Raging machines!

[Spellbinder]

<< inside of Illustra, it was easy to see the increased activity on the streets far below. news crews from all major networks, along with police, fire and other officials were converging on the federal courthouse and all that could be talked about was the apparent escape of Victor Klein and the battle between "unknown assailants" and "super powered beings." it was suggested that the mutant menace and threat of superhuman activity was growing at a point that could no longer be ignored>>

<< mean while, the group was gathered in Morgan's as they stood around the scrying glass. it was time for them to try to find Pipeline before HE lead MysTech straight to THEM. and all of this was just a prelude to the massive critical mass that awaited them and the city.>>

 

[Persephone]

:: Crossing her arms along her chest, Alexis shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Looking from the scrying glass to the others, she simply shook her head at the situation. If MysTech wanted attention, they certainly got it. ::

"Where is Alison?"

:: Glancing around the room, it was strange that Alison hadn't shown up at the courthouse, but what struck Alexis as unusual was the fact that Alison hadn't showed up since the press about what happened AT the courthouse. Pressing her lips together, she looked to Morgan knowing she had an idea of where the precog was.. ::

"We need her powers now more than ever."

:: MysTech wasn't nieve; they knew the capabilities of the six. They could easily have technology that could block Morgan's scrying. But then again, they could of come up with something to block Alison's precog as well....MysTech was constantly growing; who knew what they had up their sleeves these days. ::

 

[Prophet]

:: Cameron stood around the scrying glass with the others as Alexis' words were word for word what Prophet had been thinking at the moment. He hadn't seen her in awhile and he was wondering if she was okay. Had Pipeline already got her? Vivica had promised that she would protect the Senator as well as Morgan, Alycia and Alison. If something would have happened to her he would have certainly heard something. ::

"I am wondering the same thing myself. I haven't seen her in awhile.. I hope she is okay..."

:: Turning his direction to the window that overlooked what seemed the entire skyline of New York City he saw the mass of people that seemed to be flooding the streets. The chaos that ensued this morning had everyone in a frenzy. People wanted answers as to what had happened at the courthouse and with Alexis, Cameron and Morgan being at the top of many of the New York Socialite lists and had most likely been seen earlier at the courthouse soon people would be looking to them for answers. ::

"It was just a sloppy job for Mystech. Morgan is right things don't add up. They seemed crazed and all about Victor. Maybe he is more powerful than we gave him credit before. Whatever it is somehow I think this is all tied to Jasmine. We didn't have these problems until we got involved with HER..."

:: He rolled his eyes with intest distaste for Blaze's sister. If she would have stayed out of the lives of all of them they would not be in the mess they were right now. She was a shady character and the fact that Haleigh seemed to be protecting her made him sick. What was this game of intelligence between the two of them. It made him nauseous. ::

 

[Spellbinder]

<< Morgan watched the mystic lens as she gestured over it. a soft chiming melody played as sparkling energies flowed and the face of the lens glowed and shimmered slowly....images flowed around the lens as its view shifted from one area to another>>

<< as Alexis and Cameron spoke, Morgan didnt respond. the lens allowed her to see ANYTHING ANYWHERE...and thus far, there was no mortal means to prevent that. Soon...a pronounced chime signaled that she had locked onto a target>>

well...I've found the "cell" that the mystech "black guards" and other goons were coming from in this recent attack. its an abandonned car parts warehouse across town on the lower east side. its seemingly harmless on the outside but a forcefield and optical sensory entry code are required for access and the interior is furnished with mystech technology. they must be hiding something of EXTREME value in there.

<< pausing and turning around>>

as for Alison, I'm not sure where she is. but even without being a precog like she is, i have a feeling that we'll be hearing from her soon. She told me that she would be where she was needed most today.

<< the scrying glass hummed a haunting melody as the lens shifted from a pink shimmer to a blue. a sleek black mini van with mystech's logo as zooming along a plotted course....to the office of Senator Sharon Kelly>>

well...there's our cue....we can meet them right at the front door courtesy of my discs.

<<but before they could go...one of morgan's landline phones began to ring. it rang and rang...soon her fax machine began to ring. her computer logged itself on...and the technology in her appartment began to come to life....the sound was very eerie.>>


those sounds.....that output..it must be PIPELINE!!

<<immediately outside the floor to ceiling panoramic windows..."army eyes" appeared-- these were loating drones that packed enough concussive power to smash through mountains and would lock on to their target's bio signature to chase them down to the end.>>

<< a stream of energy began to flow through the computer screen in Morgan's office as electricity crackled in the air.>>

I didnt...raise my mystic shields when we entered the building...

<< looking over at Haleigh with anguish>>

HALEIGH....i thought you said Illustra was PROTECTED against this sort of attack!?

<< but before that could be answered, Pipeline himself appeared and the room was now flooded with black guards and floating drones that began to attack the team in close quaters. Two of the guards rushed Morgan tackling her over the couch. a drone deployed a carbonium coil whip that smacked Alexis in the face before wrapping around her and constricting her body with increasing pressure as more whips of the same construction began to wrap around her arms and legs. Meanwhile another pair of black guards accosted Haleigh with magnetic flare batons..firing blasts at her attempting to immobilize/shut her body's systems down and render her inert and two drones began to close in on Delilah, firing black light beams at her. Prophet could see that the army eyes outside were preparing to smash into the top floor of illustra, completely destroying it and causing the tower to fall....crushing hundreds of unsuspecting employees and guests far below. it was up to him to deal with THEM while the rest of the team dealt with their immediate threats. Meanwhile, pipeline had slipped out of site just as fast as he had appeared.>>

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah watched the two drones come at her. Though the situation in general was not a pretty one, she only felt mildly threatened by the floating balls of circuitry. As they began to fire at her, she threw her hands out in front of her, fingers spread, ready to absorb the light rays and throw them back at the drones in the form of photon blasts. She got more than she bargained for, however.

As the black light touched her she was thrown forcefully backwards, the shock spreading to every cell of her body. She rolled onto her stomach as she tried to get up. ]

"Oh, yeah, that's going to leave a mark..."

[ Her mutant powers might be affected by the black lights, but Delilah was a woman prepared for all occasions. Drawing her sidearm she put a bullet into each of the drones. ]

"Never leave home without it."

 

[Foxfire]

LCI on route to Illustra

"HUSP!"

** Bolting upright in her secure locked down cell, Jasmine looked around curiously while her heartbeat slammed against her chest. Her thought dehydrated from vigorous hours of surgery. How long had she been out? Placing her right palm to her cheek, Jasmine blinked her wintery green irises when she noticed the lack of attire she wore from the OR. Sighing she spotted the usual white cloth covering small portions of her body (think Resident Evil). She turned her head to yelp in pain from the wires attached to her body. Pulling the wires free she screamed in pain. Various monitors flatlining. Turning to get up, her knees crumbled causing her to collapse on the icy tile floor with a thud. **

"Yes, the trial of Victor Klein is a war path!"

** She looked up to see a small plasma screen television in her right hand corner of her cell. Her mouth a gap from shock and surprise. She thought she had destroyed her 'father' but apparently it were a clone. She saw split images of the SIX in a gateway vehicle. She struggled to push her small frame up but the aftermath of the drugs altered that attempt. Climbing to her feet from the small bed post she stood at her small 5'8 height. Sucking in a breath she brushed her hand against her stitches, which were healed. Strange. Cracking her neck from the side she felt oddly energized from her sleep. She required clothing and she knew this cell carried them. **

** She also knew she had to find the others, especially if she were to prove a Fielding could change their leave. Securing a pair of low cut mudd jeans and a baby blue tank top she was ready to depart. Jasmine's mutant abilities allowed her to keep at a steady temperature without the cold bothering her. **

** Her now covered boots tapping into the floor firmly as she approached the door. She smiled with a grin at the locks. Really, how elementally! Jasmine was a skilled hacker she could get into everything including the White House, the FBI, you name it she hacked it. Nodding the small device on the wall she froze it, opening the small tile door. Admiring the wiring of it all. "Mmmm, fancy but not good enough." Snapping the green and black wires together her automatic door hissed as it opened. Quickly puling her thick brunette locks into a pony tail, Frost moved from her cell. She would transport to NYC....somehow....someway. Whether the SIX wanted to admit it or not, they would need her help. And for Jasmine it would be a challenge but like all Fieldings she welcomed them. Adding that to the wintery weather her journey would be somewhat easy. Penetrating Illustra would pose a problem but if all else fails find her father. He was hers! That same vengeance Morgan felt for Christopher, Jasmine felt. She wasn't sure why but she knew she needed to help these strangers. She wouldn't reveal her dream of Blaze, that would be her little secret...for now. Besides who would believe her? **

** Leaving behind a snow clone, Jasmine escaped Haleigh's building. Now outside as the storm pounded her with snow and ice she welcomed it. A breath of fresh of air. She needed a quick transportation. Thrusting her arms forward she created a metallic ice slide that elongated the further she traveled. Perhaps the roof would be a better approach? Her clothing rippled in the icy wind as she slide further into her destination. She would arrive soon but the question was would the members of the Six accept her help or kill her? Another challenge Jasmine faced but what the hell, right? She died once and she saw Blaze. She had nothing to lose except dealing with a group of unhappy individuals. Besides the Six, this was Frost's battle too. And you know what they say about two peas in a pod. They're one. **

 

[Prophet]

:: Thinking fast on his feet Cameron threw out his hands as he quickly erected a strong telekinetic field outside the whole building of Illustra making sure that there was extra protection at the top of the building. The field was invisible to the public. That wasn't going to hold them off for long. He would have to take greater action than just a field of telekinetic protection. Sighing he looked at Morgan before apologizing quickly and heading into battle. ::

"Morgan. I will replace your windows! Sorry!"

:: On Prophet's mental command the huge panoramic windows shattered into a million shards as he hurled them towards the army eyes with intense speed before taking a leap off the side of the building himself using his own telekinetic power to stay afloat and essentially fly in the air. He was impressed with his own fluidity as his telekinetic powers were much stronger since sealing off his telepathic abilities. Like one power was compensating for the other. Looking at the drones they soon found all of them encased in a box composed of telekinetic energy. Taking mental hold of the box he spun around in the air a few times before super throwing the box with the army eyes a great distance towards the Herbert River. ::

"Is everyone okay? Do they need backup?"

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh rotated her arm in the shoulder cuff as Morgan finished healing it... she gave a slight smile of gratitude and pulled her shirt back over her shoulder. She found herself next in Morgan's apartment, and considered suggesting they go to CI for better security... but realized Morgan had come back here to consult her scrying glass. Haleigh glanced round in reticence, feeling a little uneasy. She knew her resources were beginning to deplete... and once her MANPOWER was completely tapped... the only way to get more would be to release the lockdown on CI... but that would make Jasmine slightly more vunerable... it was a toss up. Jasmine was obviously a major target here... but then so were the rest o the Six. What to do...

Haleigh was about to ask Alexis what TIME she'd left Alison... to try and determine when she was last seen... her absence from the days events were indeed alarming... it was unlike the seer to be away for long... what if she was in trouble? Morgan stepped in with confident, reassuring words, and Haleigh glanced out the panoramic windows briefly, nodding to herself. Alison must be taking care of something equally important. Haleigh walked over to Morgan's side, unable to see over the tall blonde's shoulder, and watched the scrying glass in the same measured silence she'd been maintaining since they arrived. Haleigh recognized the van.... it was the one she marked with a tracking device as it left the courthouse, after it had failed to kidnap Alycia.

The phone rings.... and Haleigh looks up and locks eyes with Morgan. It rings again and she looks directly at it... it rings once more and Haleigh finally springs into action, diving for the phone and ripping it clean out of the wall. The fax rings, and Haleigh's eyes dart towards it as she gets to her knees. It explodes, sending shards of debri a few feet in every direction. Haleigh locks eyes with Morgan once more, at a loss for words momentarily.

"It usually IS... but I sent all available field operatives to help the NYPD clean up the courthouse crisis! With Clandestine on lockdown, most of my force was unavailable... everyone of my men scattered throughout the city abandoned their posts to help protect the courthouse and assist us in escaping! There's NO ONE in Illustra's security control room to arm the systems to full alert and shut Pipeline out of the landlines and DSL networks!"

It seems as soon as Haleigh says his name Pipeline appears, and with lots of reinforcements. Haleigh is distracted by two gaurds who seem to know how to hit her the hardest. One reaches out with his magnetic flare baton and Haleigh conjures a HUGE, thick iron wall, which immediately mows the gaurd down, attracting the baton and following it to the floor, crushing the weapon and deactivating it, and crushing the gaurd also. The second gaurd had a jump on her, hitting her over the back of crown with the end of the baton, activating it and causing Haleigh to collapse to the floor, writhing in agony. She felt like her skin was crawling and her veins were visibly bulging. Her cardiovascular and respitory systems prepared for shutdown. Haleigh finally released the lockdown order, sending up an instantaneous and urgent distress call. Jasmine would still be more safe than any of them, for it would likely take Pipeline a while to find out exactly where she was, or at least, long enough for Haleigh to be able to move her now that she'd been taken off life support systems and her condition had stabilized. Little did Haleigh know the girl would be waking up shortly and coming RIGHT into the line of fire.

Haleigh was just about to lose consciousness... her vision was tunneled and thing were in shades of gray.... she was fighting to stay awake but covered in a cold sweat and losing strength quickly. Zach appeared in the nick of time, right behind the guard. He wrapped his arms around the man, grabbing his jaw with one hand and slitting his throat with the knife he clutched in the other. He quickly deactivated the baton with gunfire and knelt by Haleigh with concern. The room erupted in the second gunfight of the day, as Haleigh's reinforcements began filling into the room and systematically eliminating the threats that assaulted each of the six.

Haleigh sat up, breathing heavily and leaning into Zach. Her vision beginning to return, she looked around frantically.

Zach:"Baby, what's wrong??"

Haleigh:"WHERE THE HELL IS PIPELINE?!?!"

She yelled, calling attention to the fact he'd slipped from view.

 

[Persephone]

:: Flying to the ground from the rough hit to her face, before Alexis could even react, she felt the coiled arms spin her body until it was contricted around her waist. Grunting from air, veins began to visably be seen in her forehead and around her eyes as she struggled to get free; but the more she struggled, the tighter the coils gripped. Feeling the coils wrap around her arms and legs, they lifted Alexis into the air, slamming her into the ceiling above; plaster began to rain down everywhere. ::

"UGH!!"

:: Closing her bloodshot eyes, Alexis couldn't even breathe at this moment. Managing to pull together all her strength, her body began to glow a dull blue when suddenly, a shockwave of energy shot from her body; the concussive force forcing the coils from her body enough for Alexis to wiggle her way out weakly. While on the ground, she watched as the coils sprung back into action, heading back toward Alexis. Lifting her hand, a wave of energy smashed into the coils, she speed and force that of a freight train. The coils went flying back across Morgan's livingroom, slamming into one of the walls afar. Circuts began to spark as Alexis drained the remaining energy from the electronic whips. ::

"God damn..fucking--"

:: Bitching under her breath, Alexis pushed herself up off the ground looking around to the others. Seeing they were okay, she craned her neck back, stretching her tense muscles. Hearing Haleigh, Alexis began to look around seeing that Pipeline did in fact slip away. Shaking her head, Alexis turned to Haleigh. ::

"Who else is in Illustra that Pipeline would go after?!"

 

[Foxfire]

** Surfing through the blizzard like conditions Jasmine hurried along past New York City's rooftops. Her own physical being was enshrouded from the harsh winds spreading the snow around like a tornado. And the lack of sun only caused the temperature to decrease in warmth, a perfect opportunity for Jasmine to aide these strangers. **

** She knew the possibility of gaining access of Illustra was one in a billion. She memorized the schematic the building from Haleigh's designer. What concerned her was Morgan's magick, the wintery mutant knew her power record. Jasmine knew she was on the top shit list for the demon sorceress. Instead she'd assist outside the building. **

** Her aqua eyes glowing brightly in the snowy weather. She stood tall and straight as blasts of water and ice sprang from her palms to shoot a bridge across another rooftop. Stopping across the other building she noticed several citizens battling it down by the entrance of Illustra. Yet she had yet to identify Spell, Black, Shock, Guard, or Morning. Crouching down silently her eyes zoomed in to target a group near the stairs. **

** Of course Morgan's scrying glass would alarm the other members of the Six but more importantly would shock them when they'd see her next move. Waving her hands the snow turned and pelted the other enemies aggressively in the face, supplying a decent distraction. Twisting her body on the rooftop she spun gracefully in the air as she free fell down fifty stories. Outstretching her arm a shard of ice exploded as she landed on her feet in a crouched position. Placing two fingers inside her mouth she whistled sharply as she backed up, setting a trap. **

"Oh boys...."

** She taunted as they stopped to see Frost. Hiding her hands behind her back she locked eyes with them. Her boots firmly planted as they approached her. Moving quicker they walked right into Jasmine's trap. Stepping onto the thin sheet of ice they smashed through to drop into sub zero water temperatures she had created. Pulling out a pair of ice sais she whirled them around. This would hopefully get Morgan and her posse's attention without them becoming paranoid of an attack from Frost. Having the two enemies destroyed her ice formed further to cover the small round hole that once caved in. **

** Noticing several civilians running from the debris Jasmine rushed through the snow. Traces of it sticking to her tank top but not affecting her. Sliding her body easily across the pavement she grabbed some co -- workers along when she was blind sided by a third goon. He struck her directly in the lung...a sore spot for the mutant who was knocked down roughly. The other workers running free as Jasmine gasped for air. The goon moving like lightning hitting her in the abdomen. Walking around her when she looked up with a growl. Her eyes morphing into a chilling yellow tint as she opened her palm and a massive wave of fire swept him up like an exploding inferno as his screams echoed through the screaming wind. Burning flesh filled the air as Jasmine looked stunned at her palm. Her eyes fading to the normal coloring. Emotion is what drove the mutant powers to accelerate but Jasmine hadn't figured this out. **

** Helping more people she liked eyes with Cameron. She stared at him with a quizzical look. Turning away she sprinted around the back of Illustra spotting more goons. Lunging into the air she struck one of them in the eyeball with the end of her heel. She wasn't aware of Pipeline and that lack of knowledge would place her in the line of vulnerability. **

 

[Spellbinder]

<< Morgan soon emerged from behind her sectional....holding one limp black guard by the neck. the other lay on the ground, dead...its neck broken as well. she dropped the second one, with a scowl on her face....and exhaled with annoyance....as this initial skirmish seemed to be over and everyone was recovering.>>

is....everyone allright??

<< she looked at her panoramic window ....which was basically non existent thanks to Cameron. a necessary move to save the building from the army eyes which had been hurled into the herbert river by the mutant. but now there was the problem of progressive depressurizing in the loft. a soft alarm sounded and now the scrying glass pulsated as well.>>

Pipeline....where is he!? <<she turned to see the scrying glass and rushed to it>>


he traveled through illustra's DSL networks! he's taken ALYCIA!!

<<and there was something else! Morgan's eyes widened>>

JASMINE KLEIN! she's in the building

<< thunder rumbled in the air>>

why is SHE here!? <<Morgan shrieked>>

she must be responsible for this....SHE must have been the one to orchestrated her father's rescue!


<< thunder crashes as Morgan teleports via disc RIGHT DOWN to the main floor to confront Jasmine...with lethal force if necessary. Haleigh and the others knew that this couldnt have happened at a worse time. with Alycia now in the custody of MysTech, and the security of Illustra being compromised thanks to Pipeline's internal disruption of the networks, the group was between a rock and a hard place. HALEIGH would no doubt try to protect Jasmine from Morgan but the REST of the group would not likely have the same feeling and would probably side with MORGAN on the feeling that Jasmine was behind this.>>


<< Morgan appeared in front of Jasmine and was instantly upon her>>

WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!? HOW DARE YOU COME HERE!!

 

[Prophet]

:: Cameron jumped right back into the middle of the Penthouse as he was about to notify the group that he had seen Jasmine at the top of the building but no sooner as he was about to speak was the sound of the scrying glass. Creating an invisible telekinetic shield where the windows used to be to keep the pressure the same, he saw images of Jasmine in the Scrying Glass. Here come the fireworks. ::

"I saw her on the roof! She was.. fighting off drones..."

:: It was too late. Morgan was gone and right on top of Jasmine as they could see. Morgan would not back down from this and he really couldn't blame her at all. Was the whole helping Cameron and the others fend off attacks from Mystech just a ploy in order to gain leverage. His friendship and dealings with Haleigh had taught him that people shift alleigances faster than they change their underwear and at this moment he didn't trust Jasmine as far as he could throw her. ::

"I'm not sure what we should do. We can't let her kill Jasmine.. not that I wouldn't enjoy it..."

 

[Silver Swan]

meanwhile...across town..

:: Sharon Kelly was in her large, posh office basically taking refuge. Clandestine agents were guarding key points of entry. everything was happening so fast....thanks to pipeline the trial of victor klein had been all but nullified and now Sharon found herself boxed in...possibly sold out by fellow colleagues in congress who were in Mystech's back pocket. as an outspoken and steadfast advocate of mutants/meta human's rights not to mention an OPPENENT of the rampant global commerical power/political clout of mystech. it was something that had not gone unoticed by either side involved.::

:: She sat at her desk..with a look of grave concern. sirens were in the air outside...and media frenzy as well as crowd throngs were in the street. the court house which was not too far away was a total wreck. blood, bodies, violence marred the once regal halls of the courthouse. all known security measures taken were totally breached by the new threat of Pipeline, Mystech's LATEST "pride and joy" when it came to deadly agents.::

:: Sharon knew full well that she and Alycia were targets...they had narrowly escaped the brutality of the Super Soldier several months back and were rescued by Morgan and the other women of The Six. But this time it seemed different. MysTech was striking far faster and in a more unexpected/covert fashion....it seemed to be a tremendously clever effort. it couldnt just be because of Victor..Mystech had NEVER directly ATTACKED a federal officer or building ...especially during a high profile trial..nor would they have engaged in such a sloppy rescue effort.::

:: Sharon got up and began to pace back and forth slowly in her office...wearing a sophisticated, tailored black donna karan blazer and donna karan black pencil skirt along with four inch heeled black leather high heeled pumps. her blonde hair was down and she looked very business like...befitting of a senator as respected as she.::

:: the uneasy quiet and calm afforded her by the clandestine agents was short lived....as her phone began to ring. her computer screen began to flicker and her fax machine began to sound off as if preparing to recieve a transmittal. Sharon looked over with a curious glint in her blue eyes...unaware that this was a prelude to a personal attack.::

::the guards outside had not yet been briefed by Haleigh about Pipeline either. As she neared the fax machine....a powerfull burst of electrical feed back shocked Sharon and sent her falling to the floor in a stunned state...the sound of energy filled the air as pipeline and two black guards appeared in a field of electric blue energy. Sharon was unable to get up ...or to reach her panic button to summon Clandestine for help.....as she trembled before being knocked out by one of the black guards...and as Pipeline converted her and the rest of his passengers into binary code patterns..they "transmitted" out of the office just as fast as they had appeared. Now sharon AND alycia had been taken captive by Mystech.:

 

[Artemis]

:ainfull unconsciousness flooded Alycia's mind as Pipeline burst into her room seemingly out of thin air and before she could try to fight him or press HER panic button...it was over.::

:: now, after an indeterminant amount of time and travel through hardlines and the "information superhighway", Alycia was reconstituted in to her human form and now under the power of mystech. the "transmittal" jaunt left her feeling sick, weak and disoriented as she awakened on the floor in a cold, dark cell. she immediately felt the strain of shakles on her wrists and ankles. she was shackled to the wall...and as her vision cleared...she was met with PAIN as she struck across the jaw::

UGH!


:: a large black man appeared...in a mystech commander general's uniform.::

Commander Riley: welcome , Ms. Barnett. You'll forgive us for not providing you with a more comfortable setting, but considering the trouble you've caused over the years and the fact that you NEVER keep your nose out of the affairs of your BETTERS, we thought we'd take this time to show you just what we think of you.


::gritting her teeth as she glared back at him::

Alycia:: :: half way chuckling:: Rick Riley. why am i NOT surprised. :: she struggled to look over:: i see you've got your usual company of black guards. but really now, I'm not Spellbinder or any of the Six...i have no powers, so why must you have me hemmed up like this?? especially a man of YOUR size. surely you could handle lil ol me.....

<< Alycia smirked and laughed...implying the cowardice and over precaution of the general in his detainment of her>>

Commander Riley: laugh it up, Barnett. You wont be so definate once we've BEATEN you into submission. You may not be a mutant, meta human or super powered individual, but you and that bitch Sharon Kelly are just as dangerous. BOTH of you have poked and prodded into our affairs, gotten in our way and hindered us for doing what we need to do. Crashing Victor Klein's trial was merely a means to an end....we used our operative PIPELINE to circumvent Haleigh Davidoff's Clandestine Inc AND side step Spellbinder, MorningStar, Shockwave and the others just to get YOU. While our ultimate goal of the moment is close to fruition, I'ts time to shut you up...for GOOD.

:: at the commander's gesture...a black guard comes forward and prods Alycia with an energy baton..and immediately jolts her body with PAINFULL continuous blasts of electrical energy. Alycia's screams are heard echoing through the dark underground halls of the cell under the abandonned ware house::

 

[Black Widow]

Zach helps Haleigh to her feet, as she massages the back of her head where she was hit. Before Haleigh has time to respond, Morgan has gone to confront Jasmine, and the rest of the group is left to absorb the fact the Alycia has been kidnapped RIGHT out from under there noses. Cameron showed SOME progress towards Jasmine, vocalizing that they couldnt allow Morgan to kill her... but Haleigh knew all too well he was still on the 'hating her' bandwagon. Haleigh shook her head.

"That GIRL is a godforsaken PLAGUE!"

She rasped angrily, even as she made a mad dash to go save her. She could only ask herself what she'd gotten into, as she ran for the panoramic [nonexistant] windows and DOVE off the balcony. Zach looks around at the group, not at all worried the woman he loved had just jumped from over 100 stories high.

"Such a dramatic move.... she forgets I can get her there more easily."

He says softly, as she winks and fades from view. He reappears on Alexis' other side.

"Anyone want a ride downstairs?"

Meanwhile, Haleigh orients herself as she falls, so that her back is to the ground and she faces the Illustra tower. She fires a weapon that looks much like a shotgun into the next floor she passes, and a four pronged hook with a rope attached to it projects from the barrel. She hangs on tight as the rope slows her decent, about twenty stories above the ground. Seconds later her feet hit the pavement, and she wastes no time rounding the building for the front doors. She can see a menacing Morgan bearing down on Jasmine through the glass.

Haleigh bursts through the front double doors in a flurry of movements that is so fast she looks more like a blur than a being. Haleigh is upon Morgan before anything physical can happen between the two of them, and her normally soft, commanding tone is now stressed out and pleading as she pulls Morgan away from Frost.

"PLEASE! Morgan.... leave the girl for LATER! We dont have time for this! Alycia has been swiped right out from under us and I just got word that Sharon Kelly is missing TOO! My guards at her office her the phone ring and when they went in to check on her..... she was GONE! I fear Pipeline has her too... As angry and DISAPPOINTED as I am with Jasmine for DELIBERATELY DISOBEYING a DIRECT ORDER... [she says, as her eyes level on Jasmine with a furious glare] We haven't time to deal with the girl. We must RESCUE Alycia and Sharon, and every second we delay could be their last... they are worth more DEAD than alive to Mystech! PLEASE Morgan, lets go... we have to GO!"

Zach arrives in the background, along with all who accepted his offer. He pulls Jasmine off to the side with a stern look and a strong arm. He wasn't being as gentle with her as Haleigh always was... primarily because he saw what Jasmine was inadvertantly doing to Haleigh.

Zach:"She's upset with you... and understandably so. She's trying to protect you but you make it increasingly difficult. Your father's trial has been disrupted, as he was sprung from police custody. District Attourney Alycia Barnett and Senator Sharon Kelly have already gone missing... and YOU are high on the list of next likely to disappear. If I were YOU... I would tread VERY carefully here."

 

[Foxfire]

** Pillows of snow fell all around Illustra as the battle seemed to calm momentarily. Pushing through the back entrance Jasmine was stunned to find this way unguarded. Stepping lightly her green eyes scanned back and forth when suddenly a chime echoed off in the walls as a chill sailed up her spine. Shivering at the small currents of icy wind when out of no where Morgan appeared rather hostile. Keeping her feet planted on the marble flooring she strained her neck to peer into those violet eyes of the mighty blonde. But unlike before Jasmine was cool and collected. Her arms were beside her body giving off a non hostile approach. Pushing her lips together she immediately commented on why she was here. **

"I'm here to aide you and your friends. Believe it or not. You and I got off to a rocky start and I apologize for the inconvenience and I'll undo any past mistakes. However I'm here to help you find the Senator, I saw the outbreak on the news while recuperating. I'm on your side...and your magick will validate my claims or if you have a Telepath on your team that will also appear true. I'm willing to prove my loyalty to you Morgan...you are my half sibling. I'll give you a shot. I'm doing this for you, myself, and for our sister."

** She paused when Haleigh jumped down running over. Jasmine glanced over at the blonde for a second as she spoke to Spellbinder. Zack appeared pulling her aside as he informed her of the events at hand. She nodded respectfully until she placed her hand on his arm freezing the muscle to slip her arm free. **

"Please...do not touch me, it only provokes me. I understand you care and love for Haleigh. And I mean no harm or added stress but this team NEEDS my help. I have a vast knowledge of whose possibly behind this and where they might actually have taken the Senator and the lawyer."

** Stepping forward she crossed her arms across her chest. Her voice giving off a sudden chill to it due to Haleigh's "girl" comment. **

"Look I'm continuing on this journey where Blaze left off. She WANTS me to continue with this team...although I'm not sure why. I died...and she came to me. She instructed me to help and to also..." Her eyes moved to Morgan, "leave you alone..and I'll comply but you have a crisis on your hands and I have a part in this! My father nearly killed me and that automatically entitles me to find him and destroy him. I've lived on the edge all my life and I'm not expecting pity. I'm helping either way...here or there. Sure it would be a nice cover to deceive you but have my pupils dilated or my heartbeat increased, broke a sweat? No. What I'm saying is true but know this..."

** She turned to Haleigh with a cold and calculating look that rippled with an icy frost. "I'm far from a girl I'm the same age as Blaze and in fact I'm the older twin. Not only do I possess my own powers but Foxfire's as well....I become her whenever infuriated. Blaze is gone and we can't undo the changes. But damnit I will fight for her memory and see that she did not die in vain. If I could switch places I would but I can't. Life is fucked up like that. I came here to help you Morgan....take it or leave it. It would be a wise decision to take it. But if not so be it."

** The mutant stood guarded eyeing the other members of the team who began to approach. Her eyes locked onto Morgan who towered over her. It was a risk allowing Jasmine to come along but her eyes conveyed the real emotion she felt. She didn't back down or cower from Morgan but she didn't provoke her either. ::

"I'm willing to put any discrepancies behind if you will. When these matters are adjourned and if you still feel the need to fry me then I'll honor it. Until then the clock is ticking away for your friends. Give me a chance Morgan..but I'd bet you can't. My face haunts you...all of you. That would mean opening your heart and trust me when I say I know the feeling. As corny as this sounds Morgan, your the only real family I got." Looking away Jasmine avoided eye contact. That statement could either infuriate Morgan more or leave Jasmine vulnerable. This was difficult for Jas to tackle not only was this the same woman who butchered their sister but the same woman who would kill Jasmine. If anyone understood it was Cameron who tried vigorously to reach Alison. Jas was in the same predicament. Her green eyes moved onto Morgan again. What would she say or do? Jasmine hoped door number one. **

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah was out the door of Morgan's apartment as soon as Spellbinder teleported. Using her near light-speed quickness, she was down on the main floor in moments. On the way, she radioed in to the police dispatcher. ]

"Detective Delilah Trelaven. Badge number 44745. I need an APB out on one Kelly, Sharon and one Barnett, Alycia."

[ She reached Morgan and Jasmine as Haleigh burst in through the doors, and just in time for Jasmine's little speech. Her arrogance annoyed Delilah immensely - who was she to play the martyr? And Delilah would be damned if she would let her get away with it. ]

"How DARE you use Blaze's memory this way. You come in here selling some sob story - when we all know that you found Morgan with only one aim in mind: to kill her. And against my best judgement I - no, we - saved your ass. As a favor I left you out of my police reports and testimony, something I could lose my badge over. You should be thanking us, not trying to throw Morgan a guilt-trip. And now this? Insinuating yourself into our lives by using some lie or narcotic-induced daydream about Blaze? WE knew Blaze. SHE was OUR friend. You didn't even know her, so you have no right to talk about what she would have wanted. SHE would have protected Morgan at all costs...you're just a wannabe."

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh rounded on Jasmine with an equally cold look, her green eyes sparkling. Her tone was firm but soft, the urgency leaving her voice for now... they needed to go... Alycia and Sharon were counting on them... but Haleigh realized that they wouldn't be able to so easily postpone Jasmine. Frost was stubborn and had her mind made up... but her interference [whether she was trying to help or not] was infuriating Haleigh.

"You listen to me and you listen CLOSELY. I don't give a DAMN if you are 25 or 45 or SIXTY-FIVE... its your BEHAVIOR that makes you a GIRL among women and men! You were raised by Victor... his LITTLE PRINCESS, and all you KNOW is him and his pack of WOLVES and the world THEY revolved around you. You know KNOTHING of our work and you know NOTHING of the way the REAL world works. Your past is tragic, its true... but at SOME POINT you are going to have to SUCK IT UP and start behaving like an adult... and until THEN... you will be a GIRL to me.... You have to STOP. JUST STOP... You can't force yourself on us if we ARENT READY for you. Blaze IS dead... and now.... every TIME i look at you, im beginning to see the differences between you. Blaze LISTENED to me... she RESPECTED me... and if i ASKED her to do something FOR HER OWN SAFETY.... she tried her damnest to honor the request. but YOU DON'T. And you dont. and you WON'T. So thank you for breaking the spell. I finally see you for who YOU are. NOT the woman I loved like a sister. and I can't protect someone who doesnt WANT to be protected.... and if you'll excuse me... I have to go help some friends in need... who will ACCEPT my hand when I reach out to them."

Haleigh looked to Delilah as she spoke... and if this standoff had happened under different circumstances, Haleigh MIGHTVE stood up for Jasmine... but this morning... tired of the drama and the pain of the whole ordeal with Jasmine... without another word... Haleigh turned her back on Frost... focusing her attention back on Morgan. her voice is quieted and calm, back to its normal tone.

"Please Morgan... let her go. just let it go. If the GIRL thinks she can fend for herself in this big bad world... if she thinks she knows what shes getting into and she think SHE can handle it... then let her. WE need to help those who can't help themselves.... Alycia and Sharon are in grave danger. Please... I told them they'd be safe... that we wouldnt let anything happen to them. Of ALL the people I FAILED to adequately protect today... THOSE TWO are the ones who needed my protection the most... I can't let them down. Let us go... and get them back."

 

[Persephone]

:: Lifting her hands in the air as every disappeared, Alexis shook her head as her body began to glow a radient blue and explode into currents of electricity. Running through Illustra's main power system, the entire building went black for a moment before Alexis appeared along side of Haleigh, Delilah, Morgan, and Jasmine. Looking at the woman, Alexis immediately scowled. What the hell was this premadonna bitch doing here? She had to of been behind this attack...working along side of Pipeline. For her daddy. To take Morgan and the six down. Growling, Alexis stepped forward, hearing Haleigh's last words to Morgan. Stopping in mid stride, Alexis was planning on wrapping her hands around the woman's throat and sucking the life from her; but as she shifted her glance to Haleigh, she simply sighed. ::

"You're luck's going to run out one of these days, sweetness.."

:: Narrowing her eyes into a glare directly at Jasmine, if she wanted to be an asset to this team and help with this mission. Fine, just let it be known Alexis wouldn't hesitate to knock her ass down if she got in her way. Regardless if she was Blaze's sister or not, she did not like the girl. But Jasmine wasn't her concern at the moment, it was Pipeline. Looking to the others, Alexis shrugged her shoulders back as her sophisticated attire she wore to the courthouse glamoured into a black leather catsuit (think X-Men) complete with healed boots and gloves. Pulling her blonde hair back into a sleek ponytail, Alexis spoke to everyone. ::

"We need to find Alycia. Any ideas where Pipeline went?"

 

[Foxfire]

** A commanding voice caught Jasmine's attention who turned to be Delilah. Great! But the wintery mutant hadn't spoken one word she allowed the officer to bad mouth her AND Haleigh. But as the two shot cutting remarks Jasmine's body began to tremble and shake as she shut her eyes trying desperately to calm her erratic emotions. Seeing Blaze wasn't a delusion at all and it raged Jasmine behind means. Cracking her head to the side a snap was heard from the muscle popping. Opening her eyes flashes of yellow exploded in her irises as flames erupted along her body. The more furious she became the more she looked like Blaze. Frost and heat mingling together like never before but as the two women finished she nodded. **

"So be it....think what you want but in the end you've got me wrong. I saw Blaze!"

** Her body temperature rising to unhealthy levels as the air around her body spread like the Human torch. Her yellow irises turned to Morgan. She was outgunned and not wanted but Jasmine couldn't force her way in either. Her sub conscious said no, she'd depart. Stepping back as her boots melted the snow to reveal concrete. "You better hurry Pipeline doesn't waste time....he'll most likely have a psychological warfare with your friends until he tortures them. And finally he'll discard them in the most brutal way when you cannot save them! He'll make this team pick which one to save! Good luck." Turning away Jasmine turned her back on the whole team walking away as the blizzard snow parted for her. It was a battle she couldn't win and for once in her life she accepted it. **