A savage heart

[Seer]

The Clock Tower

<< After every moment of impact, there are aftershocks, ripple effects which spread out across the expanse to effect more than just those at the epicenter.>>

<< Several days and nights have passed since the Hellfire Club's Blackout party.>>

<< Silver Swan returned to the Clock Tower the very next day after the event, and had a private debriefing with Oracle, providing her with audio and visual intel, as well as her own personal log.>>

<< The Silver Swan noticeably OMITTED the more PERSONAL details of her own encounter with Domino, but made sure to highlight one of the most eye opening and disturbing findings of the evening.>>

<< Not only were Black Widow and Persephone, present, but they were, by their own admission, FORMER members of the Six. Haleigh had betrayed the team, following the revelation that she was actually the daughter of MALICE, and left the team to join Malice as the Hellfire Club's White Princesss. Persephone, a.k.a. Ava Cassadine, a woman who Oracle and Mina had personally interacted with not too long ago, was ALSO among their number, having defected from the Six to follow Haleigh and was now the Red Court's Rook!>>

<< This was shocking, and important information, for it represented a noticeable shift/loss of power for the Six, and GAINS for the hellfire club. It also meant that Black Widow, whom Sharon made it a point to highlight was now going by the name Scion, along with Persephone had to be regarded as ENEMIES.>>

<< As Oracle processed this information, she would eventually call the rest of the team: Isis, Recall, Valkyrie, Tachyon, Matrix, Charope, Orion, Steel, Titan, to an urgent meeting, and have Silver Swan to deliver this information to them all. >>

<< The was one notable exception, Isis the FORMER Black Queen of the HC's inner circle, played a key role in Haleigh learning the truth about her origins. She KNEW that part of this horrible picture, and after the initial revelation, she eventually confided in her ward, Richard Martin.>>

<< And now, as members of the Birds of Prey gather, we watch, as that meeting unfolds.>>

 

[Matrix]

When the call came, Miss D was purchasing dresses from a designer after trying them on. We were at some high dollar boutique in the city, the back area held for her while she tried them on and showed off. If I didn't like it, we left that shit there. If she didn't like it, we left that shit there. So far a couple had made the cut when the comm-link chirped in my ear. I stood right up.

Ms. Devereaux, we have a pressing engagement.

The formal tone and message was a clue for Isis, and she nodded smoothly before I paid for our selection and arranged delivery to the Parthenon for her performances. Once we left, Miss D turned to me.

What is going on, Richard?

Call to a meeting from Zizi. Seems important.

As we rounded the corner, Isis lifts her hands and a portal opens...

...leading to her suite. I removed her jacket and mine, hung them up and opened the door, escorting her to the meeting area. Once we arrive, I place my hand on the small of her back and guide Miss D to the best chair. There was a platter of food available (good old Zizi!), and I grabbed a few items as I took my place standing by Isis' right hand. I bit into a fresh peach before speaking.

Wassup, Zizi?

 

[Recall]

New York City - Midtown

:: The last several days had seen Vivica throwing herself into her work. The Frost caper had been an eye opening one. It was clear to her that things in their world were about to get a lot more complicated, but one thing was certain - life would continue to move on, and some times you just had to put your hair in a bun, blast some gangster rap and handle your goddamn business, and that's what Vivica was doing. ::

:: Her gallery had been a smashing success among the highly competitive art circles in Chelsea, and her own signature style and fashion sense had garnered the attention of a number of different industries including music, photography and fashion. Today, Vivica was serving as an art director for a music video of an up and coming rapper that was looking for a unique vision. It wasn't a paying job, but it was definitely something that would add a bit of intrigue to her resume and help move that much closer to her dreams of being a tastemaker and iconoclast. Due to the nature of her power, Recall was happiest when her mind had many things to figure out at once and today that was being put to the test! Everything from the filter of the camera lens to the decorations on the end table to signing off on hair and makeup. For a few hours, she was able to leave what had happened in the Citadle behind her and focus what was in front of her. ::

"I think we need to tone her makeup down."

:: Vivica looked through a camera lens at a beautiful model hired to be in the video as she squinted subtly for a moment. ::

"It's a great beat..but the concept is higher than that. She needs to look like art, not a video vixen. Let's try a nude lip and we can slick the hair back. Her skin is beautiful...if we can adjust the lighting concept, we could have a really nice kind of monochromatic feel against that backdrop."

:: A group of men nodded and agreed as they immediately went to work on the woman, adjust her hair, her makeup and just about everything else on her body in a matter of moments. She smirked. Being around artists always gave her a thrill. It was nice to talk to like minded individuals who understood what she meant without having to go into much detail. Before long, everything was perfect and things were well into production. Vivica sat on the sidelines, watching her vision unfold as the handsome rapper melted perfectly into the scenes she had created. This was definitely her happy place. So lost in the work she was doing she nearly missed the call to the clocktower as her phone vibrated wildly from her clutch. Grabbing her purse and slinking around a dark corner of the halls of the studio, she pulled it out and read the message. There was an important meeting and everyone on the team's presence had been requested. Vivica exhaled and pursed her lips. She knew it most likely had to do with the outcome of The Blackout Party. Oracle had seemed troubled by whatever informatin Sharon had gathered and Sharon herself seemed a bit out of sorts, though that wasn't recognizable to most. ::

:: There was also the rumors she had heard of Zach and Haleigh calling it quits for good. She knew that Zach had been toying with the idea for quite some time, but to know that he had done it, after all this time, it was a little surprising. Zach was a good guy, and there was a while that she had decided that he would ride that relationship out until the end of time just to be diplomatic, which was his nature. Still, he must have been in a good amount of pain, and she felt bad for not properly checking in. Hopefully she would have a moment a little bit later on. Now, duty was calling. She quietly made her way over to a member of the team and said her goodbyes. ::

"I have an appointment I need to keep, so I'm gonna bounce. Send me that footage would you? I'd like to see how well it works with the song. And thanks again for the opportunity! Next time you have something going on, keep me in the loop, alright?"

:: She smiled as she made her way out of the production studio and into the dizzying pace of the city of New York. Putting her earphones into her phone she began to listen to music as she made her way with haste towards The Clocktower, stopping at a coffee shop and grabbing some refreshments for the group. Whatever they were about to hear was likely horrible, and if you had to hear horrible news, at the very least you should have espresso and pastry. Weaving in and out of the sea of people going about their lives, unaware of the things that threatened to destroy them, Vivica found herself at the clocktower, heading straight towards the elevator and making her way up the correct floor. As the doors opened she made her way over towards the kitchen, calling out to whoever might be there, while dropping the headphones from her ear and setting up a station for people to grab whatever it was that they wanted. The Frost caper had shown her the importance of making sure that there were no loose ends. They were going to need to stick together to face whatever was thrown at them, and while they had proven that on the battlefield they were a united and deadly front, there were still a few stragglers, that were hesitant to open themselves up and give a little bit more of themselves. So if people had to think Vivica was lame and stupid for bringing coffee and pastry in response to a distress call, then so be it. Maybe they could bond over their pettiness and maybe that could lead somewhere. Vivica had no problem being the scapegoat if it meant preventing somebody from feeling like Jasmine Victory had. Like she had not so long ago. ::

"Zizi? Ashley? Sharon!? Anybody home? I got coffee!"

:: She eyed Richard and Isis as well as another platter of food, which she should have expected. Zizi was polite that way. ::

Richard: "Wassup, Zizi?"

:: As usual, Richard was eating and Isis was staring smuldering in a corner. The two of them had become a package deal, though the complete origin of their relationship was not understood by the group, or at least it was fuzzy to Vivica. She seemed to protect him like a son, but there was still somewhat of a Bates Motel kind of vibe between them that confused things. Dominique had been one of the ones Vivica had been referring to earlier. The stragglers, not really seeming interested in being part of a team, or worse, even bothered by the idea. She knew that if she could make peace with Alycia Barnett, she could most definitely breakthrough to the former Black Queen. Or at least it would be fun to try. ::

"Hey Richie!"

[turning her head]

"Dominique."

[turning her head back to the table]

"Well.. I should have known Oracle was going to have SOMETHING to nibble on. Thank god you're here, eh boo?"

:: Smiling. ::

"Do your wost."

:: As she eyed Dominique up and down, she realized that the woman seemed to have a lot on her mind. Perhaps she knew the reason they had all been called here. She had been laying low ever since her arrival to the team. In fact, she refused to be a part of the caper with Frost, which only furthered the division between her and the team. Perhaps tonight they might understand the reasoning behind that. She grabbed a piping hot cup of coffee and took a nice sip. ::

[looking towards Dominique]

"Can I grab you anything before Richard here picks through the good stuff?"

 

[Matrix]

In walked Vivica, fine, artist, we have some of her stuff even. She brought more food, which made her look even better.

"Hey Richie!"

[turning her head]

"Dominique."

[turning her head back to the table]

"Well.. I should have known Oracle was going to have SOMETHING to nibble on. Thank god you're here, eh boo?"

:: Smiling. ::

"Do your wost."

I gave her a head nod, but she got me on being the 'cleanup man'. I had to smile.

I got this.

[looking towards Dominique]

"Can I grab you anything before Richard here picks through the good stuff?"

I paused. I had not even asked Miss D if she wanted anything. Fuck. I put some of the food back. There were more teammates than just me.

 

[Isis]

From Vivian's to the Clocktower

:: Dominique's life had changed since leaving the Hellfire Club. It was a change that up until the Purifiers, she hadn't imagined she would look forward to. But now, she felt more at peace about certain things, namely her nephew, Nicolas King, and the safety of her ward, Richard Martin.::

:: The Birds of Prey were another unexpected development, one she was not completely settled in. At times, she felt like it was the right choice, but at other times, she strongly considered taking Richard and leaving. She didn't NEED them. She had power, financial security, and could go anywhere in the world she wanted, but again, the Purifiers caper, it had a profound effect on her. Also, Delilah Trelevan, and the whole Blue Moon event.::

:: So she remained, and she followed her heart, hoping that it was leading her in the right direction, and so far, it seemed to be. Still, there were things...and PEOPLE, NAMELY that boorish cow Ashley Oldenburg, and that busy body Vivica Lennox, that were hard to tolerate. Richard helped her with that. He seemed much more understanding of COMMON people than she could ever be. ::

:: On the other side, were people like Zizi, a woman who inspired optimism, respect, and even an appreciation for the TEAM dynamic, along with Sharon, Alycia and Zach.::

::Richard also seemed to be settling, and evolving, growing out of his standoffish, sometimes predatory demeanor. If nothing else, Dominique knew that getting him out of the Hellfire Club was the right thing to do. To have to be hyper vigilant around someone like Malice...that was no way for a young man to have to live, and here in the clocktower, Zizi, John Steel, and even that viking wench Valkyrie had been instrumental in broadening Richard's training. Zizi went a step further, supplementing Richard's NUTRIONAL needs- which Dominique accomodated by having TRUCK LOADS of groceries delivered, courtesy of an arrangement she'd made with Black Widow, - with her own hand made and baked confectionary delights. Richard ALSO found a peer in Xavier Winston, aka Tachyon.::

:: As watchful...and sometimes GAZING of an eye that Dominique kept on Richard, she was pleased to see him branching out, developing other relationships and growing. She knew that he knew where HOME was, where he was safest and most secure, and so...for his happiness and progress...if nothing ELSE...Dominique allowed herself to remain.::


:: Here they were TONIGHT. Another fine evening of shopping at an exclusive Boutique, with her young, handsome ward. When you're a glamorous, jet setting chanteuse, there is little that stands in the way of pursuing satisfaction.::

When the call came, Miss D was purchasing dresses from a designer after trying them on. We were at some high dollar boutique in the city, the back area held for her while she tried them on and showed off. If I didn't like it, we left that shit there. If she didn't like it, we left that shit there. So far a couple had made the cut when the comm-link chirped in my ear. I stood right up.

Ms. Devereaux, we have a pressing engagement.

The formal tone and message was a clue for Isis, and she nodded smoothly before I paid for our selection and arranged delivery to the Parthenon for her performances. Once we left, Miss D turned to me.

What is going on, Richard?

As we rounded the corner, Isis lifts her hands and a portal opens...

...leading to her suite. I removed her jacket and mine, hung them up and opened the door, escorting her to the meeting area. Once we arrive, I place my hand on the small of her back and guide Miss D to the best chair. There was a platter of food available (good old Zizi!), and I grabbed a few items as I took my place standing by Isis' right hand. I bit into a fresh peach before speaking.

:: Dominique crosses her leg at the knee::

"Zizi? Ashley? Sharon!? Anybody home? I got coffee!"

:: She eyed Richard and Isis as well as another platter of food, which she should have expected. Zizi was polite that way. ::

Oh....THIS girl...

:ominique thought, as she concealed her mild irritation at the sound of Vivica's voice.::

Wassup, Zizi?

"Hey Richie!"

[turning her head]

"Dominique."

Vivica.

:: Dominique replied in an icy voice, and returned Vivica's look with an unwavering gaze of her own with her aqua blue eyes::

[turning her head back to the table]

"Well.. I should have known Oracle was going to have SOMETHING to nibble on. Thank god you're here, eh boo?"

:: Smiling. ::

"Do your wost."

I gave her a head nod, but she got me on being the 'cleanup man'. I had to smile.

I got this.

:: the SLIGHTEST smile formed on Dominique's face as she watched Richard for a moment, but with Vivica present, there was no room for lingering thoughts. The girl was nosier than Lauren Danvers. At least DANVERS had a purpose for trying to gether information on people. Vivica was like a giant whale, swimming along in the ocean, with her big mouth open, gathering ENDLESS amounts of krill for no other reason than because it was there! The girl's native power was all about information, and the retention and RECALLING of it. While the power itself was "QUIET"...its implications and APPLICATIONS could be wide reaching and MOST instrusive.::

:: Dominique had tought Richard the ART of subtle, UNSPOKEN communication during their time at the Hellfire Club, AND she cast a PERMANENT "hearing thoughts" spell between them, bonding them and allowing them to communicate on a level that someone like Vivica could NEVER be privy to. ::

:: Shutting her eyes for a moment, Dominique stopped herself from taking an increasingly DIM view of Recall. The girl hadn't necessarily done anything TO her, but she HAD watched her interactions with Alycia and Alison, and to say that she was antagonistic and judgemental was putting it mildly. Dominique wouldn't suffer such insolence. She didn't tolerate it from Ashley, and she hoped Vivica wouldn't try her like that.::

:: The last several weeks had been...UNUSUAL. While Dominique herself had "opted OUT" of the Frost caper, angering some of her teammates, she HAD bene involved in a no less heavy activity, assisting Haleigh Davidoff with learning the TRUTH about her origins! After that night, the only people in the clock tower who knew the TRUTH about Haleigh were Dominique and soon after that, Richard.::

:: It occurred to Dominique that when Sharon Kelly went to the Blackout Party, she could possibly become aware of this as well. Dominique had no idea just how much Sharon had seen and learned, but she WONDERED if Zizi's urgent "ALL CALL" had something to do with any of this. That was on her mind at the moment too, and the thought of listening to Vivica's idle prattle was even LESS appealing behind that.::

:: As she eyed Dominique up and down, she realized that the woman seemed to have a lot on her mind. Perhaps she knew the reason they had all been called here. She had been laying low ever since her arrival to the team. In fact, she refused to be a part of the caper with Frost, which only furthered the division between her and the team. Perhaps tonight they might understand the reasoning behind that. She grabbed a piping hot cup of coffee and took a nice sip. ::

[looking towards Dominique]

"Can I grab you anything before Richard here picks through the good stuff?"

:: Dominique massaged her temples, and sighed, opening her aqua blue eyes, and looking at Vivica with a much less cold expression on her face::

Some hot green tea with honey and lemon would be nice, thank you.

:: She said as she smiled a bit, noticing Richard trying to restrain himself::

Richard, I have plenty in reserve, so do not worry.

 

[Orion]

The Headquarters of the United Nations -- DC 1 Building

It had been a strange week for Zach starting with the morning after his night with Ashley and Andrew. Trying to decipher the texts from Haleigh were a challenge, and after he'd seen how Carrie Underwood she had gone on his car, he decided to give her some space. Not being on speaking terms with her felt extremely weird. There was a hole in his life filled with loneliness and guilt. He'd thought that because their relationship slid downhill towards the end, because they'd grown apart, that this would be easier to deal with. Haleigh's initial reaction seemed to confirm that. But OBVIOUSLY she'd gotten so good at hiding her emotions that even HE couldn't find them, despite having been standing RIGHT in front of her.

Worse still, Ava was giving him the silent treatment. THAT was a little more of a surprise, given how much Ava knew about his failed attempts to save his romance with Haleigh. Ava had been a friend for YEARS now, and had always been neutral whenever he and Haleigh were at odds. She could usually see it objectively. But this time, DAYS had passed before Ava even replied to his texts and long winded voicemails. FINALLY she'd agreed to meet him and talk. The plan was to meet for lunch in a couple of hours.

All week, he'd been trying to deal with this fallout. It weighed heavy on his mind and heart, and he knew it would continue to be cumbersome until he was able to do something to resolve it. In the meantime, he did what he ALWAYS had when something was bothering him; he threw himself into his work. He leaned back in his chair, staring across his office at the man on the tv, a 'colleague' his was video conferencing.

Bill: The registry is VITAL to the safety of the general public--

"Come ON Bill. Let's drop the hot-button words for a minute and look at this logically. What if we decided that everybody who had a knife at home should be on a U.N. registry, because they COULD stab some people. You LAUGH, because it sounds silly, but that's the point I'm making. There are millions of metahumans out there, and the vast majority don't want to hurt ANYONE."

Bill: I bet you're one of those second amendment gun nuts too.

"That's not relevant. You file this appeal if you want, but my committee will not rest until it's dismissed. We're not going to expose millions of people to discrimination or persecution by mandating a public registry of abilities."

His phone buzzed, and he checked it immediately. Zizi was calling an urgent meeting.

"I've got to go--"

Bill: This isn't over, Ambassador.

"I'll see you at the hearing, Bill."

He said, terminating the call and standing up. He slid his phone back into his left pocket, and pulled his car keys from his right. A short elevator ride later and he was in the parking garage. His new Berlinetta gleamed in the sun as he sped through the city to the Clocktower. When he let himself into the apartment, there were already a couple of people there. He offered a warm smile to break the ice.

"Hello Zizi, Sharon, Viv, Dominique, Rich. I hope you've all been well."

 

[Valkyrie]

The Clocktower

“All right, all right, I’m here, I’m here.”

Ashley stormed through the door, carrying a McDonald’s bag.

“John’s parking the car.”

She told Zizi on the way by before plopping herself sideways into a large plush armchair, her back against one arm and her legs thrown over the other. She pulled a Big Mac and large fries out of the bag and set them on her stomach like a plate, then proceeded to shovel the food in.

She didn’t care who else was there.

“Shit, where’s my Big Gulp?”

 

[Steel]

The Clocktower

Steel sauntered in not long after Ashley, giving a wave to the assembled group.

“Alright, everyone?”

He noticed that Dominique had chosen to show up this time – he hoped that was a sign of a better dynamic to come. But somehow, he doubted it.

He walked unhurried over to where Valkyie sat, and held out a giant drink with a lid and straw to her.

The two of them had been out on a case when Zizi’s call had come through, and Valkyrie had been incredibly perturbed to have her lunch interrupted – and he had learned long ago that a cranky Viking was not something he wanted to deal with.

He sat down on a nearby chair, untwisting his tie and fidgeting just a bit, not used to sitting still.

“So what’s going on, Zizi, why the emergency summons?”

 

[Titan]

The Clocktower

Titan rolled in, not having bothered to remove his sunglasses and wearing a sharp Spectra Couture suit.

“Well if it isn’t all of my adoring fans!”

He grinned to the crowd and did a sort of spin, showing off a bit before removing the glasses and folding them in his pocket. He moved deeper into the lounge.

“Now I know you all didn’t want to bother me with the last mission you went on, but I want you to know I’m here for you. All you have to do is call.”

He reached down to take a french fry but Ashley slapped his hand away. And he thought he heard a growl.

He took a seat near Zach, then looked around as if he’d just realized something.

“Has anyone else noticed Dominique Devereaux is sitting right over there?”

 

[Artemis]

From Charope, LLC, to the Clocktower

:: Alycia Barnett, and her paralegal, Ana-Leigh, had been very busy as of late, working on contracts, and coordinating with Terra Save on a tip regarding a possible mutant child trafficing operation in europe that was getting almost NO mainstream coverage. They were going to blow it open, and UNLIKE other recent news involving the busting of a child ring in the netherlands that implicated "several high profile officials from around the world," Alycia and Terra Save would be sure to EXPOSE the people involved. Neither Alycia nor TS were afraid of retaliation, and this was the only way to TRULY ROOT out corruption and exploitation of the weak and vulnerable, using the law, and well placed connections of like minded people!::

:: The last few days had been VERY busy and the amazon had not be interacting as much with her teammates. She HAD been in contact with Morgan, as well as Sally Spectra, and Haleigh's "point person" from CI regarding the new contracts between Clandestine Inc, Illustra Inc, and The House of Spectra, but unfortunately, Alycia was NOT aware of the events that had occurred over the last 5 days: Not the revelation of Haleigh, or her subsequent departure to Hellfire, Not Ava's disappearence, Not the moment Cameron CHEATED on her with Haleigh.::

:: She wasn't aware....YET.::

:: As time passed, she soon received an urgent alert on her phone from Zizi::

Ana, I'm needed at the clock tower. Will you be alright here by yourself?

Ana-Leigh: :: Looking at the boss lady, Ana feigns dsitress:: No....I'm scared of the dark!

:: Alycia's eye brow raised, and she smirked at her paralegal, as the two shared a laugh. Ana's wit and comedic timing were one of the reasons why she and Alycia got on so well. From the moment they met when Alycia did a lecture at Ana's alma mater, the chemistry had been there, and Alycia saw the same passion and ingenuity in Ana that she herself had. She offered Ana an internship, and the rest, has been history.::

:: Ana was also a mutant, part of that "up and coming generation" of mutants along side Richard Martin and Xavier Winston. ::

Alycia: Oh you poor dear. :: Alycia waves her hand dismissively:: Well if the boogeyman comes after you, you be sure and call the ghost busters!

:: Alycia squeezes Ana's shoulder as she walks past her. The joking aside, she knew that Ana was plenty capable of protecting herself if she had to, but ever since the Purifiers, when Ana was attacked and hurt, Alycia had been more vigilant about her safety.::

The security settings are on standard right now. Seriously, if you feel uneasy, raise them up and you know how to reach me or Sharon. Remember, if someting BAD happens, call me, and then get yourself OUT of here using the second car of the underground express jet. I'm going to take the first car of the underground express jet to the clocktower. Lock up for me when you're ready to leave!

Ana-Leigh: Alright boss lady, see you later.

Alycia: See you.

:: And as Alycia headed to the elevator that would take her down to the sprawling underground Infirmary and tunnel network, she heard the beginning of the loud music that Ana immediately turned on. Smirking again, Alycia couldn't help but laugh softly. Ana was a smart girl. Talented, fast on her feet, and not afraid of any fight, the world needed people...GIRLS...like her, and Alycia was glad to be helping to steer her on this path.::

:: Underground, Alycia activates the expres jet and gets into it. mere MOMENTS later, she arrives at the underground dock of the clocktower and disembarks. getting on the restricted access elevator, she zooms up into the clocktower and arrives in the conference room, where Isis, Recall, Matrix, Valkyrie, Orion, Steel, and Titan are. Along with a spread of food, which surprisingly Richard hasn't DEVOURED already.::

Hello everyone.

:: She smiled at Zizi and Sharon, noticing that Sharon looked arther grim.::

:: She Reached for a granola bar, and a bottled water, she then seats herself on Zach's OTHER side, closer to Dominique. ::

“Has anyone else noticed Dominique Devereaux is sitting right over there?”

:: Andrew! Sally Spectra's quirky, but handsome bodyguard and assistant. The one who was revealed to be a mutant during the Purifiers caper. He was also hot and heavy with Delilah. Word traveled. He was the complete OPPOSITE of Bishop, but there was nothing wrong with a woman enjoying variety....after all...never in a mllion years did Alycia think SHE'D be involved with a man like Cameron.::


Oh, havent you been introduced?

:: Alycia responded to Andrew's question::

Dominique, a.k.a. Isis, joined the Birds of Prey shortly after the Purifer's caper.

:: Alycia caught site of Richard eyeing Andrew.::

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Zizi waited for everyone to assemble, returning their greetings brightly as each entered.

Richard took some good natured ribbing from Vivica about the amount he was going to eat in stride, and Zizi smiled over at him.

“Help yourself, there’s plenty – I have more in the kitchen.”

She was a bit concerned over some apparent tension between Dominique and others in the group. They had made great strides in becoming a team, but it was clear there was still work to be done.

Valkyrie entered like a tornado; Zizi thought about commenting about her resemblance to either a Viking or a truck driver when she ate, but decided not to. There were more important things, as the group was about to discover. She waved to Steel as he too entered, then had to laugh in spite of herself as Andrew had his first official meeting with Isis.

But then things could be put off no longer, and it was time to get down to business.

“So what’s going on, Zizi, why the emergency summons?”

She took her place in the ring of teammates.

“A few days ago, Sharon [nodding to her] used her connections to bring me some very important intel about the Hellfire Club. There have been some developments there, ones that involve not only HC members but also the Six. Sharon, would you like to brief everyone?”

 

[Orion]

The Clocktower -- Conference Room

Zach eyeballed the refreshment table for something to snack on. Viv indicated that there was coffee and he gratefully poured himself some.

"Ooh, thanks Viv! And you brought cookies? I knew there was a reason I pretended to like you."

He joked, taking a couple of peanut butter ones on a paper plate and setting them on the conference table. He removed his suit jacket and then lowered himself into a chair as Ashley breezed through the door and found herself a seat. Shortly after her, Chief Steele followed. He greeted them both by name in between bites of a cookie. Andrew arrived like a rockstar, eliciting a chuckle and a conspiratorial grin from Zach.

"Mr. Irresistible, so GOOD of you to come. We ARE relieved to be able to rely on you, bro."

Andrew almost lost his life trying to take food from Valkyrie, who made a sexy noise that Zach had heard before, although in a different context. He covered his smirk with a sip of coffee.

DAMN, coffee HOT!

Andrew sat down on one side of Zach, Alycia on the other. Andrew goofed his way through an introduction to Isis. Zach gave Alycia a glance and a nod of greeting. He leaned towards her, as if to say something, but John prompted Zizi to get down to business, and so Zach just gave her a small smile, shaking his head as if to say 'never mind'. He'd have to wait until after the briefing to ask her about a possible consultation for the appeal.

Oracle: A few days ago, Sharon [nodding to her] used her connections to bring me some very important intel about the Hellfire Club. There have been some developments there, ones that involve not only HC members but also the Six. Sharon, would you like to brief everyone?

Oh Gods.... I hope we aren't about to get in a territorial dispute with the Six over who's mission this is again. I should NOT be involved in that. Talk about awkward.

 

[Silver Swan]

The Clock Tower- Conference Room

[ They all began to arrive. Each one of them was a welcomed sight, except Valkyrie Alycia and Xavier were the last to arrive. Andrew was introduced to Dominique, who seemed amused by him, even as Richard eyed him suspiciously. Andrew was definitely a charmer, and not bad looking. Between time with Delilah, and being employed by Sally Spectra, he was definitely NOT bored either. ]

She took her place in the ring of teammates.

“A few days ago, Sharon [nodding to her] used her connections to bring me some very important intel about the Hellfire Club. There have been some developments there, ones that involve not only HC members but also the Six. Sharon, would you like to brief everyone?”

[ Sharon nodded, but she didn't feel like disclosing the entire backstory of why she was at the Blackout Party. Some of it was personal.]

There have been some roster changes in the Inner Circle since Dominique's departure from it.

[ She placed a cube on the table and pressed a button, energy streamed up from it in a fan like pattern, providing a 360 holographic view of the hellfire mansion itself, before shifting, while Sharon continues, it brings forth the profile of each person she identifies.]

From the white court:

The White Queen, Malice- Omega Level Telepath/Empath, Transiomorphic Diamond form; She pulled off a bloody coup during Mystech's earlier years, and brought a shift in power...she BECAME the POWER behind Mystech, and she REIGNS over the american branch of the Hellfire Club.


The White King, Lord Ravena- Vampire, World Class Sorcerer- quite possibly in league with..."The big four" [glancing at Dominique, who was AMONG the "big 4"],

The White Bishop, Masque- Kinetic energy manipulator, Mafia royalty, highly skilled spy and physical fighter

The White Knight, Fathom- Omega level water elemental..... many of us in this room have encountered HER...[The Frost Caper]

The White Rook, Nogitsune- I was not able to gather any definitive intel on her POWERS, but from her name, roughly translated from the japanese folklore to mean " a dark kitsune: a supernatural species of fox spirits in human" she is certainly elusive and enigmatic, and having witnessed her brutal attack on a hapless servant during the blackout part, she may well be..."CRAZY like a fox." She is highly favored by Diana, and that is never a good thing for anyone ELSE.

[ There was one more shadowed form next to the White Queen, the White Princess, but Sharon didn't reveal HER yet.]

The White Court consists of HIGHLY powered members who share Malice's appetite for destruction

On to the Red court. You were once a member of that court, weren't you Ashley? They threw you out?

The Red Queen, Enchantrah - Reality Warper, Polymorph, and Psionic Illusion casting- her illusions are all encompassing and can cause fatal complications.

The Red Bishop, Mystique- She was very elusive throughout the Blackout party. One thing that she appears capable of is INVISIBILITY, literally appearing and disappearing at will. She acted as the Red Queen's emissary.

The Red Knight, Berserker - a modern day viking, the strength and savage instinct of a bear, as well as enhanced durability and healing

[The was one more shadowed form, next to Berserker, the Red Rook, but Sharon didn't reveal HER yet.]

The Red Court has agrown, but is not fully filled yet. They are the spies and watchers. Most of them have powers that enable them to be "eyes and ears" around the city and the world. Because Malice and Enchantrah are very TIGHT, the red and white courts are alligned and will easily engage in 'cross-court' collaborations.

Finally, The Black Court.

The Black Queen- Talisman, Isis' successor in that role in the Inner Circle. She is a powerful magick user...a "TechnoSorceress" to be precise. This is another one that many of us have recently encountered. She was responsible for the attack on Shadow Weaver, and the...apparition of Frost. She is the cross time alternate of Witchfire, the mother of the Six's Harbinger and Prophet. Witchfire was a member of Mystech's axis of evil. She was killed by her children. Talisman makes it a POINT to distinguish herself from her cross time counterpart, correcting ANYONE who implies that SHE is Prophet and Harbinger's mother. She's also going to great lengths to establish herself as being in league with the "Big 4." Word around the Hellfire Club, is that she BARELY survived Malice's WRATH for that whole Frost caper, and that Malice has more than one measure in place to ELIMINATE her if she proves to be more trouble than she's worth. There was a noticeable SHIFT in their dynamic during the Blackout party. It seems that Talisman found a way to get back in Malice's good graces going forward.

The Black Bishop, Gorgon. He has the power to turn himself and others into stone and manipulate that stone with a variety of effects. He was practically HAND DELIVERED to Talisman by the White Queen's emissary. He was seen cozying up to the Black Queen quite a bit, which is probably why he was able to obtain the position of Black Bishop.

Black Knight, Cobra. She has a mutagenic physiology, and from what I observed, she appears to have various abilities associated with a snake, particularly her namesake, the COBRA.

The positions of Black King, and Black Rook were not filled at the time of the Blackout Party, but rumours arond the club among the upper echelon of the hellfire club indicated that there were a couple of individuals "coming up the pipeline." So this may change soon.

The Black Court is cold, like its queen. She seeks to fill the ranks with individuals who are intelligent, curious and willing to investigate. She fervently believes in the synergy of magick and science, and word has it that she has been actively lobbying Malice for a REVIVAL of mystech. All the pieces are there...

Other notable individuals include: Domino, who was a former Black Court member from the London Branch, and is now an "Associate" to this Inner Circle, she was sponsored by Lord Ravena, and granted approval by Malice, with whom she seems to work closely with. The woman is a powerhouse, but she seems BENT on proving she can stand toe-to-toe with anyone, even if she's outmatched. She's not afraid to launch herself into any conflict...

[ Sharon frowned a bit...as the image of Domino's face looming over her under the moonlight, looking almost SULTRY and seductive, flashed acrossed her mind]

....and she MOLESTED ME!

Kristen Pratt, a.k.a Mockingbird. Notable for being a baseline human, and yet she acts as Malice's emissary to individuals across all industries and establishments both domestically and internationally. She is the mother of mutant Simon Pratt, a.k.a. Longshot.

[The IRONY was that Sharon herself didn't know that Kristen ALSO had a direct link to her own tragic past.]

Jessica Marcus, a.k.a. Viper, the daughter of mystech founder, James Marcus. Viper's genius and power are only matched by her INSANITY. She is a carrier of the T-Veronica virus, an ultra rare, DESIGNER strain of the original T Virus, created by her father. She has psionic control over ALL viruses, toxins, and poisons known to man, and variety of other powers, including flight, venom blasts, psionic control over venmous insects, as well as a genius intellect. She once deconstructed Haleigh Davidoff, causing the T-Virus within her to run WILD, turning HER into a ZOMBIE. She is VERY mentally unstable, and is currently "cared for" by Domino and another woman named Alice, who is apparently a LEGEND in bio-technology and virology circles, and possesses powers of her own, but I was not able to observe enough of her to gather more detail information.

[Alycia signals]

Yes?

What about the remaining figures in shadow from the white and red courts?

Oh...I was getting to those two now, actually. Speaking of Jessica and Haleigh....let's talk about Black Widow now.

[ The black Court , and the "notable" members of HC move off screen, and Sharon returns to the White and Red Courts. The Screen shifts, and SPLITS horizontally, showing the full roster of the SIX on the bottom panel]

The Six: Spellbinder, Harbinger, Prophet, Firebird, MorningStar, Rampage, Ruby, Black Widow, Persephone; along with Arsenal and Shadow Weaver.

There have been some...major changes, not only among the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle, but also the Six.

Black Widow is no longer a member of the Six.

[ Haleigh's profile in the Six blacks out.]

She is NOW a member of the Hellfire Club's White Court, as it's White Princess.

[ The figure next to Malice lights up to reveal Haleigh as she appears now, with short blonde hair, rather than her long red hair]

A position that only the DAUGHTER of the White Queen would have.

Haleigh Davidoff is the daughter of Malice and Christopher Victory, making her a half sister to Spellbinder and Firebird. I saw her on the dais, during the "corronation" of the White King and herself. I confronted her during the reception, and she confirmed this herself. She WILLINGLY joined the Hellfire Club, and has NO regrets about becoming the White Princess, about making herself an ENEMY of the Six, and US. She does not go by the name "Black Widow" anymore either, she is now known as "SCION." She has NO regrets, NO conscience.

[ Alycia's gasp was audible, and the look on Zach's face was indescribable. Isis looked rather STONE faced, as Richard wrapped his arm around her's. SHE had been there the night Haleigh learned the truth, but she had NO IDEA Haleigh would do something like THIS!]

This...is....

I can't believe what I've just heard!

Something must be wrong with her. Just LOOK at her! She doesn't even LOOK the same. Malice must have done something to her. Or she's BLACKMAILING her in some way. She wouldn't just go gallavanting off to the Hellfire Club to JOIN them, not after all she's been through because of them, because of MALICE. NOT after she watched ME depart from them and tell me what a "brave and CORRECT" choice I made!

Sharon: No, There's NOTHING wrong with her, Dominique. She was there of her own free will. Don't you think that if she was there under duress and needed HELP she would have tried to communicate that to me when I was standing RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER FACE?!

Someone needs to reach out to the SIX! We had no idea this was happening, and there's no telling what kind of state they're in right now!

[Sharon locked eyes with Zach]

Understand what I'm saying: Black Widow is the DAUGHTER of Malice, and has betrayed the Six. She is now an ACTIVE member of the Hellfire Club's inner circle, and must be regarded as the ENEMY she now is. Whatever you thought you knew, it doesn't matter anymore. She made that QUITE clear to me during our confrontation. She is willing to flex her newfound status and power as the White Princess of the Hellfire Club. We CANNOT afford to "err" on the side of professional courtesy where she is concerned anymore.

But that's not all.

Ava Cassadine, a.k.a. Persephone, the woman that Oracle and Mina recently met with when Harbinger brought Tachyon to us? SHE has defected from the Six as well.

[ Persephone's image with the Six blacks out]

SHE is now the Red Rook of the Hellfire Club's Red Court.

[ Her new look as the Red Rook lights up]

and She displays the same LACK of regard for her former teammates, as her "sister" Haleigh. The Six has lost A LOT in the way of power with these two, and the Hellfire Club has GAINED, making them more of a threat to ALL of us now.

 

[Tachyon]

Amazingly enough, Tachyon was late. Only by a few seconds, but he was next to last to arrive. He was on the way to return something to a village in Tibet when the call came in and he had a few thousand miles to cross to get back. Still, he was cruising and he could have done better. He reminded himself to do so as he seemed to appear, giving Rich some dap as he stood to the other side of THE Ms. Devereaux.

He got there in plenty of time for the intel, which was good. There were some interesting characters described, with two familiar people last. For him, Ava was the surprise, as she was Alison's bestie and too pretty to be that bad. But hell, all of those bad birds were pretty. So yeah, he was taken aback.

SHE is now the Red Rook of the Hellfire Club's Red Court.

[ Her new look as the Red Rook lights up]

and She displays the same LACK of regard for her former teammates, as her "sister" Haleigh. The Six has lost A LOT in the way of power with these two, and the Hellfire Club has GAINED, making them more of a threat to ALL of us now.

Fuck me.

 

[Matrix]

I went back to eating after the all clear from Zizi and Miss D as people came through. X came in almost last, I was gonna roast his ass for that later on...he was gonna be slowpoke all damn week.

Some dude came in, apparently a Dominique Devereaux groupie. I don't know this motherfucker, so I watch him. If Zizi let him in he should be cool, but maybe he was fooling her too. If so, it would be too bad, so sad.

SS stepped forward to give her report. She had great intel on the courts as they were now; GOOD. If you know what they do, you know how to undo them. Rich took note of each one of them and worked out gambit to use for each as she went along. Until she got to the end. And dayum.

• Isis said: Something must be wrong with her. Just LOOK at her! She doesn't even LOOK the same. Malice must have done something to her. Or she's BLACKMAILING her in some way. She wouldn't just go gallavanting off to the Hellfire Club to JOIN them, not after all she's been through because of them, because of MALICE. NOT after she watched ME depart from them and tell me what a "brave and CORRECT" choice I made!

Everyone else responded, Miss D was upset as hell. She had been through a lot with Haleigh and we had assumed there was an alliance there. But she fucked it up. NOTED. And feeling Isis' distress got me thinkin'. I sent her a message, Zizi gets upset when I talk about what I do. But she did see the look on my face when Miss D went off. So did SS. So did Alycia.

Miss D, are you OK? I can take care of this if you want.

 

[Orion]

The Clocktower -- Conference Room

Sharon began to speak, and highlighted each of Hellfire's roster with a fair amount of detail. Malice was up first, and Zach had heard a LOT about her already. Every time Haleigh had gone up against Diana, she'd discussed the encounter with Zach. It wasn't always a black and white assessment, either. And remarkably, after Malice had brought Haleigh back from being 'undead', Haleigh even seemed to be trying to UNDERSTAND Malice as more than just an adversary.

Sharon worked her way through a loaded White Court, but noticeably skipped someone. Zach wasn't the type to interrupt, so he continued to munch on his cookies and pay attention. The only member of the white court besides Diana that he'd even HEARD of before was Fathom, and his knowledge of HER was limited to the secondhand knowledge he'd gleaned from discussions after the citadel incident.

Sharon: On to the Red court. You were once a member of that court, weren't you Ashley? They threw you out?

Whoa, ten yard penalty for taunting.

Zach thought, but it wasn't his place to comment. If anybody could handle snub like that, it was Ashley. She'd probably even get mad at ZACH if he spoke up in her defense. So he just diplomatically sipped his coffee. His facial expression, however, was a little more revealing, as his brow bent with mild disapproval. Sharon covered the Red Court, which was slightly less stacked than the white. Had he heard of the Red Queen before? He couldn't remember. The others were completely foreign to him. Again, Sharon skipped someone. Why?

The black court was even more sparse. It included Talisman, one of the other culprits at the recent citadel caper. Apparently she'd been the one who was after Karen. Zach had been there when Karen was attacked, but had never actually seen this woman. She looked mean though, and apparently she was an abrasive type of person. And she was Cameron and Alison's mother? This was starting to sound like something that would have to involve the Six. Maybe Zizi could think of a way to include him in whatever the mission plan was without putting him in direct conflict with Haleigh. There was no reason to force himself on her if they could avoid it. But he'd have to talk to Zizi about it privately later, when the matter could be handled with discretion.

Sharon was talking about some peripheral individuals now, who were not affiliated with any particular court, but ought to be discussed anyway. Zach noticed a very unexpected emotion from Sharon while she spoke about Domino. Her facial expression looked like a frown but the underlying feeling was.... attraction?! Others were discussed, including Jessica Marcus, another villain Haleigh had told Zach all about. Then Alycia asked the question that had crossed Zach's mind. Sharon's response consisted of a slightly strange segue. Zach looked confused as she began rattling off the Six roster.

Sharon: There have been some...major changes, not only among the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle, but also the Six. Black Widow is no longer a member of the Six.

"Well, she's taken a leave of absence from the group before. She must be off on another Avenger's adventure. But what does that have to do with this whole Hellfire briefing?"

Zach replied thoughtfully before taking another sip of his coffee.

Sharon: She is NOW a member of the Hellfire Club's White Court, as it's White Princess. A position that only the DAUGHTER of the White Queen would have.

Zach choked on his coffee. Sharon elaborated on her announcement as if she was recapping an episode of American Horror Story. Not knowing exactly what he should think about this revelation, he stared at her like she'd just tried to explain the finer points on quantum mechanics.

Isis said: This...is....

"Some kind of MISTAKE, Sharon."

Charope said: I can't believe what I've just heard!

Isis said: Something must be wrong with her. Just LOOK at her! She doesn't even LOOK the same. Malice must have done something to her. Or she's BLACKMAILING her in some way. She wouldn't just go gallavanting off to the Hellfire Club to JOIN them, not after all she's been through because of them, because of MALICE. NOT after she watched ME depart from them and tell me what a "brave and CORRECT" choice I made!

"Isis is RIGHT--"

Sharon: No, There's NOTHING wrong with her, Dominique. She was there of her own free will. Don't you think that if she was there under duress and needed HELP she would have tried to communicate that to me when I was standing RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER FACE?!

"No, she WOULDN'T have. If she was trapped behind enemy lines and had to take extreme measures to adapt and survive, she wouldn't have wanted to put you in danger by tipping you off. She'd expect you to spread this information as quickly as possible to the right people in order to mount a rescue. I assume you went RIGHT to the Six with this discovery, and they're asking us for help, that's why you're briefing us now? What do they need from us?"

Sharon: Understand what I'm saying: Black Widow is the DAUGHTER of Malice, and has betrayed the Six. She is now an ACTIVE member of the Hellfire Club's inner circle, and must be regarded as the ENEMY she now is. Whatever you thought you knew, it doesn't matter anymore. She made that QUITE clear to me during our confrontation. She is willing to flex her newfound status and power as the White Princess of the Hellfire Club. We CANNOT afford to "err" on the side of professional courtesy where she is concerned anymore.

"SHARON!"

He rebuked, his voice raised. He seemed to catch himself after that, and lowered his voice to a volume more appropriate to indoor discussion, but his expression was aghast and his tone was appalled.

"This is NOT a question of 'professional courtesy'! Black Widow or Scion or the White WHATEVER, is she not MORE THAN THAT to YOU? How many times did she DIE fighting for the Six? How many MORE times did she put her life on the line for them, or for YOU, or ME, or Alycia, or Vivica? TELL ME that the Six didn't just WRITE HER OFF the way you apparently have. Tell me her SISTER AVA didn't."

Sharon: Ava Cassadine, a.k.a. Persephone, the woman that Oracle and Mina recently met with when Harbinger brought Tachyon to us? SHE has defected from the Six as well. SHE is now the Red Rook of the Hellfire Club's Red Court. and She displays the same LACK of regard for her former teammates, as her "sister" Haleigh. The Six has lost A LOT in the way of power with these two, and the Hellfire Club has GAINED, making them more of a threat to ALL of us now.

Zach's mouth fell open, and he looked immediately to Zizi. He rose slowly from his chair, deftly controlling the emotions that surged through him. It would have been very cathartic to yell some more, but he knew cooler heads prevailed, and there was obviously MORE going on here. Surely Zizi would have already spoken to the Six and gotten their battle plans, and they were going to go beat some ass, 'Purified style.'

"To say 'something isn't right', would be an egregious understatement of the obvious. I think it's time for you to start YOUR half of this briefing, and tell us what the Six had to say, but before we get to THAT--"

His gaze shifted from Zizi, back to Sharon. He was absolutely OUTRAGED that Sharon hadn't spoken to him about this IMMEDIATELY when she'd discovered it.

"You waited DAYS to share this information, Sharon? Haleigh and I were together for YEARS, and Ava has been a CLOSE personal friend since even before THAT, and you didn't think that I might want to discuss this REVELATION at ANY time prior to right NOW?!"

 

[Silver Swan]

The Clocktower- Conference Room

Zach choked on his coffee. Sharon elaborated on her announcement as if she was recapping an episode of American Horror Story. Not knowing exactly what he should think about this revelation, he stared at her like she'd just tried to explain the finer points on quantum mechanics.

This is...

"Some kind of MISTAKE, Sharon."

I'm afraid not, Zachary.

I can't believe what I just heard...

Believe it, Alycia. You'll need to adjust, and prepare.

[ Isis was thoroughly agitated. Sharon was aware of how much time she'd spent with Black Widow recently. Could THAT have something to do with it? Well THAT was confirmed when she continued...]

Something must be wrong with her. Just LOOK at her! She doesn't even LOOK the same. Malice must have done something to her. Or she's BLACKMAILING her in some way. She wouldn't just go gallavanting off to the Hellfire Club to JOIN them, not after all she's been through because of them, because of MALICE. NOT after she watched ME depart from them and tell me what a "brave and CORRECT" choice I made!

"Isis is RIGHT--"

Poor Zachary. So strong, so certain of self and those he dealt closely with. He couldn't have seen this coming, NO ONE could, except a PRECOG.

I wish she WERE, Zachary, but this time, she's NOT. There's NOTHING wrong with her, Dominique. She was there of her own free will. Don't you think that if she was there under duress and needed HELP she would have tried to communicate that to me when I was standing RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER FACE?!

[ She remained standing, as Zach rose to his feet, and as Sharon called for them all to reclassify Haleigh as an ENEMY who could not be trusted, he shouted back.]

"SHARON!"


He rebuked, his voice raised. He seemed to catch himself after that, and lowered his voice to a volume more appropriate to indoor discussion, but his expression was aghast and his tone was appalled.

[ She HEARD him, in ways that no one else in the room could, given her powers. Though he only called her name, he was imploring AND rebuking her all at once. he was beginning to feel the sensation of shock and disbelief over this bombshell of information]

"This is NOT a question of 'professional courtesy'!

You're right, it's not, Not anymore. It's a question of knowing your enemy for who SHE is, and being PREPARED.

Black Widow or Scion or the White WHATEVER, is she not MORE THAN THAT to YOU?

Zachary, you were not there. I WAS. I SAW HER- her dramatic new look, her new attitude. I stood RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER, and confronted her about ALL of this. My power allows me to act as a LIVING POLYGRAPH.

[FLASH!]

The Blackout Party

Sharon: What the devil is going on here!?

Haleigh: "I think the opening ceremony made it fairly obvious, but maybe you were late?"

Sharon: How can you be doing this!? Standing up there with Malice...and TALISMAN!? You know what that woman did to Karen, how she violated Frost.

Haleigh: "Yes, I know. I also know she's Alison and Cameron 'mother', or at least she's some cross-time alternate of her."

She even tried to tempt ME to JOIN her in that unholy cabal...BOTH of them [Haleigh and Ava] did.

[FLASH!]

Haleigh: "But why antagonize each other? There are enemies enough for ALL of us, and tonight is about us all 'coming' together."

Sharon: So, are you going to tell me what the hell you're doing here, Haleigh? Or are you going to hide behind the HIRED HELP around here.


Haleigh: "While I certainly don't answer to YOU, Silver Swan, I imagine you'll find out soon enough and I'm not HIDING by any means. I left the Six to join my mother, the White Queen. I wouldn't think you'd be so shocked.... what was it you once said? 'I'm only as powerful as I am because of THEM.' Referring to Mystech, of course. Only, nobody knew at the time just how accurate that assessment WAS. It's time I acknowledge my origins, and return to those I REALLY belong with. You might consider doing the same, Silver Swan. You're more like US now than you are like the Birds of Prey."

[ Sharon's mouth opened in disbelief, and her lower jaw was jutted out, highlighting the look of agitation on her face.]

Sharon: Don't let this moment you're in....this... [gesturing at Haleigh's overall appearence] this game of "DRESS UP" you're playing...go to your HEAD.

Only a FOOL would THROW AWAY her identity and surrender to the very MONSTER that has blighted her path.

I don't know what's happened, But I WILL find out.

And no matter what...if YOU hurt any of MY friends in your new role...I'll drag you out of here by your hair myself, and beat you to a PULP.

[ Sharon turns and SHOVES Domino out of the way, storming past Persephone and other members in attendance]

DON'T THINK I CAN'T DO IT!

Ava: "You can try."

If there was ANY kind of turmoil, uncertainty, distress, ANYTHING like that in either of them, I would have detected it, and they both know it. Don't act like Haleigh is some weak and helpless faun in the woods. I'VE fought her before, and I know it isn't true. She's there because she WANTS to be. She said it herself, she BELONGS there. I know you were with her...even engaged to her...but that doesn't matter to her anymore, Zachary. None of it, none of US do. BELIEVE me when I tell you that. The next time you see her, you will NOT be a friend, or even a person that is worthy of her consideration. You will be her ENEMY, a TARGET, and even if SHE might not act on it....don't think for a moment that her mother, the WHITE QUEEN, won't MAKE her do so...even if it's just to prove a point!

You, Alycia, and ISIS are probably the ones in this room who are the MOST in danger because of this.

How many times did she DIE fighting for the Six? How many MORE times did she put her life on the line for them, or for YOU, or ME, or Alycia, or Vivica?

How many OTHER members of the Six have died for their cause, Morgan, Alison, Delilah? What about Alycia, or myself? We've BOTH laid down our lives in support of mutants. Haleigh's sacrifices don't EXEMPT her from the REALITY that she has chosen for herself NOW.

ALL of us put our lives on the line...we make that choice! If anyone in THIS room was to go rogue and pose a RED LEVEL THREAT, would we have the luxury of waxing philosophical about it? Our lives are ALREADY on the line, EVERY DAY, the Purifiers prooved that, and now, HALEIGH has just alligned herself with the very people, the very WOMAN who has been at the HEART of most of the attacks we have suffered, sometimes DIED from!

TELL ME that the Six didn't just WRITE HER OFF the way you apparently have. Tell me her SISTER AVA didn't.

As far as AVA goes, I believe you have the answer for that question. As to the Six? I don't know what's happened with them, I haven't been able to contact them, but I think Alycia and I should handle that today. Keep in mind, they know how to contact US if they need help too. DELILAH came here with Frost, remember? It wouldn't be far fetched to assume that if they were in a "code blue" situation, they would have sent an SOS before now, and since the Parthenon is still standing, we can assume Haleigh and her new found "family" haven't harmed them...YET.

I will be joining you. I went to check on my nephew personally. He and Haleigh were rather....

::FLASH!::

<< Wild, wanton, salacious images of Rampage and Black Widow, making love, while firmly under the thrall of SET, and the revelation of this being EXPOSED to everyone by Malice and Enchantrah>>

...CLOSE.

His gaze shifted from Zizi, back to Sharon. He was absolutely OUTRAGED that Sharon hadn't spoken to him about this IMMEDIATELY when she'd discovered it.

"You waited DAYS to share this information, Sharon? Haleigh and I were together for YEARS, and Ava has been a CLOSE personal friend since even before THAT, and you didn't think that I might want to discuss this REVELATION at ANY time prior to right NOW?!"

[ Sharon narrowed her silver eyes as she turned to face Zach head on. This was really too much. It wasn't like Sharon had had a BALL at the Black Party. Yes she'd opted to do Zizi a FAVOR, but honestly she'd come to REGRET IT, and not just because of Haleigh or Ava. She was so UPSET at herself for getting carried away ...getting caught up in some impossible "MOMENT!?" And allowing herself to QUITE LITERALLY "sleep with the ENEMY." She was almost as TERRIBLE as Haleigh for doing such a thing, and she STILL hadn't been able to talk to anyone she could trust about it, and now, Zachary was trying to CHASTISE her for not REPORTING to him IMMEDIATELY!? ]

[ Now SHE was ANGRY]

I'm sorry...but WHERE have you been the last several days? WHEN was the last time anybody in this room, EXCEPT Ashley and Andrew, heard from you in any official capacity?

After the DEMISE of your relationship with Haleigh, you decided the best course of action was to dive head first into SEVERAL days and nights of mindless alcohol consumption and wanton WHOREDOM with THAT ill tempered viking over there, and goddess knows who ELSE as she lead you and Andrew, like the pied piper to SEVERAL strip clubs. As IF you would have been of any real use to Haleigh, Ava or THIS TEAM during that? THEN, after you had your fill of that...of HER, you decided to bury yourself in WORK.

It's quite obvious what you were doing, and WHY, but YOU hadn't been in contact with anybody ELSE the last several days. Communication works BOTH ways.

But forgive me, the MOMENT I found out about Haleigh, I should have immediately tore out of the Hellfire Mansion, used my sonar to find you, CRASH your ORGY PARTY, and PRY that viking wench off your naked body so I can STAND OVER YOU and tell you that your ex-fiance is Malice's daughter, she's betrayed the Six, and joined the Hellfire Club as it's White Princess.

[ The other part of this, was that SHARON had needed time to herself to try to reconcile her own behavior during the Blackout Party. HOW could she have allowed herself to sleep with the ENEMY(Domino)? Was she merely reveling in the mood and the atmosphere in the mansion that night, or was it something else? Was there ANY truth to what Black Widow and Persephone had said to her about her OWN "fit" there versus the Birds of Prey? WHO could she talk to about this? Initially, she was too upset to even speak to Alycia. But now she realized she HAD to get this out of her system.]

 

[Recall]

The Clocktower

Oracle: "A few days ago, Sharon [nodding to her] used her connections to bring me some very important intel about the Hellfire Club. There have been some developments there, ones that involve not only HC members but also The Six. Sharon, would you like to brief everyone?"

:: Like she had anticipated, this was going to be a briefing on The Blackout Party. Since her arrival to the team, Vivica had shared a rather exciting professional relationship with Oracle, often becoming her right hand woman. Due to the nature of her power, and their connection via Zizi's technological enhancements to Vivica's brain, she often found herself learning from the woman in ways she never expected. So when Oracle wasn't forthcoming with the information that Sharon had shared with her, Vivica knew that whatever it was, it was not likely to be good. So Vivica braced herself, crossing her legs in her chair, taking a sip of her coffee and cocking a concerned eyebrow. ::

:: As Sharon placed a cube on the table, she began her presentation which included an extensive amount of background information on the ever expanding Inner Circle of The Hellfire Club. As she watched the holographic figures filter through and their explanations given, Vivica was sure to access the vast amount of information they had recovered a few days earlier on the Citadle servers, along with the diverse amount of knowledge she had on the members of The Six as a way of fact checking and preparing insight should the need arise. ::

"Lord Ravena - Vampire, World Class Sorcerer - Quite Possibly in league with..."The Big Four"

"The White Bishop - Masque - Kinetic Energy Manipulator, Mafia Royalty, Highly Skilled Spy and Physical Fighter."

:: Recall's pupils dilated for a moment as she heard the names called and their backgrounds given. She recognized Lord Ravena immediately. Much of her time with Clandestine Europa involved tracking and thwarting, Sub Zero, The Archer Fairchild owned and operated crime syndicate. This had led her to walk the halls of the European Hellfire Club Mansion at a number of events to gather intel and to get a jump on any number of black market dealings that in the thick of transpiring or being plotted. Lord Ravena was a exalted guest and lover of Hellfire Europe's Black Queen, Evelyn Pierce. She knew him to be a vampire and she also knew the cold and dead feeling that coursed through her spine whenever she was a little too close to his presence. But Evelyn Pierce was dead. To know that he had crossed the pond and onto American soil..and had actually taken a POSITION with in The Inner Circle? it wasn't a good feeling. He was a powerful man and she made personal note to expand her intel leads into the city, see if any vampire circles had seen him fishing around. ::

:: And then there was The White Bishop. Her face was a bit more easy to recognize. Count Nefaria's daughter. Obviously Gia was taking the mantle her father so brazenly held for years. Vivica scoured through her memory bank for any record she may have picked up on the woman over the years, but nothing really came up. She was a priveleged girl with expensive tastes, but mostly seemed to stay out of trouble. It was obvious that this title had been given as a courtesy to her father. Out of the roster of The White Court, the bishop seemed the most out of place. But Malice was a smart woman and if she had been given the title, she would either be forced to live up to it - or she would be taken out. ::

:: There was a final figure, not revealed in the initial inquiry, which unsettled Vivica, causing her mind to go into overdrive to try and decipher the shadows while Silver Swan moved on to the Red Court. Now these people she had never seen, outside of Helena Quartermaine at a number of different social events over the years. This was good information. Vivica herself had often been the eyes and ears on any number of ops over the years. She knew how to stay hidden so for Sharon to have intel on these creatures, that was a good thing. It would allow her to keep an even bigger eye on things for the team. ::

The Black Bishop, Gorgon. He has the power to turn himself and others into stone and manipulate that stone with a variety of effects. He was practically HAND DELIVERED to Talisman by the White Queen's emissary. He was seen cozying up to the Black Queen, quite a bit, which is probably why he was able to obtain the position of Black Bishop.

Black Knight, Cobra. She has a mutagenic physiology, and from what I observed, she appears to have various abilities associated with a snake, particularly her namesake, the COBRA.

:: The face of The Black Bishop was familiar to her. As she accessed her memory, she came across something that matched what she was seeing, but the codenames didn't match. The one in her head went by the codename Rogue - a man attached to a seemingly significant file within the Citadle archives. The significant part here was that this "Rogue" had associations to the codename "Ruby" which belonged to Cassandra Johnson of The Six. The fact that he was hand delivered to the black court meant to Vivica that The Inner Circle was definitely stacking the deck against The Six. It meant that they were preparing for war. ::

:: Though she couldn't find any memories or files on this Cobra, Vivica couldn't help but think the woman looked familiar. Something about her left Vivica unsettled with a strange feeling the pit of her stomach. None of this was good information. ::

:: Sharon rounded out the intel with a number of different associates of The Inner Circle, but none of them left her more shocked and SURPRISED than... ::

"Kristen Pratt, a.k.a Mockingbird. Notable for being a baseline human, and yet she acts as Malice's emissary to individuals across all industries and establishments both domestically and internationally. She is the mother of mutant Simon Pratt, a.k.a. Longshot"

"What the WHAT?!"

"KRISTIN PRATT?!"

:: This was a woman she knew. Had interacted with at parties. This was a HIGHLY DISTINGUISHED and POWERFUL woman tied to one of the most...if not THE MOST prominent legacy families in the entire world. She was a part of American royalty. She was on the board of countless foundations throughout the history with an impeccable record of government service and an endless amount of connections at her disposal. She also the mother of a very good friend of hers. She knew that Simon's family was staunchly anti-mutant, but to know that Kristin was in league with the worst woman in the world?! That was on a whole other level. Simon was about to launch a huge political initiative. She had to tell him. There was no way he could have known this about her. NOBODY knew this about her. Nobody even knew she was a member of The Hellfire Club. This was bad. Simon was already not in a good place following cutting his ties with his family, cutting himself off financially from him, giving up his posh penthouse and LIVING above his new "business endeavour." He was so conflicted and she was afraid that this would break him..but when she came back to the city, the first time she had returned to The Parthenon, he had been there for her. Made her feel more comfortable. Taken care of her a bit. She owed it to him to do the same. He wanted to do good in this world, and he deserved to know what he was really getting into. ::

Alycia: "What about the remaining figures in shadow from the white and red courts?"

"Right! Oh yes!"

:: She was so floored by the revelation of Kristin Pratt she had nearly forgotten. Thankfully Alycia asked the burning question. Vivica did not know just how much more shocked she could possibly be. ::

The Six: Spellbinder, Harbinger, Prophet, Firebird, MorningStar, Rampage, Ruby, Black Widow, Persephone; along with Arsenal and Shadow Weaver.

There have been some...major changes, not only among the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle, but also the Six.

Black Widow is no longer a member of the Six.

[ Haleigh's profile in the Six blacks out.]

She is NOW a member of the Hellfire Club's White Court, as it's White Princess.

[ The figure next to Malice lights up to reveal Haleigh as she appears now, with short blonde hair, rather than her long red hair]

A position that only the DAUGHTER of the White Queen would have.

Haleigh Davidoff is the daughter of Malice and Christopher Victory, making her a half sister to Spellbinder and Firebird. I saw her on the dais, during the "corronation" of the White King and herself. I confronted her during the reception, and she confirmed this herself. She WILLINGLY joined the Hellfire Club, and has NO regrets about becoming the White Princess, about making herself an ENEMY of the Six, and US. She does not go by the name "Black Widow" anymore either, she is now known as "SCION." She has NO regrets, NO conscience.

[ Alycia's gasp was audible, and the look on Zach's face was indescribable. Isis looked rather STONE faced, as Richard wrapped his arm around her's. SHE had been there the night Haleigh learned the truth, but she had NO IDEA Haleigh would do something like THIS!]

:: Her eyes widened as she nearly choked on her coffee, slammed it down on the counter and leaned forward, her ears on every single word. ::

Isis: "This...is..."

Orion: "Some kind of MISTAKE, Sharon."

Charope: "I can't believe what I've just heard!"

Isis: "Something must be wrong with her. Just LOOK at her! She doesn't even LOOK the same. Malice must have done something to her. Or she's BLACKMAILING her in some way. She wouldn't just go gallavanting off to the Hellfire Club to JOIN them, not after all she's been through because of them, because of MALICE. NOT after she watched ME depart from them and tell me what a brave and CORRECT choice I made!"

Orion: "Isis is RIGHT--"

"Oh this got me fucked UP!"

:: She didn't want to believe it. She tried to listen to what the others were saying, but looking at the holographic image in front of them, it was clear to Vivica that this was in fact Haleigh. While Haleigh was always a rather dubious character, she was beloved by the people around her. But the same kind of darkness in her, the kind that was in Cameron, Vivica had sensed. There was a REASON that people thought the worst about Prophet and Black Widow..or SCION being together. Haleigh was also no fool. Vivica knew how BADLY Cameron wanted to be a part of The Six..to be a HERO. While him and Haleigh were very similar..Vivica never sensed that from her..or rather, she sensed that Haleigh was a hero because she felt she HAD to be one for all the bad things she had done. As much as she didn't want to believe this...and as much as her heart cried out for both Zach and Cameron, Vivica knew this was the real deal. Haleigh had switched allegiances. ::

"Isis is RIGHT--"

Sharon: No, There's NOTHING wrong with her, Dominique. She was there of her own free will. Don't you think that if she was there under duress and needed HELP she would have tried to communicate that to me when I was standing RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER FACE?!

"No, she WOULDN'T have. If she was trapped behind enemy lines and had to take extreme measures to adapt and survive, she wouldn't have wanted to put you in danger by tipping you off. She'd expect you to spread this information as quickly as possible to the right people in order to mount a rescue. I assume you went RIGHT to the Six with this discovery, and they're asking us for help, that's why you're briefing us now? What do they need from us?"

Sharon: Understand what I'm saying: Black Widow is the DAUGHTER of Malice, and has betrayed the Six. She is now an ACTIVE member of the Hellfire Club's inner circle, and must be regarded as the ENEMY she now is. Whatever you thought you knew, it doesn't matter anymore. She made that QUITE clear to me during our confrontation. She is willing to flex her newfound status and power as the White Princess of the Hellfire Club. We CANNOT afford to "err" on the side of professional courtesy where she is concerned anymore.

"SHARON!"

He rebuked, his voice raised. He seemed to catch himself after that, and lowered his voice to a volume more appropriate to indoor discussion, but his expression was aghast and his tone was appalled.

"This is NOT a question of 'professional courtesy'! Black Widow or Scion or the White WHATEVER, is she not MORE THAN THAT to YOU? How many times did she DIE fighting for the Six? How many MORE times did she put her life on the line for them, or for YOU, or ME, or Alycia, or Vivica? TELL ME that the Six didn't just WRITE HER OFF the way you apparently have. Tell me her SISTER AVA didn't."

Sharon: Ava Cassadine, a.k.a. Persephone, the woman that Oracle and Mina recently met with when Harbinger brought Tachyon to us? SHE has defected from the Six as well. SHE is now the Red Rook of the Hellfire Club's Red Court. and She displays the same LACK of regard for her former teammates, as her "sister" Haleigh. The Six has lost A LOT in the way of power with these two, and the Hellfire Club has GAINED, making them more of a threat to ALL of us now.

:: Zach exploded, but the fact that the revelation that AVA was serving as The Red Rook only furthered how serious and not a joke this was. If this was all a rouse, her sister wouldn't have followed her. She had gone to look after her and protect her. Ava's allegiance was always to Haleigh, despite the fact that they were now not actually related which was MORE information than even SHE could wrap her head around. While she was not a huge fan of Ava, Vivica's heart felt pulled in a million places. Cameron really loved Ava, and their relationship had grown leaps and bounds. He thought of her like a sister. And everyone knew how much he loved Haleigh. She couldn't imagine the state that he might be in at this very moment. The heartbreak he must be experiencing. And then there was Zach, who had similar but different relationships with those same very women as Cameron. Vivica and Zach had a history that not many of the others knew about outside of a peripheral glance, and she had gotten a large insight to the relationship between Haleigh and Zach, or at least the state it was in, during a very long mission in Clandestine that nearly killed both of them. She had never forgotten that mission, or the validation that both had received in their status as two of the closest people to those in The Six...without ever actually being members. She wished she could be in four places at once, but she didn't know where to start, what to say..or really how to make ANY of this any better. ::

Zach's mouth fell open, and he looked immediately to Zizi. He rose slowly from his chair, deftly controlling the emotions that surged through him. It would have been very cathartic to yell some more, but he knew cooler heads prevailed, and there was obviously MORE going on here. Surely Zizi would have already spoken to the Six and gotten their battle plans, and they were going to go beat some ass, 'Purified style.'

"To say 'something isn't right', would be an egregious understatement of the obvious. I think it's time for you to start YOUR half of this briefing, and tell us what the Six had to say, but before we get to THAT--"

His gaze shifted from Zizi, back to Sharon. He was absolutely OUTRAGED that Sharon hadn't spoken to him about this IMMEDIATELY when she'd discovered it.

"You waited DAYS to share this information, Sharon? Haleigh and I were together for YEARS, and Ava has been a CLOSE personal friend since even before THAT, and you didn't think that I might want to discuss this REVELATION at ANY time prior to right NOW?!"

"Whoah, whoah.. Zach!"

[ Sharon narrowed her silver eyes as she turned to face Zach head on. This was really too much. It wasn't like Sharon had had a BALL at the Black Party. Yes she'd opted to do Zizi a FAVOR, but honestly she'd come to REGRET IT, and not just because of Haleigh or Ava. She was so UPSET at herself for getting carried away ...getting caught up in some impossible "MOMENT!?" And allowing herself to QUITE LITERALLY "sleep with the ENEMY." She was almost as TERRIBLE as Haleigh for doing such a thing, and she STILL hadn't been able to talk to anyone she could trust about it, and now, Zachary was trying to CHASTISE her for not REPORTING to him IMMEDIATELY!? ]

[ Now SHE was ANGRY]

I'm sorry...but WHERE have you been the last several days? WHEN was the last time anybody in this room, EXCEPT Ashley and Andrew, heard from you in any official capacity?

After the DEMISE of your relationship with Haleigh, you decided the best course of action was to dive head first into SEVERAL days and nights of mindless alcohol consumption and wanton WHOREDOM with THAT ill tempered viking over there, and goddess knows who ELSE as she lead you and Andrew, like the pied piper to SEVERAL strip clubs. As IF you would have been of any real use to Haleigh, Ava or THIS TEAM during that? THEN, after you had your fill of that...of HER, you decided to bury yourself in WORK.

It's quite obvious what you were doing, and WHY, but YOU hadn't been in contact with anybody ELSE the last several days. Communication works BOTH ways.

But forgive me, the MOMENT I found out about Haleigh, I should have immediately tore out of the Hellfire Mansion, used my sonar to find you, CRASH your ORGY PARTY, and PRY that viking wench off your naked body so I can STAND OVER YOU and tell you that your ex-fiance is Malice's daughter, she's betrayed the Six, and joined the Hellfire Club as it's White Princess.

[ The other part of this, was that SHARON had needed time to herself to try to reconcile her own behavior during the Blackout Party. HOW could she have allowed herself to sleep with the ENEMY(Domino)? Was she merely reveling in the mood and the atmosphere in the mansion that night, or was it something else? Was there ANY truth to what Black Widow and Persephone had said to her about her OWN "fit" there versus the Birds of Prey? WHO could she talk to about this? Initially, she was too upset to even speak to Alycia. But now she realized she HAD to get this out of her system.]

"So THAT'S where he's been."

:: Vivica rose from her chair. For a moment, she flashed an approving look at Ashley, figuring if you needed quick good and memorable breakup sex, Ashley was definitely the best person. Zach was a put together guy, but every now and then...when he was really hurt, he got rather destructive. Ashley, while a wildcard, was actually probably the BEST case scenario, considering the ample sexual tension she always saw permeating between the empath and Alycia Barnett. ::

"Zach. I get it. This is too much. But Sharon's not the bad guy here. This isn't something you just blurt out. This is coreshaking, earth changing news for a LOT of people we know and love. We can't shoot the messenger because you don't like the delivery. We have bigger fish to fry here and you know it."

[looking at Sharon]

"Come on. Let's not escalate this..please?"

:: She gestured her hands in a soft like "calm down" motion ::

Communication does go both ways..and I think in this instance..WE should be the ones to reach out to The Six. I can't imagine what is happening in the walls of The Parthenon right now. I think Sharon is right...Alycia and her should make contact. I'd also like to make contact with Simon Pratt. He's not an active member of any team, but his connection to Ava Cassadine..and specifically the bit of intel about his mother? I think he deserves to be in the know."

:: She crossed her arms. ::

"But right now..what does this mean for us? Those roster changes...the double crossings. This is the beginning of a war..we need to figure out what our first course of action is for safe guarding the city. Somebody should also check in on Rose...and any other of our mutant contacts in the city. We need as many people in the know and as many eyes on the city as possible..and as soon as possible."

 

[Isis]

The Clocktower- Conference Room

:: Steel and Isis exchanged looks. He spoke, she nodded and replied. ::

John.

Hello everyone.

:: She smiled at Zizi and Sharon, noticing that Sharon looked arther grim.::

:: She Reached for a granola bar, and a bottled water, she then seats herself on Zach's OTHER side, closer to Dominique. ::

Alycia.

:: Dominique nodded as she looked at the woman.::

The Clocktower

Titan rolled in, not having bothered to remove his sunglasses and wearing a sharp Spectra Couture suit.

“Well if it isn’t all of my adoring fans!”

He grinned to the crowd and did a sort of spin, showing off a bit before removing the glasses and folding them in his pocket. He moved deeper into the lounge.

“Now I know you all didn’t want to bother me with the last mission you went on, but I want you to know I’m here for you. All you have to do is call.”

He reached down to take a french fry but Ashley slapped his hand away. And he thought he heard a growl.

He took a seat near Zach, then looked around as if he’d just realized something.

“Has anyone else noticed Dominique Devereaux is sitting right over there?”

:: Dominique's aqua blue eyes fixed on Andrew. She remembered HIM well...::

:: FLASH!::

<< The beginning of the final confrontation with the Purifers. MorningStar and Isis are in the bell tower on Madison Avenue, when suddenly ANDREW shows up! >>

In an angry whisper:

“What are you doing here?!”

Andrew: “I’m not following you, so keep your pants on. I heard the sons of bitches who attacked Sally were hiding out here, so I came to give them a bit of a kicking.”

“How did you- nevermind. You have to get out of here – now. It’s not safe for you.”

Andrew: “ I’ve been fighting fucktards like this my whole life – you don’t have to worry about me, I can handle myself.”

[hisses] “Will you just get out of here!”

They did not have time for this foolishness.

“Look, there’s no time to sugar coat this. We’re mutants. I’m a mutant, she’s a mutant, there’s a whole bag of mutants here right now. This is no place for someone like you. You have to go.”

Andrew: “Okay.”

Delilah paused, taken aback. She looked at him skeptically.

“Really?”

He shook his head.

Andrew: “No.”

He grinned at her, that ridiculous, arrogant, overconfident grin. The whole mutant thing didn't seem to faze him, which was strange in and of itself. She needed to get rid of him - and quickly.

:: Isis turns to see MorningStar scolding a rather tall, young looking fellow.::

What is the meaning of this!?

::She says in a hushed but no less ANGERED tone!::

Is he INSANE!? GET him OUT of here!

:: A foolish young man, but he SURVIVED, and turned out to be a mutant after all! He was also happily employed by Sally Spectra, and it showed, as he now looked a bit more put together than he had the first time she saw him. He had a very toothy grin, and he seemed to be fun loving. He obviously had something special in order to charm Delilah, and here he was, with THEM. Dominique had HEARD that Zizi was going to recruit him, but she hadn't crossed paths with him, until just now.::

Oh, havent you been introduced?

:: Alycia responded to Andrew's question::

Dominique, a.k.a. Isis, joined the Birds of Prey shortly after the Purifer's caper.

:: Alycia caught site of Richard eyeing Andrew.::

Some dude came in, apparently a Dominique Devereaux groupie. I don't know this motherfucker, so I watch him. If Zizi let him in he should be cool, but maybe he was fooling her too. If so, it would be too bad, so sad.

Be at peace, Richard. He is no threat.

:: Dominique "said" calmly as she placed one hand on Richard's leg, and leaned to the side a bit, toward Andrew, offering a smile as Alycia introduced them::

Good evening, Andrew.

:: She said in that icy toned voice::

It's nice to formally meet you.

:: Andrew greeted her, and Dominique offered her hand. He was a charming young man, definitely NOT cut from the same cloth as some of the others she'd come across in this city. She was pleased that he reacted to her presence as he did. A few other smirked as he made his way through his little introduction::

She took her place in the ring of teammates.

“A few days ago, Sharon [nodding to her] used her connections to bring me some very important intel about the Hellfire Club. There have been some developments there, ones that involve not only HC members but also the Six. Sharon, would you like to brief everyone?”

:: And so the official meeting began, with Sharon taking over, and delivering a thorough presentation of intel regarding the Hellfire Club and the current incarnation of the Inner Circle. SOME of this she already knew, because of her OWN recenet activities. But other parts she did not. VIPER was alive again...and while returning from death alone wasn't as shocking as it should be, it was the NATURE of this girl, and what she had intended to do not only to the Six and the Sisterhood, but the WORLD, that unsettled Dominique. Viper ALONE could decimate an entire country or population with her powers...and now she was BACK?!::

:: But then Sharon dropped the ultimate truth bomb. Up till this moment Dominique and Richard were the ONLY ones in the ClockTower that had known the TRUTH about Haleigh's origins. Dominique had been there watching/listening courtesy of her runes, which STILL remained inside the Hellfire mansion, while Richard covered for Alice, turning INTO her and acting as her as the REAL Alice told Haleigh the TRUTH about her origins.::

:: But then....::

Black Widow is no longer a member of the Six.

[ Haleigh's profile in the Six blacks out.]

She is NOW a member of the Hellfire Club's White Court, as it's White Princess.

[ The figure next to Malice lights up to reveal Haleigh as she appears now, with short blonde hair, rather than her long red hair]

A position that only the DAUGHTER of the White Queen would have.

Haleigh Davidoff is the daughter of Malice and Christopher Victory, making her a half sister to Spellbinder and Firebird. I saw her on the dais, during the "corronation" of the White King and herself. I confronted her during the reception, and she confirmed this herself. She WILLINGLY joined the Hellfire Club, and has NO regrets about becoming the White Princess, about making herself an ENEMY of the Six, and US. She does not go by the name "Black Widow" anymore either, she is now known as "SCION." She has NO regrets, NO conscience.

:: Alycia gasped, Zach choked on his drink. Isis remained stone faced...the only sign of her reaction was one of her gloved hands, now balling into a trembling FIST.::

This...is....

"Some kind of MISTAKE, Sharon."

I can't BELIEVE what I just heard!?

Everyone else responded, Miss D was upset as hell. She had been through a lot with Haleigh and we had assumed there was an alliance there. But she fucked it up. NOTED. And feeling Isis' distress got me thinkin'. I sent her a message, Zizi gets upset when I talk about what I do. But she did see the look on my face when Miss D went off. So did SS. So did Alycia.

Miss D, are you OK? I can take care of this if you want.

If I don't like what I hear as we continue....you...WE may have to!...HOW could she!?

:: Now returning to verbal communication with the others...::

Something must be wrong with her. Just LOOK at her! She doesn't even LOOK the same. Malice must have done something to her. Or she's BLACKMAILING her in some way. She wouldn't just go gallavanting off to the Hellfire Club to JOIN them, not after all she's been through because of them, because of MALICE. NOT after she watched ME depart from them and tell me what a "brave and CORRECT" choice I made!

"Isis is RIGHT--"

I wish she WERE, Zachary, but this time, she's NOT. There's NOTHING wrong with her, Dominique. She was there of her own free will. Don't you think that if she was there under duress and needed HELP she would have tried to communicate that to me when I was standing RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER FACE?!

:: Richard did his best to keep Isis calm. HE more than anyone else in this room, save perhaps Zizi, had ANY idea what kind of significance her departure from the Hellfire Club meant, and what it had TAKEN for her to reach that decision. But even as she sought to carve a new life for herself, she turned back and HELPED Black Widow in a way that few OTHERS could have, to help her learn the TRUTH about her past. If anyone could have understand the need for it, it was Isis. But NOW, after what she'd gone through, the effort she made for that girl, THIS was what she did with that TRUTH!? Oh no...Isis was NOT pleased AT all...and the low rumbling of thunder, and faint, haunting whistle of desert storm winds in the air was an indication of that.::

Richard....that STUPID WOMAN...I am SORELY tempted to use my magicks to extract her from that mansion, and DESTROY her myself!

:: Alycia had her hands on her head, and was looking up at the ceiling, she exclaimed with disbelief, while Sharon and Zach went back and forth, with some hard hitting responses. It was CLEAR that the revelation of Black Widow and Persephone's departure from the Six, and JOINING the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle, and the AWFUL truth about Haleigh being Malice's daughter was having an effect on more than one person in the room.::

:: Dominique agreed with Sharon. If they could so EASILY switch sides like this...then they shouldn't be afforded any consideration. ::

Zach, we're not talking about someone who doesn't know any better. We're not talking about people with no previous point of reference. Haleigh Davidoff was a founding member of the Six. For HER of all people to BETRAY them, JUST because she's ....Malice's daughter...it's OUTRAGEOUS! For her to ALLIGN herself with the very woman who vexed her ALL THIS TIME?

"To say 'something isn't right', would be an egregious understatement of the obvious. I think it's time for you to start YOUR half of this briefing, and tell us what the Six had to say, but before we get to THAT--"

I KNOW my nephew, he and his allies didn't just stand there and let her leave without protest. I ALSO know HER. She consciously REJECTED any connection she had to them, and WILLINGLY gave herself to Malice.

I agree with Sharon. She CAN'T be treated lightly or as some kind of...friend or ally. Not anymore. You can BET that Malice will require...even FORCE Haleigh to treat US as enemies.

:: But Zach was not hearing this at all. It was obvious where he was coming from, but didn't HE of all people know that EMOTION and PASSION could be WASTED on Haleigh if she decides to "check out" of that level of engagement with someone!?::

His gaze shifted from Zizi, back to Sharon. He was absolutely OUTRAGED that Sharon hadn't spoken to him about this IMMEDIATELY when she'd discovered it.

"You waited DAYS to share this information, Sharon? Haleigh and I were together for YEARS, and Ava has been a CLOSE personal friend since even before THAT, and you didn't think that I might want to discuss this REVELATION at ANY time prior to right NOW?!"

:: Dominique's eyes widen as she looks at Zach. His anger at Sharon was definitely strong, but unfairly placed. But Sharon RETURNED his anger, with her OWN to match! She'd seen confrontations like this before in the Six, she thought they wouldn't happen like this with the Birds of Prey, but some things...like human emotion, when tied to personal..."FAMILY ISSUES"...were universal. Zach "hit" at Sharon, and she "hit" back. Her jabs at Ashley were noted, and well placed, but even that seemed small compared to the bigger issue and implications at hand. ::

"Zach. I get it. This is too much. But Sharon's not the bad guy here. This isn't something you just blurt out. This is coreshaking, earth changing news for a LOT of people we know and love. We can't shoot the messenger because you don't like the delivery. We have bigger fish to fry here and you know it."

[looking at Sharon]

"Come on. Let's not escalate this..please?"

:: She gestured her hands in a soft like "calm down" motion ::

Communication does go both ways..and I think in this instance..WE should be the ones to reach out to The Six. I can't imagine what is happening in the walls of The Parthenon right now. I think Sharon is right...Alycia and her should make contact.

I will join them in that contact.

I think Sharon is right...Alycia and her should make contact. I'd also like to make contact with Simon Pratt. He's not an active member of any team, but his connection to Ava Cassadine..and specifically the bit of intel about his mother? I think he deserves to be in the know."

:: She crossed her arms. ::

You should consider yourself as well. The last time you crossed swords with Persephone, you were shot, and left for dead. Now that she's the Red Rook, the ASSASSIN of Enchantrah, and YOU, being connected to Prophet as you are?

"But right now..what does this mean for us? Those roster changes...the double crossings. This is the beginning of a war..we need to figure out what our first course of action is for safe guarding the city. Somebody should also check in on Rose...and any other of our mutant contacts in the city. We need as many people in the know and as many eyes on the city as possible..and as soon as possible."

Recall is right. The Inner Circle IS preparing for WAR. Richard and I were BOTH with Haleigh the night she learned that she was Malice's daughter. WE are the ones who helped her infiltrate the Hellfire Mansion undetected to make contact with ALICE.

During my time as the Black Queen, I cast SEVERAL runes throughout the mansion. They REMAIN in place, and Talisman will not be able to remove them. While Haleigh was meeting with Alice, I activated one of the runes in the catacombs of the Mansion....

::FLASH!::

<< Hellfire Mansion, The catacombs, the forming of the Cabal>>

We CAN thank our quite contrary black queen for...enlightening me on the need to wrest control of the remanents of mystech out of the hands of these sloppy flatscans. But in doing so, it will put us in direct conflict with the Six.

I realized that the WAR didn't END. ALL sides simply took a hiatus in the aftermath of SET. That time has PASSED, and things have changed. Despite Talisman's assertions of outdated files...*I* did not walk away from the battle of SET without a few takeaways, neither did the other queens.

And speaking of other changes, We now have this little motley crew, the BIRDS OF PREY, to consider, they even count ISIS among their group. But We have resources....TALENT in our midst that were not present before.

As I told our prowling Domino the night that Isis left, vexing the Six is like enjoying a fine wine. It must be savored and revisited more than once in order to get the full effect.

And rest assured, LONG BEFORE Talisman crashed on to my doorstep, that is EXACTLY what I was doing. FLIRTING with breaking the truce, but never crossing the line, ALWAYS leaving THEM in an emotional wreck and then watching with delight as they turned on each other time and again. Even now... the various rifts among the team have left them WEAK and fragile!

Malice was shifting her attention toward the Birds of Prey, and she wanted to END the Truce between the Six and the Sisterhood, and she was going to make SURE it happened by the hand of a member of the Six. She intended to BREAK either Prophet or MorningStar, two of her favorite targets, but ....I'm starting to suspect that it may have been Black Widow who ended up breaking the truce.

::FLASH!::

<< Hellfire Mansion, Catacombs. Malice, Enchantrah, Talisman, Fathom, Domino and Lord Ravena>>

The CROWN of mystech and ANY version of it is HERE and the POWER that drove it is HERE. Mystech is MINE...and it's only fitting that as the Inner Circle evolves, that WE should possess whatever the remnants of mystech may produce!

We will show the flatscans and anyone in league with them what POWER WITHOUT CONSEQUENCE MEANS.

The TRUCE between the Six and the Sisterhood, which is now evolving into a full fledged Inner Circle, will be ended, but NOT by my hand.::

It will happen at the hands of one of THEIR OWN.

The only thing greater than the Six's POWER to oppose mystech in the past, was their ability to TEAR THEMSELVES APART nearly to the point of NO RETURN.

We will push them to that edge, and they will throw themselves over it, and then when they are at their weakest moment? We will CRUSH them.

First we revel in the power and privilege that is ours. THEN? After I've FURTHER weakened the cohesion of the Six, We go to WAR.

I watched, and I listened. They are gearing up for WAR, and Malice has just added two very POWERFUL weapons to her arsenal. If anyone in this room thinks for a moment that Black...SCION...and Persephone, will not hesitate to strike against us now, it's NAIVE.

Malice is gunning for the Six, and she's going to come after US to. I KNOW her, and Sharon is right...Alycia, Zach, myself...and ALSO Vivica, and SHARON as well, will be prime targets.

 

[Orion]

The Clocktower -- Conference Room

Isis spoke up, and seemed to be a little more prepared for this discussion than Zach had been. He couldn't even intelligently RESPOND to Dominique though, because Sharon added more fuel to the fire.

Sharon: As far as AVA goes, I believe you have the answer for that question. As to the Six? I don't know what's happened with them, I haven't been able to contact them, but I think Alycia and I should handle that today. Keep in mind, they know how to contact US if they need help too. DELILAH came here with Frost, remember? It wouldn't be far fetched to assume that if they were in a "code blue" situation, they would have sent an SOS before now, and since the Parthenon is still standing, we can assume Haleigh and her new found "family" haven't harmed them...YET.

Zach, distressed and disoriented, started to pace next to the table. He loosened his tie and undid the top button of his shirt, and began to rapidly roll the sleeves of his shirt, as he spoke to himself.

"Io ... io penso che sto avendo un incubo. O un ... un'allucinazione. Svegliati Armani, svegliati ora."

Sharon: I'm sorry...but WHERE have you been the last several days? WHEN was the last time anybody in this room, EXCEPT Ashley and Andrew, heard from you in any official capacity?

"Scusami??"

He responded, stopping abruptly in his tracks. Sharon, obviously offended because he was upset with her for having keep him in the dark, BLASTED him for the time he spent with Ashley. His expression made it clear that he was completely FLOORED by the fact that she even thought she could COMMENT on who he spent his time with, or how.

"Have you even been INTRODUCED to the concept of DISCRETION, Sharon?!"

Sharon: It's quite obvious what you were doing, and WHY, but YOU hadn't been in contact with anybody ELSE the last several days. Communication works BOTH ways.

"Well I didn't spend a week in VALHALLA, Sharon! You could have CALLED to let me know there was something we needed to COMMUNICATE ABOUT!"

Sharon: But forgive me, the MOMENT I found out about Haleigh, I should have immediately tore out of the Hellfire Mansion, used my sonar to find you, CRASH your ORGY PARTY, and PRY that viking wench off your naked body so I can STAND OVER YOU and tell you that your ex-fiance is Malice's daughter, she's betrayed the Six, and joined the Hellfire Club as it's White Princess.

"Well THAT'S taking it a bit far, but maybe you could have told me the day you told ZIZI?! You say I'm in DANGER, yet you left me BLIND to that danger for DAYS!"

Vivica: Zach. I get it. This is too much. But Sharon's not the bad guy here. This isn't something you just blurt out. This is coreshaking, earth changing news for a LOT of people we know and love. We can't shoot the messenger because you don't like the delivery. We have bigger fish to fry here and you know it.

Zach stared at Vivica like she had just turned into a chimera. Then he nodded emphatically, as visible wisps of red empathic rage rose off his skin like vapors.

"Yes indeed, you're right, THIS IS TOO MUCH! She's talking about this as if the number one draft pick signed a contract with a rival team! Let's just pretend for a second that I can be as callous and cold-hearted as the Silver Swan-- let's raise a more 'objective' concern here. You and I work for Clandestine. I'm a MEMBER OF THE BOARD, for GODS SAKES! Now she wants to tell us our CEO has crossed over to THE DARK SIDE, and she didn't think we deserved to be AWARE OF THAT UNTIL NOW?!"

Vivica and Dominique were trying to look forward, and speaking of making contact with certain people, and preparing for trouble. Zach couldn't take it anymore. He felt like he was going to explode.

"I'm not doing this! I'm not going to sit here and calmly discuss GOING TO WAR against HALEIGH AND AVA without trying EVERYTHING superhumanly POSSIBLE to SAVE THEM FIRST."

He managed, before storming out of the conference room, leaving his jacket and everything else as he pulled his phone and his keys from his pants pockets. His hand shook as he found Ava's contact information. This time when he called, she at least answered.

Ava>> Hey Zach, I was just getting ready for lunch. We're meeting at Pylos, right? That's not the Greek place by Carnegie Hall, but the OTHER one we like?

"NO! I just spoke with SHARON about her experience at the Blackout Party!"

Ava>> Ah, shit.

"Meet me at my condo, NOW PLEASE!"