Illustra. We need to do SOMETHING with him NOW before we go any further but until that moment comes..he stays in Limbo.
 
Delilah continued to amaze Haleigh, with a clear head and an almost diplomatic approach to everything... and she knew how to appeal to BOTH sides in the best way... Morgan, meanwhile, made quick to defend herself [and rightfully so] from Haleigh's inappropriations towards Morgan and Nicolas' relationship... and while Haleigh could accept THAT... there was something else that didn't sit well. Haleigh lifted her head to look at Morgan, pulling her hand out of Morgan's, breaking the contact between them again.

"You know, Morgan.... I dont CARE if he thinks I'm a racist. But for YOU to suggest it... maybe you dont know me as well as you'd like to think. As long as he ACTS like a child, I'll regard him as one. This [gesturing between her and Nic] isn't about Ethan! He makes EVERYTHING about him... like some kind of spoiled little BRAT!"

Morgan and Alison both suggested she see Dr. Victoria... Haleigh's PRIDE revolted to the idea.... but truthfully... she realized it was probably a sound idea. She seemed suddenly very interested in the tile floor at her feet, as she mumbled something that sounded like an agreement. It WAS comforting to know that she wasn't the only one feeling the way she was... it was easy to neglect that Morgan also had darkness and her past to contend with... but it seemed Morgan understood Haleigh more than she gave her credit for. The group then went on to discuss what to do with Ethan... Alison remarked about how he mightve been handled by previous members... and Haleigh's eyes snapped up to meet Alisons.

"Yeah? Well Alexis was a TRAITOR and your brother's DEAD. Maybe the way THEY handled things wasn't the most effiecient."

She said, callous, but honest. It was clear she wasn't changing her mind on Ethan anytime soon.

"Morgan....Alison..... if you KILL him... I'll leave. I can no longer be apart of a cause that condones murder. I turned my back on that recently... and I don't want DEATH like a creeping poison infecting EVERYTHING around me... infecting every ONE. Here." She said, producing a small minidisc in a clear plastic case. "When you go to insist on his cooperation... show him this. It contains digital copies of original Mystech documents... recovered from the revamped Citadle while we were fighting off Blackout. I thought it might come in handy to see what they were still up to.... and so it will. The papers show a direct partnership with Cassadine AND some others who were still around... and there's also a 'Black List'... a hit list. We're all on it.... and so is Ethan. Maybe THAT will bring him around. If not... I also put the mastermold footage on there. Show him Sharon DYING for our cause... the MUTANT/Supernatural cause. If that doesnt JAR him... maybe he IS hopeless."
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Nicolas began to reach for his axe to join Haleigh in combat when Alison and Morgan appeal for order. He hears what they ALL have to say about what has transpired and he listens and thinks. Then, when Haleigh speaks, it's all over again. She accuses Nicolas of making everything about him.

"That's where you are wrong. It is not about me, it has always been about you. Your attitude towards me, your idea that you can do whatever you want the team be damned, and your nerve to try to manipulate the team at every turn. You couldn't speak to Alycia woman-to-woman about your problem with her, you HAD to blackmail her. You couldn't deal with me as an equal, you HAD to try to degrade me. Even now your tact is spare Ethan or you quit?! And you tell Morgan that she should know you better? Better than what, your actions?! Than what rolled out of the insulting little hole in your head?! That is how we are all judged in life, dear. Get used to it. It's never been me. It's been you from the BEGINNING."

Niclas stepped back and away from the group for a moment, before he allowed this to re-escalate. That was clearly what was NOT needed. Morgan and Alison decided to recommend her to Karen for therapy, and she seemed to go along to the idea. She produced a CD of information for Ethan to convince him of the rightness of their cause, That was a great idea, though he still favored verifying that Ethan was in fact going to destroy the information out there about them.

"I agree with Alison. While the CD that Haleigh provided should give him the information he needs to believe us, we should still search his head and discover where any information that he has on us is secured. Then myself and Morgan should be able to destroy that information quickly while Alison and Delilah speak with him about our team. I figure that tact would make for better time in this, if Alison is in agreement."

Nicolas wanted to act quickly, remembering that Ethan spoke of a timed process of checking in, but he did not want to step on Alison's toes as team tactician.
 
It never seemed to drop... but then... NEITHER of them was willing to allow themselves attacked freely... and for everything Nicolas wanted to take a stab at, Haleigh was going to defend herself. The interaction between the two had become something of a lit match in a box of firecrackers.

"My TACT is to STAND UP for something I believe in... something we ALL supposedly believe in. Now, maybe you were too busy doing something ELSE just now... but EVERYBODY else just asked, no, DEMANDED an explanation of me... they DEMANDED to know how I felt and what I was driving at... so AT THE MOMENT... it IS about me. sorry i had to steal your thunder a bit... but i stand before you... ALL OF YOU... and I bare my SOUL... my WEAKNESS... and you have NOTHING but negativity to offer? You disrespectful, obdurate little BASTARD, I ought to-- MORGAN! so HELP ME.... DO SOMETHING about him before I do!"


Haleigh seemed to catch herself in the midst of going someplace she was fighting to get away from, and so switched quickly from threatening Nicolas to pleading Morgan for ANY kind of reprieve she could offer.
 
Parthenon

<< thunder crashed, as chimes sounded off.>>

JUST STOP IT!!

<< Morgan looked up as she put her hands to her head...gripping it with weary exasperation>>

this is TOO MUCH!

<< bringing her hands down to her face and covering it....Morgan tried to breathe and regulate herself.>>

<<massasging her temples>>

both of you just CLOSE YOUR MOUTHS AND STOP TALKING! The first one who does ANYTHING is going to be RESTRAINED by one of MY spells and i dont think you want to experience it.

<< the cape of Morgan's demonic costume flowed behind her and and the darkness on the underside of the cape revealed several pairs of glowing eyes. DEMONS were close at hand. a sign of Morgan's extreme agitation.>>

HALEIGH, I am the team leader. I give the final word. You will NOT try to force my hand either way in matters such as THIS. Like it or not, Ethan started OFF wrong with us. Alison and Nicolas saw it clearly...and YES if I had it my way, I would KILL HIM. He threatens the life of someone that I care about. Someone who has risked HER life for all of us. He threatens the security of ALL of us. Its a THIN lin that we walk...a step away from being blown out into the open for ALL to see...mutants, witches, metahumans living in one building..a building that is the fashion capitol of the united states...the controversy the RUIN that would come to our individual lives....its something that I'm guessing only ALISON could fathom. she has already described what would most likely occurred if Ethan had succeeded in Killing ALYCIA. HIS actions placed OUR lives and our FUTURES, the futures of ALL mutants, witches and metahumans in jeopardy. for that ALONE...I feel killing him is acceptable to protect US as well as those we care about. Sharon Kelly died for US...she didnt die for some misguided CREEP.

let's be REAL HERE...your inexplicable behavior in Alycia's office is what ultimately has lead us to THIS POINT HERE. Ethan came to YOU hoping to USE YOU as his way to get to Alycia. Your TYRAID against Alycia was MORE than heard by US. You shut me out earlier...and NOW...I can HARDLY help you because we all have to keep you and Nicolas from tearing each other to pieces. You two have NO IDEA what it means to truly "go berserk" and here you stand POSTURING at each other like pathetic BABIES jockeying for a position of dominance.

SOMETIMES Haleigh, YOU have to learn how to eat CROW and what you did in Alycia's office was FOUL...like it or not, AGREE with it or not..it WAS but we can't stay stuck on that..NONE of us can << looking at Nicolas>>. there's a BIGGER PICTURE HERE.
<

< turning away....Morgan paused and began to breathe again.>>

Delilah and Alison have both suggested that killing him is not the only (or best) option but even THEY realize the gravity of the situation. This "man" came into our lives and tried to bully/blackmail his way into leverage and all the while was out to MURDER someone that is not only an ally to US but is now a high profile federal agent.

AGAIN...I don't see why killing him is NOT the popular solution, but I'm rational...i'm reasonable, I can listen to logical arguments and i HAVE thus far.

Your place on this team is valuable, its cemented, but you will NOT pull a stunt like that again. You speak of someone acting like a child, calling Nicolas a BOY , KNOWING how direspectfull that is to him and he has not ONCE called you out of your name...and here you stand telling ME that if we kill HIM [Ethan] you will "leave"?? will you take your ball with you as well? I expected better of you and i KNOW better of you.

You speak of klling and death being a poison NOW? you risk rendering the team asunder NOW on account of HIM?

Ethan will be dealt with as I see fit at this time. RIGHT NOW, He's STAYING in Limbo and be THANKFULL that i dont send DEMONS after him. I can't look at him right now because if i do, i'll knock his fucking block off. Delilah, take that disc. keep it safe until its time for him to see it.

<< turning to Nicolas as she rubs her forehead>>

I will not say this again...do not address Haleigh in anyway for the remainder of this....situation. just work with US << pointing to herself, Alison and Delilah.>> YOU might need to see the doctor yourself...don't think i didnt notice you reaching for your axe a moment ago. You're going home now...and you're STAYING on your floor until the rest of us get back.

Haleigh, you are to report to my mother's office TOMORROW MORNING. For now.....GO HOME!

<< Morgan points at Haleigh, who is instantly teleported via disc back to her apartment on the 105th floor of Illustra. Nicolas is teleported as well back to HIS place. Morgan turns to Delilah and Alison.>>

PLEASE explain to me WHY i can't just KILL ETHAN and be done with it? what is HAPPENING TO US!?
 
[ Delilah let out a long breath. This situation was surely exasperating. Haleigh definitely needed help of some kind, and Nicolas...he needed to learn when to hold his tongue. If he couldn't keep his temper in check it was going to be a problem. Thankfully Morgan had seperated the two and gotten them out of the way. Now to business.

She rubbed her eyes and found a seat. Morgan's question was a good one, and she was feeling internally torn on what really was the best thing to do. ]

"The short answer is that you're not a murderer, Morg. But I hear what you're saying. My first reaction and part of me still thinks it's best for all of us if he's dead. But that's blood on our hands - blood of someone who hasn't actually done anything yet. Clearly just letting him walk away is not an option though. Alison?"

[ Guardian was the team's tactician, and hopefully she's once again have the "big idea". ]
 
The Parthenon

:: Alison threw her hands up as well, swearing loudly as she stood back and let Morgan control the situation::

:: Alison couldnt help but come back to the point that HALEIGH shouldn't have arrived and the only reason she did show up was because...of ETHAN. He had NO IDEA what kind of burden he had placed on her. His every move was selfish and only served to benefit HIM. She wished Haleigh could see that, but it wouldnt stop Alison from doing her duty as well.::

:: alison also had not agreed with haleigh's behavior toward Alycia either. it was something that if she had been asked, she would have IMMEDIATELY voiced disapproval of during this time. in THAT much, she appreciated Nicolas repeatedly bringing it up. Maybe Haleigh would THINK next time before threatning someone that was so well cared for by more than one member of the team.::

:: and finally, and perhaps most deep seated for Nicolas was the "BOY" issue. Alison had told Haleigh point blank that it was was HER FAULT that relationships between herself and the rest of the team were deteriorating and that how much better or WORSE they would get solely depended on HER actions. She didnt seem to keep that in mind as she and nicolas were so busy provoking each other.::

:: Finally, Morgan ordered Haleigh to see Dr. Victoria and sent both her and Nicolas away. Morgan turned to second officer and best friend...and exclaimed her frustration and desire to kill Ethan and be done with it. MorningStar countered with a simple, sound response that really summed it up. it also prooved that not everyone thought of Morgan as the "monster" SHE thought HERSELF to be.::

:: Alison leaned against the bar...exhaling LOUDLY::

My initial conclusion remains unchanged. We have two options. one IS in fact killing him out right and expunging this entire reality of his existence, the OTHER is COMPELLING HIM to cooperate with our interrogation. finding out all that he knows, subjecting him to a telepathic scan and learning who his contacts are and SEVERING them. His biggest assumption is that if HE dies, there will be others to carry out his plans. however, he does NOT have the backing of Mystech and it is within OUR collective ability to make sure that he is left QUITE ALONE.

This interrogation should not be made easy by ANY MEANS. we must use FORCEFULL tactics, INCLUDING showing him this disc that Haleigh has given us. WE are all that stands between HIM and death. if Alycia dies...if WE die? then HE dies as well because the same world that will backlash against mutants, witches and metahumans following Alycia's death...will not show HIM any mercy either.

EITHER WAY.....I see DEATH in most all probable time threads for him unless HE sees the error of his ways. Until that time, we treat him as a prisoner. Leave him where he is...where he has no power and no hope of gaining an advantage.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top