Gathering together

[Seer]

<< After preparing to leave Minerva's, Harbinger leaves instructions with the support staff and places the mansion and island on yellow alert. She and Persephone journey across time and space to the States where they will make contact. Harbinger will reach Nicolas, intercepting him after the conference call at Spectra and summoning him to a private place, while Persephone will make contact with Morgan and Blaze in Morgan's apartment at Melrose Place.>>

<<...MOVING THROUGH TIME AND SPACE, ACROSS THE GLOBE FROM ONE HEMISPHERE TO ANOTHER>>--------------

<< In Los Angeles it's evening, the PREVIOUS day. Minerva's Aerie is on the otherside of the international date line and so, The members of the Six, and their allies, are less than blissfully unaware of the storm clouds creeping across their horizon, or the BLUE MOON that is coming. Though certain individuals have begun to feel less than in "top form" and are not certain why.>>

<< Just outside of the city center, in the Mid Wilshire Professional Building, the offices of Spectra Couture have largely wound down as it is now the end of the business day. However, the CEO and Spokesmodel, Morgan Victoria a.k.a Spellbinder, along with her office manager (and [cross time alternate] sister) Blaze Victory a.k.a Firebird remain, tying up loose ends.>>

<< It has been several months, since Morgan made a strategic and strong return to the fashion world, forming an exciting and powerful partnership with the legendary and well connected west coast fashion maven Sally Spectra. Spectra had given Morgan one of her EARLIEST modeling jobs, putting her on the fashion world map in a big way, She later helped ignite the modeling career of Nicolas King a.k.a Rampage. She's also well aware of the mutant/meta-human status of Morgan and her friends, along with many other individuals in the town. She is, in many ways, quite similar to Alycia Barnett, another long standing ally of the six who was "....only human.">>

< Since the partnership took off, Morgan has made waves and gained renewed respect as a savvy and powerful business woman as well as being applauded for seeking out new faces that are OUTSIDE the "industry standard" & pushing everyone to expand their idea of beauty. And while she is considered "too old" by industry standards to be a runway supermodel, she has broken new ground as a multi-media model & spokeswoman for the fashion industry & women in business within the industry, while becoming a glamorous "den mother" to an up & coming new generation of models under the House of Spectra.>>

<< Not so long ago, her own world reknown fashion empire, Illustra Inc, was destroyed and she lost her own status and career as the world's most celebrated super model when she, along with her team mates & family were OUTED by one-time nemesis BISHOP. It was a loss of a key part of herself that she didnt know if she could overcome. Time and circumstances have changed quite a bit in the time that has passed and now, she is coming full circle, happy, focused and filling fullfilled.>>

<< Having her sister, Blaze, by her side is wonderful plus. FIREBIRD is the cross-time alternate of Blaze Fielding. The Six first encountered her during a terrifying caper in which they visited a dystopian timeline which saw New York and the United States being crushed by a Federal gov't sanctioned mystech. Firebird is more savvy, experienced and powerful than her mainstream counterpart AND she shared her sister's interest and flair for fashion. On a heartfelt impulse, she leaped through a stepping disc and followed The Six back to mainstream, where she was welcomed by this timeline's Morgan and the team and has made strong connections w/ them all. It's only fitting that she now join her sister in this latest chapter of their fashion dreams and goals.>>

<< At the stylish, cutting edge & now largely vacant offices of Spectra, Morgan and Blaze sit in Morgan's executive office suite. They have one last PERSONAL business matter to attend to. They are expecting a phone call from New York City, from a VERY familiar voice and face as they work out the details of another transaction and venture that will seem quite fitting, considering who is involved and what has passed between them before.>>

<< While they wait, they share a few moments together talking.>>

<<...WHILE>>
-----------------------------------------------------------

<< Across town, in the heart of L.A., we find the glamorous, somewhat hidden and excluse apartment complex known as Melrose Place. The place The Six and some of their allies currently call home.>>

<< In the short time they've been here, they have come so far, both as individuals and as a team. The roster has changed, with some old faces taking extended leave, and new faces from previous associations have arrived.>>

<< One of the long standing team members, Delilah Trelevan a.k.a. MorningStar, is now very far along in her PREGNANCY. The chanages she has gone through have been tremendous and not always easy. But despite her controversial descision to keep the baby, she has received genuine, consistent support from her Six family. They have also honored her request to keep the pregnancy a secret from the father, Connor St. James a.k.a. Bishop. Its a move that not everyone on the Six agrees with. Perhaps the most notable dissenting opinion on that move is Nicolas King, another long standing member of the team. He has found himself in a new, centered place both within himself and in his life and interacations with his team mates and friends. He's kept busy now that King Enterprises has key contracts with Spectra couture and has also joined Morgan in several media campaigns, much to Sally Spectra's delight. Perhaps even more interesting is that after a LONG period of strain and uncertainty he and Morgan seem to be coming to a new, tender place in their relationship journey. >>

<< He is with Morgan and Blaze at Spectra now, waiting with them in Morgan's office suite for the phone call from New York.>>

<< Delilah is at MP, taking it easy, per doctor's orders and receiving a surprising helping hand from Sharon Kelly a.k.a. Silver Swan. Silver Swan's journey was destined to be forever altered by Mystech even before she met the Six. Beginning life as a human with valor and courage, she lost her husband and mutant son to Mystech years ago and became an outspoken champion for mutant rights and the destruction of mystech as the senator of New York. She was a staunch ally of the Six, a position that cost her her very life, despite the Six's best effort to save her. Then, in a wild and violent twist of circumstances, she RETURNED, by mystech's hand as the insane, vengeful and DEADLY POWERFUL Silver Swan. The Six battled and ultimately contained her, finally FREEING her of the poison and programming that had driven her insane. But life as a MUTATE prooved to be a very hard, long adjustment for her- even further healing and training from the legendary Amazons could not soothe some psychic wounds and trauma that were so deep, they were primal to her core being.. One-time nemesis, Bishop, attempted to murder her and that same string of events lead to the outing of the Six. That put a tremendous strain on the once strong frienship she shared with Delilah. The two fought bitterly on more than one occassion. She severed her tie with the Six after assisting them in the battle against Viper, but with the passing of time she slowly began to reconnect with them, having found a peace that she was never supposed to have as the intended pawn of mystech. She and Delilah recovered and repaired their friendship, She's now a reserve member and due to her training as an Amazon, is now assisting Delilah as midwife, even using her sonic based powers to listen to the baby's heart beat in a way no ultra sound machine could and providing the feedback to Delilah. Sharon was also a mother herself, to the fallen mutant, Kyle Kelly, one of the earliest victims of Mystech. >>

<< This evening, she's at Melrose Place, working with Delilah through some pregnancy excericses on othe floor of Delilah's apartment.>>

<< Sharon also struck up a recent friendship with...>>



<<...ELSEWHERE In Melrose Place>> -------------------------------

<< ...Cassandra ( "CASS") Johnson a.k.a Ruby. Cass is the NEWEST arrival to MP. She sub-lets the apartment occupied by Six associate, Ella Price, which before HER was occupied by Ava Cassadine a.k.a. Persephone. Cass is a friend of Ella's and the two share one notable commonailty. They are both VAMPIRES. The Six have never been strangers to controversy in a variety of forms, but the revelation by original Six member Haleigh Davidoff a.k.a Black Widow, caused a VIOLENT reaction from Morgan. So much so that Nicolas, Ava and Haleigh had to RESTRAIN her. They learned the sad, tragic story of what happened to Morgan's sister [mainstream] Blaze at the hands of a vampire coven lead by Axel during their time with Valiant. It was one story that neither Morgan or Blaze had ever diccussed before. But Haleigh, Ava and even Sharon stood in the gap for Ella and helped form a bridge between her, Morgan and the Six...though it was FAR from being "resolved" to Morgan, she found the strength to TOLERATE the situation.>>

<< Ella is the proprietor of an ULTRA exclusive and curious night club named After-Dark, which is in the same trendy neighborhood of LA that Melrose is in. Cass b.k.a "Baby Girl" at the club, is Ella's "2nd in command" at the club and has been running it in Ella's abscence. The Six have standing V.I.P. status at the club and have visited several times, as has Sally Spectra, who was also friends with Ella, much to Morgan's surprise. Cass has found tolerance and acceptance from most members of The Six- particularly Nicolas and Haleigh, and as Ruby, even assisted them on some smaller capers in recent months, but with others- it is not so easy yet. Delilah regards her cautiously and her relationship with Morgan is FRAGILE. Morgan the owner and land lady of the complex, is often bitchy & very scrutinizing toward Cass. Cass manages to "bite" back, which causes frequent arguments and while there are not as many [near] escalations to PHYSICAL violence [on Morgan's part] as there might have been in the years past, other members of the Six quickly avail themselves to make sure it does not go that way. They understand Morgan's deep seated hostility and mistrust toward vampires, but they are ALSO helping her to move (however slowly) toward giving Cass a chance. Cass, understandibly, keeps to herself mostly because of this. While pleasant and polite to other members of the team, she does not hide her lingering mistrust of some of them too well. BUT she has found an understanding and sympathetic ear in SHARON, who has become a friend and MENTOR to the girl- Sharon understands better than most what it is to be DEAD and come back to life as something OTHER than the human she once was and to live in a world without the biological family she once had and loved with all her heart. This unexpected development has prooven to be a welcome change for everyone.>>

<< Cass is waiting for Sharon to come visit her after she completes her session with Delilah. As the sun sets, it's a much more comfortable time for Cass and it helps that Sharon is not remotely afraid of her and deals with her as an individual, a person, not solely defined by her status as a vampire. >>

<< ...WHILE>>-------------------------------------------------

<< Zooming out of Melrose Place and down Melrose Avenue....>>

<< Karen Victoria, Psy.D a.k.a Shadow Weaver, accompanied by Michael Armstrong a.k.a Arsenal, shops at "Bell, Book & Candle", a curious storefront that happens to be an apothecary and meeting place for a local coven of witches. The apothecary is one of the most beautiful and maintained of its kind on the west coast and one of the best kept "secrets" from mortals in town as well. Michael, another baseline human, who has more than earned his place and respect in the six, has enjoyed a relatively stable relationship with Karen, which began to take form during the initial rampage of the Silver Swan a while back. Theirs is a testimony to how differences do NOT have to stand in the way of an honest relationship. But it hasn't been without it's struggles both internal and external. Shadow Weaver is the mother of this world's current sorceress supreme and a powerful sorceress in her own right. Michael is the mentor of Nicolas and former associate of his deceased father, Gustav. They occupy a "paternal" role over the Six family as a whole and help provide checks and balances for each other and members of the team when necessary as WELL as keeping Alison from getting too wrapped up in her duties as Harbinger and drawing away from everyone.>>

<< After Karen's shopping and Michael's patient browsing, they will enjoy a quiet dinner at a nearby bistro before stopping by Melrose Place to see Morgan, Delilah, Nicolas and the others and then returning to Minerva's Aerie. Michael divides his time between an apartment at Melrose and Minerva's. In the absense of Karen's transport, he can open a closet door in his apartment, which was charmed by Karen shortly after he moved in, and it will open a portal directly to Minerva's mansion.>>

<<...WHILE>>-----------------------------------------


<< Flashing from the overhead sky view of L.A. to New York City, where it is well into the evening and the city skyline is decorated by the lights of the skycrappers and buildings>>


<< The Parthenon hotel, the luxurious, world class resort. It was owned by Cameron King a.k.a Prophet, another founding member of the Six and the baby brother of Alison Marble. It was then sold to Morgan in a business transaction and ultimately passed to Alison's hands by order of Cameron's will when he was thought dead. It is one of the FEW assets of any member of the Six that remained in their posession following the outing of the team and the destruction of Illustra and their lives as they knew them at the time.>>

<< The Parthenon has continued to flourish and thrive, still being a highly sought often venue and destination, and remaining booked on reservations for MONTHS in advance. >>

<< In the time that has passed, Dominique Deveraux a.k.a. Isis,the Black Queen of the Hellfire Club and a powerfull sorceress, the regal chanteuse and aunt of Nicolas (his only living blood relative in fact), has become the popular headliner of the Parthenon's night club and although her status as a member of the Hellfire Club's ruling Inner Circle affords her residence at the posh Hellfire Mansion, she also maintains a residence at the Parthenon in one of a handful of Executive Presidential Suites on the restricted entrance top floors of the hotel. She has always maintained a seperate life and identity from the Hellfire Club and enertained NO challenge to that from anyone, not even the White and Red Queens.>>

<< There's another new resident at the Parthenon, not so much new as RETURNED. The original owner, Cameron King. Having emerged from a much needed hiatus and time of soul searching, is now in tuned with himself and ACCEPTING of himself, which in turn has caused him to return to remarkable success as a business man in New York as well as highly sought after heart throb on the social and entertainment scenes of the city. His first encounter with Dominique, during an urgent and necessary use of the TRUCE between the Six and Sisterhood saw the sorceress regard him as little more than a messy, naughty puppy. She'll find him to be quite different when she encounters him this evening. He has an important and exciting phone call to make to familiar faces, one that will hopefully yield another tremendous change and development for all involved.>>

<< After he finishes his phone call to L.A., to Morgan, Blaze and Nicolas, whom he has not seen face to face YET, he will go down to the Parthenon's night club to catch Dominique's show and after that, he will surprise her with his confident, if not a bit bold projection by inviting himself backstage to her dressing room for a one-on-one visit. The results of which may proove interesting indeed.>>

<< For him, business before pleasure doesnt necesarily apply because for him business is OFTEN pleasure and reveling in both is what he does best.>>

<< and so, we settle in to this special time and space in the time stream, where all these beautiful, unique individuals move about their evening, unaware of what is coming for them, and we WATCH...>>

 

[Spellbinder]

Mid Wilshire Professional Bldg- Spectra Couture

<< It's "after hours" at Spectra and the general staff have left for the day. Morgan, the CEO and signature spokesmodel, along with Blaze, her office manager and Spectra partner Nicolas all relax in Morgan's executive office suite.>>

<< Morgan, dressed stylishly in a Donna Karen off shoulder, wrap blouse & pencil skirt and matching high heels, pours herself a glass of HEMLOCK, an elixir that is simply delightful to magickal beings but utterly POISONOUS to non magick beings. She keeps a supply in her office mini bar.>>

<<sighing with relief that the business day has largely ended, she happily takes a GULP of the Hemlock she poured before putting the bottle away and settling back down to her desk with her glass.>>

Now...don't misunderstand me...

<< she says to a smirking Blaze, who is trying to refrain from a LUSH joke, and Nicolas, who is amused by Blaze's antics>>

There's nothing wrong with a little "early evening" drink.

<< She winks.>>

Besides, our Cameron King may have emerged from his extended hiatus, but he probably hasn't learned ANYTHING about how to be TIMELY with conference calls.

<< She says in a bitchy tone>>

I need something to take the edge off before dinner this evening.

 

[Firebird]

Spectra

Blaze is in some of her standard office attire, complete with bracelets . Her auburn hair was pulled back but she let it down once it was just the 3 of them and tossed it freely. It was time to loosen up a bit and her apple green eyes sparkled with delight as her sister went for the Hemlock.

"Of course. It's like ONE MINUTE after 6 o'clock and you're tearing into your stash of Hemlock..."

Smirking a bit as Morgan waves her hand dismissively, Blaze makes herself an Apple Jack (Jack Daniels with splash of apple pucker) and seats herself at one of the chairs on the opposite side of Morgan's wrap round desk. She puts her Ipad on Morgan's desk as she leans back, taking more than a sip of her drink.

Morgan: and you want to call ME a lush? You're sucking that down like you were about to die of thirst!

Blaze almost chokes on her drink before sticking out her tongue at Morgan as the two sisters laugh softly. They worked so well together. It didnt even matter that this wasn't HER sister from HER timeline...whom she lost when all hell broke loose. All that mattered was that she and Morgan were together again. Morgan had welcomed her with open arms to this timeline and was a chance most people, even mutants, could only dream of, the chance to see what "happily ever after" with family and friends felt like.


Licking her lips, Blaze looks around for a moment, surveying Nicolas as he fixes himself a drink.

"You know what he [Cameron] is doing right? He's probably kept some bimbo secretary on hand to give her some after hours DICtation!"

Morgan: Male or Female?


Rolling her eyes, she and Morgan laugh and giggle once more.

Morgan: Yeah what was that movie called? "The Secretary"?

The sisters laugh some more. Blaze catches sight of Nicolas, looking rather bemused.


"Oh lighten up, chocolate kiss!"

A pet name for Nicolas that she had for him in her timeline as did mainstream Blaze in this one

"I'm sure you have your own ideas on how you could play OFFICE with Morgan!"

Her apple green eyes quickly dart over to Morgan, who was now choking down HER latest gulp of hemlock in dismay and embarrasment. Blaze once again laughed.

 

[MorningStar]

Melrose Place, Apartment #1

Delilah was stretched out on the floor of her living room at Melrose Place, sitting on a yoga mat in a flowing Heidi Klum Maternity top and yoga pants. She was not comfortable. At all.

“Why is it SO INCREDIBLY HOT in here?” Annoyed, she took a sip from a glass of ice water with lemon on a nearby table, while Sharon sat next to her. They had been going over labor exercises, but Delilah was not really into it. Her back hurt, her feet hurt, it was STIFLING even though it was almost fall…and she was HUGE! And living amongst a pack of supermodels or ladies who at least looked like they could be. In short, Delilah was miserable.

She looked up at Sharon, who stared silently back at her, with that way she had. “Can’t we be done now, pretty please Sharon?” It was like being in another dimension – and Delilah had been on more than one occasion – being here with Sharon. They had fought so much in the recent past, but somehow had managed to get back on the path to friendship. And despite how Delilah’s body seemed to be rebelling against herself, Sharon HAD been a great help to her these past months.

“Slavedriver.”

 

[Silver Swan]

Melrose Place Apt 1

[ Sharon sat and watched Delilah, studying her movements and LISTENING to her, THROUGH her body as well as to the vitals of her baby.]

[She frequently did not answer Delilah's protests and complains during these excercises, instead, allowing Delilah to find her inner reserves, the ones she used to know she had. It was understandable, all the changes, mood swings and emotions...Sharon had been there once herself. A literal LIFE TIME ago. But now...the memories of that life, when she was "....only human", the wife of a powerful business man (Robert) and the mother to a young, bright eyed little boy named Kyle, who turned out to be a mutant...they did not hurt so much now.]

[She'd been all of those things and more, and had it all taken away from her, before her very life was obliterated, only to return, through no power or will of her own, in a cruel twist of irony as the Silver Swan, meant to be the pawn of Mystech but now completely free of their posion and possessed of incredible raw physical power as the Silver Swan. Life had been hard for Sharon as a mutate and she didn't handle the adjustment well. Even training from the Amazons didnt quite settle her...but as with others in the six...time has a way of seeing things turn out the way they should. And her she is now, once again, an ally to the Six.]

[ She and Delilah have come a long way and it pleases them both. They are friends again and now Sharon is helping her through this difficult time, but of course DELILAH doesnt necessarily always see it that way]

Slavedriver

[Sharon continues to look at her, with a look that is UNIQUE to her and those silver eyes she has. It is often unsettling, even to friends and those who know her, but she means no harm]

Delilah...

[She finally says in an airy tone]

You're a mutant. Your body has a naturally stronger physical constitution than a normal baseline human. And my sonar indicates that both yours and the baby's internal rhythms and vitals are fine...a little HIGHER than what passes for "normal"...but again, you are a mutant and though I can't say for certain, I DO suspect your baby will be a mutant as well

I was a human with anomalous genetic structure, which is why Kyle turned out to be a mutant. And I didn't have the benefit of a super powered, amazonian trained midwife to help me through this time.

Now continue. You're nearly finished with your exercises for the day. Your body will recover much more quickly because of these preparations.

[ Sharon says calmly but firmly. Delilah knew Sharon would not be rattled by much of anything she said or did.

 

[Rampage]

Spectra

These two were like a couture Thelma and Louise.

Nicolas was dressed in a coffee-cream colored suit with salmon colored tie, a departure from his traditional fare he was raised with but a contribution from Morgan and the ladies. He smiled widely at Blaze as she mentioned extracurricular activities between him and Morgan. Morgan was not one to disclose her bedroom activities so it was always funny when Blaze pulled this card.

He stood up straight and winked at Morgan before replying as if to say, I GOT THIS. He swirled his fresh screwdriver in his hand, chuckling.

Who, me? Blaze...ALL I think about is a quiet evening office meeting with Morgan going over...FIGURES. Yeah, that's it. Figures and LAYOUTS.

By now Blaze is laughing audibly and Nicolas is trying to keep a straight face while Morgan is likely wondering why she deals with either of them. Nicolas knew Cameron was going to be late and he planned to not count the minutes until he made his call. Flirting with the pretty pair of sisters was as good a way to spend time as he could imagine and he planned to take advantage.

 

[Spellbinder]

Spectra

<< Morgan choked down her 2nd gulp of Hemlock as Blaze once again reminded her that no one was safe from her little barbs, not even her own sister and sure enough, Nicolas came through the opening Blaze left. Morgan ran her hand through her blonde, spiral curled hair, tossing it back as she scoffed at Blaze and blushed ever so slightly at Nicolas. They'd come so far as individuals and as people with such history between them. And right now, things were going pretty well. They weren't "TOGETHER" and there was no expectation of mutual exclusivity on either part, but they seemed to prefer each other's company to strangers and outsiders. >>

<< Ugh!>>

Hmph...Perhaps we should "PLAY" The Apprentice, DEAR NICOLAS

<< Morgan says with purposefully "strained" tone as she eyes him with her violet eyes>>

So I can FIRE YOU?

<< She then smiles sweetly, closing her eyes as Blaze chortles>>

Blaze: "Ohhhh Nicolas! I think Morg just used some BITCHCRAFT on you!"

Oh Blaze, you should know, because you'll be out the door BEFORE he is!

<< Winking at her Sister as she retorts with a haughty tone, once again tossing her hair. >>

Blaze: "Ohhh! You do that and I burn all that hair to make it look like that weird orange comb-over thing Donald Trump wears! Then you'll have to be a model for the hair club for women!"


<< Morgan couldn't help but laugh, she wasn't expecting THAT comeback and everyone knew how RIDICULOUS Trump looked with that hair style of his except him>>

Oh my GAWD, Blaze...you're just HORRIBLE!

But you knowwww...

<< She said as she ran the tip of one of her well manicured, metallic painted nails across her own IPAD>>

I hear TMZ is looking for some EXPOSES about hot young socialites getting caught in AWKARD POSITIONS with Lindsay Lohan?

<< Smirking as her violet eyes sparkled>>

Remember, my dear...an Illusion spell is SUCH an easy thing to cast!

Blaze: <<stopping for a moment to look serious, before feigning being SICK.>>
"Oh. My. GAWD, Morgan!

PLEASE don't make me throw up! I have my standards, DEAR!"


<< Morgan, Blaze and even Nicolas laugh at this point before Morgan sighs>>


What a busy day this was...but everything has been flowing along just fine. We've got contracts for several campaigns locked in place and the House of Spectra models will be working constantly for the remainder of the year. Sally Spectra is so happy and so am I!

Now...if only CAMERON WOULD HURRY UP!


<< She says in that spoiled diva way only she can>>

 

[Ruby]

Melrose Place

:: Cass was just hanging out at the apartment, waiting for Sharon to arrive. She straightened up the living area - making sure the magazines that were strewn all over the couch were put back in their proper place - and then sat down. If she were human, she would've sighed. She really did love living here. It made her happy that she back home in California where she originally was from. She caught a glance of herself in the mirror. While it's true that vampires don't have reflections, Cass, however, was part of a special sect of vampires that DO. They were known for their ravishing beauty. Cass smirked at the mirror. She looked pretty good. ::

Sharon should be done soon...

:: Cass was understandably mistrustful of Sharon at first. It was understandable because Cass lost her whole family in her human years and when she embraced her vampiric life fully, she finally felt she had the whole world in the palm of her hand. And she did by experiencing everything she couldn't have experienced as a human. She even managed to fall in love with a 'young' vampire by the name of Michael. They spent every moment together, and he had PROMISED to be with her and take care of her and to never leave her. But fate, the universe, whatever you call it, had different ideas and it wasn't to be. So that had hardened her once again and she shies away from people now, in order to protect herself from getting hurt. Oh, she is polite and pleasant when she has to be, or when the situation calls for it, but she likes being alone. Yes, that makes her seem like a bitch, but you would have to really get to know her to understand her. Only a few key people in the world really knows her. ::

 

[Rampage]

What a busy day this was...but everything has been flowing along just fine. We've got contracts for several campaigns locked in place and the House of Spectra models will be working constantly for the remainder of the year. Sally Spectra is so happy and so am I!

Now...if only CAMERON WOULD HURRY UP!

Nicolas laughed at the regal blonde. They weren't locked into anything, but at the same time he was not on the outside begging either. So he was pretty happy.

Sally is more than happy, Sally is ecstatic. She gets to 'hug' me several times per day AND she gets paid to do it! In fact MS. VICTORIA, I suspect your partner will not want her...what was it today?...chocolate beefcake on the street without a job.

Nicolas was laughing as she complained about Cameron. She was not a woman to be left waiting and her mild irritation was endlessly amusing because he knew that she would indeed keep waiting. He turned his attention to the night's festivities.

So Blaze, where are we headed tonight? I feel like dancing and drinking and relaxing and perhaps being seen a bit. I am hoping that the lovely Morgan will hang out with me but I KNOW I can count on you to let your hair down. So what's on the agenda?

 

[MorningStar]

Melrose Place, Apartment #1

Delilah...You're a mutant. Your body has a naturally stronger physical constitution than a normal baseline human. And my sonar indicates that both yours and the baby's internal rhythms and vitals are fine...a little HIGHER than what passes for "normal"...but again, you are a mutant and though I can't say for certain, I DO suspect your baby will be a mutant as well

“Swell,”

She shifted her weight, trying to get some relief for her aching back.

“So this baby’s going to have even MORE ways to terrorize me than normal children do.”

Now continue. You're nearly finished with your exercises for the day.

Your body will recover much more quickly because of these preparations.

Delilah pouted.

“I don’t believe you. I’m going to be fat FOREVER.”

Delilah raised a hand, which began to glow, lowering the temperature on her specially designed thermostat which reacted to her mutant powers.

Suddenly she winced and put a hand to her stomach.

“Whew – baby must like it hot in here. See? We’re fighting already.”

But Delilah resigned herself to the rule of Sharon, and she returned to her exercises.

Clearly, there was no getting out of it.

 

[Prophet]

Parthenon Hotel - New York City - Top Floor Penthouse Suite B

With the hustle and bustle of the city whose beauty was expressing the first signs of Autumn, Cameron King had just gotten out of the shower. Wrapping a pristine white and plush towel around his waist, he quickly made his way over to full screen windows that adorned the Penthouse Suite on all sides. Autumn was his favorite time of the year in New York City. Amidst all the trash, garbage and homeless, the trees began to turn beautiful hues of orange and yellow and red, and the view of Central Park he had thanks to some smart construction deals, was absolutely breathtaking.

Cameron had been playing very hard lately, both professionally and personally, fully embracing his regained status of Socialite and Business Titan. Across the room, was his "Home Office" which had all sorts of papers, contracts, and other clutter. He had dedicated countless hours to the revamping of his business affairs, all of which were about to culminate in a rebranding of sorts, moving from his long defunct "King Enterprises" to a new, streamlined and more effective business. Letterheads that read "The Zenith Group" reflected the change in business name and model. Having since returned to NYC, Cameron had used the resources he had to get his hands involved in a number of business pursuits, mostly in the real estate game. Commercial Spaces, Residential Spaces. LAND. One of our most important resources. Parlaying the income he received from these income properties, he once again played the stock market, this time not NEEDING to use his abilities to gain success, finally proving to himself that his years in the business had taught him well. With mass amount of stock and his hands in the cookie jar and many well known and publically traded companies, Cameron had established The Zenith Group already as a well KNOWN corporation of investors, with nearly the entire board being silent partners. His connections to New York Society as well as International Society had never been hotter and he was most definitely enjoying the fruits of his labor. As he made his way to his desk, he saw a note.

"I had a great time! Call Me! -Hannah

He laughed as that trademirk smirk curled up in his lips.

"Some girls can't help but to leave a note."

Cameron was definitely not in the personal space to even entertain the idea of a relationship, but he was certainly in the space to "entertain" as many people as he felt right, this time not as a need to reinforce his manhood, but to fully enjoy the fruits of his labor. This exploration into decadence had given Cameron some startling realizations about his own self. There were definitely conversations that needed to be had about these realizations, but for the first time in a long time and perhaps EVER, he felt truly happy. He felt in control and he felt like he had finally figured out WHO he was, and had made peace in that. Stronger than ever, he was ready to fully return to his life, and there was really only one thing left to think about. The Parthenon. His baby. The reason he had come to New York City in the first place. The one business or property that still stood amidst the chaos and the loss of so much by others.

Changing into business casual attire and before sitting down at his desk, he mixed himself a classic "Dirty Martini" with two Olives, and sat down, looking at the clock before laughing to himself.

"Two minutes late. I can't wait to see how tightly wound she'll be at my tardiness."

Cameron pressed a few buttons to fire up his computer and set up a Video Phone Conference. With what he wanted to get done, if he couldn't be in LA (and he really didn't want to anyway), this would be the next best thing. With a beep, Morgan and Blaze's faces popped up on the screen.

"Blaze, Morgan. And I am sensing...Nicolas? Nice to see all of you. I hope you all have your post work cocktails in hand.."

 

[Rampage]

"Blaze, Morgan. And I am sensing...Nicolas? Nice to see all of you. I hope you all have your post work cocktails in hand.."

Nic raised his glass for a second and replied.

Yeah we do Cam. And with your TARDINESS I had to refresh my glass. don't you know we are very important people who CANNOT POSSIBLY be left waiting?

As he spoke Nicolas' voice morphed into a old grumpy British accent, done spot-on. He finished his deadpan joke and relaxed, waiting to hear what the young entrepreneur had to say. He already had made enough money betting on Cameron and so this call was, for him, purely pleasure.

 

[Firebird]

Spectra

Blaze had popped up out of her seat and was at the bar happily making her 3RD apple jack

Nicolas was sweet on Morg, he always had been and though Morgan was guarded, Blaze didn't need to be an empath to know she felt most comfortable with Nicolas, as far as men go. As along as he treated her well, that was all Blaze needed to know. Otherwise, as she had once told him, she'd melt his hot chocolate ass down to the ground faster than an ice cube in hell! :fdevil:

Licking her lips with anticipation as she refreshed her drink, she looked up and over to Nicolas as he asked about tonight. Her apple green eyes sparkled with excitement.

Need you ask? We're going to After-Dark! Where else do the glamorous, powerful people go? And what always happens after we leave? We arrive back at Melrose Place and Morgan falls out of the limo onto the side walk!


Before anything else could be said, Cameron King comes online and in full view.

WELL, WELL!

The fire elemental loudly interrupts Nicolas and Cameron on purpose as Morgan once again takes a faux haughty posture, tossing her hair and examining her manicured nails, loudly yawning at Cameron's greeting.

I guess there are SOME things you CAN'T do on your back or on your knees! How nice of you to finally join us!


Blaze's exaggerated tone of voice causes Morgan to snicker as she tries to keep a straight face. The fire elemental returns to her seat and grabs her IPAD, preparing to take minutes of this meeting.

 

[Rampage]

Delilah's Apartment, Melrose Place

As the ladies talked, the doorbell rang.

After Sharon opened the door, there stood a well-dressed pair of workmen. The taller and slightly older one began to speak.

Hello ma'am, we have your nursery furniture, dressings, linens, window treatments, diaper genie and 100 refills. We also have a complete set of 24 bottles of various sizes with a full suite of appropriately sized nipples, a pump, a mini refrigerator for the child's items, a bottle warmer, a lifetime diaper service agreement (disposable or cloth reusable), an all-in-one stroller/car seat, a 24-hour certified on-call nanny service agreement and an open line of credit for anything that has been omitted that you might desire or require for your child. Additionally, the truck has everything in three different themes in your favorite color, all courtesy of Mr. Nicolas King. If you could just sign here we will place everything according to your wishes Ms. Trelevan.

 

[Spellbinder]

Spectra

<< as a chime sounded off and her viewing screen screen across the room turned on to reveal Cameron. Nicolas greeted him with a raised glass while Morgan yawned LOUDLY and then began to primp in her MAC compact w/ a haughty air about herself.>>

<< Blaze ribbed him suitably and Morgan snickered as she snapped her compact shut and turned in her chair.>>

Oh yes.

<< She said rather flatly as she looked at the viewing screen.>>

Hello to you to you too, Cameron.

<< after a few moments, her less than excited facial expression softened into a smile.>>

It's nice to see you again...

<< Blaze seems to know what's coming next as she smiles at Nicolas>>

FINALLY!

<< Morgan bellows as she flails one of her arms about dramtically indicating how she hates to be kept waiting. After that, Morgan returned to her normal state and smiled again. >>

Now that we have you, what can we do for you?

<< It was disappointing, but interesting to Morgan that Cameron had not come to Melrose Place to live. He also turned down Alison's offer to stay at Minerva's Mansion. He had done the right thing in at least letting everyone know he was alive and well and the first view of him DID seem show noticeable changes. He was more calm and collective. There was a cleverness about him that wasnt there before. He seemed more seasoned and polished, but still had that wild, naughty way about him. He LOOKED good too! She was happy to see him so strong and self assured, happy that ALISON was no longer suffering from guilt or worry about his many traumas and periods of missing or being presumed dead. >>

<< But no matter HOW he'd change, he must have FORGOTTEN That Morgan doesnt like to be kepet waiting...for ANYONE! Yes, there were Diva traits that never went away!>>

 

[Silver Swan]

Melrose Place Apt 1

[ Delilah cooperated and continued, fussing a bit more. Sharon found some amusement in it all, remembering how SHE was during her pregnancy. It couldn't be stressed enough, how wonderful it was that Sharon had FINALLY come to reconcile herself between her past and her present and now looking toward an uncertain but wide future.]

[ She and Nicolas had reconnected as well and he didn't mind telling her that he still saw her as a sort of surrogate mother, reminding her of the happiness Gustav had brought her and she him, along with a young Nicolas. ]

[ Even as she thought about her own pregnancy and then the young Nicolas, she heard foot steps even before the workmen arrived to the door.]

Someone's coming...

[ She stood up and made her way to the door just as the doorbell rang. She already knew, from her sonic hearing, who these men were and why they were here, so no need to be harsh or suspicious. She opens the door and lets them in]

We were finished for this evening anyway...

[ She says as she helps Delilah up, careful not to pull her up too quickly or hard with her super strength but making sure Delilah didnt have to exert herself too much. The workmen inform Delilah of a LARGE special delivery.]

[Sharon can't help but exhale and laugh a bit at the same time]

Robert didn't even do anything quite like this for me when I was carrying Kyle. But then again, I probably wouldn't have let him. I was so bent on letting him know that I didn't marry him for his money.

[ Sharon looked on as the men brought things in and had Delilah sign forms. She DID wonder how wise it was to enlist a nanny service, no matter how quality, for a baby that might be a mutant, in a complex full of other mutants , metahumans and even a VAMPIRE]

[ At that moment, Sharon thoght of Cass, MP's newest resident and most recent FRIEND to Sharon]

Delilah, everything [i've listened to for you and the baby] checks out acceptable to my parameters and physically your body is in great shape thanks to the exercises I've been leading you through. If there's nothing else you need, I'm going to go pay Cass a visit.

If you need help, just say the word and I'll be here quickly.

[ She said as she continued to watch the two men bring in the last of the few things]

And DON'T try to unpack or arrange the large items her yourself. Let Morgan or someone else assist you. I mean it!

[ She ordered.]

You did very well this evening, and you're taking good care of yourself. I'll see you tommorow.

[ Giving Delilah's hand a squeeze, the mutate departs apartment 1 of MP and makes her way up the stairs to knock at the Cass' door.]

 

[Ruby]

Melrose Place - Apt. 6

:: Cass was sipping her tea while idly flipping through the new Victoria Secret catalogue on the couch when she heard a knock at the door. She rose from her spot and went to open the door. ::

"Hey Sharon! Come on in. Did the exercise routine go okay?"

:: Not that she particularly cared how Delilah did, but Sharon was somewhat friendly with the girl so she decided to be polite and ask. No use in stirring up trouble when things seemed to be relatively smooth at the moment. ::

 

[Prophet]

Parthenon Hotel - New York City - Top Floor Penthouse Suite B

Cameron slightly rolled his eyes at Morgan and Blaze but was actually very amused at their interactions with each other. Firebird definitely seemed a little more suited to Morgan than Foxfire did. Not that the two didn't have an incredibly deep bond, but at the very least on a superficial level, they were both on the same wavelength, so to speak.

"I apologize for my tardiness as I know you hate to be kept waiting Morgan. Though come on, would I still be me if I didn't mess with you just a little bit?"

He took a moment to glance down at some notes he was taking earlier to try and gather his thoughts, and after a quick shuffle, he cleared his throat and began.

"Well, I'm glad you asked, and i'll try to be as direct and to the point as possible. I know that After-Dark awaits you." *winking*

"I know there was some confusion as to why I decided to return to New York City instead of Melrose Place or even with my sister. And while i'd rather not get into the details of all that on a business call, I will tell you that I have been up to quite a lot in the business world."

Clicking a few buttons on his keyboard, infographics and other documents and media pieces about "The Zenith Group" began to show on the screen in the bottom left hand corner as these were also sent to Blaze's laptop.

"The culmination of this work has resulted in The Zenith Group. A multi-faceted international investment firm, specializing in mergers, acquisitions and real estate. Through extreme social networking, as well as some timely and smart investments, I have been able to rebuild the fortune that I had and exceed it...beyond my wildest expectations."

News Articles began to pop up as Morgan, Blaze and Nicolas would see news headlines.

"NYSE's Golden Boy is Back!

"Cameron King: NYC's Most Eligble Bachelor!"

"Zenith Group - Breaking Records and Setting Bars!

"The success of all of this has been surprising to say the least."

The headlines dissappear from the screen and the full camera view is on Cameron once again.

"The reason i'm showing you this... outside of being very proud of what i've accomplished since returning to the City is to show you that I have returned to... LIFE. In every sense of the word, and that i'm ready to take on more responsibility, both professionally and personally..."

An image of The Parthenon Hotel pops up on the screen, though this is not the exact hotel that Blaze, Nicolas and Morgan would remember. This seems IMPROVED. Bigger and Better.

"The reason I ever stepped foot in New York City besides fate was this hotel chain. The Parthenon is my baby. I was involved in every step of it's initial reconstruction; from choosing the contractors to the thread count of the sheets. It's my passion. The chain itself exists globally... in Milan, Paris and Tokyo, and because of extenuating circumstances as you know...ground was never broken on the other locations. This is something that has always really bothered me, as i've always prided myself on being able to complete business projects with speed, tenacity and passion. So... in conclusion, Morgan.."

The image of the CGI Parthenon Revamp fade from the screen.

"I'd like to buy back the chain from you. Cash transaction. Same day. If you'd like to stay on in some compacity, that is absolutely doable..but that's my offer."

 

[Silver Swan]

MP- apt 6

:: Cass was sipping her tea while idly flipping through the new Victoria Secret catalogue on the couch when she heard a knock at the door. She rose from her spot and went to open the door. ::

"Hey Sharon! Come on in. Did the exercise routine go okay?"

:: Not that she particularly cared how Delilah did, but Sharon was somewhat friendly with the girl so she decided to be polite and ask. No use in stirring up trouble when things seemed to be relatively smooth at the moment. ::

[ Silver Swan looked down at the young girl for a moment. ]

Thank you.


[She entered apartment 6 and looked around before fixing her silver eyes back on Cass. It was very curious, the internal rhythms that a DEAD body that was reanimated makes. The idea of vampires repulsed Morgan, for deeply personal reasons and Sharon understood the pain and mistrust in more ways than. BUT at this point in her life, she also understood the need for a life AFTER the pain and bitterness.]

You're looking better, more settled now. That's a good thing.

[ Cass ALSO needed understanding and a chance to live in THIS world. Sharon had empathy for her as well. Living "life after life", out living your family, becoming something completely different than what you were naturally born as. She understood all of that about Cass. The girl was stand-offish, and understandibly so. Vampires tended to be secretive and discreet anyway, and in Melrose Place, she had to tread rather lightly around Morgan and some others, but she had support from others here and Sharon as well.]

It's not easy, living in a place like this. Even if it is filled with people who are something OTHER than..."only human." I tried it...but I wasn't ready. And even now, I wouldn't live here on a permanent basis. I need a more...solitary dwelling.

[ She seats herself, still looking upon Cass rather curiously. Sharon could HEAR anything, even the internal workings of a body. Among other things, this afforded Sharon the ability to tell if someone was LYING or not. But not all vampires were known for being treachorous. Cass had prooven that thus far.]

Delilah is well. She continues to cooperate and following my directions, which makes it easier and better for her.

[ Sharon knew enough to know Cass wasn't TERRIBLY concerned about Delilah, but her at least ASKING showed a step in the direction direction.]

How are you feeling? As I said, you certainly look more settled here than when last I saw you.

 

[Spellbinder]

Spectra

<< Morgan leaned back in her chair, fixing her violet eyes on the image of Cameron across the room on the large view screen. She crossed her long, flawless legs at the knee and listened, while Blaze motioned for Nicolas to scoot his chair over so she could share with him the images and info Cameron had sent to her device.>>

<< Morgan nodded at various moments, impressed and HAPPY for Cameron that he'd finally found himself and his way! He sounded so confident and REFINED as a business man. It wasn't all JUST telepathic domination of unsuspecting minds like he'd done before...though some high-end telepaths like MALICE would suggest that that's merely a "business tactic" itself. >>

Blaze: << whispering to Nicolas>> "yeah I bet he's "BACK" alright...& BEDDING every nubile boy & girl in town!"

<< Morgan snickered as she overheard this response to one of the headlines. Blaze meant no harm. She LIKED Cameron in this timeline, he was interesting and had managed to live alot longer than the Cameron in HER timeline. He was amusing as well. his FIRST interaction with FIREBIRD and her obvious physical and mental advantages over Foxfire prompted him to make a pass at her, which she promptly shut down because well...she was the "L" in LGBT and Cameron unabashedly put the "B" in LGBT.>>

<< The Parthenon hotel appears. First as the way it was and had been up till now, and THEN as a much sleeker, BIGGER, encompassing place. Morgan's violet eyes widened a bit.>>

<< The Parthenon had become something of an emotional comfort for ALL of THe Six in the aftermath of the destruction of Illustra, their exile to the Isle of Aerie and everything since. It was one of the few assets that had stayed in the hands of someone who was in or connected to the Six. They'd all spent time there as guests or temporary residents at some point and most recently, Nicolas' aunt- Dominique Deveraux had taken up long term residence there and become the popular, attention grabbing, house headliner at the Parthenon's night club. THAT alone was an indication that the curious TRUCE between the Six and the Sisterhood was still in effect. >>

<< Yes, the Parthenon held a special place in the collective heart of the Six family. Currently it was in Alison's position, but she returned operating control back to Morgan. Cameron had obviously done his homework before approaching her about this, but the choreographed presentation, the formality of it and his subsequent OFFER to purchase the property and chain...it felt like Morgan was talking to a STRANGER rather than a fellow founding member of the Six and [though she dare not say it TOO often ] a FRIEND.>>

<< Blaze and Nicolas had their reactions as well as Morgan finally broke her silence.>>

Well, Cameron I must say that youare definitely moving forward with the wind at your back. I'm HAPPY for you and I know Alison is too. You've come so far...and you look good enough for me to ALMOST CONSIDER signing you to the House of Spectra model family

<< She said that LAST part with a bit of a bitchy tone, Blaze giggled. She couldn't let Cameron get TOO big for his britches >>

But really, dear, there's no need for all of this. If you want the Parthenon back, I'll GIVE it to you. It was yours to begin with and when we thought you were dead, Alycia executed your will, which is how it passed from me to Alison and then back to me.