Rose of destruction

[Artemis]

The Sanctuary- Rose's house

Too bad for them that his intel was matching up so far! He held it up in the face of the black one and took a gander at the rest of her as he began to step inside.

Read it and weep, sista gal! I not ONLY have a court order to inspect the premises, I plan to interview the children THIS MORNING so perhaps you could send silver star to fetch them and me a coffee while you explain why the security system is obviously not working. No intercom, no doorbell, a camera post seems to be missing out front, pulled up or something.....hmnnn....looking more and more like BABY SLUM! I thought YOU PEOPLE took better care of your own?

:: Alycia breathed in slowly, urgently "telling" herself NOT to haul off and knock Nedry's BLOCK off with one punch.::

:: He REEKED of misogny AND was a heart beat away from betraying the racism that simmered beneath the surface of his slimy exterior. But he wasn't the first man like this she'd face in a variety of settings. None of THEM had triumphed over her, and neither would he.::

If you don't mind, I've got a call in to the judge's office right now to verify this with the clerk myself? So you'll keep your...portly self right out here in the open.

:: She tilted her head and "smiled" sweetly at him.::

You macho PIG.

And The sanctuary is undergoing some routine maintenance, repairs and upgrades, nothing wrong OR out of the ordinary about THAT.

You'd do well to mind your tone, AND the inflamatory language you're using to describe my client's premesis and operations.

Sharon had not moved yet, and so he showed HER the court order as well.

Well toots? Let's get a move on! We are all wondering if you look better going than coming...

Dennis leans into Alycia, who find that standing THIS close to him might have been a mistake.

:: Alycia doesn't move. She won't yield to him, not even the slightest, as he violates her phyiscal proximity not only with his gross body, but his equally gross aura. ::

:: Rae and Sharon both look on with grim disapproval. She breathes in, and holds her breath, jutting her chin just a bit and clenching her fists::

You chauvinist WORM!

:: As an amazon, as a woman, he offends her to her CORE with his behavior. Not only is he trying to intimidate her, but he's also sexualizing her with his OPENLY lustful looks and lewd undertones. She could FLATTEN him now, but there's more than one way to end this.::

:: He finally backs off, noting that Sharon has not budged. He tries a different approach.::

She's a bit...BEEFY to me. I prefer them leaner, much like yourself...perhaps we could talk ALONE while she fetches the kids....

Talk about WHAT?

:: Was he REALLY going to try and proposition her, on ANY level, in front of TWO witnesses? Alycia laughs, with a bit of a scoff.::

How you've come here to HARRASS my client, yet again on baseless allegations, while the woman responsible for Jake's injury is WALKING FREE at this very moment?

If you're interested in doing some GOOD, Nedry, why don't you work WITH me on bringing the REAL danger to these children to JUSTICE?

:: She wonders if there's anything in him that's remotely human, or if he's just another bureaucratic flesh bag who's only in it for "the numbers", and a paycheck...::

:: At the moment, she received communication from the clerk's office. The court order WAS legit, the language of it was "JUST SO", that he COULD execute this fact finding mission of his. But that still didn't answer the question of WHO put him up to this! The POLICE hadn't even shown up to the hospital to interview Rose or Danny, SOMEONE had to have instigated all of this! But WHO!?::

:: Just when it appeared that Sharon and Alycia could no longer stall him, and he'd have his way to gain entry, at least while Alycia hurridly called in some favors to NULLIFY this court order...::

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

He agreed to help her, but the whole thing was kind of lost in the fact that he had just kissed her 30 seconds ago. And somehow in her shock and apparent PTSD, she asked him to do it again.

He smiled, and her insides melted into a goo resembling some sort of ectoplasm. His hand was in her hair, his big, rough hand and she wanted to shout, “Take me!” But she didn’t, thankfully.

He kissed her as he pulled her closer, and with his arm around her, she wished someone would come buy and freeze them like that forever.

"Wow."

Zizi nervously bit her lip. She had no idea what any of this meant, if it meant anything at all.

He leaned back, away from her, brow furrowed. Why was he making that face?

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't of kissed you.

“Oh.”

”I mean...you made it clear earlier you only wanted to stay friends. I get it...I just--the thought of you getting hurt scares me. I couldn't imagine my life without you, Liz. Friends or otherwise. I have pretty shitty timing."

She looked at him, pursing her lips, trying to decide whether to play along or not. Let it go. Be back to just friends as it should be. She spoke slowly when she finally found words again.

“That just now…was that…’For luck’ or ‘I’m a nice man’?”

She hoped she wasn’t taking the Star Wars reference too far.

“Because if it’s the latter…”

She paused and looked into his eyes.

“Then I like you because you’re a scoundrel.”

She held his gaze a moment before bowing her head.

"I'm sorry...you deserve so much more than someone like me. Someone like Ava Cassadine...or Ashley."

She looked up at him again.

"I saw the way you looked at her."

She turned her chair away.

"Doctor Doom loves Sue Storm...not Franklin Richards."

And she started to wheel herself towards the kitchen.

 

[Berserker]

The Hellfire Mansion – Red Knight’s Quarters

There was a knock at the door as he exited his shower, towel wrapped around his waist. It couldn’t be Seph, it was way too early. Haleigh, maybe? He steeled himself for having to tell her no.

The door opened, and a man with a wet spot on the front of his pants where he had clearly pissed himself stood carrying a body. He came in and dropped it at Alek’s feet, stammering.

Cleaner: “The W-White Pr-Princess said to give you the body and the message that you'd better behave from now on.”

His eyes went wide with fear at what he’d just said.

Cleaner: “She said that!”

Alek crossed his arms and surveyed the dead guy. He had a knife hilt coming out of his mouth. Interesting choice.

A low rumble started in his chest and then he began to laugh out loud.

“Good for her.”

He looked at the cleaner with an amused smile.

“Damn I am going to miss fucking her.”

He gestured to the guy, in their new spirit of comraderie.

“So, what’d he do to get the old knife down the throat from Haleigh?”

Cleaner: “Well, uh, we were in her suite and didn’t know she was there. We, uh, made some comments she didn’t like about, um, what had caused the damage and her relationship with her sister. Her intimate relationship with her sister.”

Alek, laughing, walked over to the cleaner, and patted him good naturedly on her back. Then he reached up and snapped his neck.

“Asshole.”

He looked up at the air.

“Emi! I know you’re around. You smell blood like a shark.”

A *POP*ping sounds was heard as the nogitsune appeared with a smile.

“You want these two?”

Emiko looked a bit sad.

Nogitsune: “Dead?”

“Yeah – but I got you two fresh ones this morning. Surely you can do something with them?”

She appeared to think about it, then shook her head yes.

“Good. Just take care of the bodies when you’re done.”

She smiled up at him and *POP*ped out, then back in. She placed something in the palm of his hand then *POP*ped out with the two bodies in tow.

He looked down and saw that she had left him an intricately carved red panda figurine. Chuckling to himself, he set the figure down on the table next to his bed.

 

[Silver Swan]

The Sanctuary- Rose's Brownstone

"Rosie..let Sharon handle this. It's gonna be okay, I promise. You know that those two women in there aren't going to let anything happen.."

[gripping her hand tighter]

"And neither will I..we've been lettin' these assholes know what happens to people who enter our TURF, and we are gonna CONTINUE to do it until they get the message loud and clear."

:: For a moment, his mind went to Simon Pratt. This was exactly the kind of thing that he wanted to help fix in this city. It made Danny wonder how many other families had been ruined by the man at the front door, the ones who didn't have superpowered allies to stop the horrors that occurred in the city from happening. He didn't want to know the answer to that question. ::

:: He stroked Sable's head for a moment, both him and Rose listening to see how this would unfold. ::

[ Danny had taken Rose and Sable and made them scarce. Even if Nedry got inside, he wouldn't find her, and he didn't know WHICH building was actually the orphange.]

<< FLASH! >>

:: She just needed one thing to bond it in place. With the tall and statuesque Sharon in front of her, she was somewhat blocked from Nedry, as she dropped a few drops into her hand and rubbed her fingers in the holy water, before placing her hand above the right corner of the doorway, gently brushing Sharon's shoulder for a moment with her hand, where she had placed a small CROSS charm to the top of the door sometime before. As she contacted the cross, a translucent charge of energy appeared up and down the door frame for a split second as a gust of wind occured around Sharon and Dennis. ::

"Amen."

[ Sharon perceived that gust of wind, as well as Rae's ever so slight touch]

:: Rae had blessed the sanctuary. Her blessing was an old one...one the mystics used to keep vampires out back in the day, and it worked in just the same way. The Sanctuary would now KNOW instinctively...BASED on Rose's feelings who was a friend to the area and who was a FOE. Anybody who fell on the side of FOE would find themselves UNABLE to enter ANY building on the city block, less they be SMITED with a HEAVENLY blast of DIVINE LIGHTNING! The only way they they could be "added to the list" would be by ROSE herself. Danny may have fortified the block, there may have been new TECH on the way..but Rose needed something REAL and IMMEDIATE..and this was the best thing she could think of to protect Rose and her children. ::

"Don't be shy now, Porky. If you got papers you better show them! NOW...in my old age, I find my patience drains faster than my phone battery!"

[ At that moment, Charope made the scene, trying to scare Nedry, but someone as devoid of any decency as HE was would not be so easily scared, Sharon perceived that as she listened to his internal rhythms. As AWFUL and disgusting as he was, he wasn't telling lies...but that didn't necessarily mean he was being FORTHCOMING either. She NOTED what Rae had said, her perception of him. First at the hospital, now here at the orphanage]

HE's more of a danger than Black Widow was, but he hides behind the system. And what did Rae say....something about dancing in FLAMES...

Flames....Hell....HELLFIRE!?

[Could he be a HELLFIRE CLUB member? If so...WHO was he working for? there's NO WAY he'd be here on his own without someone having called in suspicion of "abuse" here, and Sharon knew that NOBODY had done that. She and Sharon were starting to wonder the same thing. WHO was behind this, who's pocket was HE in.]

[ The man was an utter PIG as he leered at Alycia, leaning in TOO close for comfort.]

[Rick Riley had been like this with both of them when he'd kidnapped them. He harrassed and sexualized them, he even tried to RAPE Sharon, breaking her arm when she tried to fight back. In the end, Alycia bashed him over the head to knock him out. They were both VERY different women then. Nedry wouldn't even last 5 MINUTES if he tried to physical assault any of the women standing before him now, but he didn't seem to CARE. What WAS it about him!?::

:: He regarded Sharon as if she were a dallas cowboy cheerleader or some other sex object meant to "Fetch" him coffee.::

....TO THE MOON

:: She seethed as she gritted her teeth, but she REFUSED to budge.::

Sharon had not moved yet, and so he showed HER the court order as well.

Well toots? Let's get a move on! We are all wondering if you look better going than coming...

[ Sharon wouldn't respond. She kept her silver eyes on Alycia, who was waiting a response from the court clerk, but the look of total disappointment and then CONCERN on her face told Sharon all she needed to know. Nedry had legitimate clearance.]

Dennis leans into Alycia, who find that standing THIS close to him might have been a mistake.

She's a bit...BEEFY to me. I prefer them leaner, much like yourself...perhaps we could talk ALONE while she fetches the kids....

[ Sharon looked back at Rae for a moment, wondering if the woman saw the same facial expression on Alycia that she did. As Alycia made one last ditch effort to appeal to Nedry's decency- which there was none in him- AND she and her paralegal were already working on trying to NULLIFY this court order, Sharon couldn't take the risk. Even IF he was KO'ed by Rae's barrier, he'd REMEMBER the experience.]

Butttt Misssterrrr Nedrryyyyy!!!!

[ Sharon's VOICE, it took on a sound and resonance that was utterly HYPNOTIC as she activated one of the more subtle aspects of her power. Unlike the average banshee or sonic producer, Silver Swan, who was intended to be a living weapon/hunter for mystech, can use her sonic power to influence and even CONTROL humans to a certain degree, she can induce a hypnotic state, she can even cause a person to fall in love with her- regardless of gender or sexual orientation- and easily compell them to do her bidding, tell her whatever she wants to know.]

Youuuu don'ttttt wanttttt to visitttt todayyyyy! You'reeee soooooo VERRRRY tiredddd, Dennissss!

[ Dennis gulped as he looked at Sharon, who smiled sweetly to him, tilting her head as she took a step forward]

Sooooo tireeddddd. Sooooo SLEEEPPYYYYYY!

[ Her VOICE! Dennis was HELPLESS against her power at this point]

You'veeeee been worrkinnngggg SOOO HARDDD latelyyyyy!

[ She nods with understanding as she totally lulls him]

Goooo homeee now....and SLEEEPPPPP!!

[ All resistance gone. All other thoughts, gone. All that matters is]

Dennis: Sleep. [ He looks NOTICEABLY calmer now, almost LISTLESS]

[ Sharon nods in agreement]

YESSSS, Dennisssss!! SLEEPPPYYY TIME!!!!

SLEEEPPP forrr meee Dennissss....forrrr the nextttt....2444444 HOURSSSSSS!!!!!

[ Alycia wasted no time, slipping inside, and finding Rose and Danny]

Alycia: It's alright...Sharon's GOT him...but we need to get him OUT of here....

Rose: Leave THAT to me!

[ Danny, Rose and Sable join Rae, who has stepped outside behind Sharon, watching as the mutate lulls Dennis Nedry to SLEEP.]

[ As the CPS worker finally gives in - the outcome was never in doubt- Rose quickly gestures, and Dennis is surrounded by a glowing column of white light- SOUL POWER- and he is teleported- SHUNTED across the astral plane, back to HIS dwelling, into his bed, where he will SLEEP for the next 24 hours, with NO memory of Sharon causing that to happen to him]

[ Once he is GONE, Alycia slowly exhales, and gets a message from Ana-Leigh....the JUDGE she contacted DID want to review that order, but thankfully, they now had more wiggle room. 24 hours to be exactly]

Alycia: Well....

Sharon: He's gone...for now...but you can believe he'll be coming BACK. We've got to make sure there's no room for him to level anymore allegations.

[ Rose was getting alert from her communicator, which looked like a beautiful brooch on her scarf. There was a message on her main computer, from ORACLE]

Rose: Oracle, from the clocktower, is trying to contact me.

Alycia: Oh that's right, she's got something she wants you to look at Rose! I think you'll like it, it's something that can HELP!

Sharon: Let's go back inside...let's not discuss anything further outside, where prying eyes, OR minds might hear.

[Back inside, Rose excuses herself to make her way to her underground command center using her secret passages- Sable follows her, leaving Danny, Rae, Alycia and Sharon in the brownstone. There were all in Rose's parlor at the moment...]

Sharon: Rae...what was it that you did behind me when we were at the door? I felt an odd sort of energy fluctuation.

Alycia [ looking at Danny]: And so we meet again. I didn't get the chance to express my gratitude to you for the help and support you've provided Rose during this past week. Thank you.

[ She extended her hand as her feminum bracelet shimmered. ]

 

[Recall]

Charope - Guest Suite

Isis: Come on in, Vivica. My nephew was looking for you a little while ago. What can I do for you?

:: Vivica nodded and entered the dimly lit room. It was cold and tranquil, much like its guest and Vivica was hoping the atmosphere of the room would keep things peaceful, but she never really knew what to expect with Isis. ::

"You've saved a number of my good friends and allies in the last several hours. I think that's more than enough.."

:: She sat down in one of the chairs next to Isis ::

"I mostly came to check up on you, see that you were okay...and to thank you...for everything you've done for the team thus far.."

"I know I can't speak for everyone, but I did want you to know..this girl is grateful."

:: pausing. ::

"I'm not exactly sure what it is that bothers you about me, but in light of everything that's happened recently, I guess it doesn't really matter. There's just been some things in my head since Central Park that I thought I should say to you.."

"Here goes nothing..."

"I think you should consider staying with The Birds of Prey. I want you to know..if I haven't validated your feelings about things, I'm sorry..but I just don't think ANYBODY is operating as their highest selves right now. So I'm trying. But..."

"Dominique...you are AMAZING. You have such an amazing talent and gift to give the world. I know you don't have to be on our team to do that...but I think it could help.."

[leaning forward]

"I realize we all kind of think we know each other because we've heard so much about each other over the years...but I don't know you..not really. But I'd like to.."

[sighing]

"What I do know..is that there aren't many of US around these parts."

[jokingly]

"Sistahs...for lack of a better word. I mean..I look at you and you are SO well rounded. So powerful and elegant..so POLISHED. You know how many little colored mutant girls there must be in this world right now? Who already think less of themselves because the world tells them they are a minority? And what's more they are a mutant? Imagine if they knew somebody like you...or Alycia? Or hell even myself? Imagine what good could come from that? I've been thinking of the orphanage..of the kids that Hellfire is trying to take...and I WORRY for them."

"That the only heroes they know will be the ones to betray them...like Black Widow."

"Or that they will never know just how POWERFUL and worthy of life they are.."

[pensive]

"Your power...the way you present yourself and the mantle you carry comes from some of the deepest ties in history we have. But I don't need to tell you that..you know. And I'm not trying to offend.."

"All I am really saying is that this team. With so much diversity...has the chance to do some REAL good for this city...for the world. We have a chance to help the helpless and to inspire the marginalized and opressed...but that future, that possibility for us as a team...is something that I can't see without YOU as a part of it.."

"Think of your music. How many fan letters have you received over the years. How many people have you made feel VISIBLE and IMPORTANT simply because you represented something to them that nobody else could? They didn't have to earn it..and maybe they weren't even worthy..but isn't that the most important kind of help you can give? The kind that can't be repaid?"

"Despite all of this..I DO care about you as a person..not just of the value you could bring to this team. But as a woman. Maybe one that seems to be at a crossroads...and I just think it's important that i say to you...that I think you need more people, Dominique. I think you need to soften..just for a second...and maybe then you can see us ALL from a different perspective, one closer to who they really are...and them to you.."

"That's all...again...I hope I haven't offended you."

"Cue the rampage music!!!"

:: She awaited Dominiques response. ::

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: "Oh."

She looked like she was contemplating what to say about what he did. It was making him nervous...he hated being nervous. Women never made him nervous. But this wasn't just any other woman, it was Zizi.

Zizi: “That just now…was that...'For Luck.' or 'I'm a nice man.' Because if it’s the latter…Then I like you because you’re a scoundrel.”

Gabe looked a little confused before it finally hit him where the reference was from. He smiled, bowing his head knowing that only Zizi would say something like that, and that he would understand it. He looked up, finding her eyes again as she reiterated that this situation was more than just in his head. But she then backed off, almost instantly. She looked down, defeated.

Zizi: "I'm sorry...you deserve so much more than someone like me. Someone like Ava Cassadine...or Ashley."

"What? First off Ashley's a bitch. And not even in a, [casually] yeah she's a bitch kinda way. Like YEAH she's a FUCKING BITCH....[quickly] no offense."

Zizi: "I saw the way you looked at her."

Fuck, she saw that. Fan-fucking-tastic Jerome. She began to turn her chair away, wheeling toward the kitchen. Gabe's hands tightened into fists as he used both of them to hit his forehead, silently kicking himself. He WAS checking out Ashley. She was hot...not much anymore after getting to know her. But initially she was hot. And he appreciated the way she looked. Obviously Zizi picked up on that.

"Lizzie I--"

Zizi: "Doctor Doom loves Sue Storm...not Franklin Richards."

Gabe got up and moved in front of her, placing both hands on either arm of her wheelchair. He kneeled down looking directly into Zizi's eyes, seeing the hurt. Seeing how she didn't think she was good enough for whatever reason.

"Look...yeah, I was checking Ashley out. But after listening to her? Hearing the way she talked to you? There's nothing attractive about her."

He stated firmly, making sure she KNEW he wasn't lying. But then there was the subject of Ava. That made him look away and let out a sigh.

"As for Ava..."

Shaking his head, he really didn't even know where to begin with that one.

"I loved her."

He admitted before looking back at Zizi.

"But not enough not to cheat on her."

He looked down, avoiding Zizi's eye contact as he confessed to her why they ended things. He had told Zizi when they had ended things but never told her why. He just said it was complicated. It was anything but.

"I fucked up. I let my dick do the thinking when she was on a business trip with her father. I....I was guilty about it....I confessed to her when she got back. And she wanted nothing more to do with me. [softly] I broke her heart."

He unconsciously gripped the arms of her wheelchair, still avoiding eye contact. Knowing Zizi was most obviously judging him for his past transgressions. At that moment he knew kissing Zizi was the worst thing he could have done. He would never be able to forgive himself if he ever hurt her the way he hurt Ava. Probably even moreso because it was Zizi.

"I wanna be the nice guy."

He finally looked back up at her.

"I wanna be someone you deserve. Because you DESERVE to be loved, Zizi. I just don't know if i'm that guy."

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

He stopped her, kneeling in front of her.

"Look...yeah, I was checking Ashley out. But after listening to her? Hearing the way she talked to you? There's nothing attractive about her."

She started to open her mouth to defend Ashley. But she guessed that wasn’t the point at this particular moment in time.

"As for Ava...I loved her."

It was like being stabbed in the heart, hearing that from him. Not that she hadn’t known it already.

"But not enough not to cheat on her."

That both surprised her and didn’t surprise her. She knew he “liked the ladies”, usually not in a relationship as in several at once. But he hadn’t told her why he had broken up with Ava.

"I fucked up. I let my dick do the thinking when she was on a business trip with her father. I....I was guilty about it....I confessed to her when she got back. And she wanted nothing more to do with me. [softly] I broke her heart."

He wasn’t looking at her. She reached out and touched his bowed head. He was carrying so much pain around, she could see it. It broke her heart to see it.

“Oh, Gabe…”

"I wanna be the nice guy."

Finally he looked at her.

“You are.”

"I wanna be someone you deserve. I just don't know if I can."

She put her hand over top of his on the arm of her chair.

“Maybe…maybe you sabotage yourself so you don’t have to risk getting hurt.”

She knew a little something about that herself.

“You are my best friend. I know you better than anyone. You are a good man.”

She looked down at herself.

“Why is why you deserve to be with someone that you don’t have to kneel down to talk to.”

 

[Rose]

Sanctuary- Command Center

<< Sable jumped into Rose's arms, and the omega level psi instinctively placed the sleek feline in a craddled position as she made her way down to the command center>>

<< Despite Nedry's presence, Rose remained calm. Danny, Rae, Sharon, and Alycia all rallied around her. Sharon and Alycia were behaving differently now. They weren't acting as though THEY were all that Rose NEEDED. They were working WITH Rae and Danny, and the GROUP effort and energy would be stronger than the sum of its parts.>>

<< Danny...the kind of friend Rose wished she'd had as a child, but was so happy to have in her life now; Rae...a woman who could either be a mother figure or "big sister"- she suspected Rae would prefer "big sister" THEY were her friends, part of her HEART. Alycia and Sharon were her allies, they were well meaning, and they regarded her as a friend, she knew that...but too often they had treated her like a....PROJECT. They didn't know it, and she knew their motives were from a genuine place, but NOW they seemed to be operating from a place OTHER than the head. They too were operating with HEART, and that resonated with Rose. The energy of the head had to be balanced by that of the heart!>>


<< Sigh!>>

<< she gently stroked Sable's head as she made her way into the command center, that looked like the sight of a total rampage, following her...RAMPAGE the night before.>>

My anger...

...but it was NOT unjustified. Haleigh Davidoff is a monster...and if Zach Armani shares her heart...in ANYWAY...then he can share her FATE.

Now, Sable, let's see what Oracle has to say!

<< Her chair had been knocked over and was across the room somewhere, so she stood, with Sable in her arm and pressed a button.>>

Thankfully...the main computer is still functioning...

<< She did not regret how she felt about Haleigh or Zach, but she DID have remorse for her....IMPULSE last night. Still, she couldn't see any other way to ALLEVIATE her OUTRAGE, and her overpowering sense of DISTRUST toward Zach and Clandestine Inc, now that its FOUNDER, a celebrated "AVENGER" no less, had traumatized and nearly murdered one of her children...and this was on TOP of the deaths of the 42 others that she was complicit to!>>

Zizi sent the proposal off to Rose, with a note that said she would happy to discuss, but that her friend who had designed it could have it installed by the morning if she wanted.

<< Rose opened the file on the large floating monitor...and it was a most grand presentation, complete with schematics, descriptions, different option levels, and even a time frame for construction/installing....>>

Turn around time in 24 hours!?

<< The design and SCOPE of this security and defense system was...the stuff of STAR WARS dreams It made Clandestine seem...PEDESTRIAN by comparison, and the fact that Oracle had been so THOUGHTFUL to send this over so soon after!?>>

<< Rose smiled>>

Well...it appears there are still good, decent people around us after all, little Sable.

<< the black cat cranes her neck, vocalizing a bit as Rose gently sratches her head.>>

This was sent a little while ago. But the delay was unavoidable, due to that less than gracious Dennis Nedry.

<< She presses another button, and opens a secure channel to Oracle, appearing on the woman's computer screen with the sound of her psionic power ringing in the air. Oracle, and Gabe would behold Rose, and Sable.>>

<< Rose looks calm and serene again, with her purple hair flowing>>

Good morning, Oracle.

I have received your communication, and proposal. I must say, this was VERY thoughtful of you. But before I go any further with that, I need to make one thing quite clear.

Zach Armani, your teammate, is BANNED from this premesis, PERMANENTLY. If he comes here, I shall take it as an act of intrusion and AGGRESSION, and act accordingly. His association with that marauding woman, Black Widow, and his INSISTENCE on...."believing in her redemption"....makes him UNSUITABLE for contact with my children.

<< She looked at Oracle very sternly as she said this. After Zizi made it known she understood, Rose softened her expression, and continued.>>

The design and scope of these security and defense system is so thorough, it will occupy far less space than the structure of Clandestine, while offering far more power and versatilty.

<< she nods with approval as Sable softly vocalizes once more.>>

The turn around time for installation is quite satisfactory.

Who is the architect of this security/defense system, and What is the cost of this?

<< not that rose was WORRIED, money was no object for her, and surely whoever had created it needed to be COMPENSATED for such a tremendous effort!>>

 

[Isis]

The Infirmary- Dominique's suite

"You've saved a number of my good friends and allies in the last several hours. I think that's more than enough.."

:: She sat down in one of the chairs next to Isis ::

"I mostly came to check up on you, see that you were okay...and to thank you...for everything you've done for the team thus far.."

"I know I can't speak for everyone, but I did want you to know..this girl is grateful."

:: Isis relaxed a bit, softening her gaze at Vivica. The girl was being genuine, and Dominique could sense it. She appreciated that.::

"I'm not exactly sure what it is that bothers you about me, but in light of everything that's happened recently, I guess it doesn't really matter. There's just been some things in my head since Central Park that I thought I should say to you.."

"Here goes nothing..."

:: Dominique narrowed her eyes a bit...but refrained from saying anything just now::

"I think you should consider staying with The Birds of Prey. I want you to know..if I haven't validated your feelings about things, I'm sorry..but I just don't think ANYBODY is operating as their highest selves right now. So I'm trying. But..."

"Dominique...you are AMAZING. You have such an amazing talent and gift to give the world. I know you don't have to be on our team to do that...but I think it could help.."

!?

:: Maybe the girl WAS more observant than Dominique gave her credit for her. Maybe she was aware of others BESIDES the ones she inexplicably followed after for validation- like Ashley Oldenburg. But the burden of proof was on HER in this moment. She broached this topic, it was up to her to show Dominique that she knew what she was saying, and that she was sincere, and not just doing this because had nothing ELSE she'd rather be doing.::

"I realize we all kind of think we know each other because we've heard so much about each other over the years...but I don't know you..not really. But I'd like to.."

[sighing]

"What I do know..is that there aren't many of US around these parts."

[jokingly]

"Sistahs...for lack of a better word. I mean..I look at you and you are SO well rounded. So powerful and elegant..so POLISHED. You know how many little colored mutant girls there must be in this world right now? Who already think less of themselves because the world tells them they are a minority? And what's more they are a mutant? Imagine if they knew somebody like you...or Alycia? Or hell even myself? Imagine what good could come from that? I've been thinking of the orphanage..of the kids that Hellfire is trying to take...and I WORRY for them."

"That the only heroes they know will be the ones to betray them...like Black Widow."

"Or that they will never know just how POWERFUL and worthy of life they are.."

:: Dominique exhaled slowly, letting herself lay back, as she allowed herself to make this journey of exploration into Vivica's words. The girl was speaking from the heart, and it...was RESONATING with Dominique.::

[pensive]

"Your power...the way you present yourself and the mantle you carry comes from some of the deepest ties in history we have. But I don't need to tell you that..you know. And I'm not trying to offend.."

"All I am really saying is that this team. With so much diversity...has the chance to do some REAL good for this city...for the world. We have a chance to help the helpless and to inspire the marginalized and opressed...but that future, that possibility for us as a team...is something that I can't see without YOU as a part of it.."

:: she shut her eyes tightly and rubbed her temples::

is that what this is!? her trying to CHARM me into continuing on this...."TEAM!?"

"Think of your music. How many fan letters have you received over the years. How many people have you made feel VISIBLE and IMPORTANT simply because you represented something to them that nobody else could? They didn't have to earn it..and maybe they weren't even worthy..but isn't that the most important kind of help you can give? The kind that can't be repaid?"

:: She snapped her gaze Vivica, in a look of disbelief::

"Despite all of this..I DO care about you as a person..not just of the value you could bring to this team. But as a woman. Maybe one that seems to be at a crossroads...and I just think it's important that i say to you...that I think you need more people, Dominique. I think you need to soften..just for a second...and maybe then you can see us ALL from a different perspective, one closer to who they really are...and them to you.."

"That's all...again...I hope I haven't offended you."

"Cue the rampage music!!!"

:: She awaited Dominiques response. ::

:: She looks away, and a few moments pass, before she returns her gaze to Vivica.::

Thank you.

:: She said in a slightly warmer tone::

This is the first time that I've allowed myself to HEAR you. Hear...and LISTEN, and I'm glad that I did.

You're right. WE don't know each other, but my nephew has vouched for you before, and your thoughtfulness, and the gesture you've made just now...this expression you've shared with me...suggests that perhaps we SHOULD get to know each other better.

You've said some VERY substantial things that have resonated with me.

Vivica...you speak of openess, and the benefit of exchange, communication, diversity. I have traveled the world, and enjoyed a myriad of experiences, so I AGREE with you on that.

But everyone needs a...."home base," do they not?

A place that is their own sanctuary.

I am fortunate that I have options where that is concerned.

Yes, ideally, the Clocktower is where I would be...

:: She looked Vivica in the eyes::

...but there is no way...short of SET HIMSELF appearing before me...and even THEN...I doubt that I would be moved to spend ONE MOMENT in the same space as that disrespectful, uncouth WENCH, Ashley Oldenburg.

:: Vivica heard the force, and BITTERNESS in Dominique's tone regarding Ashley. It was MORE than a mere "dislike," it was a deep seated CONTEMPT, and it went FAR beyond whatever she was doing with Zach.::

Vivica, I thought Oracle was SERIOUS about this....this...EXPERIMENT of her's. I thought that I COULD be apart of something unique, IMPORTANT, NECESSARY.

But since you're being so OPEN with me, I will do the same with you, and I will ask you...HOW can ANY of you TOLERATE that woman!? She's RUDE, boorish, utterly UNKIND , and needlessly antagonistic.

:: Vivica had succeeded in establishing a LINE with Dominique, but now was her FIRST test, the DEAL BREAKING issue of Valkyrie.::

I have NO illusions. Oracle has already made it clear that she will not abandon anyone...certainly Valkyrie.

But you said yourself earlier...I have OPTIONS. I don't NEED to be here, and I CERTAINLY don't ...and will NOT tolerate that woman [Ashley's] disrespect.

Quite frankly, I can't understand why any of YOU do. She antagonizes Sharon and Alycia at everyturn, and I haven't forgotten what she did to me during the Purifiers caper, OR that ...cryptic THREAT she made to my ward, one that I won't HESITATE to answer if it becomes necessary!

Can you explain to me how...WHY I should even consider the VERY unpleasant prospect of...working along side someone who has NO basic level of manners?

:: Would Vivica recognize that Dominique was not unlike Karen in that she placed HIGH priority on manners and decorum?::

I am NOT an amateur, NOR will I submit to some elementary ritual "HAZING" to gain acceptance into this...."GROUP!"

:: Dominique said with force. She wasn't yelling AT Vivica.::

 

[Rampage]

Leaving Dominique’s room, she went to find Nicolas, who was with Vivica in Alycia’s room, which she had vacated. She knocked on the open door before entering.

“Nicolas – Vivica.”

She nodded to them both.

“Nic – I was wondering if you wanted to brief me on the meeting you had in the War Room? I spoke to Morgan earlier, but I’d like your take.”

Vivica escaped without showing him the suit. A damned pity. Nicolas noted her words about Aunt D and decided that she would find a way to reach out to her. Nicolas had confidence in her but she would need to use her beautiful mind to see what Isis was about. If she did that rather than try to sell her on the team then things would work out. Nicolas knew that Rich vouched for the team and he had already vouched for Vivica. Vivica would get no better opening for dialogue than that.

One down, and another very important meeting in the same room. Delilah was asking on his take on the situation at hand. He turned to her, his face losing the cheer that he had for a fleeting time with the Vivica gift giving.

Well, Mike did come up with kill teams, but no one - not me, not him - wants to do that. But the two of us thought it best to be prepared should that be the only way because they almost killed - what? - half a dozen of us in just a few days. So I helped him compile data and he did what he is very good at doing.

Nicolas looked away, saddened, then back at Delilah.

Yeah, I would love for you to help me find a different way, and I know that Morgan has options she is considering, but at some point we are going to lose someone if we are unwilling or unable to stop them. I would love it if you had an idea, a solution to this that saves them somehow - what is on YOUR mind on this, Delilah?

Nicolas had seen too often recently what happens when they did not bring everyone in, so he had decided to do so before anything happened. The meeting was hastily called, but was called with the idea that they may have already been out of time. Hopefully, that was not the case and the time that he had, he wanted to make sure that Delilah knew that her opinion was worth him spending it listening to her. He waited for her response.

 

[Cypher]

Zizi: "Oh, Gabe...You are."

She tried to sweetly reassure him He shook his head firmly.

"No, i'm not."

Not but a few hours ago he was contemplating LEAVING Zizi to go fuck Ava because she texted him and wanted him. Not but a few days ago he actually DID fuck Ava. And if he were being truthful with himself, he still had feelings for Ava. She was the one he let get away, and on some level, he would always love her. But even if it wasn't Ava, it would be another woman, then another, and another....it didn't matter who he hurt in the process. He wasn't about to do that to Zizi. He loved her so unconditionally, the thought of hurting her made him ache. She was his best friend. She was his Lizzie.

He felt Zizi's hand clasp onto his, Gabe's eyes shifting to her touch.

Zizi: “Maybe…maybe you sabotage yourself so you don’t have to risk getting hurt.”

It seemed valid enough. He had a lot of demons from when he was younger, most stemming from his father. But he couldn't blame his bullshit choices on his father--that was one thing he WASN'T to blame for.

"Maybe."

Zizi: “You are my best friend. I know you better than anyone. You are a good man.”

His forehead crinkled as he looked back into Zizi's eyes, seeing the truth in them as she spoke. She honestly believed he was and that meant everything to him. More than she could even know.

Zizi: “Which is why you deserve to be with someone that you don’t have to kneel down to talk to.”

He then looked aghast, literally staring at her in utter shock.

"What?"

The shock melded to anger. Not at Zizi per say, but the way she thought about her situation. He grabbed her face firmly but gently, making her look into his eyes.

"You listen to me. I don't care if you have two working legs or no legs at all. You are BRILLIANT. You are one of the smartest people I have ever met. You are KIND to a fault. And you are BEAUTIFUL, chair and all. Don't you dare think otherwise. And don't you let anyone else TELL you otherwise, do you hear me Elizabeth?"

He was firm in his convictions, making sure there was no room for doubt or argument. If there was anything to come out of this situation today, it was to make sure she KNEW she was worthy enough for ANYONE.

Gabe heard a beeping on the monitor behind them as a feed popped up on the screen. His eyes didn't leave Zizi's, not until he heard the voice of Rose.

Rose: "Good morning, Oracle. I have received your communication, and proposal. I must say, this was VERY thoughtful of you."

Gabe stood, rubbing Zizi's hand gently as they put their conversation on the back burner for now. It was time for business. He stood as Zizi rolled over to the monitor to speak with Rose. It would be the first time he finally saw the woman whom he was helping.

Rose: "But before I go any further with that, I need to make one thing quite clear. Zach Armani, your teammate, is BANNED from this premesis, PERMANENTLY. If he comes here, I shall take it as an act of intrusion and AGGRESSION, and act accordingly. His association with that marauding woman, Black Widow, and his INSISTENCE on...."believing in her redemption"....makes him UNSUITABLE for contact with my children.

Gabe had an oh shit look on his face as he glanced down at Zizi. Obviously Zach had pissed the holy hell out of her, not to mention Haleigh. But THAT part was understandable.

Rose: "The design and scope of these security and defense system is so thorough, it will occupy far less space than the structure of Clandestine, while offering far more power and versatilty. The turn around time for installation is quite satisfactory."

Gabe grinned triumphantly. He knew she would approve, but it was always nice to hear praises.

Rose: "Who is the architect of this security/defense system, and What is the cost of this?"

Gabe raised his hand, dipping down into view for Rose to see.

"Oh, that would be me. Gabriel Jerome, master hacker....cyber space assassin....king of the interweb--[Zizi ribbed him HARD] OW...ow....[giving Zizi a look] Uh it's a pleasure, ma'am. [returning his attention to Rose] And no cost! Just wanna make sure your little tikes are safe and sound. I can have my men out there in an hour and have everything up and running by this time tomorrow. Just gotta give me the word."

 

[Recall]

Charope Headquarters - Guest Suite

:: She said in a slightly warmer tone::

This is the first time that I've allowed myself to HEAR you. Hear...and LISTEN, and I'm glad that I did.

You're right. WE don't know each other, but my nephew has vouched for you before, and your thoughtfulness, and the gesture you've made just now...this expression you've shared with me...suggests that perhaps we SHOULD get to know each other better.

You've said some VERY substantial things that have resonated with me.

Vivica...you speak of openess, and the benefit of exchange, communication, diversity. I have traveled the world, and enjoyed a myriad of experiences, so I AGREE with you on that.

But everyone needs a...."home base," do they not?

A place that is their own sanctuary.

I am fortunate that I have options where that is concerned.

Yes, ideally, the Clocktower is where I would be...

:: She looked Vivica in the eyes::

...but there is no way...short of SET HIMSELF appearing before me...and even THEN...I doubt that I would be moved to spend ONE MOMENT in the same space as that disrespectful, uncouth WENCH, Ashley Oldenburg.

:: Vivica heard the force, and BITTERNESS in Dominique's tone regarding Ashley. It was MORE than a mere "dislike," it was a deep seated CONTEMPT, and it went FAR beyond whatever she was doing with Zach.::

"Nobody is saying that you have to live in The Clocktower, Isis. Surely with the help of your nephew you could find more than satisfactory accomodations. You don't even have to LIVE in the city if you don't want. You can be anywhere you need to be in an instant. Distance is no problem."

:: She tried to brush past the Ashley part, but she knew that wouldn't last long. ::

Vivica, I thought Oracle was SERIOUS about this....this...EXPERIMENT of her's. I thought that I COULD be apart of something unique, IMPORTANT, NECESSARY.

But since you're being so OPEN with me, I will do the same with you, and I will ask you...HOW can ANY of you TOLERATE that woman!? She's RUDE, boorish, utterly UNKIND , and needlessly antagonistic.

:: Vivica had succeeded in establishing a LINE with Dominique, but now was her FIRST test, the DEAL BREAKING issue of Valkyrie.::

I have NO illusions. Oracle has already made it clear that she will not abandon anyone...certainly Valkyrie.

But you said yourself earlier...I have OPTIONS. I don't NEED to be here, and I CERTAINLY don't ...and will NOT tolerate that woman [Ashley's] disrespect.

Quite frankly, I can't understand why any of YOU do. She antagonizes Sharon and Alycia at everyturn, and I haven't forgotten what she did to me during the Purifiers caper, OR that ...cryptic THREAT she made to my ward, one that I won't HESITATE to answer if it becomes necessary!

Can you explain to me how...WHY I should even consider the VERY unpleasant prospect of...working along side someone who has NO basic level of manners?

:: Would Vivica recognize that Dominique was not unlike Karen in that she placed HIGH priority on manners and decorum?::

I am NOT an amateur, NOR will I submit to some elementary ritual "HAZING" to gain acceptance into this...."GROUP!"

:: Dominique said with force. She wasn't yelling AT Vivica.::

:: Vivica paused for a moment. How could she get THROUGH to Isis with such a large obstacle in the way? She wasn't going to through Ashley under the bus. She cared about her, and the two of them worked very well together in the field. And she promised Ashley that she would be there for her from here on out. ::

"Have you ever known somebody..in so much pain..experiencing such deep hurt that they isolate everyone around them in one way or another? That the things they do..or say..are almost like a charicature of a person? Those people so lost and confused that they choose one thing to lead with and leave the rest behind because it's too painful?"

:: shrugging ::

"I've been there myself a few times in my life. Wanting so badly to be understood but doing nothing to help the situation and then getting angry at a situation I was causing. I see that with Ashley. She does awful things. She says terrible things out of nowhere, I know all of this. She tests even MY patience..and it wasn't easy at first. But she's saying and doing all of these things because she's trying to convince herself that she IS these things..."

:: She looked away for a moment. ::

"She is the way she is...because it DISGUISES the things she doesn't want to show the world anymore. It doesn't take a psychologist to see that. It just takes a person that knows real pain...to recognize it. I recognize that in her."

"I'm not saying that any of that..is an excuse. Or makes any of what you've experience less than what it IS. I UNDERSTAND why you feel the way you do about it. I get it.."

"I think because of how she acts, people forget how long lived she is. She's not an amateur either, Dominique. She was deemed worthy by the Norse GODS to do what she did. She walked hand in hand with death for decades. I can't imagine the things that she has seen or done or experienced doing what she did..but I think you probably can."

:: Vivica leaned back in her chair. ::

"And...as I've learned since the arrival of Alycia to the team is that the things we often don't like about other people are qualities that live in ourselves as well. Nobody else on The Birds of Prey finds you anything less than stellar. Ideological conflicts, those are going to happen in any group dynamic..but the others..they respect you..but they respect Ashley too. Nobody is asking YOU to respect her..that has to happen on it's own if ever...I think the others just want you to respect the fact that THEY respect her."

"Nobody wants to haze you. From what I can tell..everybody wants to get to know you. But you're not an easy person to get along with yourself. I have a relationship with Ashley because I wanted one. Because I put forth the effort to have one..to try and peel back the layers to try and see WHY she is always so goddamn angry. That might bite me in the ass down the road, but so far it hasn't. I don't know if it's intentional..or some kind of self preservation thing..but sometimes I just get the sense that you just don't really...WANT to let anybody in. You have your reasons I am sure...and knowing what I do know about you...I'm sure they are very good. But it does make things a little difficult. Because you're so closed off at times..it makes it hard for me to see where you are coming from..which makes it hard to defend you. And I want to help. I WANT to defend you. I realize that you are a woman of action and not words..but..my mama always said that a closed mouth doesn't get fed..and my mama was never wrong once."

:: Taking a sip again of her nearly empty coffee, she held the cup in her lap. ::

"I think you should work alongside Ashley because you've definitely worked alongside worse women for worse reasons. You can put lipstick on a pig..but at the end of the day a pig is a pig. The Queens of The Sisterhood may have wore pretty masks. They may have bowed and nodded and showed a level of decorum for your liking...but the things they did..I mean you were never truly comfortable with were you? I have to believe that's part of the reason you left..because of what they DID. With Ashley..you may think her a pig..but at least she refuses to put on lipstick. So it's a gamble. Proper women doing horrible things..or an absolutely brash woman who ends up doing the right thing, despite her words and feelings?"

:: She held up a hand. ::

"Dominique. Don't get me wrong. I don't bring that up to make you angry or to insult your character..You have your reasons and they are your own and that's it..I just say it to highlight the point that Ashley may be what you believe to be everything wrong with a person..but when push comes to shove, she does the right thing. She puts the bullshit aside no matter how mad she is, no matter how much she doesn't agree in the moment. And right now? With the state of things as they are..we could all use people around us that do the RIGHT THING."

"I think you should stick around because it's uncomfortable. You're so put together. So absolutely solid and strong. Maybe it's time to get a little messy. A little bit dirty. Surround yourself with people who AREN'T like you.so that YOU can grow. Learn new things. Nicky loves you. Rich loves you. I think maybe when you weren't looking you found that you've unintentionally created a LIFE here..and I don't think that life is over...I think you might be at a point where it's just beginning. And I think all of us..with our different personalities..different ways of doing things, could maybe make you see the world a little bit bigger..and I think, even though it might not be easy at first...though nothing ever worth doing is..that your refinement, your CONTROL..your ability to be so strong and powerful in the face of adversity, could help our stars burn a little bit BRIGHTER."

:: Hesitating for a moment, she grabbed Dominique's hand. The first time they had ever made direct contact like this. ::

"Please give us some more time, Dominique. I can help. I WANT to help...if you'll let me."

 

[Jezebel]

The Secret Garden District - Rose's Sanctuary

:: Rae watched with disgust as Nedry began to make a pass at Alycia. She'd had enough hot sweaty beasts that had managed to crawl on top of her over the years, but just seeing Nedry's disgusting, sweaty face in the sun made her want to vomit. ::

:: She leaned into Sharon's ear. ::

"Why do even the FATTEST..most DISGUSTING men think they are some kind of GIFT?!"

Dennis leans into Alycia, who find that standing THIS close to him might have been a mistake.

She's a bit...BEEFY to me. I prefer them leaner, much like yourself...perhaps we could talk ALONE while she fetches the kids....

"SHE'S BEEFY?! For the love of CHRIST!"

:: pausing for a moment. ::

"Sorry JC."

:: turning back. ::

"That walking talking Oscar Meyer WEINER! Let me at him!"

:: Rae tried to push past Sharon forgetting how strong she was and quickly realizing that there was no way Nedry was getting INTO the building, and she was not getting OUT either. She calmed herself down. ::

Butttt Misssterrrr Nedrryyyyy!!!!

[ Sharon's VOICE, it took on a sound and resonance that was utterly HYPNOTIC as she activated one of the more subtle aspects of her power. Unlike the average banshee or sonic producer, Silver Swan, who was intended to be a living weapon/hunter for mystech, can use her sonic power to influence and even CONTROL humans to a certain degree, she can induce a hypnotic state, she can even cause a person to fall in love with her- regardless of gender or sexual orientation- and easily compell them to do her bidding, tell her whatever she wants to know.]

Youuuu don'ttttt wanttttt to visitttt todayyyyy! You'reeee soooooo VERRRRY tiredddd, Dennissss!

[ Dennis gulped as he looked at Sharon, who smiled sweetly to him, tilting her head as she took a step forward]

Sooooo tireeddddd. Sooooo SLEEEPPYYYYYY!

[ Her VOICE! Dennis was HELPLESS against her power at this point]

You'veeeee been worrkinnngggg SOOO HARDDD latelyyyyy!

[ She nods with understanding as she totally lulls him]

Goooo homeee now....and SLEEEPPPPP!!

[ All resistance gone. All other thoughts, gone. All that matters is]

Dennis: Sleep. [ He looks NOTICEABLY calmer now, almost LISTLESS]

[ Sharon nods in agreement]

YESSSS, Dennisssss!! SLEEPPPYYY TIME!!!!

SLEEEPPP forrr meee Dennissss....forrrr the nextttt....2444444 HOURSSSSSS!!!!!

[ Alycia wasted no time, slipping inside, and finding Rose and Danny]

:: Rae continued to be impressed with Sharon. She had seen her knock people's blocks off and fly through the air with the greatest of ease like she was some kind of trapeze artist, but now she was using her voice to lull the fat man into a deep sleep. ::

"Now that's a cool little trick. Why did I have to be born just talkin' to dead people? I could have done so much more with something like THAT..or at least...STOLE a lot more money from one night stands at the very least."

:: She followed Sharon outside as Alycia went inside to find Danny and Rose. ::

Alycia: "It's alright...Sharon's GOT him..but we need to get him OUT of here."

Danny: "Damn right we do!"

Rose: "Leave that to me!"

:: Before long, Rae watched as Rose did her astral magic and shunted the man to god knows where, hopefully to HELL. ::

Alycia: "Well..."

Sharon: "He's gone...for now...but you can believe he'll be coming BACK. We've got to make sure there's no room for him to level any more allegations."

[thinking]

"I know a few demons on The Other Side that would love to get their hands on that tasty little morsel. Give him a taste of what prison might be like for a soft little ham like himself!"

Rose: "Oracle, from the clocktower, is trying to contact me."

"Hopefully she has more to give you than just the TIME."

Alycia: "Oh that's right, she's got something she wants you to look at Rose! I think you'll like it, it's something that can HELP!"

Sharon: "Let's go back inside..let's not discuss anything further outside, where prying eyes, OR minds might hear."

:: Rae hesitated for a moment. She couldn't smoke in there and she tended to avoid those kinds of places, but soon she joined the others in Rose's parlor as the others gathered to discuss what just happened. ::

Sharon: "Rae..what was it that you did behind me when we were at the door? I felt an odd sort of energy fluctuation."

:: Rae smirked. ::

"I gave this whole city block a good dose of the Holy Spirit is what I did."

:: She pulled out the bottle of holy water from her pocket. One that definitely permeated a unique type of energy. ::

"A blessing. Much like the ones that inevitably caused vampires not enter spaces uninvited. No evil shall enter this place or any other place on this block..through ANY opening... unless invited by Rose..and if it tries..it's going to get a blast of DIVINE LIGHTNING right up it's ass - human or OTHERWISE."

Alycia: "And so we meet again. I didn't get the chance to express my gratitude to you for the help and support you've provided Rose during this past week. Thank you."

:: She watched as Danny nodded. ::

Danny: "Thank YOU..for what you've done for this city. Despite my complete and total condemnation of you earlier in the hospital, the city appreciates what you've done for it. And I appreciate what you're trying to do for Rose now. We need all the help we can get. Plus it seems like you've got some pretty cool powers now..."

[She extended her hand as her feminum bracelet shimmered.]

Danny: "Judging by the...FABULOUS accessories. I mean seriously..very nice. Sexy even."

:: Danny put a hand up. ::

Danny: "Don't let the scruff and the Brooklyn accent fool ya darlin'..I'm gay as blazes."

:: Danny turned to Sharon and Rae. ::

Danny: "Not that I'm SUPER worried..but should we just leave Rose alone like this? Especially after last night. I mean she didn't seem super upset...but shouldn't we be using the buddy system right now? That guy was an asshole..and if he's coming back..she's going to go for blood."

 

[Orion]

Charope, LLC -- The Infirmary

Ashley: You are a crafty one, Armani.

He could sense her resistance to his request, and he knew why. He kissed her ardently, as if that alone could sway her. It couldn't, but he enjoyed kissing her anyway.

Ashley: Are you sure you don’t want to dress Andrew up in drag and make him perform ‘Mandy’ on stage at the Parthenon instead?

He smiled at the thought. He couldn't do that his friend, but the suggestion was quite amusing.

"GODS... don't make me think of Andrew in drag right now...."

He deflected, and pressed his body against hers amorously.

Ashley: I could steal one of Isis’ costumes. That would REALLY piss her off.

She laughed, and he shook his head, chuckling with her.

"You're crazy, you know that?"

She was rubbing his beard, and saying that the place was growing on her. He had to admit, as far as hospitals go, this place wasn't so bad. But then, it was highly probable that he only liked it because SHE was there, helping him pass the time, lifting his mood.

Ashley: Promise me we’ll always spend our days like this…

"I tell you what. I'm willing to make a deal. You don't have to paint, if you really don't want to. But if you're asking what I want.... it's for you to see beauty in the world again."

He grasped her hand tightly, as he brought them together again, and leaned down to whisper in her ear.

"So we can spend our days like this, if it pleases you Ashley...."

 

[Verdict]

Headed to the Sanctuary

Darren wrapped the towel around his waist and grabbed a wash cloth to wipe the steam from the mirror. He proceeded through his morning grooming routine with a practiced hand. Cleaned up the edges on his goatee, brush his teeth, put on the smell good, fill out a suit. He picked out a silver paisley tie for the day. He was almost out the door when Griffin called.

It was a short conversation, but it carried drastic implications. He grabbed his wallet and his keys, and was headed to his Porsche Carrera in the garage when he remembered he was being picked up this morning. He turned and left through the front door.

In his circular drive, there were three silver BMW sedans. By the first vehicle stood an operator in a black on black suit, who greeted him by callsign and opened the rear passenger door for him. Hud thanked him and slid in. Once the other guy got in as well, they all exchanged polite 'good morning's and then his driver introduced the team in this car, and both of the others.

"This is a big escort team."

He commented. He was given a very simple response, that Rose had nearly killed the Director, so he was getting two teams for double the protection. He recalled the video feed from the night before, and just nodded in acknowledgement as the man next to him fitted him with a wire and a traded his tie clip for one that had a camera concealed behind one of the diamonds.

"No weapons around the children. Only defensive tactics are permitted. If we come under fire we will retreat immediately, do not return fire."

Traffic, as usual, was absolutely horrendous. When they arrived in front of the Sanctuary, he instructed the majority of them to remain with the the cars, and told the two team leaders to accompany him to the door. He stood on the porch, flanked by his backup, and rang the bell. He looked back at them as they waited for the door to open.

"Can you guys.... act casual? You're like the secret service on steroids right now. Just.... be cool, okay?"

 

[MorningStar]

The Infirmary

Vivica left to see Isis, leaving her alone with Nicolas to discuss the Black Widow and Persephone situation.

Well, Mike did come up with kill teams, but no one - not me, not him - wants to do that. But the two of us thought it best to be prepared should that be the only way because they almost killed - what? - half a dozen of us in just a few days. So I helped him compile data and he did what he is very good at doing.

“If no one wanted to do it, you wouldn’t have come up with the teams.”

She said it matter of factly, with no anger or criticism.

“But as you say, they’ve dealt an awful amount of damage in a short period of time. Almost killed a lot of us. Almost.”

It didn’t escape her that Haleigh and Ava hadn’t actually succeeded in killing anyone. She knew Black Widow. If she wanted someone dead, they would be.

Yeah, I would love for you to help me find a different way, and I know that Morgan has options she is considering, but at some point we are going to lose someone if we are unwilling or unable to stop them. I would love it if you had an idea, a solution to this that saves them somehow - what is on YOUR mind on this, Delilah?

She was pacing the room, then looked up at her teammate.

“MY mind is one giant clusterfuck, Nic.”

She gave him a half smile.

“I hate what they’ve done. I hate them for doing it. For putting themselves in this position. I know we have to protect ourselves and those that can’t protect themselves. I know this. But-“

She looked away.

“It’s Haleigh and Ava. I can’t help but think…they’re failing on purpose. That we need to go in there and get them. They aren’t prisoners, Nic. And there’s a lot of us now. Can’t we get them out? We need to get them out. Figure out what to do with them after?”

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Gabe put his hands on her face, making her look back at him.

"You listen to me. I don't care if you have two working legs or no legs at all. You are BRILLIANT. You are one of the smartest people I have ever met. You are KIND to a fault. And you are BEAUTIFUL, chair and all. Don't you dare think otherwise. And don't you let anyone else TELL you otherwise, do you hear me Elizabeth?"

“See? You are a good man.”

She gave him a small smile, only slightly on the side of adoring. She wished she could believe what he’d said, that it didn’t matter. She knew it did.

They were saved any more conversation as an alert behind her signaled a communication over a secure channel coming through. She wiped her eyes and turned, taking hold of his hand to keep her with her.

"Good morning, Oracle. I have received your communication, and proposal. I must say, this was VERY thoughtful of you."

Gabe rubbed her hand gently, and she smiled up at him before wheeling herself closer to the monitor.

She broadened her smile for Rose, and gave her a little wave.

“Good morning, Rose. It’s good to see you looking so well despite the circumstances. I apologize for being impetuous, but I thought time was of the essence in this case.”

But Rose wasn’t ready to talk tech just yet.

"But before I go any further with that, I need to make one thing quite clear. Zach Armani, your teammate, is BANNED from this premises, PERMANENTLY. If he comes here, I shall take it as an act of intrusion and AGGRESSION, and act accordingly. His association with that marauding woman, Black Widow, and his INSISTENCE on...."believing in her redemption"...makes him UNSUITABLE for contact with my children.

Zizi was silent for a moment. Every instinct in her told her to correct Rose’s assumptions about Zach, to back him up. But right now, the important thing was making sure those kids were safe. If she turned this into a Zach intervention, Rose might not let them go forward. And that was not an option. So she held her tongue – for now – hoping that Rose would see the light very soon and promising herself to have a conversation with her about it once the children were safe.

She spoke without her characteristic smile.

“Understood, Rose. Zachary was not a part of the planning of this.”

"The design and scope of these security and defense system is so thorough, it will occupy far less space than the structure of Clandestine, while offering far more power and versatility. The turn around time for installation is quite satisfactory."

Gabe positively beamed beside her, and she grinned up at him too, proud of what he had accomplished.

"Who is the architect of this security/defense system, and What is the cost of this?"

Zizi opened her mouth to introduce Gabe, but he beat her to it.

"Oh, that would be me. Gabriel Jerome, master hacker...cyber space assassin...king of the interweb—“

Zizi elbowed him in the ribs. He might have kissed her, but he was still Gabe, still being an ass.

”Uh it's a pleasure, ma'am. And no cost! Just wanna make sure your little tikes are safe and sound. I can have my men out there in an hour and have everything up and running by this time tomorrow. Just gotta give me the word."

Zizi smiled back at Rose.

“So, what do you think? Do we have the green light to move forward?”

 

[Valkyrie]

Charope, LLC - The Infirmary

"GODS... don't make me think of Andrew in drag right now..."

A smile spread over her face. She raised both eyebrows.

“Why? Does it turn you on?”

She reached down and tickled him.

“Cause if it does I could call him…”

She teased, laughing so that he would know she was only joking.

"You're crazy, you know that?"

She mimed thinking about it.

“I am pretty sure that’s one of the main reasons you like me.”

She sighed, expressing how she didn’t want this to end.

"I tell you what. I'm willing to make a deal. You don't have to paint, if you really don't want to. But if you're asking what I want...it's for you to see beauty in the world again."

She stroked his cheek. She had all the beauty she needed right in front of her.

“I’ll do anything you want me to…”

The end of her sentence disappeared into a sigh as he pressed against her, their hands still intertwined.

"So we can spend our days like this, if it pleases you Ashley...."

She found his mouth and kissed him, deeply, her hips raising to meet him, her free arm curving around his back. She looked at him breathlessly.

“As long as I’m with you, I don’t care what we do…”

She raised an eyebrow, and gave him that naughty smile.

“But if you’re offering…”

She managed to get out before throwing her head back onto the pillow with a cry. Picking her head up, she kissed him again, tasting him, the lingering hint of honey there. She gripped him between her thighs, the two of them moving as one. She inclined her neck so he could kiss her there as she pleaded with him.

“Yes…every day like this…please…Zach…please…”

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club -- White Princess's Suite

Haleigh sat on her sofa, ran her hands through her hair, and reclined back, and her flatscreen flickered on. She watched her messenger cross the camera feeds, and followed him along. Her shotgun appeared across her lap, and her hands went to it as the man entered the Red Wing.

She gripped the slide, racked the action open, manifested a buckshot shell, and popped it into the chamber, then pulled the pump handle forward again. Another shell appeared in her hand, and she pressed it through the loading port to continue to fill the firearm with ammunition.

On screen, her messenger began to stutter his way through his task, and Haleigh looked up at the scene darkly, her hands coming to a rest in the right places.

Was he going to pull that knife back out of the guy's esophagus, and try to return it to her? Was he going to rampage in here, and try to tell her to go fuck herself? Was he going to give her a reason to go bear hunting?

Alek didn't get angry, he just laughed.

Alek: Damn I am going to miss fucking her.

Yeah..... well, it was fun while it lasted.

She thought, as Alek asked the live victim how the other guy ended up so very dead. Then Alek laughed again, and snapped the witness's neck. Haleigh leaned forward and down, and slid the shotgun under her couch, pushing it back out of sight.

Maybe I'll get an excuse to use it later.

She sat back up, and glanced at the screen again. Alek and Emiko were apparently quite friendly. So much for his assessment that it was difficult to get her to do what he wanted, when he wanted. The little fox even gave him a trinket. It was kind of cute.

Haleigh started switching through the video streams for an update of the goings on at Hellfire. Interestingly, All three Queens, AND the King, were in the catacombs, with Gia. Haleigh accessed the short term memory of that camera network to rewind the feed and discover what that meeting was about.

The White Queen was pleased to show off her kitten, whom she'd named Perle, a choice that Haleigh found to be significant in a very strange, slightly creepy way. Haleigh was pleased to hear that the silent treatment decree against her had indeed been cancelled. Gia got a gift, and some kind of upgrade by the Queen, and Haleigh looked forward to testing out the Bishop's newly unlocked abilities and skills.

 

[Isis]

The Infirmary- Isis' Suite

"Nobody is saying that you have to live in The Clocktower, Isis. Surely with the help of your nephew you could find more than satisfactory accomodations. You don't even have to LIVE in the city if you don't want. You can be anywhere you need to be in an instant. Distance is no problem."

:: She tried to brush past the Ashley part, but she knew that wouldn't last long. ::

:: Did she really think Isis was WORRIED about where she'd live? It was ORACLE who offered her and Richard accommodation, which she accepted due to having just departed the Hellfire Club, and wanting time to herself AWAY from the Six. But that was when she thought Oracle was SERIOUS about what she was trying to do.::

:: The look on Dominique's face told Vivica that she was losing her as she tried to gloss over Ashley.::

:: Vivica paused for a moment. How could she get THROUGH to Isis with such a large obstacle in the way? She wasn't going to through Ashley under the bus. She cared about her, and the two of them worked very well together in the field. And she promised Ashley that she would be there for her from here on out. ::

"Have you ever known somebody..in so much pain..experiencing such deep hurt that they isolate everyone around them in one way or another? That the things they do..or say..are almost like a charicature of a person? Those people so lost and confused that they choose one thing to lead with and leave the rest behind because it's too painful?"

I was that person...when Set attacked my village, raped my sister...and hurt me when I tried to stop him. I was that person, when I BEGGED my sister to end that unholy pregnancy, to save her life, and she refused....and the moment Nicolas was born...her life was forfeit.

I was written off as insane...and I left the only home I knew. I wandered the harsh, unforgiving desert, waiting...HOPING to die. But my goddess..she heard my cries...she saw my heart...and DESPITE how I was in that moment..she came to me. She offered me salvation...and a chance to live life anew.

But even now, with all that's happened, with where Nicolas and I stand today...the memories of my sister and SET...are STILL a source of great pain. There are times...where I STILL have to put distance between myself and Nicolas....because I know what COST was paid for him to be in this world.

I don't blame HIM...not like I used to...not like when I came here, seeking REVENGE.

:: And she cut a path from one side of the world to the other to get to Nicolas, even destroying many men on his company's board of investors, and coming nearly close to striking him dead herself during the Sisterhood's battle with the Six on Aerie::

But the PAIN never truly goes away.

:: Vivica could see Dominique looking reflective, and a bit mournful, but for she straightened up a bit. Was she trying to get Dominique to somehow...IDENTIFY with Ashley's rude, disgusting behavior?!::

"I've been there myself a few times in my life. Wanting so badly to be understood but doing nothing to help the situation and then getting angry at a situation I was causing. I see that with Ashley. She does awful things. She says terrible things out of nowhere, I know all of this. She tests even MY patience..and it wasn't easy at first. But she's saying and doing all of these things because she's trying to convince herself that she IS these things..."

:: She looked away for a moment. ::

"She is the way she is...because it DISGUISES the things she doesn't want to show the world anymore. It doesn't take a psychologist to see that. It just takes a person that knows real pain...to recognize it. I recognize that in her."

Even when I lost my way...and strayed from the covenant I made with my goddess...I was not capricious in violence or disrespect, the way SHE is. I did not DELIGHT in the suffering of others. I did not go out of my way to MOCK, BELITTLE, INSULT, or BULLY others.

:: She shook her head::

That woman is the worst.

:: She looked away for a moment. ::

"She is the way she is...because it DISGUISES the things she doesn't want to show the world anymore. It doesn't take a psychologist to see that. It just takes a person that knows real pain...to recognize it. I recognize that in her."

"I'm not saying that any of that..is an excuse. Or makes any of what you've experience less than what it IS. I UNDERSTAND why you feel the way you do about it. I get it.."

"I think because of how she acts, people forget how long lived she is. She's not an amateur either, Dominique. She was deemed worthy by the Norse GODS to do what she did. She walked hand in hand with death for decades. I can't imagine the things that she has seen or done or experienced doing what she did..but I think you probably can."

And are the Norse gods somehow ABOVE my pantheon- Isis, Nut, Set.... or that of the Amazons- Athena, Demeter, Artemis? Vivica, there ARE other gods and goddesses, other paths, SURELY a woman with the powers and insight that you have are aware of that. Our pantheons know of one another, and show good will, RESPECT, and have even WORKED TOGETHER in times of necessity and need. The NORSE gods have worked us before as well. THEY are not gripped by the same petty ARROGANCE that SHE is, and her Norse pedigree doesn't put her ABOVE anyone else.

:: She looked at Vivica with an unwavering gaze::

How many times has Valkyrie displayed a bigoted stance toward the Amazons simply for being who they are without even KNOWING what they can do, or their character? It would be DISHONEST of you OR I to say that neither of us have experience that in our lives. Alycia, Richard, and Xavier, even Steel would certainly agree.

If ANYONE should be aware, sensitive and UNWILLING to accept that kind of behavior...especially a time that touts its DIVERSITY, it should be US. When you talk about a "team"...and accountability... if this is supposed to be an ACTUAL THING? Then EVERYONE should hold it EQUALLY. The expectation, the DEMAND for proper treatment should not be dismissed as "whining" or "being weak"....it should be recognized as a STANDARD that we ALL need to unhold.

She's here, in the infirmary that belongs to a woman she REGULARLY degrades, LAYING with a man who's life was DEFENDED by the AMAZONS and she has not shown one OUNCE of gratitude toward ANYONE involved in the efforts that Make Zach's continued existence possible.

I have a problem with that, and if you're not prepared to explain to me how that problem can be solved, then there will be no progress on the subject of Oldenburg, which in turn, preclude the other outcome I think you're hoping to achieve with this conversation.

:: she said coldly::

"Nobody wants to haze you. From what I can tell..everybody wants to get to know you. But you're not an easy person to get along with yourself. I have a relationship with Ashley because I wanted one. Because I put forth the effort to have one..to try and peel back the layers to try and see WHY she is always so goddamn angry. That might bite me in the ass down the road, but so far it hasn't. I don't know if it's intentional..or some kind of self preservation thing..but sometimes I just get the sense that you just don't really...WANT to let anybody in. You have your reasons I am sure...and knowing what I do know about you...I'm sure they are very good. But it does make things a little difficult. Because you're so closed off at times..it makes it hard for me to see where you are coming from..which makes it hard to defend you. And I want to help. I WANT to defend you. I realize that you are a woman of action and not words..but..my mama always said that a closed mouth doesn't get fed..and my mama was never wrong once."

:: Taking a sip again of her nearly empty coffee, she held the cup in her lap. ::

You spoke of self imposed isolation earlier.

:: She said with a less cold tone.::

The road that I walk requires discipline, VIGILANCE.

I have a COVENANT with my goddess, to safeguard life of Nicolas...so that his father, SET cannot return to this world.

If Nicolas' blood is spilled and he dies...the door way for Set will be irrevocably OPENED, and he will be reborn in renewed physical form through his SON'S BODY, adding Nicolas' powers to his own infamous abilities.

I MUST NOT LET THAT HAPPEN, Vivica.

:: Vivica now had a clear cut reason from the source herself::

I am his ONLY living blood relative, and this struggle is not just physical, it is waged on the astral plane as well. I spend more time, than any of you could know, providing a BUFFER for Nicolas, as Set tries to PRESS HIS WAY through the barriers that I have established in Nicolas' mind with my magicks.

::sighing::

To say that it is CHALLENGING at times...is putting it MILDLY.

With that said, there are other things...that people on this..."TEAM" fret over that just seem so....FRIVOLOUS by comparison. If anything, they take the FREEDOM and LACK OF BURDEN they have for granted, and it INFLAMES my contempt for them. Some of them waste time, worrying about things that JUST DON'T MATTER, and they dismiss that which they don't know. It's INFURIATING!

:: yet another moment of insight provided by Isis to answer Vivica's question::

Since my departure from the Hellfire club, it HAS gotten a bit easier. Nicolas HAS matured, and taken more of the burden, but he too gets...DISTRACTED sometimes, by the petty FOOLISHNESS of his team. They've wasted SO MUCH TIME since the Blue Moon.

With everything that's happened lately...the RISK was too great for me to NOT consider removing him from that group, even WITH Morgan's return.

But I was surprised...ENCOURAGED to see Delilah Trelevan step forward the way she did. It was her words, along with Nicolas' own efforts to correct a ERROR he made recently, that swayed me NOT to remove him from the Six.

But as I said to you earlier....this covenant...it requires discipline...VIGILANCE. Perhaps THIS might help you understand me better?

"I think you should work alongside Ashley because you've definitely worked alongside worse women for worse reasons.

:: Dominique laughed/scoffed loudly and waved Vivica away::

Well I think NOT.

You can put lipstick on a pig..but at the end of the day a pig is a pig. The Queens of The Sisterhood may have wore pretty masks. They may have bowed and nodded and showed a level of decorum for your liking...but the things they did..I mean you were never truly comfortable with were you? I have to believe that's part of the reason you left..because of what they DID. With Ashley..you may think her a pig..but at least she refuses to put on lipstick. So it's a gamble. Proper women doing horrible things..or an absolutely brash woman who ends up doing the right thing, despite her words and feelings?"

Oh, REALLY, Vivica!?

:: she said pointedly::

:: She held up a hand. ::

"Dominique. Don't get me wrong. I don't bring that up to make you angry or to insult your character..You have your reasons and they are your own and that's it..

:: She wasn't going to let this go unaddressed::

You're quite right!

I found Enchantrah to be a vapid trollop, who did her best work on her BACK, and Malice...though most impressive with her ambition and tenancity....her origins and unabashed claim to MYSTECH were ABHORRENT to me...to my very core, and she knew that.

She came to me when I was at the HEIGHT of my campaign of vengeance against Nicolas. At the time, the opportunity and advantage were apparent to me, and so...we agreed to our union as the original Sisterhood. Each of us went in KNOWING she had her own unique set of goals, and I made it CLEAR that if the time came that being part of the Sisterhood no longer served me or my purposes, I would leave.

The Sisterhood became a NECESSARY ingredient in stopping the threat of Set he first time, and TRUCE brought about an...unusual era for The Six and The Sisterhood.

But the writing on the wall became apparent to me after Viper, and it was quite clear after the Purifiers that my time with the Hellfire Club had come to an end.

I still don't see how you can draw any SUBSTANTIAL comparison between my path and Ashley's...but your effort to do so is certainly INSPIRED.

.I just say it to highlight the point that Ashley may be what you believe to be everything wrong with a person..but when push comes to shove, she does the right thing. She puts the bullshit aside no matter how mad she is, no matter how much she doesn't agree in the moment. And right now? With the state of things as they are..we could all use people around us that do the RIGHT THING."

:: Well now. Dominique paused....::

::But Dominique would NOT yield on ONE point...::

100 good deeds can't atone for one act of abuse, Vivica.

She may "be there" when the chips are down...but WHO would want or NEED someone who constantly ridicules and mocks them as an ALLY?


She may step forward in BATTLE, but our lives are MORE than just the next battle, and a TEAM doesn't just "come together" in an emergency. Doing the RIGHT THING extends to more than the battle field.

As pointless and irrelevant as I found Enchantrah to be on a personal level, and as DISGUSTING as Malice was...even THEY knew how to stand shoulder to shoulder in a battle, which is why the THREE of us were able to defeat our adversaries, who's numbers DOUBLED ours. But it was more than just the battle.

I do NOT want my ward, Richard, being exposed to a group dynamic where behavior such as ASHLEY'S is tolerated, and excused, while any attempt to challenge it or hold her accountable is silenced. I worked VERY hard to help him see CLEARLY while we were at the Hellfire Mansion, and I'm going to continue to do that, and I suspect that it will be better...HEALTHIER for him to do it ELSEWHERE, even if he DOES express a desire to remain here.

:: And almost on cue::

"I think you should stick around because it's uncomfortable. You're so put together. So absolutely solid and strong. Maybe it's time to get a little messy. A little bit dirty. Surround yourself with people who AREN'T like you.so that YOU can grow. Learn new things. Nicky loves you. Rich loves you. I think maybe when you weren't looking you found that you've unintentionally created a LIFE here..and I don't think that life is over...I think you might be at a point where it's just beginning. And I think all of us..with our different personalities..different ways of doing things, could maybe make you see the world a little bit bigger..and I think, even though it might not be easy at first...though nothing ever worth doing is..that your refinement, your CONTROL..your ability to be so strong and powerful in the face of adversity, could help our stars burn a little bit BRIGHTER."

:: Hesitating for a moment, she grabbed Dominique's hand. The first time they had ever made direct contact like this. ::

:: Dominique JOLTED at this unprecedented display, this physical contact! it was indeed the first time EVER that she and Vivica had interacted like this, much less TOUCHED one another. Her initial jolt of dismay passed...Vivica was coming from a genuine place, Dominique sensed the passion, the inspired nature of Vivica's attempt to understand and APPEAL to Dominique regarding her status with the team, and just like with Nicolas, Morgan, Delilah, and even Oracle at one point, it RESONATED with her.::

:: Dominique did not immediately respond. Vivica's words were echoing in her mind, her heart!::

::FLASH!::

Maybe it's time to get a little messy. A little bit dirty. Surround yourself with people who AREN'T like you.so that YOU can grow. Learn new things. Nicky loves you. Rich loves you. I think maybe when you weren't looking you found that you've unintentionally created a LIFE here..and I don't think that life is over...I think you might be at a point where it's just beginning. And I think all of us..with our different personalities..different ways of doing things, could maybe make you see the world a little bit bigger..and I think, even though it might not be easy at first...though nothing ever worth doing is..that your refinement, your CONTROL..your ability to be so strong and powerful in the face of adversity, could help our stars burn a little bit BRIGHTER."

:: Dominique slowly removed her hand, and softened her look toward Vivica, swallowing hard in that moment. Those words, coupled with Richard's plaintive response to her in the Parthenon, they hit her like a truck::

"Please give us some more time, Dominique. I can help. I WANT to help...if you'll let me."

:: Dominique looked away::

::FLASH!::

“We pick and choose who we help, then? Some are worthy of it, and some are not? Am I understanding you all correctly?”

She closed her eyes and shook her head.

“I didn’t choose all of you because you were perfect, flawlessly good, people. I chose you because of your potential to do good, to do great things together.

She opened her eyes and looked, truly looked, at each of them.

“The same reasoning goes for Valkyrie, does it not? Though we take a risk, accepting her into our midst, consider the alternative. If we turn her out, where will she go? What will she do? At least with us, she has a chance. A chance to learn to be a better person, to care about people again after shutting everyone out for so long. She is not perfect, by far, but she is not lost to us either. But if we turn away from her, we condemn her outright.”

She locked eyes with each of the four in turn, then let her gaze hover over each of the others assembled there.

“And that is something I will NEVER do, to any mutant, or any person. Not so long as there is breath in my body. I will NOT cast her out. I will NOT turn my back on someone so desperately in need of help. Will you?”

I dunno, Miss D. When you met me I was a kid who swore a lot, washed MAYBE once a week if I was lucky, had NO MONEY and was completely incapable of not leering at you like a complete loser 24/7/365. I look back, I have no idea why you dusted me off and kept me anyway. But I am glad you did. And part of that journey has been overlooking sometimes when I overstep, correcting me when I am wrong and encouraging me. That is why I love you Miss D, because you did not have to do SHIT for me. But you DID.

[Now why in the HELL was I crying? No idea, but I was.]

Now this here? I dunno, maybe Isis is testing you again, seeing if you will be able to look past the surface crap and find the value underneath. When shit went left with the Purifiers, all of the BoP stepped up. Now there is messiness going on, and there is no excuse for dropping the ball on responsibilities or for prejudice against Amazons, but we know they WANT to do the right thing. Look, I will follow you to hell, Lady. I guess you have to decide if I used up all of your tolerance for one lifetime. If you have, I can only be grateful that you used it all up on me

:: Without knowing it, Oracle, Richard, and now, Vivica had all managed to appeal to Isis in a way that couldn't be denied. Surely, f these particular people were all painting a picture for her, she could allow herself to see it?::

:: she closed her eyes, shutting them TIGHTLY for a moment, as Vivica saw tears fall from them::

I...didn't expect that things would happen the way they did...

:: referring to everything from Nicolas up till now.::

...I have traveled the world...I have lived a life beyond that of fairytales...and to find myself HERE in this moment?

:: she hurridly grabbed a tissue from the kleenex box on the nightstand::

I don't know HOW I can carry on with these people, Vivica! You make it sound like....it's even POSSIBLE.

::shuddering a bit::

You're right, this is NOT the life I imagined for myself.

But Richard seems so....HAPPY now. What kind of caretaker would I be to him, if I took him away from this!

:: Richard had already made it clear that if she left, he would follow. But she recalled her conversations with Oracle regarding Richard, insisting on accommodation for him, Oracle even offered to have him train with Steel...and Valkyrie...::

Vivica....you ask me to give them TIME....but look what's happening around us. As I told Delilah, TIME is something we may not HAVE.

You and Oracle are asking something of me, that I don't know I can GIVE, not while that WOMAN continues as she does. I'm not JUST speaking for myself either. The AMAZONS do not deserve her ridicule. What will SHE give, what will any of the OTHERS give?

:: She dabs the tears away, and allows herself to look at Vivica once more::

"The right thing" needs to start now, and EVERYONE needs to be committed to it.

:: In her own way, she was implying that she would be willing to at least TRY..but she was NOT going to accept status quo, or "more of the same"::