Dischord is in the air

[Oracle]

<< inside Illustra, and now in a conference room of one of the lower floors, the members of the six, dr. victoria and a JUST NOW RETURNED Cameron King arrive. Some seat themselves, others stand but there is a rushed, confused and even UPSET feeling among the team.>>

<< their own agitation temporarily negates the ongoing question "what the hell is going on with the birds?" and while they grapple with Cameron's return, there are OTHERS who are well aware of what is going on..and already plotting ways to take advantage of it.>>

<< zoom across town and to the derilict building. below ground and into the covert, fortified cell where the last remnants of MYSTECH now hide...and plot.>>

suit 1: did you get the massive energy readings at St. Patricks when IT was there?

suit 2: sensors indicating that temporal fields were suspended but even with our sensors on IT...we could not detect or get a visual on the source of the temporal distortion.

<< meaning, they could not get a fix on Ororo.>>

suit 3: but IT was talking to someone else...wasnt it? or perhaps it's own programming is faulty.

suit 1: weird happenings are nothing new for this specimen. it is accustomed to things out of the ordinary but apparently MALICE wasnt as good as she THOUGHT she was.

<< the computer scan and visual feed from haleigh shows the return of CAMERON KING.>>

suit 1: that's Cameron King, aka Prophet. mutant, telepath and owner of king enterprises. his mother was an operative of the six before being killed during her battle with Valiant, the team where we first had contact with Spellbinder and Foxfire. HE is the brother of the precog, Alison Marble. His OTHER sister, Erika King was a witch but apparently not a good one. She was compelled by Malice to help in the capture and torture of him. He obviously survived his ordeal with them.

<< they watch the liquid crystal display screen as Morgan and the others react. they have NO idea that Haleigh is now a raving security risk..even as they react poorly to Cameron's return.>>

Suit 2: this is the moment we need! we can activate a system wide failure of it's memory files and cause massive feedbacks to bring about confusion and random malfunctions. the second step in our plan to render it weak and prime it for capture.

suit 3: it's almost too easy. isnt it? with it's now erratic state of being and the influx of emotions caused by the return of its former ally and even sexual partner it is now disjointed, LESS than aware of other situations.

suit 1: agreed. activate the subroutines associated with memory and function, begin a gradual disruption to cause memory feedback and malfunction. this will ADD to its confusion and discomfort.

<< suit 1 stands up.>>

suit 1: i'm going to check on the status of our new subject. i just received an alert that the memory feed is complete and it can be brought "online" and fully conscious at anytime. we'll need to do a test run.

<< and with that, one man leaves, while the other two begin activating deep hidden subroutines within Haleigh's core that will cause repressed memories AND feelings to be forced to the surface at the most random moments. she will experience a gradual loss of collective and control that will only get WORSE, even causing PHYSICAL illness as it progresses. but even the mightiest of floods start with a single drop or trickle...and so they take care not to OVERLOAD.>>

<< and so it begins...the pain of FINDING a lost team mate while still dealing with the pain of LOSING another...and the personal pain that Haleigh is about to experience will only ADD to it.>>

and so we watch

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron looked over to Nicholas as he simply nodded and shook his head politely,continuing to look at Morgan as she too went on her own sort of reaction about how awful he was for not telling anybody that he had left. Jesus, he hadn't planned on being gone very long! A DAY if that! He had gone to see his sister in Los Angeles for lunch and he never came back! That wasn't his fault, and he wasn't going to feel sorry for the Six about that. He sighed as Morgan talked to him with anger and pain. She kept speaking of Alison, and how much he hurt HER, and that was getting to him the most. He began to talk as they made their way into the elevator, once safe inside the elevator, Cameron spoke. ::

"You know the things that hurt MOST Morgan? I thought YOU were dead, the last thing Ororo showed me of you was you getting dragged into the Siege Perilous. I thought for that moment that I would never see you again. I don't give a DAMN about the differences we have HAD in the past, it is the PAST, and we were both DEAD in the past. All I knew is that when I saw YOU, standing there, ALIVE, I didn't give a shit about anything else! I was glad that you were still breathing, but when you see me, when you see Cameron standing in front of you, you think of how much I hurt Alison and the whole team with circumstances out of my control."

:: He turned for a quick second, not raising his voice whatsoever or yelling at all. He was speaking very clear, very CONCISE and very to the point, he wanted to show that he wasn't going to be the angry womanizer again. He was going to be an adult, he was going to plead his case. ::

"I had went to Los Angeles to see my sister at her estate, and never came back. I was captured and tortured for MONTHS by my own SISTER and MALICE. I could barely think about ANYTHING let alone other people. My mind was fragile! I couldn't think, move, barely speak. I was bloody and bruised and left for dead. The next thing I knew I was awakening in the Gardens of Limbo, taken there to recover, to return. Had I any CLUE what you all were to go through, I would have come back in a SECOND! I would have come back battered, bloodied, bruised. I know I hurt Alison but you don't understand Morgan is that the ONE person I wanted to see, the ONE person I wanted to hold, the ONE person I thought would have my back was ALISON. Say all that you want, I know that she WOULD have been happy to see me. I feel like I am being blamed for Erika, you all may not have been fond of her but she was my SISTER, for god sake's, let's not forget I never had any family at all up until recently. The one sister I found out I had, disliked me as much as I disliked her, I clang to Erika. Sorry I made an error in judgement, but don't pretend like you knew all along Morgan, because you didn't know what she would do, not even Ororo did. That is all I have to say, if this is TOO much for you to deal with, if you can't possibly ever accept me back into your life, if Haleigh can't either, I will leave, I will go the Parthenon, but I won't stop helping the SIX, call me whatever YOU want, I am over fighting with ANY of you... I just wanted my family back, I know I was stupid to think that this would be all hunky dorey, but a guy can dream I guess."

:: He looked down and let Morgan take in his words. He had said alot and it was alot to take in. All he wanted was to have Morgan look at it from his sister's point of view, as much as she may have been hesitant, Alison would have walked through fire for her brother, though she would never admit that outloud, and Morgan KNEW that. Morgan knew that Cameron was an asset to the group, she knew he was a founding member of the group and she KNEW this was a part of his destiny. ::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan looked rather disjointed as Cameron continued to reference the Seige Perilous. that was a moment in her life where EVERYTHING had came to an end and there was NOTHING she could do about it. in her last moments...when Haleigh tried VALIANTLY to save her, she was hoping PRAYING that Haleigh would KEEP her from being swallowed into that cosmic oblivion..but then it was OVER, she was pulled in and everything she knew..everything she was...was LOST.>>

<< for HIM to speak on this...it UPSET HER because it was one of the moments in her life where she felt weak and out of control...and worse...AFRAID! after all..who WANTS to die?>>

<< shaking her head.>>

I gave my LIFE but it wasnt enough to save Sharon and MANY citizens of NYC died that night. I gave my LIFE to tip the scales..to ATONE for what i had done during the INFERNO...but i didnt WANT to die....i just did what i had to do to save my friends...and what was left of the city. I had already failed Sharon, i wasnt about to fail THEM.

<< the inferno, another source of shame for morgan>>


and how DARE you bring that up! You weren't even there! you LEFT as soon as we returned from Limbo following NERVOUS! YOU WERENT THERE!! maybe if you HAD BEEN...YOU COULDVE HELPD SAVE SHARON or helped the team...or ANTICIPATED that Shockwave was a ticking time bomb just WAITING TO HAPPEN! but NO! you just HAD TO LEAVE and didnt have the DECENCY to tell ANYONE where you were going. Not your sister...not even HALEIGH.

<< it was no secret that those two had LOVE for each other and Morgan was not the onlyone in the room who knew just how deep it was.>>

Alison TRIED to find you later...but could not. MAYBE if we had had ANY clue as to where or WHY you were leaving..it could have made the difference. do you REALLY think we would have LEFT YOU TO DIE at the hands of Malice and Erika if we'd known? when we found out....ALISON lost herself and LEVELED the terrordome...it was the most terrifying thing i'd seen from her in a LONG time and coming from ME...that says ALOT.




<< breathing and calming down.>>

I don't know what you expected me to do today , Cameron. When you died...I grieved for you as a fallen team mate..but we were NEVER that close. Our history has been rocky and while we were beginning to recover from that, you LEFT before any real progress could be made. ALISON was my friend...and i ALWAYS had her best interest at heart. You may not have had a family, but when you showed up...you REMINDED HER of why SHE LEFT HER FAMILY. You judged her at EVERY TURN and you lauded Erika as if she were the MESSIAH and i KNEW that she was PHONEY.

True i may not have known just how far she would go, but the simple fact that she chose YOUR FUNERAL as the time to ATTACK Alison shows just how spineless and WEAK she was. She DESERVED death.

I can't just ACT like everything will be okay Cameron because it's NOT. We've LOST Alison...she's not DEAD but it FEELS LIKE an ETERNITY now seperates us from her and now you're here...as suddenly as SHE left. what did you THINK would happen? we'd throw a GALA?

[Jessica Hamby]

Thankfully, no one reacted using their powers, and the spare [photog] was taken care of quickly, as the whole group moved inside to a state of the art conference room (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/titaniazane/conferenceroom.jpg) to talk this through in private. Haleigh being the first to know about this, was coming to terms with it better, as she seated herself at the table. As Cameron became dejected over both Morgan's and Haleigh adverse reactions to his return, Haleigh seemed to soften... she placed her hand on his gently, and none of those present [aside from Zach, Cameron, and Haleigh herself] would have even the slightest idea that HALEIGH'S own initial reaction was negative.... indeed.... it seemed like it almost hadn't happened.... or she'd FORGOT all the yelling they had done.


"Cameron... no.... it's not that.... it's just... this is a LOT to drop on a person all of a sudden... even people like US, who have made beyond the grave comebacks of our OWN. You've got to give us a chance to GRASP the idea... it just takes ti--"

She stops suddenly, recoiling, taking her hand back from his and covering her eyes as she gives a pained gasp. Anyone with a view of the monitors MAY catch a quick flickering, but it is both subtle AND brief. Haleigh internally experiences the emotion that struck her the moment she found out Cameron was dead... and the awful memories of Malice taunting her about it, followed by Morgan's last seconds... and her SCREAM. But the memories are fleeting and disorganized, they overlap each other and are cut into bits, and shuffled around like a deck of cards... and they happen so quickly that by the time Zach asks what's wrong, they are gone again.

"I... don't know. I'm okay... I just have a terrible headache all of a sudden."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< once inside, Karen took a seat as well, assessing the situation and those most deeply affected by it. Persephone and Nicolas had the least to gain or lose in this situation and they would help to control the situation if it became violent. Delilah, while having been aquainted with Cameron, did not know him that well and would most likely serve to help Morgan if she became too unhinged. unfortunately though, Haleigh didnt have any personal buffer. Zach was more than cast into an awkward light by this shocking turn of events...and with the coming of their wedding..he HAD to be rather upset himself. Karen kept an eye on him and Haleigh while her daughter and Cameron exchanged words.>>

good morgan, be honest, and up front. but dont go out of your way to hurt or insult!

<< Morgan had come a long way. in the earlier days of the six, Cameron would be on the floor with a broken jaw by now and that would have served little. Karen herself was not overly fond of the young mutant, but she couldnt deny him the chance to try to reclaim parts of his life back and part of that included moments like this. it isnt easy to "come back" after being dead and for those who had to mourn and grieve...to find out that it was all for seemingly NOTHING? well THAT is just as painfull.>>

<< she didnt speak. but if she needed to, she would redirect the converasation if it got off course. she didnt have to worry though because a flickering sound got her attention, her eyebrows raised a bit as she turned and her flipped hair followed suit. monitors, all over the room came on and began broadcasting images.>>

what is....

<< she began to ask as they came into view. images...flashing, jaunted and chaotic in their apparence. Malice torturing Haleigh ...and Morgan's last moments...as she was pulled, screaming with fear into the seige perilous. Karen hadnt been there for the moment of her daughter's death. she had to be told by haleigh and alison that night...and to SEE IT now...it was so nauseating for her as she put her hand on her forehead and looked away.>>

what..was that?

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron listened to Morgan yell at him about everything and he decided that THIS time, he was going to just LET her. She was right, what was he thinking? That everyone would just drop everything and grab a pizza, paint toe nails and talk about what boys the girls were interested in since he had been gone, like he had been on a vacation with friends instead of being dead. His death was DIFFERENT. It seemed completely final, it seemed like the death.. that they COULDN'T prevent. The one person in the group that WASN'T coming back. They were finally coming to terms with all of this. He was buried in the ground, his WILL was read and his gravestone was now in a cemetery. ::

"I know, Morgan. I know you are right. I don't know WHAT I thought, but being in Limbo, being by myself, having all this time to reflect, just on me, just on life, the one thing I wanted more than anything was my FAMILY back. Morgan, again we were NEVER close, but it doesn't mean that I didn't MISS you. The way you enter every room with a lofty charm, always dressed to impress. Your one liners. I missed that, no matter HOW twisted our relationship as people may have been. I was out of line. There will never be anything I will be able to do to make up for Erika and it will be something I have to deal with in life. I was so wrong about her, it's not even funny."

:: At this point Haleigh placed his hand on hers and it was as if Cameron HIMSELF forgot what he was saying as she responded. What the heck was up with her. He gently scanned her mind, something was off. Like she wasn't controlling what she was saying, but ZACH seemed like he had everything under control so he turned back to Morgan. ::

"I know I have MISSED alot, Morgan! I know I have not been there! I know that I vanished, but I am not the SAME person I once was, I am not like Erika, I took the lesson and the teaching of Ororo and I LEARNED from it. I know what I have to do, and I know my place is within this team. I know what it is like to miss Alison, Morgan, just like the rest of you. I don't care what I did in the past because I am not that person anymore. I'm not! I am not concerned with the person I was as much as the person I am trying to be. So I leave it in your hands, you don't want me here, I won't stay, I will go find my OWN destiny, but we both know it's here. I am willing to do WHATEVER it takes.. WHATEVER.. IT...TAKES..."

:: He looked to the others in the room, and somewhat apologizes for ostracizing the others during his conversation. ::

"I am sorry for being so involved with Morgan and Haleigh, not letting anyone to get a chance to speak. I know this is difficult for all of you, since you have really no clue who I am other than what you have been told, I just wanted to say, thank you. Thank You for stepping up and being a part of this team, when I could not. Thank You for putting your lives on the line for the people I love, no matter how much they THINK I refuse to show it. Thank You."

[Jessica Hamby]

Zach brings Haleigh a glass of water.... watching her carefully. Regardless of how Cameron's return might affect them both, he was more worried about the sudden twist of events... Haleigh RARELY got headaches... if ever she did, something was NOT right, and though he'd been too focused on her to catch sight of the monitors, he knew enough to know that it wasn't JUST a headache. Karen was suddenly withdrawn and looking a little uneasy... and she asked a question that, couple with her reaction, was confusing to Haleigh....

"What do you mean?? What was WHAT?"

She asked, now sounding a tad alarmed. "What did you see--" Haleigh stopped again, DROPPING the glass of water, spilling it all over the table in front of her and the monitors FLARED with images again, this time of the first night in the Citadel, intermixed with the most recent fight to the death with Athena... until they suddenly gave way to a SERENE setting... this time accompanied with sound.... and playing linearly, almost as if a movie... but clearly seen through Haleigh's 'eyes'.

[playing on the monitors]Bunny! Patch and I crawl through the fallen leaves as slowly as we can so that we don't scare it. It looks so pretty... white like magic against the snow spotted brown of the forest floor.

"Look Patchwick! It's the Easter bunny!"

Young Patrick:"Shh Hayee! you'll scare it away. you think it'll give us some peeps?"

I sigh happily. What a great idea. "I love peeps."

The rabbit spooks and takes off through the forest, as footsteps crunch the snow behind us, and someone scoops me up, holding me way over top his head with one arm before dropping me, only to catch me and smile. Okay, it was fun, and a little scary, but I refuse to squeal, and fold my arms instead. Daddy (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/titaniazane/bp.jpg) frowns.

"What's wrong baby bear?"

"Daddy, you scared away the Easter bunny! We wanted peeps!"

"Aww sweetie, I'm sorry, I didnt mean to. will you ever forgive your poor stupid father?"

Well... when he begs me like that, how can i say no? "Hmph. I guess so... if you'll share me a candybar."

Daddy laughs softly, tucking me under his arm and picking Patrick up with his other arm. He's so strong... I feel safe.

"You mean if I'll share a candybar with you? Okay, I'll split one with you when we get home, I promise. Alright buckeroos. It's time to break camp before this snow gets too thick to get home."

He brings us back to the campsite, where Mama is laughing and packing up camp, and Mr. and Mrs. Phillips (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/titaniazane/mattfox01.jpg) stop teasing each other to kiss as they take down their tent. Daddy sets Patrick down, and he runs to help his parents as Daddy sets me down. I run over to tell Mama the news.

"Mama, I saw the Easter bunny! Daddy scared it away but I forgave him."

Mama is excited and jealous, i can tell. she only ever got to see the eater bunny at the mall, and i tell her that maybe i'll ask him[he's my new friend, after all] to come by and visit. Mama says that will be nice, and I grab a rolled sleeping bag to put in the back of the truck.

"My my, Hunter Davidoff. And here I thought you gave up frightening forest critters. WHAT were you thinking?" She says to him as I give him a stern, four year old look.

******

A couple of hours later, I snuggle between my parents in Daddy's pickup as we drive home. I see the sign for our town, and pretty please Daddy to let me drive. He says okay and I slide happily into his lap, and he lets me have full control for a couple of miles as we passed into the outskirts of town. A woman in white, almost invisible against the snow covered scenery, steps out on the road. Doesn't she see us? Mama cries my Daddy's name in horror, and he grabs the wheel and swerves to miss the woman. The noise is so loud it hurts my ears. The truck skids out of control on the slippery roads, slides down a slight embankment and rolls over. Daddy wraps his arms around me and though its scary, I feel safer. I can feel the world going upside down again, as our truck makes a second roll and then the cold winter air is in my face, and I land on top of Daddy. The truck is way over there... broken. Mr Phillips comes down the hill shouting for us... they were following us home. He sees me and Daddy. I feel okay, having only a few burning scrapes, but Daddy moves slowly and won't sit up. Patrick's father knelt by Daddy, who began to cough up blood.

"Haleigh... are you okay, baby bear?" Daddy asks, and I nod, as he looks up at Mr Phillips. "Jeff... where's Lara?"

"I dunno, Hunt. What happened?? That was a terrible wreck, We've got to get you to a hospital, man. you're in a bad way." He replies. I wonder what he means. Daddy will be okay... he always is. He can pull splinters from his hand without flinching.

"I don't think... you gotta find Lara. What if she's--" Daddy starts, but stops when he hears Mama's shrill cries. He sighs, and Mr. Phillips calls out.

"Here, Lara, we're over here."

Daddy grabs his friend's arm urgently. Why does he seem so worried? "Jeff... [coughs violently] you gotta take care of my girls. Remember our promise?? I'm not gonna make it to a hospital."

Mama reaches us and is immediately at Daddy's side. "Shut UP Hunter, don't you DARE talk like that. You'd goddamn'd better make it, or I'LL bring you back to life and kill you." I don't understand... Daddy is pale white and coughing more and more, and he won't let go of Mr. Phillips.

"Jeff... you remember our promise... you swore, damn it." Jeff nods silently, and Daddy turns to us. "Okay... okay. Lara... honey... I want you... and Haleigh.... to always remember... how much... I--"

He goes quiet and lays his head back, closing his eyes and being still. Mama puts her hand over her mouth, trembling. Mr. Phillips hugs her. Whats the matter? I reach out and touched Daddy, trying to shake him softly.

"Daddy... wake up. Daddy... you can't go to sleep silly... we gotta split a candybar... [frowning]Daddy, you promised. Wake up..."

Mama lifts me up out of the snow, wrapping her parka around me. I realize I've been shivering. Why won't Daddy wake up? He's a light sleeper.

"Sweetie... Daddy's not... going to wake up." Mama says softly, her voice cracking, and I stare at Daddy. Why not? Snow begins to fall again. Mr. Phillips leads us back up the embankment to his truck, where Mrs. Phillips and Patrick are waiting.

Jeff:"Wanda... drive them to Clark County Hospital... send help. Hunter... he's gone."


Haleigh draws in a sharp breath, reacting to the spilt water, seemingly unaware that the ENTIRE group has witnessed the memory lapse she just had....

"Ugh... sorry... gawd.... it feels like someone just STABBED me in the back of the head..." she says sheepishly, as she looks up at the group. "What is it... what's wrong?"

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Morgan began to yell, causing Ava to look away from the photographer in a plead for them to shut up. Quickly turning her attention back to him, she gave him a quick, fake smile, before laughing at the shouting. ::

"It doesn't look like you'll be meeting with Ms. Victoria or Davidoff today. I will personally send you a check for today's photoshoot in full, in addition to the payment you will recieve for the reschedualed photoshoot on Monday."

:: Nodding to the photographer, even though HE was wrong with the dates, Ava needed him to leave immediately. Boosting his ego seemed to work; not to mention extra cash in his pocket. Shaking his hand as he departed for his van, Ava jogged to opened door leading into Illustra, quickly making her way to the converance room where everyone had gone to. Opening the door, Ava stopped, walking in midway through Haleigh's second batch of visions. Seeing Haleigh's father, she remembered seeing pictures of him when she was a little girl, shortly after his death. Ava always found him handsome, the type of man she would become involved with in a second. But even though she had known Haleigh the longest, she was never actually told how Hunter died. It was a subject that Haleigh's family didn't like speaking about. ::

:: Slowly closing the door, Ava's eyes saddened seeing Haleigh call out for her father after he died. Even seeing Hunter like that was devestating for her. She always saw pictures of him as a strong, confident man. A loving father. A 'hero' type. But to see him laying helpless in the snow moments before dying completely destoryed those beautiful images of that man. Shifting her eyes to Haleigh as she spoke, it was obvious she didn't have a clue what everyone else had just seen. ::

"Haleigh, why don't you sit down. You look pale."

:: Grabbing a bottle of water this time, Ava's stacked heals crushed the broken glass as she walked over to her. Opening the bottle, she handed it to her sister. ::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan, who still had her white, "oversized" round rimmed escada sun glasses on, had an expression of extreme agitation on her face. she wasnt begrudging Cameron his second chance at life..but the sudden gravity of this whole thing...this "IN YOUR FACE" feeling it was upsetting her, she felt like she was being blasted in the face by a never ending stream of water and that cameron didnt understand. still, she didnt think of him as the enemy.>>

<< as Cameron responded to her, she listened. there was something different about him indeed. he was more feeling. his words were more thoughtfull and he wasnt near as fake and phony as he had been in the past. he actually ADDRESSED the issues she brought up instead of dismissing them and calling her a bitch. but he was still adamant that he wanted his team, his family BACK. and that wasnt wrong at all.>>

<< He had spent time with Ororo and he apparently HEEDED her warnings. Morgan was reminded of that nightmare he had, the night that Helena Quartermaine had crashed their party at the Parthenon...the one that SHE somehow had witnessed or been apart of even though it wasnt HER dream. they had never gotten the chance to talk about it before he disappeared and now here they were, and Cameron was speaking about Ororo and what he'd LEARNED from her! a while back, he despised Ororo for her impartial judgements and for protecting Morgan, now he seemed to respect her. changes indeed.>>

<< Morgan's facial expression softened as Haleigh spoke>>

it's not that i dont want you here....not at all. how can i deny you a second chance when I and at least two other people in this room have similar stories? but as haleigh just said....

<<the monitors flickered on. flashing , hard hitting images of Malice torturing Haleigh, her revealing Cameron's death and then...as if she needed reminding of it the moments of HER OWN death...that SCREAM. morgan closed her eyes and looked down as Karen asked "what was that." >>

<< Morgan looked around as Haleigh asked KAREN what she saw?>>

you didnt see...you didnt HEAR that? the monitors....they...

<< she was interrupted as Haleigh drops her glass and yet ANOTHER scene of sorts played out but this one was longer, more detailed and it became clear that these werent random images with no meaning...these were MEMORIES of HALEIGH'S...the names alone were an indicator of that!>>



patrick...the super soldier...

<< Morgan said softly. this was the man who had come to be one of the most terrifying monsters the six had ever faced...again and again. but here he was...as a young man with his humanity. Morgan couldnt believe it! memories of haleighs. memories that she obviously would have kept secret.>>


<< the scene is so beautifull, Morgan almost feels like she's watching a children's story unfold...but as the families were leaving together...a woman in white appears.>>

malice!!

<< this woman had blighted the lives of EVERYONE in the conference room, save Persephone. Malice. the white queen. she was the crown jewel of MysTech and had begun her campaign of terror in the lives of the six and their families as children and here was the moment where she had arrived...>

curse her..

<< Morgan says softly ...as the tragic scene unfolds. Morgan's sunglasses allow her to look stoic in the face of tragedy but her mind churns with disdain and bitterness.>>


<< the images fade, leaving Morgan standing and at a loss for words.>>

...Haleigh...that was YOU in those images? those are your memories. arent they?

<< Morgan moves over to Haleigh.>>

are you okay??

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron was calmed by the fact that for the first time ever in their lives' they were having a civil conversation with each other, something that was a BIG first for both of them. They were understanding each other, but in the middle of Morgan's speech, they were interrupted by the monitors in the conference flashing on as moments of Malice torturing Haleigh, Cameron's death was revealed, and then the moments of Morgan's death. ::

:: Haleigh seemed to be the most confused out of everyone as Haleigh dropped her glass of water and more images were flashing on the screen, which Cameron discerned to be memories of Haleigh's. The people everything. It seemed so serene, Haleigh was an absolutely ADORABLE little girl and to see Patrick aka Super Soldier was rather odd. He was one of the biggest menacers of the Six and there he was... human and innocent. It is amazing what humanity can do to a person. ::

:: The accident unfolded as Cameron instinctively recognized Malice. She went that far back with the Six? It was ridiculous and more than ever Cameron wished HE could have been there to see her demise. He couldn't believe that it was HER that caused the accident. Haleigh was just a little girl! This was ridiculous and heart breaking. The images faded and they were left alone. Cameron wanted to hold Haleigh but she didn't seem to know what had gone on. ::

"Haleigh...do you know what just happened? What happened thirty seconds ago? Do you remember?"

:: He stands closer to her and puts his hand on hers ::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< at this moment, Karen decided to speak. Cameron needed to understand that he wasnt being rejected, nor would be be turned out into the world alone with no source of support or family....still a bit unsure of what just happened with the monitors and now seeing that she wasnt the only one who saw it...she paused for a moment before speaking.>>

Cameron, Morgan and Haleigh are the only ORIGINAL members of the six left. that should tell you just how much has changed in this group ALONE. Of course they wont reject you or abandon you. you're not the enemy and after all youve been through, how could they do such a thing?

but there IS a period of adjustment that MUST be allowed. You cant expect things to happen in any time table....just rest on the fact that now that you're here, you'll get the help and support you need as you begin your life again. PERSONAL relationships may take time to reestablish but that's how it is...for ALL of us.

<< sound advice from Karen...as a doctor and as a mother. but as Morgan and Haleigh both attempted to level with Cameron...it happened again. the monitors flashing and flickering as once more, images played. this time steady and ordered, like a video clip. a little girl, so young and filled with bright innocence, a young boy..brave and vital. two sets of loving parents who watched over them. This was HALEIGH'S family and friends...the scene was very serene...reminding her of the days when she, christopher and little morgan were a happy family together.>>

<< her experience as a doctor told her that these had to be memories and long hidden repressed ones at that for no one on the team really had any insight into her background and even Karen herself couldnt have seen this with the spell she had cast on Haleigh a while back as she didnt try to go that far back. but all too soon, the scene changed from one of happiness to one of TRAGEDY...with the brief image of a woman in white...>>

<< Karen's eyes narrowed...>>

MALICE!

<< She recognized that woman immediately as the bitterness in her own heart flashed. Malice was the one who stole Christopher and broke up HER family as well. and as the scene ended so tragically with the death of Haleigh's father...Karen's eyes fixed on Haleigh. her memory now on full display for EVERYONE. this was not the kind of dynamic Karen would have chosen for a moment like this.>>

<< as Ava and Morgan went to Haleigh, Karen spoke.>>

Perhaps the sudden shock of Cameron's returning has upset her so much that her own mental defenses are down. sometimes, trauma and extreme confrontation can bring BACK long repressed memories.

<< Karen realized that Haleigh might not understand why she was saying this...if she didnt see the first images, she probably hadnt seen these either..and she anticipated a rather disoriented response.>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Seeing Cameron place his hand on Haleigh, Ava instinctively grabbed his hand, bending it painfully backward. She could tell Haleigh was aggrivated with Cameron, not to mention Morgan as well. From what she read about Cameron King, his ego seemed to enter a room twenty minutes before he did. And with Ava's past history with arrogant men, this boy was already rubbing her the wrong way. ::

"Back off, little man."

:: Any more pressure and Cameron's wrist would completely snap in half. The tension of it being bent backwards in a way wrists shouldn't bend was already painful enough to send a message that Persephone wasn't playing around. ::

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron felt the pain of Ava's touch as she bent his wrist backwards, instinctively protective of Haleigh. He could discern with his telepathic abilities that this woman was Haleigh's sister but had not always been and that she used to be a goddess. He sighed to himself and thought ::

"Note to self, do not mess with this woman.."

:: He tried to relax his wrist as he looked up at Ava and gave a less than enthusiastic half smile. ::

"Point taken, Ava..."

[Jessica Hamby]

"Well, yes.. I'm feeling a little dizzy, now that you mention it. Maybe I should sit down."

Haleigh responded, as Ava handed her water in a plastic bottle. She looked around at everyone.... they were acting rather odd. Cameron put his hand on hers and questioned her gently. Confused and slightly insulted, she pulled her hand out from under his.

"Of COURSE I remember, Cameron. I'm not suffering from ALZHEIMERS... I just have a migraine. Honestly..."

She assured absently... but her mind seemed to be on other things, as she thought about what SHE'D just seen... a painful memory she'd long since put away.... she didn't even realize that Ava had taken hold of Cameron... and she STILL didn't seem to be aware that the WHOLE team had been subjected to the same thing she had, through her connection with technology. Zach slowly pulled his eyes from the screens [which were now black except for the warning in white letters: 'No Video Feed Detected'] and looked at Haleigh with a very sad expression. Haleigh briefly made eye contact, confused at his reaction, before Morgan came closer.

...Haleigh...that was YOU in those images? those are your memories. arent they? are you okay??

Even Morgan's demeanor had changed, become more gentle.... Haleigh looked genuinely disoriented at the treatment, but before she could ask what the hell Morgan was talking about... before she could brush it off, Karen spoke:

Perhaps the sudden shock of Cameron's returning has upset her so much that her own mental defenses are down. sometimes, trauma and extreme confrontation can bring BACK long repressed memories.

It began to dawn on Haleigh.... as it all came together... the monitors being on but now blank.... and everyone's sudden concern about her.

"You.... you all saw that? [disjointedly] It was nothing.... just.... a movie i saw the other night.... I...." She pauses, realizing from their faces that they were NOT buying it.... she sighs heavily, reluctantly telling them the truth. "That.... was the day my father died.... my mother and I survived with MINIMAL superficial injuries.... but obviously... our lives would never be the same. I haven't thought about THAT in YEARS.... I don't know WHY it suddenly popped into my head.... but it was BROADCAST for all of you.... thats... I don't know.... never happened before. Maybe.... maybe I've got some kind of computer virus? My.... this is embarrassing."

She admited, as she tried to grapple with the situation.

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah followed the others to the conference room. Her eyes darted around - watchful, suspicious. Everyone was taking this all too well, if you asked her. She took a seat at the table, in good view of Cameron. She reached down, and pulled her gun from its ankle holster. She leveled it under the table at Cameron, and clicked off the safety. ]

"Not to minimize Haleigh's pain here, but can we go back to Cameron being alive for a second? How do we know he's really Cameron? You all are being very accepting all of a sudden. First this guy who's supposed to be dead shows up, and now we're all seeing Haleigh's memories in technicolor? Seems mightly suspicious to me...how do we know that blood's not the only thing he has in common with Erika?"

[Jacob Black]

:: As Cameron looked towards Haleigh as she couldn't hide behind her movie story, she revealed that the memory was of the day her Father died, and instantly and naturally people were pointing things towards Cameron. It would make sense, the only thing was is that Cameron KNEW he wasn't doing anything wrong. He heard Delilah make her case and as he scanned her mind he knew about the gun. She was a firecracker, Delilah was, and bright too. He countered back to her. ::

"First, I am SURE that Haleigh can vouch that I am really who I am say I am. Secondly, I do not need to be shot, so unless that gun is for Zach over there, I don't know WHY you have it out. Something is obviously going on with Haleigh. It could be the Techno Organic Virus, maybe something about it is changing or making her go wonky? It's possible right? Because what I can tell is that something is overriding her.. software so to speak..."

:: He shot a glance to Morgan and then to Nicholas as he looked down at his clothes, perhaps he did need something a little different if this night were to escalate to anything else. Cameron asked Nicholas for help in that department. ::

"Meanwhile, I am not going to be help to anyone dressed like I am the second coming of Christ. Nicholas, is that offer still open for something a little more suitable?"

:: Cameron was hoping to get off on the right foot with these people. Ava was physically aggressive, Delilah was weary and Nicholas seemed to be the only one who hadn't done anything to show he was weary of Cameron. Right now it was all that he had. ::

[Rampage]

Nicolas sat quietly as the other spoke, allowing the team to work out what was going on. As they spoke, he scanned Cameron's mind. He could no longer attack it, but he could take a look around. NO doubt Cameron would notice eventually, so he made it quick, looking for what he needed to know.

As the meeting moved on, it began to descend into chaos. Haleigh began to broadcast memories into the monitor screens. The first was the death of Morgan via the Siege Perilous. The next was a scene of the death of Haleigh's own father at the hands of MALICE.

The scene had a strong effect on everyone whose lives had been touched by that woman. It was sad to realize that she had started destroying lives so long ago. As Haleigh reacted to the scenes, she dropped her water glass. Ava moved quickly to comfort her sister and to provide a warning to Cameron while Delilah proceeded to level a gun at him under the table. This was not good, and it had the potential to get worse.

Cameron then made the mistake of almost suggesting that Delilah's gun was for Zach. His lack of respect for Haleigh's partner prompted Nicolas to act.

The glass on the floor gathered itself and deposited in the wastebasket. As that occurred, Nicolas looked at Delilah. She was taking no chances, but the weapon needlessly upped the ante. He spoke to her first.

Delilah, please holster your weapon. If Haleigh is projecting her powers unheeded, the chance that she could make that go off is too high for it to be waved around. I am certain that we can ALL behave ourselves, isn't that right Cameron? <<looks at Cameron>>

Now I believe he is the real article. His allowing my quick scan confirms that he know far too much to be otherwise. But for right now Cameron, there are lots of bad converging situations here, so I am going to ask that you keep your distance for a moment and refrain from your disrespect of Zach. Ava, if you don't mind...

Cameron's chair slides back about three feet, away from everyone.

Now let's take a breath and avoid something we will truly regret. First, <<dials a number on his phone>> Hello Mike? Look, pick up a set of clothes, men's medium build pronto. Call me downstairs when you get it. ETA. !0 minutes, Cool. <<looks back at Cameron>> You will have clothing VERY shortly that should fit until we can do better.

Nicolas looks at Haleigh's agitated face before turning to Morgan...

The bigger question for me at the moment is how do we check Haleigh to make sure she is OK?

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah switched the gun to her left hand and moved it above the table top - still trained on Cameron - then switched it back to her strong hand. She smirked as Cameron told her he didn't need to be shot. What the hell would he say if he did? ]

"I'll decide if you're a danger to these people myself, thank you very much. And I like my gun where it is, if you don't mind."

[ Nicolas asked her to put her gun up, for safety reasons. She looked at Cameron intently for a few seconds as she thought it over, then bent her arm at the elbow pointing the gun to the ceiling. She clicked on the safety and returned it to its holster. She looked at Nicolas. ]

"No matter - not like I need a gun to take care of this one if I have to."

[ Her eyes flicked back to Cameron. This was all too convenient to be a coincidence. Even if Cameron was who he said - that didn't mean he was here for benificent purposes. Erika had taken them by surprise and needed to be put down - she wouldn't let them make the same mistake twice just because he was a familiar face. ]

[Jessica Hamby]

Zach glared at Cameron as he suggested that Delilah turn her gun on HIM. He narrowed his eyes... there wouldn't be much longer he would let Cameron play his little game... the only reason he didnt challenge him NOW was because he didn't want to further distress Haleigh... she was already frustrated and vexed enough. Instead, he opted for a more sly retaliation... he did the one thing he could TELL Cameron wanted to do desperately: He gathered Haleigh in his arms gently, pulling her close as he smirked at Cameron over her shoulder.

Zach:"It's okay baby.... I'm sure we'll figure this out... it's probably nothing. Like Dr. Victoria suggested.... the stress."

He offered, and she nodded absently. Nicolas and Delilah further speculated on Cameron's adverse timing and what might be wrong with Haleigh, as Zach and Haleigh pulled apart. Haleigh crinkled her brow... shaking her head.

"Please.... PLEASE stop talking about me like I've LEFT the room. I am RIGHT here. Now.... I don't know if it IS just stress, or what... but we can run a few diagnostic tests to check for viruses and malfunctions. If theres SOMETHING WRONG, we'll FIX it. If it's simply that I need to RELAX.... then I'll have to find a way to do that... but JUST for sanity's sake, can we STOP jumping on each other?? Delilah, this IS Cameron King. His DNA matches, and I'm not getting any weird readings on him.... and if you aren't comfortable trusting my powers right now, I understand.... but you CAN be comfortable in that ORORO herself came from Limbo and SUSPENDED TIME to reintroduce him... and that must have been VERY difficult for her. I know that you're just being careful, but please.... don't hold Erika's actions against Cameron. He had no control over her... and he paid the ultimate price for it."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< shooting an icy glare of disapproval at Cameron, the doctor was NOT impressed with his casual violation of Delilah's thoughts. Delilah was also like a daughter to Karen. She and Alison were the sisters Morgan never had and through the years, both Delilah and Alison had come to form bonds of their own with Karen. Cameron's disdain for Zach was WELL noted but his whole "sweeping in and expecting them to adapt" was very short sighted of him.>>

I see one thing about you hasnt changed with dying, near death or time in limbo

<< karen said in an icy tone>>

you still seem to think that peering into people's mind...especially the ones you called TEAM MATES or FRIENDS...WITHOUT their premission is okay.

<< she continued.>>

I have NEVER cared for you due to your mistreatment of my daughter. It was YOUR fault that she was driven over the edge and murdered her own half sister Blaze and whether or not you've apologize is of NO importance to me. You can't say "sorry" for the kind of damage YOU'VE caused and expect that it will rectify anything.

You have a VERY maladaptive, PARASITIC personality and you can FEIGN enlightenment all you wish....But i've dealt with men like you in my office time and again and they are VERY good at wearing masks.

Here's a lesson in common sense for you. When you've been returned, seemingly from the dead to your team mates and would be friends...and they are having an adjustment reaction, don't take it upon yourself to reach into their minds and violate their privacy. that's something most telepaths don't seem to understand. but I'm going to tell you what i told you last time. Not only is Morgan my daughter...but Alison and Delilah are as well. Stay OUT of Delilah's mind unless she gives you permission!

<< her reprimand was sharp and the tone of her voice was slicing. the doctor had showed this side of herself to Haleigh and Blaze before as well.>>

<< as Delilah trained her gun on Cameron inspite of his efforts to assure her, Nicolas did what he could to keep things calm while Haleigh seemed to be suffering from more than mere stress.>>

I can help with the diagnostic of Haleigh. between my spells and my field experience in mental health....

<< the last time they met, Karen subjected Haleigh to the most INTENSE form of psycho therapy. many people were left PHYSICALLY sick after going through something that and while Haleigh was stronger and more durable than an average human, she too had been affected by that encounter with Karen but she had taken that and LEARNED and used it to move forward.>>

i think the best thing to do is to take her away from this room for now. she needs to be in a calm, quiet place with a cool temperature and low lighting.

<< standing up, she looked at Zach.>>

If you wouldnt mind taking us to one of the office lounges on another floor, Ava, please come with me as well.

[Jill Monroe]

<< even MORGAN turned her head sharply as Cameron attempted to "out" Delilah's intentions with her gun. how dare he!>>

Cameron, you're OUT of order!

<< Karen spoke up as well. Nicolas kept the peace and Delilah put her gun away. this situation was tense enough. Cameron wasnt helping and Haleigh was having more than an obvious "adjustment reaction", something else was amiss.>>

I think we're all going to need a break. This could become too much.

Cameron, You're going to have to go to the Parthenon. You're in here continuously provoking the man Haleigh loves and you're showing a lack of respect. You may have been a founding memeber of this team but you walked out on US when we could have used your help. you didnt tell ANYONE where you were going and we had no way of knowing that Malice and Erika had captured you. You brought ALL of this on yourself and you can't expect us to just do an about face now that your back.

Ororo's wisdom is sound and constant and i trust her. But I know her FAR BETTER than you and ever since the fiasco with Erika, Ororo has made it a point to keep her distance...and there is a REASON for that. Despite all that she's become since she first came to limbo...even before i was old enough to manifest my powers..she's still at her core a human and a mutant. She feels she made a TERRIBLE mistake in helping Erika in the first place and that by helping her, SHE contributed to the menace that Erika became.

She returned you to earth because this is where you belong and even I can guess that she expects that you find a way to make a new life here and proove that she didnt make a BIG MISTAKE by bringing you back.

Things have changed around here and as we have had to cope and adapt..YOU'RE going to have to do the same thing as well. BOTTOM LINE.

<< Looking at Nicolas>>

please take him to the parthenon and ensure he has whatever accomodations he needs. clothing whatever. Right now though, he needs to be out of here before things escalate.


<< her mother was prepared to help Haleigh with a diagnostic.>>

Haleigh, it's probably just your body reacting to your mind....and by you having the techno organic virus, its causing the more passive aspects of your power set to cause things like what we saw on the monitors. we ALL need a chance to breathe and process things.

we'll take a couple of hours and go from there.

[Rampage]

Even with Nicolas trying to separate everyone, it was too much. Finally, it was apparent that Cameron needed to be separated from the group until they could get used to what had occurred. After Morgan spoke to him, Nicolas phone beeped.

Okay Cameron, that is your clothes.

Nicolas closed his eyes a second and teleported the clothing onto the table in front of Cameron. It was basic but not bad: a pair of expensive slacks with a matching collared shirt, even underwear (located UNDER the folded clothes for modesty), socks and shoes, all of high quality.

Now, if you could just dress yourself in the adjacent bathroom, I will make sure you are set up properly. Anything your require. let me know, but we will have to keep you under wraps until we get things together. There are certainly LEGAL ramifications to your return that we do not need right now.


Nicolas motioned for Cameron to exit, waiting for him to do so.

[Jacob Black]

:: Things were really starting to piss Cameron off. He hated the fact that everyone was talking about how he was just making all these things worse. It is perfectly okay for Delilah to pull a GUN out and cock it towards Cameron ready to kill, but NOT okay for Cameron to quickly scan her mind to see that? Not to MENTION what was going on with Zach? Puhlease, they could all say what they want, and Karen Victoria could sit on her high horse because whenever Morgan or Alison didn't like somebody they showed it and everyone was supposed to deal with it. ::

:: Karen still was ignorant to the fact that at the end of the day, Cameron did not make the decision nor FORCE Morgan to cut ANYONE's head off, and to be blamed for her going off the deep end was simply fool's luck. Morgan had been a ticking time bomb and it really wouldn't have mattered if CAMERON said something or if it had been anyone else. Cameron knew that Karen and himself would never be close or friends. He could extract information from minds as simple as that where as she was educated and had dedicated her life to extracting that information without the use of any super ability whatsoever, and for him to enter someone's mind, he could see how Karen would get upset, but it was something that Karen didn't understand, it was like second nature. It's not like he just sat there scanning everyone's brains all the time, around the clock. Telepaths were masters also at body language being able to read that is a good indicator of someone who has something to hide or someone who is not what they seem. ::

:: He listened as everyone told him you have to adapt, you have to adapt and change, not once anyone REALLY saying, yes Cameron we will adapt to YOU to, and try not to treat you like someone we utterly despise. Not to MENTION he was getting sick of the fact of everyone bringing Erika up to him. Did they not realize how much that HURT him? She had TORTURED him, she had violated him and hurt him in ways he didn't think humanly possible from a woman who he LOVED and trusted. The sad fact was that NOBODY had any clue what Erika would do and as far as Cameron was concerned, they could kiss his ASS when it came to everyone "kind of" in a roundabout way blaming Cameron for Erika KILLING HIM and menacing the Six. It wasn't his fault. ::

:: Cameron nodded at Nicholas and took the clothes to go change in the adjacent bathroom. ::

"Thank you Nicholas, this will more than fine."

:: He changed into the clothes which he was actually pretty impressed with. They were nice, as he returned, he went back to Rampage and stood by his side. ::

"I can create a mental illusion, just slight altering my appearance to others, that way I am unrecognizable as Cameron King and none of the rest of you are endangered? Can we go now, I didn't realize how HUNGRY all this had made me."

:: He was SO Angry, but he didn't let it out. That was the change, as much as he wanted to shout out loud what he had been thinking this whole time, he didn't. He kept it in, he reflected on it, and he threw it out. He turned back to the rest of the group. ::

"Delilah... sorry, I was out of order..."

:: This one hurt him the most. ::

"Zach... I owe you an apology as well. Seriously, I am very sorry. I mean no disrespect, I am sorry if I let myself get like this, I really didn't want it to be this way. I know that everyone is spooked out but, if it IS worth anything, it's been DAMN good to see all of you. DAMN good. I never thought I could miss a group of people this much. But, Morgan is right, I am not making anything better, and everyone needs a little time to cool off. Goodnight, everyone it was nice meeting all of you, and Ava, you've got a nice grip."

:: He started to make his way out of the conference room, waiting for Nicholas to take him to the Parthenon and to a nice room, a comfy bed and room service. ::

[Rampage]

Nicolas listened as Cameron thanked him for the clothes and left to change. He returned and waited to leave, offering to create an illusion that would alter his appearance in public. Nicolas shook his head.

That may be fine for a short trip to a clothing store, but we must be careful. That illusion will NOT affect mechanical means to capture images, such as cameras and digital video. I can disable cameras in a store, but out and about walking, that is another matter entirely. Be certain that I will make sure you will not be holed up long. You do not deserve to go from dead to imprisoned, no matter the adjustment. Let's go, Cameron.

Nicolas placed a hand on his shoulder as he prepared to lead him to the elevator to go down to the waiting car... as they walked out, a pen began to write a note on a pad. The note tore and slid in front of Morgan. It read:

Call me when you get a chance later on. Hug your mom for me. I have a gift for her for Mother's Day that is being delivered to my apartment. If I am still out later with Cameron, please give it to her with my compliments. BE CAREFUL. It is fragile.

Sure enough, Nicolas' gift for Karen was en route, a "Motherhood" ring that contained the precious birthstones for Haleigh, Morgan, Nicolas, Delilah and Alison with a matching bracelet and necklace all in platinum settings. The courier placed it at the foot of his door...

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Delilah had every right to be on gaurd with Cameron King slinking around, mind probing everyone. Ava rolled her as at his lack of tact. He may have been one of the founding members of the six, but as far as she was concerned, he was expendable. ::

:: Both Karen and Morgan gave him a verbal lashing, while Ava herself placed her hand on Haleigh's tense shoulders to try and ease her. Haleigh wasn't the type of person that enjoyed being coddled or fussed over. But the fact remained that Cameron King was back, and the moment he arrived, Haleigh fell victim to very weird physical and power related changes. Karen suggested relocating Haleigh to a different room, and for Ava to occompany her. She nodded. ::

"Of course, Ms. Victoria."

:: But before they left, Cameron had a few last words before leaving as well. Typical peace offerings and appologies. Any two faced tub of slim knew how to work that play. Looking to him as he complimented her grip, Ava gave him a stealy stare, before walking with Haleigh to another door, that lead them to a different conference room. ::

"I don't have to be Alison to know that my foots going to meet his face in the not so distant future."

:: Ava mumbled as she left the room with Haleigh. ::

[Jessica Hamby]

Karen stepped in and gave Cameron a little 'friendly' advice... as she was known to do in times that the Six experienced conflict among themselves. as the group rebuked Cameron for invading Delilah's mind, Haleigh noticably stayed silent. There were times when she would stand in and defend him... and times when he had to stand for himself. This was one of those latter times.... primarily because Haleigh herself didn't like the idea of her thoughts being invaded.... SOME things were better kept to one's self. Zach glared at Cameron as he apologized.... he seemed to almost see THROUGH Cameron... and for whatever reason, he didn't take what Cam said at face value. Haleigh didn't look at Cameron as he apologized.... she felt strangely guilty that it seemed his return caused her to lose control over her memories, and to some extent, her powers. As he turned to leave, she called after him.

"Cameron? [looking up as he turns back] I AM happy you're back."

She said, with a weak smile. Zach nods as Karen requests that he take them to a lounge on another floor. Ava is coming along too, at the doctor's request. Zach reaches a hand out to Karen, but Haleigh declines taking his arm, as she insists she is well enough to follow along herself. He smiles and shrugs, and disappears as soon as Karen takes his hand. Haleigh nods softly as Morgan reassures her.

"Yes... I'm sure it's nothing... just a little glitch.... it'll probably never happen again."

She says, though she doesn't sound so sure. Little does she [or the others] know.... it WILL happen again.... and with more severe side effects than dizziness and headaches. More to prove to HERSELF than anything else, Haleigh activates her MD chip and to her relief, turns up in the same room as Zach and Dr. Victoria, as she had intended. This room, like the rest of this floor, was reserved for the upper echelon of Illustra employees. Alycia's office was located on this floor as well, though it was now empty. The lounge was quite well furnished, with all the ammenities expected of an executive lounge.

"See... I told you I could do it. I feel better now... the lightheadedness is gone... and my headache is kind of diminished.... hmm... maybe it was some kind of natural magnetic flare.... it could have just triggered what happened... and now I'm fine. It would explain the side effects...."

She reasoned, sounding hopeful as she sat down in a chair. Zach nodded to Persephone as she made a remark about Cameron. Haleigh shot her a disapproving look, but Zach was mildly amused.... and he agreed.

Zach: "So, Ava.... you weren't buying what he was selling either? I think Cameron said those things because he felt that was what we wanted to hear.... there were a lot of 'sorries' he threw at us.... but little true remorse.... no.... what Cameron felt MOST of all... was anger. I imagine he expected to be welcomed home with open arms.... shame things aren't so simple."

Whatever had happened to Haleigh a few minutes ago, she seemed to have full control on her powers now. the temperature in this room cooled to a chilly 60 degrees, and the large flatpanel screen in this room came on with a computer interface screen. She looked up at it, going through menus until she found a diagnostic test that had been created specifically in case something like this happened. She unbuttoned her shirt and pulled it off, to reveal the top half of her battle dress uniform. Unlike some of her teammates, this was not made of leather... it seemed to be made of something akin to 'under armor' apparel, and it fit her toned and feminine form like a second skin. Zach seemed slightly intrigued.

Zach: "You wear this under your clothes now?"

Haleigh nodded, smirking slightly. "With our luck, you never know when you'll need it... and it sure saves time not having to change. Seems Superman had the right idea, yeah?"

Zach:"Yeah... but how do we get it off so we can put some medical sensors on you?"

"Oh... we don't need to. This suit is taking all my vitals and other readings.... we just need to hook it up to transmit."

She said, opening a metal case that had the supplies she would need in protective foam. A few small metal discs floated out of the case, one attaching to her temple, the others to various spots on her suit. The screen on the wall began coming to life with streams of data... and Haleigh turned on a "Virus Scan" feature.

"Okay... lets see what we can pick up this way.... [looking up at Karen] Doctor.... what did YOU have in mind?"

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Zach took her to the 99th floor, she immediately recognized the area as this was where Alycia's satellite office once was. the office was now empty but the lounge was still well equipped. Karen took a moment to remove her jacket as Zach and Haleigh made various preparations for Haleigh's "systems" diagnostic. Ava expressed her growing dislike for Cameron.>>

Unfortunately, that young man never understood the value of FIRST impressions. Often speaking or acting first...asking questions later. Although I must admit...he seems far more emotional than he ever was before. He didnt go out of his way to provoke or upset Morgan which USED to be a staple of his daily routine.

<< her tone dripped with disdain. she didnt take kindly to anyone hurting or trying to hurt her daughter and for Ava it was clear there was bad blood between the doctor and cameron.>>

I personally don't want him anywhere NEAR Morgan. I don't want to see ANOTHER Inferno.

<< sighing as she pulled a chair over near to Haleigh.>>

But Morgan is a grown woman, I can't hover over her and protect her ...OVER protect her i suppose. She's capable of making descisions as to whom she feels she can or can't deal with.

.....

<< she looked like she'd just been reminded of something.>>

I hope Morgan has remembered to contact Alycia. Nicolas was right, there ARE substantial legal implications involved with Cameron's return and Alycia is yours...OUR strongest defense and buffer when it comes to that.

<< looking at Haleigh as she began her self diagnostic.>>

i think the first step is for you to take a moment to decompress. in this room where you can now enjoy confidentiality, tell me how you REALLY feel about all of this. I asked Ava to be here because she IS your sister and she is willing to help you through this however she can but If Zach and Ava need to leave while you speak to me...they can.

but before i do anything on a deeper level, i'd like to make sure you're allowing yourself to FEEL what's going on instead of compressing and internalizing it. This is a BIG CHANGE for you...ALL of you but the two that would be MOST effected by this are Morgan and Haleigh, the only original members of the Six left.

I think it's CLEAR where Morgan stands. She feels that he walked out on the team after Ororo returned you all to Earth following the NERVOUS caper. He doesnt seem to realize that abandonment is a valid feeling to have.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Arriving on the 99th floor, Ava followed everyone into the private conference room and took a seat. If Cameron King was this much trouble already, Ava would have an Inferno of her own and decapitate the bastard herself. ::

Zach: "So, Ava.... you weren't buying what he was selling either? I think Cameron said those things because he felt that was what we wanted to hear.... there were a lot of 'sorries' he threw at us.... but little true remorse.... no.... what Cameron felt MOST of all... was anger. I imagine he expected to be welcomed home with open arms.... shame things aren't so simple."

:: Shifting her eyes to Zach as he began to talk about Cameron's less than convincing appology, Ava gave him a faint smile. I knew I always liked this guy...she thought with approval. He was smart, savvy, and protective. A perfect choice for Haleigh in the spousal department. Nodding to Zach, agreeing with his statements, Ava didn't sugar coat her dislike for the newly returned member of the six. ::

"I trust him about as far as a mortal can throw him. He's a arrogant little boy who got himself killed twice before because of his rash behaviors and sharp tongue. If he wants to walk the walk, he atleast needs to keep himself alive thereafter, otherwise it's not very convincing."

:: Sitting back in her chair, Karen began to speak to Haleigh about needing to open up. Ava knew Haleigh would most likely want her to leave, so she took the insentive and stood from her chair while excusing herself. ::

"I'll wait outside."

[Oracle]

<< as Dr. Victoria begins an impromptu therapy session with Haleigh..both designed to help the woman to further relax and bring order to her thoughts as WELL as allow her a safe and healthy outlet for how she might truly feel, Haleigh performs a self diagnostic on her systems. A two front effort that would have been effective against most things..but not so in this case for the problem was not in Haleigh's MIND as it were...not even her BODY. it was far deeper, a place where even Haleigh had not begun to access.>>

<< the subroutines in Haleigh's programing were the ultimate secret backdoor, proof that the doctors, Victory and Chandler werent short sighted at all. it was unfortunate though that they were not around to see this "insurance" card being cashed in. it was a master manipulation that would have made Haleigh proud...if the target had been someone ELSE and the "suits" were FAR from finished, for even NOW, they saw as Karen attempted to help Haleigh get a hold of the situation.>>

<< meanwhile, as Nicolas took Cameron to the Parthenon, Cameron would see that Morgan and Alison had made sure the Parthenon was thriving and still VERY popular among fortune 500 business tavelers, high rollers, and celebs on a variety of levels. the hotel was a steady, bustling, humming hub of activity as well as the beacon of luxury, comfort and ambience. Alison oversaw operations at the hotel and so Nicolas was about to encounter unexpected resistance when he attempted to put Cameron up in a VIP suite. With Alison now being GONE and the hotel staff unaware of her currenet status, Without her prior approval, Nicolas would have to pay for the accomodations and while he certainly didnt have a problem affording even the Parthenon's price tag, it was a reminder of how some of the little, routine t hings were now a bit more inconvinient without Alison's presence.>>

<< this would also give the men a chance to aquainte themselves. Nicolas would be able to shed some light on the changes the women of the team had been through and Cameron could provide history of the team and there would be a sort of bridge built between them.>>

<< AND elsewhere, Morgan teleports Delilah and herself from NYC to Capitol hill, having contacted Alycia via their private com channel. Morgan was already on the same wave length that Karen was thinking and soon, Alycia would be rejoining her family in the Six for a most unexpected and tension filled reunion with a man she loathed ...and yet for a brief moment ...found herself entangled in a passionate moment with as well.>>

<< their saturday was taken up and their sunday as well...Karen had not yet had the chance to receive her unexpected mother's day gift from Nicolas...but sometimes, receiving a gift late can proove to be just the diversion the "doctor" ordered.>>

<< and so we watch>>

[Alycia Barnett]

:: at the end of the day of drills, not to mention weeks long paper work to ensuring that the families of the soldiers who fell victim to Circe and her Bestiamorphs were properly compensated by the U.S. government, Alycia was tired.::

:: she hadnt heard anymore from her watchdogs in NYC and assumed that the bird disturbances were not as serious as they might have suspected. still there was the matter of all the electronic activity and wire transfers. nothing more came back on that yet either.::

::sitting in her office, Alycia was slipping into sleep at her desk. She was more tired than she had let on to anyone and it was catching up to her now. so when her hotline rang, she jumped with a start at her circular desk.::

DAMMIT!

:: she said as she ran her fingers through her raven black locks before exhaling and picking up the phone.::

Barnett here.

>>Morgan: Alycia, it's Morgan. I know its late...but I've got to see you. It's URGENT. I have Delilah with me as well. Is there a place we can meet?

:: Alycia looked at her reflection in the mirror as Morgan spoke.::

can WE meet somewhere? what do i look like, BATMAN? she says it so casually, acts as though EVERYONE is a long distance teleporter.

:: pausing for a moment, Alycia felt the fatigue in her mind as well as her body. she'd been pushing herself HARD lately...trying to distract herself from the haunting of the massacre on Aerie. She was on the front lines of battle now like never before, and the scars..as she was now learning and feeling..could be MORE than just physical at times.::

Sure...Morgan. there's a small little diner in town. we can meet there and try not to arrive "via stepping disc" in plain view of everyone. people around here like to think they are super secured given their proximity to all things "federal government".

:: rolling her eyes as she thought about the rampant corruption she had seen..both as a lawyer, an ADA and now as the Special Assistant to the National Security Advisor of the President of the United States & Chair Woman of the Commission on Superhuman Activities [:D] she had a ring side seat to all sorts of corruption and evil. every day that passed, she wondered if it was really worth the title and new level of clout she now had.::

>>Morgan: Many thanks Alycia. We'll see you shortly.

:: as Alycia said her goodbye , she slammed the phone down and groaned.::

let me guess...

:: she spoke aloud , without any audience::

Haleigh, the mechanical misfit from hell, has tapped into some new level of sonic frequency with her powers and SHE'S causing the birds to go wild. Well why doesnt a condor come swooping in and pluck out her EYES?

:: it was an outrageous thing to say of course, but Alycia was more than a little tired and cranky at this point. Still, if Morgan was coming from NYC to see her for urgent business, she owed it to her friend to meet her. After all..they'd covered each other so many times before and after this LAST caper together, there was no reason for their partnership or friendship to end over frayed nerves.::

:: closing down her office, she grabs her purse and a light jacket before walking out, the sound of her high heels echoing down the long dark hallway as she disappeares from the private floor and soon, leaves the pentagon, heading through winding roads as she makes her way into town to meet with Morgan and Delilah.::

[Jill Monroe]

<< one scene gives way to another as Morgan and Delilah appear in a "small town" area in the far more conservative DC area. Still in her outfit that she had pieced together earlier, complete with the white rimmed, oversized, rounded escada sun glasses, Morgan kept her identity concealed with these.>>

<< quitely making their way into the diner and seating themselves, Morgan sat across from Delilah as they waited for alycia.>>

Delilah...for some reason, I'm not AT ALL over joyed that Cameron is back. It's hard for me to have ANY reaction really. I was just starting to get through the WAVE of sadness at losing Alison and now CAMERON is back and my history with him was ALWAYS rocky to say the least.

<< the waitress brought them some coffee and Morgan nodded with acknowledgement.>>

He left the team shortly before i passed through the seige perilous, but in MY mind, based on what i know..he ABANDONNED the team..his SISTER, HALEIGH at a time when they needed him! If he had only told us that he had planned to leave....its not like he didnt have AMPLE opportunity while in Limbo...maybe we couldve KEPT him safe from Erika and Malice. He doesnt seem to GET that! he thinks we...haleigh and I are pushing him away because its the way it always goes in the six and he doesnt seem to understand that things just ARENT the same anymore. I dont know what Ororo showed him..i KNOW she had to have briefed him as much as she could but He just doesnt seem to GET IT.

<< she broods over her coffee.>>

Seeing him now...I dont know what to think really. I dont feel he's a danger or a threat...but i DO feel he doesnt realize the gravity of all this. All i sense is this stubborn resolve to "reassert" himself in the Six. if HE hadnt left...Ororo wouldnt have had to recruit NICOLAS and I wouldnt dream of sending him away now...not after all his done for US..for me.

<< when it came to Cameron...she didnt speak on too much detail. discretion was important in a setting like this....even with their whispered tones.>>

If Alison were here, she'd provide us with clarity of vision. she always had a way of DIRECTING a situation before it got too stuck in any one particular aspect.

Do you think..we should call her about this?

<< Morgan hated the idea of disturbing Alison..even though she desperately wanted a reason to see one of her best friends again. but should they bring this to Alison NOW? Was she already aware of it? at this moment, Morgan felt more than a little uncertain and confused. it was at times like this where she missed Alison's help and input the most but Delilah had a cool, collective mind and her objective, logical conclusions often provided much needed LIGHT to murky and confusing situations as well. She prooved more than once to be the moral conscience Morgan needed at times and Morgan felt comfortable showing ALL sides of herself to her dear friend...like this one of uncertainty.>>

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah found herself transported to DC. Better than a helicopter...

She loved the quiet tree lined streets of Washington. She took a deep breath of the cool air as they walked to the diner. She slid into the booth across from Morgan. She listened as Morgan expressed her feelings about Cameron. Cupping her hands around the mug in front of her, she blew softly on the hot liquid. She pursed her lips and thought a moment before responding. ]

"Calling Alison would just be a crutch for us. No matter how much I miss her and want to talk to her...we can't run to her every time things get hard. It wouldn't be fair to her."

She reached across the table and put her hand gently on Morgan's.

"I know this is rough. And Cameron is certainly not making this any easier. He seems to forget that this is about more than just him. We need to figure out what's going on with Haleigh, first and foremost. Talk to Alycia, set our house in order. THEN we can deal with reintegrating Cameron into the Six. It doesn't have to happen today."

[ She smiled and removed her hand, cradling her coffee mug and taking a sip. It seemed that Cameron needed a lesson on how to be a part of a team. But she was confident that if Ava could do it, so could Cameron. That didn't mean she trusted him, of course. Trust has to be earned, and Cameron still had a while to go in that department. ]

[Jessica Hamby]

"Ugh.... yes, thats JUST what i need right now.... THAT trifling, two-bit twit to step down from her throne... bringing her title ALL THE WAY from D.C. to grace us mere mortals with her presence. What is she now? Special Assistant something or other... yes... I'm sure she's REAL special friends with EVERYBODY up in the pentagon. Lord knows she can't keep her MOUTH or her LEGS shut..." Haleigh seethed, as the vitals readings on the flat panel escalated with indications of simmering anger.... It seemed unimportant to Haleigh that they WOULD need Alycia's help with Cameron.... and it was clear from her last comment that she was a little bitter still after learning that Alycia and Cameron had more between them than a proper business relationship ought to have. "Christ... [exhaling] I can only IMAGINE her reaction to hearing about my memory broadcast.... [rolling her eyes] I can hear the cries of jubilation already."

Karen pulled up a chair, appealing Haleigh to avoid internalizing her emotions... and talked a little to get Haleigh to open up. Persephone excused herself to allow Haleigh a little privacy, proof that she knew her sister well, and Zach gracefully offered to keep Ava company, allowing Haleigh to avoid that awkward 'will you leave' question. Haleigh looked at Karen warily.

"This is..... Doctor-patient, right? [pausing until Karen agrees on confidentiality] I feel..... conflicted. [sighs] I don't know what I feel. Morgan's not the only one feeling abandonned. I mean.... why didn't he at LEAST tell me he was leaving town? Yet... I don't know that I have the RIGHT to hold that against him... I mean... JUST TODAY, Zach and I left to check out a venue for our wedding... and we didn't TELL anyone.... Morgan and Nicolas left as well, and who the hell KNOWS where they went? Can we REALLY be angry with Cameron for not telling us he was going to spend time with his sister? I'm SURE he intended to come home that night.... but he didnt... and for MONTHS.... I had people searching the world over for him... and I still couldn't find him in time.... and he died because of it... We had his FUNERAL.... executed his Will! ..... and I MOURNED the loss of him.... we all did. And now that he's back.... what I feel most of all.... is guilt. Did I let him go too quickly? Move on too soon?? I....[stroking her engagement ring with her thumb as she stared at it] let myself love another man.... We had the most awful fight.... Cameron and I. When Ororo showed up at the cathedral and presented him... I think I must have really hurt him... my initial reaction was to pull away from him instinctively.... it sparked a vicious argument... we really raked each other across the coals. WORSE.... even more painful than anything exchanged... I know that I MEANT what I'd said.... and yet... I still care very much about him.... [burying her face in her hands, grumbling].... it's so COMPLICATED."

[Rampage]

Nicolas arrived at the Parthenon with Cameron, waiting until Mike opened the door before stepping forward with the telepath. They entered the lobby and he stepped forward to the counter.

VIP suite, please. Indeterminate timetable. Penthouse.

Nicolas knew that Alison made sure there was extra rooms here for them, just in case. he was surprised when the hostess said:

I'm sorry. There are no penthouse VIP suites available currently. Would you like something else?

I am a personal friend of Ms. Marble's. I am certain she would want-

Unless ms. Marble can confirm your reservation in a special VIP suite, I cannot release one to you sir, I am sorry.

Nicolas sighed. They had neglected in their grief over Alison to assign her duties to others. It seems the loss of their precog had practical as well as emotional repercussions. This was taking longer than he had hoped, even though none of the cameras in the building would record these moments he wanted a lower profile right now. He motioned for Cameron to let him handle this as he spoke again to the hostess.

Very well, is the Presidential Suite available?

It is sir, at a cost of 1800 dollars per day, all inclusive, with a minimum reservation of three days held on an applicable form of payment.

Nicolas looked at the hostess for a moment, then smiled. She was only doing her job, and he admired her professional attitude.

Very well, madam. I am certain this <<places an American Express on the counter>> will suffice. If there are any additional charges related to this suite, charge that card accordingly.

Nicolas took the key from the hostess and walked with Cameron to the elevator...

[Jacob Black]

:: As the two arrived at the Parthenon and tried to get Cameron a room, he was surprised and happy to see how Morgan and Alison had been taking care of the chain. He smiled quietly to himself, knowing he had made the right decision in giving the properties over to Morgan. Nicholas was having trouble, Cameron could have solved the problem, but he decided it best to let others do their part, but he felt awful having to make Nicholas pay for a room at a hotel that Cameron used to OWN, but it made Nicholas seem very endearing, willing to spend 1500 dollars on a person he had no real ties to, a tribute to his character. As the two made their way towards the elevator, Cameron stopped him. ::

"What do you say we stop in at the Lounge for some drinks? I can fill you in on what you were not here for and you can fill me in on what i've missed. If that is not reason enough, you can be sure after a few drinks that you are talking to the genuine Cameron King. The last time I was.. alive, I had a private tab set up for Illustra/King Enteprises. All we have to give is the account number and we are good to go. Even if you don't drink, I could use the company. I guess it's not surprising, being dead for months has made me never want to be alone anywhere. Please, it's the least I can do."

:: Cameron really wanted to get to know this guy, to see how another man had thrived in the Six and also get to know what he had missed, and what exactly had changed. Nicholas seemed like he had a story to tell and he wanted to know that story. ::

[Rampage]

Nicolas paused as Cameron invited him for a drink. He was not affected by alcohol, but he appreciated the isolation this man must be feeling. He decided to share something with Cameron that he was unsure the telepath had picked up on. He thought his response to the young man before he spoke his answer.

I understand more than you know about being you. No one likes having their thoughts heard, but no one seems to understand that sometimes their thoughts cannot be silenced, their intentions are so LOUD. My mental capabilities are no longer as...malleable as yours, but I can read and speak all the same.


Let's find a table and sit back a moment then. something away from the crowd, OK?

Nicolas walked towards one of the quieter corners of the lounge.

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron was impressed. This man obviously had or USED to have the same capabilities as he did, AND his last name was King, maybe these two had a lot more in common than Cameron originally thought and it was good to be around somebody who understood that sometimes the thoughts and intentions of people found CAMERON and not the other way around. They made their way into Lounge as Cameron quickly talked to the bar tender who gave him a quick look and quickly ordered and delivered them a pitcher of beer in the right corner of the lounge which had more spread out tables and chairs. He sat down and poured a glass, drinking the beer like he had never had something so good in his life and smiled. ::

"You have NO idea how good that tasted! But to more serious things. How are you handling all of this? The Six! The quote on quote destiny of the group, the drama, the strife, the WOMEN. It's tough being the only man, eh? Did you want a glass?"

:: This was such a DIFFERENT dynamic. He can't even remember the last time since meeting the Six that he had had a conversation with another man that wasn't business related and it felt GOOD. ::

[Rampage]

Nicolas took a glass for himself as he listened to Cameron. He smiled as he listened to his questions.

You know how it is, man. They are tough, beautiful , headstrong, and have an incredibly bad track record with men. That means you walk in the door with a target on your crotch for having a penis. It is a situation that I have handled delicately, but one that has had its share of explosions nonetheless.

He leaned forward a bit.

You probably already know this, but as much as they will claim that no one understands how to deal with a strong woman, being a powerful man can breed resentment in this group. The socialization is different, the dynamic is different, and the motivations are more complicated. But I am managing, getting through to SOME of them at least.

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron laughed inside as he heard Nicholas say everything he ever felt about being a man in the Six, in fact he was SPOT on! He tip his second glass of beer to the man and winked as he took a sip, setting his glass down on the counter and looking up, taking a moment to remember his time with the ladies when the Six first began. ::

"You have pretty much summed up the experience perfectly, but it's weird though. You know you shouldn't care, but part of you LIKES it, part of you wants to be MAN enough to hold your own with them, it's part of their charm in a really disturbing way. The more they beat you down, the more you want to build yourself up. I found myself secretly wanting their approval. That if they liked me, I gave hope to the race of man. But you, Morgan seems to like you..."

:: He picked up his beer once more and drank it down. It was so relaxing to talk to another human being and not be arguing about his own death. It was refreshing to actually just BE ALIVE and in the company of the world. ::

"I have.. I have never seen her act like that towards a man before, and I don't have to be a telepath to know that there is something going on between you two. Stop me if I am being too forward, but you two are.. romantically involved?"

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen's eye brows raised a bit as Haleigh reacted so sharply to the mentioning of Alycia. The rift between those two had WIDENED since the last time they'd seen each other apparently. in one way though..it was an ironic credit to Alycia that a human woman with no super human powers could be such a thorn in Haleigh's side. It was also no secret that these two had been rivals from day one in various ways. The fact that Cameron had engaged in a passionate moment with Alycia , which according to Alison, was shocking and very brief, now made Haleigh jealous but Karen was pretty sure that Alycia was hardly pressed about Cameron in that way.>>


Alycia was the executrix of Cameron's estate. whatever happened between them...is not for any of us to comment on really. She did RIGHT by Cameron and executed his will with efficiency and professionalism, even in the face of lunatics like Erika but most importantly, By all accounts...based on everything we knew, Cameron WAS DEAD and therefore Alycia had a duty to perform. Just as she executed MORGAN'S will when she..."died" shortly before Cameron. Just as you and the team had a duty to come together to bury and mourn him. you were all doing the only things you could given the circumstances.

due to her previous involvement, she has a RIGHT to know about this. there are LEGAL implications that come with Cameron's return DUE to the fact that his will was executed and LARGE sums of money were paid on policies because of his death. Alycia, the executrix of that will MUST be informed about this both for her legal protection as well as OURS and you can no more interfere in whatever personal relationship Cameron may have had with HER than CAMERON could interfere in the one YOU have with Zach.



<< as Haleigh asked about "doctor/patient confidentiality", Karen waved her hand dismissively.>>

Now Haleigh, If i am NOTHING ELSE, I am ALWAYS professional when it comes to counseling.

<< she looked at Zach for a moment, the stern expression in her eyes conveyed that HE should keep this moment confidential as well.>>

<< Karen listened as Haleigh spoke, clearly assessing her words as well as her physical display.>>

I feel..... conflicted. [sighs] I don't know what I feel. Morgan's not the only one feeling abandonned. I mean.... why didn't he at LEAST tell me he was leaving town? Yet... I don't know that I have the RIGHT to hold that against him... I mean... JUST TODAY, Zach and I left to check out a venue for our wedding... and we didn't TELL anyone.... Morgan and Nicolas left as well, and who the hell KNOWS where they went? Can we REALLY be angry with Cameron for not telling us he was going to spend time with his sister? I'm SURE he intended to come home that night.... but he didnt... and for MONTHS.... I had people searching the world over for him... and I still couldn't find him in time.... and he died because of it... We had his FUNERAL.... executed his Will! ..... and I MOURNED the loss of him.... we all did. And now that he's back.... what I feel most of all.... is guilt. Did I let him go too quickly? Move on too soon?? I....[stroking her engagement ring with her thumb as she stared at it] let myself love another man.... We had the most awful fight.... Cameron and I. When Ororo showed up at the cathedral and presented him... I think I must have really hurt him... my initial reaction was to pull away from him instinctively.... it sparked a vicious argument... we really raked each other across the coals. WORSE.... even more painful than anything exchanged... I know that I MEANT what I'd said.... and yet... I still care very much about him.... [burying her face in her hands, grumbling].... it's so COMPLICATED."

Abandonment is a legitament feeling to have. No sooner than mere HOURS after you were returned from Limbo following the NERVOUS caper, he disappeared. It would have been a COURTESY to inform you ..and certainly ALISON given the times you were all facing.

Comparing that to today is not the same. You and Zach, along with Morgan and Nicolas were going out...trying to get back to your lives or at least ATTEMPTING to move on a bit after yet another loss. You were WITH someone, as was Morgan and you ALL had sufficient power to defend yourselves or summon reinforcements if necessary.

Remember, that Alison could not find Cameron with HER power either and that was when anyone finally began to suspect that something bad had happened. Erika and Malice had managed to mask him from her long enough to attempt to kill him but clearly Ororo intervened. It's not YOUR fault that Cameron didnt leave any lines of communication and it's not YOUR fault that you didnt know. Even ALISON couldnd discern it. Think how SHE must have struggled...and yet SHE could no blame herself than you should now.




The best way to honor someone's memory IS to LIVE...and keep them close to you in your heart, your mind's eye, your memories. You didnt do anything wrong...you allowed yourself to LIVE and you allowed someone to BE there for you. Zach has done what few others could and for that he deserves to be credited...and YOU have shown personal development in your own willigness to let him love you and care for you as he should...as you DESERVE to be treated.

No one could have guessed that Ororo found and was able to bring Cameron back to health but she chose this time to return him for a reason and i think we all know that she wouldnt have brought him to hurt you or anyone else. Morgan was right..even I can tell the struggle Ororo has had since the Erika fiasco....and that is why she has kept her distance. Still, she brought Cameron to you and kept time suspended while you had your initial adjustment reaction, which leads me to the next thing...

you cant ...NONE of us can choreograph our immediate reactions to extreme moments like this. The Six and those close to the team have experienced things that some people dont believe to exist. Witches, mutants, HYBRIDS? such beings are the stuff that FANTASY is made of for most...so for a group of unbelievable people...there comes a never ending set of UNBELIEVABLE problems, situations and moments but at the CORE of it all...we are still human and we have emotions , mental processes and reactions that are "only human". how adaptive or well adjusted we are depends on a variety of things but its pretty safe to say that even a well adjust person or even someone like ME who is labeled as a "mental health professional" does not always handle things well when confronted with them "IN YOUR FACE.

I remember my own reaction and subsequent mistreatment of Blaze when i discovered who she really was. it wasnt HER fault who her father was...that he was my husband and had abandonned me and his daughter for another woman but there i was, crucifying her for sins of her father. It's an anticipated reaction for many women in situations like that..but in hind sight, I realized that I could have treated her with more kindness and understanding.

Your initial reaction to Cameron's return was just that. the fact that you BOTH reached such cruel climaxes so FAST suggests that there's...MORE than a little unresolved passion and personal issue between you and this is something you MUST address. As adults, as team memembers who will most likely share the same living space, you MUST find a way to resolve what remains open betwen you two.

<< looking at Zach, again with those beautifull, yet stern eyes.>>

I trust that nothing or NO ONE will interfere in that process, as it is going to be KEY to your HEALTHY adjustment and while you share your life with Zach, there are some things that you must address on your own. NOT EVERYTHING though << reminding haleigh not to REVERT BACK to old habits>>

Personal relationships are NEVER easy, if they were...people like ME wouldnt have half the client loads that we have.

<< karen laughed softly to herself. it was a moment of occupational humour that Haleigh might not appreciate, but Karen couldnt help herself.>>

take this time to breathe, finish the diagnostic and ACCEPT your feelings right now. no one is born knowing how to ride the swelling waves of an ocean, you LEARN and part of learning INCLUDES getting WIPED OUT by those waves. Human emotions are the same way....and no one...witch, mutant, or even a HYBRID is immune or exempt to that.

<< she looked at Haleigh with a reassuring smile.>>

I have confidence that you will be able to properly adjust, Haleigh.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan took Delilah's hand in her own, smiling at her best friend and so thankfull that it was SHE that Morgan was able to reveal her migivings in front of without looking like a weak moron.>>

<< Delilah confirmed what Morgan was secretly feeling as well. that running to Alison now or for every time there was uncertainty would not be fair to Alison and it WOULD be a "crutch" reflex. Morgan would not allow herself to go down that road.>>

you're right. once again. you confirmed what i was thinking.

<< putting her other hand over her forehead, she turned her head and noticed some young men watching her from across the room. did they realize who she was, inspite of her sun glasses? it wasnt often that a woman dressed head to toe in versace and escada came into a quaint little place like this.>>


I'm glad you're here....the longer i was in that room with Cameron, with everyone, i felt myself getting increasingly dizzy and almost SICK with the need to GET OUT and get AWAY.

It's OBVIOUS that there's some tension between Haleigh and Cameron. I remember how "well" they took to each other even back when the team first came together. Cameron was such a slut...sleeping with Alexis and courting Haleigh at the same time..i even caught him checking ME out when he thought i wasnt aware.



Seeing Cameron reminded ME just how much the team has CHANGED in its roster!

Shockwave, Tempest, Bane, Prophet and now Guar..Harbinger. we've had quite a few people come and leave and come again but now, Haleigh and I are the ONLY "originals" left.

<< squeezing Delilah's hand.>>

I'm GLAD you accepted my offer to join the team. We needed you...I needed you here and you've been FANTASTIC. We have Nicolas and now Ava finally seems to be getting comfortable in her "skin" as well. She's DEFINATELY stepping up in the role of Haleigh's sister and that, i think, is really going to do Haleigh some good.

She's been used to being the solitary rock for so long...but even a ROCK can be erroded by elements and the passage of time.




<< looking over to the clock.>>

I imagine Alycia will be along shortly. Then we can get out of here and talk about business in a private area. I can only take being in THIS place for so long...

<< Morgan and Delilah had different tastes in many areas, but their friendship was as enduring and strong as ever prooving that differente doesnt always mean BAD.>>


Do you think Nicolas will get along with Cameron? it's been a while since we've had TWO men on the team lol...let alone ONE that lasted any length of time. '

[Rampage]

Nicolas smiled as he thought to himself for a moment. were they an item? He shook his head. NO. Not yet. Morgan had too much baggage to commit to him at this time unfortunately...

So next question loverboy...why are you trying to woo her then?

His mind quickly engaged in an exercise he had performed often. It helped him in business, and he was utilizing it here. This is where he would play his own Devil's Advocate in his mind, argue against his current course, and see what happened.

So you are trying HARD to woo an emotionally unavailable woman who has no faith in men at ALL. Meanwhile, she is not averse to being violent against men yet would find it to be an especial affront if a man were violent against a woman NO MATTER THE PROVOCATION. She has dropped things for you to scurry over and pick them up with a giggle yet proclaimed World War III because you playfully ordered an omelette AFTER she offered breakfast to you in her own home. You have lost face with half the females you have met since joining this team in an attempt to win her affections. And for WHAT? Not for love or devotion or sex or intimacy or even trust, for that matter. She is unsure if she wants to screw you or push you away and will easily project both in the same moment. She scolds you like a child and holds her affections over you like a carrot while you chase after her in a way that is neither dignified nor fair. When has she EVER chased you? Would she? And still you work for her favor...Oh, and she is a ticking time bomb that would kill friend or foe alike, maybe the only woman on this planet capable of killing you, in your case. If she were a stock, you would have lost your shirt by now but at least you would have sense enough to SELL.

Nicolas answered Cameron's question.

NO. We are only friends. There is a flirtation, but that is all. Maybe one day but not today.


Nicolas changed the subject quickly.

Tell me more about yourself. I must know as much as I can about any man that tamed both Haleigh and Alycia, if you are distinctive for no other reason...

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah scoffed at the question of whether Cameron and Nicolas would get along. ]

"I think they both are sufficiently deficient in testosterone to be best of friends..."

[ Anticipating Morgan's chastisement, she answered her more seriously. ]

"I'm sure they'll get along fine. They probably have a lot in common."

[ She took another small sip of her coffee. ]

"As for Ava, I think our trip to Greece - as traumatic as it was - was good for her. I spent the morning hanging out with her and we got along quite well. She seems to be opening up to us, finally. And it's good that Haleigh has her as she's going through this thing with herself, and Cameron..."

[ She set her mug down and looked directly at Morgan. ]

"And for the record, I'm glad I joined the team too. For a long while I didn't feel like I fit in here...but now, I don't know where else I would want to be."

[Alycia Barnett]

:: at the moment, as Delilah reaffirmed her feelings about her team and while Alycia had suddenly become the topic of discussion among the MEN of the Six back in NYC, Alycia HERSELF arrived at the table of Delilah and Morgan. Looking rather incognito with black rimmed, designer sunglasses on and a black trench coat with the belt tied at her waist, Alycia smiled a bit.::

hello ladies. Glad you could make it

::as Morgan and Delilah both greeted her and she slipped into the booth next to Morgan, she quickly ordered a cup of coffee and allowed them a chance to make conversation for appearence sake. but after about 15 minutes, Alycia looked at her watch::

well, its about time for that meeting, we can take my car.

:: waiting out back behind the dinner, a sleek, black limo boosted with covert security features to ensure privacy was prepared to drive Morgan, Delilah and Alycia on a seemingly leisure ride while they discussed and so, after settling the bill, the three women left. Alycia out of one entrance, Morgan and Delilah out of another, and they met around back and soon, off they went in the limo. now sitting in the plush, spacious luxury cab in the back of the limo::

So, now we can finally discuss things. what's up?

:: Alycia said with curiosity, noticing that Morgan too was wearing designer sunglasses.::

[Jill Monroe]

<< riding in the push limo, Morgan smirked at Alycia.>>

well i see your new position doesnt AT ALL encourage you to spare any expense.

<< resting her white versace purse on her lap. it was good to see Alycia again and life with the fed's seemed to agree with the woman who was looking sharp and toned..yet still feminine.>>

It's good to see you again Alycia, but i'm afraid i have news that will bring more headache than joy.

<< as they rolled along, Morgan paused for a moment. she knew that the news by itself wouldnt be a shock for Alycia, who had seen more than most of her colleagues in the pentagon could dream of, but there was other details that WOULD more than shock..they would INFURIATE her.>>

Cameron King, aka Prophet of the Six is ALIVE. He has been returned to us as of yesterday. Ororo herself delivered him to Haleigh and we all encountered him at the six. It IS him..there's no doubt about that but now of course comes the obvious and DIFFICULT time of transition and possible reintegration back into the Six.

You were the executrix of his will and estate Alycia and i know enough about the law to know ther are extreme legal consequences if it is revealed that a person "faked" their death, not to mention the reaction of those who are WATCHING US to try to get ahold of evidence to expose us for who we really are....and this could impact you...if it is believed you participated in fraud. I knew i had to contact you as soon as we found out about this...before something happened that was too hard to explain.

<< exhaling for a moment.>>

there's something else too ...Cameron's journals were found by Alison and it contains some rather shocking entries...alleging that you and he had some..."hot and heavy" moments with each other during the initial construction and notarizing of his will.

<< Morgan knew Alycia would be furious with this. that man was a slime bucket in her eyes and that he would GLOAT about whatever MOMENT they had in the heat of passion, she knew Alycia would be PISSED. She had NEVER mentioned this and the six only found out because of the journals.>>

now OBVIOUSLY we (delilah and morgan) are not concerned about that last part...but i think we...you and I BOTH know that Cameron is probably running his mouth to Rampage about it...as males tend to do and Haleigh is obviously going to be upset about it.

<< Morgan paused..she couldnt help but smirk>>

you know, alycia...you're probably one of the ONLY baseline normal humans that has caused Haleigh this much distress...

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia takes a moment to lean back into the deep leather seating in the limo cab. it WAS a nice ride.::

well, my department deals with all the things the government would disavow to the general government..yet at the same time they are trying to find a way to "compete" with the super human phenomena. typical american politics bullshit but if i'm gonna be involved, i'm going to enjoy whatever level of comfort that i can.

:: Alycia seemed a bit more jaded in this position than when she had first taken it. clearly she'd been going through ALOT and the tone of her voice betrayed a level of exhaustion.::

too bad it doesnt help me to get more than 5 hours of sleep..if THAT.

::as Morgan revealed her news, Alycia remained silent for a moment. the sunglasses helping to promote the seemingly BLANK expression on her face as if to say... "AND?"::

....well it seems that the rules of mortality never apply to the SIX very long...do they?

:: a hint of bitterness..as Alycia still thought of her own father, who died beacuse of MysTech's willfull neglect and while many others she'd known to come and go...HE, a truly good man, remained DEAD. CAMERON was BACK.::



::Alycia's face contorted with agitation.::

it FIGURES...that slippery EEL would find a way to escape even DEATH but not until AFTER he caused this little problem of..what shall we call it...FRAUD!? OTHER people dont have the luxury of being rescued by otherworldly beings...or through OTHER supernatural means...

:: Sitting up as she flailed her hand.::

has he been stupid enough to go out into the open? trying to use his name like it MEANS something again? or maybe he's done what he ALWAYS did to get to the top and used his psi powers to control people like PUPPETS! avaricious DICKHEAD!

:: Alycia spoke with hostility.::

I cant BELIEVE IT!

I can't BELIEVE that macho PIG wrote about me in his journal like i was some sort of PRIZE at the end of a gauntlet!

:: her indignation rose by the second.::

WHERE IS HE!?

:: She had more than a few words for him.::

When I'm done with that nympho numbskull...he'll wish he HADN'T come back from the dead.

:: getting on her cellphone to her personal executive secretary, Alycia barked into the receiver.::

>>i need to go to New York City IMMEDIATELY to attend to urgent business. clear my schedule for the remainder of this week and make SURE that i'm not contacted OR disturbed unless it's by my security advisor or the president himself!

:: slamming the phone shut, Alycia punched in something on a small counsel in the limo's side panel.::

Morgan, Delilah...if you don't mind. I'd like to travel with you back to NYC via stepping disc. once the limo reaches its destination, we can leave then....this means i'm going to have to deal with that robotic rambo, Haleigh TOO...TERRIFIC!

:: of course this meant that she'd be in close proximity with HALEIGH, but Alycia wouldnt stop for this woman...not this time. After the incident with Delilah's father, Alycia had produced a weapon capable of rendering Haleigh inert for a prolonged period of time via a concentrated EMP. she would now be carrying that weapon with her as well as alerting her operatives in NYC of her arrival on a secure channel. Morgan and Delilah could only watch as this woman, who seemed to be buring the candle at BOTH ENDS in this new position was now preparing to "rampage" right into Cameron..and WOE unto anyone who defended him at this point.::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan sat back as Alycia gradually exploded with agitation and irritation. The woman seemed far more disjointed than ever before and Morgan wondered if she was feeling well.>>

<< there something BEHIND her seeming irritation with Cameron's being returned from the "dead". it wasnt the same as with Haleigh...there was BITTERNESS in her remark about the six cheating death..and it hurt Morgan a bit.>>

<< Alycia then railed against Cameron having detailed the "moment of passion" shared between himself and Alycia before his death. She was totally offended and could only IMAGINE who he had ran his mouth to. The woman didnt like to be seen in a way that would detract from her image and it showed. While Morgan wasnt even considering condemning Alycia, she COULD empathize with how the woman felt at this moment. having a secret exposed like this...and she didnt want Alycia to hear about it from anyone else which is why she mentioned it NOW.>>

<< still , the reaction..the way she ranted...it was all pronounced. looking at Delilah as Alycia barked into her cellphone and angrily typed on her counsel, Morgan sighed.>>

well...THAT went well..

<< as Alycia stated she wanted to travel with them via stepping disc, Morgan nodded.>>

of course Alycia. we can arrange accomodations for you at the Parthe....

<< turning to Delilah again...Morgan faltered as she suddenly remembered that CAMERON was there.>>

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh seemed resigned to agree as Karen talked about Alycia.... but it was easy for the doctor to see a lot of tension and frustration between Haleigh and Alycia.

"I KNOW she does.... [have a right to know] that doesn't mean I have to LIKE her involvement. But you know how we get around each other... she acts like I programmed Master Mold MYSELF.... like I'm IN LEAGUE with Mystech.... like I'm one of their projects or some such nonsense. [huffs with annoyance] Whatever.... I don't care.... I told her how I felt already... and she just stood there with that stupid constipated look on her face. If I had KNOWN telling the truth would have so little effect on that scrappy, slandering slattern.... I would've just SAVED MY BREATH and avoided making a certified FOOL of myself."

She said, looking more than a little resentful. Karen had many things to say about Haleigh's admissions.... most were both validating and encouraging, and all were insightful.... Haleigh's spirits seemed lifted by the end.

"So.... in other words.... I'm NOT going crazy? ;)" She said, laughing tensely, as if it WERE something she worried about. Still, the idea that her memories could impose themselves not only on HER, but through her link to technology, on OTHERS as well was unsettling.... and as sad as her last memory of her father was.... there were still more painful things in her past that she would rather not think about... Haleigh flicked her hand towards the door ala prue [;)], opening it.... she caught the sound of Zach's voice....

Zach: "--well really... it's not that I don't TRUST him.... I just don't trust him with HER."

Haleigh elected not to comment.... for all she knew, they might not have even been talking about Cameron [though they WERE].... and it was never wise or polite to jump into a conversation in the middle. Instead, she called for them to come back... as she and Karen weren't saying much that couldn't be shared anymore.

[MorningStar]

well...THAT went well..

[ Delilah opened her eyes wide and gave Morgan a look that shared the sarcasm. She looked out the window of the car. She didn't mention that Alycia getting "whatever level of comfort" she could meant taxpayer dollars down the drain... But having your personal life out there for all to see definitely did suck. ]

of course Alycia. we can arrange accomodations for you at the Parthe....

<< turning to Delilah again...Morgan faltered as she suddenly remembered that CAMERON was there.>>

[ Delilah's head snapped back around to Morgan as she couldn't believe Morgan was about to suggest Alycia stay at the Parthenon. Grasping for a quick recovery Delilah picked up Morgan's sentence. ]

"Uh, um, I'd be happy to have Alycia stay with me in my guest room, I have plenty of room - it would be no trouble at all."

[ She gave Morgan a look that said "that's the best I could come up with" and shrugged. ]

[Jacob Black]

:: It took awhile for Nicholas to come up with the answer and it had him convinced that there was way more levels to that relationship than anyone would ever know. When Nicholas changed the subject, Cameron let him and a smile came across his face when he mention Alycia and Haleigh. Taking another sip of his beer, he continued. ::

"I wouldn't say TAMED any in any sense of the word. Alycia was a moment of.. I have no clue, let's just say when that woman wants something, she WILL get it.. and Haleigh. That is the stuff that defines the word "unrequited". It makes me crazy and now she is getting married to that son of a bitch Zach, which everyone tries to to tell her that she is doing the right thing and that Zach is good for her, but I know she is settling.. I mean, that is all I can really say, i mean it's complicated, but I will tell you, I have it bad for her.."

:: He wanted to say so much more but he figured that is was better left said to Haleigh herself and he couldn't even say how he really felt about Haleigh to Haleigh so how the hell could he tell Nicholas. He was done with beer for the night. ::

"Look, knowing Alycia and DEFINITELY knowing Haleigh, I wouldn't be surprised if they are somehow don't already know what we are talking about, and I would like to keep my skin for the time being. Whaddya say we call it a night? Thanks for the drink."

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: After having a rather nice conversation with Zach outside in the hallway, the conference doors opened and Haleigh called them both back in. Stepping into the room, she closed the door behind her and made her way back to the conference table. Opting to stand this time, she rested her weight on one leg and folded her arms across her chest, awaiting instructions of what was to happen next. ::

[Oracle]

<< the day wears on, past the afternoon and into the evening. what started off as the first attempts of various members of the Six to try to move on a bit after Alison Marble's departure turned into yet ANOTHER reminder that their lives are anything BUT normal and now, the complexity of their lives and how connected they are is about to go deeper.>>

<< even as Cameron bids Nicolas good night, Cameron begins to see how difficult transition is and that returning to earth so fast was not the walk in the park he imagined it to be. Nicolas showed just how he felt about his situation with Morgan prooving that while still a young man, he DID have feelings and that his transition into the Six had been FAR from easy. Morgan and Delilah returned to New York with a fuming Alycia. No matter where Alycia went or what she became, her life would ALWAYS be connected to the six in one way or another. She was unique among humans, standing her ground and holding her own in the midst of super powered beings but in the end, she was ultimately "just human" and as the bitterness in her heart about HER father not getting a second chance while everyone around her seemed to treat death as a stint in rehab more than a finality, SHE would have the chance to express just how she felt about all this and then of course there was Haleigh, who, after an impromptu session with dr. victoria managed to find a calm center...for now at least. Ava and Zach joined the doctor in the conference room as they all prepared to try to get on with their evenings. there was nothing more to do at this point but cool down and wait for the next day.>>

<< Haleigh's world as just BEGINNING to unravel and Cameron's return was the first sign of just how OUT of control she would find herself. no therapy, no self diagnostic..nothing would prevent her from going through what was inevitable...especially if those in the shadows had anything to do with it.>>


the cell

<< deep underground, the suits watch their live feed of Haleigh on the plasma screen...each of them thorough irritated with the meddling of Dr. Victoria.>>

suit 1: Christopher could NEVER control that woman. no wonder Malice was so able to easily seduce him. He was WEAK. She's stronger and more resourcefull than we initially thought. reports indicate that she cast a spell strong enough to destroy the Super Soldier during the Blackout fiasco.

suit 2: with HER around to provide IT with a constant helping hand and buffer, we won't be able to keep it off balanced and disoriented for very long.

suit 3: then we must increase the manipulation. it already begins to display signs of doubt and confusion. the doctor's assistance merely provided a temporary buffer. we can do MORE than merely cause memory feedback, we can also bring about "discomfort" (headaches, spasms and MORE memory feedback of tragedies from the recent past and it's hidden past). The doctor will be hard pressed to keep IT in check for long and if she believes it is a danger to the rest of the team, SHE will do whatever she feels is necessary to CONTAIN IT.

suit 1: << showing approval to this train of thought>> and if the doctor diagnoses it as being a threat to itself and the others...the rest of the team will pull back from it, leaving it PRIMED for the taking by US.

<< the suits all nodded with agreement as they watched Haleigh on the screen.>>

<< bring about more dischord and confusion within her internal systems and cause her to appear more erratic, the PERFECT way to cause the doctor to suspect she's a danger and thereby drive a wedge between HER and the team.>>

suit 1: increase the manipulation of the subroutines to bring about "night terrors" involving her most tragic moments..beginning with MASTER MOLD and the subsequent fall out between herself and Alycia Barnett following the discovery of her link to the cassadines.

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

as night falls

<< Doctor Victoria bids Ava, Zach and Haleigh farewell for the time being, as she leaves to wait for Morgan. They intend to go to dinner together with Nicolas. NICOLAS may have had doubts, but Karen couldnt have been happier to see Morgan and Nicolas find their way together, SHE knew that things like this took time and Nicolas would just have to remain patient and not worry so much.>>

<< Delilah and Alycia were now back at Illustra with Morgan, arriving in the crystaline lobby. Haleigh would register the fact they arrived and thus, another tense moment was about to form. Nicolas was arriving at Illustra at the same time as well. good thing too, as he might be the only one who could keep Alycia and Haleigh apart :D>>

<< and even as THIS begins, so too does a night of extreme discomfort for more than one person in the six.>>

<< the fallout of cameron's return continues to be felt and WE WATCH>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< a crash of thunder heralds the opening of a stepping disc in the center of the crystaline lobby in Illustra. Morgan, Delilah and Alycia emerge and the disc closes.>>

<< as the echo of the thunder fades, Morgan looks around for a moment.>>

the place is still standing, and there's no alarm. my mother must have been able to help haleigh calm down and cameron took his cue to stay at the parthenon for the rest of the evening.

<< looking at delilah and alycia.>>

of course now, we may have ANOTHER catfight brewing.

<< sighing as she finally took off her sun glasses, it looked rather silly to wear them this late in the evening.>>

Alycia, I know you and Haleigh have some deep seated issues with each other...but PLEASE try to take it easy with Haleigh okay? She's going through a major situation right now with Cameron's return..different than the obvious one that both she and i are having. Before Alison left, she told us at the Parthenon that you and Haleigh WOULD resolve your issues in the "near future"...perhaps this is that time but since i'm not a precog...i'm not going to try to pick up where Alison left off on THAT...just please, dont attack Haleigh needlessly. Let's just try to get through this as peacefull as possible.

<< she hated having to say that to Alycia. Alycia was a long time friend of her's, one of her "home girls" and Morgan did not want to take sides in this situation between them. haleigh had done some rank things toward alycia and alycia nearly destroyed haleigh's life on more than one occasion..it was a volitile situation..and Morgan hated to see BOTH of them going through it.>>

<< looking at Delilah.>>

10 to 1 the first thing Haleigh brings up is the revelation about Cameron and Alycia.

<< rolling her icy violet eyes.>>

Why do men ALWAYS have to DOCUMENT these things like it will MATTER in the future? its as though he didnt already get ENOUGH action with Alexis, Haleigh and any OTHER wide eyed bimbo on EITHER coast before he joined the Six?

<< looking at the elevators over to the left, it was clear that Haleigh, Zach, Ava and the doctor must be on their way down to the lobby to meet them. and then, from BEHIND, in the circular drive way around the outside office park, Nicolas's driver, Mike was pulling up to drop HIM off as well.>>

well...stand by for round 2

<< Morgan didnt want to sound so sarcastic, but she couldnt help it. the six were caught in a NEVER ENDING cycle of drama it seemed. there were only BRIEF periods of calm. in her mind though, she secretly looked forward to going to dinner with Nicolas and her mother.>>

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia suddenly found herself in Illustra's main lobby. it was as grand as she remembered. She hadnt been back here since she last left to accept her CURRENT position on capitol hill and now, to be here again..she couldnt help but want to see what became of her space on the 99th floor.::

:: she secretly felt like she was "home again". realizing how much she missed the business and social scene of NYC and how OUT OF TOUCH being on Capitol Hill had made her.::

:: she looked around for a moment herself before turning to face Morgan and Delilah. She had accepted Delilah's invitation to stay with her in her luxry apartment, but the question remained why Morgan faltered when she nearly suggested the Parthenon.::

:: Morgan asked Alycia to please take it easy on Haleigh , to which Alycia immediately exhaled with annoyance and tossed her raven black hair back.::

Oh come on Morgan! You make it sound like I'M the bully. that woman has made a LIFE of bullying and plundering, then covering her tracks. the only time she recoils (like a roach) is when a LIGHT is shined on her to expose her for WHO SHE REALLY IS.

:: Morgan continued and Alycia stopped herself. Delilah would notice that so far this evening, Alycia seemed far more disjointed and agitated than ever before. something was REALLY bothering her and her standing hostility towards Haleigh was not really what was going on at the moment. in Alycia's own mind, what Haleigh had said to her at the Parthenon after the situation with the Pontiff begun to come back to the forefront. Haleigh had been so genuine and HONEST about her feelings on the situation between herself and Alycia and for Alycia, a woman who ALWAYS had something to say, to just STAND THERE with a look of dismay on her face...it was a serious drop of the ball on her part and she knew it then...she knows it now. it is one of the things that allows her to settler herself. ::

I understand how delicate..how difficult this entire situation is. I already feel a bit nauseated to be quite honest with you. This man betrayed my trust and confidance and now he's BACK. I have MUCH to say to him.

:: which was nothing compared to just what she would DO when she saw him :fdevil: ::

I'm not here to fight with Haleigh.

:: shaking her head as she noticed the lights from a limo driving up the circular drive. the last time she saw something like this...was the day when HER limo came for her to take her away to her new life.::

[Rampage]

Nicolas took his leave of Cameron and walked to his car. As he sat in the back, he thought of his inner musings about Morgan. Did he really feel that way? NO. Not really. There were a host of mitigating circumstances that made the whole situation more palatable to him.

Regardless of the problems they have had, Morgan had always been receptive to him overall. On a team where some of the women wouldn't know a good man if he walked past them, Morgan did seem to see the value of him to a degree. It was just the damn distrust that he was finding hard to deal with. But he was hopeful that it would improve eventually. It had better...

As Mike came up the circle to drop him off, he saw her inside. THAT was the reason. The real reason that he put up with what he would from no other woman was because he FELT differently about HER than any other woman. Alycia was desirable and smart and Haleigh had an animal magnetism and a wit he loved, but they weren't HER. Ava and Delilah? He wasn't even sure if they liked men at all, they seemed much better at dissecting them literally and figuratively than loving them. Alison? She was very special indeed. But in the end, he put up with things and worked so hard because it was HER. Morgan. The Spellbinder, and he couldn't give up on her just yet...

Nicolas stepped out of the car and saw the ladies assembled in the lobby. Smiling, he nodded to Delilah and Morgan as he grasped Alycia's hand softly, speaking to her.

I see that Capitol Hill has done you well, Alycia. It is good to see you. I do hope that you will be with us for longer than last time, we have missed you.

Nicolas let go of Alycia's hand and smiled at Morgan as he located Dr. Victoria's gift in front of his door. He looked at the sorceress as he spoke to her.

So, are we still on for tonight? I have put away "the package" and everything is secure.

[Jill Monroe]

<< As Nicolas entered Illustra, Morgan absentmindedly tucked some of her blonde hair, styled in a perfect front swooped bob, behind her ear. She was happy to see him. Amazing that she would EVER look forward to a MAN ...especially one on her team. Try as she may, she couldnt deny there was a change in her when it came to him but would this make her less intimidating to others? would her friends think she was "going soft"?>>

<< but she couldnt wonder for long because there he was. Standing with Delilah, she watched him as he entered and suddenly wished she had NOT removed her escada sunglasses. they allowed her to stare without being noticed.>>

<< it was obvious that Nicolas was attracted by Alycia's presentation but Morgan was not jealous at all. She always liked Alycia's kick ass personality and sense of style. In another time, Morgan would have recruited Alycia as a model for Illustra. She , like Alison had a model quality about herself that she never realized.>>

<< after he greeted the special agent, he asked her about this evening.>>

<< in an icy voice>>

Yes. everything's a go. My mother is looking forward to an evening out. She doesnt often go out because she doesnt like being by herself out at night.

<< after all that her mother had been through, Morgan couldnt blame her. sometimes SHE herself felt almost AGORAPHOBIC about leaving Illustra.>>

As long as Alycia and Haleigh don't try to murder each other. Alycia will stay with Delilah tonight. I was going to put her at the Parthenon but then i realized who was there...

<< Laughing with a hint of uncertainty as the elevator lights indicated the others were coming.>>

Cameron is okay at the Parthenon I assume, since you're back earlier than we expected?

[Alycia Barnett]

:: In comes Nicolas. as yummy as he ever was before. it was hard to believe a man this handsome could be as intelligent OR as ...seemingly chivalrous as he was..but was it an act? Alycia had her doubts about his sincerity but the background information on his father, not to mention Sharon Kelly's link and Ororo's recruiting of him...and everything that had happened SINCE his arriving to the six had caused her to soften her stance on him.::

:: she trusted him, respected him and ...even LIKED him for who he was. not something she gave easily to people she dealt with. and he was damn good looking too. even if he was intended for Morgan, Alycia ALWAYS found a way to get her looks in without being noticed.::

:: as he took her hand, she received his friendly greeting with grace as she nodded her head and raised up her hand within his.::

hello Nicolas.

:: she said in a softer tone, having calmed down a bit in the past few minutes after Morgan's plea for her to be nice to Haleigh::

Capitol Hill has its appeal, but being back here...i think i realize that i prefer the NYC skyline to the marble halls of the pentagon.

:: relating to him was easier now. he was one of the team. part of the family. she could trust him NOW.::

So, i understand we have a returned member of the six in the vicinity.

:: gritting her teeth as she spoke.::

I simply can't WAIT to give him my regards.

:: Alycia's thoughts were almost VENOMOS when it came to Cameron at this moment. He didnt know how LUCKY he was not to be in Illustra at this moment but there was something else too...there was bitterness and sadness churning in her mind as well. images of her father..and the feeling that he should be the one allowed to return instead of Cameron.::

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh checking the readouts of the diagnostic scan, seemed both pleased and relieved.... nothing appeared to be wrong... all systems were nominal and aside from residual emotions and an ever so slight headache, she felt much better. Talking to the doctor had done quite some good.... just GETTING it out there and not worrying about the consequences of what she might have to say was theraputic enough to soothe her. she was still encumbered with having to deal with Cameron's return but a lot of stress about it had been allieviated and she was one her way to acceptance. She pulled off the transmitting discs and pulled her shirt back on.... and offered to walk the doctor down to the lobby... she sensed Morgan returning and thought it would be nice to reassure her other teammates that she was doing better... and let them know that the diagnostic came back clean.

As they traveled towards the elevator, however, Haleigh picked up the presence of a new entity... a familiar one.... Alycia. Haleigh grit her teeth.... she REALLY would rather not have to deal with Alycia right now.... WHY did Morgan have to bring her HERE tonight??! Nonetheless.... Haleigh was never one to back away or avoid a conflict.... and now was no different. She was GOING to share the good news with her FRIENDS... and if Alycia had anything SMART to say.... well then she'd just have to DEAL with her appropriately! ;) Haleigh tried NOT to focus on that... she wanted to have an enjoyable night.

"I don't really feel like going OUT... but Ava... how would you like to join Zach and I for dinner? I promise you won't have to watch us make out the whole time... you know, like that ONE TIME you invited me and then you ended up sucking FACE ALL NIGHT with that one boy and left ME with nothing to do and no company to speak of?"

Haleigh teased, as they stepped out of the high speed elevator and into the lobby... where the rest of their number, plus that other woman, waited. Haleigh showed no signs of acknowledging Alycia's presence at ALL.... just marked satisfaction.

"Well... I'm happy to say that I'm doing just FINE... nothing to worry about. A little bit of relaxation and I'll be my old enigmatic self again."

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Laughing out at Haleigh's remark about one of her past dates, Ava stepped into the elevator with the group, shaking her head with a smile. ::

"First of all, that man was gorgeous. And secondly...I can't help if I have a certain, facade about me that makes men go wild."

:: Shrugging one shoulder up 'cutely' as she commented about men going wild for her, she grinned before agreeing to join them for dinner. ::

"Of course, i'd love to."

:: After a few moments, a soft 'ding' was heard in the lobby of Illustra as the elevator carrying Ava, Zach, and Haleigh, opened. Stepping into the lobby, Ava looked toward the numerous doors leading outside, seeing it was already night. The day seemed to fly by. With her healed boots tapping rhythmically on the marble floors, Ava approached Morgan, Delilah, Nicolas and Alycia. Noting Cameron wasn't among them, Ava commented. ::

"Well my evening just became a bit brighter. Living dead boy isn't here."

:: Ava's voice was coated with a distain and sarcasm. Glancing to Nicolas. ::

"Thank you for that, Nicolas."

:: A very rare moment indeed, as Persephone was actually civil to Nicolas. Although her thank you wasn't chipper or happy in any way. More standoffish...but still, a thank you nonetheless. Looking to Morgan, Ava's eyes shifted to Alycia for a moment, noting her less than enthused facial expression, before returning her attention back to Morgan. ::

"With King staying at the Parthenon, and Haleigh feeling better, are there any other pressing issues we need to addess?"

[Alycia Barnett]

:: there they were. Haleigh, Zach, Ava and Doctor Victoria.::

full house i see...

:: she remarked cooly as the group came close. Alycia locked eyes with Zach and Ava as the did with her. she nodded to them both .::

Zach, Ava.

:: whatever her new found familial relaitons to Haleigh, Persephone owed her smooth transition in assuming the identity of AVA to Alycia..making sure there was no scrutiny on the part of any Greek or American authorities. Alycia was confident that gratitude and sense would keep Ava from going out of her way to be disrespectfull. after all, the problem between Haleigh and Alycia had begun LONG BEFORE she joined the team.::


::but just as Haleigh didnt acknowledge HER, Alycia abruptly turned to Dr. Victoria and greeted HER and completely ignored Haleigh as well. the two women shaking hands.::

Dr. Victoria. Nice to see you again...with no monsters breathing down our necks.


:: sometimes it was better to listen first and THEN make comments and so, As Haleigh delivered news about "feeling better", Alycia made a quiet note. Haleigh spoke of "Returning to her usual enigmatic self" to which Alycia almost BURST with the effort to resist the urge to snipe away.::

:: feeling Morgan placing a hand on her shoulder as if to REMIND her of their little talk from earlier, Alycia simply folded her arms . casting a glare of annoyance at Morgan.::

:: as Ava remarked about Cameron. it confirmed her suspicions as to why Morgan didnt want to place her at the Parthenon. She knew where he was and boy he was he in for a WORLD of pain when she would finally lay eyes on him but for her now her eyes were MORE than sick of the sight of Haleigh, who looked more and more appealing as a target in the center of a scope in Alycia's imagination right now.::

:: Ava asked if there were any more pressing issues and Alycia once AGAIN could have said something but Morgan seemed to be on her game and gave her shoulder a light squeeze as if to say "steady Alycia." Alycia simply smirked as she held her tongue all the while making sure to glare at Haleigh.::

repulsive insect.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< In the elevator, Karen listened as Haleigh and Ava demonstrated a positive and healthy strengtening in their bond as sisters. something that would serve them well both on and OFF duty of the six.>>

<< she looked at Zach. the young man seemed to be brooding a bit. most likely because of Cameron and the obvious WRENCH that he would represent in the well oiled machine that was the couple of Zach and Haleigh.>>

<< but there was something else. he looked a bit...concerned. it was not obvious to most but for the doctor, who was trained to pick up even the most subtle signs of distress...she sensed that something was troubling the young man. she didnt have much personal interaction with him before, but maybe it was time to change that. perhaps she would talk with HIM one on one...but not tonight. TONIGHT, she was to go out with her daughter and Nicolas and unknown to her, she would receive an unexpected gift as well.>>

<< down to the main floor, they stepped out, with Karen walking along. these young people were always a joy to be around...so full of promise and vitality and having prooven to be MORE than what most people would give them credit for.>>

<< seeing Alycia, Karen smiled at her friend and ally, noting how delierately Alycia dissed Haleigh to greet her. She knew of their feud and how deep it ran. hell she had been in the office the night Blaze dropped the bombshell about Haleigh to HER.>>

Alycia! it's good to see you too and yes..not having to run around an island with giant monsters makes this moment all the more enjoyable.

<< shaking her hand, she turns to Morgan, Delilah and Nicolas.>>

Glad to see you all are okay.

<< and so, the stand off between HAleigh and Alycia did not go unnoticed by anyone with MORGAN of all people doing her best to keep things calm between them. this couldnt go on for ever...BOTH of them were doing themselves a diservice.>>

<< as Haleigh commented on her status, Karen noticed her attempt to bait Alycia.>>

Now Haleigh, the key to recovery is to CONTINUE in that vein..not to flaunt it for OTHER purposes.

<< she spoke with that clear ,sort of stern tone>>

Besides, the adjustment period for the return of Cameron is far from over for ANYONE in this room. We all need to continue to process this in our own way. Cameron isnt going away and we're going to have to have to deal with him in some ways...some of us more than others.

It would help if those of us who have REMAINED among each other could find a way to co exist as well.

<< looking at Haleigh and Alycia knowingly...as she left it at that.>>

It's evening time, i dont think anyone needs to attend to anymore pressing issues. we all have lives to live.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Glancing to Alycia, Ava had no quarell with her. In fact, she provided Persephone with the ability to LEGALLY turn into Ava. And for that, she would be in her debt. Haleigh however, was a different story. Glancing between the two woman, they looked like they were mentally ripping each others heads off. Well...better mentally than physically. Ava really didn't want to get her new boots bloody. ::

:: With Karen playing medeator, she noted that nothing further was to happen tonight. Turning to Haleigh, Ava decided to divert her sister attention away from Alycia and onto their dinner date. Or atleast, try to. ::

"If you don't mind, i'd like to change before we go to dinner."

[Jill Monroe]

<< with the arrival of the others, Morgan smiled a bit but kept an eye on Haleigh and Alycia who both seemed PRIMED to pounce. Still, Morgan admired Alycia's restraint. It showed that she could be sensitive to a situation and actually err on the side of discretion. Alycia was a spitfire and never backed down, but she also seemed to know when it was time to pick and choose her fights. Morgan appreciated and respected her for doing her BEST to avoid being baited by Haleigh and while Morgan kept her hand on Alycia's shoulder, the tall woman shot a glare at Haleigh and shook her head as if to say>>

oh KNOCK IT OFF, Haleigh!

<< her mother mildly rebuked Haleigh in the proper way and as Ava asked if there was anything ELSE to attend to, Karen admonishd them ALL to go on with their evenings , spending their personal time in their own desired ways and to let the events of the day further sink it.>>

Mother's right. We've all had a rather unexpected day and the preparations for the big Madonna concert/gala event begin in less than a day. we need to enjoy ourselves while we can. Cameron will be safe at the Parthenon and Alycia will stay with Delilah this evening.

<< looking at Haleigh.>>

BUT if she decides to visit her space on the 99th floor, she is my guest in Illustra and is welcomed to do so.

<< she said this with a STRAINED "pleasant tone" to make sure Haleigh got the point of >>

dont start any mess while i'm out okay?

Haleigh, if you need me, I'll be out with my mother and Nicolas. Delilah will help Alycia get settled in before she does whatever she's doing and Ava sounds like she might have plans as well.

<< Karen stepped over next to Morgan.>>

well gang, we made it through another one of our unique moments without any brawls or catfights...i think this means we've progressed a LITTLE bit ahead...dont you?

<< she smiled a bit.>>

just remember haleigh, you dont have to do this, or anything alone. I can be here in a flash if you need help.

<< she knew haleigh wasnt weak and didnt want her to think she was coddling her. she just knew that cameron's return would affect HER more deeply than it would Morgan herself. the two women had two totally different relationships with him and as they were the only remaining original members of the six now...THEY would have to stick together through this.>>

[Jessica Hamby]

Zach cleared his throat as Alycia greeted him, and he gave a polite smile and equally polite response... in fact.... it seemed almost calculated with diplomacy.... but what else could be expected? He was, after all, Haleigh's fiancee... and though it seemed he could not bring himself to be rude....he wasn't about starting any conversation with the woman.

Zach:"Miss Barnett."

He said, wrapping his arm around Haleigh's waist, a little more relaxed now that Cameron was no where in sight. It wasn't that Zach felt overly THREATENED by Cameron.... just that he knew there was something between Haleigh and him that would not go away... and would cause a fair amount of discomfort for the three of them to deal with... and having the newly returned telepath right THERE, making snide comments constantly was abrasive, to say the least. Oh.... how nice it would be to get the man in a room ALONE... with no cameras or windows...

Alycia went immediately into greeting EVERYONE except Haleigh, a painfully obvious attempt to diss the hybrid. aww.... does she feel snubbed that i didn't throw myself at her? poor baby...She thought mockingly, as she looked DIRECTLY at Alycia, a sardonic smile touching her lips. It was a SUBTLE expression, mainly in the eyes, but smug nonetheless, as if she could just SENSE that Alycia was stuggling to NOT say something... and Haleigh wore the FAINTEST look of satisfaction. Karen seemed to pick up on the unspoken... challenges of sort and she lightly chided Haleigh to attempt to put a stop to it... Haleigh, however, played it off. She wasn't about to let the overtones ALYCIA was sending to go unanswered.

"Flaunting? [finally breaking her gaze away from Alycia to look over at Karen] Why, I can't imagine what you mean, Doctor.... I was merely sharing the good news with Morgan, Delilah, and Nicolas here... I wanted to put their minds at ease."

Ava stepped in here.... something about changing her clothes. Haleigh nodded but otherwise didn't seem much affected by the comment.... she certainly didn't seem to pick up on the fact that Ava was cueing their departure. Morgan spoke next.... agreeing with her mother that they should all get on with their nights and offering Haleigh whatever help she might need. This seemed to shake Haleigh from standoff mode... and Morgan's genuine support as not just a teammate, but a friend appeared to guilt Haleigh out of her 'fight face'.

"Of course, Morgan.... and it goes without saying that it's the same for you, as well.... after all... if we can't be here for EACH OTHER.... what the hell ARE we here for?"

Haleigh intertwined her fingers in Zach's and gave Ava a nod to let her know they were taking their leave as well. she bid those going out a good night.

"Be safe, you three... don't hesitate to call if something happens... but of course... I'll be keeping an eye... as always."

She also gave Delilah a good parting wish.... and though she thought breifly to offer a place at the table for her as well, she decided not to.... she didn't want it to look like she was going out of her way to exclude Alycia and she could invite Delilah over any other time... they didnt really bond often anyway. Noticably, again, she disregarded Alycia... as they all prepared to go their seperate ways.

"Alright then Ava... if you'd still like to change... Zach and I will go ahead and start preparing dinner... and please... do NOT knock... you CAN just show up when you're ready."

She said with a smile, as she and Zach disappeared.

[Rampage]

He is indeed, Morgan. Resting, I presume.

Nicolas watched as the alpha female confrontation occurred. It was quiet and subtle, but he could still "hear" them as they went along, and he was glad that this did not degenerate, because it certainly COULD have. At last the tension began to suffuse, in part due to Ava, who was civil to Nicolas. He returned in kind, amused at the insult to Cameron.

You are welcome, Ava. Now ENJOY your evening.

As he stood there waiting for the rest of the team to settle their evening arrangements, he caught Morgan looking at him. It was that look she gave him that started things like this morning, and right he would be just as satisfied with a short dinner with Karen and a long night with Morgan. But, that was PROBABLY not to be...not yet. He caught her gaze and as they locked eyes, he gave her a very quick subtle once over with a smoldering bedroom gaze that she would not mistake, licking his lips subconsciously. Then, his smile returned and he managed to pull himself away, greeting the doctor again as he spoke of their evening.

Karen, you look beautiful. <<kisses her hand>> My father would have purchased a small COUNTRY for you by now just for your phone number. Ladies, if you would be so kind <<offering Karen his arm, and placing his hand on Morgan's back gently, with a soft caress>> as to be my guests this evening, I would be honored. Our chariot awaits...

As he led the women to his waiting car, he teleported the package to the floorboard of the front passenger seat, safe for retrieval once they arrived at their dinner location...

[Oracle]

<< and so as the evening begins, memebers of the six prepare to try to enjoy their evening. Haleigh, Zach and Ava will have dinner together while Morgan, Karen and Nicolas go out together. Delilah and Alycia will have time to speak as Delilah helps Alycia settle into her guest room. It had been a while since these two had spoken one on one and it seemed that AGES had passed since the days when Alycia was Delilah's attourney in that investigation with the FBI.>>

<< the six had handled this latest curve ball well enough but there was still dischord in the air. the ongoing bitterness between Alycia and Haleigh promised to bring a NEW twist to the already uncertain situation involving Cameron and all the while, no one could have guessed that Haleigh's "personal problems" were only just beginning.>>

<< things always had a way of getting WORSE in the evening.>>

<< and so we watch.>>