What lies beneath

[Jill Monroe]

<< it was now after 11 pm e.s.t. Spellbinder, Guardian, Shockwave, MorningStar and Bane were now back in NYC having engaged in a harrowing campaign against one of the most deadly and powerful creatures turned out by Mystech yet. but worse....THIS creature represented one of apparently MANY collaberations between MysTech and the United States government! Alycia Barnett, a powerful, resourcefull and intimidating corporate lawyer had uncovered some sensitive information regarded this dangerous collerbation....but she had LONG been considered a "risk" and "nuisance" in many intelligence circles and was now a PRIME TARGET of MysTech. The Government had all but turned their back on her....save her long time friend and ally, Senator Sharon Kelly....who now found HERSELF in danger as well. Hence the involvement of Morgan and Alison......now "The Six" as they were....faced the possibility that they were being closed in on by not one..but TWO powerful adversaries...one of which was the very government that they THOUGHT they had nothing to fear from>>


<< at this moment, they were now in Morgan's luxury penthouse...seemingly safe inside Illustra....Morgan kept an eye on Sharon and Alycia via her Scrying Glass....while Alison stood by the floor-to-ceiling panoramic window over looking the NYC skyline>>

<< Morgan looked over from the scrying glass>>

we need to get more information from Sharon and Alycia, but I'm reluctant to wake them. They've been through ALOT tonight. Anybody have a suggestion on just WHAT we should be doing next? we dont exactly KNOW who to go after or what "they" have on US now.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Alexis rounded Morgan's couch before making herself comfortable on the plush furniture. Unzipping her suite to further her comfort, she stopped right at the top of her clevage before resting her hands on her lap and putting her head back. It had been an exhasting night, and knowing how these missions go, it was far from over. Shifting her eyes over to Morgan who asked for any suggestions about their next course of action, Alexis raised her brows. She had an idea...far be it they would actually consider it. ::

"I think the smartest plan would be to contact Haleigh. Aside from Alycia and Sharon, she's the one person we know who's involved the deepest with the government. Plus, we know she has something to do with this, as Alycia said before."

:: Leaning forward, she rested her elbows on her knees, keeping her eyes to Morgan and Alison. She didn't need to convince the others, she needed to convice THEM. ::

"I know you guys would rather eat rat poison then ask Haleigh for help, but she knows vital information that could assist us further in keeping Sharon and Alycia safe, plus, stop these super soilders."

:: Stopping, she pressed her lips together taking a deep breath in through her nose. After the family situation that happened to her a couple of weeks ago, she learned to speak to Morgan and Alison in a more calming and rational way, knowing that's the best way to get the point across to them. Granted this wasn't who Alexis was, but in these situations, it was the best to bring out her manipulation skills rather then get into a huge argument with them. ::

[Harbinger]

:: standing tall, with her arms folded. Alison adjusted the corsett of her leather, countoured body suit, looking like a sleek, elegant bird of prey....but far less "robotic" than before. She seemed to be lost in deep thought, that was until Morgan spoke::


I think we have to face the fact that we may need.....input from Haleigh. After all...SHE was named by Alycia in what little briefing we had back in the forest on the east coast.


:: Looking across the way toward Bane and Shockwave as they sit in the sunken in lounge, and then back at Spellbinder, who stood by the scrying glass::

MysTech is regrouping, even as we speak...and they are far more in league with our government than ANY of us may have suspected. This reaches as far back as when YOU were tapped to join Valiant.

It is no coincidence that Haleigh is a necessary component to our core, for she has deep seeded connections in the world of intelligence. She had a connection to the super soldier AS WELL AS Adam Chandler.

We must.....bring her back to Illustra. :: spoken with extreme reluctance::

and soon. time grows short. Alexis and Cameron are going to be "exposed" their true identities revealed and their lives all but ruined. further down the line....there will be a modern day WITCH HUNT....which would affect not only you and me, Morgan...but your Mother and any other practicioner of Magick.

right now...EVERY discernable time thread..no matter how probable or not...holds DISASTER for US and EVERYONE we hold dear. Sharon and Alycia's lives are in the balance and at the same time...they have been the main obstacles between MysTech exposing US to the government and providing them with the ammo they need to spear head their "anti super human" agenda.

[Jill Monroe]

<< thunder rumbled ominously in the night sky as Alexis and Alison spoke. BOTH women had valid points....with Alison's underscoring the urgency of it all>>

<< Morgan gently bit her lower lip...a look of extreme consternation on her face as she stretched..and exhaled with annoyance>>

i cant help but get Ororo's warning to Cameron out of my head....

vast and terrible powers threaten YOU as well as this world...it is your lot to stand against them..TOGETHER

I just...keep thinking HOW is that possible? Those two [Cameron and Haleigh] have been self serving from the moment ALL OF THIS began months ago.

<< walking forward..she began to pace slowly back and forth...gesturing as she talked>>

Alexis, Haleigh ADMITTED that HER only reason for joining us was to further HER own agenda. she USED the fact that she knew Foxfire was alive BEFORE myself and even Alison to GOAD us into helping her achieve the goal of eliminating MysTech as a rival to Clandestine Intelligence..but at that time even SHE didnt know how large and powerful an entity MysTech was.

<< moving back >> and Cameron...he..he WANTED to see my break down and ruined. I dont know HOW i know this...but he CONFESSED to Ororo!!

<< Morgan still hadnt realized that she had shared [in some aspects] the traumatic nightmare that Cameron had in the Parthenon following the arrival of Helena...but what she ALSO didnt realize was that Cameron was on a new path...TRYING to put his best foot forward>>

Do we DARE trust Haleigh?? Alycia and Alison keep saying that she has INVOLVEMENT in all of this...but how do we know that she's not in league with MysTech!? Adam Chandler....spoke to her with SUCH FAMILIARITY, almost as if he had been a past mentor.

<< again, Morgan and the others had not been present to see the full exchange between Imagiomg/Adam/Haleigh and the reason why there was a connection between them>>

I understand the NEED...but is the RISK worth it? she could LEAD us to our doom just as fast as she could possibly provide an crucial information/assistance.

<< Morgan's concerns were valid...it wasnt even about her NOT wanting to see Haleigh's face again...for THAT was more apart of Morgan's "recovery" process from the spectre of Inferno and Blaze's death>>

Alison....what do you do you see??

[Bane]

Sitting next to Alexis with his legs crossed and his head and shoulders reclined backward, Adrian looked as elegant as ever. In spite of a change in appearance and personality, he still maintained the grace that he himself had worked for. Now, however, his looks were simply average at best and, save for his beautiful green eyes, he appeared mediocre.

What more, he felt mediocre.

Adrian looked away towards a vase, despairing. His pheromones would have been essential to solving this problem, as they had allowed him to infiltrate virtually every facet of contemporary society and control those around him. Now? He hadn't even returned to the real world yet, and he could never pass off as Adrian Lockhart again. In fact, he dreaded having to face his "old friends" -- even though he was emotionally detached from his memories, which were technically second-hand.

Even more, he had felt an odd sense of thrill when he had attacked the monster, and that disturbed him the most. He wasn't supposed to take joy in harming others. It was contrary to everything he had been taught. This situation had been the first where he had used his powers with intent to kill, and he had already succumbed to human emotion. What would his teacher think?

And now, of course, things were spiraling downward, despite their success in obliviating an infathomly powerful opponent. What could he do to contribute? Would he be able to tap into the resources he had before? Would the group ever open up to him, considering he had been double-faced ever since they had met?

As Guardian intoned the peril they faced, Adrian wasn't suprised. But he took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and said outloud, "We can only overcome this obstacle united." He opened his eyes, looking toward Alison, his eerie green gaze unwavering. "The only way they will be able to conquer us is by pitting us against each other, and, given the current state of things, there's no telling how effective their machinations will be," he said, echoing the fear that Foxfire had expressed countless times before.

Privately, Adrian knew that the threat of division was only too plausible. But he had to keep his cool and, more importantly, assuage the uncertainty that had clouded the minds of his team mates.

"All of us have let our emotions get the best of us. Haleigh and Cameron may have not had the best of intentions starting out, but their contribution was key to rescuing Alexis, an undertaking that could not have been accomplished without teamwork."

He moved his gaze from Guardian to Morgan, who was the most uncertain about their unity. "People change. There is risk in having faith. But in facing this evil, we must put that behind us, for the best of humanity."

[Harbinger]

:: shifting her weight from one high heel to the other....she turned and looked over to Bane who was seated next to Alexis::

and YOU...what should we think about you?

YOURE intentions were less than pure when you made the scene. I saw right through you, and when push came to shove, you let this team DOWN. I dont need to say HOW ....you should already know.

::she was of course referring to his inability to even stand on his own two feet when the final battle with Helena had occurred. He couldnt save Alexis' father from the dearly neuro toxin that killed him.::

What you arent aware of, is that we've suffered nightmare after the next. members our own families have tried to kill us, while OTHERS near and dear to us have DIED helping us. Even now....two dear and valuable friends/allies are in grave danger because of us.

when....i tried to WARN people of what was coming [the inferno] they didnt heed me, and Foxfire DIED. Will YOU listen to me? or will your foolish bravado cause you to rush head long into disaster?

::glaring at him with her cobalt blue eyes, Guardian stepped down into the sunken in Lounge and walked past him...abruptly ending her conversation with him. her hatred of him seemed to match Morgan's hatred of Haleigh....ironic...since Alison AGREED with Alexis that Haleigh's involvement would necessary::

Morgan, I'll place a call to Haleigh now. i suggest you secure the perimeter of illustra and activate the building's defenses. Delilah, Alexis, Bane...STAY on this floor...

:: with that, Guardian left, as did Morgan. of the three that remained, Delilah had the best rapport with the two witches she knew how they felt and why they acted the way they did. it was obviously that Bane was the least trusted among them...and Alexis was using her new found bridge with the witches to appeal to their sense of reason::

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


out of the doors to Morgan's penthouse..and down the long hall just past the elevator

:: alison was now in the small private alcove. as she used her long range "sight" to lock onto to Haleigh... a pair of cobalt blue eyes popped open RIGHT IN FRONT OF HALEIGH. a disconscerting sight for anyone...even members of the Six had not gotten used to it entirely. the eyes looked upon Haleigh with a cold, mechanic detachment::

Haleigh Davidoff....you're presence is required at Illustra. Something has happened....that involves YOU and will only FURTHER involve you with the passage of time. Do not contest me...for my precognition is CLEAR as it is accurate.

:: her voice was cold and clear...and did little to promote any kind of comfort for anyone that heard it::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Hearing the subtle but obviously fighting between the group members, Alexis sighed while closing her eyes. The blame game was always what got this team into so much trouble. But Morgan's words did impact Alexis. If they were to be exposed, everything she worked for with her company, everything her father left her, would be gone. It would crumble like a house of cards. Not only that, but the government would expose her family members. Emily, Dillion, and even Jason didn't need that. As much as they didn't get along with each other, she didn't want their lives to be turned upside down. This needed to be stopped... ::

"Why are we so threatneing. We risk our lives day in and day out for THEM yet they treat us like we're some sort of rabid animal they need to terminate."

:: Alexis' tone was hostile and annoyed. Not to anyone inparticular, but just in general...she spoke with much content and hatred. Standing from the sofa, the meta human made her way over to the floor to ceiling windows, crossing her arms. Her eyes watching the people far below walk the streets of New York. Biting her bottom lip, she continued to stare now lost in deep thought. ::

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh laughed, humoring a guest of hers before excusing herself. She had eaten quickly and then made her way from table to table, greeting everyone personally and thanking them for their contributions, planting the idea that MORE money could be donated. The banquet was nearing its end, many dessert dishes were being served. A dark man in a tux approached Haleigh, speaking softly in her ear. She turned her head to block his face from view... it was unlikely that there were lipreaders anywhere around... but Haleigh was too smart and too careful to take that chance. She nodded softly, luckily, she was close to the stage area already. She stepped up on the stage, allowing a man to help steady her ascent though she wouldn't normally... she was trying to play the part of a high society lady... she did it justice... not a hint of ruthless mastermind in her demeanor. She leaned forward to the microphone, speaking one last time. She thanked everyone for coming, directed their attention to the table set up to take further donations, and urged everyone to enjoy their desserts. She told them she would have to take her leave.... that her assistance was needed... after all, her company overseas headquarters were due to open tomorrow morning. The assemblance clapped, and she smiled and waved, taking Zach's arm and being led backstage. They went straight from there up the stairway to the roof exit, where Haleigh's chopper waited for her again. Haleigh was on the line with her Exec. Assist. Jennifer immediately. She wanted to take the new intel at her residence by the time she got there.

Minutes later and her wishes were granted. Zach hung his jacket on a barstool in the kitchen as they passed, on the way to her 'office'. He left his vest on but loosened his tie. Haleigh didnt bother with her gown... she was too excited about the news. The super soldier project.... had the test subject resurfaced? This was BIG news... And Haleigh could hardly read the intel in the black folder fast enough. Zach stood behind her, skimming the page as well.

"I have been waiting for this... for so long."

Haleigh murmured, looking at the dark photos. They were hardly in focus... just shapes really. A silhouetted figure with red eyes... the image gave even Haleigh a chill. Her patience... her diligence payed off. Finally... she could find out what Mystech was doing... how they were faring with this project. They both stood behind the desk, the excitement between them holding them in place, keeping them from talking. Zach knew Haleigh would go after this one personally. She didnt even have to say it. They studied the one 'good' picture of the Shape... the silhouette of him. They couldn't see his face... so haleigh wouldn't recognize him... but as she turned the page... and read that the SIX were recruited to stop the SS... Haleigh frowned... Jen had tried to tell her earlier....The six would be in over their heads... this must be the OTHER shapes in the picture, facing off with the monster...

Haleigh and Z were both focused so intently... that neither saw Alison appear... but Haleigh felt Zach bristle behind her as Alison spoke. Haleigh put her hand softly on his forearm, calming him as she locked eyes with Alison. It WAS rather bizarre to be talking to a pair of floating, disembodied eyes... but Hales didnt let Alison see that. She held up the silhouette image of the Shape so Alison could see.

"I'LL SAY. It was FOOLISH--" She stopped herself... she was going to chastise Ali for not informing her that they were going after this monster... but it had been HALEIGH who'd left and swore she'd never return... so she couldn't be upset to be left out of this one until absolutely necessary. Haleigh changed track and recovered quickly. "of me... to think I could avoid seeing the Six forever... our lives are too intertwined. i'll have you know, though... I WOULD refuse you... but I have far too much personal stake in this one. DONT think I'm under your-- or Morg's-- command... we shall simply... collaborate. Let me change into something more... appropriate. Zach.... go back to the office... watch my six."

She said, gliding from the room. Zach eyed Ali for a few seconds and then left as well. Haleigh returned quickly, back in the tech she'd been seen in last week. This one was clean, at least... but appeared to be the same model of super 'track suit' she'd worn previously.

"I'm ready... I see you all have gotten a taste of reality.... why else would you resort to asking ME for help?"

[Harbinger]

::The cobalt blue eyes continued to float..and glare::

don't rest on your laurels, Davidoff. The only reason You are being contacted now is because this is when it was SUPPOSED to happen. I KNEW all along that even YOU could not be "kept away" from The Six for long.....Ororo's words proove true time and again...even WITHOUT my precognition.

futher more, "the shape"...has been rendered inert. MorningStar returned and joined Spellbinder, Shockwave, Bane and myself in RESCUING Alycia Barnett and Sharon Kelly from the Super Soldier's murderous rampage.


You're involvement in this....is far more personal than YOU may suspect. It not only gives you a personal stake..but it makes you look even MORE "suspect" than when you FIRST arrived on the scene. Your "cooperation" will serve to insure YOU are allowed to continue your life FREE of "scrutiny" or worse...just as it will those nearest and DEAREST to you.

::the eyes glared at Zach menacingly::

you can find your own way to Illustra. you need to be there within the hour.

::a cold wind gusts as the eyes shut and fade from view::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan was now at the control panel of the security/defenses of Illustra inc...as she sit down infront of the counsel, she began to take a quick view of all points of entry on the main floor, and all the secondary passages throughout the building. everything was calm and secure for now. her guards were stationed properly and all was in order.>>

<< a few buttons and protocalls entered....and soon...the perimeter of illustra was now blanketed by a net of infrared sensor beams...forcefields surrouned the main entry way to the crystaline vestibule...and all manholes were sealed from underneath with forcefields. cameras were now on alert and sweeping the grounds....as well as every floor>>

all points of entry secure. the outside grounds are secure as well. we should be safe and if nothing else...i can get us out of here via disc.

<< she exhaled slowly...she felt like she was being beared down upon by some mammoth enemy that she couldnt stop>>

<< making her way back into the regular layout of her luxury penthouse, down the hall past the bedrooms....and out into the open area...looking to the left at the kitchen ...then over to the right past the dinning room and where the lounge was..>>

<< in an icy voice>>: defenses are up. I imagine Alison will be returning...with Haleigh.

<< tightening her fist with anger>>

i hope...that this all comes together...for everyone's sake here.

[Bane]

Adrian watched, nonplussed, as Guardian berated him for his inefficiency during the rescue mission for Alexis. Yes, he had expected it. Nuggets of wisdom from Adrian had been few, and they had often been patronizing, so when she walked passed him with that icy disdain, he took it as he would.

Of course, she had vocalized the doubt that lingered in the back of his mind. Not just in that mission, but the proceeding one, where his contribution diminished to simply "holding" the monster still. Most of the time had been spent with him dodging blades, and though he knew his abilities were tailor-made for defensive measures, the entirety of the idea bothered him right now.

When Alexis got up to situate herself by the window, he made no move to proffer advice or condolances. He knew better than anyone that he was walking on thin ice, given that no group mate had truly realized the kind of transformation he had undergone, and still thought of him as a manipulative bastard. So instead, Adrian continued brooding, his fingers occasionally drawn to his temples, where he rubbed with frustration. He longed to return to the spirit realm, where his control was absolute and he was surrounded by people who understood him. In different circumstances, Morgan would have been key in helping him understand his gifts, as she too knew the temptation of her realm, as well as how to resist giving into it entirely.

But things were different, so Adrian simply watched as Morgan came back after having had drawn up the defensives of the building. It hadn't occured to him yet that the gesture alone in allowing him in Illustra was huge, because his thoughts ran too wildly about other things. Namely, how on Earth he was going to manage the coming events if he continued to be so unstable.

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian blinked back into view inside Morgan's penthouse::

I've made contact with Haleigh......she will be here within the hour.

Meanwhile....I will look in on Alycia and Sharon personally and make sure they are okay...

Haleigh will bring with her a seed of GREAT trouble. Let us hope that our powers our sufficient to deal with the daunting task that lies ahead.


::and with that...Guardian BLINKS again...dissappearing down to the 104th floor to look in on Alycia and Sharon. inside of Foxfire's old penthouse....the two women were peacefully asleep. guarded by Spellbinder's deadly warding spells::


rest well....both of you. the days ahead will be dark and frought with treachery and danger for ALL of us...

::after making sure everything was in order...Guardian turned....toward the window...something seemed to "fly" past....but it couldnt be possible could it? birds dont fly at night.::

:: Guardian stayed and watched..to see "it"...whatever it was came back again...but nothing. knowing that Spellbinder's magick would BAR any intrusion from anyone else...Guardian quickly returned to Morgan's apartment::


Everything is in order with Sharon and Alycia...I thought i saw/FELT something pass by the window...even at this height...but at this time of night, i dont know what it could have been. Perhaps it was just a strong gust of wind. Admittedly I AM a bit ..."on edge" at the moment.

:: trying to pass off the feeling, though she knew it had been SOMETHING...she didnt want to say what it was she truly "FELT" because it would seem ridiculous ...she would wait until after Haleigh had arrived::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Looking to Alison as she spoke about a "thing" flying past the window, Alexis stepped forward a bit more, looking more closely out the window. Everything was dark...but she wouldn't put it past MysTech to have something scoping Illustra out. ::

"Well as long as Alycia and Sharon are safe, and Morgan's spell's up, we should be alright for now."

:: Folding her arms across her chest as if she got a chill, she nodded. ::

"Lets just keep a closer watch outside.."

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron had wanted to go with Alison. As she blinked away, Prophet ran to the door. He didn't want to miss any opportunity to get back with the Six and work what he had already made progress with. But as he reached for the door, he became extremely dizzy, and the world around him swirled. Within seconds, Cameron had fell to the floor, completely passed out. He had experienced this one time in his life before, when he had first gained access to his telepathic powers. It was too much and he just passed out. He was out cold for two days on the harsh streets of Los Angeles. He hoped this time it wouldn't last too long. ::

:: When he awoke and the world around him returned in a blurred vision, he immediately stood up and looked at the clock. It had been around three or four hours. Great. That was going to look great, but at least this time he was going to be honest when he entered Illustra, this was Morgan's domain and he was going to play on her field, he wasn't going to push any buttons. He remained calm as headed towards the door and to Illustra ::

:: This was going to be harder than he expected. Morgan had most likely told her Security that Cameron King was not to be seen on her premises ever again. He was going to have to take the more covert route. He entered Illustra through a side door and found himself in the staff halls and a rather unattractive underbelly that was Illustra. He looked for something, anything to get access to the Penthouses on the top of the building. Soon, Cameron found what appeared to be the entrance to the elevator shaft, that was bolted up with four large industrial screws. Someone didn't want anybody to get in here. ::

"Jesus.. bolting the elevator shafts? Good Show Morgan..."

:: Looking behind him, he luckily found a fire extinguisher, in which he used to continuously spray the four bolts which froze them as he knocked into them with the bottom the the extinguisher, knocking each one of them out of their place. Opening the shaft, he realized he was only on the 80th floor. He had a lot of climbing to do if he was going to get to the top. Perhaps if he could send some kind of message to Alison, using their bond, she would know he was there and be able to help him navigate around the elevator. He knew the group was probably with Morgan in her penthouse. He had to do something. Anything. ::

"Well.. Here goes nothing..."

:: Prophet stood gazing at the piece of jagged metal that was in front of him before looking away as he stabbed it right into his arm. The pain was intense, but no worse than any other wound he had sustained in battle. He cried out in a rather large and sanctimonious scream as he knew his sister would be able to feel his pain and locate him. Though his arm was now bleeding and weak, he continued to climb the shaft. Floor 89.. Only fifteen more floors to go. ::

[Harbinger]

::as everyone quietly waited...pensively, Guardian was seated on a cube shapped leather stool by the floor to ceiling window..her had her gloved hand down ..lightly petting tinkerbell who was out with the group...and making her rounds for attention. the younger kitten that Haleigh had presented Morgan was sleeping soundly in her bed in Morgan's room.::

::as Guardian absentmindedly stroked Tinkerbell's head....she felt a throbbing "pain" in her own head...as she put her other hand to her forehead and frowned with annoying. her 'sight' locked on to CAMERON of all people trying to covertly make his way through Illustra without being noticed. He'd been moderately successfull so far..but if he was caught..he would be shot by lasers on site.::

ughhh!

:: putting both her hands to her forehead::

I will....return shortly.

::Blinking down to the exact spot where Cameron was, Alison knelt down..and helped her brother up::

what do you think you're doing!? are you trying to get killed?

::helping to steady the visibly shaken Cameron, Alison ceased her scolding of him...and looked around.::

your resourcefullness is noted...and it is good that you made such an effort.

::bringing him back to his old penthouse...it was a bit dusty ..but still had furnishings and a bed....a quick wave of Guardian's hand...and all dust and cobwebs vanished::

lay down..and rest. gather yourself together.....

::Guardian sat down alongside on the edge of the bed crossing her legs at the knee....as she held her gloved hand over his wound...and gently numbed it with a cool, soothing freeze effect...pulling the flesh back together as rewound the temporal field around it.::

::she waited for his explanation::

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh stared at Gaurdian's eyes as she disappeared, swearing angrily. Haleigh had hoped things would be different... after all... the woman came to her for HELP... but she was sorely mistaken, for Alison was by far incorrigible. An insufferable know-it-all. She thought scathingly, though secretly she admired the woman's stubborn disposition. She wondered were THAT came from, that she'd be at all impressed with Alison, who was arguably her arch rival, right up there with Spellbinder.... but instead contemplated what she'd said. What did she mean, more 'suspect'? What did she know that Hales didnt? Haleigh looked once more at the intel. The government's involvement didnt at all surprise her... she KNOWN about that... She put the file down and turned to leave. There was only one way to find out. Haleigh had stopped reading the file before she got to the part about the test subject's name: Patrick Phillips. Haleigh would've recognized it with a twinge of pain... but she was in too much a rush to finish reading. She would have to find out the hard way. She went out to the garage, grabbing the keys to the black Aston Martin. The drive to Illustra would only take a few minutes at this late hour, there was no need for the chopper.

She pulled up to Illustra, looking up at the towering building. She pray this wouldnt end up harder than it had to be. She knew deep down it would anyway. There was no use.... the best she could do was be as restrained as possible. The rest was out of her control. Getting into Illustra and up to Morgan's floor was less than challenging. After all, security technology was her specialty. She duped the systems to ignore her prescence, manipulating the cycles of the security cameras to be looking the other way as she passed. She continued this all the way to Morgan's penthouse door, using a business card as a executive keycard in the elevator to reach the top floor. Even if she was spotted... she could simply turn the weapons on themselves. Haleigh knocked on Morgan's door... she couldnt ignore that the whole place seemed more... uninviting... than she remembered... but she pushed through the feeling. Once more... lives were at stake. It was no time to get tangled up in the bitter strife between her and Morgan Victoria. She needed to be above it.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Hearing a soft knocking on Morgan's door, Alexis turned away from the window and to the door. It had to be Haleigh...who else would be able to get past Illustra's security other then the super soilders themselves. Stepping forward, Alexis made her way across the livingroom to the door, looking into the peep hole. It was indeed Haleigh. She took it upon herself to answer, knowing Morgan didn't want Haleigh here in the first place...it'd be better to start off on a somewhat calm setting instead of throwing fuel into the fire right off.::

"It's Haleigh."

:: Unlocking the door, Alexis turned the handle opening the large wooden door to reveal the blonde agent. Stepping to the side, she tucked a few of her fallen brunette strands behind her ear, as she allowed Haleigh into Morgan's penthouse. ::

"Hey Hales."

[Jill Monroe]

<<Spellbinder turned her head..upon hearing the knocking. OF COURSE Haleigh would be the one person to be able to comfortably slip past the security defenses. Tightening her face as Alexis let Haleigh in....Morgan watched her unwavering as she made her way into the dimly lit pent house>>


<< in an icy voice>>: so you remember the way. and i see you diverted my cameras as well....its just as well. i think you'd rather be in one piece when you see what i am about to show you.

<< waiting for Haleigh to get closer to the lounge....so that Morgan could get a closer look at this woman...Morgan shifted a little in her stance resting more on one of her high heels>>

Guardian left momentarily. I imagine she will return at any moment now.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh offered Alexis a condoling smile, greeting her in return as she stood outside Morg's residence.

"Alexis.... its good to see you out and about, so to speak.... I was beginning to worry. Feeling a little better, I gather?"

She asked, stepping past Lex into the room. She was undeniably sincere, and Alexis could see something had changed. Haleigh followed the sound of Morgan's voice and reminded herself to be polite and diplomatic. It was dim in the penthouse, but as Hales stepped into a ray of moonlight, Morgan too could see something had changed in Haleigh's demeanor. She appeared well rested, and much less hard-edged than before. There was no menace in her eyes... and there seemed to be.... a relaxed happiness about her. No tension was evident, even when she faced Morgan. The week away must have done her good. She stopped in the lounge, placing her hands on her hips instead of her usual standoffish stance, her arms across her chest.

"Show me what?"

A request instead of a demand. Haleigh was showing she didnt want to START claws out.... whether or not they did was now up to Morgan.

[Bane]

Adrian stared toward the direction of Haleigh, his clear green gaze assailing the woman who had endeavored and succeeded in bypassing state-of-the-art security. They had once shared some small similarity in their unflinching, even sadistic, determination of achieving what they wanted.

Now, however, he noted her with apprehension, though nothing was revealed past his mysterious irises. Violence disturbed him, and if anything, this blonde-haired girl epitomized chaos and passion.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan looked at Haleigh...no particular feeling of contempt..yet. she watched as Tinkerbell walked across the head of the leather sectional...and craned her neck out...inspecting the presence and aura of Haleigh's "new" body....>>

hmm yes. Guardian and Alycia both indicated that your invovlement in this is more than skin deep. Delilah also pointed out that the "super soldier" project was something of an "urban legend" in law enforcement circles. step forward..and see what the Scrying Glass has to reveal....

<< with one hand on her hip Morgan waves the other one back back toward the mystic lens....a sparkling trail follows and begins to spin around in front of the lens as a chime sounds off of....and the lens shimmers and glows>>


<< FIRST, Haleigh sees a full, unedited recounting of The Six's battle with the super soldier as it actually occurred. their rescuing of Alycia and Sharon...and the final seeming destruction of "the shape". then the images shift and swirl....as the glass shows moments from the PAST....again images of the government soldiers brutalizing the young man's mother...before killing her and dumping her in the very lake that Sharon's cabin over looks. Haleigh sees the young man beaten into unconsciousness..and dragged away....she see's his FACE>>

<< Morgan speaks>>: Alycia said that YOU were romantically involved with this man...that you KNEW he had been selected for testing. The government started the project bUT ABANDONNED it given lack of funds and endorsement (thats the reason on the books anyway) but MysTech filled in where they left off....stripping him of his humanity courtesy of Imagiomg and his spells...and ....the night that the core melt down took place in the citadle, the SUPER SOLDIER was one of the "bio hazards" that escaped!..he's been on the loose ever since...and murdered dozens of people....he's been after Alycia Barnett ...we've rescued her, but we've since learned that it wasnt originally HER that he was meant to kill..but US. The Super soldier is one of MANY projects under the "anti mutant/meta human" platform that Sharon Kelly has been a vocal opponent of. It wont be long before they target her as well.

we know that you know about this...youve known all along, but you didnt TELL US when we were in the citadle.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Noting Haleigh's words, she didn't bother to respond as Morgan jumped right into buisness. Closing the door gently, Alexis placed crossed her arms along her chest, and made her way back into the livingroom. As Morgan filled Haleigh into what was going on, Alexis glanced over to Adrian, who had been oddly very quiet during this entire ordeal. Watching him for a few seconds, Alexis finally stepped forward and took a seat next to the man. ::

"Why the new look."

:: A cross between curiosity and bitterness, she turned her head and looked to Adrian. The group hadn't dove into Adrian's change of appearence and personality, so Alexis was unaware at the fact that Adrian had infact changed...he wasn't that ignorant ass anymore. So the brunette was cold toward him, still hated the fact that he let her father die. ::

"Well?"

[Bane]

While Morgan began recapping what had happened, Adrian continued staring at Haleigh. Despite a change in her demeanor, he had become receptive to all emotions, and could sense the underlying current of hostility that would always permeat her sentiments. He could sometimes even make out a person's aura if he looked hard enough. Now, however, he only saw the buddings of an argument. And sure enough, Morgan began her assault.

As the newest (if at all) member of this group, he would avoid intervening during this "battle of the titans." Thankfully, Alexis provided a much-needed distraction, and he turned his head to look at her. While close contact with anyone had always insinuated some sort of intimacy, this Adrian looked at Alexis with untainted curosity and openness. He had been alone for most of his life in dealing with his true emotions, and even a relative stranger was welcome company during this time of "regrowth".

"It wasn't my choice," he said quietly, raising his gaze. "It wasn't my choice but, I don't regret it. I was wearing someone else's skin, and I'd much rather be my own person.."

He shrugged his shoulders slightly. "What about you?"

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Listening to his words, Alexis looked forward to the fireplace. His look was changed to better himself, Alexis' change was to hide herself. ::

"I needed a break from being Alexis Chandler-Quartermaine."

:: As she spoke her name, she did it in such a way as to express her displeasure of being that woman. Almost poking tease in a dark sort of way. Looking to Bane, her eyebrows rose to the mid of her forehead. With a small shrug. ::

"As far as paperazzi are concerned, Alexis is in "Switzerland" on vacation. Gives me a little down time, especially after the Gala feasco."

[MorningStar]

"Hanging out with you people makes me think I need to do a stint on Extreme Makeover..."

[ She spoke under her breath. She had been quiet up until now, preferring not to get into the squabbles going on between the members, new and old, of The Six. It really wasn't her business and getting involved would only add to the fragmentation rife with this team. She had to wonder how people who clearly disliked each other had worked together this long...

She sighed and waited for Guardian to return so they could finally get down to business. ]

[Jacob Black]

:: Alison appeared before Cameron. His plan had worked, she had come to his aid and returned himself to his old Penthouse which was not looking so good. It was dusty and not clean but there was still some furniture there that Cameron had forgotten to have people come move for him. As his sister nursed his wound, he began to explain what had happened to him. ::

"I don't know Alison, I was about to come with you but before I could do anything, I passed out. It was like a psychic headache. I used to get them when I was around 12 years old and just pass out for days, but this one was only a few hours. Maybe it's my new power or simply just my telepathy trying to break free.. When I woke up, I left for Illustra as fast as I possibly could, but I knew that Morgan had probably alerted Security and everyone else to not allow me access to the building.. So I took the scenic route.."

:: He began to laugh a little, but the pain in his hand jerked sharply. He guessed he went a little deeper than planned, but it was nothing that wouldn't heal before battle. The King family was strong. They each rounded each other out, but they were all survivors, it seemed that no matter what situation they were put in, somehow they would always get out. It comforted him. ::

"But enough about my own stupidity, what is going on so far? What do we know? Is it bad?"

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh felt someone watching her, and so she turn to face him, her green eyes locking with his for a few moments. She looked him over... he seemed... familiar... yet she couldn't place him. Was it Bane? If it was, something must have happened to him... for he had changed, and Haleigh could FEEL it was deeper than just skin. Alexis asked him the question... and Haleigh decided it must be Bane. The change certainly peaked her curiousity... but she was distracted away from persuing the matter further when Tinkerbell trounced up to her. Haleigh looked down at the cat, wary. Their relationship was rather.... shaky. She slowly reached out to the feline, scratching under her chin. For the first time in a year... the cat didnt bristle. She didnt purr.... but she didnt hiss either. Haleigh turned to look at Morgan.

"Hmm. I think she likes me.... imagine that."

Hales followed Morg over to the scrying glass, wondering briefly about how the 'white flag' had been faring under morgan's care. Haleigh didnt see the kitten running around... but now was not the time to ask. She had spoken to quickly about Tinkerbell though... because as she and Morgan turned their backs to the cat to look at the scrying glass, neither of them noticed the cat's hair stood on end. Haleigh watched the events unflinchingly. The only true sign that she was actually PAYING ATTENTION came at the end... when she inhaled sharply upon seeing the man's face. Haleigh stares as the glass darkens, not looking at Morgan as she begins to speak, frozen not in fear but in recognition. She finally moves to fold her arms across her chest defensively. She too senses the onslaught of Morgans disdain bearing down on her. It was only a matter of time before the whole virulent 'alliance' was blown out of the water. Battle of the Titans, indeed. She felt as though she was beign scolded like a child... ESPECIALLY when Morgan accused her of HIDING information from the Six. Haleigh looked up at Morg... her face blank but her eyes just barely hiding a look of dark, icy malevolence. Her voice was about as restrained --albeit defensive-- as could be.

"Yes... I was involved with him. His name is Patrick Phillips... we grew up together... and were high school sweethearts. I knew that he was going to be involved with a government project... but he didnt know what exactly. When he found out... he backed out of it... or tried to, at least. He wouldn't tell me what it involved. He disappeared a few days later. I was young... angry.. I figured he'd left for the project and left me behind. I had no idea THIS was it. I never heard from him again. MY involvement with this project runs VERY deep indeed.... I've been following it as closely as possible since I escaped Mystech's clutches six years ago... it was then i learned i was NEXT in line to be a test subject for the program. The government didnt abandon the project... they simply contracted it to Mystech for several million dollars and the agreement that the US military would see the FIRST 'super soldiers'. I know you probably wont believe me... but our government is more corrupt than even I am. No offense... but I didnt tell you about this during the Citadle caper because frankly, I didnt TRUST you. I thought you UNSTABLE.... and you havent exactly proven to me otherwise since then, now have you? Besides... when have you ever taken an interest in my work?"

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah wondered how Haleigh could speak of this person - this Patrick - with such little emotion, with such steely matter-of-factness. She suspected she was channeling her emotions into her disdain for Morgan...but Delilah worried that by holding themin that those emotions could come flooding out at any time... ]

[Jill Monroe]

<< Folding her arms, Morgan immediately retorted to Haleigh>>

oh is that so?

<< in an icy tone>>

well I am about as "unstable" as YOU are "trust worthy"...so we're even.

from the MOMENT YOU APPEARED your motives were anything BUT pure. You KNEW that one of the bio hazards in the citadle would pose a threat to ALL OF US in due time, and you had the most knowledge of MysTech.

and do you want to know why we are taking an interest in this now? because two of our allies...two of MINE, ALISON'S and DELILAH'S personal friends have been placed in PERIL trying to help keep ALL of us out of the government's scrutiny...and THAT includes YOU. Alycia Barnett did damage control for us when insurance companies and local authorities began trying to investigate the "weird happenings" of the night we destroyed the citadle..and Sharon has been a vocal opponent of the anti mutant/meta human campaign on capitol hill.

the super soldier was on our trail..and murdered scores of people along the way...maybe that doesnt register with you...but it does with me.... Alison has a brother who is a mutant. Alexis is a meta human...that places us MORE than at risk...and all this time..you KNEW..but instead you wanted to further the agenda of Clandistine Intelligence...that was your sole motivation from the beginning.

so while you may NOT have trusted me...or you may NOT find me stable...AT LEAST this group KNOWS where i stand....they dont have to worry about ME selling them out to the government or mystech....you speak of "Patrick" as if he were some sort of negligible casualty....and so...YOU were inline to become one of those THINGS??

[Harbinger]

:: Alison appeared before Cameron. His plan had worked, she had come to his aid and returned himself to his old Penthouse which was not looking so good. It was dusty and not clean but there was still some furniture there that Cameron had forgotten to have people come move for him. As his sister nursed his wound, he began to explain what had happened to him. ::

"I don't know Alison, I was about to come with you but before I could do anything, I passed out. It was like a psychic headache. I used to get them when I was around 12 years old and just pass out for days, but this one was only a few hours. Maybe it's my new power or simply just my telepathy trying to break free.. When I woke up, I left for Illustra as fast as I possibly could, but I knew that Morgan had probably alerted Security and everyone else to not allow me access to the building.. So I took the scenic route.."

:: He began to laugh a little, but the pain in his hand jerked sharply. He guessed he went a little deeper than planned, but it was nothing that wouldn't heal before battle. The King family was strong. They each rounded each other out, but they were all survivors, it seemed that no matter what situation they were put in, somehow they would always get out. It comforted him. ::

"But enough about my own stupidity, what is going on so far? What do we know? Is it bad?"


:: sitting bedside with her legs crossed at the knee...Guardian looked away for a moment as she listend.::

it was a foolish thing to do. but i understand your motive. i suspect that you, like many others on this time [Alexis, Adrian] are in a period of transition..your powers readjusting in various ways. But now is NOT the time to be foolish. Morgan would sooner have you shot dead if she had seen you prowling through Illustra's underbelly.

but she knew that i would bring you here...the circumstances are such...that even SHE is allowing Haleigh in the building at this moment. time is short and peril is near....

::taking his hand, Guardian BLINKS back up to Morgan's penthouse...the TOP floor of Illustra::

everyone is now here. take your seat in the lounge with alexis and the others.

::gently ushering him along as she made her way over to Delilah and sat down next to her...ALREADY aware of what had taken place between Haleigh and Morgan in front of Alexis, Bane and Delilah...Guardian immediately added in::

We fought the super soldier ourselves....myself, morgan, alexis, delilah and bane. this creature is WITHOUT human emotion...save perhaps the most base instincts. whatever he WAS in his past life....MysTech stripped that away. Haleigh KNEW that this was going to happen...yet she did nothing to warn him. it wasnt until SHE herself was selected as the NEXT test subject did it become an "issue" for her. This creature posseses unimaginable endurance and POWER...he TURNED BACK the attacks of Shockwave and Spellbinder upon BOTH of them...he BROKE FREE of my freeze effect...fought through my temporal distortions and was able to bust loose from Bane's hold as well. he withstood direct blasts from Morningstar....quite simply he was beyond any creature of MysTech that we've seen before...and he was AFTER US.




the next step is clear...FIND this agency that spear heads this project...and destroy it. take out ALL the files and information that they hold on US and every other mutant/meta human that they've identified.

clearly Haleigh has been less than forthcoming ...and her willfull withholding of information has not only endangered US...but our allies as well. this...is just a SYMPTOM of the bigger problem.

we need to know of this agency Haleigh....and ALL the details that Morgan's scrying glass does NOT provide..you must!

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Turning her head away from Bane, she noticed Alison and Cameron had finally made it. Scooting aside allowing Cameron room next to her, she softly smiled at him before turning her attention to Morgan lashing into Haleigh again. Her muscles loosened as she rolled her eyes. ::

"Blaming everything on Haleigh isn't going to get us anywhere. I knew how dangerous my Aunt was and her ties to MysTech, and I didn't say anything. I could of gotten everyone killed as well. Same goes for Cameron and his mother. We need to stop playing the blame game and work on taking these super soilders out before we get attacked again."

:: Alexis was frankly, getting fed up at Morgan (and usually Alison as well) always ganging up on Haleigh like she had no shred of emotions or feelings. True she hid them well, but she knew that deep down, she wanted acceptence just as much as the next person. Even though Alexis herself had come to terms with Alison and Morgan and seemed to find a steady "calm" within their storm of a relationship, she didn't loose her nerve to stand up to the woman. ::

"Haleigh, do these super soilders have any sort of weakness that you know of? Any immunities?"

:: Taking it upon herself to get to work, Alexis stood from the couch and made her way to the group of standing woman, folding her arms. ::

[MorningStar]

"Wait a second - do we know for sure that there ARE more of these so-called 'Super Soldiers'? They hardly seem to be the type of thing you turn out in an assembly line... I agree with Alison - we need to hit their facilities before they have a chance to regroup."

[Bane]

As the group assembled together in Morgan's penthouse, Adrian watched with a wary gaze. Despite his hazy memories, he remembered well their bickerings, their exchanged hostile glares, their venomous comments and most of all, their uncompromising positions. But what compromise here! Where two halfs of a whole met under the unlikeliest of circumstances. Regardless of their current quarrel over Haleigh's intentions or otherwise, the congregation of these powerful men and women once again showed the resiliency of The Six and, inspite of human imperfections and shortcomings, their ability to unite in the face of a national danger.

Drawing closer to the couch, he observed as Alexis stood up and directed their attentions to the matter of hand. Yes, she had strength, that much he knew. But the undertones of apathy that he detected from Alexis' comments and demeanor troubled Adrian. Looking from Alexis to Cameron, who had been the last to rejoin them, he blinked. If ever a rival existed for Adrian, it had been Cameron. Had things changed between them within a week? Could he even blame Cameron, considering he had openly tried to seduce both him and his sister?

Moving his gaze from Cameron to Deliah, Adrian stopped. Paused. Took a moment to gather his thoughts on this blond-haired friend of Morgan. He had never met her, and they hadn't even had the chance to introduce themselves. However, Adrian already sensed a similar calm and inner strength in Deliah. He was glad this stranger was here, as tempers ran notoriously short in this group, and such sporatic behavior necessitated a neutral, firm individual.

Looking away from Deliah, Adrian finally turned his attention back to the four women who stood poised in the center of the room. Anything could happen at this point. He took a deep breath; the deep breath before a plunge.

[Harbinger]

:: Looking at Alexis...Guardian was rather annoyed that she picked NOW to act like she gave a damn...considering all the quips she made up till she was actually FACED with the super soldier::

Funny how NOW you decide to come alive...after all this time. the "blame game" as you call it could be spread EQUALLY AMONGST US ALL in one way or another. OBVIOUSLY that is neither here nor there.


Haleigh needs to tell us what she knows....and ALL OF IT. YOU and Cameron are the ones who stand to suffer THE MOST if we DONT succeed in beating "them" before they beat us.


::turning back to Haleigh. Guardian was OBVIOUSLY less than concerned about the emotional toll this would take on her....she didnt show MORGAN any compassion when Blaze's death stung like a hot fire poker through the hearts of many....at least not OUTWARDLY::

we need to know what you know..now. how many MORE of them are there. and WHERE are they produced. THAT is where we need to go.

::Guardian was prepared to use FORCE if necessary to extract the information...and Alexis would do well to keep OUT of her way...but ONLY because she KNEW what was coming ....something of "gargantuan" proportions.::

in fact...delilah is right...they ARENT turned out in an "assembly line" fashion...but there's something else....the CORE of the super soldier...the ONLY vestige of its humanity...it doesnt DIE...it ...LIVES and is used as a platform for CLONING.

::Guardian's foresight allowed her to see that the super soldier was FAR from finished::

we didnt succeed in killing him AFTER all...we merely damaged its "body" beyond repair. but he can EASILY be reconstituted

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan glared at Alexis...HOW DARE this woman!>>

<< clenching her fist with anger...she allowed Guardian to speak where she herself could not....allowing HERSELF to calm down>>

<< supressing the urge to lay Alexis out for HER vacillation between sheer cowardice and unexpected feats of courage....Morgan simply stood...waiting for the right moment to comment again...and HOPEFULLY by then her own anger would have subsided>>


as soon as we can get the name of this "agency"...i can get a location on the scrying glass.

[Pam De Beaufort]

"All this time? Pardon me if my life was turned upside down, Alison. But i'll make sure next time, to bounce back more quickly."

:: Looking to Alison, her expression didn't change. And it ended there. The meta human wouldn't further continue with this small tiff with Alison, because either way the woman would try to get the last word, threaten Alexis, talk about keeping out of her way, yada yada yada. The same bullshit she's said over and over again. Turning her gaze from Alison to Haleigh, she shifted her weight from one leg to another, awaiting Haleigh to answer Alison's question. Alexis wouldn't be stupid enough to stand in Alison's way, especially after what had happened to Blaze, therefore her questions to Haleigh were valid, and she was interested as well. ::

[MorningStar]

[ Oh for the love of god...Delilah held up her hands. ]

"ALLRIGHT!"

[ Then in her usual calm, even tone. ]

"Can we please focus on the matter at hand. Let's pool our information and get moving."

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Looking to Delilah's sudden outburst, she was right. They had to stop bickering and focus on the task. Looking to Alison, she nodded. ::

"Agreed."

:: Shifting her eyes back to Delilah, finally, the woman came out of her shell..::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan turned sharply at Delilah's outburst...more SURPRISED than anything else>>

<< her eyes were just a bit widened by the display...but in her heart of hearts...Morgan knew it was the JUMPSTART that they all needed to get out of the bitter groove they were stuck in>>

<< her mind conjured images of blaze, valiant, battles fought long ago.....Morgan had NEVER fit in to the "team" setting...it wasnt her preferred path. Delilah however had made a suitable replacement when Morgan left Valiant. they PROBABLY PREFERRED Delilah to Morgan...given how vicious and "ice cold" Morgan had been to them all except Foxfire>>


<< but it didnt matter now..not to her anyway. Delilah was a dear friend of Morgan's and she knew that if Dee had reached her point of exasperation then perhaps things WERE getting too side tracked>>

as soon as haleigh gives us the information we need....i can find the location on my mystic lens.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh glared at Morgan in disbelief. The tumultuous storm in her eyes seemed to radiate from her skin. There was violence leaking out of her, spilling into the room like an airborne poison. It always seemed to happen like this... no matter how good Haleigh's intentions were in the beginning.... Morgan ALWAYS shut down any chance for alliance between them within minutes. Haleigh was about ready to SMACK Morgan right in the face... but she stopped... took a deep breath, and backed away slowly. She went over and sat down in a chair adjacent to the couch.... and she narrowed her eyes as she looked back up at Morg.... her demeanor calming once more.

"You know what I just realized, Morgue? I dont owe you a goddamn thing. I dont owe you an explanation, I dont owe you any answers, and I sure as hell dont owe you ANY HELP. FUTHERMORE, I THINK it would serve you well to take a step back, look at this situation as it just transpired, and dually note that the WAY you're TREATING me RIGHT NOW is the VERY REASON I didn't tell you SHIT in the past AND the very SAME REASON that I wouldn't tell you a GREAT WHITE SHARK was swimming up behind you until it smelled your menstrual blood in the water. It's just something to contemplate."

Haleigh rounded on Alison next with venomous poise... she seemed to be on a roll, and it was QUITE clear that while she had momentarily returned in the interest of seeking out the super soldiers... she was not about to let Morgan OR Alison chastise her, and she was NOT about to roll over for them as Cameron had.

"AND YOU.... if you would STOP JUDGING me for ONE MOMENT... you'd ALSO, with your impeccable all-seeing eye, observe that I dont owe you SHIT either, and certainly not the 'details' you brought me here to MILK ME FOR."

It was then that Alexis broke in, finally offering Haleigh a little rapport, for which she was more than grateful. Haleigh turned to face her, relaxing her defenses. Haleigh and Alexis finally seemed to be coming together well... and understanding each other.

"THANK YOU... you seem to be the only one here with some sense of respect. YOU, I'll talk to. unfortunately... I havent had the chance at hand on experience with them as you have... but after watching the confrontation... there was something I noticed. Mystech is getting closer and closer to perfection... they've certainly managed to engineer something Darwin would marvel at. Physically... the Shape is formidable. BUT... it IS corporeal... and as such... CAN be, if not killed, CONTAINED... or DISPOSED of. Maybe we shouldn't focus on its weaknesses, for that would be challenging and time consuming, and require a number of experimental encounters. Instead... lets look at the one thing i saw immeadiately... its LIMITATIONS. Mystech made a mistake in stripping... Patrick.... of his humanity. Now hes nothing more than a mindless killing drone. A very GOOD predator... but not a very CLEVER one. We saw how easily duped he was by your impression of Alycia. And no offense, of course... I'm sure you put on a very convincing show. However... a HUMAN has intuition... gut feelings... and other indescribable senses that would SEE your trap... or at least approach it warily. The Shape blundered right into it. He's fast, strong, and brutal, true... but we dont need to out POWER him... just out SMART him.... Thats my take anyway. Obviously an up close and personal encounter would allow me to better develop a more sound profile."

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah forgot the earlier bicker-fest and got down to business. ]

"So how do we get the recon we need? We can't just keep fighting this thing hit or miss until we figure out what to do with it. We need to know just what we're up against. We need a plan. Any chance of getting anyone from the inside?"

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Looking to Haleigh, she nodded. Everything she said was true. If Morgan was in a room and Alexis had glamoured into Alison, Morgan would of seen right through her act. So, super soilders aren't the brightest crayons in the box...check. Next, they obviously have weaknesses, yet we have not the time nor the energy to try and fight one of these things again to see what these weaknesses area. Therefore, scratch trying to defeat them, focus on containing them. Check. ::

"Both Haleigh and Delilah are right. The super soilders would take too much time and effort to destroy. We need to dive in deeper and attack the people behind the super soilders."

:: Stopping, Alexis began to think of ideas... ::

"If we could to get someone from the inside, as Delilah said, we might have a stepping stone to a plan."

[Alycia Barnett]

::Alycia appeared...seemingly out of no where::

well, I cant believe Morgan actually went BACK on her vow never to allowe Haleigh Davidoff back into Illustra.

and after all the trouble she'd gone through to black ball her from social circles to minimize her chances of successfully jump start her latest business venture?

::making her way past ...sliding between Delilah and Alison....she seated herself next to the spot where Morgan was standing::

::situating herself..Alycia looked over to Morgan, Alison and Delilah..::

many thanks for your rescue. without you... ::looking at Alexis and Adrian:: and you, I wouldnt be here now. and...given Haleigh's unwillingness to cooperate with Morgan and Alison....I can present you with THIS.

:: plopping down on the table a large file which contained a strange "poseidon fork" like symbol....::

an in depth information package naming the agency, location, floor plans and information system technology used by them. they have an EXTENSIVE data base on mutants and meta humans across the east coast and mid west. including Alexis and Cameron...and thanks to MysTech...they are beginning to turn their focus on getherin information on MAGICK users as well.

the initiative itself was called "Operation Zero Tolerance" ALL of this was temporarily interrupted by the Citadle caper when Morgan was made aware of Foxfire's status.

:: Alycia, once again one uped someone in the world of intelligence. Morgan and Alison seemed to SMIRK with glee as she filled in the blanks that Haleigh thought she was going to keep from them.::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan grinned wickedly...almost forgetting that Haleigh existed>>

<< but quickly shook her head >>

Alycia...i didnt expect you to be up so soon. but your input would be VERY helpfull right now.

<< looking at the sudden windfall of information, pictures and floor plans...>>

look at THIS!

<< an alarming picture of an IMMENSE robot sitting on a throne with an
"aztec" like decor behind him....>>

what in the WORLD is that!?

<< soon she found the floor plans of the fortress>>

this place...its a technological GEM...the tech looks almost OTHER WORLDLY.

<< and then...>>

i see an emblem and a NAME...it says "A.I.M"

<< pictures of typical "soldiers" and their standard weaponry were next>>
this...this is amazing!

[Harbinger]

:: Alison smiled as Alycia appeared...seeming to be in better spirits and having that wicked glint in her eye. Alycia was one of the most resourcefull, daring, cunning and strong willed human beings that Alison had known.::

this information is so thorough...and very well timed.

::looking through some of the floor plans but instead choosing to focus in on the AIM soldiers::

we are in store for a gauntlet of harrowing proportions....the technology and weaponry employed by this agency is symbiotic with MysTechs....this IS the "technical" side of MysTECH. the building employs holographic generators to employ emotional/psychological warefare on top of the outright offensive/defensive front.


:: looking over to her brother..with concern::

Cameron, are you going to be strong enough? i know your powers are....in flux.....

::Cameron had seen her sister's EARLIER display of concern. it was cold but still there none the less...and now for her to OPENLY ask of her brother's well being...it was quite the change from her contempt to Haleigh. leafing through more information::

our goal is the "nerve center" which is hidden below ground and surrounded by a forcefield of varying frequency. Teleporting past it will not be an option....as Teleporters will be greeted by knock out gas...the ONLY thing that can effectively subdue a teleport Delilah and Alexis should be able to get us through THAT.

[Alycia Barnett]

this, ladies...and gentlemen, is the future of weapons development and technology as well as covert activities involving the carrying out of initiatives etc.

A.I.M is the TECHNICAL arm of MysTech.

I know you all have been embattled by magick lately....Imagiomg, Kelly King,....the Inferno.....but here is the other side to that...the ever changing, evolving technology that only the most powerful, informed or connected individuals have access to.

A.I.M functions like a well organized hive....achieving massive progress with collective effort and STEAM ROLLING over its opposition. in response to the growing 'mutant/meta human menace' :: looking at Alexis::

the government has subtlely began exploring its "right to protect itself from the threat of super beings" by turning to A.I.M. initially they were unaware of MysTech's involvement...but with magick, manipulation, intimidation and of course massive pay offs...the many federal tributaries have been bought off and are now willfully or unwittingly synergized with MysTech.

companies, society clubs everything we see on a DAILY BASIS is in large part funded, owned, operated or controlled by the interest of this entity.

::showing ALARMING pictures of the six that were previously thought non existent::

because of our friendship with morgan and alison...and my friendship with delilah having served as the key defense attourney in helping to clear her name, Sharon and I have gone to great lengths using our own resources to do damage control and try to KEEP Alexis, Cameron and the others OFF the radar of the government...but Haleigh has LONG been regarded as a double agent in intelligence circles. that is ONE reason why Morgan and Alison despise her so. following the Citadle....and shortly before the Inferno...Morgan and Delilah contacted me and i did some checking.

Haleigh's involvement with A.I.M as a "scout" is what faciliated the capturing and destruction of Patrick aka "the super soldier". When they learned of her OUTSIDE interests and endeavors for personal profit that would compromise their security, she was duped by AIM and was going to become their NEXT test subject...ADAM CHANDLER would have faciliated her destruction just as he tried to faciliate Foxfire's in his attempt to make HER MysTech's own personal "anti virus" protection...due to her omega class healing factor.


::Alycia's clear, strong voice made these words ALL TOO CLEAR..she'd blown the lid off of Haleigh's past endeavors::

so like it or not....there is a REASON why Morgan and Alison constantly mistreat her.

::spoken matter of factly::

her presence has been and will CONTINUE to be a danger to you all unless SHE decides to cut her ties completely and allow this group to help her bring down A.I.M's sanctorum, "Nervous"...a veritable GALAXY of bio stats, background information and the like on MANY mutants and meta humans.

::Alycia didnt care if Alexis or Haleigh didnt like them..she'd kept THEM out of hot water more than once without them knowing it...and now, inspite of Haleigh ATTEMPTING to play hard ball...even MORE of her shrouded past had been OUTED by Alycia...::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Listening to Alycia, everything she said seemed to piece everything together. Glancing to Haleigh then back to Alycia, she was unsure of this whole ordeal. This wasn't her cup of tea....government cover ups, technological warfare...she had heard it all before, she had seen the things her father had done in the past, but it never really effected her like this. But the fact that the government were cracking down on meta human and mutants, and that they knew specifically of Cameron and herself, her life could be completely blown out of the water. ::

:: Taking a deep breath in, Alexis rounded Alycia, looking at the folder that she placed down on the counter top more carefully. ::

"Do they know of my new power, Alycia?"

:: Narrowing her eyes to the folder, she made her way back to the couch and sat down. Reaching forward, she slid the folder to her, and began to look at the pictures more carefully. Pictures of herself and Cameron walking down the street...it's like they had been following them, keeping tabs on them. But something about these pictures seemed too famiiiar to Alexis. ::

"..Wait a minute..."

:: Grabbing a large, 8x10 picture of herself from the file, she stood from the couch and quickly made her way out of the livingroom to the front door. There, beside the door, Morgan had a table which kept her mail. Grabbing a magazine from under the pile of bills, magazine subscriptions, ect, she knew it. An issue of "Star" magazine (most likely, Morgan keeping some tabloids around to keep track of what the world knew about herself), and on the front cover, the exact picture that Alexis held in her hand from the folder. ::

"I knew it looked familiar...I saw this picture earlier today while walking past a vender selling magazines."

:: Walking forward she made her way back into the livingroom and dropped the magazine onto the coffee table, face up. ::

"Don't tell me these paparazzi are just government officals undercover? They've been following me around everywhere! That's why I had to change my appearence...I couldn't take it. Everywhere I turned, they were there, waiting....moreso now then ever."

:: Sitting back down on the couch, Alexis placed the photo ontop of the magazine. ::

"I thought it was because of the Gala. They're probably gathering as many pictures of Cameron and myself as they can, trying to catch us in the act of using our powers so they have proof for when they expose us.."

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron watched the arguments with no emotion whatsoever. Inside he was estatic that for the first time in a long time, he wasn't in one of the vicious war of words with his sister and Morgan. As he waited for the bickering to stop or for one of them to start blowing off limbs, Alycia Barnett appeared in the room and handed them the information that they had needed. Though she was such a savvy and intelligent woman, he couldn't necessarily thank her because of one wrong word from him and Morgan would have the FBI after King Enterprises, something he knew she was already planning. Still, he listened and looked over the information and was simply amazed. This was like the Citadle on Steroids, and that was a Caper they all barely got out of. Turning his head to his sister who seemed genuinely concerned about his well being. ::

"Yes, Alison. I will be fine. I may not have my telepathy, but ever since I sealed it off, my telekinesis has been about five times stronger than normal. Remember, I was in a series of gangs in Los Angeles before coming here, so I know how to fight, against Super Soldiers maybe not, but I will be sure to defend myself. But let's worry about the mission at hand.."

:: Cameron took a look at the information placed in front of them as he too began to weigh in on the specs of the building and more information on this Mutant and Meta Human database. ::

"Well, I am not good with maps but do we know the security specs outside this place? Are we going to be able to teleport there at all? And with Alexis and myself in the database, will they have security that can counteract our abilities?"

:: Then Alexis noted the files that Alycia had brought with both of them in it. He grabbed his quickly. There were pictures of him at parties at building openings, and stock parties. In pictures his life was perfect, but this A.I.M. had more information on Cameron King than he had ever dreamed. Things about his past in Los Angeles on the streets, about his dealings with the Stock Market, even things about Vivica, something called Omega-4. He would check into that later. It was absolutely mind boggling. A mutant spends their whole life keeping their powers hidden from the world, and these people knew more about him than he knew himself. ::

"Well, in all the pictures I have, they don't show me using any of my powers, so that is good. But after this we should be more careful than ever. In the world of intelligence, we don't know if there are any copies of this database, if anyone else has this information. We could merely be cutting off the ARM of a monster, and not destroying the whole thing. It's a scary thought..."

:: It in fact was a scarey thought. He never thought that anybody knew he was a mutant except for his family and the Six, but he should have figured that with his mother being a high ranking Agent of Mystech for years, that his family would not be out of their radar. ::

[Alycia Barnett]

::crossing her long legs at the knee...Alycia looked rather grim and forboding as she leaned back....::

Alexis...while ive been able to throw off PUBLIC suspicion and "distract" the GOVERNMENT'S scrutiny with the help of Senator Sharon Kelly...lately even i have come under fire.

as for whether THEY know about your "new power"...well, again, the link among ALL of these things is Haleigh. Her own agency is like a LEAK in the security of this team. while on the one hand..it benefits you short term..they are serving as an unwitting host to a HIGHER level of intell that has been gathering whatever information they could. the realm of intelligence is very...parasitic...everyone feeding off the other and using one another to prophet.
this caper depends on HER willingness to cooperate as much as it does your ability to destroy "Nervous" and effectively CRIPPLE "Operation Zero Tolerance".

Morgan and Alison...because of the nature of their powers have been able to avoid TOTAL OUTRIGHT notice or scrutiny for years. but even THAT is beginning to wear thin.

its ALL coming down to the wire for everyone here...in one way or the other.

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron looked at Alycia, trying to figure out the angle of which she was working, because Haleigh would be a crucial part in this mission, but from the sounds of it, it seemed that she wanted Haleigh killed or something much worse. Ms. Barnett was a cutthroat woman. ::

"I have been to LCI many times with Haleigh. I used to be able to read her mind. I never picked up on any of this, but I am not about to sit here and discredit you. There are millions of things that we have yet to learn about each other. But, Haleigh.. I just can't believe you have been using the Six to further your intelligence Agency. We can destroy "Nervous" together, and we are going to need your help to do so, Haleigh..."

:: For a moment, just looking at all of them, Cameron was devising his own plan. How could they get all the resources that Haleigh had without using her? Prophet was hurt that she would use their friendship against him. Was the information in these files given to A.I.M. by Haleigh? Or was she genuinely his friend? ::

"Alexis, we could use you as a decoy. You could glamour into Haleigh, pretend you have captured us. Betrayed us all to work for A.I.M. that would give us a direct line right inside the place. We can steal any tech equipment that we need, and find "Nervous". Just a thought?"

[Bane]

Adrian's eyes flashed as Alycia came into view. Her hostile attitude and no-nonsense, chilling demeanor were a stark contrast to the vulnerable persona he had seen earlier. As photos lay out on the table, Adrian reached out with literally inhuman speed and grabbed the sheets that contained his name. Now flipping through the folder by the couch, he raised his eyebrows.

Clearly, the person behind these photos had been distracted, for despite clear shots, most of the targetted areas were Adrian's more "alluring" body parts. He didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. As Alexis, he was in the same unique situation of constantly being stalked by the paparazzi. Of course things had changed, but nevertheless, he bristled at each proceeding photo. In addition to pictures, numerous news articles detailing his incidents with criminals were clipped together. Death by poison....utterly infatuated....chemical euphoria....sleeping gas... Even more importantly, dozens of "confidental" autopsy reports revealed more of his "chemical warfare." The words flashed out at him, ellicting a small sigh.

In the past, such a shocking compilation of information would have angered him, but now, he simply felt disappointed by the lack of care in keeping his identity secret.

Looking up from the papers as Alycia began speaking, Adrian once more sighed. Technology? His powers stemmed from spiritual energy. How could he aid in battling a high-tech nuisance that he couldn't even touch? Deciding to confont these questions later, he now straightened up and analyzed the general reaction. Alison and Morgan had remained untouched by these scathing investigations, but both Cameron and Alexis were clearly disgusted and outraged. As for Haleigh, he wasn't sure what to think of her. She had opted to try and withhold information for them and, even more disturbing, her scheming had put them all in mortal peril.

[i]May the one who has not sinned throw the first rock,[\i] he thought silently to himself.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan exclaimed as Alexis thought of the fact that the paprazzi that had both stalked herself, morgan, alison and even cameron were quite possibly covert agents of MysTech or A.I.M>>

it makes sense.......what better way than to gather information ..or at least a solid visual profile than by nestling into the one element that is a constant in our line of work...the paparazzi.

<< the idea was so monstrous ...yet clever....>>

<< smirking ever so slightly...as Alycia yanked the rug out from under haleigh and thereby caused MORE suspicion of her character to be brought to the surface from more than one member of the group. when cameron uttered the words "i cant believe you were using the six to further your intelligence agency." She spoke up >>

Actually Cameron..that is EXACTLY what she was doing when she arrived. She declared it to Alison and myself...when she BLACK MAILED us using Foxfire's where abouts to gain our "help" in HER mission to shut down the Citadle. I know you think I've been hard on her to a fault...and that you yourself may not care for me. Thats fine....but now you have an OUTSIDER'S OBJECTIVE point of view on the situation...to show you just how SERIOUS it is and WHY Alison and I do not trust her.

it doesnt matter if alison and i have been able to "escape" MORE notice whether it be because of our magick or connections....we are all in danger now. I couldnt keep Blaze safe...when it counted the MOST last time round....I'm not going to allow MysTech to destroy anyone else.

(not when i could enjoy the pleasure of destroying Haleigh MYSELF...AGAIN) << thought Morgan wickedly>>



Technology and Magick are like fire and water....seemingly natural advesaries but if worked by the right hands can become a POWERFUL synergy.

A.I.M and "Nervous" are going to require endurance and POWER in order to defeat them.


<< looking at MorningStar>>

Delilah..i know you didnt sign on for this....but, i....WE need your help. your tactical savvy, your fire power will be crucial. will you stay with us?

<<looking at a slightly transluscent world map that pinpointed A.I.M's artic fortress...>>

look where this map places their location! no one would suspect them to be there because its primarily uninhabited. they have limitless access to power and energy reserves deep below the ice. Getting us to this general location is no problem for me...but once inside...my stepping discs will only be effective when used offensive/defensively. but we will ALWAYS have an out....to LIMBO if it becomes necessary.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Looking to Cameron as he suggested the idea of her glamouring, she shrugged, then looked to the others. ::

"I could, but what would we do with the real Haleigh? I'm not sure if i'm capable of glamouring others to look different, but that's a possibility. I could turn Haleigh into me if we decide to do a decoy plan?"

:: Good plan, not sure how it would work out. Only Alycia and Alison would know if that could truly be used. But either way, atleast they were working on ideas instead of bickering with one another. Allowingher gaze to settle onto Haleigh, she began to study the woman. She knew Haleigh, her strive for profection, her unwillingness to back down, her smart remarks and take no shit personality. However she never really observed her manurisms. The way she spoke, if she spoke with her hands, if she wrinkled her forehead when angered. If they were to go through with this plan, it wouldn't be like her trying to trick a super soilder, it would be like her trying to trick God. So the meta human sat there as the others continued to talk about their plan of action. She continued to study Haleigh. ::

[Harbinger]

::Guardian shook her head in the negative::

no. Alexis would immediately unmasked and destroyed if she relied solely on her glamoring power to try to fool. and WHO would she be fooling? A.I.M functions with a HIVE like mentality....we've no idea where the "queen" or "mother brain" is.

further more, when we finally DO enter the fortress....there will be constant scannings of our vital stats. Adrian will be the MOST DIFFICIULT to read due to his new found form. MorningStar could scramble the signals with her light based powers making her somewhat harder to read.

no...coversion is not going to be the way. we have to STORM them and knock them out hard and fast...destroying "Nervous" and getting out IMMEDIATELY.

we have to use POWER and SPEED.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh sat back, watching the preceedings like a hawk. Alycia had upstaged her, coming out of nowhere to reveal the very information Haleigh'd been lording over Morgan and Alison. It was just as well... because even though the bitch Alycia stole her thunder... it meant haleigh didnt have to talk to them AT ALL. and Even though Alycia FLAT OUT implicated Haleigh in being INVOLVED with the whole thing, Hales didnt really CARE. As if Alison and Morgan could think ANY LESS of Haleigh at this point... that was pretty much impossible.

"Ms Barnett... you seem to know an AWFUL lot about this... its impressive, really, and coming from someone like me... you should be proud to recieve such a compliment. But for you to be SO BOASTFUL... amuses me... for you hardly know EVERYTHING. You're one of Morgan's lot... so of course, you only know of me what you see in that file... and what you hear secondhand from Morgan. We've never really talked face to face and so you cant REALLY haved formed a sound opinion of me. Reputations can be deceiving, can they not?"

It wasnt until Cameron spoke that Haleigh looked away... and when she saw him... and he spoke directly to her.... what she saw nearly broke her hidden and well protected heart. It wasnt until she saw how hurt Cameron was that she cared what those vindictive bitches were saying about her. she locked eyes with Cameron as he said the words that likely brought pleasure to Morgan and Alison... the words that proved they may very well have succeeded in finally ostracizing Haleigh from the Six completely, for surely if they could turn haleigh's closest friend against her then maybe they could finally get the group consent to dispose of her completely. To them, those words were triumph. To her... they were a devastating exile sentence. She blinked back watery eyes. Never let them see you cry.

She gave him a defeated smile, and then transitioned to look at Alexis. She refused to look at Morgan or Alison. They'd have a hayday with the turmoil they'd caused to overturn in her stormy green eyes.

"That's not going to be necessary, Alexis... I've got a better idea. The fortress is much too dangerous. I dont want you all going in there. I'll go. Alone."

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Shaking her head, Alexis sat forward looking to Haleigh. Like hell she would go alone. That would be like sending a chicken loose to a pack of hungry wolves. ::

"That's suicide and you know it."

:: Turning to the others, well they just about did it. They broke down Haleigh Davidoff; they actually got to her. It was amazing actually, these woman. They were capable of turning even the closest friends against each other with their relentless attacks and figure pointing. ::

"We can't just let her go in there alone. She'll be killed within minutes. And as much as i'm sure that thought puts a smile to your faces, we need Haleigh to get through this mission. She knows information that even Ms. Barnett doesn't know of."

:: Turning back to Haleigh, it seemed that Alexis was the only person looking out for her well being. As much as she resented the fact that Haleigh came back from the dead and her brother didn't, she couldn't hold that against her. It was her destiny to come back, and to hate someone for getting a second chance would be wasted energy. ::

"That's not an option, Haleigh."

:: Spoken as an order moreso then a statement, Alexis wasn't going to allow another person get killed because of MysTech. ::

[Alycia Barnett]

::locking eyes with Haleigh and leaning forward slightly...still with her legs crossed at the knee...Alycia leered at Haleigh as if she were about to viciously cross examine her::

Ms. Davidoff, since that is what you call yourself THESE DAYS, i know that reputations are usually BASED upon word of mouth. and aside from any HARD DATA on you that i have in my posession...the word on YOU is that your self serving, conniving, cut throat and pretty much willing to sacrifice ANYONE as long as YOU come out on top. that THING that the others rescued myself and sharon from..was YOUR boyfriend. you LEFT him to his fate....it doesnt get much more heartless than that.

If this were JUST about you, I could give a shit, but since this not only involves friends of mine and scores of other unsuspecting mutants/metahumans, their families and the safety and freedom of society at large...you'll pardon me if i approach you with MORE than a little apprehension, given your track record both on and OFF the field.


:: slamming the file shut and pulling it back from Haleigh's reach::

since you OF COURSE are withholding MORE information, you wont be needing this will you?

::handing it off to Guardian::

I'm here to do what i can to repay Morgan, Alison, Delilah and their allies for their help in rescuing me. Ive BEEN helping out in whatever i can from the BEGINNING...it was SHARON KELLY who kept YOU from being turned into a CAN OPENER the last time you were captured by A.I.M when they learned of your double dealings...using her influence to faciliate a SURPRISE investigation by the SEC and the FBI.

I'm not here to judge you. I dont give a damn about you. But i WILL make sure that these people know you for who you are....


:: standing up::

the evidence speaks for itself. not to mention your all to eager willingness to attempt this caper ALONE.


:: standing with her arms folded, Alycia smirked.::

Thank you all for your time, and again...for those of you who were involved, thank you for my rescue. my role in this dicussion has ended. the rest of this is up to you all to handle. I just hope that you all make the RIGHT descisions...ALOT of people are depending on you.

:: turning abruptly. Alycia makes her way away from the group and down the hall to the bedrooms..disappearing in the shadows....having sliced up Haleigh the same way she did Erika and she thought NOTHING of it. Alycia didnt know Haleigh personally..BUT her "reputation" preceeded her...much like Alycia's own. For these biting words to come from an OUTSIDE source..someone who had no personal axe to grind, UNDERSCORED the fact that Haleigh was NOT who she seemed to be...nor were her motives EVER what people might have thought they were.::

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh didnt even look at Alycia, as she didnt CARE what alycia thought of her.... and if ms barnett thought she knew it all, then haleigh had nothing to say to her, and treated her like she treated all know-it-alls... if they know everything then there isnt something ANYONE can tell them that they dont already know... so Haleigh didnt waste the time to speak to her. Instead, she kept her focus between Cameron and Alexis, the only two who were talking TO her instead of ABOUT her as if she had left the room.

"That's exactly my POINT... I KNOW what im getting myself into... you havent even tipped the iceberg with these people. Can't you see?? You've got the golden ticket sitting RIGHT in front of you! I'm the SUPER soldier Mystech's been searching for! I'm the ONLY one to survive their TO Virus program, so I'm hardly as limited as humans are...I NEVER sleep... rarely eat. I've strength, speed, and stamina. I kill without conscience.... And what's more... I'm TACTFUL. I'm much more sufficient than what they're working with now."

Haleigh shook her head, laughing before continuing. If Alison and morgan were going to berate her as if she wasn't in the room, she could return the favor.

"Its simple... I'm your bargaining chip. We all know... when we get in there, and the wicked witches of the East and West get into a bind... or simply decide they've sucked me dry... and im of no more use.... they'll betray me then anyway. And by then... maybe they'll have ALL your support. Going at all for me at this point is suicide. At least this way... I go willingly. I wont let them blindside me again. They can plot my demise anyway they please... but THIS time... I wont let them lead me blindly, alway paranoid as to when theyll hang me out to dry.... Ill walk to the gallows with my head held high. She's taken Blaze... she just took Cameron... There's nothing else Morgan can take from me. She wont have my dignity, I WONT allow it."

Whether or not haleigh was scheming at the moment was yet to be seen... but for the second.... she was utterly sincere.... and Alexis, if no one else, could see that.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder folded her arms and smirked with wicked delight as Alycia sliced up Haleigh. her face was partially enshrouded in shadow...as she lightly nudged Guardian>>

<< as Alycia left the room and Guardian now held on to the file presented to the group by Alycia, Morgan listened as Haleigh attempted to play the martyr role...and of course Alexis, who deeply dissapointed morgan, began to argue her>>

<< in an icy voice..she cut off Haleigh.>>:

spare us. Blaze was NEVER "yours" to begin with. and if you want to blame somebody for "blind siding" you in the Inferno. BLAME ME....Alison had NOTHING to do with your death. She was too busy trying to save her brother.... I know what i did...and i know who PUSHED ME TO THAT POINT. You're alive...while other people remain dead....you might try being thankfull for once in your "borrowed" life.

<< abruptly changing the subject>>

you cannot be trusted. the ONLY way to break down A.I.M's Hive and "Nervous" is to fight them the same way...a collective onslaught of speed, power and multi faceted offensive strikes. the goal is NERVOUS and its data base...not to mention the TECH that would pirate from them.

Guardian is our team tactician and EVERY strategy she has suggested thus far has paid off in past capers. why would any of you waver on that NOW?

<< standing up and addressing the group>>

you all have 10 minutes to suit up. we leave for the northern artic at that time....and we're STAYING TOGETHER. i'm NOT trusting the fate of my friends and countless others in the hands of ONE WOMAN. Guardian bring the floor plans and the file with you. we will stop in Limbo for a quick review of the fortress to decide who leads the group , who covers the sides and who brings up the rear.

<< Morgan stood up and left the lounge....making her way to her chamber of dreams to select a costume. it was clear that she was not about to allow Haleigh to handle this one alone. not ONLY because she didnt trust her..but because as Alycia and Alison had pointed out....this agency would be MORE than prepared to deal with Haleigh, whom they had a long sorted history with...and finally because time and again it was prooven that The Six did their most thorough work TOGETHER..whether they hated each other or not.>>

[Harbinger]

::Guardian shook her head with dissapointment Haleigh wanted to try to reverse it..and make it look as though SHE and Morgan were responsible for her troubles? or perhaps Morgan was right about the martyr routine. or maybe , as Alycia had not so subtlely suggested [and Alison had "seen" in times past] Haleigh was playing THEM all for a grand scheme. Either way Guardian was not about to allow their fates to rest in HER hands::


::taking the file ...and standing up with a look almost DARING anyone to come near her to try to take it, Guardian looked at Haleigh::

anyone of you foolish enough to entertain Black Widow's close ended plan will DESERVE the ultimate fate that awaits you.

:: looking down at her brother Cameron, before exhaling::

Cameron, a quiet word with you please.

:: in another surprise move, Guardian take's her baby brother's hand in her gloved hand and leads him away from the lounge, across the penthouse to the massive wooden double doors out into the hall and pass the elevator to the secluded alcove, Guardian looks at her brother.... slipping into the alcove which gives an alternate "sneak" view of the nights sky...with soft blue hidden lighting::

I have concerns about you. I'm not sure that you are physically prepared for this mission. It isn't easy knowing that you're facing a foe that has SO MUCH information on you. I want you to know..that despite our differences...just by our nature, i will NOT abandon you to these vast and terrible powers. I may not be a mutant, but i AM your sister..your OLDEST sister. "What's yet to come" has always been my lot...a blessing and a curse. I saw Foxfire's death, and despite my power, i was unable to prevent it. The outcome of this caper is variable at best....Haleigh's refusal to be forthcoming and cooperative, if for NO OTHER REASON than to spite Morgan and Myself has placed us ALL in a field of uncertainty. to allow her to attempt this ALONE would be both FOOLISH and careless on our part. We ALL have a responsibility ...not just to ourselves and our friends..but those other mutants, meta humans and ultimately the normal citizens who take their personal freedom and privacy for granted.

When we stop in Limbo...i want you to speak to your sister, Erika. You have...a new aspect of your power that is latent right now...but with the right "catalyst"...we can bring it to full activity just in time for this caper.

:: Guardian ran her gloved hand through her hair as she looked up and closed her eyes....taking a moment to breathe and collect herself.

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron watched everyone go back and forth as he watched his best friend be pummeled by Alycia and the others. He wanted to jump in on her behalf, but all of this startling information, surely she would have to understand that Cameron wouldn't be as willing to defend a woman he just recently found out to be a double agent for the SIX. As they made plans to enter Limbo, Alison pulled him aside and let him know what her plans were for him during the mission. She wanted to jumpstart his new powers that could have side effects that none of them could possibly know about. It was a tad bit scary, but if it would calm his sister down and make him more powerful to the group, he would have to do this for the team. He looked up at Alison and nodded. ::

"I understand your point, Alison. I will see Erica before we leave for A.I.M. I know that she will be able to do this for me, but I am a tad bit nervous. So far I have only been able to catch glimpses, and ghosts and things from the other side. It hasn't given me anything offensive to work with, but you never know exactly what could go on with this.. it could turn out to be useful. Besides, what have I got to lose? It would certainly be something of magick, that A.I.M. couldn't use against me just yet... I'll do it.."

:: The two had been sharing some rather tender moments as of late, and both could see that this was something completely new for both of them. Though they seemed like polar opposites they were both alot alike in more ways than they were willing to admit. Cameron began to head down to his old penthouse where he had still left some of his battle combat gear, since he didn't figure he would ever be suiting up with the Six again after the Inferno, but here he was. He put on a tight black leather body suit that allowed him room to move but was composed of unstable molecules that protected him from temperature extremes. It was the suit he had first worn in the Six's very first ever caper. The Citadle. For some reason, Cameron thought it would be suiting. Soon, the others would be in Limbo and he would be jumpstarted with new powers he knew nothing about. It was a scary endeavour, but one that would prove extremely useful at A.I.M. He was ready to go. Heading back up the Penthouse in his battle get up, he somewhat smirked, as the suit was slightly tighter than he remembered. ::

"Man, I need to hit the gym.. We ready to go?"

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh, determined to shut them out completely, ignored them both, though there were SEVERAL things she'd have enjoyed reminding them of. Morgan was focused on the time she MURDERED Haleigh... but Hales had been talking about the time Alison-- the supposed 'guardian' of the group-- had blindsided Cameron and Haleigh with the ANT LIONS in the citadle. She wanted to defend herself... but knew it was something difficult to explain and likely would be futile with the two of them standing there to argue with her. Instead, she waved them off with a 'shoo' hand gesture, as if dismissing a servant. No sooner had they left earshot than Haleigh had sat right next to Alexis, her piercing green eyes locking on Alexis. Haleigh took Alexis' hand, calling her attention. She lowerd her voice dramatically. It would be better, she'd decided, if she let someone in on the plan... this way... she could have some sort of anchor. Heaven knows if she just disappeared once they reached the fortress that Morg and Ali would paint her a traitor... and then everyone would be ready to kill her on sight. Her voice was a hushed, hurried whisper... no one would hear her except alexis.

"They're leading me to slaughter.... I just KNOW it.... If somehow I make it all the way through the end of the mission... I wont return... Morgan will probably 'accidentally' lose me in a stepping disc. but it doesnt matter. Alexis... do you remember that tracking device i used to find you last week? the one that locked on your DNA... well... its NOT just a Lowjack system for humans... its also a GPS WEAPON.... Its too long a story to explain before Morgan and Alison return... but while I have you here... I have to ask something of you. You're the only one left that I can COUNT on. [points to bane, then morningstar] HE doesnt know me, SHE'LL always side with Morgan, Blaze is dead and Cameron is... brainwashed or something. I need you to do two things for me. I need you to watch my back until we get to the database... I can guarantee it has the information i need to wipe out the key facillitators of this super soldier operation.... when i do that.... and this is VERY IMPORTANT.... I need you to kill me.... before Morgan gets the chance."

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Cocking her brow up as Haleigh took her hand, Alexis looked to the woman with curiousity. What on earth did she have to tell her that was so important? Listening to Haleigh talk, her eyes began to narrow and her brows lowered...she wasn't aware she had Haleigh's back. She simply disliked how Morgan and Alison ganged up on people relentlessly like a pack of savage wolves. But as Haleigh continued to speak, Alexis realized that Hales trusted her with her life. That she actually needed Alexis to help her otherwise she was as good as dead. ::

"Hale..."

:: She softly spoke, but the blonde continued to talk, interupting her. Obviously this was important...and then came the shocker. Haleigh wanted Alexis to kill her? Shaking her head. ::

"No. No, Haleigh. No. Look you were given a second chance at life, a--a chance that I only wish my brother had, and you want me to kill you?!"

:: Alexis of course keeping her voice very quiet, but showing her anger toward the woman. She couldn't believe that she would just throw her entire life away, a life that was given to her AGAIN. ::

"Morgan hates you, yes...we all know this. But she isn't going to kill you. She just likes to...show her alpha dog status; intimidating you. And it pisses her off to no end that you are the one person in this world that doesn't back down regardless of how much she fires at you."

:: Alexis now putting her own hand ontop of Haleigh's, further emphesising her point. ::

"Look, I have no idea about government, and weapons, and--and super soilders. God I don't even know about regular soilders--other then they are fantastic in bed. Okay? But we've all been through a lot this past year, and you can't just sit there and tell me that you're going to give up and die and let everyone win? This A.I.M can be stopped. We've battled a lot worse."

:: Sighing, Alexis and Haleigh were never close to begin with, so the fact that Alexis was sitting there trying to convince Haleigh not to give up on life and to fight to the end was a bit weird. She felt like she was freakin' Oprah Winfry of Doctor Phil. But whatever, so what if Alexis showed her nice side? She wasn't about to let Haleigh kill herself, dispite if she had been playing both sides since the beginning. As selfish at this may sound, Haleigh's "double crossing" didn't effect Alexis directly, so it didn't anger her as much as Morgan and Alison. Yes it made Alexis very warey of the woman, now being more careful about what she said and what not, but the capers the six had been through weren't a direct result from Haleigh Davidoff. And as much as everyone else would hate to admit it, it was true. ::

[Jessica Hamby]

The hurried whispers continued... Haleigh relented slightly, glad at least that Alexis hadnt brushed her off. Maybe she wasnt so alone after all. Still... Haleigh needed a gaurantee.

"Yeah, that's what i thought before, and then she murdered me, right in front of everyone. I'm not GIVING UP anything... I just cant bear to go out like that again. Maybe you're right.. maybe I'm overreacting. But please.... for my peace of mind, promise me.. if it LOOKS like she might.... you'll beat her to it. Think of it as charity. If she kills me again I'll never get over it."

Alexis' hand seemed to refuel Haleigh... for a smoldering determination overtook her eyes... she seemed to have alexis' support for a little while. she wanted to reiterate that she wasn't giving in to either of the two M's that plagued her life, Morgan OR Mystech.... just that she was trying to beat both at their own games at the same time.

"AIM CAN be stopped... and we'll stop them, i have no doubts about that... but once we do... things for me are going to get VERY dicey. Just beat her to the kill if that's what she's after. Its all I ask."

[Pam De Beaufort]

"Hal.."

:: Closing her eyes, how could she ask a person to do something like this to her? Granted she wasn't exactly "close" to Haleigh. Hell, they would be at each other's throats any chance they had really. But she'd grown to enjoy their bickering, their cattyness. It was frustrating to be in such a position like this...especially after the loss of Blaze. Pressing her lips together, she let out a long sigh indicating her unwillingness about this whole situation. ::

"When we complete this mission.."

:: Opening her eyes, she looked to Haleigh. ::

"And if...IF Morgan does try to kill you..."

:: Pausing, honestly the meta human didn't realize how hard this was. I suppose in some strange way, Haleigh and Alexis were friends. Very dysfunctional friends, but friends nevertheless. ::

"I'll do it."

[Bane]

Adrian had grown quickly agitated by the petty fueds between Alison, Morgan and Haleigh. How could they stand here, pointing fingers at each other, when around the country, dangerous forces were coming together and, no doubt, transpiring against them? Although Adrian was cognizant of Alison's crucial role as a strategist, the catty comments from her and Morgan were anything but tactical and advantangeous. Dividing the team benefited no one.

As is the case for many, his powers intertwined with his emotions, and he now began to flicker in and out of this world. Few individuals would notice; everyone was caught up in the turmulous preparation for the coming storm -- be it forging alliances or solidifying plans. Finally, Adrian disappeared entirely, and he felt that familiar sinking feeling, as if he was drowning in an icey lake. It lasted only a moment, for seconds later the familiar surroundings of a waterfall and lush forestry drew up around him. Adrian breathed; he had lived an entire year without the exposure to human error, and the shedding of Erica had altered his perceptions and memories enough that he still did not consider himself human.

His mentor was not present, but the idyllic scenery was enough to calm him. He moved closer to the waterfall, whose mist sprayed over him lightly, and knelt down to gaze at his reflection. His emerald green eyes gazed back at him; despite his appearance, he was an old soul. Adrian sighed, now sitting down to continue gazing out into the distance. Hadn't he committed the same errors in judgement? Memories flashed in his mind, like vengeful spirits, showing him encounters, seductions, and battles off words like poison. He shook his head once, initiating one of countless exercises he had been taught, and dispelled them.

They must overcome this obstacle, and he must act accordingly. Looking out into the water, he began contemplating the suit he would wear. Although naieve of his capabilities on this realm, he understood the basic premeis of his powers -- he could create and manipulate otherwordly energies into creating virtually anything. Observing as the lake calmly moved to and fro, Adrian thought. Flexible like water, and capable of channeling my powers.

Letting his fingers graze across the surface of crystal clear water, Adrian concentrated. In spite of his recklessness in the past, his knowledge of biology and chemistry would be ideal in this situation. He imagined the hydrogen and oxygen molecules twirling and solidfying and drawing on the metals of the Earth to create a perfect synergy of element.

Standing now, as the water began to spin upward, Adrian continued to concentrate. Even the water here was different -- lighter and infused with the same etheral energy that constituted the air itself. A few moments later, and Adrian was clothed in a dark green oriental Chinese robe, deceptively simple. Infused within the satin-soft cloth was the maneuverability and sleekness of water. Equally, the atoms could be brought together, with the etheral energy as a buffer, to repel any bullet at any speed.

In this place of serenity, Adrian looked completely in place. However when he would reappear in an instant later next to Cameron, the contrast between modern and old couldn't be more stark. "I'm ready," he answered with a heavy sigh. On Earth, the cloth would flow, as if propelled by an invisible wind. In its movements, it would sometimes linger on his muscles, slightly wrapping around his limbs like water, and revealing a toned, flexible physique. Unlike Cameron, he had kept in shape, and while the rest of his team had dwadled and lay low for a week, he had spent a year precisely developing himself for the coming threat.

Make no mistake, Adrian would be anything but ineffective in the coming caper.

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah was ready to go of course. There was no question of her going along - she could hardly go home now. What would she do? Give herself a manicure and eat bon bons? The tension in the air worried her, but she had confidence that when they got right down to it, each of them would do their job. This was their chance to do something important, make a real difference.

Hell, she didn't like bon bons anyway. ]

[Harbinger]

::quickly cutting Cameron off, as she held her hand up::

you're powers are NOT magickal, cameron. While you now have something of a hybrid nature thanks to Erika's efforts and time travel...your genetic structure remains the same...i simply want to ensure that you are able to defend yourself in this critical time.

and ...do not let emotions or a sense of "duty" to Haleigh cloud your judgement either. the reason why morgan and i hate her so much..is because she USED Foxfire to evoke a response/involvement from US in the very beginning. she never had any intention of helping us rescue foxfire....and she would sooner have seen ALL of us sold out to whoever could offer her the highest price tag.

Alycia has provided evidence that damages what little credibillity she had.
watch your back...and keep your eyes open.


::Guardian looked at her brother..before snapping her finger...and changing her custome to look something like this::
[just to give a general idea]

http://pc59te.dte.uma.es/cdb/series/marvel/bitmaps/blackwidow.jpg



::rejoining the others in the penthouse...Guardian cast a most disapproving glare at Haleigh AND Alexis for fraternizing with her. she seated herself next to MorningStar::

[Jill Monroe]

<< a rushing wind is heard as Morgan returns to the room with Alycia...Morgan is now wearing sleek, figure flattering body suit which features the "aspect" of the cosmos in it....along with feminum braclets designed to help magnify the power of her eldritch bolts and defend/deflect projectiles/enemy fire>>

[this picture is to give an IDEA of her general look...sorry about the poor quality]
http://members.aol.com/thefightingfury/whoclix/troia.gif


<< placing her hands on her hips as she eyes Prophet, Bane, Guardian, MorningStar, Shockwave and finally Black Widow....>>

well, it's time we were going.

Alycia, you and Sharon will be safe here. IF something happens to myself and Alison, you have the secret command access codes that are key to Illustra as well as my mother's contact information.


<< waving good bye..as she raises her hand..thunder crashes a disc pops open and encompasses everyone....space fades to black...and almost IMMEDIATELY with a flash of light the group finds themselves in Limbo...but NOT in Ororo's garden. they are in the less comforting, more chaotic and dark realm of limbo...at the foot of immense castle carved out of the very stone of the mountain that defies the sky.>>


<< the violet skies flow and swirl as black lightning bolts pulsate and flash. demons fly far above screeching with wicked glee...as other demons on ground level begin to leer and show their gleaming teeth....hissing and growling at the members of The Six....one touch from them...and a person can become infected with the techno organic virus>>