Night moods

[Oracle]

<< NYC had two different faces. The daytime was professional, bustling and harried while the night time was just as bustling but there was a feeling of freedom, glamor and the spirit of excess could be felt at various hot spots and upscale restaurants and gatherings across the town.>>

<<Nicolas was escorting Morgan Victoria, CEO and signature supermodel of Illustra Inc AS WELL AS her MOTHER, Dr. Karen Victoria, noted and well respected psycho therapist and member of the national board of certified counselors. to be as young as he was, and to have had the kind of life he had courtesy of his adoptive father...many men would be PAINFULLY envious of him right now as he stepped out on town with the fashion world's most celebrated super model AND her elegant mother. He was ALSO enjoying a rising Q rating in NYC and the fashion world due to his well received debut as Illlustra's first MALE signature model. his life was seemingly perfect on many fronts but still, he and Morgan circled each other in an uncertain and sometimes awkward courtship..prooving that no matter how rich or powerfull or famous...love and matters of the heart respected NO person.>>

<< maybe tonight would provide a little break through? maybe theyd enjoy themselves without some monster or disaster striking or maybe , after the Doctor took her leave, Nicolas would FINALLY have a moment even a brief one of intamcy with the object of his effection? we'll have to watch and see.>>

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

elsewhere

<< Haleigh Davidoff-cheif of security at Illustra, founder and ceo of liquid crystal/clandestine inc AND now the newly appointed co-leader of the Six in the recent departure of Alison Marble aka Harbinger- prepares for her evening as well. dinner with her fiancee' Zach and sister, Ava aka Persephone, the newest member of the six with a most complex past. Haleigh's been through alot in the last week. Between the departure of Alison, the preparations for>>

<< Delilah Trelevan, child hood and dear friend of Morgan's, helps the visiting former ADA, Alycia Barnett to settle in to her guest quarters in Illustra. After they talk, Alycia plans to sleep while Delilah will get on with her evening.>>

<< it seems that everything is moving along smoothly but is it EVER that easy or simple for the six and their allies?>>


the cell

suit 1: have you deepened the access and increased the manipulation of IT's subroutines?

suit 2: yes, it's systems are attempting to buffer it and spread out the increased influx of command code input but i can override it's failsafes.

<< the man continues to work on a control panel while a revolving diagram of the inner workings of Haleigh Davidoff's neural network is displayed on screen.>>

suit 2:it will begin to experience the latest wave shortly and this time, with it being in a public setting...there will be more wide spread "errors" due to its mechanical empathy.

suit 3: meanwhile, i have arranged for a little "present" to meet with Dr. Victoria this evening as well.

<< and so, as the six get on with their evening. the remnants of a once global scale menace continues it's endeavors into the night as well.>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< by now, Morgan had changed into an evening cocktail dress. a sexy design by BCBG, the strapless corsetted cocktaill dress with austrian crystal covered hardware pieces in the front that hold the ribbon in place that hold the front ribbon in place on top.>>

<< wearing matching blue strappy, open toed high heels, Morgan had a lighter, more "airy" look about her as her hair was now styled in do inspired by the "farrah fawcett feather.>>

<< sitting in the limo with Nicolas while her mother sat across from them, Morgan crossed her long, smooth, flawless legs at the knee as she sipped on a goblet of cristal champagne.>>

is it just me? or has this brand lost its taste over the last 15 years? it seems a bit...dilluted to me.

[Rampage]

Nicolas cut a figure of his own in a medium grey custom-tailored suit with cream pinstriping that matched perfectly the color of his shirt. His tie,handkerchief and hat were also perfectly matched to the ensemble, and he sported a beautifully crafted mahogany cane with a gold center that emerged from the top in a classic knobbed style. Morgan might recognize it by her affinity for her own magic as Nicolas' weapon, formed by him into an ornate club and wrapped by this beautifully hand carved mahogany tube. He thought that they made a handsome couple, and he could not wait to "show her off." Hell, even Karen looked like she would put much younger women to shame. The night was going quite well for once.

Nicolas sat comfortably beside Morgan, his arm resting on the back of the seat as they rode. As she sipped champagne she commented on its quality, or lack of it.

I haven't had Cristal in some time honestly. I am sorry you do not enjoy it. If you like, you can try the wine. There is Chateau Lafite Rothschild for red wine, or a high quality Sauvignon Blanc. What is your pleasure?

Nicolas reached a long arm over, the suit sleeve tightening as he extended, to retrieve whatever alternate drink Morgan chose...

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen sat across from her daughter and Nicolas. even when they werent trying to, they looked so nice together. having changed for the evening, Karen remained the picture of elegance and tastefully sexy as she wore a Vera Wang cocktail dress. Translucent pink chiffon over silk/lurex chiffon with shirring at hipline and a gathered halter-top. The dress tastefully flattered Karen's figure and gave a rare view of her own beautifull legs which were supported by matching pink gem toned heels.>>

<< as the rode along in the large, luxurious limo cab, Karen noted Morgan's disapproval of the champagne.>>

perhaps it was a bad bottle?

<< as Nicolas spoke Karen smiled a bit.>>

Morgan's father and I used to enjoy sampling wines during our summer trips to france.

<< Nicolas offered a splendid selection of wines to choose from.>>

such good taste for a young man. you're quite well versed I see, but I prefer something that is a throw back to the 60's....a nice dry martini...two olives, shaken..not stirred. don't worry, i can get it.

<< lifting her hand and holding it open in anticipation, Karen twitches her nose ala' "Samantha Stevens" [bewitched :D]an odd twinkling sound is heard as a fresh martini made to Karen's specifications appears in her hand in a flash of golden light.>>


Remember when i first showed you that trick Morgan? you and Delilah were ALWAYS looking for that little twitch when you were younger.

<< Karen took a sip of her martini and closed her eyes>>

mmmm, very nice.

<< to be able to enjoy herself with her daughter and the young man who wanted to win her heart was a rare opportunity for the doctor and Nicolas had never seen her in an outfit like this before. while it wasnt as flashy or "risque" as some of the outfits worn by Morgan or Alison, it showed that Karen knew how to dress for ANY occasion and still more than hold her own in a room with women half her age.>>

so...where we going this evening?

<< still unaware that she had a gift waiting for her. >>

i dont often get to enjoy myself out on the town. The idea of going out at night..just doesnt sit well with me since relocating to the city.

<< interesting..considering that she had the power to protect herself, it was a sign that Karen definately had changed since relocating to the city to be near her daughter following the trauma of the inferno and everything since. how unfortunate that tonight would proove to VALIDATE her misgivings about being out in the open at night as well. >>

[Rampage]

Nicolas selected the Rothschild and poured two glasses, offering one to Morgan. As Karen spoke, he noted her dress. It was very flattering indeed. She was an attractive woman regardless of age and he was surprised that no suitor had appeared to woo HER. He answered her question about the restaurant.

I have reservations at Le Bernardin, I hope that will be to your liking. I wanted only the best for my favorite ladies in the whole world. <<winks at Karen>> Besides, I had to show you two off and only the best will do.

Mike cracked the privacy window and gave an ETA of 9 minutes to Nicolas in a surprisingly deep bass. They both were sticklers for being prompt and they had developed a great relationship that kept them on time at all times. As Karen conjured up a nice-looking martini with a wiggle of her nose Nicolas laughed heartily, thinking that and the story that followed was the cutest thing he had ever seen.

That is the first spell that I have EVER coveted for myself, Karen. I'll bet you were a hit at parties! Well, I guess we had better drink up now, our destination awaits...

Tipping his glass to the ladies, Nicolas took a healthy drink of wine.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan looked over at Nicolas who was quite dapper. he'd even taken to fashioning his enchanted axe into a stylish walking cane. he was picture perfect...and no airbrushing required.>>

mom, you look beautifull tonight.

<< smiling at her mother before looking over at rampage.>>

and you look very..handsome.

<< she said a bit softly as she blushed a bit. sitting this close to him, the scent of his cologne was very pleasing...maybe a little TOO appealing for her. it would be hard for her to keep him at bay like this. but still, she had to take things slowly for her own sake. even her mother hadnt begun to date again since Christopher. the trauma of his affair with Malice and subsequent betrayal of his family and the rest that followed had left Karen very hurt and even as a mental health professional, she had her struggles.>>

<< as Nicolas revealed where they were going, Morgan had fond memories of the last time she dined there...with Boris Kodjoe. :D but she doubted that Nicolas would want to hear about that. was he the jealous type? how could he be...given his reputation as a jet setting play boy.>>

we could just as easily say that WE are showing YOU off. ;) after all, you ARE the new IT boy in the world of fashion thanks to Illustra and the tabloids will have a field day when they see you out with me AND my mother. i can just see the headlines now.

"CEO and super model Morgan Victoria plans wedding with her fiancee and her mother!"

<< as Karen twitched her nose and conjured a drink for herself, Morgan laughed a bit.>>

oh yes...i was so mesmorized by that. my friends thought you were the world's greatest magician and everyone would always try to imitate it!

<< Nicolas agreed that it was a cool trick to use.>>

<< as Mike informed them that they were nearly arrived >>

well...here's to an evening...FREE of problems, monsters, evil witches and whatever ELSE typically comes our way.

<< she toasts with her mother and Nicolas before she gently puts her hand on Nicolas' leg as the limo nears its destination. >>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: After a heated meeting with Alycia, Ava excused herself to go change into something more comfortable since they were dinning at Haleigh's penthouse. Keeping her form fitted long sleeved black shirt on, she threw on some black comfortable pants with the Chanel logo stitched in white on her left butt cheek. Slipping into some black Gucci flip flops, Ava pulled her curly hair back and clipped it into a messy, yet elegant looking, pony tail. ::

:: Arriving on Haleigh's floor, Ava could smell the wonderful cooking already. As she approached the main door, she entered without knocking, as told by Haleigh. Carrying a bottle of vintage red wine, she made her way further into Haleigh's penthouse, looking around at the rather....cold stealy feel it had. It fit Haleigh for sure; but it wasn't exactly her taste. Finally reaching the kitchen, Ava stopped mid step seeing Zach and Haleigh basically about to tear each others clothes off by the stove. Clearing her throat with a playful less than enthusiastic look on her face, Ava listed the bottle of wine up, showing it to them. ::

"I brought wine...Although I'm not quite sure if I want to be around you two when alcohol is thrown into the picture."

:: Smirking, Ava stepped further into the kitchen, placing the wine on the large island. ::

[Rampage]

Nicolas relaxed as he downed hi s wine and waited to arrive. As Morgan placed her hand on his leg, he instinctively flexed it a bot, giving her a feel of the muscles underneath the fabric. His hand that was resting behind her came down ever so slightly as he almost absentmindedly stroked her shoulder.

As they arrived at the restaurant, Mike opened the door at Nicolas' side. He exited and went to the other side, helping both Morgan and Karen out of the car. Mike and Nicolas exchanged nods as he pulled of to park their car, and Nicolas escorted them into the restaurant. As he took Karen's hand, he kissed her forehead quickly, as a son might. He was so happy to be here with them, to finally enjoy what he had never known.

It's time to make our entrance. Ladies...

Nicolas walked with them to the entrance.

[Jessica Hamby]

Haleigh and Zach moved around each other expertly, proving that they were quite used to making dinner together. Zach prepared the food, sauteing chicken and herbs, making the sauce and boiling pasta with a trained hand as Haleigh set the table in the dining room ajacent. Luckily, they weren't feeding Morgan or the likes, and could present a healthy meal that consisted of more than lettuce, as Ava was rasied to eat food of substance. ;) Haleigh finished quickly, using her powers to cheat with placing the silverware, and playfully asked Zach what she could do to help... this, of course, triggered some banter that quickly deteriorated to a passionate kiss, and as Zach began to press Haleigh back against the counter, Ava made her presence known... and with good timing, too, as Zach instinctively reacted to save the pot that was boiling over. Haleigh gave Ava a sly smirk.

"Why? Afraid you might get dinner AND a show?"

She asked playfully, as she pulled a trio of wine glasses out of the cabinet. She seemed to be a in a much better mood.... sadly, one that would not last very long, as even as she plans to have a relaxing and fun evening, an unseen enemy plots to unhinge her completely....

[Pam De Beaufort]

"For your carpets sake, I hope not."

:: Without missing a beat, Ava retorted back, letting it be known to both Haleigh and Zach, if they decided to play kissy face, Ava would get sick all over their beautiful rug. Or...since she never was the type of person that physically got sick, maybe she'd just purposely break something. Either way, a fair, sisterly warning to the loving due; delivered in a way only a sister could. :D ::

:: Looking to the chicken and pasta, Ava may have been a hardy meat eater, but Persephone was, in fact, a vegeterian. Something that no one knew about her apparently. When combind, some attributes and habits from one woman overpowered those of the other. And vise versa. Obviously, Persephone won the food catagory. Picking the wine bottle back up, as Haleigh grabbed the three glasses, Ava walked over to the set table. ::

"I don't eat meat anymore; I hope that's not a problem. The pasta and salad look delicious. And the garlic bread smells amazing; so I won't go hungry. I can assure you."

:: Not wanting to offend the fact that she was a guest in their house, and basically not eating the food that was prepared for her; call it her 'boarding school English' side coming out, but Ava was in fact a very polite individual when she allowed others to see that side of her. Haleigh would recognize it, which she [Haleigh] always found amusing. They were the complete opposites of each other, but that's what made their relationship so dynamic. Even as children. ::

:: Picking up the cork screw, Ava began to twist it into the bottles cork top. Looking to Haleigh, she pushed down the two metal handles that simplified the uncorking procedure, opening the bottle. ::

"So, I assume you have your wedding dress picked out already?"

[Alycia Barnett]

:: elsewhere in Illustra on the 101rst floor, Alycia was now settling into her guest room within Delilah's luxury apartment. Opening a small carrying case, Alycia quietly set out various devices including small, easily concealable but extremely high powered repulsor blasters, cluster bombs, listening devices, white noise generators, communication scramblers, surveilance devices, her custom made golden DESERT EAGLES her state of the art, body contouring "body armour", and finally the one weapon that she brought ESPECIALLY to deal with HALEIGH.... a "wand" shapped object that would emit a localized EMP powerfull enough to render Haleigh inert before shunting her to a containment field hidden somewhere in the Pentagon. ::


:: Alycia may have been "only human", but her "legal and political powers", along with the extensive combat training she'd received since accepting her new position and the military level access she had to state of the art weaponry now made her a deadly one woman army that could hold her own against any number of threats.::


:: opening her cell phone which gave her immediate access to a private, secure channel and would scramble to any outside monitoring, Alycia dialed a code.::

>>Operative: Miss Barnett?

<<Alycia: I'm in NYC, back at Illustra. I want you and the others to keep an eye out...based on what we talked about earlier. I'm in close proximity to Davidoff now, but the situation is calm. ANY information you can find on HER or Clandestine Inc...i want it and if anyone tries to interfere...DEAL with them. ALSO, i want surveilance on Cameron King at the Parthenon. If he leaves, i want him followed and tracked via infrared sensors as well as his mutant dna signature and if he detects you, SCRAMBLE his powers with a white noise generator. Telepaths need to be able to CONCENTRATE to use their powers effectively and the white noise generators that i gave you will handle that problem.

I want to know where he is going and what his doing.


::Unbuttoning her tailored blazer, Alycia ends the conversation and sets her phone down. she took a moment to look in the mirror as her mind lingered over the present situation. The two women had been friends for a while, ever since Alycia represented Delilah during her scrutiny from the FBI. they'd work together several times while Alycia was the ADA and Delilah was a NYPD officer and of all the six, Alycia and Delilah were the most simillar in backgrounds. no super powered parents who went mad, no outrageous journeys to other dimensions at puberty...simply young women who were raised by decent, honest, hardworking parents.::

:: over the years though, Alycia had become very hardened. She was much more vicious and brutal than what Delilah would remember back when they first met. Sometimes it seemed that Alycia was lost behind a persona but this evening, Delilah had gotten glimpses of a deep seated pain behind Alycia's eyes. Cameron's return had unsettled her but not for the reasons people might have thought and with it just being the two of them right now, this was as good a time as any for them to finally talk. not as allies on the battle field or as attorney and client or prosecutor and witness...but as FRIENDS.::

:: others may have thought Alycia was hard to deal with..but much like Morgan, she too had her "HUMAN" side.::

:: walking from her guest room and out into the living area where Delilah was, Alycia remarked.::

You've really made this place your own, havent you? ::looking around.:: I know that this kind of living is what Morgan was made for but did you ever think you'd be living in a sprawling place like this?

As a girl growing up, my parents always made sure there was good food on the table and good clothes on my back. We werent RICH ...but I never felt like we were poor. Sometimes, when i watch Morgan...and even NOW inspite of what i've become..i just think..."wow".

:: It was clear that Alycia could let down her armour around certain people and Delilah was one of the few that had her trust.::

so much money, so much power...and everyone in this building seems to be able to treat death as a HOLIDAY rather than the finality that I was always raised to accept it as.

You know....If you have plans tonight, you dont have to stay here with me. I'll be fine. I may be ONLY HUMAN, but i can take care of myself.


:: she said as she walked over to the panoramic window and looked out over the nighttime city. Haleigh's loft was 4 floors above but despite being in the same building as her arch nemesis, Alycia's mind was so far away from thoughts of Haleigh right now as she stared at and THROGH her refracted image in the glass of the floor-to-ceiling window::

....I keep thinking that Alison could blink in at any moment. I was kind of looking for her when we first arrived. It's only been a week or so since she left the team and NYC for her new calling but it feels like its been an AGE since we were all in greece.

[Jessica Hamby]

Zach gave a soft smile as he brought the food into the dining room, and assured Ava that her preference wasn't a problem. "Of course not.... more chicken for us carnivores." He said, as he pulled out her chair and gestured for her to sit.

Haleigh also smiled, as Zach insisted on pulling out a chair for her. She offered Ava the salad and pasta bowls, and then heaped food on Zach's plate. Ava asked about her wedding dress.

"Oh, I have an ide--" she stopped, her expresion turning curious as she looked off into space... "Someone's jamming listening devices nearby... oh.... its on the 101st floor. [her facial expression dropping to disdain] It must be Alycia...." Haleigh took the liberty of peeking in on Alycia via video feeds from Delilah's floor.... if she was going to be acting shady.... it merited Haleigh covering al her bases... what could she possibly want to KEEP from the Six? A picture on the dining room wall turned into a screen.... there was a static sound on the audio feed.... but the video clearly showed Alycia talking into her cell phone.... Haleigh attention pooled on the opened case of weaponry... "WHO carries that kind of arsenal around with them?? [identifying the more agressive inventory] a pair of desert eagles... cluster bombs and repulsor blasters?! Is she planning on going to WAR? She was brought in to settle the legal ramifications of Cameron's return..."

Zach:"Haleigh, I'm sure there's an explaination.... maybe she's just paranoid... maybe she always carries that stuff with her."

"Oh? well, how do you explain THAT? [the camera focuses in on the wand] That's an EMP... there's only ONE reason a person like her would carry a weapon like THAT."

A dark mood dampened Haleigh's previous attitude... the screen went black as she turned it off, drinking the whole of her wine glass quickly.... she grit her teeth.... her headache began to creep back. "I dont trust her...."

Zach:"Haleigh."

"NO! I don't trust her.... she's going to try something... I just know it... and she's not going to stop until I'm dismantled in a lab somewhere."

Zach reached for Haleigh's hand, his deep voice lowering even more than usual. "I would NEVER let that happen to you Haleigh.... neither would the REST of your family."

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron bid goodnight to Nicholas. At least there was one person in the Six that didn't want to skewer him, if that was any comfort, and it was interesting to see how he felt about Morgan. Those two were DESTINED to be star crossed as he made his way back up the room, knowing that he had to make a phone call. He dialed the number as the phone picked up and a woman answered. ::

Woman: Hello?

:: Prophet was hesistant to reply. Would she give the same reaction as his team members? ::

"Hey Vivica..."
:: The line was silent on both ends until there was a ruffling and the woman spoke once more. ::

"I assume you are the Parthenon... Meet me at our safe spot..."

:: With a click, Cameron heard a dial tone and that was it. She had seemingly dealt with this pretty well, or she was just waiting to see if it was really him before she decked him in the face. Either way he was excited to see her, she was his best friend on a level he wasn't sure that anyone in the Six. He quickly washed his hands and brushed his teeth as he made his way out of the hotel and down the street, turning down an alley and heading into a Chinese Food Restaurant called "Golden Palace" and took a seat, a few minutes later, she walked in, looking radiant as always. ::

"Hey There...."

[Vivica Lennox]

:: Vivica Lennox was sitting in her office overlooking the reconstruction plans for the next phase of the Parthenon that was being rennovated in the Tokyo location. For the past few months she had flown back and forthe working on all the arrangements and everything was looking great. Morgan may have owned the Parthenon in New York, but the other two projects in Tokyo and Milan never surfaced enough for Cameron to leave them to anyone, at that point they would have been burdens, but soon she would have to contact Alison for preparations of the grand opening party in Tokyo, which was expecting many of the same celebrities that frequented the Parthenon in New York City. She rubbed the back of her neck as she felt a small bump. The remnants from her participation in Greece while aiding the Six the best she could in destroying Erika King and helping Cameron move on, and it was also the last time she had access to any of her powers. The bullet had spiraled and while Morgan's healing spell had healed her physically, part of the her spinal chord was damaged and she found herself not being able to access her mind like she once was able to. The information was still there, but now she found herself incredibly human. She was so enveloped in her work that when the phone rang she almost screamed outloud. ::

"Hello?"

:: When the man's voice came over the phone her stomach dropped into her feet and she was rendered almost speechless. She knew that voice and she also knew it was impossible to ever hear that voice again, except in her dreams. It was.. Cameron King. Gaining her composure, the next words she spoke was like second nature, asking him to meet at their safe location, a place only he would know. Leaving her paperwork where it stood, she slipped on her knee length Burberry trench coat and headed down the elevator and out of the Lennox/King Enterprises building and quickly hailed a cab. ::

"Golden Palace, 52nd and Park, please"

:: She didn't have time to register all her thoughts by the time she had reached the small chinese food joint, paying the cabby and stepping onto the sidewalk. She took a deep breath, considering how she would deal with this. She wasn't sure if she was being tricked into thinking this was Cameron or if this WAS really Cameron, so she decided to play it cooly, stepping into the restaurant and looking down towards her booth, a man was there. It HAD to be Cameron, he was the only one who knew this place with her. She walked when she wanted to run as he stood up noticing her and spoke. Tears welled up in her eyes as she embraced him in a hug. ::

"You son of a bitch... you son of a bitch!"

:: Pulling away from him slowly she took a seat in the booth, wiping the tears from her face. ::

"It's not that I am not happy to see you.. I AM, but.. I guess.. it's just.. HOW and more importantly? Why!? Everyone was just starting to move on. Alison was able to actually walk into your old office without being extremely uncomfortable and distant. Haleigh actually spoke to me on the phone. Everyone was making strides... I am sorry, but this just seems like.. like a sick joke..."

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron half expected the questions, but at least Vivica was being astonishingly quiet about these things or she was really upset and couldn't realize how to vocalize the issues. As she slid down into the booth, Cameron did the same thing and grabbed her hand. She was looking DAMN good and it was such a relief to see her. He thought Erika was his family, but coming back to this Earth, seeing everybody it made him realize that his family was the Six. It was Haleigh, Morgan, Alison and of course Vivica. He could even see himself being close with the new members. Only time would tell that. He sighed as he began to recount a story he was exhausted of telling tonight. ::

"I died, yes.. but you remember, Sarah and Sydney? The twins, and how they were my essence returned to the Earth? I tried to stay Earthbound after I died, I tried to stay on Earth to tell somebody what happened to me, but I came back all wrong, I didn't come back right, I was trapped inside their bodies but I wasn't me. I don't even remember. The only thing I do remember was being left for dead after being tortured by Erika and Malice. I died and when I woke up I was in Limbo. Ororo had saved my essence and pretty much REGENERATED me, physically and mentally. I didn't know exactly how long I was gone, and apparantely it has been a long time. Ororo finally decided it was time for me return, and she returned me to Earth..."

:: He rolled his eyes and put his head in his hands. ::

"Right in the middle of Haleigh and Zach looking for a church to get MARRIED in!"

:: Cameron's stomach churned as he thought of Zach. He was probably all too eager to console her after his death. He said all the right things and was the perfect man to forget about Cameron with. Didn't he realize what was going on? She was seeing Cameron the whole time she was seeing Zach. Maybe he felt it was over once Cameron died, in the end.... it really WASN'T Zach's fault. He couldn't blame Zach for falling in love with Haleigh.. he had done the same-- Whatever it was, he just felt like he couldn't go on in this world until he took Haleigh aside and told her how he felt, something he refused to do when he was alive, something he felt could CHANGE things. ::

"I took the liberty of ordering food, since after telling that story all night and seeing the reaction it has been getting, you might want something to coat your stomach...that is.. if you still want to stick around and talk to me... that's all I really want for tonight. After tonight, you can do what you want. You can forget about me, continue your work, I don't care what happened before we died, I am moved on from it. Just talk to me tonight..."

:: He looked at her as the food came over to the table. Chinese food was their ultimate comfort food, and of course a big bottle of Saki to get the ball rolling. ::

[Jill Monroe]

<< As Morgan felt Nicolas hand on her bare shoulder, she only flinched the tiniest bit. each time, it seemed easier and easier to let him touch her. it was a gentle touch, one that didnt shock or violate. It helped that her mother was there too, it had been so long since they had gone out together and now, with Nicolas...it all seemed so nice. Morgan was reveling in the moment.>>

<< the time came for them to exit the limo. Morgan received a helping hand from Nicolas while Mike helped her Mother. and as they made their way toward the red carpet to the doors, a small crowd of papparazzi as well as "star watchers" clammered for a closer look of Morgan and her companions. other distinguished guests were in attendance at the establishment as well.>>

<< Morgan knew the value of tantilizing the press, and so, at her subtle urging,she stopped with her mother and nicolas and ensured a photo op with with her mother in the middle while she and Nicolas flanked her and they all conveyed a very "close" vibe. WERE the rumours about Morgan and Nicolas true? was her mother showing her public endorsement of the couple? all of this would be discussed on tomorrow's episode of Entertainmenet Tonight for sure...but the main thing was that Morgan and Nicolas were both seen in a flattering light and Illustra would once again be in the news.>>

<< once inside the estbalishment, Morgan was seated next to her mother and Nicolas on her other side.>>

I do enjoy this place so.

<< she said softly as she looked over at Nicolas.>>

<< as they were received by their waiter and ordered drinks and their appetizers while awaiting their first course, Morgan blushed a bit as she nibbled on what she'd selected.>>

I...I'm not used to eating much in front of other people.

<< she said sheepishly.>>

I've always kept a strict diet.

<< knowing her mother would probably reprimand her again as she had in the past, Morgan had always felt a bit self conscious about eating in front of people...especially someone she was attracted to. it was something that received more than a little ribbing courtesy of Haleigh and Delilah :rolleyes: :D >>

[Vivica Lennox]

- Vivica was absolutely floored as Cameron spoke. Ororo had SAVED him? She took a moment to wonder how much the Goddess must have regretted her judgement with Erika. Part of Ms. Lennox believed that Ororo did this as a test to her own ability, as a test that she WAS capable of helping somebody out of Cameron's messed up family. Ororo had a tempestual relationship with Cameron so for her to save him from himself was BIG of her. Really big of her, and Vivica's respect and reverence for Ororo grew significantly from that moment on. Still stunned, she wasn't sure what to say, all she knew was that she had her friend back. Cameron and Vivica had a different relationship than he had with the Six. She really knew and accepted Cameron for what he was. She took him at face value and always had. They were business partners, but she wasn't a member of the team that was responsible for saving the world, a team that had more emotional trauma and things that tied them together FOREVER. As the saki came she looked at Cameron and sighed. -

"Hold on for just a moment..."

- Vivica grabbed the bottle of Saki and downed it even though it was HOT and not her favorite. She looked to the waiter and smirked. -

"We'll have another...."

- The waiter nodded and took the bottle, off to get them some more, wondering just what the pair was doing her at this time of night, the normally slow shift. -

"Now... onto you. This is big Cameron, really big, and while I am on the TOP of the world to have you back, you have really just turned everything on it's side. It's time for some straight talk, because I for one, will NOT try and intervene if Morgan, Haleigh, Ava, Delilah even Alycia fucking Barnett kill you AGAIN for reverting back to your old ways. The time for Child's Play is over. This is coming from a friend. First of all, as much as she doesn't like you, you have to contact Alycia as soon a possible. She is a big wig now with REAL power. She is personally connected to the National Security Advisor for the president and she Chairs the Commission on Superhuman Activities. She executed your will, and while she DESPISES you, she did RIGHT by you when you died, no questions asked. So you owe her a phone call and big kiss on that ASS. Something has to be done to protect your identity so that you are able to function with the Six. Secondly, when it comes to Haleigh, I don't know Cameron, my advice would be follow your heart, but that girl deserves to be HAPPY, so you better TELL her what you told me MONTHS ago and not let go because Zach is a CATCH, whether you like to admit it. He is a human who has stood by a woman who could crush him like toothpick, and hasn't said a word about it, call him a masochist but he is in the picture whether you like it or not and always has been. You need to form SOME kind of relationship that works with Morgan on HER TERMS. Throw away your ego and get to know the woman. When I was in Greece with her, she had me in AWE. Her tenacity, her FIRE, and she has KILLED you before Cameron, what 's to say she won't do it again if you piss her off enough. The root of this issue is that you need to deal with women who are as strong if not STRONGER than you in terms of character, personality and power. Morgan was touched by what you wrote to her in the letter Erika read at your funeral, but it is up to YOU to follow through on that, not to mention she has an extremely FINE looking man at her side who will protect her if needed. I don't want to sound like I don't support that you have changed Cameron, but these are HARSH realities you need to face. Things have changed. Sharon Kelly is DEAD and all of New York City is not as safe as it once was for those like yourself and the Six. The threats are getting bigger and so are the stakes, so don't for one second think you can march back into Illustra and take something that is rightfully yours, because it doesn't belong to you anymore, you have to WORK for it..."

- As the waiter returned with another bottle of Saki, Vivica took a glass and poured it, setting in front of Cameron, smiling. -

"Questions, comments, concerns?"

[Shadow Weaver]

<< walking in with Nicolas and Morgan, Karen found herself being cleverly maneuvered into a photo op. while the doctor had never been overly concerned about being in front of a camera, a photog once told her years ago that she had a "classic quality of beauty" about her...that her eyes were truly "BEWITCHING". she was a woman of style and grace to be sure, but she never thought of making a career out of her looks. she felt that was for someone younger, like her daughter or nicolas. still, this was a fun little moment and it was RARE that she and her daughter could go out together like this and so, she went along with it and enjoyed it.>>

oh, Morgan...you're a real ham when you want to be. you must have gotten THAT from my "twin cousin" SERENA [ :D ].

<< once inside, Karen was seated and as the group enjoyed drinks and the appetizers before the first course. Morgan seemed a bit embarrassed about EATING and Karen looked at her daughter disapprovingly.>>

Now Morgan, your vanity can be so silly at times. that's not how i raised you. You'll be FINE if you eat and i'm sure Nicolas doesnt want you looking skeletal and boney.

<< she said...prooving that she was well aware of the attraction between nicolas and morgan.>>

young people today..

<< Karen sighed dismissively.>>

so obsessed with image.

<< looking at her daughter.>>

you'll forgive me for going into "mother mode" again....

<< smiling>>

Your father used to try to force you into an exercise routine when you were just a little girl...his own military background didnt seem to allow him to distinguish between recruits and children...needless to say, I put a stop to that.

i just dont want you to worry about something as silly as THIS when youve always lived a healthy, active life. having a warped view of your body image is no way to be.
<< looking at Nicolas>>

don't you agree?

<< at that moment, her cellphone rang in her gem toned, pink clutch. the tone of the ring suggested it was a patient or a hospital where one of her patients was and as she opened her clutch to look at her phone, her eyes became a bit focused with concern.>>

this is one of my more critical patients. i placed her on suicide watch just two days ago. I'd better take this. excuse me.

<< slipping out from her seat, Karen took her clutch with her as she walked away, and out the front doors, to get some privacy.>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas enjoyed walking in, even when "CEO Morgan" intruded a bit on "my date for the evening Morgan" as she maneuvered them around for a photo-op. He seated the ladies and was surprised that Morgan wold be so shy about eating, apparently in HIS presence. She was chided by her mother, who asked for his backup.

Totally, ma. The interesting thing is that she probably could eat whatever she wanted and she wold not change, so this is an exercise in both warped body self-image AND futility. Hey, I love to see you eat, Morgan. I love to see you do anything...

He said as he deftly retrieved the fork she had forsaken and secured some of her food, offering playfully to feed her.

Then Karen's phone rang. It was apparently important, and Nicolas stopped his play with Morgan to see Dr. Victoria go to work, walking outside to take the call. He sent a thought to Mike.

Mama Bird is outside the nest, man. Keep your eyes OPEN.

[Oracle]

<< Haleigh had seen Alycia's rather deadly arsenal and immediately jumped to conclusions. part of this was fueled by the vision she'd seen from Karen's spell where she was being dissected in a lab within the pentago and Alycia was PRESIDING OVER the experiment! These women had been enemies, then allies...even trusting allies and now they were on opposite ends of a bitter rift....with the spectres of master mold and sharon kelly looming large between them. it was something that COULD be fixed...and according to Harbinger, it would be....but WHEN? certainly not now it seemed.>>

<< as Haleigh exclaimed with agitation about Alycia's arsenal, especially the EMP wand, the manipulation from the suits in the cell began to take effect as the images of wounded Morgan screaming for Sharon Kelly to RUN as Mster Mold prepared to fire upon the sorceress....Sharon runs...but it does no good as she is ANNIHILATED along with the area around her. the screens flicker again and shift as Alycia is shown craddling Sharon Kelly as she passed away on the bus..at GROUND ZERO of the battle with Master Mold. Alycia crying out as Sharon now lay dead in her arms. AND THEN images of a battle worn Alycia , addressing the nation live on CNN about the death of Sharon Kelly, Master Mold and just who was responsible for all of it broadcasted. Alycia dropped a bombshell on the world about the evil that was mystech and provided the video footage from ground zero of master mold, slightly doctored by HALEIGH to protect the identity of the surviving members of the six.>>

<< the DEATH of SHARON KELLY and MASTER MOLD...the very things that had driven haleigh and alycia apart were now on full display for Persephone whohad not been in this timeline when these events occurred, and for Zach, who had been at Illustra when he first received Haleigh and a maimed Alison at his door.>>


<< Alycia's words about the evil of mystech ring loud and clear...before the images shift again..to the night Alycia discovered Haleigh's link to the Cassadines and called Haleigh into her office to confront her.>>

<< Alycia explodes with fury and anger as she rises from her seat and declares WAR on the Cassadines ...including Ava, Halegh's sister. The hurt and anger in Alycia's eyes almost seems to FLAME as her face is now dead center in the screen....Haleigh being forced to remember and REPLAY these moments over and over AGAIN.>>

<< at that moment, the lights in Illustra and in surrounding buildings begin to flicker, traffic lights within a 15 mile radius begin to fluxuate and malfunction, causing traffic accidents...security cameras begin to go haywire as well. this is by far the WORST "episode" Haleigh is having.>>

<< and the effects are noticed by Morgan , Nicolas and even Cameron and Vivica where they are. and as unrest begins to ensue in the streets, Karen is suddenly lost from Mike's view.>>

<< things will get worse..very fast.>>

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron was really surprised by Vivica's words and her tenacity at plowing him a new one after he had only been back in her world for a good five minutes, and then he realized that is what he loved about her. Even though other people had been telling him the same things in different words, it some how made sense when it came out of her mouth. That's the funny thing about best friends. They state the obvious in a way that makes sense to you. He quickly downed the shot of Saki and sighed deeply, knowing her words to be the truth. ::

"I understand you Vivica, but easier said than done. I will call Alycia first thing in the morning, even though after my journals were discovered...She will probably want to filet me, but I will suck it up and do it. Being gone from all of you for so long has given me this weird sense of...appreciation. The dream I had is now suddenly beginning to make sense. If it wasn't one vice, I substitued it for another. I treated everyone around me like they should give me a respect I didn't deserve, I treated everyone like SHIT and I didn't care. I didn't want a family, I didn't want friends, and I didn't think I needed them, but I am realizing now more than EVER that even though we have fought tooth and nail, these people love me, on SOME fucked up level. I DO want a relationship with Morgan, I was jealous. I wanted what Morgan had with Alison more than I wanted to admit, and I took that out on Morgan and it wasn't fair to her, even though we did push each other's buttons. In terms of Haleigh, I WANT to tell her Vivica, I want to tell her, but I don't feel it's right. Something is going on with her right now and I dont want to hurt that even more. Plus, it's not my RIGHT to come back and be like it was after I have been gone for so long, and expect it to be the same. It can't I know that, but when we saw each other, when there was that FIRE in our words, our INTENT to hurt each other, it was all over our faces even Zach's about how we felt about each other. We knew, it took my death and her engagement to realize that, but SHE knows... and I know, and one of us has to say something and I KNOW that it is going to have to be, because she can't right now, but it has to be said and soon. But.. all that aside, Vivica, I am really glad to see you. I love you, you're my best friend. Thanks for coming here.. just thanks for everything, and now, tell me. How is everything going at the good old business? Are we still on the Forbes list?"

:: Cameron listened as his friend told him the ins and outs of what had been happening with the business and how well Morgan and Alison were doing. Alison. He didn't have the heart to speak about her right now, he couldn't even say how he felt. He wanted to contact her, but it would be selfish, she was fufilling a destiny that was rightfully hers and contacting her would most definitely make her come back to a life that wasn't hers any longer. Cameron and Vivica stayed at the restaurant, talking and laughing about the things that had changed since he had been gone. As they sat in the restaurant, the lights began to flicker, the streetlights went bonky and the lights in the restaurant actually bursted from their bulbs causing darkness to cover them. Cameron looked intently. ::

"This.. is not Good. Vivica, I would love to stay here and talk until the sun comes up, but duty calls. Something has to be wrong with the Six, and with Haleigh's powers malfunctioning, this could be the reason. I have to go to Illustra, but first I need to contact someone. I love you, go home and be SAFE. I don't want you getting any more bullet wounds..."

:: He kissed her on the cheek as she made her way back to her Soho Loft as Cameron ran into a nearby phone booth that was, thankfully still working and dialed the Number to Morgan Victoria. The phone rang. She was to go out with Nicholas and he hoped she at least had kept her phone on vibrate, knowing how quiet nights out usually ended up. ::

[Rampage]

As Karen walked out side, Nicolas turned back to Morgan.

So where were we? Oh yes, I was helping you watch your figure. Well, Ms. Victoria, I have been watching it for quite some time and I think that..EH?!

the lights flickered, then SURGED as some bulbs blew out . Nicolas made sure that the glass made it safely to the floor when he looked out the window and realized that this was NOT localized. He contacted Mike.

Mike, what's going on?

Mama Bird has disappeared, bossman, I am in-

WHAT?! Regain visual yesterday, man! We cannot lose-

I am on it, and FULLY strapped.

I will meet you outside shortly.

Mike left the car, a pair of chrome desert eagles with silencers in hand. He made his way quickly, but surprisingly quiet and furtive for a man of his size, as his eyes searched for Karen Victoria across the parking lot...

Nicolas turned back to Morgan as her phone began to ring. He grabbed her hand.

Morgan, Mike has lost visual on Ma outside. We need to leave now. I think something is going bad here. This is all TOO coincidental.

Nicolas stood quickly, carefully helping Morgan from her seat so as not to arouse too much panic, but quickly urging her outside...

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah had showered and changed after a day of "stepping disc" travel, and now she was busying herself making preparations for Alycia's stay - wanting to be a good host - and making sure she had everything she would need. It would be nice spending some time with Alycia, despite the circumstances, and especially now that Alison was gone. ]


You've really made this place your own, havent you? ::looking around.:: I know that this kind of living is what Morgan was made for but did you ever think you'd be living in a sprawling place like this?

"Never in a million years - especially not on a cop's salary."

[ Delilah chuckled good-naturedly. ]

"It certainly took some getting used to. But the one thing about Morgan is - despite her fame and obvious glamour - she doesn't make you feel inferior because you aren't a celebrity. I don't think we'd be friends if she did."

[ She stopped what she was doing for a second as she thought about it. ]

"But it is strange to see how the other half lives, that's for sure."

[ She smiled at Alycia. ]

You know....If you have plans tonight, you dont have to stay here with me. I'll be fine. I may be ONLY HUMAN, but i can take care of myself.

"Oh you know me - my plans usually consist of take out and a game of pool at the local bar."

[ She laughed. ]

"I really only do the big "club" thing with Morgan...or Alison. Used to anyway."

[ Alycia commented on Alison being away. ]

"I know - it seems like she's been gone forever. I expect it will be a while until we see her, she'll need time to adjust to her new life I expect."

[ She paused again, trying to think how to phrase what she was going to say next, without being intrusive or offending Alycia. ]

"Alycia...if you need or want to talk about what's happened...you know I'm here for you. I don't want to overstep my bounds, but I just wanted you to know."

[ She smiled reassuringly. Maybe if Alycia vented to her a bit she wouldn't blow Haleigh's head up the first chance she gets. Just then, the lights began to flicker. ]

"What is going on with this place lately?"

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Ava sat down as Zach pulled out her chair for her. Nodding a thank you to him, she picked up her cloth napkin and spread it across her lap. Just as Haleigh was answering her question, she stopped, realizing that Alycia had brought the damn army with her, in weapons fashion. Turning around in her chair to look at the screen, she watched Alycia. Haleigh began to freak out, and Zach trying to calm her, but soon, but became too much. The lights began to flicker; bulbs bursting throughout the penthouse. Quickly standing from her seat, she bumped the table causing their glasses to fall and break. Moving to Haleigh's side as she began to have another episode, this wasn't simply something that was going to pass. Images flooded the main view screen of Sharon Kelly's death. Of Alycia confronting Haleigh about the Cassadines, and putting a HIT out on Ava herself. Although pissed at this new revelation, Ava placed her anger toward Alycia on the backburner and focused on Haleigh. ::

"Zach, call Morgan and tell her to get here with Karen, quickly."

:: Seeing how concerned he awas about Haleigh, Ava instructed him firmly to focus his mind on something. Placing her hand on Haleigh's cheek, she ducked her head down trying to get a better look at her face. ::

"Try and focus on my voice..."

[Jessica Hamby]

Zach tried to reassure her, but he was too late.... the sight of Alycia's preparations.... the THOUGHT of capture and the memories of what Karen had shown her flashed in her mind... the screen came back to life... jumbled images of the future Karen had shown her, the torture and death she might have faced... more flashes of Morgan slipping from Haleigh's fingers and being yanked into the Seige Perilous gave way to a more coherant but equally painful memory: Sharon Kelly's last minutes and Alycia's anguish...

However, as the lights flickered throughout a 15 mile radius, Haleigh's memory broadcast was not limited to JUST this room... in fact, every screen and monitor in the entire Illustra tower came on, as the lights went out, and now Alycia and Delilah as well were treated to the sight.... this would help alert Delilah to what was wrong.... and for the first time, Alycia would see HERSELF in the moment she pulled the rug out from under Haleigh.... she would be subject to the bloodlust that had consumed her, through Haleigh's eyes.... like a movie with a scratch, a few of Alycia's more damaging words repeated after the scene played out:

Alycia: "You may as well have murdered Sharon yourself." and then, if possible, with even greater contempt: "It seems that a leopard really CAN'T change it's spots after all."

No one has seen this before... not one other member of the Six knew just how bad this fallout had been... and the playback captured the essence in such a way that it was nearly as real to those watching as it was to the two people that had been involved with it. Zach runs to the phone in the kitchen and immediately calls Morgan for help, as Ava does her best to try and bring Haleigh back down:

Ava: "Try and focus on my voice..."

Haleigh can barely hear her sister.... the screens jump back and forth with scrambled memories before Haleigh DOES focus on Ava's voice.... and inadvertantly triggers a diferent memory to play, and life is once again seen through a younger Haleigh's eyes:

"What, did you sleep in, Haleigh? Me and Patch got all the bacon. You snooze you lose!"

Ava says cheerfully, as I come down for breakfast at six a.m., pulling a turtleneck sweater on over my longsleeved thermal. Patrick sits at the table sipping hot chocolate and looking sheepish. I give him an alarmed look. What the hell is he still doing here?

"Patch, what--"

Mama comes around the corner and sets a plate on the table in front of him. She silences me with a knowing look. Busted. Shit. Ava sits at the table across from him, spellbound. She even stops chewing. Lord, the girl is nosy. I hope I wasn't like that at twelve. Mama breaks the uneasy quiet.

"I caught Patch sneaking around this morning. He tried to say he'd let himself in... that he wanted to surprise you with breakfast in bed. When I told him I knew he never left last night, he said that you two fell asleep after your homework and that it was all his fault. Chivalrous, isnt he?"

I momentarily consider backing his story up... but I'm terrible at lying to my mother. I shake my head and pour my own mug of hot chocolate as I grab a piece of toast.

"Ma... [deep sigh] Look... Patch and I made this decision together..."

The only movement in the room is Patrick and Ava shifting their gaze from me to Mama. Stavros comes into the kitchen/breakfast area in his bathrobe, a sight that threatens to put me off my breakfast, grumbling about something or other. Mama gracefully changes the subject.

“Are you gonna finish mending the fence on the west side of the mare pasture today?"

"Yeah.... I got all the posts in, just the slats left to replace now." I say, moving to the window. The first snowflakes of the season begin hit the windowpane. "Oh look... and now its snowing. How goddamn poetic." I comment, sipping my drink and staring off. I realize what I let slip a little too late, but Mama doesn't say anything... and decides to let the swearing slide. We both know why... Today is the anniversary of Daddy's death.... and Mama always makes a point to give me a little slack this one day of the year. Stavros, however, doesn't care what day it is. He hates that Ava looks up to me... and every chance he gets to reprimand me, he does.

Stavros: "Watch that mouth, kid, or--" He realizes that Patrick is sitting at the table, trying to be inconspicuous. "What the hell are you doing here boy? I don't have any sons. Did you spend the night here?"

Patrick looks at me for an answer, but I stare Stav down, and he can tell what answer I'd like him to give. He clears his throat and sits up straight. "Yes sir, I did." My crooked, defiant smile grows as I watch Stavro's anger build. I know he can't stand the nerve Patch just showed. Stav turns to Mama with a growl.... he knows his wife wont let him discipline me like he wants to. I'd half like to see him try... I'd love an excuse to knock the shit out of him. I'm stronger than I look, and he doesn't understand how much fight I have in me.

"You'd better TALK to her, Lara. I won't have those two animals mating in MY house."

He stomps off, and Mama gives Patrick a scolding look, while I give him a high five. HA, animals. I finish my toast and swipe some of my lifelong friend's bacon. I slowly drink the last of my cocoa and rinse the mug out in the sink. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the weight of the day. The pain attacks me like a pack of wolves. Speaking of...

"Hey Ma... where's the extra buckshot?"

Mama pauses and slowly looks over her shoulder, as if she thinks I might be thinking of shooting Stavros. I entertain the thought... but it's the getting away with it part I'd have trouble with.

"In the coat closet on the shelf, why?"

I go to get it, and Patrick picks up his plate and washes it in the sink as I come back, setting the ammo on the counter and putting my thick parka on. "I think the wolves are back.... I saw some tracks out by the fence yesterday. I'd better get on it... before this snow gets too heavy."

Mama nods knowingly. "The new Browning shotgun is under my bed." She offers, but I shake my head.

"I've got Daddy's old break action in my Jeep." I reply, looking to Patch. He thanks Mama for breakfast and volunteers to walk me out. Good idea, genius. I pull my camera strap over my shoulder... never know when I'll find an opportunity, and with a mood like mine, I could chance on a dark, soulful shot. Mama tells Ava to feed the horses, and reminds her to keep the barn doors closed because of the cold. She hands us each a travel mug of hot chocolate 'for the road', and watches us leave, Ava offering to help me with the fence if I will help her dump feed in return. I hear Ma chuckle softly, both of us knowing Ava's idea of helping me is occaisionally handing me stuff but mostly talking. I'm more of a listener, so I agree, primarily because I'd like to have company and be distracted from the gravity of this particular day.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan blushed as her mother reprimanded her in a stern, yet maternal way. it was all in her mother's voice. she had that unique ability>>


pardon me for going into "mother" mode on you


too late, mother.

<< Morgan looked sheepishly as Nicolas agreed with Karen about eating....and loving to see WHATEVER she did and Morgan blushed. she was being double teamed by a most cunning duo :D>>

<< Nicolas playfully waved a fork full of food to Morgan and Karen excused herself to take a call. Morgan giggled a bit before turning to watch her mother leave.>>

oh nicolas...to borrow a song from Chaka Khan....

<< she held his hand that held the fork>>

You're SO NAUGHTY!


<< pulling his hand forward, she gladly takes the bite he offers as her icy violet eyes sparkler>>

I caught on to your little double entdre at the end of your co sign with my mother, mister.

<< she winked.>>

<< just then, the lights began to flicker and as some bulbls exploded and people began to scream, Morgan jumped with surprise as her phone rang. >>

It's Zach!

<< she didnt realize that Nicolas was in mental contact with Mike and that Mike had lost sight of Karen as people outside began to react to the chaos in the air but as she heard Zach's urgent call for her and Karen to back to Illustra , Nicolas grabbed her hand. they needed to reach Karen before the crowd got out of control.>>

Nicolas! << she said as she let him usher her along>>

Something's wrong with Haleigh! it's WORSE than before!

<< moving with him through the crowd...she knew the noise around them would prevent them from being heard.>>

I think SHE'S causing these malfunctions. she has mechanical empathy and she once went so far as to tap into a LASER SATELLITE when we were fighting master mold. there's no telling WHAT could go wrong in the city if her power is going on the fritz!

<< outside...Morgan looked around.>>

MOM!?

<< looking to NIcolas>>


WHERE IS SHE!?

<< morgan felt a tremendous sense of DREAD ...like something was COMING>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Quickly looking at the screen as a memory of their childhood is played in cinematic form, Ava grabbed both of Haleigh's shoulders, gently shaking her to try and knock her out of this trans. ::

"Haleigh! Listen to me! Focus on ME!"

:: Not wanting any more private memories of Haleigh's past to be played for God knows who, Haleigh would be mortified. And...in some circumstances, Ava as well. There had been some heated moments in their past involving Stavros, herself, and Haleigh. It wouldn't be pleasent to see them again, or have anyone else see them. She already experienced enough of that in their last little caper. ::

"Haleigh, how far can a 22 caliber shoot."

:: Trying to train her mind onto a different subject and get her conciously THINKING, hopefully that would help tame the memories. ::

"Oh come on....You always brag about how much more you know about weapons. Prove it to me."

:: Giving her a little insentive by egging her on, Ava's voice, however, showed how truly concerned she was for Haleigh. Looking over to Zach quickly to see if he had gotten ahold of Morgan, she turned her attention back to Haleigh. ::

[Jacob Black]

:: She wasn't answering the phone. Perhaps the signals were being scrambled due to the power flux? It was his best answer. He shot a message to Nicholas, the only neutral person in this mess who wouldn't be offended if he sent a telepathic message and the only one he knew could respond since he didn't know just where everyone was. ::

"Nicholas, it's Cameron? The outage... it's Haleigh? Right? I want to see her! I want to help! Are you all in Illustra?

:: He hoped everything was okay with Haleigh, she was a strong girl but somebody was messing with her and Cameron was determined to figure out who it was. Even though he hadn't gotten an answer, he began to make his way back to Illustra, ready to help the team. ::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< as Karen stepped outside and away from the hub, she took her call. unaware that she was being watched by Mike. not that she would have objected. Mike seemed to be a loyal, trust worthy individual and obviously a long standing confidant of Nicolas>>


<< as the wind blew a bit, Karen put the phone to her ear...>>

This is Dr. Victoria...


<< the phone unleashes a HORRID feedback and SHOCK...causing Karen to cry out in pain!>>

OW!!

<< dropping the phone as she covers her ears...she doesnt realize that this as all part of a plan orchestrated in "the cell", as they have cloned a phone number and used it to dial her phone...to lure her away from nicolas and morgan.>>


<< as the traffic lights began to go crazy and street lights explode...people began to surge and run...obscuring her view from Mike at the moment. She's around the other side of the building and at that moment, she was ATTACKED by MEN....wearing CLANDESTINE INC suits!!>>


<<GASP!!>>

GET AWAY!!

<< she dodges the first man and thrusts her hand out, instinctively lashing out with a golden mystic force bolt, blasting one of the men squarely in the chest before being smacked in the back of the head by another one with a club>>

AGH!!!


<< the men seem to be without voice or emotion, wearing helments with visors that mask their face in opaque black cover. b ut its CLEAR from the uniform insignia that they are CLANDESTINE INC soldiers...>>


<< with all the people in the area, its hard to see....hard to think! and now the three men are about to try to BEAT the doctor bloody.>>

[Rampage]

As Nicolas exited with Morgan, he "heard" Cameron calling him. SHIT!!! He did NOT need this now. Haleigh or Alycia would be at him all night.

Cameron, stand down. Illustra is not ideal. I have a fix on you and I will meet you at Illustra later. But you HAVE to be patient. If Haleigh is in a bad way, you may unfortunately make it worse. Find somewhere to be close by. I will keep in touch.


As Nicolas emerged outside the restaurant with Morgan, he reached out to find Karen. He found her around the corner to the right, being attacked by some soldier-type thugs!!!

Mike, hard my right. Go infrared.

Nicolas knew that Mike had located him as he exited and that he would be setting up to assist, so he went around the corner at an amazing pace, easily outrunning Morgan as he reached Karen with of the soldiers preparing to hit her again with the club. He grabbed the man's arm, breaking both the radius and ulna before hitting him in the back of the head, knocking him out. As one of the other soldiers squared off, a nearly-silent shot entered his shoulder, exiting cleanly.

Mike had rolled around so that he could get a shot off while wearing his shades, which were apparently equipped for infrared night-vision. He advanced, using cover as Nicolas relayed to him his plan.

As Nicolas saw the second soldier fall, he grabbed Karen, puling her behind him as he he advanced on the third assailant. Mike, having made his way behind Nicolas, picked her up and began to carry her away from the fray...

[Jacob Black]

:: As he heard Nicholas speak to him and give him a plan, he also heard thoughts of Alycia in Nicholas' head. Great, she was already at Illustra and was already pissed off at him. This was ridiculous, he hated having to be on the sidelines for now but he understood. Getting a fix on Nicholas, he decided to wait nearly a block away at a close by newstand from where he was at the moment with Morgan and Karen and her assailants. Cameron was just so frustrated with the whole situation. If anyone was to see if Haleigh was alright, it should have been Cameron. He could just picture Zach now, holding Haleigh in his arms, telling her everything would be alright. ::

:: He wanted more than anything to be the one to fix Haleigh, to be the one to save her. He felt he owed her that, to show her that he cared, to show her he could protect her and weather her from the storm more than Zach ever could. Cameron wanted to be there for here because he wasn't before. Life was getting hard. He wanted to jump right in and help and he wanted his team back, but he knew it couldn't be like that. Tempers would flare, people would react and it would be bad. He sat down on a nearby bench and waited. Thinking to himself. ::

"Jesus Christ, Cameron, were you REALLY this fucked up before you died? Get it together..."

:: And so he waited for word from Nicholas ::

"Sounds like a plan, I am at the Newstand just by the restaurant.. about a block away. Waiting for you man.."

[Alycia Barnett]

Alycia...if you need or want to talk about what's happened...you know I'm here for you. I don't want to overstep my bounds, but I just wanted you to know."

[ She smiled reassuringly. Maybe if Alycia vented to her a bit she wouldn't blow Haleigh's head up the first chance she gets. Just then, the lights began to flicker. ]

:: Alycia blinked and looked rather blankly at Delilah for a moment. during this whole situation, it was the first time ANYONE had really ASKED Alycia how she felt or if SHE needed to TALK about how she felt. She wanted to let the flood gates open but she had an image to maintain....::

Delilah....I...

:: the lights began to flux and bulbs exploded in lamps as the power in the building began to wane. Alycia looked out of the window...it was happening all around them within a certain radius too.::



[ Just then, the lights began to flicker. ]

"What is going on with this place lately?"


:: the place went BLACK before Delilah's large plasma screen TV blinked ON::


::the screen came back to life... jumbled images of the future Karen had shown her, the torture and death she might have faced... more flashes of Morgan slipping from Haleigh's fingers and being yanked into the Seige Perilous gave way to a more coherant but equally painful memory: Sharon Kelly's last minutes and Alycia's anguish...





:: seeing this again..ALL of it....was too much, as Alycia covered her mouth, she felt as if she had been SENT BACK in time to relive Sharon's death.. it made her HEART hurt as tears begin to well up in her eyes.::

no....this is TOO MUCH!

:: she said softly as she covered her face::



::However, as the lights flickered throughout a 15 mile radius, Haleigh's memory broadcast was not limited to JUST this room... in fact, every screen and monitor in the entire Illustra tower came on, as the lights went out, and now Alycia and Delilah as well were treated to the sight.... this would help alert Delilah to what was wrong.... and for the first time, Alycia would see HERSELF in the moment she pulled the rug out from under Haleigh.... she would be subject to the bloodlust that had consumed her, through Haleigh's eyes.... like a movie with a scratch, a few of Alycia's more damaging words repeated after the scene played out::


Alycia: "You may as well have murdered Sharon yourself." and then, if possible, with even greater contempt: "It seems that a leopard really CAN'T change it's spots after all."


:: Alycia balked at the sight of herself. what had she become? she almost looked DEMONIC as she her enraged face. her eyes ablaze with such HATRED and BLOOD LUST! WHO WAS THIS WOMAN!?::

:: she could barely breathe as this played out again....not realizing just how VICIOUS she had been with Haleigh. she'd torn down companies before, blew criminals out of the water in court and most recently become a hardened fighter...but watching herself attack Haleigh in that moment...Alycia had become something she was not at all pleased with and it upset her.::

:: she put her hand to her forehead as she looked up::

I ..havent done a very good job of honoring Sharon's memory...I've hurt people that I was supposed to be helping....what kind of monster have i become?


:: she was beside herself...almost DIZZY with confusion and anguish. WHERE was all this coming from? these awfull images, this whole situation? she looked over to Delilah, tears streaming down her face. Delilah (nor anyone else) had never seen her like THIS before.::

I ...want to ...pass out.



:: but she wouldnt be able to enjoy THAT "luxury". ANOTHER image flashed, this time it was less severe. and the faces...they were familiar to her. not from first hand memory..more like from association.::

Haleigh and Ava....PRE seige perilous...and .....Patrick Phillips....the SUPER SOLDIER!

:: Alycia steadied herself on a table. she still felt terribly dizzy and slightly disoriented. the previous images having smacked her hard in her psyche. WHO was responsible for all this?::

what does all this MEAN!?

:: she bellowed as she grappled for control in some way::


:: Looking over her shoulder, her cell phone began to ring...an ALERT tone.::

that's my emergency tone! something must be wrong!

:: rushing to get it, she hesitated before grabbing one of her golden desert eagels and returning to Delilah::


<<Barnett here!

>>miss barnett!! there's some kind of disturbance sweeping across the city but ILLUSTRA seems to be the focal point. traffic lights, street lights, and other light fixtures and media outlets are malfunctioning! worse yet, dr. victoria is under attack...by CLANDESTINE INC AGENTS!
<<WHAT!?


:: Alycia shrieked as she looked at Delilah!::


<< WHERE IS SHE!? where are MORGAN AND NICOLAS, they were supposed to be together!

:: she spoke to delilah::

Karen is being ATTACKED by Clandestine inc agents!! everything within a 15 mile radius of Illustra is suffering from electrical/mechanical malfunctions!

::back on the phone, her operative declares the location AND that Cameron King is in the vicinity::

<< well dont just stand there! HELP THE DOCTOR and as for Cameron King....

:: gritting her teeth::

Dont do anything to him, just keep a CLOSE EYE on him for now. He'll probably come HERE anyway, knowing him.

:: she slammed her phone shut and all traces of regret vanished as she became thoroughly agitated with the seemingly incriminating news about Haleigh's men attacking Karen.::

I KNEW IT!! HALEIGH is behind this!! She's going to hurt Karen just like she hurt SHARON!

:: Alycia went back to her room, and with remarkable speed for a human, changed into her state of the art body contouring "body armour" suit that made her look like a sleek, glamorous S.H.I.E.L.D operative. strapping her desert eagles on to her holsters and grabbing a repulsor blaster in one hand while grabbing the EMP wand in the other::

I'll deal with her as she deserves!

:: making her way for the door to the hallway and to the elevators::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan called out after Nicolas as he sprinted off.>>

DAMMIT!

<< she ran VERY well in heels..but she couldnt keep up with HIM! he must have found her mother! the screeching of tires marked MIKE driving the limo with deft skill to meet with Nicolas as he attacked Karen's assailants. Morgan FINALLY rounded the corner>>

MOTHER!

<< Nicolas had moved Karen behind him and Mike was about to fire upon another man, Morgan grabbed her and ran her to the Limo, oppening the cab door and getting her inside. Not wanting to leave Nicolas alone...even though he was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, Morgan turned to see Mike pick off the other soldier with splendid skill.>>

wow. mike is more than meets the eye.

<< as the last soldier fell, Morgan rushed over>>

Nicolas....thank the goddess you found her in time!

<< breathing heavily as she looked at the fallen men, her icy violet eyes widened as she bent down and examined a uniform>>

Nicolas...these uniforms are CLANDESTINE INC! these are HALEIGH'S MEN!

why would they be attacking my mother!

<< she opened one of their helmet masks....but the face was that of....a DEMON. black uniforms, featurless black helmet masks, ....she hadnt seen something like this since the black guards that had attacked Shockwave back when the Citadle first melted down. but why would black guard cast offs be working under clandestine inc. morgan shook her head >>


this doesnt MAKE ANY SENSE!!

<< she cried out....hearing sirens in the area....>>

we have to get OUT of here.

<< Morgan takes Nicolas by the hand back to the Limo....where Karen is sitting, looking dazed.>>

Mother....thank the goddess you're allright. I'll take care of your wound with my magick.

Nicolas....please ask mike to drive as soon as he's ready, I'll CLOAK the car with a spell so that he can drive FAST back to Illustra. but if i teleport it....MIKE will get a glimpse of Limbo and i cant risk that.

I cant even begin to understand what's going on...but if it's THIS BAD here...then we need to get BACK to illustra, Haleigh must be in terrible trouble.....and the soldiers of hers must be a product of that. thats the ONLY THING i can think of right now to explain it!


<< she was unaware that Nicolas and Cameron had been in contact via telepathic rapport and that was probably a good thing. but even as they were getting ready to back to Illustra , they would find that they werent the only ones en route.>>

[Rampage]

As Mike picked off another of the soldiers, Nicolas smoothed away the ballistics markings on the bullets. This was not their first ride together, nor would it be their last, and Nicolas prepared to take one of the guards with him when Morgan requested that they move fast to Illustra. The revelation that these were Haleigh's men shot off alarms in his mind and he signaled Cameron.

Hightail it to Illustra. I am en route now. The car right in front of you? <<turns car on with his TK>>It's yours for the moment. Drive to Illustra and wait for me there.

Nicolas wraps one of the injured soldiers in asphalt up to his nose and tosses him into the open trunk, all by TK. He ushers Morgan into the back beside her mother as Mike stomps the pedal to the floor. Nicolas erects a buffer of force around them so any obstacles are pushed away as gently as possible while they speed to Illustra. Cameron's car is afforded the same luxury.

Morgan, Cameron has been in mental contact with me. He is heading to Illustra also as we speak. We will have to be careful. I am concerned that Alycia and Cameron around is too much for her...

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron didn't have time to feel bad for himself as Nicholas gave him the go ahead and the transportation to get to Illustra and more importantly, get to Haleigh to see if she was alright. If Alycia was at Illustra, he figured it would be better if he was there to cushion her rage rather than Haleigh. She didn't need this right now and what was happening in the city? Alycia along with the others would blame Haleigh from the memories she had shown in the Conference Room... it just would be a complete disaster and Cameron didn't care who was upset at him for coming to Illustra. ::

"Alright, Nicholas, i'm on my way. Please tell Morgan, I don't want her to be surprised at my being at Illustra. It's not going to help."

:: Prophet was making his back to Illustra a block over but keeping up with Morgan and Nicholas. ::

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah looked around her as the images invaded her television screen, scanning the apartment for intruders. Her cop senses recognized no foreign sounds. She tried to remain distant from the scenes playing before her - not reliving the emotions that accompanied that day. She was detached - a lesson learned long ago at gruesome crime scenes.

She had no time to comfort Alycia as she watched herself, for Alycia's phone rang and they learned that Karen was being attacked. And by Clandestine? ]

"But that's Haleigh's..."

[ Delilah grappled to make sense of the situation when Alycia went ballistic about Haleigh. Delilah trailed after her. ]

"Alycia - wait! Haleigh would never attack Karen. There's something more going on here and until we know what it is, we can't just go after Haleigh!"

[ She managed to get in front of Alycia and block her path. ]

"If Haleigh has attacked Karen, I'll kill her myself. But we need all the facts first. And our priority now needs to be making sure Karen is safe!"

[Jessica Hamby]

"Ava...."

Haleigh says dazily, her pupils are small pinpricks, and she wobbles slightly.... the silwerware on the table begins to tremble.... and the metallic din it creates spreads to the other metal objects in the room... the memory playing on the screen pauses briefly... then picks up a few moments later. Zach gets a hold of Morgan and tells her to come quickly... and he comes back into the room to try and help with Haleigh.... but there is little help for her, as the suits tucked away in another part of town are manipulating Haleigh as they wish and even SHE doesn't know it. The memory flood plays on:

I give Patch (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/titaniazane/youngcouple.jpg) a parting kiss as Jeff pokes his head out of a stall and chastens him to get to work. Ava and I feed the horses together, taking care to shut the barn doors, and then jump in my Jeep Wrangler to head out to the far side of the mare pasture, where the fence work needs to be done. We unload the supplies and get to work, with me carrying on the bulk of the work and Ava carrying on the bulk of the conversation.

Ava: "Do you ever get tired of this all? You know, the stables life... all the work and stuff?"

I pause a moment before nailing a board up the rest of the way into the post and shrugging my shoulders. "No... its kind of relaxing... and at the end of the day... I'm sore and tired and wore out... but I have the distinct sensation that I accomplished something... its really nice, I think."

Ava lays in the backseat of the topless jeep, staring up at the sky and considers this... but she doesn't seem to see what I do. She is her father's daughter, and the charm of the horse country has worn off. Ava wants to see the world... and own it. Both of us girls know that Mama and Stavros have grown apart... and Stav mentioned at dinner the other night that he got a job offer... in Greece. He wanted to accept... but it wasn’t like Ma and I were going to uproot and leave behind our land, horses, and everything we had ever known. Good riddance. I couldn't be more thrilled... but I hid it. Ava, on the other hand, didnt. She wanted to go with her dad to explore the world... and her visible excitement had obviously pleased Stavros, who had agreed to take her along... if that was okay with her mother.

Ava has gotten that day-dreamy look again, and relaxes in the bench seat as she lays her dreams on me. "I dunno Haleigh... I'm much more restless than you... We've lived in this house all my life... and yours too.... I just... want MORE. I want to go to every place I've ever heard of, just so I can say I've BEEN there... I want more money than I can ever waste.... I want to own TEN brand new cars and a house with FIFTY rooms and a maid for each one so i never have to clean up... and all my neighbors will be jealous. AND I could just QUIT school and pay people to think for me."

I laugh and ask Ava to pass me a slat. She's got a lot to learn. Ava asks if that sounded like the life to have, and I look up, resting my arms on the post and smiling softly at my little sister. She just didn't get it. How could we be so alike and so different at the same time?

"You know what they say, Rugrat.... the more stuff you own the more your stuff owns you.... that all sounds swell... but do you NEED it? you should ask yourself... what is it you're MISSING in your life.... that money can buy you....[I pause, waiting for Ava to say something... but then continue when it was clear she would not] and how happy would you really be, with all those flashy belongings.... knowing that if you follow your father to becoming filthy rich...itll only be done by exploiting other human beings?"

Ava doesn't have an answer, and I knew what she was thinking. 'Good god, couldn't the crazy girl ever lighten up?', and after a short pause, Ava said as much, which ellicited another laugh from me.

Ava:"I'm going with Dad to Greece."

I go back to work solemnly, as my heart sinks and a lump grows in my throat. Talk about killing the mood. I take deep breaths and try to hold it together, even as I think about how hard it would be to say goodbye.

"I was afraid you might." I say softly, before moving to the next post and busying myself with fixing the board to this one as well. Ava's next question was tenative and quiet.

Ava:"Are you mad?"

I look up abruptly, despite the mist in my eyes. Why would she think that? I shake my head firmly and catch my sister's eyes. "NO... no, I'm not mad. You deserve to reach for your dreams Ava, to earn EVERYTHING you want for yourself... you deserve to see the WORLD... and all that. I could never be MAD at you for doing just that... and I know i could never live with myself if I was selfish enough to hold you back from that... but I just... I'm gonna miss ya, rugrat." I croak, and beckon Ava to come over, pulling her into a hug. "I'll miss ya." I repeat, partly because I know of nothing else to say, and Ava confides that she'll feel the same.

It was a glimpse of just how different Haleigh had once been.... proof that she was not always a monster.... and that she kept this part of her buried out of self-preservation. A few floors below, Alycia tries to get to Haleigh with the EMP.... but it seems Haleigh had already taken precautions to keep Alycia from roaming around on HER floor, for as Alycia tries to use the elevator, it won't comply.

>>Access Denied. Occupant is not authorized for this floor. Please select a different floor. Access Denied.

Meanwhile, on Haleigh's floor: Ava tries to reign Haleigh back to the world of the present by asking her about guns.... a move that could have been helpful turns sour.

"22? shoot...." Haleigh mumbles... and the guns in the armory start to FIRE. Luckily, the walls of the armory are fortified... but the loud crackle of gunfire is scary enough. Zach leaves the room quickly... and downstairs, the DESERT EAGLE that Alycia is carrying starts to wildly discharge as well!

Zach:"I'm sorry, baby.... I have to." he says, as he produces a magnetic flare baton... turns the expose up to BLAST.... and turns it on. It flashes brightly, and Haleigh shudders.... she gasps in pain... and loses consciousness, slumping into Ava's arms. Zach turns the MFB off.... as silence falls around them. The metal in the apartment becomes still once more.... the screens around them black. The lights stop flickering and, most importantly, the guns in the armory [and Alycia's downstairs] stop firing at will. Zach takes a deep breath, making eye contact with Ava as he bends down and lifts Haleigh from her seat at the dining table, taking her into the living room.

Zach:"She'll wake up in a few minutes.... hopefully by then the rest of the Six will be back here.... [speaking up] INTERCOM, ON. FLOOR 101. Miss Trelaven? Are you okay? Haleigh had another attack.... as I'm sure you saw... it was triggered when Haleigh saw that Alycia had an EMP to use against her [haleigh]. Did you SEE those memories? You can't allow Alycia to come up here... NOT if she's going to act like THAT. NOT if she's going to bring.... that weapon. We have Haleigh subdued... Miss Victoria and the rest are on their way."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen's head was ringing hard. She'd been nailed with deadly accuracy by that club. a blow like that would have killed some victims or rendered them unconscious but Karen had never been easily to render unconscious...even with an anesthetic. her magicks always gave her a boosted level of clarity and cognition.>>

<< still as she fended off the obvious attack from the front, she was taken from behind before she could do anything more. Falling to the ground, stunned from the shock and pain, Karen looked at her phone and struggled to control the pain in her head. not really registering the fact that three men were surrounding her at first.>>

<< as the unrest in the area around them all continued due to the fluxuating traffic lights and other mechanical devices, the rushing throng of people made it seem like she'd never be able to get her bearings and get to Morgan, but she didnt have to worry, for Nicolas was there now and instantly upon the "men". >>

Nicolas


<< he moved her out of harm's way and then, shortly after, Morgan took her and ran her back to the Limo, getting her inside while Mike began to open fire on the men Nicolas was fighting.>>

<< Karen began to come around and as the group sped off, Morgan healed her mother's injury.>>

Thank you, Morgan....and you Nicolas...and Mike as well.

I am very gratefull.

<< the doctor said, breathing out slowly as she rubbed her head.>>

it all happened so FAST! as soon as i took the call...i was bombared by a blast of "white noise" and JOLTED by an electrical pulse...it almost seemed DELIBERATE!


<< she had her phone in her hand....and opened her hand slightly. the phone was still in tact, and had not been damaged, even when she dropped it.>>

<< Mike was speeding along to Illustra as Karen looked at Morgan for a moment.>>

You mentioned Haleigh. Perhaps whatever was plaguing her as returned to a more extreme level.


<< running her hand through her blonde hair as she looked down at her dress.>>

well Vera Wang is a good investment, even an encounter with maniacal guards doesnt cause her dresses to rip.

<< she said with a hint of icy sarcasm as she looked over her body for any other bruising. Nicolas revealed that Cameron was on his way to Illustra and that he had been in contact with the mutant as well.>>

Nicolas, Alycia and Haleigh are one thing....Cameron and Alycia...or Cameron and Haleigh are another thing all together. CAMERON is the greater risk, not Alycia. SHE, at least, we can trust.


Cameron would do well to stand back and let those who can do the most help take the lead.

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah dove at Alycia, knocking the desert eagle away and taking Alycia with her over the couch to cover. She would apologize for the bruising later. Clearly this was Haleigh's malfunction at work. When they were sure the gun was not going to start blazing again, she stood and brushed herself off. ]


Zach:"Miss Trelaven? Are you okay? Haleigh had another attack.... as I'm sure you saw... it was triggered when Haleigh saw that Alycia had an EMP to use against her [haleigh]. Did you SEE those memories? You can't allow Alycia to come up here... NOT if she's going to act like THAT. NOT if she's going to bring.... that weapon. We have Haleigh subdued... Miss Victoria and the rest are on their way."

[ Delilah turned her head and looked at the nearest intercom box. She waved her hand at it, the box having been modified with a light sensor allowing her to activate it from where she stood. ]

"Alycia is with me now. Do you know if Karen is with Morgan and Nicolas? We've had word she was under attack."

[ She looked to Alycia, her voice lowered. ]

"It is not safe for you to be around Haleigh right now. I respect your position, and more than that, you're my friend - but I will use force if necessary to prevent you - or the rest of us - from being shot by a weapon with a mind of its own."

[ She knelt and picked up the two desert eagles, carefully pointing the business end down and away from her. Taking them to the table she opened the chamber of one. ]

"I think we should keep these seperate from their ammo for the time being..."

[ She was not looking forward to seeing her bedroom and whether the Firestar she kept under her pillow had decided to shred her favorite set of sheets... ]

[Alycia Barnett]

:: As Alycia stormed toward the doors of Delilah's department, ready to march up to Haleigh's floor and render her inert, Delilah blocked her path.::

DELILAH!

::Alycia exclaimed...::

[ She managed to get in front of Alycia and block her path. ]

"If Haleigh has attacked Karen, I'll kill her myself. But we need all the facts first. And our priority now needs to be making sure Karen is safe!"


:: Delilah was RIGHT. Despite what appeared to be OBVIOUS...it was MORE important to make sure Karen was okay. Despite how she was now dressed and how she looked ready to wage war on Haleigh, Alycia's head was THROBBING. the images she had just seen of HERSELF had upset her. this wasnt what her parents her to become. this isnt what Sharon would have wanted....and she just couldnt understand HOW she could look so DEMONIC and SEEM so out of control! she was in a world of pain...between THIS and the rising bitterness and resentment in her heart toward Cameron for his being here while her father and sharon could NOT be here...it was taking a toll.::


:: Alycia didnt try to press pass Delilah and just as well, as the elevators would not have cooperated with her request to go to the 105th floor. she lowered her hand with the EMP wand....setting it down on a table and putting her hand to her forehead.::

WHY did i come back here!

:: she looked up, with tears in her eyes. Yes she had a serious problem with Haleigh....but there was something ELSE was getting to her.::

I HATE HIM Delilah! WHY DOES CAMERON get to come back from the dead when my FATHER and SHARON cant? HE as the WORST KIND OF MAN! and YET HE GETS A SECOND CHANCE! HOW does someone like HIM get a reprieve from the "powers that be" when TRULY GOOD PEOPLE have to be bound by the "rules"?

:: as she screamed her desert eagles discharged....her eyes widened with shock as Delilah dove to get alycia AWAY from them. it was a rough roll, but at least Alycia wasnt burned or WORSE the discharging weapons and finally as they became inactive, Alycia raised her head. Delilah had probably just saved her life! Delilah made it clear that Alycia couldnt bring those weapons with her if she was intending to go to Haleigh's apartment and that it was not safe for her. Alycia's facial expression betrayed defiance and consternation all at once. but she wasnt angry AT Delilah for doing what she had to do.::


:: images of Haleigh and Ava again....pre seige perilous. Alycia slowly looks around to watch it. Haleigh is younger, and clearly this is before her infection with the T.O. virus and the INferno for her body , her face are different. THIS look she sort of remembers. Haleigh and Ava are reflecting, showing each of their distinct out looks on life. Stavros is on the verge of getting "in bed" with Mystech and this means a world of wealth and privilage for his family. Ava cannot wait, Haleigh is less enthused. Watching Haleigh, Alycia sees the values and ideas that HER parents taught to HER as a young girl. they had more in common than Alycia might have suspected and this was a glimpse into the life of a woman who was HUMAN, who had hopes, ideas and dreams. She wasnt the cold blooded "monster" that Alycia knew her as now.::

:: this look into the past...WHY was it happening, why NOW in front of Alycia? she didnt know about Haleigh's earlier malfunction and so...this all seemed so unusual to her.::

:: the images fade away as Zach's voice comes over the intercom. he explains that Haleigh had been watching Alycia and when she saw the EMP wand...knowing what it would most likely be used for, she had a severe reaction to it...and that this reaction caused the malfunctioning lights, the power fluxuation in the building and surrounding areas as well as the images to be seen on the screens. ALL of them.::

:: She didnt need to hear what he said next. she alrady KNEW that it could be implied that Alycia was indirectly responsibile for this or at least had SOME culpability and that Delilah couldnt allow her to go up there ...certainly not with the EMP wand.::

I have a right...to defend myself. I DON'T want to end up like SHARON.

:: Alycia replied in a weak voice. clearly she had a severe headache and as she looked to Delilah again.::

I'm going DOWN to the crystaline lobby. i want to be there when Morgan and Karen arrive.

:: it was clear that Alycia didnt want to address what she was truly feeling and NOW wasnt really the time anyway. She was determined to do what she could to help. she noticeably did NOT force the issue about confronting Haleigh, which would make Delilah's job much easier.::

:: with the power having stabilized again in the building. a small beep could be heard on her phone. she looked.::

images from the attack....my i use your computer for one moment?

:: she asked and as Delilah nodded, she went over and set up a usb connection from her phone to the computer, downloading the images and printing them. crystal clear and frighteningly detailed captures of Karen stunned by a discharge from her phone, as well as being attacked by what appeared to be clandestine inc soldiers who were wearing black helmets and face visors that obscured their faces.::

:: several more shots showing Nicolas and an unidentified man in a limo taking care of the attackers while one showed Morgan getting Karen to safetly.::


here are images from the battle that my men captured. this is evidence we will NEED when we...DISCUSS the situation.

:: she placed them in a file folder and carried them with her as she turned, preparing to go to the elevator and head down to the main floor. despite the pain Alycia was in, she was doing what she did best, TRYING to keep herself at a professional level. she didnt want Delilah to worry about her, or to be a burder.::

[Oracle]

<< and so, as the night became just as uncertain as the day, all roads lead back to Illustra, even for those who wish they WERENT there and others who probably SHOULDNT be there.>>

<< Haleigh is now sedated, for the moment, and the mechanical disturbances in Illustra and around the immediate vicinity have stopped. local law enforcement and other qualified authorities are restoring order in a relatively quick fashion and as Mike high tails it to Illustra while being cloaked by magick and Cameron makes his way from another drection..the EYE of the storm it seems has disipated.>>


<< After some harried moments in Delilah's apartment, Alycia has decided to go down to meet Morgan and Karen, while carrying images captured from their recent encounter with what appeared to be Clandestine Inc soldiers. Zach and Delilah have INSISTED that Alycia not be allowd to bring her EMP wand to Haleigh's apartment and Delilah would use force to stop her if necessary. while Alycia could MATCH Delilah in a PHYSICAL confrontation now courtesy of her extensive training, Delilah was her FRIEND and she did not want to fight with her over Haleigh of all people. She didnt want to fight with her or any of her other FRIENDS at all, but being back at Illustra has prooven to be anything BUT "smooth" for her so far.>>

<< going down to the crystaline lobby with Delilah, Alycia would wait for Karen and Morgan to arrive with Nicolas where she would inform them that she was well aware of the situation and had pictures to show ot Haleigh so that she might offer an explanation. she kept it to HERSELF that she had one OTHER weapon on her person that was beyond Haleigh's ability to control. the repulsor blaster that operated on a constantly shifting energy signature...not at all mechanical. this blaster would pack enough concussive power to smash through battle tanks. but she kept it holstered on her leg strap.>>

<< as the two women waited, they had no idea who ELSE would be arriving, and while Alycia made an educated guess that Cameron would show up, she hoped in her heart of hearts that this slippery eel of a man would NOT arrive.>>

<< hope springs eternal.>>

105th floor

<< with Haleigh now sedated, Ava and Zach were able to clean up any debris from the disturbances. this was by far, the worst episode she had experienced, and there were several reoccuring themes in the first wave of flash backs...Sharon Kelly , Master Mold, and Alycia Barnett. this HAD to mean something, not to mention the newest revelation of another memory from her past....apparently LONG BEFORE the Six, the Citadle and the Inferno. Glimpses of Haleigh's life when she was HAPPY to be merely a human mutant and without all the cold hard exterior that she now had. it was a pleasant look to the past...but a sad indicator of just how things had changed.>>

<< there was a reason this was all coming to the surface now...but what was it? a lesson in loss of control? or that the past cannot be surppressed? it is too early to speculate and as things are about to get even MORE deep and difficult, we must watch.>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

"Haleigh!"

:: Shouting her name as more images began to flood the numerous screens throughout Illustra, Ava's memory of the event playing was vivid. It was the moment that herself and Haleigh grew apart. It was the beginning of the end really, and it hurt to even listen to it. With her eyes misty she shook Haleigh trying to snap her out of it, but she was just growing worse. All the metal in the room began to shake and fly about. Ducking her head quickly as a knife flew by, Ava looked with wide eyes, watching as the knife slammed into the wall. ::

"ZACH HELP ME!"

:: Ava screamed over the commotion, her voice cracking with concern. But just as things couldn't seem to get any worse, Ava made the situation worse by focusing Haleigh's mind on guns. Screaming out as every gun in the apartment began to fire, God KNOWS where Haleigh had guns stashed, so they were all sitting ducks. Ducking down, she pulled Haleigh to the floor, holding her in her lap. ::

"ZACH!"

:: With the guns blazing, Ava's voice got lost in the madness. Covering Haleigh's head, protectively with her arms, Ava desperately searched for Zach, faintly hearing him yell out. What he shouted was unknown. With the metal table now shaking behind them, Ava felt helpless as she occationally ducked her head, hearing things zoom by and explode near her. Finally, Zach arrived with some sort of stunning light. Turning her head away as Zach used it, everything that was in the air suddenly fell to the floor. The guns stopped shooting, and everything was finally quiet. Looking to Zach, with tear marks visible on her cheeks, Ava finally looked down at Haleigh. Closing her eyes, what the hell was happening to her sister?! ::

:: With Zach's help, they rested Haleigh in the livingroom. Waiting on the others to arrive, all Ava knew was ALYCIA had better not start her primadonna 'i'm only human but I can still kick your ass' bullshit TONIGHT. Otherwise she wouldn't be held accountable for her actions. ::

"Let's....try and clean up before they get here.."

[Rampage]

As they speed back to Illustra, Nicolas mentally checks everyone in the vehicle for damage. Everyone is fine. Even Karen is almost 100% after Morgan's healing. He "speaks" to Cameron.

Wait for me. This is a very delicate situation and though I know you want to help, I want to make sure that we operate delicately. But I believe you may be required at some point. So BE PATIENT.

Mike finally screeched to a halt at Illustra, hustling to open the doors for everyone. He was visibly upset about tonight, and he apologized to Nicolas for losing Karen.

No problem man. You did your best. It was a coordinated attack. We will be more careful next time. ALL of us.

As the men spoke, Cameron pulled up behind them with a screech. Nicolas turned quickly back to Mike, pointing at the car Cameron arrived in.

This car was never here. OK? Thanks, man.

Nicolas joined Morgan and Karen as they walked to the door of Illustra. Seeing Alycia and recognizing that Cameron was RIGHT behind him, he knew that fireworks were unavoidable, and so he pressed on...

[Jill Monroe]

<< lurching to a stop in the circular drive of Illustra, Morgan informed Nicolas that mike and the car would remain cloaked until he had parked it and was safely inside his own place of residence. As she exited the vehicle, she made sure to thank Mike for his help, squeezing his hand and smiling to him before she joined her mother to walk to the many doors of Illustra.>>

<< looking at her mom, she spoke softly.>>

I have this feeling...that things are going to get worse before they get better. I dont know why....but i feel like the floor is about to drop out from under all of us.

<< the night winds whispered in the air as the two women walked along and Morgan used her master access code to gain entrance into Illustra.>>

<< inside the large crystaline lobby, Delilah and an uncertain looking Alylcia waited. Morgan KNEW something was wrong...she could feel it.>>

allright you two, << she said as she came close>> what's wrong? we've had a hell of an evening...and we know that something has happened here, Zach called me.

<< Alycia's eyes looked strained ...from crying.>>

Have you been CRYING?

<< Morgan looked between her and Delilah, Morgan couldnt believe that Alycia had been crying or was in this much distress! not since sharon's death had she seen the woman looking so close to distraught! Alycia was a dear friend of Morgan's and no matter how strong or how ball busting Alycia could be, MORGAN knew what it was like to feel like you were spinning out of control. She was no empath, but she had personal experience and something told her that Alycia was hurting just as much as Haleigh must be right now.>>

Did Haleigh do something to you??

[Alycia Barnett]

:: as Karen and Morgan walked in first and Morgan immediately seemed to know something was wrong, Alycia couldnt help but watch the door.::

where is he? where is that loathsome creature!?



Alycia, have you been CRYING? Did Haleigh do something to you?

You mean aside from her continued existence?

:: Alycia spat with bitterness refusing to show another moment of weakness.::

Your precious hybrid has been causing chaos across Illustra and the area around it, broadcasting horrible images across any media outlet, images that seemed designed to bring about emotional distress. I must admit, its a far more subtle move than I would've thought that obnoxious ox to be capable of.

:: still hurting in her heart and her mind, her instinct was to fight back and if ANYONE..Persephone, Zach..ANYONE in this building was stupid enough to harm her or hurt her...or worse? then the six's lives as they new it would be OVER. She was ALL that stood between THEM and the government doing what the public wanted it to do after Sharon Kelly's death...find and DESTROY all mutants/meta humans. at the very least....Alycia and the Six provided MUCH NEEDED services to each other. It was a blessing that there was more to it than that...but TONIGHT would put all these things to the test. Alycia was not afraid of ANYONE in this building and if anyone WAS to attack her...there WOULD be reprisal. If not from HER or Force Works...than from from the very government that had been scrutinizing the team AND (in some instances) had been "in bed" with Mystech!::

and, if THAT werent bad enough, my firearms went off....suddenly, rapidly. DELILAH saved me injury...or worse.

I received communication from my Force Works operatives that Clandestine Inc. attacked Dr. Victoria outside the establishment where you were dining. Nicolas and his driver , yes i know about him and his weapons, intervened but the FACT that CLANDESTINE INC was behind this?

i THINK THIS only UNDERSCORES what i discovered about Haleigh when i uncovered her link to the Cassadines.

:: her eyes darted to the doors again. she couldnt help herself any longer.::

WHERE IS HE!?

WHERE IS THAT BASTARD?

[Rampage]

Alycia...please calm down.

Nicolas stepped in front of Alycia as she looked for Cameron. Her anger and pain were broadcast in stereo to him, even with his now-diminished telepathic capabilities. She was capable of anything, and that was a BIG problem.

I know you are upset with him, but now is not the time. There is something big going on, and we need to focus on THAT. Vilifying a man for remembering you in his private papers intended for dissemination only upon his death is no cause for the anger you are currently projecting. Can we please try to figure out what's going on and set things right? You two have forever to hash this other thing out.

As Nicolas spoke to Alycia, he scanned her for weapons. She had a couple of things cleverly hidden, and he was prepared to disable them at a thought. But he hoped it would not come to that...

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen's eyes widened as Alycia began to climax in what was clearly repressed anger now being unleashed...SO FAST!>>

<< narrowing her eyes as she looked at Nicolas.>>

Nicolas. DON'T trivialize her pain. It's NOT just about Cameron's inability to keep his mouth SHUT about moments that should be PRIVATE.

<< Karen's own disdain was rising ...at the thought of Cameron.>>

We have to get upstairs. Alycia was subjected to something in Delilah's aparment that has BROKEN THROGH her defenses. Telling her to "calm down" isnt going to help. She NEEDS HELP and WE have to be the buffer between HER and Haleigh and Cameron. Alycia is trying desperately to hide it...but she's on the verge of fragmenting in her psyche right now. THAT doesnt happen just because a man is stupid enough to brag about his private moments withher in a jouornal.

She deserves just as much protection as HE does.


<< taking Alycia's hand.>>

Alycia, please listen to me. While I'm here, NO ONE is going to harm you and we will not allow YOU to be placed in a position where YOU THINK you have to harm anyone. Inspite of what's happening....we're all friends..FAMILY and even FAMILY has thier problems.

<< but of course, she hoped she'd do a better job helping THIS FAMILY'S crisis than she did in controling the one that tore HER OWN family apart so many years ago.>>

Even I dont have an explanation for the incident i just went through. I can't believe that Haleigh would purposefully send her men to...attack me.

<< the tone of her voice suggested she might not be so sure. haleigh wasnt always on the best of terms with the doctor for a variety of reasons and while haleigh had prooven her honor as a warrior and her commitment to her team time and again, she'd ALSO given cause for suspicions more than once as well. >>

we're going to have to put everything together before we make any final conclusions.

<< looking at NIcolas.>>

there's alot of unresolved issues here and while some are more PRESSING than others..NONE of them is any less important.

Cameron owes Alycia an apology IF NOTHING ELSE and while NOW is not the time to focus on HIM...it is something he WILL need to address and while I'm here...if he says ONE THING to provoke HER or anyone ELSE this building...I'll make sure to dress him down as he needs to be.

FOR NOW though, we need to go up to Haleigh's apartment and i want it CLEAR that Haleigh, Zach and Persephone are to be KEPT AWAY from Alycia. Morgan and I will make sure Alycia keeps her distance as well.

[Jacob Black]

:: Making his way out of the car, he could already hear the cries of Alycia Barnett almost BECKONING him to make his way into Illustra, most likely so she could belittle him and tear him a new one, which was fine by Cameron because the last time he checked he didn't CHOOSE to come back. He didn't make the decision to be alive so Alycia could be upset all that she wanted, but it wasn't going to do her or anybody else good. Haleigh is on the brink of destruction and all Alycia could worry about was the fact that he was back? Some "chair woman" she was. ::

:: Slowly making his way through the doors, he sighed heavily as she made her plead and he heard Karen Victoria talked about keeping Cameron in check. Seriously, Cameron was not the one calling him out to face her. The girl needed the stick out of her ass and a dick up her coochie pronto, but that wasn't for Cameron for decide. ::

"I'm right here Alycia, more importantly is Haleigh alright? Where is she?"

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan looked dismayed as Alycia seemed so close to snapping.>>

<< looking at Deliah with a face that suggested she was TRULY at a loss..>>

what the hell happened HERE?

<< nicolas stood in Alycia's path as she anticipated Cameron's arrival and Morgan seconded her mother on Cameron.>>

You shouldve told him to STAY AWAY Nicolas! i didnt say anything in the limo because of what was going on ...but I sent him to the Parthenon for a REASON.

WIth whatever's happening to Haleigh...do we REALLY NEED HIM to be here right now!?

Alycia is my friend and I'm NOT going to let her go through what i went through before the Inferno!

<< Karen took Alycia to the side to try to calm her down and reassure her.>>

you keep HIM away from her because If i have to get involved..he's going to REGRET IT.and if it even LOOKS like he's touching her mind with his psi powers.....

<< Morgan's NOT finishing the statement suggested just how GRAVE a consequence THAT would bring to Cameron.>>

<< she looked up, and ran her hands through her hair as Cameron FINALLY arrived. >>

DAMMIT!

I know that Ororo had to return him...hell, I doubt she would want to have KEPT him any longer than she did....but WHY did it have to be NOW!

<< surprisingly, Morgan was not TOO upset about the seeming LINK to Clandestine Inc with the attack. probably because EXPERIENCE told her that if an enemy wants to ruin someone's standing in the six badly enough...one of the BEST WAYS to do it is by SETTING THEM UP.>>

as for Haleigh, I REALLY THINK she's in trouble and i DONT think that she CONSCIOUSLY sent her men after my mother....LOOKING AT THEM...under their masks....I saw their faces and those werent REAL MEN. She doesnt employ DEMONS and that's what was under those masks. the ONLY outfit that i know to use demons as "guards' was...MYSTECH.

<< looking among her friends.>>

let's go upstairs. and Nicolas... i MEAN IT! you keep him on a short leash..or ill RUN HIM OVER! YOU let him come back here, so he's YOUR responsibility now. Mother, Delilah and I will look out for Alycia.

[Rampage]

Nicolas listened to Karen's words. It was clear that there was more and more layers to this, like some soap opera ONION that was waiting to be peeked back, only to reveal something else. He faced her as he spoke.

Yes ma'am. I tried to help when apparently I am not privy to ALL of the facts. I apologize.

Nicolas respected Karen and her speech influenced him greatly. As she turned to reassure Alycia, Morgan spoke of Cameron's presence, warning against any ill move by him.

Morgan, Cameron was coming regardless of what I said, so I kept in contact for THIS VERY reason. Would you have rather him just shown up without ANY warning? In any event, I will keep an eye on Cameron. While it is clear that they all have MUCH to discuss, tonight is apparently too soon for everyone, and he will have to accept that.

Nicolas contacted Cameron telepathically.

Stick by me. This situation is extremely volatile and there is no need for unnecessary interaction at the moment. I know you want to help, but until we can calm BOTH women, that will not be possible. And no telepathy, at least don't let them know you hear. They will not understand that it doesn't turn off. So no need explaining. Just be cool.

[Oracle]

<< Morgan and Karen were making an excellent mother/daughter team in this situation and Nicolas was prooving to be a much needed buffer for Cameron was on thin ice..not only with the women of the team but in GENERAL. he NEEDED Nicolas for the common ground they would share as MEN and mutants with somewhat similar powers. each of them had unique views of the women on the team and by working together, they'd be able to help each other.>>

<< Morgan was surprisingly finding it EASIER to take control as the leader even without Alison to back her, but in her mind, she STILL wished now more than ever for the precog to be here.>>


<< as the IMMEDIATE situation was contained and Alycia was suitably calmed by the doctor while Morgan made it CLEAR that Cameron was to have no contact with Alycia it was now time for Morgan, Nicolas, Karen, Delilah, Alycia and Cameron to make their way to the 105th floor.>>

<< there was much to discuss...much to try to understand and they had LITTLE TIME because there was MORE on the horizon for Haleigh and that meant MORE for the rest of them.>>

<< Haleigh , Cameron and Alycia on one end, and unseen enemy on the other...with Morgan, Karen, Nicolas, Delilah, Ava and Zach in the middle of a the collision course between them. the group arrived at the doors, with Morgan standing in the front.>>

<< and so we watch>>

[Jessica Hamby]

Ava beseeched Zach for help, and together they held fast against the chaos... and put a stop to it. The silence that fell over them was almost eerie... but they were relatively unharmed. They took Haleigh into the living room, where the moonlight illuminated an unconscious Haleigh. Zach pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket to wipe away a light nosebleed caused by the magnetic flare, as Ava suggested they clean up a little. He looked around at the studio apartment... it looked like an earthquake had struck.

"What's TAKING them so long?"

He asked, frustrated, as he stood a table lamp back up next to the sofa, and picked up a picture from the floor. He set it down gently, as he knelt next to Haleigh, concern written clearly on his face.

"When this first happened earlier... I honestly thought it was random... It might have been...maybe the confusion and stress brought by King's return just fractured the mental barrier enough to let one of the EARLIEST memories out... but tonight... there seemed to be quite a DIRECT correlation between what kind of 'trigger' Haleigh was exposed to and the MEMORIES she experienced. PLAYBACK, REWIND TO BEGINNING."

He commanded, and the 70 inch DLP HDTV began to replay what Haleigh'd projected in reverse as it rewound the memories... almost as if some kind of movie. He silenced the sound and asked for the playback to commence. The haunting images of Sharon's demise, followed by the confrontation with Alycia began.

"There MUST be some kind of clue.... some kind of connection."

He surmised, as the rest of the Six made their way up to Haleigh's floor... a disturbed Alycia and a concerned Cameron in tow. Spellbinder was no Seer... but even SHE could foresee the dark truth: things WOULD likely get worse before they got better.

Haleigh groaned.... moving slightly.... nearly OVERWHELMED by headache and dizziness as she began to come back around to the realm of awareness.

[Jill Monroe]

<< out of the elevator and down the hall of hte 105th floor, Morgan lead the group silently. she herself had a solemn look on her face. Alycia was SO upset, she had NEVER seen her like this before and despite her power, she couldnt DO anything about it! CAMERON was back..and while she wouldnt begrudge him his chance at life, she WOULDNT stand for him hurting Alycia or anyone ELSE on the team...but of course that would mean that they would probably not get along themselves anymore. She'd be the ball busting bitch he always accused of her of being. Haleigh was under some kind of ...ATTACK, it was subtle but it was GROWING aand it had most likely resulted in her MOTHER being attacked as well. >>


<< there was so much at stake and much of it required a calm, cool and DELICATE handling at this point. Morgan was NEVER one to coddle, but with so many people she cared for at risk, she HAD to step up like never before. With Alison gone, she HAD to make the best descisions without the benefit of foresight.>>

<< at the door, Morgan noticed that access generaly was denied. probably a protection move ..Haleigh knew that Alycia was gunning for her and had the weaponry with which to HARM her. It was an understandable thing, but Morgan had the access to override ALL other codes in this building.>>

Security overide, Morgan Victoria.


<< the doors opened, and Morgan stepped forward, still in her BCBG cocktail dress, Morgan stepped into what looked like the aftermath of an explosion.>>


Sorry for the delay. My mother was attacked at the restaurant, and Alycia is in an extremely bad way....AND Cameron decided to come BACK to Illustra despite my INSTRUCTIONS.

<< stepping forward. she knew this was a VERY uncertain precepice they were now on.>>

But we're here. I dont want any sudden moves...on the part of ANYONE, is that clear?


Tell me what happened here, and then We will go from there.

[Jessica Hamby]

"Karen..... was attacked? By... who?"

Haleigh asked groggily. She looked quite disoriented and off balance... HARDLY coherent... but Morgan's mention of Karen in danger seemed to touch her. Zach advised her to lay back and try to regain her bearings, as he assured her that they would sort things out in time. The rest of the group came in behind Morgan... and Zach's eyes rested briefly on Alycia before turning back to Morgan. Oddly enough.... he seemed LESS than concerned at Cameron's presence.... almost as if Cameorn WASNT the person he needed to worry about right now. Haleigh was still rubbing her eyes as Zach explained what had happened.


Zach:"We were beginning to have dinner... when Haleigh sensed a jamming device being used on the 101st floor... she used video feeds to confirm that is was ALYCIA BARNETT... apparently having a phone conversation that she wanted to hide from the Six and Illustra's security protocols.... that wasn't ALL, either.... we discovered that Alycia was carrying more firepower than a character out of the MATRIX... and that she'd brought a weapon SPECIFICALLY for use against Haleigh. Unfortunately.... that discovery served to UNHINGE Haleigh... despite the efforts her sister and I put forth to reassure her that NO ONE would allow Alycia to hurt her.... We tried to calm her.... but the floodgates opened again. I'll... let you see them for yourself. SOUND ON. PLAYBACK, FROM THE BEGINNING."

He stood up in place, pointing towards the flat panel that replayed EVERYTHING. He turned away, not needing to see it again, as he instead tried to comfort Haleigh as she disjointedly weaved in and out of awareness. The images on the screen flowed uninterrupted, as Zach coaxed Haleigh back, offering her water and a clean handerkerchief. To haleigh, it was all jumbled background haze. She could tell there were people around her.... but not who. The tv played and the sound was vaguely familiar but she could not yet make the connection. She tried haphazardly to reorient herself... and came closer and closer with each passing second. The memory playback, occaisionally pleasant but mostly poignant, drew to a close.... and Haleigh sat up slowly. Everyone's attention was on the screen.... Haleigh's attention was on them.... specifically.... her attention stuck on Alycia. Her alertness grounded itself suddenly.

"What is SHE doing here?! Morgan??" She questioned warily.... awake now, though with dodgy clarity... she was, for all to see, both alarmed and incensed.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan looked at Haleigh as she groggily asked about who her mother's attackers were. She didnt answer right away though as Haleigh seemed to out of it to process. Instead, she let Zach explain what had happened.>>

Zach:"We were beginning to have dinner... when Haleigh sensed a jamming device being used on the 101st floor... she used video feeds to confirm that is was ALYCIA BARNETT... apparently having a phone conversation that she wanted to hide from the Six and Illustra's security protocols.... that wasn't ALL, either.... we discovered that Alycia was carrying more firepower than a character out of the MATRIX... and that she'd brought a weapon SPECIFICALLY for use against Haleigh. Unfortunately.... that discovery served to UNHINGE Haleigh... despite the efforts her sister and I put forth to reassure her that NO ONE would allow Alycia to hurt her.... We tried to calm her.... but the floodgates opened again. I'll... let you see them for yourself. SOUND ON. PLAYBACK, FROM THE BEGINNING."

<< Morgan watched the screen, her eyes definately showing signs of intense scrutiny as the sights and sounds flooded her senses..as the play back ended, Morgan breathed heavily. Zach was almost acting like he was EXPOSING Alycia for something. >>

Zach, I UNDERSTAND this situation here...and we're going to help Haleigh the best we can but Alycia is not the raving risk you think she is. I ASKED her to have Cameron followed because i I KNEW he wouldnt follow my instructions to stay in the parthenon and frankly, i don't trust him. he doesnt seem to understand that he can't be traipsing about the city right now but of course...the rules NEVER apply to him. it's THAT kind of thinking that got him CAPTURED by Erika and Malice. That moment with her on the cellphone was most likely that. Besides, IF she had been doing something deceptive, Delilah, who has PERFECT HEARING and was in close proximity would have HEARD it despite the jamming device. Alycia simply didnt want HALEIGH to be spying on her and that is just what happened. the two of them clashing even when they werent in the same room.

You may not like her methods, and she may be on the other side of a WIDE rift with Haleigh but this woman has stood by us at the risk of her own LIFE more than once. She's just as much apart of this family as YOU are and no one here as has treated YOU like a pariah, so i'll thank you to give Alycia the same treatment.

There are some things that need to be explained from YOUR end as well, but we will get to that in a minute.

I think my MOTHER can explain Alycia's heavy arsenal, and increasingly erratic behavior, but before she does...we need to see what happened in Delilah's apartment.

Computer, please display the events in Delilah's apartment with the time index that relates to what happened in THIS apartment.

<< the sounds of the computer system complying could be heard as the images now shifted to show things from Delilah's apartment.>>

<< Alycia and Delilah having a friendly conversation...while as shown fromt the original video, Haleigh saw Alycia's weaponry...and most noticeably the EMP wand. When Haleigh had her adverse reaction, it began the building wide and spreading malfunctions of lights, traffic lights and other devices. As Delilah and Alycia react, the images from haleigh's memories began to play..these are far more severe than the first set...and Alycia is badly shaken. Morgan too feels slightly sick as she watches Sharon pass away in Alycia's arms.>>

not again....

<< she thinks to herself....wondering if the haunting of Sharon's death will ever ease in her heart. But for Alycia, who held her as she died....while Morgan was laying nearby unconscious....apparently no one seemed to understand the TRAUMA that would be associated with that. Morgan herself still carried GUILT over not being strong enough to do MORE even though there was nothing MORE she could have done and no one but Alycia and the unconscious Morgan had been on the bus with Sharon in the moment of her death. they had been outside fighting Master Mold.>>

<< the images detailed the brutal confrontation between Alycia and Haleigh when Haleigh's link to the Cassadines was uncovered. Alycia was one of the FEW people who could apparently unsettle Haleigh and moments like THIS prooved it. Alycia was always vicious when "on duty" in the courtroom, or the corporate world, But Morgan was not present for this particular moment. It was obvious that there was more here than mere disapproval of Haleigh's HIDING the fact that she was the step daughter of Stavros Cassadine. They' had all worked through this and there was no reason to dwell on THAT..but THIS exchange between them definately provided a clue as to why Alycia hated Haleigh so much now where as BEFORE Master Mold (before Morgan's death) they had become allies with mutual trust and respect.>>

<< Morgan looked almost SAD FOR Haleigh as she watched Alycia attack her verbally and just as it seemed it couldnt get any worse, the images shifted again, this time to an EARLIER memory. Haleigh...before her new body...and Ava..before HER merging with Persephone. They were discussing the possibilities of life now that Stavros was on the verge of getting involved with MysTech. Haleigh seemed so much happier and content, far from the woman even MORGAN had met a year ago and to watch Ava...Morgan wondered how these two might have ended up had MysTech not blighted their paths. it was a question they ALL could ask themselves.>>

End playback.

<< Morgan looked down, as she rubbed her hands over her face.>>

okay....allright...

<< she breathed, trying to regulate herself. she was obviously more than a little upset herself. She wasnt AWAKE when Sharon died and NOW to actually have SEEN the last moments of her life...and knowing that she was laying SO CLOSE! if ONLY she had been AWAKE!! IF ONLY!! >>

okay.....

DONT DO THIS NOW , MORGAN!!

<< she looked up.>>

Mother?

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen looked around the apartment. She was concerned for Haleigh AND Alycia at this point for whatever was going on ..Haleigh was the focal point and Alycia, among others was caught in the riptide. it was clear that they were BOTH victims but OTHER people in the room might not realize that.>>

<< as Zach spoke of Alycia, Karen detected his disdain. He was very frustrated and Persephone looked dismayed herself BUT as a trained professional for moments like these, Karen had to remain objective, analytical and CLEAR MINDED. Morgan demonstrated surprising clarity as she kept things on course and pulled up the video feed in Delilah's apartment.>>

<< the sight of Alycia's EMP wand may have been the TRIGGER for the reaction, but the reaction itself went far deeper than that...and Alycia was touched by what she saw on a deeper level as well. how ANYONE could not see that at THIS point, karen wouldnt know but that wasnt her worry at this point. Morgan covered her face as she struggled with what she saw. and Karen's on maternal instinct began to rise up.>>

keep it together baby, you're doing fine...but dont fall apart now!

<< as Morgan asked Karen to pick it up, Karen nodded.>>

I think i see what's happening here..at least on one end. It's obvious that Haleigh and Alycia are divided by a bitter rift, one that no one else in this room has done anything to help fix.

<< she made it a point to say this, because in a family dynamic like this...EVERYONE could be held accountable for NOT doing something about it just as much as if they had been instigating.>>

instead of "sides" being taken, people should have held BOTH of these women accountable before it got to this point. ALISON herself said at the Parthenon that they WOULD resolve their issues but at what price?

<< standing beside Alycia, Karen had her arm around Alycia's back, doing her best to keep the woman calm and steady as she clearly seemed upset.>>

In my professional opinion, Alycia has been crippled by a growing fear...a PHOBIA. It was born the night that Sharon died in her arms. The victim of a severe trauma that night, NO ONE bothered to follow up on her mental and emotional well being in the days, weeks and months following the master mold disaster and she was left to deal in her own way, no matter how maladaptive it may have been.

Alycia, is one of the FEW humans that has been able to stand shoulder to shoulder with this team and while many of you have died, come back, or survived other IMPOSSIBLE scenarios, Alycia is still ONLY human and she's all TOO aware of her mortality. Her behavior in the months following Master Mold has demonstrated her paranoia...about sharing Sharon's fate and HALEIGH's secret ...the LINK to the Cassadines prooved DEVASTATING to her. It shattered trust in a woman who at one point pledged to PROTECT her and Sharon. Sharon had already died...Alycia fears she may be next. She may not SAY it..but i can tell it.

it was an understandable reaction to equate haleigh , who is stavros' step daughter, with the EVIL that killed Sharon because that EVIL was BORN from Stavros'. It may not have been entirely ACCURATE of a charge..but no one in this room is the picture of perfect rationale.

Alycia is terrified of being overwhelmed again...as she nearly was by Rick Riley, yet ANOTHER connection to Haleigh. MANY of her traumas have come at the hands of people/objects associated in some way to Haleigh and so in her mind...Haleigh has become the center of a storm of fear, distrust and betrayal.

NONE of you in this room has checked on Alycia since she left for the pentagon. MANY of you have assumed that she was just "doing what she always does. NO one noticed that she'd become INCREASINGLY agressive and violent. Did anyone stop to think about how easily she BLEW AWAY the pontiff? that's not apart of her core and a person's character NEVER changes..despite what they might do on the surface...or in the "arena" as we refer to it.

<< looking at Zach and Persephone.>>

Alycia is not your enemy...but in this room, among all these super powered people, THIS WOMAN now feels isolated, where as she once thought she was among friends and after the many times she's risked her life for EACH OF YOU in some way...NOW is not the time to point fingers at her. She needs help..and as of this moment she is under my protection as my patient.

<< looking at Haleigh.>>

Haleigh, somethings happening to you. This isnt random, i dont know what it is..just yet, but what i CAN tell you is that it was men from CLANDESTINE INC who attacked me tonight.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan listened as her mother spoke...and it was all starting to come together. the more she listened the worse she felt. Her mother was right...they HAD NOT done a good job of looking out for Alycia and they were all to blame for this. It wasnt SIMPLY a matter of Haleigh and Alycia not liking each other. there was a REAL , deep seated issue here and they ALL shared culpability.>>

<< Morgan looked at Alycia and then among her team mates. she felt disgusted...not only was the ghost of Sharon haunting her, but now the fact that Alycia was suffering from trauma that had turned into a phobia that was ravaging her...it was almost as if Morgan felt incompetent as someone who thought she could protect those she cared about.>>

<< karen revealed who her attackers were and Morgan nodded.>>

however, My mother, myself, Nicolas and even Delilah according to the video feed of her that we say, dont IMMEDIATELY feel that YOU sent Clandestine Inc agents after my mother.

There was some kind of set up, even Nicolas commented on it as we came back to Illustra. My mother's cellphone rang and it appeared to be one of her patients. one that she had placed on a suicide watch. she left the table to take the call and minutes later...the lights began to flux and blow and it was at this time that my mother was attacked. She told us that her phone JOLTED her with an electrical feedback before bombarding her with a "white noise" blast.

Haleigh doesnt have THAT kind of power over machines, that was more SHOCKWAVE's repritoir but she's a statue in Ororo's garden.

Perhaps i've grown paranoid after a year with this team, but i think someone is trying to set Haleigh up and turn us against her again. its happened before...but THIS time...we're ready. we've learned our lessons, heeded Ororo's words and we're READY to deal with this TOGETHER.

But in order to do that..we've got to take care of our own...ALL of our own and that includes Alycia. Sharon haunts some of us on this team...and i dont expect the rest of you to understand that...but Alycia was apart of that tragedy too. we shouldve kept after her...but we didnt. I was dead....Haleigh and Alison were struggling to hold the team together and protect Illustra and Shockwave turned on them..and Prophet was of course no where to be found.

and speaking of Shockwave....there was something else. When i bent down to examine one of the men that Nicolas and his driver took down, i removed his helmet and i saw... a DEMON underneath. the last time we saw "men" like that...was when we used to face the Black Guards ....of Mystech.

[Rampage]

Nicolas watched the scened play out on the monitor stoically. he was having a time even trying to figure out how he could be of help to them with all of this unresolved history. He listened to Dr. Victoria's analysis and was ashamed at his own lack of insight. He recognized the behavior but attributed much of it to new training and maybe a bit if possible overcompensation for the fact that she was not metahuman. In fact, he had not noticed anything truly erratic until now. However, they weren't particularly close either... after she addressed Haleigh and then Morgan spoke , Nicolas stepped forward.

I think that we ALL essentially want what is best for them BOTH. I hate that I did not know enough about Alycia to be of more help. I only hope we can be for her what she needs NOW. As for Haleigh, I agree with Morgan. This is too sudden and ordered to be a simple malfunction or response to being upset. Haleigh has been plenty upset before without this. This loss of control, it has a source somehow outside of Haleigh, and I hope to find out what.I have a theory on Haleigh's problem. She, being a hybrid, has a curious mix of biological and mechanical systems that causes one to directly and indirectly influence the other. It is a two-way street. What I would like to do, with her and Zach's permission, is to try to therapeutically enter her mind, calm the biological side that I can affect, and maybe trace back to the technological part that is either malfunctioning or being tampered with.

In order to do this, I would have Zach act as Haleigh's mental anchor, and Cameron as mine. Cameron WILL NOT ENTER Haleigh's mind, but as the mightiest telepath here, he will serve as a perfect anchor and beacon outside of her mind. In this way I can try to ascertain cause and help ...soothe things so that further effects should be lessened. If we are to do this, time is of the essence. That magnetic flare Zach used will have her mechanical side suppressed for a time yet and we may get to look clearly at things inside.

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan slowly exhaled as Nicolas spoke. No one on the team really had any indepth knowledge of a hybrid physiology such as Haleigh's and even ALISON never had much to offer in the way of explanations. Nicolas had a scientific background and it seemed that his expertise, combined with his psi powers would be just what they needed to provide some insight.>>

<< she nodded with approval to his suggestion.>>

I think that's a good idea. We dont have any other way to find out what's going on within Haleigh and Maybe you can BLOCK whatever is disturbing her if it's traceable.

<< looking at her mother.>>

and then, my mother can provide an emergency therapy session for Alycia and Haleigh TOGETHER while myself and Nicolas supervise...we'll HAVE to..in case things degenerate. But while Nicolas attempts to help with one aspect of the problem this issue also needs to be discussed and dealt with between Alycia and Haleigh. that is the ONLY way.

Meanwhile, if Cameron IS going to be involved in this...i want him supervised closely as well.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen, still standing beside Alycia, agreed as well.>>

This may be the best chance we have. Obviously I can only diagnose one aspect of the problem and even my training and credentials dont take into account the fact that Haleigh is a hybrid mutant infected with the techno organic virus. Her systems were changed on all levels, her personality..even her BODY. That doesnt happen in a NORMAL or even the most far fetched situations and so, with Nicolas' scientific background and his powers, he may be the best suited to do a truly in depth diagnostic. Her own systems could have deceived her the LAST time she did a self diagnostic.

<< looking at Alycia.>>

for now though, while he is doing that, i want to take some time to talk with Alycia. I'll take her elsewhere, for privacy and i dont want ANY MONITORING from ANYONE...doctor/patient privilage.

When the time comes for me to speak with Haleigh and Alycia together, i will let you know and I suspect that part of the session will include a moment where they BOTH get to confront Cameron..

<< looking at Cameron>>

and YOU will cooperate when that time comes, or I will make SURE that my daughter bars your EVER returning to illustra.

<< Karen didnt care for the man at all, but the fact that he would be apart of Haleigh AND Alycia's healing process couldnt be denied. Still, she didnt trust him and would not hesitate to use her magick on him if she thought he was harming them in anyway.>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Picking up some random items, Zach 'helped' by picking up a lamp then going to Haleigh's side. Looking over at him as she continued to clean up, it was clear how bad off Haleigh was...and there wasn't a damn thing they could do about it now. Shutting her eyes and sighing out, Ava decided to drop the attempt to clean up the livingroom and made her way back into the kitchen. Grabbing a bowl of cool water and a dish towel, soaked the towel in the water as she made her way back to Haleigh's side. ::

"Here."

:: Ringing out the wet towel, she folded it up and handed it to Zach to place on her forehead. At that moment, the six finally arrived...with Alycia. Narrowing her eyes, Ava opted not to say anything. Zach immediately began to address the six, moving from Haleigh's side. Taking his place, she kneeled down next to her, redipping the towel into the water, then placing it back on her forehead. Ava could hear the memory playbacks again, but didn't look up. Her attention was focused on her sister while everyone began to discuss the situation. ::

:: Karen began to speak as only a therepist could, and played the middle man with no objective opinions. But even then, Ava couldn't believe this. She spoke about Stavros in the illest of ways, causing Ava to grip the towel in anger. He was STILL Ava's FATHER. Dropping the towel into the water, she stood from Haleigh's side. ::

"I need more water."

:: Walking off into the kitchen, Ava was both frustrated and concerned. Dropping the bowl into the large sink, Ava flipped the water on before leaning both hands on the counters edge and hanging her head down trying to calm herself. These were the moments it was frustrating being two seperate personalities combind into one body. The Ava side of her wanted to lash out at everyone who was defending the poor vicitimized Alycia. The Persephone side of her knew that attacking everyone would get no where, and it would espeically not help Haleigh. She cared for her sister deeply, so it was best for Ava to leave the room and regain herself before helping Nicolas and Cameron. ::

[Jessica Hamby]

Zach was understandably defensive... but as it seemed many among the group sympathized with Alycia, he predictably stuck by Haleigh's side, blinded from compassion by his loyalty to Haleigh.

Z:"With all due respect, Miss Victoria.... you can thank me for whatever you like, but until Miss Barnett here stops acting like my Fiance is some malfunctioning old CAR that ought to be stripped for spare parts, I'll treat her as she DESERVES to be treated. Haleigh TRUSTED her... and that's not something she just DOES... and THIS is the regards she gets in return from the lawyer? Well, forgive me, but--"

"Zach.... that'll do, dear." She said, giving him a stern look, as she takes a deep breath, seemingly pulling her thoughts together. It was hard to pick who to address FIRST. She thanked Ava for her help, watching her sadly as she left. There was little doubt that the one reacting tonight was AVA.... and as she was forced to listen to her father dragged through the mud once more, she got up and left. Haleigh had never LIKED Stavros, and with reason... but she and Ava had LONG SINCE come to the silent agreement that wouldnt talk about him, if only to prevent him from coming between them. As it turned out.... he did anyway.... but that was something between THEM, and even now that her opinion of him was close to JUSTIFIED, Haleigh didn't feel the need to bring it up. Instead, she allowed her sister to leave and take a moment to recollect herself uninterrupted. Haleigh turned her eyes on Karen.... she felt a little affronted by Karen's words... but did her best to remain calm.... if only to prevent ANOTHER, possibly WORSE episode. Alycia's presence here put her on edge.... but she reigned her emotions back in and attempted to be cool until given a reason to flip out. Still... Karen chided the group for not checking up on Alycia... but Haleigh felt absolutly NO remorse or sympathy for Alycia.... and she resented Karen a little for making a point to defend Alycia. Had the doctor NOT seen Haleigh's memories?

"Careful doc.... your FAVORITISM is showing." She said grimly... proving that she felt Karen would not afford Haleigh the same type of defense. "don't you remember what YOU showed me? How COLDLY... almost OFFENSIVELY satisfied with herself she was as she OVERSAW and DIRECTED experimentation on me? Well I remember.... quite clearly... how pleased she was to see me dismantled and DERANGED and PUT DOWN like some kind of ANIMAL. You say she's NOT my enemy.... but she certainly ACTS like she is. Are you SURE that violence and aggression are not apart of her core? Perhaps we should rewatch that footage of her reacting.... the FIRST INTENTION she had was to CHARGE UP HERE with the best WEAPONS she had and LET ME HAVE IT.... in her own words.... she sought to 'deal with me as i deserve'. I think that displays QUITE CLEARLY just what her PERSONAL CHARACTER is.... ESPECIALLY coupled with the kinds of THINGS she would DO to me if she were ALLOWED. PLEASE do not treat her like some kind of innocent VICTIM in all of this. She's a STRONG woman, it would be an INSULT. She CAN stand shoulder to shoulder with US and she ought to be CAPABLE of owning up to HER actions.... and her desires. DONT any of you be complacent JUST because she's 'only HUMAN'. She's a MONSTER same as I.... the only DIFFERENCE is that I never hid behind a PRESTIGIOUS title and pretended to be a GOOD PERSON. I never USED SHARON'S NAME to persecute someone who tried to PROTECT them both."

Karen suggested that something was happening to Haleigh and that it wasn't random.... AND that she [Karen] was attacked by CLANDESTINE! Morgan quickly assured Haleigh that they werent ACCUSING Haleigh of anything and instead, felt that she was being SET UP. Haleigh looked a little surprised.... Morgan showed a deep trust for the FIRST time... it was quite unexpected. something like CI agents attacking ANY of them, most ESPECIALLY her mother would usually cause great suspicion to fall on Haleigh.

"Well... [blinks] I can completely assure you i had NOTHING to do with that... I have NO reason to hurt Karen... I don't always particularly AGREE with her choices... but thats HARDLY motive in my mind.... obviously. I would have to agree... SOMETHING is amiss here... someone is trying to hurt my standing. They must be working with an OLD playbook, though... if they thought a WEAK frame-job like that would do the trick. I wouldn't put it past MYSTECH to be behind something like this.... but good grief... that company is like an ANTHILL... you drown it out... three more sprout up in as many days not far from the orginal."

Nicolas suggested a form of telepathy to try and ascertain just HOW an outside entity could be tampering with Haleigh's mental barriers. Haleigh shifted a little... she looked uncomfortable with the idea... but Morgan and Karen accepted it... and as much as she did NOT like the thought of Nicolas 'taking a look under the hood'... she was still shaken enough by the idea that she may not be able to stop these memory lapses and that she might HURT someone inadvertantly.... and so she agreed.

"Well... I s'pose if you can find out what's wrong... we ought to try."

She was clearly less than concerned with Karen's suggestions about taking Alycia away to talk to in private. Maybe they'll get lost on the way back... she thought wistfully.

"Zach? Perhaps you could--"

Z:"Get your sister?" He finished knowingly... preventing Haleigh from having to say aloud that she wanted her for support. He went into the kitchen.... watching as she quietly tried to compose herself. He reached out and touched her shoulder gently. "Ava? Are.... you alright?"

[Jacob Black]

:: Making his way up to Haleigh's penthouse in Illustra and entering through the front door, Cameron did what he almost never does in this situation. He listened. Prophet already knew he was going to get flack for disobeying Morgan in regards to staying in the Parthenon, but she also knew that if he thought something was wrong with Haleigh, that he would return to Illustra no matter what the circumstance. He listened as everyone said their peace with surprisingly nobody blowing up at anybody. This was a different Six if he had ever seen them. He listened as Morgan spoke of him disobeying her and how she had asked Alycia to watch over him. Understandable. He took Morgan's words like a man and just stood there. ::

:: As Nicholas came up with a rather brillaint idea of seeing what was really going on with Haleigh, Cameron was hesistant. He wasn't sure if he wanted to be a part of the situation since if anything went wrong, most likely Cameron would take the blame, but if was going to help Haleigh, he supposed he would have to just suck it up and do it. ::

"I wouldn't think of trying ANYTHING on Haleigh or Nicholas. I will do whatever is needed of me, no questions asked."

:: Then, Karen told him of Alycia and Haleigh directly confronting them in a "therapy" session he was rather sure would turn into an episode of Jerry Springer, but since he said he would do whatever was needed of him, he couldn't back down now. He had to face the music. ::

"Whatever you need me to do Dr. Victoria..."

:: Cameron almost enjoyed not saying anything. He was kind of starting to realize he missed many good points when he was doing most of the talking and he was extremely amicable to the new dynamic the Six had. ::

"I'm ready as soon as you are Nicholas.."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen placed a hand on Alycia's back , preparing to lead her away from that apartment when Haleigh FINALLY regained herself enough to retort and while it was her right to speak on behalf of HERSELF, she was CLEARLY twisting the situation that she spoke of. Not only did she willingly toss doctor/patient confidentiality out of the window, but she attempted to suggest that Karen herself was not being accurate OR objective and it was at times like these that Karen remembered why she could only take so much of Haleigh in one sitting. Friend, enemy or associate, Haleigh made it hard for even the most rational of people to deal with her for long.>>

<< her head turned as she snapped back to look at Haleigh with those stern, beautifull eyes and as Haleigh finished what she had to say ,Karen immediately took her at her meausre.>>

Haleigh, once again, you always manage to be unecesarily difficult even when people are TRYING TO HELP YOU.


WE are not the ones who can't keep healthy relationships for more than 5 minutes before making new MORTAL ENEMIES around every corner!

<< Karen stopped herself. her tone was become sharp.>>

Seeing that you just decided to throw doctor/patient confidentiality out of the window with your latest statement, allow me to CLARIFY what you just tried to spin.

<< her eyebrows more than conveyed the look of irritation as she spoke with an icy, yet analytical tone.>>

The purpose of the spell that i cast on you, the one where you saw Alycia overseeing your ultimate demise, was NOT about HER or THAT particular scene itself. If you REMEMBER, the PURPOSE of that spell was to FORCE you, since you wouldnt LISTEN to anything ELSE, to see that if you continued down the path that you were going at that time ...and IF im not mistaken....that was around the time when you were hurling racial slurs at Nicolas, attempting to BLACK MAIL Alycia AND fronting off Morgan, Alison and Delilah when THEY tried to step in and bring order.... then you would not only have alienated this team, your friends and any possible source of suport, but you would have ultimately delivered yourself to a fate that you secretly DREADED. You would have DIED ALONE and UNWANTED by ANYONE. It showed a SERIES of events and scenarios that would be the direct result of your THEN CURRENT pattern of behavior and it culminated in the images that you reference now. That is not something ALYCIA crafted, that is something YOU were forging with your every move AND if i'm not mistaken, that impromptu psychotherapy session scared you JUST ENOUGH to set you STRAIGHT and allow you to go to your team mates and REPAIR the damage you had done. the spell showed you the POSSIBILITY of what would come your way IF you didnt change. It was not MY doing, NOR was it Alycia's that SHE appeared to be the harbinger of your death. THAT came from WITHIN YOU.



SO, if your going to cite my works, make sure you cite ALL of the example you use with ACCURACY.


<< looking squarely at Haleigh.>>

when you use the term MONSTER...be prepared to apply it to nearly EVERYONE in this room because NO ONE is exempt from that. WE ALL have our short comings. Clearly you dont understand what it means to be on the verge of fragmenting in your psyche and yet, that is what it looks like YOU are going through so just as YOU expect to be considered, so too is Alycia entitled to the same consideration and NO ONE will tell ME who i see and treat or in what order i do it.

I said that BOTH of you need to be held accountable for the depths to which this rift has plummeted because NOW the fall out could effect EVERYONE in this room.

Stop your finger pointing and let people HELP YOU. Learn how to close your mouth for once. Oh and in case you forgot...that was how we began the LAST "intense" therapy session we had.

<< and with that, Karen guided Alycia out of the apartment , leaving Morgan, Nicolas , Cameron and Delilah to do what they needed to do. >>

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan lifted her hands as Karen and Haleigh began to lock horns. this couldnt happen now. >>

OKAY!! that's ENOUGH PLEASE! Haleigh, my mother is only trying to help. PLEASE dont make it difficult.

nobody here is BLAMING YOU for anything, but YOU and Zach want to blame Alycia for something she hasnt even DONE! Alison tried to kill you, I DID kill you, Shockwave tried to kill you....its NOTHING NEW. we've ALL tried to kill each other! We're ALL insane and in need of therapy!


YES she reacted in an over the top manner moments earlier but for christ sake...ANYONE ONE OF US could have handled THATsituation just as poorly and a year ago most of us handled MOST EVERY situation poorly so dont act like she's the only one okay? You're ALIVE and no one in this room is going to kill you.


<< she exhaled>>

Now is NOT THE TIME for cross examining and redirecting! no one is on trial! let's just WORK TOGETHER so we can find out what is wrong with Haleigh and help Alycia too before the next MONSTER swoops in and kills us ALL.


<< Morgan was more upset than she showed...for a VARIETY of reasons, but she wouldnt cave right now.>>

Nicolas, get Cameron and get started. Zach do what they ask you to do. Delilah, keep an eye on my mother and Alycia...just in case the security of Illustra IS compromisd and something manages to get in...but DONT listen in.

and Ava, if you wouldnt mind, I'd like to talk to you.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Lifting her head feeling Zach's hand on her shoulder, she glanced at him before nodding her head. ::

"Of course. I'm fine."

:: Flipping the handle to the fawcet off, the room went silent as the water shut off. Only the faint voices of Haleigh and Karen speaking could be heard. Noticeably avoiding eye contact with Zach, Ava tossed the damp towel she was holding into the sink before moving past him and to the fridge. Opening the stainless steal door, she reached inside grabbing a bottle of Aquafina. ::

"We should get back out there before everyone implodes."

:: Closing the fridge door, Ava held the cold bottle tightly with both hands, finally turning to Zach. She was stricken with worry, and as much as she tried to hide it, it was very apparent. The undertone of anger however was masked well. It never got easier hearing how hated her father was. She knew he was ruthless...and she knew that with MysTech backing the Cassadines, countless people were sacrificed for the good of the company. But Ava knew Stavros better than anyone. She was his little gum drop, as he so affectionately nicknamed her. He loved her more than anyone else in the world. That Stavros was the one that Ava chose to remember. Either way, with the slandering of her father's name, and Haleigh's condition, Ava looked worn out. Giving Zach a quick, fake, smile of reassurance, Ava moved past him making her way through the large kitchen and back into the livingroom. ::

:: Catching the last few words of Karen, Ava looked at the doctor as she walked to Haleigh's side. Handing Haleigh the bottle of water, it was a small offering after what she had went through. ::

"Here, you need to hydrate yourself."

:: Looking to Morgan who asked to speak with her, Ava paused for a moment before taking Haleigh's hand within her own. ::

"I'll be right back."

:: Walking in Morgan's direction, both woman continued to Haleigh's front door before leaving her penthouse and entering the hallway. Knowing exactly what Morgan wanted to speak to her about, Ava folded her arms across her chest, before turning around to face her. ::

"If you're asking me to help ease the situation between Haleigh and Alycia, i'm afraid I can't. I've never held sway over Haleigh's emotional reactions in the past; she's just too stubborn."

[Jill Monroe]

<< Away from the others. Morgan, who by now, couldnt be sure just WHERE Ava's mind was at given the situation, looked at Ava with a rather exasperated glare.>>

Could i be ALLOWED to speak before you turn me down?

<< Morgan asked rather sharply before catching herself.>>

I'm SORRY.

<< she said as she composed herself.>>

this is a BAD situation and i know that you and zach and even nicolas dont appreciate the gravity of it. you werent here for many of the memories that were broadcast this evening.

Haleigh is your sister, and i dont expect NOR would i ask you to exert any undo influence upon her. I expect that you'll do what you've BEEN trying to do this evening...which is take care of her. WE will take care of Alycia. Alylcia can take care of HERSELF and So can Haleigh normally but everybody needs a helping hand sometimes and we dropped the ball in not dealing with the rift between them sooner. we assumed that because of what Alison "saw", that they'd have the ability to work it oout themselves..but obviously that isnt the case.


my mother was right...those of us...and with the current roster... that's reallly only ME...who were PRESENT for the traumatic events from that past should have done more to make sure all parties involved were okay. I was DEAD for a while...and the team was down to THREE at one point.

<< sigh>>

its all a mess and whatever is going on NOW with Haleigh, it has something to do with that.

I'ts MY responsibility as team leader to do whatever i can to help EVERYONE involved through this. But SOME will make it harder than others...and as you can see...my mother and myself do NOT have a high threshold of tolerance for unnecessary difficult behavior.

<< PERSEPHONE would remember that as a trait of Darkchilde's as well.>>

I'm not asking you to do anything...I just wanted you to know that I'll do EVERYTHING that i can to help Haleigh. We ALL will. But i'm NOT going to neglect Alycia either. she's part of this family too. You don't have to like her...but I dont expect that YOU or anyone else will make it hard for her and I think once she get's the help she needs...SHE will not be nearly as agressive and violent as she has been the last few times we've seen her.


<< leaning against the wall as she thought about it.>>

I mean...if I were paranoid of dying at the hands of a giant super sentinel or some super powered menace...and had no powers of my own..i might carry around a LINDA HAMILTON/TERMINATOR-ESQUE Arsenal myself!

<< she said more thinking aloud than addressing Persephone.>>

Ultimately, i just wanted to let you know that we will do everything we can. it is our responsibility as a TEAM to look out for each other...in the good times..AND the bad.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Morgan snapped and Ava rolled her her eyes closed while craning her neck to the side. Both woman were under much stress, and it was only human nature to get defensive. But Morgan apologized, and Ava nodded her head with acknowledgement. It was a tricky situation. Haleigh and Alycia enemies, and the six divided between the two because of who they've known the longest, or who they loved. Ava, quite frankly, disliked Alycia. She murdered her father, and because of that, she would always hold a grudge. But Persephone on the other hand, had no quarell with Alycia. They're personalities may not have meshed well together, but there were no ill feelings. So it was a nice combination really. An even balance, keeping Ava from going any further off the deep end than she already had. ::

:: Morgan spoke her peace, and Ava respectfully allowed her to finish before adding in her two sense. ::

"I understand your position, Morgan. You're a leader and it's hard not to play favoritism when the situation involves a close friend. And considering the reports that i've read about Master Mold...and actually SEEING it in living color, I can see why this is so stressful on you, Haleigh, and Alycia."

:: Ava took in a deep breath before continuing. ::

"But Haleigh is my sister. I will not turn my back on her again. [refering to her leaving with Stavros] My top priority is HER and making sure whomever is doing this is stopped. I know you wouldn't let anything happen to her...and I can promise you, I...won't let anything happen to Alycia. Personal feelings aside, she is a close friend of yours, and I wouldn't want you going through any more suffering."

:: Sighing out, Ava ran her hand roughly along the back of her neck, feeling the muscles tighten with tension. ::

"All I know...is we BOTH need to work on keeping the tension between Alycia and Haleigh down. The last episode included a full broadcast of Haleigh's personal memories THROUGHOUT Illustra. If we want to keep our identities a secret, we can't have her go through another one. It could go BEYOND Illustra.."

[Rampage]

Nicolas nodded as Morgan left with Ava to allow him to work. He could feel Zach and Haleigh's trepidation, and Cameron's overall reluctance. He addressed everyone as he prepared, starting with Cameron.

I am taking this risk Cameron, not you. The fault for anything will be mine or of those responsible for this mess. I need you to focus on me in your mind. You are HERE, and that means that no matter what, I can get back here with them intact. <<Turning to Zach and Haleigh>> Zach, hold Haleigh's hand, like any other day you two are together. Your job is to remain calm and steady. I will impart that calm to Haleigh. Just relax, think of happier times. I will assist you in subtle ways as you go to that serene place.

He walks over to Haleigh and as he sits down cross-legged, he LEVITATES beside her as he speaks to her directly.

Now Haleigh, I am only here to help you. Not to pry or to plunder your thoughts. My goal is to walk with you through your mental architecture, find out where the problem is. Here, take my hand and just relax as we walk together...

As suddenly as he spoke those words, Nicolas had entered Haleigh's mind and placed Zach in a meditative trance. He had entrusted Cameron to his own methods, out of respect for the telepath...

[Jacob Black]

:: As everything began, Cameron was comforted by Nicholas words. It made sense, Cameron was the anchor in this situation for Nicholas. He was ready really to do anything that would help Haleigh get through whatever the hell she was going through so he could talk to her about some very important things. He nodded to Nicholas. ::

"Okay, let's get started..."

:: Prophet took a stance behind Nicholas, standing back to give them their space. He took a deep breath as he mentally began to focus on Nicholas, clearing his mind of all other things and focusing completely on Rampage. His vision somewhat shifted in his mind so that he was seeing Nicholas in somewhat of a infrared way that was monitoring his mental activity and usage, a trick he picked up to monitor his own vitals when he had first sealed off his telepathic abilities. Now he was using this to monitor Rampage. Green meant cool, calm, collective, if the signature got hotter, he would need to be pulled out. Cameron also mentally reached out to form a surface link to the men's mind to make it easier in case anything happened. He nodded to Nicholas once more. ::

"Alright, we are set and ready to go, I am monitoring your strain and I know you can feel the light link I put on us, it will make it easier if anything happens. Let's get started."

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan nodded as Ava responded. It was a fair and honest response, and it suggested that the merger of Ava with Persephone may have had its benefits after all. Haleigh needed a sister, a source of support and a constant ally. Morgan had that with her own half sister for a time, but ultimately the spectre of their shared father, Christopher drove them apart. Still, Morgan had Alison, Delilah her mother , Ororo and Alycia.>>

I agree, and I think we'll be able to keep things calm right now. We cant waste too much time playing the blame game and that's why i asked Haleigh to stop the back and forth with my mother. We know that we all have some culpability...maybe not you and nicolas as much because you two werent here...but Delilah and myself and even Cameron for walking out on us and not only opening himself to trouble but for abandonning US to ours.


Haleigh may think Alycia is out to get her, but it appears that Alycia is just too caught up in a phobia of dying the way Sharon did to be RATIONAL about things. There are ALWAYS two sides to a situationand WHY i didn see it before...I dont know...but then again, I'm not a therapist.


Whatever she can do...however well trained or qualified she is, Alycia IS still "only human" and she CANT be expected to endure the things that people like US endure the same way. I sometimes feel that Haleigh is less understanding than she should be...until she's in the position the other person is in and THEN she is all too quick to ask for the same consideration she wouldnt have given otherwise.

But then again...we all have our shortcomings. I am just glad that those of us from the original or 2nd line up of this team have come far enough that our faults do not dictate our actions like they used to...other wise this entire scene might have gone bloody and violent by now.


<< she heard the tinkling of a collar with tags and looked down....a dog was nearby and Morgan had sort of forgotten that Haleigh had pets of her own. she then saw that Nicolas and Cameron were getting started with the probe of Haleigh.>>


despite my own misgivings about everything right now, I can only trust that i'm doing the right thing right now with what i have to work with. Without the benefit of Alison to look through time streams, Nicolas and Cameron are our only hope of possibly discovering who is after Haleigh..and my mother will do everything she can to foster a healthy path of dialogue between Alycia and Haleigh. They dont have to be friends...but they MUST work this out...because it is clearly linked to Haleigh's problem.

[Oracle]

<< and so, as Morgan cautiously rests on the hope that Nicolas will uncover even a portion of the other side to this mystery surruounding Haleigh's episodes, Karen conducts a much needed talk therapy session with the strained and distressed Alycia Barnett.>>

<< the night time is in full effect and though the darkness can bring comfort to some, for others it is the beginning of MORE stress and strain.>>

<< Nicolas and Cameron have no idea that they are doing JUST what they were "set up" to do. the riptide from Haleigh is pulling everyone in different ways and the out come will be just as painfull for them as it is HER.>>

The Cell

<< Morgan wondered about security at one point. she had no idea that it was already TOO LATE for that. They were on full display and one of the best ways to get next to your enemy is to get INSIDE their heads. The "suits", the last remnants of Mystech were inside of Haleigh's head...her mind...her BODY and that was MORE than the foothold needed to gain access into Illustra and The Six.>>

<< there was something shocking to be revealed in this already sinister strategem. the shadowy figures in the underground, well hidden and fortified "cell" were watching EVERYTHING as it occured in Illustra.>>

Suit 1: << stands up, exclaiming with a mix of annoyance and amusement.>>

CURSE that stupid doctor victoria! we shouldve tried HARDER to kill her when we had the chance!

Suit 2: Her daughter is equally as annoying, she's prooving to be BETTER at leading than we expected in the absence of the precog. She's not as willing to accuse IT or put IT under scrutiny. Surprising, since IT usually is the source of most of the dischord in that building. But with Alycia Barnett now in suitable distress, IT is is in real physical danger. She has the legal authority to kill it.

Suit 3: Trying to goad Alycia Barnett into murdering it won't work. Her friends wont allow it. the doctor is going to make SURE that they all take the most "healthy" courses of action, even if she has to FORCE them with her magick. For her to be a therapist, she has a CLEAR streak of NAZI LIKE intolerance that runs through her. you can see it every time she snaps at Haleigh or Cameron.


Did you ever think that using it's malfunctions as a means to make it suspect wasnt the BEST idea? it already remarked on an old "playing book" and our very existence is like a glimpse into an "old playing book". MysTech, to the world, is no longer and we are but a covert cell. too weak to do anything more but shadow and manipulate unseen. I PERSONALLY know what it is like to go from prominence to being reduced to hiding.

<< suit 3 emerges from the shadows...revealing himself to be none other than Commander Rick Riley, the man who had kidnapped Sharon Kelly and Alycia Barnett months ago and not only attempted to rape Sharon but ensured that Master Mold would come online at just the right moment. His encounter with the Six, with HALEIGH prooved especially humiliating and it was something he never forgot...never forgive. His history with Haleigh was as deep as his now deep seated hatred for her. >>

Suit 3: i used to command IT on the field, before MysTech. I always knew it was a risk to deal with it unchecked and i bear the ultimate scar.

<< one side of Rick's face is completely reconstructed with cybernetics. it had been destroyed during his last confrontation with the six. that same side of his body was also now cybernetic.>>

my time laying low has allowed me to recover, using the resources i stock piled and my remaining contacts within MysTech to get the help i needed to recover from my injuries so you see...i have MORE than a little PERSONAL stake in this matter. There's a REASON for all of this. I want IT humbled, humiliated and destroyed...and I want Alycia Barnett as well. SHE was the one who damaged my face when she slammed the rock down my head to stop me from attacking Sharon Kelly. Sharon Kelly is dead, and I want Alycia to REALIZE her ultimate fear by JOINING HER but NOT before i drive BOTH of them insane through their hatred and mistrust of each other and NO ONE...not Karen Victoria or her daughter.....or any one of the mutant scum that now reside in that roach motel called Illustra.

If Malice prooved ONE THING, it was that an enemy was to be used, manipulated and exploited. I might not have cared for that royal hoity toity bitch , but she was one hell of a predator. Now its time to show these super powered scum bags what REVENGE is all about.

Rick Riley: we will BREAK IT and then ...ONLY then...can we bring it back and reshape it into OUR image to carry out our objectives and if we cant use Alycia Barnett to bring it down, then i know the perfect weapon we CAN use. one that will not only be stronger and more powerfull than what IT is capable of coping with..but one that will strike at the hearts of Morgan, Alycia and Delilah.


<< watching the bio scans of Haleigh.>>

When the mutant telepaths attempt to trace back to the source of the manipulations, they have no idea that their energy and efforts will JUMPSTART and ACTIVATE the subject in the containment field in the lab. they will unwittingly unleash what will embody the ULTIMATE symbol of Haleigh's defeats and shortcomings.

elsewhere in the cell

<< in a lab, illuminated only by the blinking lights of various monitors and control panels, there is a low hum of power in the air of the dark room. there is a large chamber filled with a bubbling liquid and with a closer look, there is a human form, feminine, tall. blonde hair flows from the figure as it...or SHE seems to float in a dream state but looks can be deceiving for while the face of the figure may be calm...there is a never ending stream of CHAOS within the mind of this figure...chaos being fed, PROGRAMMED into that mind.>>

[Silver Swan]

:: time and space blur and speed backward....New York City, November of 2006. the streets are ablaze...with TERROR!::


<< a crash of thunder heralds the opening of a disc and Morgan is gone in the blink of an eye. the disc OPENS high in the sky and morgan comes FLYING out of it. having lost her dress and now wearing a form fitting Leather cat suit with silver accents and a low slung, chain link double belt. as she charges through the skies ..she cant HELP but to spot Master Mold>>

GODDESS!! that thing is ENORMOUS...Ive got to clim to altitudes almost as high as what jets travel just to reach its HEAD!

<< she notices people down below already in a panic...and traffic accidents happening for miles around because of the power fluxuations>>

this is really happening... I've got to do something NOW! this is a super sentinel...i better cast a cloaking spell to hide myself so that i slam into him without him knowing.

<< chimes sound off and a swirl of magick flows around Morgan as she casts her spell...and stretches her hands forward...clenching her fists as she speeds up and charges toward the head of Master Mold...>>

Ill NAIL him before he can even BEGIN to lock on Sharon and Alycia!

<< thinking herself protected by her cloaking spell and counting on her airborn maneuverability, she charges forward..building up speed and momentum as her clenched fists manifest halos of energy around them that grow to basket ball size...she intends to slam into him using eldritch concussive force...hopefully to severly damage his head>>


>> imminent danger, humanoid female approaching at high velocity...identity scan: Spellbinder. non mutant super powered; harnesses the energy identified as "magick". defense mode on.

>> with ridiculous ease and brute force... Master Mold SMACKS Spellbinder out of the air as if she were nothing more than an annoying gnat. The force of the blow is so great that it immediately KO's the witch as she is sent crashing down VIOLENTLY into the very Limo containing sharon and alycia. the impact is SICKENING as metal and glass are shattered and smashed.

>>Master Mold continues to survey the area...stepping forward and causing gaslines to break and fire hydrants to explode and water spouts to gush in their place.

>>Immediate threat neutralized. continuing to reinforce physical structure and survey the area.


::Sharon was screaming....and suddenly...the IMPACT. she had no way of knowing it was her friend Morgan who had been slammed into the limo...her eldritch concussive force detonating upon impact....but she had hit the FRONT end of the Limo...thankfully sparing Alycia and herself the WORST of the impact.::

:: seconds pass before Sharon stirs back to consciousness...shaking as she coughs hard and tries to sit up::


Oh...my god....
::the limo is twisted, crushed...there's smoke and shattered glass everywhere::

ohhh....my head...!

:: a cut across sharon's forehead as well as some bruised ribs tells her she didnt get off totally free of injuries....she slowly looks over to Alycia::

She's unconsious...ive got to pull us out of here!

::COUGH COUGH!!


ow!!


:: Sharon clumsily manages to get the back door OPEN!...she struggles...carefull not to snag Alycia on any of the jagged pieces of metal ....::

sorry Alycia...im not strong enough to carry you...

:: Sharon struggles as she drags Alycia away from the vehicle....as far as she can..which is a near by light post. it is very dark and there's the smell of fire and smoke in the air. a nearby fire hydrant has ruptured and water is gushing everywhere::


wha..whats HAPPENED...

:: she turns and sees a battered MORGAN laying on top of the front part of the Limo...which is completely crushed!! she's trapped in some kind of metal coil!! though sharon is shaken up and slightly injured...without fear she rushes back to the limo::


::Alycia begans to awaken:: ...uggnnnnnnn...what hit us...where are......oh no... ::she sits up..but she cant stand just yet. still too weak and dizzy. she weakly calls out to Sharon::

Alycia: Sharon....no! come back...wait for The Six to come help us.....its ....too..dangerous....

:: she falls back into unconsciousness::

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

Sharon reaches Morgan...

Sharon: HOW did she get here...who DID this to her!? it must be MysTech.....they're going to try to destroy me on the night of the election...and Morgan came to help us!

:: she climbs up and begins to try to pry the metal coil loose...::

ARGHH!

MORGAN PLEASE WAKE UP!!!...I"M NOT STRONG ENOUGH!!


:: a large looming shadow begans to cast over them both::


<< Spellbinder SNAPS awake...seeing Sharon struggling to try to fry her...>>

Sharon!? what are you doing??

<<Spellbinder sits up...and immediately bends back the coils with her super strength....>>

what are you doing out here....I came to help....and...

<< Spellbinder herself was still groggy from the impact though her eldritch blast took the BRUNT of it...she just didnt have her bearings quite yet...as she tried to get totally free of the wreckage.>>

<< the shadow loomed over them and the sky was completely obscured by Master Mold>>

MASTER MOLD..thats why I'm here....Master Mold was about to attack!

Master Mold: >> two targets identified. Kelly, Sharon...human. Spellbinder, non mutant super powered. Both classified as extreme threat. final solution...termination...


Morgan: Sharon...get the hell out of here.....do you hear me?? I'll draw his fire... RUN FOR IT!!


<< Master Mold had locked on to both targets>>

Master Mold: >>Target, Kelly, Sharon is attempting to escape...Target, Spellbinder is holding position. use of lethal force is authorized...activating repulsor blast


Sharon: Morgan.....I....

Morgan: RUN FOR IT GIRL!!

<< a look of extreme fear comes over sharon as Morgan screams at her to RUN FOR HER LIFE. she heeds Morgan's command and attempts to flee. Master mold unleashes two MASSIVE BROAD BEAMED BLASTS from his eyes..the beams expand as the crash down and OBLITERATE the limo and the GROUND beneath it...the expanding shockwave from the blast as well as the blast radius field SLAMS into Sharon and she SCREAMS as she is blown forward and slammed down by blast....most of her clothing is burned off.>>

<< the limo is now a pile of melted slag inside a HUGE crater.....MORGAN is laying at the edge of the crater. her pentagram of protection having saved her....AGAIN...but now..she had NO strength. she couldnt get up...couldnt walk...and was trembling...barely conscious.>>


<< sharon was only steps from Alycia Barnett laying face down...blood from her mouth and nose...not moving...a car alarm was going off near by as small fires raged all around them.>>

Morgan: uhhhhh....i...failed......

Master Mold:>>Target, Spellbinder still functions. Energy levels and vital signs are extremely low. will not be able to survive another attack. locking on target with Destructor Beam....in 5, 4, 3, 2.......


Morgan: ...i think I'm .....done.


Master Mold: >> 1.......


:: the figure in the containment tube in the lab begins to stir. her EEG readings registering a surge in brain activity.::

a few feet away, all was quiet on the bus...the dim lighting flickered as Alycia held Sharon in her arms and gently stroked some of her blonde hair away from her face. Sharon's breathing was soft...and faint and she looked to be in a very bad way.::

Alycia: :: speaking softly as she tries to fight back her tears:: Sharon, you hang on...you hear me? You'll be okay....the others are here...and they'll destroy that robot..and as soon as Morgan wakes up...she can heal you.......

::Sharon's eyes flutter..and open slilghtly...she tries to speak...::


Alycia: Shhhhhh!!! don't try to talk honey.....save your strength. Oh Morgan...PLEASE wake up!!
:: she looks over to a badly shaken Morgan who is slipping in and out of consciousness...although she's unaware of the gravity of the situation around her.::

::Alycia continues to craddle Sharon ...as she looks down upon her battered friend as Sharon insists on trying to speak.... she coughs up a little and Alycia holds her head up a little to make sure she can breathe::



:: Sharon looks up at Alycia...and manages a weak smile..knowing that her trusted friend is by her side at this darkest hour....she seems oddly at peace::

Sharon: A...lycia... ::cough:: thank...you..for everything.....

Alycia:Sharon.....please....


Sharon: thank you..all.....I love you.

::a tear falls from Sharon's eye as she closes them one last time. her head falls back into Alycia's arms...she exhales one last time.....and passes away.::



Oracle: << she doesnt see, the anguish in Alycia;s eyes and face as she departs this world..she doesnt feel the heaving of Alycia's chest as her lifeless body is held close to Alycia's bosom while Alycia cries out...she knows nothing as she's DEAD. this is where it ended...Sharon Kelly died at the hands of Master Mold. This is where something ELSE began!>>


:: she shouldnt remember anything, she shouldnt have ANY spark of brain activity, but she does. she doesnt know where she is....or what has happened, for her...everything STOPPED the moment Master Mold blasted her life away. She left this world in the arms of her dear friend...so why does she feel a growing sense of BITTERNESS and CHAOS??::


Oracle: << those were her MEMORIES...but they are NOT what the SUITS want her to know or remember.>>

[Oracle]

<< MysTech broke new ground and sparked outrage among religious and other like minded leaders with their unholy synergy of magick and technology, using it to accomplish many things perviously deemed "impossible" by humans..including some resurrection/reanimations.>>

<< When Sharon Kelly died, the Six escaped with their lives and two casualties. Sharon Kelly's body was supposedly recovered by the authorities...but...>>

November 2006, the Morgue

Examiner: Kelly, Sharon Lynn. Occupation, United States Senator for the state of New York. cause of death, extreme physical trauma due to exposure to lethal levels of energy and radiation. several vital organs were damaged, bones broken and severe concussion were sustained.

Assistant: poor woman. heard she died because of some filthy mutants and that bitch ADA Alycia Barnett is trying to cover the whole thing up. I hope our government does its job and protects us from this mutant menace. Rumour has it that Master Mold was a cassadine corp design that was SOLD to MysTech.

Examiner: the irony is that SHE was a mutant rights advocate! for all the good that did her! She got rolled over just like any other joe caught in the way of Mystech's global machine.

<< as the men cover her burned and broken body, the lab is STORMED by WILDpack agents who brutally and efficiently murder them and anyone else in the way, before taking hold of Sharon Kelly's body.>>

WILDpack: notify the White Queen back at HQ that we have taken possession of Sharon Kelly's body and it is now ready for transport back to the Citadle.

<< and with that, Sharon's body is gone and with that...any possible chance of her resting in peace is truly an illusion that will one day come to be shattered. surgery, genetic manipulation, implants, synergy...dark magick....all of these things tear away at the illusion of humanity that she once head. that day has NOW COME.>>


<< FAST FORWARD through time and space to>>

the present day

<< the body in the lab of the cell begins to stir, vital signs are growing , eeg readings are increasing.....>>

[Silver Swan]

::the darkness...the comfort of silence. the chance to REST. it was not meant for HER!::

why?

:: her mind begining to come alive with thought....she is soon beseiged with MEMORIES too terrifying to want to remember! a computer nearby is regulating a "memory/sensory feed" that is directly tapping into the mind and mental passages of her. Some of these people she knows..others she doesnt. some she doesnt remember as she did when she was alive...things that hurt..things that scream BETRAYAL...she's spinning out of control...and she doesnt know WHY this is happening! is it a dream? is this HELL? ::


in fast rapid succession, images of Haleigh Davidoff , Stavros Cassadine, Ava Cassadine flash through her mind...evil, twisted, corrupt, greedy and heartless.

:: the images seperate again as the scenes from the fatefull encounter with Master Mold play all around in the background with full sound in detail.::


Morgan Victoria: Haleigh, you vicious monster!

Karen Victoria: Haleigh! you maladaptive, manipulative woman! you have NO RESPECT for human life!

Alycia Barnett: YOU plundering wench! youmay as well have MURDERED SHARON YOURSELF!

Alison Marble: Haleigh cannot be trusted! She is a danger to everyone she is near.

:: the image of MASTER MOLD'S head bursts into view::

Master Mold: >>disccovery of target made possible by HALEIGH DAVIDOFF!

:: the images all swirl and coaelesce to form the image of the HEAD of MysTech...the WHITE QUEEN herself::


Malice: SHE killed you! It was HER FAMILY and SHE knew it! she didnt care about you! She didnt give a damn about what was RIGHT. she was in it for herself and she stood back and let you DIE trying to help one of her friends! She ABANDONNED YOU!


Alycia Barnett: but I AVENGED you! I made Stavros Cassadine PAY for causing your death and now Ava and Haleigh want to HURT ME Sharon!! HELP ME!! SAVE ME FROM THEM!

Malice: You cant win by doing RIGHT. you can only win by TAKING WHAT YOU WANT and DESTROYING THOSE in your way! THEY DESTROYED YOU! they FAILED to protect you! THEY HURT YOU SHARON...HURT THEM BACK!

Alycia: HURT THEM BACK!

Alison HURT THEM BACK!


everyone: HURT THEM BACK!!

Malice: you're almost there!! you're ALMOST there!! just a little further! when the touch of outside minds reaches this lab...YOU will be free of the pain and prison of DEATH and you will have the POWER to do what MUST BE DONE!! You will not STOP, you will not FORGIVE!! you will DESTROY!!

Morgan: Destroy her!

Alison: Destroy her!

Karen: PURGE her of the folly of her existence!

Alycia: HELP me Sharon!!! HELP ME by DESTROYING HER!

Master Mold: Mutants are a threat! mutants KILLED YOU. they MUST be destroyed!

Master Mold: Target aquired and locked on!

:: images of Haleigh, Zach and Ava form, now associated with hurt, pain, evil and betrayal.::

ANY MEANS NECESSARY to destroy them is acceptable!


:: the image of the destructor ray slamming into the limo and the blast radius spreading out all around is the last thing she sees...the images of Haleigh, Zach and Ava within the blast field as it reaches her...attempting to burn her, consume her...KILL HER!::

HALEIGH DAVIDOFF!! SHE DID THIS!! SHE WILL DIE!! THEY WILL ALL DIE!

[Oracle]

<< Morgan wondered about security. Security is the LEAST of her problems now. Even as Nicolas and Cameron begin the risky and delicate task of probing to find out what is wrong with Haleigh and Dr. Karen Victoria does her best to sooth a distraught Alycia, Illustra is the unwilling target in the path of a coming VENGEFULL storm. Sharon Kelly was alive...or what passes for "alive" at this particular stage and as she began to stir and rise further and further to consciousness, she was met with horrible, painfull visions and images that served to seer her mind with a hot and painfull mark of chaos, revenge.>>

<< Haleigh is about to learn that the past, no matter how compartmentalized or repressed she may try to make it, ALWAYS comes back twice as hard and that she can't control everything. If she thought these memory snaps were as bad as it would get...she was mistaken. the more she tried to make sense of things, the more of her life began to be put out on display and blaming Alycia suddenly seemed so short sighted and useless. Alycia didnt have THIS kind of power and perhaps, Dr. Victoria's warnings about Haleigh's behavior from the past were prooving to be MORE than mere warnings after all.>>

<< still, there MORE to discover and more to be reveled for while Zach was standing by his fiancee', clearly he forgot that the most important thing was to be true to form and true to HIMSELF. While Haleigh was being FORCED to relive memories and expose other long hidden memories, ZACH must not have realized that she isnt the ONLY ONE with a secret. He too had something to hide...and he too would see what it was like to have it FORCED to the surface.>>

<< the night was young, and inspite of all that was happening, the work week would soon arrive and with it, the time to prepare for the Madonna concert/fashion show/gala event to benefit breast cancer treatment and research. so many things to do and so little time it seemed, but soon, NONE of that would matter.>>

<< and so we continue to watch.