Changes for the worst

[Seer]

<< several days have passed...the team escaped Arklay with their lives, the virus was destroyed and Kyle was released from his hellish existence by his mother....and BISHOP, the man who wanted Sharon and Alycia dead, was permanently dealt with by the woman whom he used and deceived.>>

<< Delilah Trelevan, a woman, a mutant, had struggled with a conflict of ideals and beliefs and it came at the worst time as she allowed herself to take a rather lofty and rather "out of touch" position on the role that the six occupied...but in the end, she wound up having to do the very thing she criticized them for in order to protect an ally of the team from a many who viewed mutants as "scum".>>

<< following the explosion within arklay forest and the problems that came with it, the public outcry from the town which the arklay mountain range was apart of forced a government probe, one that even Alycia could not supress or skirt...and at the same time, the Chief of Police in NYC and several other "key officials" had received an unmarked package containing a letter, pictures and a video...footage of the members of THE SIX...and information about their identities...AS WELL as the "complicity" of Alycia Barnett AND the status of Sharon Kelly.>>

<< the six may have THOUGHT they had accomplished their mission...that Alison's vision had been sufficiently altered...they were WRONG.>>

<< three days after the caper, the six had resolved to keep this as quiet as possible, Haleigh assisted Alycia with a seemingly fool proof "report" for the feds to minimize the implication of mutant/metahuman activity-unaware that the boon had just been lowered on her and the team; Sharon was now in her new residence, far outside the city in secluded colonial home in a forested area with Karen staying with her....she'd been rather agitated and demanded that Mike leave the residence for the time being and also did not want to see Nicolas or any OTHER member of the Six at this time...something that may have been hard for Nicolas to take but Karen assured him that this was only natural during her grieving process over Kyle. Alison opted to stay a few more days with the team...in truth she was staying because she knew the worst was yet to come.Morgan and Ava had to return to Illustra Inc operations but they would find that all was not business as usual...as they both received shocking news publications on their deskand of course there was Delilah, who was now back in Illustra, but still had MUCH to do in the way of repairing the fructures in the team's relationship that SHE had caused...and she had better do it soon..>>

<< the day was beginning....and so we watch.>>

 

[Spellbinder]

Illustra

<< Morgan put on a game face as she stepped off the elevator to the floor where her executive office was. Ava had moved into the office just down the hall once occupied by Alison/ It had only been 3 days and even though the immediate THREATS had been taken care of...it felt like the fog was still hanging low..thicker than ever>>

<< walking off the elevator, she was in her trade mark white , tailored blouse with a black pencil skirt. bare legged with black leather high heels..the entire ensemble from Donna Karan one of her favorite designers. she looked refreshed and ready as ever but she hardly felt "ready" in her heart and she noticed that the office was abuzz...not with business but GOSSIP and as she passed through, people began to look at her, REALLY look. some looked with glares of disapproval.>>

<< she stopped at her double doors and turned back looking out on the office pool and then to her personal secretary.>>

what's going on this morning..

<< she said in an icy voice.>>

do i have a zit on my nose or something?

<< the secretary looks rather bewildered herself...>>

Miss Victoria....there's something waiting for you in your office...you...you'd better look at it QUICK.

<< Morgan looked at her secretary and then opened the door....and found several magazines on her desk...with pictures of her and the word "WITCH" or the word "METAHUMAN" across some of them with subtitles like "the world of fashion is presided over by a FREAK OF NATURE" "a modern day witch is doing more than setting the trends in fashion" and the got worse and worse.>>

oh goddess...

<< she drops one of the magazines on the desk as her phone begins ringing..>>

Hello?

<< BURN IN HELL WITCH!

YOU FIRST! << Morgan shouts with extra venom in her tone and then slams the phone down.>>

okay...probably NOT the best way to respond right now...this isnt a dream...this is REAL.

<< the phone rings again, this time a representative from BILL O'RIELY'S office wanting to set up an interview with HER to respond to the call from the Westboro Baptist church to have her BURNED AT THE STAKE.>>

<< morgan coldly declines the offer and h angs the phone again....from the fax machine...DEATH THREATS come through as well as notices that investors and other partners are cancelling their contracts with Illustra.>>

this...is really HAPPENING!?

<< she goes to the window and looks down....Illustra's office park far down below is JAMMED with crowds , some holding signs as well as media, police and even FIRE officials. thankfully, Clandestine Inc has put the lower floors on LOCK DOWN and ORDERED all non essential staff out of the b uilding...herding them through exits as well as stripping them of their badges. a fast, and effective measure to secure the building from being mobbed...but how long will it last.>>

ALISON!

<< she bellows out for her friend.>>

 

[Persephone]

:: Sitting in her new office, Ava's phone had been glued to her ear for nearly 2 hours trying to salvage what was LEFT of her company. With the media 'exposing' her as a mutant [although not accurate, but still..] every major company Cassadine Enterprises had been in buisness with was pulling out of their contracts. Some of which were linked to her company for nearly 20 years! ::

:: Slamming one of the numerous magazines down that headlined 'EXPOSED: Cassadines, the next Hilter!' with a blurb about her family's company being tied to mutants, and how they were responsible for millions of lives lost throughout the world. More magazines and newspapers were spread upon her desk with similar headlines. 'Why did the Cassadines merged with Illustra Inc.? Now we know!' and 'Stavros Cassadine: the ultimate mutant! Will his daughter follow in his footsteps?' ect. ect. Ridiculous stories that were all purely speculation and lies. Ava closed her eyes, trying to keep her temper in check. ::

"I want the factories SHUT DOWN! What don't you understand about that, Charles? Clients are pulling out of the company left and right, and if I sink more money into producing products i'm not going to be selling, not only will I be jobless, i'll be BROKE! SHUT THEM DOWN!"

:: Hanging up, Ava's heart rateand breathing rapidly began to pick up. ::

"GOD DAMNIT!"

:: A roaring CRASH of thunder shook Illustra via Ava's anger. Placing her elbows on her desk, she burried her hands into her face. Utterly frustrated and stressed out, the goddess tried took a moment to try and calm down. ::

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas sat up quickly as the phone rang and Mike burst into the apartment. Mike quickly picked up the phone and handed Nicolas a satellite phone, untraceable and secure.

This is Mike. Sorry, Mr. King is not currently available. Is there a message? Tell the board that he will be in touch shortly.

While Mike delayed the person representing the Board of Trustees, Nicolas spoke into the phone.

Hello.

Nicolas, good morning. I hate to give you bad news this early, but the reports of your abilities are causing quite a stir. I have arranged for a faux hostile takeover using my own assets that your father left for this contingency. All assets have already been hidden away from the US. I would run things in your stead, per your father's instructions.

Go offline.

Nicolas hung up th ephone as he now reached out to his father's old friend mentally. It took great effort now since his loss to Aphrodite, but the bond was too strong. And so he addressed Magnuss Samuelsson about the problem at hand, a problem his father foresaw and he had long feared.

Denounce me publicly and take over. I cannot let father's work go undone and I will be fine with the windfall that comes from that. Reaffirm all contracts with Cassadine Enterprises, but keep it quiet.

I will take care of her, Master King, but I cannot denounce you, you are like a so-

DO IT!! As long as the work is done, that is most important. If you renounce me it will give you the credibility needed to lead. Do it within the hour, I will be watching.Finish the work on the island and get back to me telepathically. I will be in touch.

God Bless you, young man. We will weather this storm.

Nicolas turns to Mike.

Go back to Sharon and Karen and stay there. I will be fine. I need to go to Morgan.

Mike nodded grimly and left as Nicolas dressed quickly in a Dark Blue suit with matching duster. He headed down to the executive floor of Illustra...

Exiting the elevator quickly, he headed directly into the office of Morgan, past her startled secretary.

Honey, we need to get out of here. I can feel the hatred emanating from below.

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah was in her suite at Illustra, surrounded by cardboard boxes and bubble wrap. She had spent the past three days packing, mostly. She had found a one bedroom on Bergen Street in Brooklyn, put down the deposit in cash, and hired a moving company. She had also filed a missing persons report on Connor St. James, informing Missing Persons that Connor had told her he planned to visit the Arklay Mountains to rescue some hikers that had disappeared in the area. She conveniently left out all mention of the Six and their involvement. But Connor had served his country and had done a lot of good, regardless of how he died in the end. He deserved a funeral with a flag on his coffin.

She picked up the photo album from the bedside table, and sat cross-legged in the middle of the floor. She flipped through the photos: most of them were she, Morgan, and Alison. Some of Karen, even some of Haleigh and Alexis. None of Ava. She regretted not having had enough time to have a picture of them together. She put the album carefully in a box beside her and looked around. Things looked so bare, not like her home at all. But it would be good to get away from all this, she supposed. Perhaps she would even move to another city, make a fresh start. Somewhere where no one knew her.

The events of several days ago were never far from her thoughts. She had been forced to do the one thing she was completely against, and she despised herself for it. The thing she had chastised both Connor and the rest of the Six for, and she had gone and done the exact same thing. She had let her emotions get the better of her – in that moment, that moment where she had unleashed everything she had on his mortal body, it had been like she was entirely made up of the anger, and betrayal, and hurt, all mixed up with and into her power. And now, days later, she had come to the decision to never use her powers again. Because all they ever brought anyone was pain.

She would go back to being just Delilah Trelaven. Just a cop. Nothing special. She would grow old on the force then retire on her tiny pension, living out her last days tending her window boxes and walking through the park. And she’d die quietly, alone in her sleep. And people would be better off because she had lived, instead of worse.

And as she sat there alone amongst all her possessions in the world, she almost, almost convinced herself that she didn’t need anybody but herself.

 

[Spellbinder]

Illustra- 25th floor

<< Morgan had her hands over her face ...the phone and the fax were going insane....and for the first time, she didnt know WHAT to do. her secret was OUT and suddenly, none of her beauty, none of her accomplishments mattered....she was just...a WITCH and never had the word sounded more "offensive" as it did scrawled across the pages of magazines over her face.>>

"the signature supermodel of SATAN" - one religious leader was quoted as saying.

<< she knew Ava must have gotten word of this too...as thundre crashed across the sky...and at this point, it almost felt like they were TRAPPED inside of Illustra.>>

<< Nicolas came barging through the double doors and Morgan gasped as she looked up. he said they needed to leave.>>

I can't just leave...I can't just leave my building...my LIFE like this!

<< clearly she was upset as she pushed past Nicolas and went down the hall toward Ava's office, leaving him no choice but to follow. she called Alison's name once more as she entered into Ava's office and saw Ava.>>

You know what's going on? the world wants our heads...its all OVER.

<< she looked at Ava, knowing that she too was reeling from this. Illustra, Cassadine Industries, King Enterprises...all of their businesses, their q ratings...their lives were unraveling...the media machine was gobbling them up and this was only the beginning.>>

where are the others....we need to ....need to figure out just what we're going to do.

I have to call my mother...and Sharon....and Blaze...

 

[Harbinger]

Illustra- various floors

:: Alison appears in Delilah's apartment. it's not time for her yet to go to Morgan's office.::

where do you think you're going?

:: Alison says rather bluntly::

you think you can just cause the kind of pain you caused with us and then LEAVE? you don't get off that easily.

:: she stands in front of Delilah.::

You made an error in judgement. at the WORST TIME and in case you're not aware of it...ALL HELL IS BREAKING LOOSE OUTSIDE as we speak....it is the beginning of the END..just as i saw.

:: she points to the window and motions for Delilah to come and look out and down. helicopters flying, people gathered, screaming, protesting, police, media...the whole works.::

every last one of us h as been exposed....and do you know why?

:: she waves her hand and manifests a scrying pool...they see a packaged wrapped in simple brown paper arriving to the desk of the chief of police, the national security advsior , the major media networks.::

CONNOR arranged for these to be delivered , suspecting that he might not survive Arklay. SO INTENT was he on seeing Sharon and Alycia get their just deserts that he compiled an OPEN AND SHUT "case file" against us...ALL OF US, Delilah...and now...the secret is OUT. this building is a "haven for mutant/metahuman scum!"

:: thunder crashes outside.::

you think you're going to leave here today and start again? THINK AGAIN...you need us...and we need you. we're your FAMILY and its time you REALIZED THAT.

what you did at the mansion, was what HAD to be done..not only because Sharon was in danger, but because if SHE had died...Kyle would have KILLED more than a few of us. he was pretty much UNSTOPPABLE..and Bishop was only USING YOU. he didnt care about you beyond a LAY and a pleasnt "distraction" from his "mission from god"...YOU are the mutant scum delilah...just like the rest of us...and SOME of us arent even mutants but NOW...suddenly...and unbelievably...NOTHING we have done matters. NOTHING that we have saved or helped restore in this city, this WORLD matters. our lives...as we know them are OVER.

:: Alison glared at Delilah.::

I have to go...Morgan is calling me...she's on the verge of panic.

If you're the smart woman that ive always known you to be...you'll stay INSIDE Illustra...and on the residential floors. Clandestine Inc. is keeping the building SEALED but that will only last for so long.

:: and with that, Alison blinks out...blinking IN seconds later to Ava's office where Ava, Morgan and Nicolas are. she doesnt have to say anything...they look on their faces says it all.::

I have to get Alycia.....she's in trouble...they know everything...and if they don't KILL HER outright behind closed doors, they will almost certainly use HER as "the new face of terrorism", branding her a traitor...not only to this countries , security...but some will even call her a "race traitor"...

 

[Rampage]

Morgan, clearly agitated, pushed past Nicolas as she spoke about not wanting to leave her life like this. He shook his head as he followed into ava's office.

It is not about you leaving your life as much as it is necessary to regroup elsewhere. Those phone calls will be followed by faxes will be followed by threats will be followed by attempts, assuming that the federal government doesn't show up to get its pound of flesh. I have shifted some contracts to Cassadine in order to keep it running and I have launched contingencies as far as my companies are concerned. But we need a place to meet quietly, without concern for ambush or intrusion. Mike should be joining your mother in minutes. If you wish to talk to her, I strongly suggest using this satphone

<<<offers it to her>>>

; I am certain by now that they are monitoring transmissions in and out of this building. I have a place that we can go to, whenever you are ready.

Alison enters and voices concern for Alycia. She HAS to be retrieved.

Nicolas immediately reaches out to locate her, see what she sees.

 

[Spellbinder]

<< she looks at Nicolas sharply for a moment.>>

and what about the REST of our family? its more than business...its our LIVES at stake. we're not human beings anymore...we're....<< holds up a magazine with her picture on it>> "FREAKS OF NATURE"...and it doesnt matter the distinction of mutant, witch, metahuman...we're all the same.

<< Alison appears>>

WHERE have you been!?

<< as Alison calmly, if not a bit coldly speaks about Alycia, Morgan nods.>>

I promised her if anything like this happened...I would not abandon her to the feds or anyone else. If I have to go to the whitehouse myself and pull her out with a disc, then i will.

<< nicolas had a point...transmissions WERE probably being monitored at this point, unless Haleigh had a plan for scrambling and blocking as much outside scrutiny as possible.>>

well..i've got something they can't monitor!

<< she magicks up a scrying pool...to directly contact her mother with a visual and voice interaction....the pool shimmers and sparkles vertically into view. ALISON, unconciously assuming some of her former roles in the position now occupied by Ava, contacts Clandestine Inc and asks them to promptly dismiss ALL staff and to begin revoking all access privileges.>>

MOM?

<< Morgan urgently calls as she sees a visual of where her mother is, with Sharon.>>

Karen: Morgan, honey are you all right??

Morgan: mom...its all come crashing down! the magazines...the news papers...EVERYTHING...

Karen: I know...the news channels are in a FRENZY...and most of them are outside Illustra. Mike's people are covering this house...we're not exactly sure if they know Sharon is out HERE but they are looking for her. Sharon doesnt want Mike here...she doesnt want to see ANY of the Six ...she's still upset...

Morgan: i know...i know she's hurting...and i feel terrible about THAT but she's going to HAVE to see us soon...if we plan to escape...we're all going TOGETHER. no one's being left behind. Haleigh's trying to find Blaze and Cameron now...we're talking everyone...including Alycia, Sharon and YOU mom.

Karen: << she looked rather uncertain as she viewed her daughter through the mystic pool>> i understand...but ...where can we go? this doesnt appear to be something that will go away anytime soon...i dont have to be a precog to know that CHANGE is coming...sweeping...PERMANET change..

Morgan: well...there's always LIMBO but Persephone will get SICK ...she could die if she stays there to long...

<< Morgan kept thinking...>>

i have property on the west coast...MELROSE PLACE...i had just bought the building recently...it hasnt been occupied since the year 2000 after its last owner... Lexi Sterling moved overseas with her husband Dr. Mancini in order to run her company from its new flagship office in Japan....

Karen: i want you to TRY to think clearly Morgan...dont let your agitation and disdain cause you to put a wall between yourself and your team mates right now. you need to pull together and move quickly and carefully. Sharon and I will be fine until you come here. Mike's men will inform me if there's anything coming.

Morgan: okay..just promise me that you and Sharon will stay INDOORS until we come. I love you mom...

Karen: I love you too honey..

<< and with that, the scrying pool shimmers and fades away.>>


we'd better move to the War Room...its the only place that is shielded from outside monitoring for sure...and those of us who have animals...better get them prepared for transporting...i dont know where we CAN go just yet...Limbo is a last resort...for Ava's sake.

anything on Alycia??

 

[Artemis]

Capitol Hill

:: Alycia stands in her office...pacing back and forth...::

:: her first officer, perhaps the ONLY one on her team that knows the TRUTH about her "contacts" and her past involving them, stands with her...he is understanding and loyal to her. but they are only TWO against many...many of whom have wanted to see Alycia destroyed since the moment she entered...a WOMAN..a BLACK WOMAN in such a high powered position...yes there was that "OTHER WOMAN.." who was secretary of state...but SHE was an ass kisser, and she was FIRMLY a "yes sir" token toy to the current president, whom Alycia was CLEARLY not thrilled to work for.::

I may not live through this...

:: she says softly.::

First Officer: Alycia.... :: noticeably calling her by her first name:: we're not just co-workers...we're FRIENDS...why dont you just GET OUT OF HERE while you still can!

:: Alycia turns to her first officer::

and leave YOU to take the fall? not likely. if there's been anyone i've come to respect and trust with my back since being here...its you and I don't want YOU to bare the brunt of what has been MY CHOICE since i took this position.

I'm NOT AFRAID of my GYRICH or BUSH...and I'll stand my ground. Any IDIOT knows that the threats they wanted ME to address...couldnt have been handled by Force Works ALONE. The Six risked THEIR LIVES to basically HELP the government do the job that it couldnt do for so long...BRING DOWN MYSTECH..if it wasnt for MY OWN leg work all these years as a DA in New York...they never would have had such a close eye on the situation in the first place!

:: despite facing a nightmare, Alycia remained focused, defiant and ready.::

No..I'm NOT just going to leave you here...I'm going to ask my friend Morgan to make sure that you AND your family are protected when the shit hits the fan...

:: and...in a moment of rare humanity from Alycia...she hugs her First Officer...her FRIEND.::

if this is the last time we see each other like this.....thank you for your support...for your help through everything. you're a good soldier...a good man.

:: at that moment...the doors burst open.::

two men in suits: Miss Barnett? you need to come with us. NOW.

:: the brandish guns and point them at her. her first officer trains his rifle on THEM. Alycia has drawn her custom designed, golden desert eagle.::

if you're here to tell me that Gyrich and Bush want me in the Oval Office, you can put your toys away. I've been waiting for this moment. But at LEAST let HIM go.

:: she points at her first officer.::

he has a wife...a FAMILY...and he's ONLY HUMAN.

two men in suits: that's not for us to decide, Miss Barnett. he was complicit to the situation, just as you were.

:: Alycia isnt stupid. she knows that they will most likely shoot BOTH of them in the back as soon as they walk past...she looks at her first officer and he looks at her. this is it. she's no longer the high powered federal agent...she's a traitor to the country as far as nearly EVERYONE is concerned. her word means NOTHING. and so...why bother to obey "the law" NOW?::

:: as the two walk forward slowly...at the last second they turn to either side and strike out...taking the men down HARD and fast and bolting out of Alycia's office.::

stay together...we CAN get out of here...using one of the underground express jets!!

:: just as she suspected...the white house had marshalled a strike force to bring her down and men , WELL ARMED men were coming from around every corner attempting to take her down. she and her first officer ran the gauntlet, bringing some down with physical force, others with gun fire. it was like being back at the MANSION again..but the enemy wasnt a mindless zombie...it was a fully live, well coordinated human being! the halls never felt so CRAMPED and Alycia's heart was RACING. she'd gone from being some one of prominence and power...to being a traitor MARKED FOR DEATH. her own government was going to KILL HER and dispose of her body and make up some story about her "stepping down in shame"....::

:: alycia and her first officer had a hell of a time...narrowly escaping some turns in their mad dash before FINALLY making it to a science lab where there was a secret passage to an underground express jet.::

my code cracker still works. i can get this door open....

:: and after a few nervous moment, just like in the tunnel in the mansion...Alycia gets the door open and they get inside...unaware that even THIS moment was planned for as the shaft was rigged with NERVE GAS intended to kill them inside before they reached their underground escape route.::

 

[Persephone]

:: Morgan came bursting into her office, causing Ava to jump. She was obviously tense, and it was showing. Nikolas followed Morgan in, obviously trying to calm her down. ::

"Oh, I know what's going on. [lifting a paper] Apparently i'm the next HILTER."

:: Slamming the paper on her desk, Ava stood from her seat and walked over to her office window. Even at the story level they were on, the crowds below Illustra were visibly seen. It was insane outside...all of New York and the WORLD were turning against them. ::

"Unbelieveable.."

:: Muttering to herself, Ava shut her eyes just as Alison blinked into the office. The three began to brainstorm about where to go, how to get out, ect. ect. Was this all really happening?! Turning away from the window, Ava looked into the scrying pool seeing Karen. She was alright, but obviously distraught as well. The six NEVER retreated...but this seemed to be their only option. For the first time in a VERY long time, Ava's stomach was filled with butterflies at the thought of what was going to happen next. ::

:: Morgan suggested going to an apartment complex she purchased called Melrose Place, but Ava shook her head. ::

"The media's relentless....they'll eventually find out that YOU purchased the property and go there. It's no safer than Illustra at this point...NONE of our other homes are."

:: Morgan mentioned Limbo as a last resort...Ava knew the six and their allies would be safe there. It was the only place they could go to without being found... ::

"Gather everyone and go to Limbo. It's the only place that they [mortals] can't find you."

 

[Rampage]

Morgan, I am not suggesting that ANYONE be left behind. But we do all need to leave here SOON. I will try to "find" Alycia right n--Eh?!

Nicolas turned the monitor on to the BBC. On the screen was Magnuss Samuelsson. His Swedish accent was distinctive and strong.

It is clear that the current controversy necessitated the move that was made today. Nicolas King has no association with or control of the companies started by his ADOPTIVE father. But let's also be clear. The young man has been accused of much, and how great is the evidence. A tape?

Nicolas smiled as he saw his father's friend spit the word out with disdain. He would denounce him and launch the counter attack all at once. Good old Magnuss.

I can get anyone in this room on a tape, with enough doctoring, doing anything I damn well please they do. And even if he is a mutant, what then? Find me the law against it. He had admirably upheld his father's legacy. And the pretty blond girl, what is her crime? The only spell she ever cast was on a man's midsection, and now pissed off wives and Bible-thumpers have her dancing naked after dark with the Devil. Now find me THOSE pictures, and we have something SUBSTANTIAL. I hope as they all take the time to defend themselves that we allow them time and space to do so. Prejudice and undue fear have no place in this world.

Nicolas shut off the monitor as he turned to go to the War Room.

I will find Alycia, but we need to get somewhere secure. I have something I have been working on...

Nicolas sees in his mind's eye , Alycia fighting to get past guards, she and her assistant are working their way to a shaft to try to escape...

Alison, Morgan... Alycia and her second are fighting to get through the compound. I can get you coordinates of you wish to whisk them away. They are now entering some escape shaft...

 

[Harbinger]

Illustra

:: Alison stood with her arms folded. she remembered the FIRST time the six came together, taking REFUGE in Illustra the night the city was beseiged by the MELTDOWN of "the citadle", Mystech's largest underground facility outside of the Arklay mansion. it was over a year ago. MUCH had changed, including the roster of the team itself....but this moment in Illustra was looking to be their LAST time here together.::

:: Ava was clearly upset..even HURT by the headlines about HER and her family. She and Morgan were taking a POUNDING in the Media...it was more than them being a witch or a metahuman...each of them was the object of envy by many in their respective industries and social circles....and they were WOMEN. Women always seemed to get more flack than men in situations of "outing"...Madonna, Martha Stewart, Shannen Doherty...the list goes on and on...but those women had the genetic benefit of being "only human".::

This is beyond anything we can "cover up"...i see it ...it's too deep seated in the hearts and minds of the public. there will be reprocussions...

:: she stopped short of mentioning SENTINELS, which were being brought online even as they spoke.::



If we go to Limbo, you will get sick...you will DIE if you stay there too long. That is why the Ororo of Darkchilde's timeline turned you into a statue, so that you would SURVIVE. We already have ONE "living" statue in Ororo's garden in this timeline [Alexis Quartermaine aka Shockwave] ...and I dont think you are ready to go BACK to a stone state.

There IS another option, Ava....one that i hinted at back when this was all beginning...but it means you will have to contact Athena...or Hecate...assuming she's still even reachable on this plane of existence.

Athena MAY be willing to give us sanctuary on Themyscria, at least until we figure out what to do next.

:: Alison looked across the room at Ava.::

If you contact Hecate...she could be the bridge between you and Athena.

:: it was an unlikely but sound idea. Themyscria was not found on ANY world map, it was INVISIBLE to the eyes of men and Nicolas was one of a HANDFULL in ANY timeline that had ever seen it.::

:: as Nicolas spoke of Alycia, Alison looked at Morgan.::

You're stepping disc is the best option to retreive her. they're going to keep coming for her...they've got plans for EVERY move she can possibly make.

 

[Persephone]

:: Shaking her head in disagreement with Alison, Limbo was a safe haven for everyone. It was a chance they would have to take in her mind. ::

"It's a risk i'm willing to take."

:: Sighing out, Alison stated this was beyond a cover up...that everything they had worked for and built could very well be over because Conner exposed them. It made Ava's blood boil. But not as much as Alison's next suggestion... ::

"Oh you've got to me kidding me..."

:: Shaking her head in disblief at Alison's suggestion of contacting ATHENA, Ava folded her arms and crossed the room, trying to expell some pent up energy. She had mended her relationships, for the most part, with Hecate, Demeter, and Athena. She apologized for what she had done and subjected them too...but her distaste for Athena was still very promenent. But, Persephone couldn't be selfish; especially now. Rubbing the bridge of her nose with her fingers, Ava turned back around to face Alison. ::

"If that's our only option....alright, i'll do it. I don't want anyone to loose their life because of my bodies inability to tolerate the conditions in Limbo."

 

[Seer]

around the world & to the war room

<< even as the six began to come up with an evacuation plan, so many things were happening around them, around their world and around THE world.>>

<< as Nicolas' people began to come out, doing damage control on the media, many of Morgan's celebrity friends were shockingly coming out in HER defense as well...most notably MADONNA, who was long noted for standing by gays and other "underdogs" of society. Heather Locklear, Diddy, and several others also defended her in the media. However there were just as many detractors...most notably PAT ROBERTSON, a rabid religious right figure, along with the Westboro Baptist church and several other religious figures calling Morgan, Alison and Ava the concubines of the devil while Delilah, Nicolas and Haleigh were genetic filth, deviants who represented "the curse" that was to befall humanity.>>

<< news media channels were now broadcasting everything about the lives of these individuals, including FOOTAGE from "the meltdown" event of NYC a year ago...some now believed it was CAUSED by the six rather than PREVENTED, SOME were now even WISHING MYSTECH would provide a solution for "mutant population control". with Alycia now a target of the government she once worked for, and her position now vacant, there was no one left to buffer and STALL the tactics that Gyrich wanted to implement and as Alycia and her first officer were fighting to escape with their lives, Gyrich was seeking and GAINED approval to bring the SENTINELS , one of the governments "secret gifts" from Mystech, back online!>>

<< Illustra stood tall in the rolling gray skies, even as it's office park outside below was swamped and flooded, but suddenly there was a coordinated effort by police, fire officials as well as military personnell to evacuate the crowds from the grounds of Illustra! Clandestine Inc. was relieved but refused to communicate with the forces outside. SOMETHING was going on that those officials would be working in such a concert effort to move the people away...and it couldnt be anything good.>>

<< meanwhile Haleigh and Delilah were the only ones yet to join Morgan, Alison, Ava and Nicolas. the first step was to relocate to the war room. Ava, Morgan and Haleigh's pets were all quickly gathered up and placed in carrying cages in seperate rooms. the stress of this whole situation could make even the most docile animal become agressive and with the diverse species represented among the pets of the six, it was wise not to have them all anywhere near each other. the only exception was Tinkerbell, who was now noticeably present in the war room itself, sitting on the table in front of Morgan's spot. she did not want to be far from her "mommy" and it showed..and with her abilities as an enchanted familiar, her presence may be valuable in warning the team of any oncoming strikes.>>

<< the war room was the most fortified and insulated area of Illustra, there was an emergency shaft that would shunt them down below ground to an express jet if necessary in only a few seconds, the technology in this nerve center of illustra was also shielding them from just about any outside probing source, while still allowing THEM to see around the world, obtain information, and recieve media updates via satellite.>>

<< the REALITY was sinking in...their lives as they knew them were OVER but what was worse...mutants around the country were now coming under attack...by hate groups...the backlash was sweeping across the nation and so while the world watched Illustra for any sign of the mutants, witches and metahumans...plenty of other less high profile people around the country were now suffering as well....and all of this due to the machinations of one man...ONE MAN that DELILAH was so BENT on believing in even at the expense of her SELF, since she was the very thing he detested.>>

<< Alison was right, SHE couldnt just leave now..not behind all of this. not only would it be selfish but it would be STUPID.>>

<< Ava was in disbelief at Alison's suggestion but it was at least, a viable option, and it made the possibility of escape seem LESS daunting than before. but there was still much to do before they left...to go where ever they were going and there was much more to COME for them before that.>>

 

[MorningStar]

Alison came to her apartment - barged her way in. Chastising her for leaving. But why should she stay where she wasn't wanted? They clearly did not want her around, seeing as the way they had treated her when she had been around. What good was she, clearly? Alison even confirmed what Delilah herself had been feeling, about the pain she had caused. Why would she stay just to cause more pain, especially in people she had called friend?

Alison left as quickly as she had come, not giving Delilah a chance for rebuttal - not that Delilah would have taken it if she had. She had resigned herself to having lost everyone in her life. First it had been her parents, then (at the time) Sharon and Morgan, then the rest of the Six, and then even Connor, who had brought all this upon them. He HAD betrayed her, it was true. And this WAS her fault, but not in the way that Alison meant. In killing Connor, their fates had been sealed. Had he lived, who knows? Perhaps his package would never have been sent. Had Delilah stopped Sharon before things had gone too far, before Connor could see no alternative but to finish what he had started - perhaps then she could have convinced him to really stop. If she had only tried harder. If only she had gone back. If only she had paid more attention. If only...

But it didn't make her feel any better about killing him. That still felt wrong. And it still felt like SHE should be the one in prison right now. Because she deserved it. And then her cell phone rang, and things got worse.

>>> "Delilah, this is Megan Russert."

Delilah sensed something strange in her Captain's voice, but she put it off to her mentor's usual high stress caseload.

"Hi Cap - I've taken a couple days off, didn't they tell you I wouldn't be coming-"

>>> "That's not why I'm calling."

Delilah had a sinking feeling in her stomach.

"I can come in to the station if you need me to..."

>>> "Delilah, the brass knows about your mutant status. The Chief has stripped you of your badge and all medals and commendations for the duration of your career. You're off the force, Delilah."

Megan gave that a moment to sink in.

"But Megan - I have dedicated my life to this job. I...I have never once used my powers on the job. You know that. You know I'm a good cop. You know I'm a damn good cop! Captain, please!"

>>> "I know, Delilah, that's why I'm telling you this. You've been the single best detective I've seen in my career. You are like a daughter to me, and I have been proud to serve with you and watch you grow into a fine officer. They're probably listening right now, so what I'm about to say might mean my job. Don't come back here, Delilah. Run, go somewhere they'll never find you. Disappear. Or they'll kill you."

And then the line went dead.

Delilah didn't realize until she put down the receiver and saw the droplets of water on the table that she was already crying. If there was anyone in this world she could trust - outside of the Six and now even that was no more - it was Megan Russert. She wouldn't have said that, wouldn't have risked an extremely decorated career, unless it were true. They were coming for her. And the worst part was that Delilah wasn't entirely sure she wanted to run.

 

[Rampage]

As they arrived at The War Room, Nicolas had been thinking about the suggestion of Themyscira. There was one potentially BIG problem.

Mike. What about Mike? I have been there, but would they allow ANOTHER man into their midst? That concerns me MOST.

Nicolas activated his station. A mockup of an island appeared beofre them.

I have been working on something for months now. An underground volcano created a shallow in the Atlantic near the Eastern coast of Africa. I have had sand dredged and placed atop it to create an island. It already has grasses and shrubs growing on it, and there is a state-of-the-art complex built for our use. We may be able to hide there using our powers in concert if Themyscira is not a good option. Just an option.

As Nicolas thinks abou the situation, he notices a mind, despondent and torn, wracked with guilt and anguish over the situation. Delilah. She needed to be here, but she was having trouble taking that first step. Nicolas decided to assist.

Delilah is suddenly whisked down through the walls and then the ceiling, to drop down into her seat at the table with the rest of the team. Nicolas eyed her icily.

Delilah. Nice of you to show up...

 

[MorningStar]

Suddenly, and without warning, Delilah felt herself moving uncontrollably, and in seconds was sitting in the War Room. She swallowed hard, looking around at the faces that surrounded her. She didn't even have the energy to be angry at Nicolas for the intrusion into her privacy. But she still had some pride.

She stood, and let her arms fall open at her sides.

"If you're going to kill me, get it over with."

 

[Rampage]

NO ONE is going to kill you. You aren't the first person in this room to fuck up. And no matter how individuals here feel about it, we ARE in this together. I will not leave you because, in the end, you did not leave us, although you feel guilty about what you did. We can work on how we feel later. Right now, I want EVERYONE affiliated with this team, this FAMILY to survive. And for that to happen, we have to work together.

Nicolas sighed as he softened his glare slightly.

So sit, let's figure out how to get out of this in one piece.

 

[Persephone]

:: Arriving in the war room, Nicolas had already pieced together a plan just in case Themyscira didn't work out. Sitting back in her seat, Ava nodded. ::

"We also have my castle in hell, if need be."

:: It was somewhat reassuring that the six had three seperate places to go to if the situation became too out of hand. ::

:: Turning to see Delilah land in one of the empty chairs next to her, Ava could see that she had been crying. As much as she hated Delilah right now....Nicolas was right. There was no way in hell they were going to leave her behind to deal with the modern day 'witch hunters'. She had made a mistake--a STUPID mistake--but so had many of the other members within the six. BUT, that didn't mean Ava would have to be chipper and nice to her. ::

:: Looking back to the group ::

"Alright, atleast we have three safe locations to go to if things really get out of hand."