Terror & the city

[Seer]

<< Brenda, Rich and Ana-Leigh had managed to recover from an unexpected turn in their training exercise and Richard seemed to be fine. Noticing how preoccupied Delilah and Connor were and the fact Karen Victoria was absent, they decided to keep that last incident to themselves. Thankfully, there was no damage to the training gym and so it seemed no one would be the wiser.>>

<< Later in the evening, it was time to get ready for Siryn's appearence at the Parthenon. The Parthenon was the indepedent luxury hotel in the city that Brenda's father had not tried to acquire, out of respect to fallen friend, Morgan Victoria. It was also the one independant luxury hotel property that was doing well enough to RIVAL any hotel property belonging to Castle Industries.>>

<< Delilan and Connor had not seen Siryn's act before. But Delilah had heard of her from Alycia and later Ana-Leigh, as well as promotions around the city. She was the hottest new artist on the scene and everyone was trying to sign her, including Titania Records, another holding of Vincent Castle's.>>

<< By now, Brenda and the others were almost certain that Siryn and Silver Swan were one in the same but Sharon had never mentioned "Siryn" to Delilah or Bishop, which made them fear this might be another "personality manifestation" that was not corrected during her session with Karen.>>

<< Aside from that...Delilah and Connor didnt know that unlike many other artists of the day, Siryn was actually GOOD. Brenda, Rich and Ana-Leigh could all attest to that. Her vocal ability was astounding.>>

<< So even though they were going to the Parthenon on sort of BUSINESS...some among them couldn't help but help but regard this as pleasure. It would be especially interesting to see what kind of performance Siryn would give at a place like the Parthenon, which was quite a different venue from XS.>>

<< For Delilah, this was not the most easy trip to make. The Parthenon was another painful reminder of Morgan's permanent absence but now it belonged to HER, like Illustra. The staff of the hotel would make sure that she and her guests would have VIP accomodations for the evening.>>

<< Brenda couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. This visit to the parthenon would be significant. Under DIFFERENT circumstances...Brenda would have tried to approach Siryn herself on her father's behalf after what was sure to be a great performance but that was BEFORE she learned she was MARKED for some unholy purpose by woman who called herself MALICE. Before her FAMILY had been captured and was now held by this awful White Queen. And due to her psi powers as well as her own personal feeling...she felt there was something DREADFUL ahead for them this evening.>>

<< Ana-Leigh takes time to call and check on Alycia at the hospital who is doing better still and under the careful, watchful eyes and protection of Clandestine Inc.>>

<< Each of them had their own thoughts about the night ahead. And so Brenda, Rich, Ana-Leigh along with Delilah and Connor all prepare for the evening.>>


---------------------

<< Meanwhile, across town>>

<< Mina Harker shows Karen Victoria the sprawling secret underground labyrinth vault library which may soon become the new home of the majority of the artifacts and talismans left behind by powerful witches Morgan Victoria and Alison Marble.>>

<< Karen was suitably impressed by what she saw as Mina gave her a detailed tour. Unlike others...Karen listened intently was Mina detailed the origins of this place, the safeguards and other background information.>>

<< It was truly a remarkable place and it made Karen wonder how Mina had come to be the mistress of such a place which in turn brought her back to Tinkerbell's continued disapproving reaction to Mina. Beyond what Mina had demonstrated in Alison's former apartment, Karen knew there was more to her than met the eye...she just wasn't sure WHAT that was.>>

<< Still, the more she interacted with her, the more she found herself appreciating the woman's presentation. Like Karen, Mina was a well known professional and like Karen, Mina had special abilities that no doubt enhanced her activities and endeavors seen and unseen. She had an imrpressive knowledge of magick and the occult even though she hadn't indicated or shown herself to BE a magick user.>>

<< and so, while the others were at Illustra, preparing for the evening at the Parthenon, the doctor had spent the afternoon and now early evening with Mina at the curious Library. Neither Karen nor Mina could guess what ELSE they'd be experiencing later in the evening.>>

-----------------------------

<< and elsewhere still....>>

<< The Hellfire Mansion. The underground secret sup levels>>

<< The White Queen , her form largely enshrouded in shadow, sits in her chair at the command counsel while HUNK the commander of Hellfire Club's security forces as well the field commander of the ALPHA field strike force team for Mystech stands in attendance.>>

 

[Malice]

Hellfire Mansion

:: In the command center underground of the Hellfire Mansion, the White Queen, Malice, sits. Her form is mostly enshrouded in shadow save her long legs crossed at the knee and her white high heels and the faintest visual impression of a white mini dress on her feminine form.::

:: surrounded by floating screens of various sizes featuring different images and flows of information from all over the city and elsewhere, the queen radiates a cold aura. Her sapphire blue eyes pierce through the shadow that seems to cloak her.::

I am NOT happy, Hunk.


It's time for Silver Swan's wings to be CLIPPED. Her one woman campaigned has managed to impact our operation. Dozens dead. Property damage and loss, not to mention her aiding the RABBLE known as Terra Save and aiding Brenda Castle escaping from me! If I can't have the girl than NO ONE will!

ENOUGH of this. Havent you collected enough field data on her to be sure that the Pursuer will be able to deal with her?

Hunk: Yes, Malice.

::Hunk was the ONLY person outside of the Inner Circle who dared to address her as anything BUT White Queen and she allowed it.::

Hunk: Silver Swan is too powerful for any standard measure of containment. Her raw power and uncanny ability as a hunter coupled with the fact that she escaped before mental conditionning and thus retains her memories and sense of self which in turn drives her campaign of vengeance against Mystech makes her the most deadly foe we did NOT anticipate.

Our B.O.W. scientist from The Cell has concluded that the Pursuer T-Type is the most logical choice to send against Silver Swan.

Malice: What makes him so sure THIS creature will work against HER?

Hunk: This creature of the product of combining the nemesis virus with a tyrant host body. His invulnerability and strength are a match if not moreso for the Silver Swan and I have made sure he is outfitted with high powered weaponry including rocket launcher, an arm mounted rail gun and a heavily modified minigun completed with unlimited ammunition.

Malice: Hmmm...this could be interesting. Its certain that this creature would eliminate ANYONE that attempts to AID her and she herself, while incredibly powerfull is still plagued by the trauma of her post ordeal. She may THINK she has what it takes to survive but with her increasing association with Brenda and those other interferring upstarts, including that light bright tart Delilah...she'll falter. Just as ALL those who oppose me do.

:: she shifts in her chair, slowly turning to face Hunk.::

my telepathic rapport with the girl has revealed that she and her companions will be going to the Parthenon this evening. "SIRYN" is performing there. Only this time...it's NOT one of Silver Swan's so called "traps"...she REALLY has found herself something of a niche with her singing...enhanced by her sonic powers.

THAT is her weakness...the fact that she's growing to LOVE this "escape" of her's. Prepare the Pursuer to strike this evening.

Hunk: Prep work is already complete, Malice. He's been dispatched underground via the sewere tunnels and is making his way to the Parthenon but will not attack until I give the command.

Malice: good. Have him in place and have a small group of standard mystech shock troops on hand to aid in this little..."bio terror" event.

:: a smile crips across the white queen's face::

Hunk: And the Castle girl? I could easily bring her in.

:: Indeed, Hunk was BEYOND any "guard" on Hellfire or Mystech's premesis. An obvious indicator of that was his haunting, resonating voice and those brightly glowing red eyes of his. He posessed other abilities and was a RUTHLESS fighter as well::

Malice: She's undergone a few...upgrades since the last time you saw her. She'd not be so easily captured, even for YOU. Besides...YOU'D probably KILL her. You're rather heavy handed. Not that I MIND but in this case, I'd want that girl captured and brought back ALIVE and unharmed and while she may be "FREE" at the moment...she knows that I still have her PARENTS in my grip. Try as she may...I wont LET her ignore that fact. She'll be returning to the Hellfire Mansion soon enough but her journey here will be one she can't possibly be prepared for.

Just set the stage for the strike against Silver Swan tonight. Anyone who tries to aid her or who gets in the way....KILL them. Richard Martin is to be captured and sedated. he is marked for the new Super Soldier project. Ana-Leigh Moreau...the Red Queen has requested HER for the Red Court. So capture HER as well.

Hunk: and what about the chief of police? he's recovering from Silver Swan's attack. he's threatening to go public unless we compensate...

Malice: ::holding her hand up for silence:: he's at home now. Pay HIM a visit tonight and make sure that recovery takes a PERMANENT back seat....to DEATH and dispose of the body and the house.

:: Hunk nods and departs, leaving Malice alone.::

Prepare for your SWAN SONG, Sharon Kelly. You thought you'd continue to chip away at Mystech until we came crashing down...well now its time we SMASHED you into a bloody pulp! And with YOUR death any HOPE that Terra Save or even that reject flashbulb DELILAH might be feeling will be CRUSHED as well. Ill snatch Brenda away from Delilah and turn HER against them.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Harker Library vault

<< walking along side Mina Harker, they slowly stepped though the vault entrance and entered the Library.>>

Mina retrieved her gloves from Karen and began putting them back on. A smile touched her lips.

“Welcome to my husband’s library, Karen.”

<< the doctor softly gasped as she beheld the labyrinth expanse that was Mina's library.>>

<< it was well hidden and the secure entry was likely impossible to compromise.>>

It's...well it's very impressive!

<< Karen said with an astonished tone.>>

It reminds me of the pictures of the circular library housed in the legendary rotunda on Aerie...where Hecate resided after being banished from Mt. Olympus...

This is where my daughter and Alison's things would be stored for safe keeping?

<< she asked as she walked alongside Mina, having offered her arm to Mina for guidance. Karen's high heels clicked along the floor and echoed, reechoed throughout the large, cavernous, silent place they were in.>>

Are there personal quarters here? A guardian?

Where exactly would we place Morgan and Alison's things here? I'd like for them to be kept together...

 

[Matrix]

Rich walked back to his apartment and came inside. Once there, something weird happened. HE WAS NOT HUNGRY. At ALL.

He settled into the couch and began to daydream as he chilled waiting for the night to come.

Fall 2002

Annette Martin's eyes fluttered open. Her 10-year-old son Richard had been shaking her. She looked and he had brought her breakfast in bed....if one could call it that. His Dad was at work so he decided this on his own apparently.

The eggs were runny, the grits gritty and scorched. The toast was good (thank God for automatic toasters) and of course juice came from a carton. But she did see a pretty home-made card placed beside the glass of juice. She read it and cherished its words.

For my Mama, Happy Birthday.

Love you,

Rich

As she closed the card and surveyed the spread again, she could tell that he was upset.

What's wrong baby? It was so sweet of you to do all of this.

Yeah but the food is bad. I know it!!

Reaching out, Annette hugs her son tightly.

It's OK baby...I KNOW you did your best. And I appreciate it. Hop in, I think it is almost time for Pokey-man, what-is-it?

POKEMON MAMA!!

Fine, Pokemon it is. After that, I will make us some breakfast and show you how. Deal?

DEAL!!

MWAH!!

Planting a kiss on the boy's head, Annette settles in and turns on the TV...

PRESENT

Richard is crying, sitting alone curled up on a sofa in a strange place. He is mourning what he has lost and the fact that he will never have that again.

 

[Mina Harker]

The Library

It's...well it's very impressive!

A hint of a smile played uncharacteristically on Mina’s lips. Through all the doctor’s worry - and all Mina’s attempts to explain what she had here - nothing could do it as well as seeing the massive structure in person, and Mina knew it. The library was a point of pride – in Jonathan, not for herself. For it had been his idea, his passion. This was where she still saw him, felt his presence.

They walked. Mina could sense Karen’s amazement at what she was seeing.

It reminds me of the pictures of the circular library housed in the legendary rotunda on Aerie...where Hecate resided after being banished from Mt. Olympus...

“Ah, yes. I am aware of you and your daughter’s connection to Hecate. I have something that might interest you. Stack 56, section d, third shelf from the top.”

Karen would notice roman numerals in gold on each of the large wooden bookcases.

This is where my daughter and Alison's things would be stored for safe keeping?

Mina nodded.

“Yes. Everything in the collection is here.”

Are there personal quarters here? A guardian?

She indicated in the negative.

“Though I have stayed here overnight, there are no quarters. After my husband’s death I became its only guardian. As of now you and I are the only living souls who know of this place’s existence.”

There was a hint of sadness in Mina’s voice, remembering the times when she had not been alone amongst these things.

Where exactly would we place Morgan and Alison's things here? I'd like for them to be kept together...

Mina thought for a brief moment, the raised an arm and pointed.

“There is an alcove. The 27th stack, at the very end. Usually I would catalog a collection such as this, but if you wish the items to remain together I think that should do nicely.”

Mina still held lightly onto Karen’s arm, but it was clear that she knew exactly where she was going as she began to lead the way to the place she had indicated.

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah had chosen a golden Badgley Mischka cocktail dress for the evening while Connor was wearing a white shirt and black jacket – no tie. Delilah sat at her – Morgan’s – dessing table, touching up her makeup, while Connor waited in the hallway. No doubt checking his watch the entire time, she thought. But she was content to make him wait for her. Admittedly she was still miffed by his earlier actions, and then what he had tried to say when they were alone…

How dare he put distractions in her way, when he knew how important all of this was. When he SHOULD know how difficult this was for her…having to go to the Parthenon… Was a little understanding too much to ask for? A little SPACE in all this chaos?

She forcefully set the lipstick she was applying down on the table. She needed to get it together. They needed to find Sharon, so they HAD to go to this performance. And if Sharon and Siryn indeed were the same person…what additional problems did that mean for them? Exactly how unstable was Sharon? And Connor was ready to follow her into the abyss whistling the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

She smoothed her hair and looked at her face in the mirror. She never used to look this old. Going out to a show never used to be this hard. Shouldn’t be this hard. It’s not as if Delilah had never lost someone to an early death before. But she just couldn’t seem to get over Morgan’s death. If it had been anyone else she might have spoken to Karen about it. But that avenue was closed to her on this one. So she shook herself out of it, and picked up the lipstick again.

She blotted her lips with a tissue then wheeled herself out into the hallway to join Connor and head downstairs to meet the others. Showtime.

 

[Ana-Leigh Moreau]

It was finally time to get ready for Siryn's performance at The Parthenon. Which meant another uncomfortable night in a dress with spiked heels. Marco would be extremely proud that she was willingly styling herself given any time he tried to get her to wear a dress she would threaten bodily harm. So as she stared at the many options that one of Brenda's stylists so kindly gave her, Ana-Leigh lifted a single brow.

"How do girls do this?"

There was a strapless royal blue one with what looked like roses completely covering the bottom half of the skirt. Wrinkling her nose at that one, foliage was a definite no no. Then there was a sequenced red dress that looked like something Jessica Rabbit would wear. No. Yellow, gold, purple, pink....nothing looked right. Then she finally came to the last dress. It was a simple one shouldered nude colored dress. No bows, no sparkles, no insane embellishments. It was perfect. She found a pair of nude pumps that matched perfectly with the dress and decided to throw on a gold flower cuff for a little something extra. Letting her dark hair remain down, she smudged a little black eyeliner on her lash line, put on some mascara, and finished off with a pale pink lip gloss. Simple yet beautiful. Walking over to the full length mirror, Ana took a look at her self.

"I feel like a really expensive hooker....[sighing] Marco would love it."

She felt guilty that she was going to this event and she couldn't invite Marco. Siryn WAS his favorite singer afterall. Plus, ever since meeting up with the group, she hasn't seen Marco and only spoken to him once. But she justified it all by knowing she was protecting him from everything. After MysTech was taken down, her life would go back to normal. She could finish her degree, be besties with Marco again, and hopefully see her family. This was all for the greater good. At least, that's what she had to keep telling herself.

Grabbing a metallic gold clutch, Ana-Leigh stuffed her phone and lip gloss inside. Making her way into the livingroom, she walked over to the intercom and duel connected to Brenda and Rich's room.

"Hey guys, i'm headed down to the lobby."

Delilah said to be down there by 7pm and it was now 6:50. Exiting her apartment she headed down to the lobby as instructed. Seeing Delilah and Conner, she softly smiled.

"Hey.....the others are on their way. [pause] You both look really nice."

 

[Matrix]

Back at 'em. No time for weeping , and so Rich showered and 'put on' a suit. Truth was, he was waiting to see what to wear. He had no idea on his own. He heard the intercom...

"Hey guys, i'm headed down to the lobby."

...and rolled out. As he exited the elevator, he saw her. DAMN, she was fine. Just DAMN. He changed his outfit accordingly, down to the shades.

Hey all. Everybody looks great. Nice dress Ana.

He could not help giving her a once over again as he smiled, waiting for the night to begin.

 

[Seer]

later on...

<< Delilah, Connor, Ana-Leigh, Rich & Brenda arrived at the Parthenon and were immediately received by the V.I.P. staff. This world class luxury hotel once co-owned by Morgan & Alison now belonged to Delilah, with Alycia overseeing the business operations. Delilah had hardly been here since everything had changed hands except that one night to meet Sharon. Being here now, especially for an event, was hard for her. Used to be she was here all the time for various events & "Fash Bash" gatherings hosted by Morgan. Celebrities, powerfull people in the industy etc were all on hand. Delilah had become used to that and the Parthenon had one of the best intimate venues for high profile performers who wanted to be seen by "the right ones.">>

<< Siryn, the huge sensation to make a splash on the music scene, was set to perform tonight. For Brenda, things were rather difficult knowing that her father's chief talent scout from Titania Records would be here this evening as well, planning to do whatever it took to get Siryn SIGNED to their record company. The man had no idea of Vincent's current status, but BRENDA did. It had weighed heavily on her mind all through the day and even now, looking like a million bucks alongside her equally stylish companions, she felt the weight of a huge burden and it showed in her pensive expression.>>

<< Ana-Leigh was perhaps the least unsettled of them all this evening while Rich had an emotional moment earlier as his ever changing reality finally seemed to settle in a way he never couldve guessed, now practically living in a multi-million dollar apartment in one of the tallest buildings in America...for all that mattered...as he could not ever see his mother again. That wasnt something he, delilah or anyone else could "fix" ...and while he was street smart and used to surviving, he still had a heart.>>

<< So there they were, this forming team...this new SIX. In one of the most posh establishments NYC had to offer, seeking out another would be member of their fledgling team who was set to take the stage, unaware that the night was about to be more than ANY of them could have bargained for.>>

<< soon they were seated in the large "Crystal Room" of the Parthenon and after drinks and light refreshments had been served, the evening with Siryn would begin. There was quite a bit of buzz about Siryn. Ana-Leigh, Rich and Brenda already knew how she could rock a crowd but everyone was curious to see what she'd do in a place like THIS. Delilah and Connor were more concerned with whether or not this was in fact another "personality" of Sharon's that Karen had missed during her therapy session. They'd soon get the answers they were looking for and more.>>


---------------------------

<< Meanwhile, across town and hidden from all eyes and even minds...>>
<< Mina gave Karen a thorough walk through of the Vault and to Mina's surprise, Karen was genuinely interested in the history, the structure and all other details she had to offer. The two had come a ways from their first encounter back at Illustra. They seemed to have more in common than they might have guessed before. Mina's extensive knowledge of the occult didn't hurt either. In fact that seemed to be what had changed Karen's initial opinion about her. The woman understood magick and was well versed in the "who's who" of magick circles and more...talking about these things was helpful to Karen because, of course, they helped maintain that emotional connection to her DAUGHTER, who's life & destiny as this world's sorceress supreme was cut short by an evil that Delilah was now trying to form a fist to strike a blow to.>>

<< Several hours had passed and the two women were now famished. After "popping out" to get some suitable food for them, the two eat and spoke more. Karen had agreed to relocate Morgan and Alison's things here provided they be kept together. Mina promised her she'd have unrestricted access. The next step was coordinating a smooth, fast, discreet relocation.>>

<< Delilah had texted Karen, informing her that she and the others were at the Parthenon. Karen had numbers for Delilah and Connor if contact was necessary but Delilah and Connor knew Karen was quite capable of taking care of herself. Still...the evening would have some surprises in store for the doctor and concert pianist as well.>>

 

[Bishop]

Connor did NOT want to be here.

He tugged at the collar of the starched white shirt. He had put his foot down at wearing a tie. But the shirt still felt like a noose.

Why they couldn’t have just slipped in after the show to see if this Siryn really was Sharon? Or at least waited and arrived at the end. But pretending life was one big party and heading out for a night on the town? No thank you.

The three younger mutants seemed to be getting along well, though, which was a welcome sight. Hopefully the other two would convince Brenda to join them. Despite the way that “Malice” had worked her over, she was a fighter and had strong powers. Potentially very helpful to their team.

He ordered a whisky and sat with the others waiting for the show to start, but he wasn’t really much company. He just wanted to get on with it.

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah wanted to jump out of her skin. If she could have gotten up and run around the room, she would have. Never had sitting still been such agony.

She had to focus, keep her eye on the end game. They had to find Sharon, and had to find out whether this Siryn person was yet another personality Sharon needed to deal with. Delilah fervently hoped not. Things were just coming together and if Sharon proved even more unstable… Would they even still be able to use her on the team? Could they trust her to hold it together? She honestly didn’t know the answer.

She looked over at the young people, having fun. It was good that they still could enjoy a night like this. For her it was too late. There was too much pain in this place for her to ever see it as anything but a bad memory.

 

[Ana-Leigh Moreau]

Politely dismissing Rich's compliment, Ana-Leigh already felt like a side show act dressed the way that she was, being hit on made it even more uncomfortable. But luckily Brenda soon joined them and they all headed to The Parthenon.

Ana had been to this hotel before with Marco once or twice. It was beautiful and definitely lived up to all the hype. However tonight was different. She almost felt uneasy entering the premises. Like MysTech goons were going to jump out and attack them any second. Or Siryn really WAS Sharon and for whatever reason had split personalities and went all bat shit crazy. Smiling to herself after her last thought...wow...she definitely needed to stop watching all those Alfred Hitchcock movies with Rebeka.

Entering the ball room where Siryn would be performing, everyone took a seat at the VIP tables. Ordering a Blue Moon with an orange wedge, it was probably the least chic thing a girl could order, especially in a place like this. Eh, whatever. If she was going to be walking around in an extremely expensive piece of fabric that barely covered her lady parts, the least she could do was treat herself to a damn beer.

"It's weird how we all unintentionally met because of Siryn."

The waiter returned with everyone's drinks. Picking up the orange wedge, she squeezed it into the beer before dropping it into the drink.

"I don't understand why she just wouldn't say she was, you know? Being a pop singer is far less dangerous of a secret than [lowering her voice] being a mutate."

Taking a sip of her beer; perfect. Just the right amount of citrus to sweeten it up.

 

[Matrix]

Rich caught the discomfort at the compliment. Ana did not seem the dress-up girl type anyway. He let it roll off his back and chilled as they went to the Parthenon.

It was top shelf all they way and he relaxed a bit, Sports had taught him that being tense made you more likely to mess up if things went bad rather than less likely. He sat between the pair of ladies and as the waiter came through he ordered a drink.

Screwdriver please. Heavy on the screw.

He relaxed and sipped his drink as the night began. He saw Ana rocking a beer and gave her another positive point. A girl that can rock a beer is a treasure.

"It's weird how we all unintentionally met because of Siryn."

The waiter returned with everyone's drinks. Picking up the orange wedge, she squeezed it into the better before dropping it into the drink.

"I don't understand why she just wouldn't say she was, you know? Being a pop singer is far less dangerous of a secret than [lowering her voice] being a mutate."

Taking a sip of her beer; perfect. Just the right amount of citrus to sweeten it up.

Yeah, uncanny how that turned out. DO you think she somehow knew? Or was it just the coincidence to end all coincidences? Either way, cheers to all of us.

Rich offers a toast, tapping his glass with the other drinks at the table.

 

[Silver Swan]

Stepping out in the Parthenon

[ The audience didnt have to wait long as the lights dimmed and an icy voice hauntingly similar to that of Morgan Victoria's was heard over the sound system.]

Announcer: Ladies & Gentlemen, The Parthenon presents this evening's special guest, SIRYN!

[ The lights fade to black as the audience claps. Some of the slightly younger, hardcore fans of Siryn whistle and cheer.]

[ the songs begins with a strong opening from the drummer. indicating a mid tempo number. lights flash in time with the beat across the dark stage as the lights in the Crystal Room illuminate to reveal SIRYN in a glamorous, eye catching SILVER dress that was edgy yet still appropriate for the Parthenon!]

[ Men of varying ages in the crowd whistle loudly as everyone claps upon her appearence and she begins.]

[ She performs a strong cover of Chaka Khan's smart, sexxy classic "Whatcha' Gonna do for me". A surprising selection that departs from her dance, pop, electronica sound but its clear that she has the voice and the style to pull this number off as the audience move their heads, clap or otherwise enjoy the song in time with the beat.]

[ Siryn, who Delilah, Connor, Ana-Leigh, Rich and Brenda have a clear view of without her eye mask, is CLEARLY Sharon But she's so engaging to the audience! Her showmanship on stage is amazing, her voice enchanting and moving as well as powerfull.]

[ As she launches into the chorus, She struts, spins and moves as she song, live, with impossible ease. One would guess even Chaka Khan would be impressed by Siryn's vocal prowess. ]

[ Delilah can't help but feel a RUSH of energy as her own mutant power to absorb and transduce SOUND is no doubt responding to Siryn's show.]

[ the audience is enjoying her show and as she begins to reach the climax, she evokes cheers and more applause as she unbelievably matches Chaka Khan's original vocal acrobatics in the climax. Her back up dancers from come up to dance behind her as she struts and the band jams, joining her as she takes the song to its height and then home.]

[ Siryn wraps up her performance to a roar & applause. even those at the table of the fledgling new "Six" are impressed. Those who saw her at XS now saw a different side to her ability and Delilah and Connor got to see a side of Sharon they couldnt have imagined she had.]

[ but was this another "personality"? or something else? ana-leigh had wondered why she would "hide" her status as the pop sensation Siryn...the truth was...Sharon was doing what she had always DREAMED of doing but now, her powers, powers she didnt ask for and received under terrible circumstances had made that dream come true and THEN some.]

[ It was the one thing that no one seemed to be able to touch and even though she had used it as a "lure" during her one woman war against Mystech...now the secret was out. Her would be teammates knew SHE was Siryn.]

[ SHE knew they were out there in the audience...but she didn't care. Doing this made her feel more ALIVE than anything else.]

[ As she acknowledged the crowd, bowing in appreciation and thanking them, waving...they could see the smile on her face. It was a look Delilah never imagined Sharon was capable of.]

[ this moment, as sweet as it was for her...for them...would be shocking SHORT LIVED for them all. For even as the cheers and applause filled the room, something ELSE was coming.]

[ SHARON heard it...her perfect hearing allowed her to and those at the Six's table, watching her, could SEE her look of appreciation slowly fade into one of concern. Something was WRONG...]

 

[Seer]

Panic in the Parthenon

<< as thunderous as the reception and applause was...so too was the sudden, shocking, erupting EXPLOSION on the stage just behind Siryn, her dancers and to the right of the band accompanying her. The monstrous PURSUER, having made his way to the Parthenon through the underground sewer tunnels and then up THROUGH the structure was now here, in terrifying form.>>

<< The Pursuer, a MONSTROUS, hulking thing that was once a human male until his life was taken, forever twisted and corrupted by the touch of mystech into something truly INHUMAN. He DWARFS everyone as he looms large, roaring with agression as a [on rare occassion] SHOCKED Sharon stares in disbelief while the crowd in the Parthenon, PANICS and surges for any available exit.>>

<< The creature is equipped with a rocket launcher and a heavily modified minigun with unlimited ammuniation. his strength is more than a match for even Silver Swan as is his invulnerability.>>

Siryn/Silver Swan: [ her silver eyes widen with disbelief but then she snaps out of her dismay] get out of here! ALL OF YOU. RUN!

<< she commands to her dancers and the band.>>

<< in the chaos , Sharon barely has time to DODGE a falling light fixture while the Six at their table, also shocked, quickly marshall themselves to help their distant team mate and try to save the lives of panicking innocents.>>

<< this is Mystech's most OVERT assault on the public since....since the CITADLE nightmare that claimed the lives of Morgan and her friends. Delilah and Connor recognize that and for Ana-Leigh, Richard and Brenda...it's the most terrifying event they've experienced YET but this what they were coming together for, to protect those who can't protect themselves...from things like THIS.>>

<< The Pursuer makes everal forward, agressive advances against Sharon. It's obvious he's AFTER her.>>

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah sat back and tried to enjoy the show. And she was stunned. Not just by Siryn’s talent and showmanship – but there was no doubt about it, she was Sharon. Delilah’s body pulsed with sound energy. And she needed it to overcome the panic gripping her – what were they going to do if Sharon again didn’t know who they were?

As Siryn finished her performance, Delilah clapped loudly. It was clear that this was the place Sharon felt most comfortable – she even smiled. And Delilah couldn’t help but smile at her, for her. Maybe she should let Sharon forget them, and enjoy the life she could have without MysTech. Why bring pain and death to another person?

Delilah was studying Siryn intently as she thought, so she noticed the moment that Siryn’s face changed. Elation and pride in herself turned to…something else. Something was wrong.

Delilah heard it, but too late. An explosion rocked the stage. A ginormous monstrosity came up from the depths below, and was heading straight for Sharon! Sharon called for those on the stage to leave, and Delilah took that as a good sign that Silver Swan was alive and well inside Siryn.

Delilah lowered her head and gripped the arms of her chair tight. A laser shield appeared between the Pursuer and Sharon. She spoke calmly but loudly to the others.

“Everyone, spread out. Let’s see if we can surround that thing. Bishop: get these civilians out of here. Brenda: “suggest” to them that they leave quickly but orderly. Then see if you can reach that thing mentally. Artemis: try to find a weak spot in that skin. Rich: back us up – keep that thing from reaching Siryn!”

This is not how Delilah would have wanted to test her new team, but there wasn’t anything to be done about it. They were all that stood between the monster before them and Sharon – as well as a hotel full of innocent people.

 

[Matrix]

Siryn was awesome. She was singing like a diva and strutting her stuff. Rich was calm and relaxed, enjoying the show with Brenda and Ana while Delilah and Bishop were slowly but surely letting their guard down it seemed.

Then there was a a crash, and some ugly HUGE THING bristling with weapons crashed the scene. Sharon urged everyone back, but gave almost no ground. She KNEW who she was and was ready to fight it seemed, though even SHE was taken aback. Dee gave orders and he was already on it, sneaking his way to one side as he turned...

...into a 12' robot and leaped, suckerpunching the beast in the face flush. It rocked to one side, halting its advance towards Sharon, but Rich had no time to celebrate. It turned quickly, recovering and spraying Rich with .30 cal rounds of fire at an ungodly rate. Due to the crowd behind him leaving, Rich had no choice but to absorb it for as long as he could. He hardened his chestplate to Uranium with a kevlar lining and stood grunting as he was pelted a thousand times at once, unable to focus on anything but staying together as he turned his head all the way around on a swivel to make sure everyone got out.

Not yet but close, just a couple of stragglers. The battering was taking its toll and he had to DO something.

MOVE YOUR ASSES!!

No time. The beast made the next move as he turned his head back 'round, grabbing Rich and tossing him aside like a rag doll THROUGH the wall into the next room as the last of the innocents made it out. For the moment he was out of the room ENTIRELY.

 

[Silver Swan]

The parthenon

[ The others knew now that Sharon wasnt fragmented when it came to Siryn. Delilah and Connor were releived that Karen's treatment of her had covered all of that. But apparently SIRYN was Sharon doing what she LOVED. Yes she used it to lure mystech goons but this was something Delilah could tell Sharon truly LOVED doing..singling like a bird...like a DIVA.]

[ her moment in the spotlight turned into a nightmare as the Pursuer exploded into view and attacked her. She DODGES his first and second advances. One MOMENT was all she needed...one fast turn, SPIN...and she'd shift from Siryn to SILVER SWAN but he wont back off!]

[ crouched down from her last move, she looks around for a place to retreat to. But the Pursuer is ALREADY coming for her AGAIN.]

DAMMIT! He's after ME! THEY sent a...BIO WEAPON after me...in PUBLIC!

lowered her head and gripped the arms of her chair tight. A laser shield appeared between the Pursuer and Sharon. She spoke calmly but loudly to the others.

[ Sharon quickly glances over to see MorningStar marshalling the others. This was confirmation that Delilah was true to her word from the other night. The laser barrier would have VAPORIZED anything that touched it. The beast's hand burns badly but does not get destroyed. He roars with pain and agitation but MorningStar has given Sharon the moment she needs to transform into Silver Swan!]

[ Rich sprang into action, leaping up a fair distance onto the stage and directly engaging the monster.]

No..DON'T! He's a bio weapon...he's designed to....

[ it was too late as he BRUTALLY responds to Richard. Sharon stands to her feet and spreads her arms, spinning fast a funnel of wind and a flash of silver light later and she's now in full form of Silver Swan.]

[ "SLAPPING" the floor of the stage, she sets up and sends a shockwave to the Pursuer to stagger him long enough to throw off his barrage against Richard. A moment LATER, he had Richard by the HEAD, preparing to throw...SLAM him through the wall!]


RICHARD!

[ She then zooms forward, using her speed, strength and leverage to SNATCH Richard out of the creature's grasp Despite his altered size, Silver Swan carries him away with speed and ease, deftly avoiding a GRAB by the pursuer as she soars OVER him, flying away and regrouping with Delilah.]



That creature....it's a BIO WEAPON...they...Mystech's NEVER sent one of these out in PUBLIC before and he's after ME! I can FEEL it.

[ She wasn't SCARED. But she KNEW because on a deep, perverse level...she and the monster on stage DID have a common bond. Both of them touched, CHANGED by mystech but Sharon managed to survive and ESCAPE, keeping her HUMANITY and her FREE WILL.]

MorningStar, I'm a DANGER to all of you! GET AWAY while you can!

 

[Seer]

monster in the parthenon

<< Silver Swan rescues Richard from the clutches of the massive creature and carries him away from immediate danger, regrouping with MorningStar. As she urgers MorningStar and the others to escape while they can, knowing the creature is after HER, Bishop and Brenda make all the difference in an evacuation and a stampede with many deaths.>>

<< Brenda, with her psi powers having been augmented by Malice, is able to withstand the massive psychic onslaught of PANICKED thoughts and able to navigate THROUGH them to impress upon the fleeing patrons...>>

"I want to leave in an orderly fashion..."

<< Male, female, young, old...it doesnt matter, they all soon cease their panicked running and begin to exit quickly but CALMLY, repeating that line in their own individual voices. It's eerie to see and a testimony to Brenda's capability as a telepath. But SHE knew BEFORE being touched by Malice, she NEVER could have accomplished something like this.>>

<< Bishop was at the main entrance of the crystal room, urging everyone to keep moving. He spots two Mystech goons, dressed like the ones who attacked Alycia and Ana-Leigh two days ago. He makes his way through the exiting patrons to dispatch them before they can possibly interfere.>>

<< Meanwhile, MorningStar, Artemis, Richard and Silver Swan are grouped together nearby as the creature roars with anger and agression.>>

<< His next move is to leap from the stage and slam down on to the floor just a few feet from them and now he prepares to ATTACK.>>

 

[MorningStar]

Silver Swan deftly rescued Richard from the grip of the monster and was safely back with the group – “safe” being a relative term.

MorningStar, I'm a DANGER to all of you! GET AWAY while you can!

MorningStar glanced over at Silver Swan out of the corner of her eye, shaking her head.

“You know our policy: ‘No giant silver bird left behind.’”

She smirked but joke time was over as the Pursuer was coming for them again, slamming down right in front of them.

Delilah pushed her fists out in front of her, sending blue photon blasts from them directly at the creature whole calling to the others over the din.

"Everyone work together! We can't let it past us - its target is Silver Swan!"