Marauders #3: Loose Ends

[Domino]

South Africa - Tartarus Facility

Viper's violent display was beautiful, but it was also sad. After watching Amanda all but throttle a surprisingly calm Talisman, Jessica began to have a temper tantrum the likes of which she was famous for.

Viper: "IT'S MY TURN NOW! DESTROY EVERYTHING!"

:: Viper commanded, as the larger bio hazards turned toward various areas of the command center of the Tartarus Facility, and began to lay utter waste and destruction, using their physical strength, aggression and other powers, they EAGERLY obeyed Viper's COMMAND. the biohazards SMASHED computers, machines, files, all manner of devices; the destroyed stasis tubes, incubators, and other structures, as well as killing/crushing creations & creatures in the facility::

:: Viper freed hersrelf from Domino's grasp::

LET ME AT HER!

:: Viper ZOOMED right up to where Talisman's form had been held, as her vine whip SNAPPED and CRACKED once more, wrapping around Viper and ensnaring her. Viper was now right in front of her, and had taken hold her::

YOU! HOW I DETEST YOU! You were ALWAYS jealous of me because I was the TRUE QUEEN of Mystech. I was BETTER than you, in EVERY way, and NOW I'll PROVE IT, as I DESTROY YOU!

Her words hit Domino with a personal relevance she wished didn't exist inside of herself. The anger that she used to feel about her father, but how she also felt so...almost proud to be his daughter. Jean Luc Dupont had taken hold of The Inner Circle, to be his daughter, the daughter of a legacy family. Despite her hatred of him, his abuse extended into warping her into believing that she had a reputation to uphold. That she was better than the people around her. For so long she was programmed to kill. Daddy's perfect assassin. It wasn't until she rolled his head down the aisle of the Inner Circle's chambers and installed Evelyn as Queen that she even started to process the trauma around her. Jessica would never be able to get TRUE revenge for what happened to her. Like she had...

Hellfire London - A Few Years Ago...

"In honor of those who will perish so that I may rise from ashes..."

:: Maxine had completed her transformation. She had returned to The Hellfire State as the prodigal daughter, as a woman with a chip on her shoulder and an ungodly rage at the things that had been done to her, of the things out of her control. She was Hellfire's daughter, and tonight she would bury the remains of who she was under the bones and flesh of those who made her. Tonight she would be reborn not as Jean Luc Dupont's daughter, and Evelyn Pierce's Black Knight, but as MAXINE DUPONT. The time had come. ::

:: She headed towards the door, grabbing an incredibly ornate and giant two handed long sword, lifting it's weight as if it were a feather as she exited Evelyn Pierce's suite and made her way through the hall of the estate and down the main staircase, passing through the foyer, on her way to the Banquet Hall, her sword scraping ever so gently against the floor as she went, her long train flowing behind her. Tonight, members of The Supreme Council had gathered to being the process of choosing Evelyn's successor. These were not the Kings and Queens of the courts, but the members who had served so long that they felt their time warranted incredible power. Maxine stopped at the double doors of the banquet hall as she heard the chatter of people talking as well as the clanging of silverware and glasses. They seemed to be enjoying a joyous gathering amongst friends. She closed her eyes and inhaled sharply. As she exhaled, she cleansed herself of her past as she pressed a button next to the door. The Banquet Hall was silenced as the sounds of aggressive and wild punk music began to play LOUDLY throughout the hall. A smile creeped up in The Black Knight's lips as she slowly opened the door and entered, closing it behind her. ::

:: For the next several minutes, the screams and agonizing cries of the members of The Supreme Council were drowned out by the music selection of the evening. Maxine worked quickly and elegantly, as if she were a prima ballerina performing for a crowd of thousands. With brutal accuracy and strength, she sliced into their bodies, she broke their bones and she ended their lives. She spared only ONE life, the life of Cordelia Shaw, The Black Princess' grandmother, in a gesture of good faith, should her comrades of the revolution decide that Brienne Shaw rule The Black Court alongside Archer. She also left Cordelia alive so that SOMEBODY would be there to remember her brilliant ferocity. Her beautiful carnage. Somebody must tell the tale of Maxine's transformation. ::

:: After the purging had been completed, Maxine appeared in the doorway of The Banquet Hall once more, her body and dress dripping with the blood of the members of The Supreme Council. Her chest heaved up and down wildly as she stood there, lingering for a moment...a single tear falling from her face. Even with such cathartic release, Maxine would not allow herself to fall apart. There was still another battle to be fought. Her hand mindlessly hit the button next to the door a second time as the music stopped. There were no words, no lingering breaths from the bodies in The Banquet Hall, she had obliterated their bodies to a degree that would not allow it. ::

:: She dropped her sword, collapsing to the ground for a moment. Lost in her thoughts, energized by the blood she had spilled. No longer would The Hellfire Club be by bound the foolish rules and opinions of men and women who had long outserved their use. Tonight, Maxine had thrown the gauntlet down and her move meant that no longer was ANYBODY on ANY court safe. There was no more ORDER for The Hellfire Club, and only those strong enough and smart enough to survive would be the ones to rebuild from the ashes. Though the moment was big for her, the last leg of this race was just beginning and there was surely more battle to fight. Picking herself up from the ground, she grabbed her sword, and began to walk down the hall and onto her next location a changed a decidedly different woman. ::

Viper: "She's BARELY conscious NOW! Perhaps she's not as HEARTY as she played at being when she was at the Hellfire Mansion with auntie Diana. No matter...I don't TOLERATE ANYONE trying to upstage ME!"

"Jesus...auntie Diana..."

Domino herself knew what it was like to be a ghost in the living world, but the only history Jessica had was history that had been told to her, for specific reasons. It was why she was so careful with her words earlier. She could have blamed Talisman and watched Jessica rip her spine out with ease and be done with it. But there was still something about this encounter that didn't make sense to her. It would have been easy to bury Jessica somewhere and completely forget her, and in fact, it was probably SAFER for the world that she did. Talisman was a nutjob, but she wasn't stupid. She wanted to work....

:: Viper would most ASSUREDLY RESTORE Alice. But right NOW? She was seeing RED, and Domino could count the SECONDS until she would UNLEASH her wrath::

I'll DESTROY EVERYTHING IN HERE!

:: She marched right over to the "Mother Brain" of the Tartarus Facility, and stood before the control panel. This mother brain was the SEAT of the energy that powered the entire facility and its various functions from top to BELOW ground, it was a testimony to Talisman's unique ability to bring synergy between magick and technology.::

::There was NO NEED to be orderly or methodical about this. Viper wanted CHAOS AND DESTRUCTION!::

:: Another swing, SNAP and CRACK of her vine whip heralds the thunderous release of another stream of her VENOM BLAST as she DESTROYS the control panel of the mother brain, now with the outer structure damaged and ruptured opened, Viper PLUNGES her hands INTO the opening::

:: Her raven black hair begins to flow upward as her emerald green energy power signature sparks and shimmers around her feminine form::

I AM THE QUEEN!

NO ONE UPSTAGES ME!

SAY GOODBYE, TALISMAN!

<< KRAKOW!>>

<< Viper unleashes a BALLISTIC, EXPANDING VENOM BLAST and CONTINUES to pour her POWER into the MOTHER BRAIN, setting off a SPECTCULAR, and TERRIFYING CASCADE EFFECT as STREAMS of her power signature can be seen flowing and JETTING through various parts of the massive structure and ALL THROUGH the walls, the floors, the CEILING, EVERYWERE!>>

God, it was beautiful. It cemented to her the reason they drew truce with each other. They had seen depths in the other's souls that nobody else in this world was privy to, one of those similarities was their "art" of destruction. However...as Domino peered at what remaining screens she had seen in the area something became eerily clear to her.

"This...is Mystech tech. Mystech PROJECTS..."

While Mystech was not high on the priority of The Inner Circle, in fact, it was really only surviving as somewhat of a money fail safe. They could always offload the real estate, the tech, the experiments quickly if they needed something. There were several strongholds around the world, and it made sense all of a sudden to Domino why they had been brought here.

"Kelly wanted this...she's wanting to cripple Mystech..."

It made sense. Hellfire America was scattered. Who knew what was going to happen in the days to come. Kelly knew that Maxine would come for Jessica, and she also knew that when Jessica woke up? She would rampage. Was Kelly actually trying to make some kind of convaluted peace offering under cloak and dagger? This hub was FAR more extensive than any MysTech facility Maxine was aware of in her time in America, and she knew that Kelly would never make a base in somewhere this "reachable". But she wasn't able to vocalize these thoughts because....

<< It was as if Viper had set off some sort of BOMB EFFECT/LIGHTNING STORM as jagged bolts of her venom blast began shooting out in ALL directions, ZAPPING AND INCINERATING any flying drones and black jackets, army eyes or other objects....and the physical "HOUSE" of the mother brain began to CRACK and EXPLODE as the "BRAIN" itself began to vibrate and pulsate, GLOWING from Viper's power signature! >>

<< Domino and the Marauders watched, as Viper conducted a symphony of DESTRUCTION. They could HEAR Viper LAUGHING with wild, child like glee as she brought about the destruction of EVERYTHING inside of this facility, and now the very building itself was beginning to quake and crumble!>>

<< The bio hazards, that had STARTED this DEMOLITION party, ALL began to EXPLODE as Viper no longer had need of them, and she herself carried out the FINAL ACT of destruction>>

NEVER cross me AGAIN, TALISMAN!

NEVER put your FILTHY POSER HANDS on my SUPERIOR BODY AGAIN!

NEVER FORGET THAT I am James Marcus' DAUGHTER, the ULTIMATE manifestation of ALL his hopes and dreams, ALL BEYOND your ONE NOTE, PEDESTRIAN BRAIN!

We're OUT OF HERE!

<< The witch snatches up Domino and the rest of the team, teleporting them OUT of Tartarus, and SAFELY BEYOND the reach of the impending BLAST radius, but surrounding them in a pentagram of protection JUST to be sure!>>

"NO!"

They appeared outside of the line of fire, to which Domino found herself IMMEDIATELY heading back into the fray of things.

"Dammit! She's too mad! I don't want her to KILL herself, Amanda! She JUST woke up!"

<<and with that, Viper throws her head back and POURS one last BLAST into her already never ending STREAM of power, now OVERLOADING the Mother bain and causing it, and the BUILDING, from the top to it's SUB BASEMENT levels, ALL to EXPLODE!>>

<< The explosion was SPECTACULAR. Michael Bay would be PROUD>>

Domino fought through the reveberating sonic impact of the attack thanks to her invulnerability as she pressed forward, albeit at a much slower pace, debris flying all around her on flames, doing her best to narrowly avoid it.

"Why didn't I try to stop her? COULD I have stopped her? Come on Jess...please..."

And then...

<< And as the Marauders watched the complete DESTRUCTION of Tartarus, moments seemed to drag on forever. But soon, Domino would spot a feminine form emerging from the wild flames that engulfed the facility and CRATER that was created by the explosion. Viper slowly emerged, with her vine whip in hand. As she neared the Marauders...>>

"She'll NEVER mess with me AGAIN!"

<< Her voice was now "normal", complete with it's haunting resonance, as she stood before Domino and the others, Alive and whole. >>

Maxine bridged the gap between them quickly, embracing Jessica in a TIGHT hug without asking her.

"I'll say one thing about you, babe. You always make one HELL of a first impression..."

She didn't want to jinx in so she retreated from the hug and nodded to Jessica to follow her back over towards the group. Soon they were all face to face yet again, The Marauders, they had survived their encounter thanks to Amanda, but they in tact none the less.

"Is everyone okay?"

Jun: "Yeah, Amanda's restoratives magicks kind of feel like doing a bump of coke! I like it!"

Daniel: "Oh Jesus bloody Christ, Jun. Remind me to show what cocaine actually feels like when this is all over."

Simon: "I don't know, she's kinda right, Reed. Feels all tingly and I suddenly feel like I could write a screenplay! So...you're Jessica!"

Simon walked right over to the woman and extended a hand.

Simon: "Your reputation precedes you. Really awesome explosion back there. Honor to meet you, I'm Simon. Some would say I'm Maxine's best friends, but I'm probably her ONLY friend, so it's not that competitive of a list..."

Maxine whacked him in the back of the head, with a fraction of her strength as a good warning measure.

"That's an easy way to lose an arm, Pratt...We shouldn't waste anymore time here. If we are all in a good spot, we should have Amanda teleport us all back to the boat..."

she turned to face Jessica once again, never not amazed by how beautiful her eyes were.

"Anywhere you want to go, Jess...My treat. When's the last time you had a vacation?"

 

[Viper]

South Africa - Tartarus Facility

:: Jessica stands tall, as she turns back to watch the final stages of the explosion she caused. Tartarus was beyond destroyed. Nothing was left, except the creature around the explosion, some debris, ashes, and a general sense that everything that was housed here, had been completely destroyed, just what Jessica wanted!::

:: It didn't matter to her if it was Talisman, or anyone else...NO ONE stood in her way. NO ONE came BEFORE her. SHE was the Queen of Mystech's legacy. She had ALL the knowledge, the technical expertise, of her father, Dr. James Marcus, not to mention HER OWN genius intellect, the scientific achievements she personally oversaw, including her creation of the T-Veronica virus, and now, no one, not even Auntie Diana, was around to try to impose their will, or GET IN HER WAY!::

::In this moment, she actually allowed herself to slowly....EXHALE, as her raven black hair flowed in the gusty winds::

Daddy said NEVER let them take it away from me, BURN IT ALL DOWN before i let that happen, and I did! Daddy would be so proud of me!

:: She quietly said, and in this moment, she actually felt a sense of...COMFORT::

Maxine bridged the gap between them quickly, embracing Jessica in a TIGHT hug without asking her.

"I'll say one thing about you, babe. You always make one HELL of a first impression..."

:: Maxine HUGGED Jessica. Jessica was not accustomed to physical displays of AFFECTION, although her father never physically abused her, and he'd always doted on her, once she began to ascend to prominence in MysTech, and her powers began growing at a geometric rate, she just considered herself ABOVE nearly everyone around her, and thus, felt no NEED to interact with them on a personal level, but time and time again, AFTER their first violent encounter, Domino would display this...friendly...even SISTERLY affection toward her. Jessica tolerated it, but on a deeper level, it WAS therapeutic. Domino may, or may not have known it, but throughout her time with Jessica, she was actually serving as a sort of ANCHOR to the humanity Jessica thought she no longer needed.::

She didn't want to jinx in so she retreated from the hug

What Auntie Diana saw in THAT creature I'll never know.

She killed Alice. She put her common hands on me.

:: She continued, with that haunting resonance in her voice::

She MOVED me against my will.

She thought I would be HER pawn!?

I think not.

I'm tired of people INTERRUPTING me, Maxine. NO MORE.

:: Jessica knew Maxine would understand what she meant.::

She nodded to Jessica to follow her back over towards the group.

"Is everyone okay?"

Jun: "Yeah, Amanda's restoratives magicks kind of feel like doing a bump of coke! I like it!"

Daniel: "Oh Jesus bloody Christ, Jun. Remind me to show what cocaine actually feels like when this is all over."

Simon: "I don't know, she's kinda right, Reed. Feels all tingly and I suddenly feel like I could write a screenplay!

:: Jessica looked at them all, including Amanda and Beto. They weren't flatscans, thank heaven for that. And some of them, particularly Jun and Simon, were actually a source of curiosity to her!::

:: The pretty blonde male came right up to her::

"So...you're Jessica!"

Simon walked right over to the woman and extended a hand.

Simon: "Your reputation precedes you. Really awesome explosion back there. Honor to meet you, I'm Simon. Some would say I'm Maxine's best friends, but I'm probably her ONLY friend, so it's not that competitive of a list..."

:: Jessica extended her manicured hand to Simon, and allowed him to hold her hand for a moment, as she eyed him with curiosity, and after a few seconds, a small, ever so slight smile formed on her face, before she licked her ruby red, glossed lips, like she was eyeing a delightful snack::

Charmed, i'm sure.

Isn't he....interesting! I might enjoy PLAYING with him!

:: Although "playtime" with Jessica USUALLY meant injury, and ultimately DEATH, for her would-be playmates, the urge to treat him the way a female preying mantis treats her males was not at the forefront of Jessica's mind, this time. She actually saw him as a HUMAN BEING, and an attractive one at that. She would definitely be....investigating him further. ::

Maxine whacked him in the back of the head, with a fraction of her strength as a good warning measure.

"That's an easy way to lose an arm, Pratt...We shouldn't waste anymore time here. If we are all in a good spot, we should have Amanda teleport us all back to the boat..."

she turned to face Jessica once again, never not amazed by how beautiful her eyes were.

"Anywhere you want to go, Jess...My treat. When's the last time you had a vacation?"

:: these....people she was with now, none of them were trying to get at her, trying to one up her, or trying to "put her in her place" (an exercise in futility, to be sure!) ....how FORTUNATE FOR ALL OF THEM! She looked among them as they related to one another.::

:: Talisman was gone, though Viper was was sure she wasn't quite dead, there simply wasn't TIME to further investigate WHY Talisman had suddenly lost consciousness during the battle. it COULD have been because of the punishment that Amanda Sefton had dished out to her, but something told Jessica there was more to it than that. No matter, Talisman was no longer in HER way!::

:: Jessica's emerald green eyes fixed on Domino again, this was the calmest Domino had seen her in quite some time::

I want ....to go HOME, to SHEENA ISLAND, Maxine.

:: Most of the others would not know about Sheena Island. Domino had been there before, as Lord Ravena's passenger/guest. It was where she first met Malice. But not even Domino had seen ALL of Sheena Island during her visit there. Sheena Island was undetectable by any man made device, it was an ULTRA secret and exclusive stronghold from the era MysTech that ONLY the most high level of the ELITE families had access to, and most of all, for Jessica, it contained an exact replica of the Arklay Mansion, when it was at it's FULL operation and glory. For Jessica, the Arklay Mansion was the cradle of her existence. The original Arklay Mansion was where her life began, it was where her strongest memories and associations were, and even though her father was gone, his love of his daughter, who was his pride and joy, it carried on in Jessica, like a BEACON in the thickest fog, guiding her back to where she knew she needed to be.::

Take me home.

:: She said with unwavering certainty::

There is some...UNFINISHED BUSINESS that I have, and it starts THERE.

I'll program the coordinates and course into your ship's navigational control.

And once I'm there, you must LEAVE, Domino. It will not be safe for you, and you'll want to continue your endeavors UNIMPEDED.

:: Domino attempted to protest, but Jessica held up for hand for silence::

This is how it MUST be, Maxine, for BOTH our sakes. I have...DEEPLY personal, UNFINISHED BUSINESS to attend to, and I will do so, ALONE.

:: She continued to look into Maxine's piercing blue eyes. ::

You had your journey to walk, and now, I must walk mine. We'll see each other again soon enough.

:: Jessica said with assurance, beside, the journey from South Africa to Sheena Island would take SEVERAL days. They'd have time to interact on the Marauder::

:: For now, Jessica brings forth her hand, and in the palm of it, there is...::

Take this...and keep it among your protected items.

It is a green ghost phantom quartz, One of my EARLIEST successes in the field of gemology.

I have programmed it to recognize and accept your unique dna sequence, and it allow YOU to be able to find me, AND it will protect you from the defenses and safeguards I have set up in my domain. If someone else takes possession of it, it becomes a viral BOMB that will destroy them.

Now let us go. I am...ANXIOUS to return home.

<< A lingering view on Jessica Marcus' mysterious emerald green eyes.>>

<<Jessica Marcus, the genetic prodigy known as Viper, was now fully back and among the world, a world SHE believed belonged to HER, and unlike many others who might think the same thing, Viper had the gifts and the POWER to make that a reality, and Domino know that. But in order for Jessica Marcus to move forward, she needed to address certain aspects of her past, and that included turning her attention toward those who she felt were MOST deserving of her WRATH. No matter where she would go, the past would NOT be forgotten, and she would NOT rest until those who originally stood in her way were properly PUNISHED for her transgressions against her!>>

 

[Magik]

The Marauder- out to sea

They appeared outside of the line of fire, to which Domino found herself IMMEDIATELY heading back into the fray of things.

"Dammit! She's too mad! I don't want her to KILL herself, Amanda! She JUST woke up!"

There was no time! The radioactive energy and toxic fumes being released by the chain reaction would have killed more than one member of the group SOONER rather than later!

<< Amanda watched as Domino was rushing BACK to ground zero. Even from where they were now, safely out of range, they could still FEEL the heat and immense energy from the explosion and raging fire, they could feel the ground quaking beneath their feet. For Domino to be rushing BACK toward ground zero was the next best thing to suicide, even if she WERE partially invulnerable! >>

<< she started to bind Domino in mystic chains, for her own good, but Beto stayed her hand, pointing out that the woman was responsible for her own choices and her life, and she would NOT be at all pleased if Amanda barred her way.>>

<< So the sorceress relented. >>

<< To Amanda's relief, Domino's prayers were answered as a form emerged from the fiery inferno.>>

<< And as the Marauders watched the complete DESTRUCTION of Tartarus, moments seemed to drag on forever. But soon, Domino would spot a feminine form emerging from the wild flames that engulfed the facility and CRATER that was created by the explosion. Viper slowly emerged, with her vine whip in hand. As she neared the Marauders...>>

She'll NEVER mess with me AGAIN!

<< Her voice was now "normal", complete with its haunting resonance, as she stood before Domino and the others, Alive and whole>>

<< Amanda exhaled with relief. The woman they'd came for was alive and seemed quite satisfied with the destruction she caused. Indeed, it WAS quite impressive. She was every bit as powerful as Domino had described! as Domino rushed to meet her friend, Amanda used her magicks to restore, and/or stabilize her comrades. They'd just escaped a TERRIFYING ordeal that had left them all shaken and they'd all expended quite a bit of energy. No doubt the adrenaline was wearing off and the discomfort and fatigue were setting until, Amanda reversed that with her restorative magicks >>

Maxine bridged the gap between them quickly, embracing Jessica in a TIGHT hug without asking her.

"I'll say one thing about you, babe. You always make one HELL of a first impression..."

She didn't want to jinx in so she retreated from the hug and nodded to Jessica to follow her back over towards the group. Soon they were all face to face yet again, The Marauders, they had survived their encounter thanks to Amanda, but they in tact none the less.

"Is everyone okay?"

Jun: "Yeah, Amanda's restoratives magicks kind of feel like doing a bump of coke! I like it!"

Daniel: "Oh Jesus bloody Christ, Jun. Remind me to show what cocaine actually feels like when this is all over."

Simon: "I don't know, she's kinda right, Reed. Feels all tingly and I suddenly feel like I could write a screenplay!

<< Amanda tilted her head, and smiled slightly.>>

<< As Simon went to introduce himself to Jessica Marcus, he made a joke at Domino's expense.>>

Maxine whacked him in the back of the head, with a fraction of her strength as a good warning measure.

"That's an easy way to lose an arm, Pratt...

Simon, NO ONE tests the limits quite like YOU.

<< Amanda shook her head laughed heartily, and a mystic chime unique to Amanda sounds off, as she FINALLY ended her disguise spell, and reverted to her typical appearance, the one that Simon, Daniel, and Domino would recognize, while for Jun, this was the SECOND "version" of Amanda she'd seen. ONLY Beto had discerned her TRUE identity of Jimaine Szardos, a secret that the two romani now shared. >>

<< This WHOLE ordeal had been set in motion because of him, but in the end, it all worked out quite well for everyone involved! Jun was FREE. Simon was SAFE. Daniel had his Red Bishop BACK. Amanda had RECLAIMED the Eye of Agamotto. Brenthon was ALSO FREE, and had found a key companion and fellow Romani in Amanda, Domino was SUCCESSFUL in rescuing Jessica Marcus, and Jessica HERSELF was LIBERATED and seemed QUITE pleased and satisfied.>>

We shouldn't waste anymore time here. If we are all in a good spot, we should have Amanda teleport us all back to the boat..."

she turned to face Jessica once again, never not amazed by how beautiful her eyes were.

"Anywhere you want to go, Jess...My treat. When's the last time you had a vacation?"

<< as Maxine and Jessica talked, Amanda lifted her hands, and a beam of glowing blue magick formed and circled around the entire ground group continuously, as Amanda once again activated her teleporting spell, and whisked them away from a scene of utter devastation, BACK to the Marauder.>>

<< The boat was already primed and ready to depart, and as Maxine asked Jessica where SHE wanted to go, Jessica replied that she simply wanted to go HOME. >>

<< Amanda herself was not aware of Sheena Island, not YET, and while it clearly sounded like a loaded request, this was not something Amanda would be involved in.>>

<< As the boat made it's way out to sea, Amanda, with Beto beside her, addressed Domino.>>

Maxine, the time has come for me to say goodbye.

I have reclaimed the Eye of Agamotto, which rightfully belongs to my family, and I avenged Bretta.

Our partnership proved to be mutually beneficial and.... << eyeing Simon>> It was nice to catch up with YOU too, rich boy << She and Simon had known each other before, in high society circles, since they were teenagers>> . You really ARE more than a pretty face after all.

<< She winked at him as a chime sounded off>>

<< back to Maxine>>

I have business to attend to, in New York, and I gather that this....Sheena Island...is in quite the OPPOSITE direction.

<< she said with a smirk>>

It'll be faster for me to travel under my own power, and Beto is going with me.

<< Amanda saw Maxine and Daniel in a different light behind working together with them in this caper, and she knew that Maxine had something good going here. Amanda could see herself being associated with this group in the future.>>

If you ever need another magickal assist, just call out my name, and I'll appear.

<< she ran her hand through her blonde hair as it was now blowing in the windy sea air.>>

Good luck to you, all of you.

<< As Amanda and Beto stand together, a beam of glowing blue magick shimmers into view and begins to circle around Amanda and her passenger.>>

Blessed be.

<< A chime sounds off, as Amanda Sefton, and her passenger, teleport away, leaving Maxine, Simon, Daniel, Jun, and Jessica on the main deck of the Marauder.>>

<< Amanda Sefton, and Beto would next be seen in NYC, the "center of everything", most likely checking into The Parthenon Hotel as they begin their next leg of THEIR journey. What happens with them? We'll have to watch and see.>>

 

[Domino]

South Africa - The Aftermath

I want ....to go HOME, SHEENA ISLAND, Maxine.

:: Most of the others would not know about Sheena Island. Domino had been there before, as Lord Ravena's passenger/guest. It was where she first met Malice. Sheena Island was undetectable by any man made device, it was an ULTRA secret and exclusive stronghold from the era MysTech that ONLY the most high level of the ELITE families had access to, and most of all, for Jessica, it contained an exact replica of the Arklay Mansion, when it was at it's FULL operation and glory. For Jessica, the Arklay Mansion was the cradle of her existence. The original Arklay Mansion was where her life began, it was where her strongest memories and associations were, and even though her father was gone, his love of his daughter, who was his pride and joy, it carried on in Jessica, like a BEACON in the thickest fog, guiding her back to where she knew she needed to be.::

Take me home.

:: She said with unwavering certainty::

There is some...UNFINISHED BUSINESS that I have, and it starts THERE.

I'll program the coordinates and course into your ship's navigational control.

And once I'm there, you must LEAVE, Domino. It will not be safe for you, and you'll want to continue your endeavors UNIMPEDED.

:: Domino attempted to protest, but Jessica held up for hand for silence::

'

It felt like she wanted to return to her old ways, but Domino made a promise to herself that she would let Jessica be and do whatever she wanted. Freedom meant just that - being free. Still, it brought her no comfort that Jessica might be returning to a place that could easily put her in stasis again.

"But--"

Jessica put her hand up to silence her.

This is how it MUST be, Maxine, for BOTH our sakes. I have...DEEPLY personal, UNFINISHED BUSINESS to attend to, and I will do so, ALONE.

:: She continued to look into Maxine's piercing blue eyes. ::

You had your journey to walk, and now, I must walk mine. We'll see each other again soon enough.

:: Jessica said with assurance, beside, the journey from South Africa to Sheena Island would take SEVERAL days. They'd have time to interact on the Marauder::

"You're right. But that place...."

For now, Jessica brings forth her hand, and in the palm of it, there is...::

Take this...and keep it among your protected items.

It is a green ghost phantom quartz, One of my EARLIEST successes in the field of gemology.

I have programmed it to recognize and accept your unique dna sequence, and it allow YOU to be able to find me, AND it will protect you from the defenses and safeguards I have set up in my domain. If someone else takes possession of it, it becomes a viral BOMB that will destroy them.

Now let us go. I am...ANXIOUS to return home.

Amanda transported them back to The Marauder, but it was very bittersweet. Maxine had put herself and others at risk to rescue Jessica. Part of her assumed something sweet might happen. That they'd go and do something fun together. Go lay on a beach with a cocktail, dance all night in a nightclub, whatever she wanted to do. But of course it couldn't be that. And while Domino understood that, she didn't like it.

The gem was beautiful and mysterious, just like Jessica's eyes and she gripped it tightly, noticing that she herself was on the verge of whatever tears might look like on Domino, but she quickly held it together, gripping the gem in her hands and sliding it into her pocket.

"If that's what you really want, Jess...then let's get you home."

She was about to make preparations when another voice responded, this time Amanda.

<< As the boat made it's way out to sea, Amanda, with Beto beside her, addressed Domino.>>

Maxine, the time has come for me to say goodbye.

I have reclaimed the Eye of Agamotto, which rightfully belongs to my family, and I avenged Bretta.

Our partnership proved to be mutually beneficial and.... << eyeing Simon>> It was nice to catch up with YOU too, rich boy << She and Simon had known each other before, in high society circles, since they were teenagers>> . You really ARE more than a pretty face after all.

<< She winked at him as a chime sounded off>>

<< back to Maxine>>

I have business to attend to, in New York, and I gather that this....Sheena Island...is in quite the OPPOSITE direction.

<< she said with a smirk>>

It'll be faster for me to travel under my own power, and Beto is going with me.

<< Amanda saw Maxine and Daniel in a different light behind working together with them in this caper, and she knew that Maxine had something good going here. Amanda could see herself being associated with this group in the future.>>

If you ever need another magickal assist, just call out my name, and I'll appear.

<< she ran her hand through her blonde hair as it was now blowing in the windy sea air.>>

"I didn't think we'd keep either of you for long, but I thought I'd have long enough to I don't know have a few drinks with dinner. But I get it. Our business together is done..."

[pausing]

"Thank you both, but specifically thank YOU, Amanda. We wouldn't have been able to get this done without you. I mean that. Rest assured, I might be calling your name sooner thank you think..."

[turning to Beto]

"And you are one hell of a fighter, Beto. It's been an honor."

[she gave him a nod of approval]

<< As Amanda and Beto stand together, a beam of glowing blue magick shimmers into view and begins to circle around Amanda and her passenger.>>

Blessed be.

<< A chime sounds off, as Amanda Sefton, and her passenger, teleport away, leaving Maxine, Simon, Daniel, Jun, and Jessica on the main deck of the Marauder.>>

<< Amanda Sefton, and Beto would next be seen in NYC, the "center of everything", most likely checking into The Parthenon Hotel as they begin their next leg of THEIR journey. What happens with them? We'll have to watch and see.>>

Maxine turned to Daniel, Jun and Simon and gave them a menacing wink.

"You three are staying with ME for now. Don't fight it - i'm stronger with you. Once we get Jessica to Sheena Island, there is more mission left for us to pursue. Alek is still missing...and I plan on finding him."

[pausing]

"Now... why don't we settle in for awhile. We are quite a ways away from Sheena Island, even with how fast The Marauder can go by land and sea. I'll show Jessica to her quarters. Let's shower and meet back in the galley for some food and drinks...and by the way, good job out there...

[hesitantly]

"And....thank you as well. None of you were required to join me on this. You all did it...just because. I don't intend on forgetting that. But ennooough bloody sentiment. Get showered. That's an order."

This was the first time Domino had ever experienced true "heroics". She'd done so much wetwork, she'd killed so many in the name of Hellfire. This was the first time she had an actually good purpose. One with personal stakes, and to know, that despite everything she had done and who she was, there were still people around her that cared enough to help her. To follow her. After showing Jessica to her incredibly large and beautiful suite, Maxine decided that a shower was the only way to see if any of these new "traits" she had developed in the last few days were going to stick. Or would they wash off with the dirt and debris? Who knew.

 

[Seer]

<< Those left on the ship were able to spend a few days together as they headed to Sheena Island, with Maxine who decided on a more scenic route to soak up as much time with Jessica as she could, though she could tell the woman was antsy to get "home". Maxine didn't know if she was bringing Jessica to some new kind of death or prison, so she was going to make sure the girl got in a bit of sun, fun and LEVITY. >>

<< During those days on the ship, many questions were posed. What was going to happen next? being the biggest one on everyone's mind. >>

<< We see a shot of Maxine and Simon hanging out in The Crow's Next, sharing some whiskey and laughing wildly with one another as Jessica Marcus eyes the control board of the ship, ever searching for knowledge and figuring out how things worked. >>

<< Simon Pratt had learned quite a bit about himself over the last several days. He realized just how goddamn naive he really was when it came to inviting new people and experiences into his life. But he was beginning to see that it was also a strength. The only way he would develop his power was to push himself. To put himself in situations that REQUIRED a bit of luck to get out of. Not only that, but he did not feel as moved to explore his family's connection to Hellfire as he did when this first began. Maxine and Daniel Reed had sat him down and explained the passing of his father at the hands of Talisman's Blackjackets. Outside he continued to be his happy go lucky self, but he was mourning a great loss. He loved his father. Always had. And now his mother was up to something on behalf of Diana. He needed to get off the grid for awhile, but he also needed support. Some kind of purpose. Before the ship set shore on Sheena Island, Simon found himself turning DOWN his appointment of Red Bishop, instead deciding to join league with Maxine on The Marauder. >>

<< That news excited Jun Zhao, who's life had become completely unwraveled the series of events. She found out she was a clone of a now dead woman who was used as a bargainning chip for Talisman to get more business traction in Madripoor. Everything she knew about herself was a lie. And then she came face to face with the woman, and she found herself relieved at her ability to keep a clear head and fight on. She wanted more answers, but also really, really didn't. The night she found out what she was, is the night she decided to be "reborn". She also thought she might not be the only one of her kind out there. After being able to break the cycle and truly understands the horrors of places like The Arena, Jun wanted to help people. But she also wanted to live on a very expensive yacht while she did it. She had beautiful memories to make, and she didn't know it yet, but she was also at the start of a very spiritual journey. It was this divinely inspired righteousness that she convinced Maxine and Simon she should stay on the boat. The three of them. The Marauders. Finding and freeing trafficked mutants and destroying those responsible. They agreed. Together, they would look for Alek, and respond to any intel regarding indentured mutants or "test subjects" and deliver justice. Jun decided that if her life had been a lie, she wanted to create new, REAL memories, and they going to be FAR loftier and ideal than her wildest daydreams. >>

<< While it was a jovial spirit on The Marauder, The Red King, Daniel Reed, couldn't help but feel a bit left out. He had wanted to join league with Maxine and Simon because he believed them to be powerful assets to have in Hellfire. But with Simon leaving his post, which would be a great embarrassment for him, both Simon and Maxine couldn't seem bothered anymore. They were still, however, looking for Alek, who Daniel viewed as one of the bigger potential "gets" for his new Red Court. If they found Alek, Daniel had promised the man amnesty and a position on his court in a deal he made with Maxine. And it was something he really wanted. Still, he couldn't help but feel like he was going back to London a loser. The weapon he was sent to acquire was a living and breathing woman who'd been lied to her whole life. He couldn't bring her back to Hellfire. >>

<< We see a shot of Daniel Reed, drinking a flute of champagne in a red boat suit as his hand rubs the back of his head before tugging on his right earlobe a few times. A tick. One of Daniel's many. >>

<< Daniel had the luxury of being able to spin his story however he wanted when he returned. He had found the missing Amanda Sefton, destroyed growing Hellfire America stronghold in both The Arena and The Tartarus Facility, and for all intents and purposes, the woman who helped murder Bretta and Alistair was presumed dead. While he was hopeful he was going to have more agency when he returned to live at The Hellfire Estate, his obsessive ticks and rituals were the only thing keeping his mind on other things, though he was excited for the future of Hellfire London. >>

<< And there is Maxine Dupont. She started this mission getting brought back to life by a hopeful Simon Pratt and a well timed use of his powers. She would have been dead. Simon saved her and agreed to follow her, and not only that, one of her oldest personal relationships in Hellfire London, Daniel Reed, agreed to help her out as well, despite it being more for his own personal gain. She returned to Hellfire London, and despite it being her childhood home, the very estate she OWNED, she was no longer as tied to it. After everything that happened to her with the uprising and the revelation of Jessica Marcus, the second she left for NYC, she said goodbye to the place. Whatever she did, things fell into place. People that shouldn't have wanted to work with her, worked with her. People with the exact right skill sets she needed fell into her lap. She had changed her plan of attack from it's original idea - to kill as many as it took to get to Kelly, and it had benefited her greatly. She had reunited with Viper and able to spend time with her, and was developing a very close friendship with Simon. And the three of them all really got on with Jun. She reminded Maxine of a younger and rough around the edges in a somewhat comical way. She had a team now. For the first time in a long time she had a purpose, and it was one that other's shared. So much was coming up roses for Domino. >>

<< We see a flash of Jessica and Maxine sunbathing on the aft deck in bikinis. Then a flash of them in robes on a bed laughing. Finally a flash of the two women sharing dinner and toasting a glass of wine together. Maxine really didn't want Jessica to leave. >>

<< This was the first time in recent memory that Jessica Marcus had ever had this much downtime. Where she wasn't subject of some kind of experiment/demonstration/test or pawn. It was the first time she got to spend with people who had no intention of using her, or getting in her way. People that just wanted to know her. >>

<< As nice as it was, a Viper strikes quickly. And she was a woman of her namesake. Jessica was a woman on a mission to right the wrongs that had been done to her. Starting with the ones she could actually remember. But she would never forget this time and these people. >>

<< We see a flash of Amanda and Beto arriving in a crowded New York City street in the middle of the day. >>

"Now arriving to Sheena Island...."

<< Maxine and Jessica's goodbye was relatively quick, but it had to be for both of them. Domino was off to help the helpless, and Viper was off to conquer the world and reclaim her life. The time they spent together on The Marauder would not be forgotten, and it would serve as a buffer of their support for each other in the days to come. They would cross paths again. Domino trusted Viper, and Viper trusted HER enough to give the woman a way to find her. >>

<< As the team said goodbye, eventually they found themselves in London, saying goodbye to Daniel Reed, The Red King. He gave word to both Jun and Simon that should they ever want to dabble in Hellfire, he had room for them. To Maxine he gave a brief hug and handshake. She may have softened but Daniel Reed was in control of himself at all times, or so he liked to believe. >>

<< And then there were three. The Marauders - a group of people from vastly different background and skill, bonded together in a shared goal to free trafficked and indentured mutants - by whatever means necessary. The Marauder would be their home base, but for now? The Marauders decided to keep the party going for the night, off to somewhere exotic with great nightlife and cheap food. Their new mission was beheld to time, but The Marauders were pretty sure things would be just as shitty tomorrow. Tonight? They would party. >>

<< What befalls this group of clones, kings, witches and biohazards next? Nobody knows. That is why we must always....WATCH! >>