The Silver Swan

[Rampage]

Morgan's Apartment

Nicolas heard Cameron's response, and he was correct. If he exerted himself in this way, with the risks being relatively small, he would be of no use later on, even with Nicolas' help.

You're right. We will target the correct persons at a later time, if need be.

As Cameron asked for an audience with Morgan, Nicolas found it odd that he would need to speak with her PRIVATELY. He wasn't jealous, he just thought that it seemed ODD. he shook the thought away and prepared himself, taking out his axe. This opponent had been particularly injurious to them all, especially Morgan, and so his mood was reflected in the axe itself as it turned into a jagged, ultra-sharp mauling weapon on one side with a large hammer on the other. Before Karen departed to help Haleigh, Nicolas remarked to her.

If you need us, call us. Help can arrive in a snap. Take care, Ma.


He turned back to Morgan.

I am ready when you are...

*******************************

Meanwhile, Mike arrives at the Med Bay where he sees the two sisters off their gurneys and Haleigh being forcibly sedated by Dr. Victoria. Meanwhile, Zach is still in the hall, doing NOTHING.

What the fuck are you doing out here chillin'??! Never mind...


He refocuses on the room ahead as Karen puts Haleigh to sleep.


Damn, this must play havoc with her training. That she does so well from the seat of her pants is admirable...


Here, Dr. Victoria, let me help you with that. Did you want me to start an I-V?


Mike steps forward and places Haleigh back on the gurney. Meanwhile, Ava is confronted by the doctor about the nature of impetus that drove Haleigh's attack. He wonders what in the world could be happening now...

 

[MorningStar]

[ Doctor Victoria, always the clear-thinker, sent Morgan away from Haleigh before things got too out of hand. She stood there, in Morgan’s apartment, watching her friend struggle with her emotions. Morgan, who never could quite handle the fact that she wasn’t perfect. That she couldn’t see things before they happened like Alison. Still, she would not forgive herself in hindsight. Haleigh was the same as Morgan in some ways – not wanting to accept help. But Haleigh still threw pity parties for herself on a daily basis and Morgan was not the only one that act was wearing thin with. You can only push people away for so long before they stop coming back. ]

And you, my dear friend...thank you for picking up where I so carelessly left off. you're natural born leader and strong asset to this team. I’ll never be able to tell you enough how GLAD I am you're here.

<< She looked between Delilah and Nicolas. >>

I'm sorry for downstairs. I didn’t mean to place you all in danger.

[ Delilah gave Morgan’s hand a squeeze and smiled. ]

“Morgan, you know we will always be here for you.”

[ Cameron rushed in and told them he had found Alycia. Delilah didn’t think she’d ever seen him so happy. She clapped him on the shoulder. ]

“Nice one, King.”

[ Delilah shuddered a bit remembering their battle with the Super Soldier at Sharon’s cottage – a nightmare made real. Internally, she really did NOT want to have to return there. But she knew they had to save Alycia. They could not lose another of their number – Morgan could not handle that right now. She stood by as Cameron asked Morgan for a word. ]

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra- medical lab

<< Doctor Victoria half looked at Mike. The young man was eager to assist, reminding her of Nicolas when he first arrived to the Six, but he was a bit less over bearing. as he put Haleigh back on the gurney, Karen was not worried as the mystic chains would hold unless Karen disengaged them...or she herself was rendered unconscious.>>

Run the monitors on her as well, Mike. I'll place a call to the others shortly.

<< she turned to Ava, who looked and acted like she'd just gotten off a wild ride at an amusement park.>>

WHAT "Truth", Ava. I need to know. All the work that the others went through to try to STOP these memory episodes and now THIS? You need to get a hold of yourself and TELL ME!

<< Standing there in her regal, black "flying suit", the Doctor's voice was sharp as she looked directly at Ava with close, unwavering eye contact. Haleigh was far from Karen's favorite. In fact, she flat out didnt like the woman. She was wreckless, thoughtless, inconsiderate, deceitfull, avaricious at times, and hid behind the "Self pity" card and expected everyone else to back off when she played it. Haleigh had all the classic signs of a hopeless drug addict or alcoholic on in this case..it wasnt a SUBSTANCE...it was her own self destructive behavior that she couldnt let go of and she was WELL on her way to alienating more than one person on the team now. The fact that Sharon had destroyed more than a dozen INNOCENT lives to get to Haleigh , not to mention a historic church, didnt seem to have any NOTICEABLE impact on Haleigh who STILL expected to be protected by the six, whether she wanted to ADMIT IT or not...and who STILL wanted to find a way to shift accountability.>>

<< still, her random episodes, and her being OUTED as a mutant were adding to the growing to the Six. Prophet had used his psi powers to address the public outing...but NONE of them could have been prepared for the latest two random memory episodes and random equipment malfunctions. THIS one was the worst of all and it seemed FAR MORE personal than the others. and Haleigh's vitals were now being directly affected by the episodes as well.>>

<< Ava needed to come clean and now and Karen was only half considering that Mike was still there as she confronted the woman but noticeably, when all this happened, Zach was NO WHERE to be found.>>

and what is this sudden RIFT between Haleigh and Zach? why NOW? do you know about that as well?

<< no one had yet heard about the bombshell revelation between Zach and Sharon Kelly.>>

 

[Spellbinder]

Illustra-107th floor

<< as her mother left to answer the apparent medical emergency in the lab, Morgan looked a bit concerned.>>

Ava and Zach are down there....what could have happened THIS quickly?

<< she wasnt very fond of Haleigh at all, but these memory episodes were becoming a SERIOUS liability.>>

it looks like whatever you and Delilah did wasnt as permanent as we hoped it would be. She's an OPEN WINDOW for Mystech to crawl through ANYTIME!

<< standing there in her newest costume courtesy of Hecate, the sorceress looked more than a bit bitter now as she looked up and ran her gloved hands through her blonde hair.>>

<< still, they all knew who the root of the problem was. it wasnt Haleigh or even Sharon..it was Rick Riley.>>

I doubt it will be THAT easy to extract Alycia from Sharon's cottage in Conneticutt. the last time Alison, Alexis, Delilah, myself and Adrian went there...The Super Soldier took EVERYTHING we threw at him and KEPT coming!

<< that he could resist the power of Spellbinder, Harbinger, Shockwave, MorningStar and Bane was only the SLIGHTEST indication how terrifying and how powerfull was....and at that moment, Morgan began to remember her caper at NERVOUS where she and alison were maimed by the Super Soldier....and later learning about her mother's own battle with the fierce creature.>>

I think there's a trap waiting for us. Rick Riley is a HUNTER and an ex marine, he's affiliated with the one organization that could counter ANY of our powers and find a way to bring us down. Obviously we must go to Alycia's aid. no matter how strong she's become, Rick has been at this for decades and his vendetta with Alycia, Haleigh and Sharon probably has made him plummet to new depths of depravity.

<< she looked at Delilah and Nicolas.>>

I want him DEAD. for ALL that he's done to us...Alycia and SHARON!


<< Cameron asked for a word with her. he seemed adamant and so she excused herself with him to another area of the main floor. it had been a long time since these two had been in the same space together, much less discussing any details about a caper but the more she dealt with him, the more it seemed RIGHT again.>>

Yes, Cameron? what is it?

<< as Morgan left, Nicolas and Delilah were treated to an unexpected visit. Morgan's small white kitten, poked her little head up from the seat of the large white chaise lounge and a tiny mew indicated her presence. it was a small relief from the more brooding thoughts the two may have had. but who could resist the sight or sound of a little kitten? Tinkerbell was nearby as well, further down the chaise lounge. they had apparently come in when everyone was just getting word about Alycia and while things were changing from moment to moment, the cats couldnt help but be themselves..looking for attention from everyone in THEIR place. >>

 

[Seer]

from New York to Coneticutt

<< reunions and revisitings were happening all across the board in this deadly caper. and now, back at Sharon's cottage in that secluded forest off the large lake, Alycia, who had been kept sedated and tied to a bed would soon begin to stir, finding that day had turned to night.>>

<< waiting was the hardest thing, especially when you didnt have the benefit of being a precog or even a way to determine where your captor was.>>

<< when most people were releasing their cares to sleep, Alycia would be finding herself faced with more than a few and this place, that had once been a retreat for her best friend was now her prison...could be the place were WORSE things happened.>>

<< the six were on their way, but even Morgan knew that it would not be as easy as it looked.>>

 

[Artemis]

cottage in the forest

:: She'd encountered Cameron on the Astral plane, something Rick Riley apparently didnt think she'd be able to do. His mistake. sedating her would only work SO FAR. stirring in her sleep, Alycia's brow begins to frown up as images of the Super Soldier here in the cottage invade her sedated slumber. ::

<< Sharon and Alycia have taken refuge in the cottage, knowing that if they ARE being followed as Alycia fears...that the distress call she placed to The Six will not have been for nothing.>>

Alycia: Sharon...I think we need to get underground. That SHAPE I saw a while back in the forest when we first entered...I think it was FOLLOWING US!

Sharon: You've been right about everything ELSE so far...maybe we SHOULD get underground and wait for Morgan and the others to come. they ARE coming arent they?

<< the two women began to make preparations under the cover of night.>>

Sharon: that bastard Stavros! i can't believe he tried to BRIBE me during my trip to greece this summer. did he REALLY think that MONEY would make me look away from all the PAIN and MISERY he was profiting off of? He's responsible for my son's DEATH! He's in bed with MysTech...Mystech is gaining DANGEROUS inroads to our government....

Alycia: Stavros is at the TOP of my take down list...he even superceeds HALEIGH, that stupid bitch. He's a slippery eel and his backing of Mystech has afforded him an ever present "get out of jail free" card. but its nearly over. the case ive been building, the information i've RISKED MY LIFE to get ahold of....with the help of the Six...we'll FINALLY bring that bastard and his marauding family down and once you win your senate seat again...you'll be able to push through the agenda to EXPOSE MysTech's influence on much of the Bush Administration.

Sharon: But Alycia, Stavros said that both you and I would soon have OTHER problems to worry about....I'm used to his threats...he regularly had his cronies flood my lines with pointness calls...but something about the look in his eyes when i flatly turned down his bribe and reaffirmed my commitment to oppose and expose him....

<< at that moment, a body comes flying through the window...the driver of the car that brought them out here. it's bloody and beaten badly and then, through the wall around that now shattered window comes the Super Soldier, SMASHING through. the immense, hulking figure with those glowing red eyes and shadow enshrouded face. Alycia and Sharon scream with shock and terror and as the Super Soldier makes a deadly pass for Sharon first, Alycia frantically pulls her friend out of the way, but NOT before Sharon is badly wounded on her side by his machete.>>

Alycia: oh my god, SHARON!!!

<< looking at the creature.>>

Alycia: ITS HIM!! THE SHAPE!! one of the bio hazards that escape from the Citadle!! I WASNT CRAZY AFTER ALL!

<< with slow, but steady steps, the Super Soldier closes in on Alycia who is struggling to hold her wounded friend Sharon. Sharon is shaking, bleeding badly.>>

<< With her one free hand, Alycia picks up a large ceramic lamp and hurls it with all her might at the Super Soldier. though it smashes right in his head...he is only slightly deterred as his head flinches a bit and he misses a step. Alycia pulls Sharon...half dragging her. out of another door, and across the grounds of the cottage, to get to the hidden access door to the under ground bunker....as she STRUGGLES to remember, trying not to let go into a panic...the Super Soldier is THERE...STEPS away!! with a scream of distress, Alycia finally gains access and scrambles to get herself and Sharon INSIDE!...quickly pulling the thick carbonium steel door down and sealing it...she hears the breathing of the creature and his BEATING on the door.>>

<< this is the last image she sees in her minds eye..before she finally WAKES UP with a start!>>

::GASP!!::

:: her hazel eyes wide at first..but then settling as she realizes she's awake..and still bound within the cottage.::

:: breathing out.::

no super soldier....no body...just me....

:: though she is not in the best position...she's thankfull that was all just a dream.::

just me....alone....the cabin...sharon?...cameron....RICK RILEY!

:: the disorientation began to wear off as sense and a grip on reality set in. she was trapped and she had to get free. no one..least of all THIS man was going to get the drop on her.::

:: she began to use the techniques taught her by an escape artist that trained her during her training with Force Works. with slow, carefull and slight moves...Alycia was able to manipulate wrists and eventually slip free of the binds. she laid there for a moment, not moving too quickly in case someone was in the room or outside the window monitoring her.::

Rick obviously thinks he's got the upper hand. the toad doesnt realize that i'm NOT the same woman he dealt with 6 months ago. not by a LONG SHOT!

:: she seemed more focused now than ever as she quietly sat up and untied her ankles...taking a few deep breaths before slipping off the bed. she was still in her body armour, but most of her equipment had been taken away. but he didnt account for the technology in her belt (ala' Mystique) that acted as a "pocket dimension" of sourts to allow her to draw forth a weapon that was "in storage". pulling forth a hand held repulsor blaster, Alycia now slowly made her way to the door of the room, first looking through the key hole, then down to the floor under the slit to see if there were any sets of feet. then slowly getting up to listen at the door for a moment.::

well...it's now or never. Cameron..i hope you got that message...because I have a feeling I'm going to need some HELP!

:: with that, Alycia slowly and quietly opens the door and slips out into the hall, creeping along the wall, and keeping her trigger finger on the repulsor blaster ready. it was so dark...she prayed her high heeled boots wouldnt make too much noise as she moved with the carefull stealth she'd been trained in. being back here was so surreal...but she could not afford to dwell on that now. she had to escape...to the underground bunker that she KNEW had been untouched since the last time they were there. Alison had scrambled the lock and given Alycia and Sharon a new code for it while Morgan had covered it with an illusion spell that only those who had been there BEFORE would know about. that was her best hope of regrouping so she could take down Rick Riley before he got HER.::

:: the game of cat and mouse was about to begin for sure now.::

 

[Seer]

out of the frying pan...

<< and so , Alycia bravely stalks the dark, eeriely silent halls of this cottage in the woods, She is more than a little on edge. her own heart beat and breathing seem to be the loudest thing in the air, but she cant shake the feeling of uncertainty, shadows around every corner and on the walls seem to lengthen at random and the sounds of nature outside are hardly comforting.>>

<< the special agent and now high powered government official is more than capable of physically defending herself and getting out of tight situations, but there's MORE to this than simple escape. She can't bring herself to LEAVE without capturing and KILLING Rick. this is as much of a grudge for HER as it is HIM and its becoming a deadly game of cat and mouse. whoever falters in anyway will become the prey.>>

<< in this cabin, there are ghosts, memories and reminders, not only of Sharon but of times past when Alycia was on the front lines due to her own actions and sweeping ambitions in her attempts to flush out MysTech. bringing her BACK here was as much a psychological tactic as it was a scare tactic.>>

<< but even as she moves down the hall...she, and those would be her rescuers will find themselves instore for MORE than just a reunion with Rick Riley.>>

 

[Persephone]

:: Mike came in and offered Karen assistance, giving Ava a moment to breathe. Running both hands through her hair, Ava was 'calmer' than when Haleigh went into her episode. Her warey face was dried, but her eyes did show signs of crying. Karen harshly snapped, demanding the truth. Ava looked up at her for a moment then turned away, almost as if she was ignoring her. Sighing out heavily, she finally turned back to Karen, crossing her arms tightly across her chest. ::

"About the Super Soilder project."

:: She knew Karen was deeply involved, just as the rest of the six were, so the look on her face was expected. ::

"I knew from the beginning Haleigh's fiance was being turned into the Super Soilder. I was sixteen and working for my father. I accidently walked into my father having a meeting with you ex husband, Adam Chandler, and Malice. They were discussing the project...after a few moments I realized that Patrick was the man laying in the hospital bed that they were discussing. I...screamed. I pleaded with my dad to stop what he was doing. I even pulled the tubes and monitor patches from his body. But my father...he told me I was as much to blame for Patrick being there as he was. That if Haleigh found out she would never speak to me again. I believed him...so I never told her. I never told anyone."

:: Looking over to Haleigh, Ava knew their relationship was never going to be the same. It stung....but she needed to know the truth. Ava needed to TELL the truth, for once. ::

"I'm not exactly sure what happened between Haleigh and Zach. Just that Sharon exposed something to Haleigh that involved Zach. She felt betrayed and angry...she said that Zach didn't have the nerve to tell her to her face, that Sharon had to. And...at that moment, I had to tell Haleigh that I knew what happened to Patrick. I didn't want her to find out by anyone else."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra- medical lab

<< Karen , who had been leaning in toward Ava, stood back to let the woman collect herself. She knew that Ava had been shaken by what occurred, but she had to get her to tell her what was going on because it was connected to the bigger picture.>>

<< Ava showed remarkable composure even under pressure and this was probably bolstered by her merging with Persephone's consciousness but even NOW, the pressure seemed to take its toll as Ava dropped a bombshell on Karen.>>

<< Karen blinked twice...as the look on her face was a mixture of disbelief and sadness all at once.>>

Christopher.....Adam Chandler and MALICE

my stars!! that poor boy....

<< she said softly as the shock of this revelation set in. Karen had DESTROYED the Super Soldier in a pitched battle that nearly cost her her OWN life. to face him...head on...it was TRULY one of the most terrifying things she had endured in her life and even to this DAY, she could still FEEL the penetrating GLARE of those inhuman red eyes...that blank yet demonic stare. Super Soldier had once been PATRICK PHILLIPS, and from all accounts he was a good man who LOVED Haleigh. the memories showed it....and Karen's heart began to sting with pain as she realized the scope of this tragedy and how SO MANY PEOPLE had been enveloped or destroyed by it. Haleigh, Patrick, Sharon, Zach, Ava, Alycia, Morgan....hell, ALL of the six, even ALISON who was mercifully ABSENT for this. If the Six were a family...Mystech was the ULTIMATE force to destroy that family or at least try their very best.>>

all roads...they seem to lead back to mystech....and you...YOU were there for one of the most tragic, transforming moments in Haleigh's and Patrick's life...and Patrick.....



<< the doctor's tone softened a bit as she couldnt bring herself to say that SHE was the one who killed him, even though HE was a monster by the time he faced HER. her stance became slightly less harsh.>>

You've carried with this with you for a long time and you chose NOW to reveal it because of what's happening with Haleigh and Sharon. this WHOLE situation is about the past coming back to haunt and hurt...and so it's not a big stretch....

<< she looked over at Haleigh. Mike had done an excellent job of setting up the vital stats monitors and the IV, he must have had medical training as well.>>

<< she looked back at Ava, who was clearly full of regret and remorse and while Ava might have thought the doctor would berate her further, Karen instead empathized with her, for she had kept secrets too, most recently the background of Delilah and her early child hood trauma....and of course there was the whole affair Christopher had with Malice. Something she'd never told Morgan until AFTER Malice came calling the second time.>>

what you were subjected to, no LOVING father would have brought upon his daughter. the fact that you carried this for so long....and did not crack SOONER only underscores your tremendous inner strength and resolve to protect Haleigh the best way you thought you knew how. Complicity is one thing, but i sense the sincerity in your voice when you say that you tried what you could to stop it. I can't BLAME you for this...YOU did not cause it. Patrick ...was deceived, probably manipulated by Malice, into accepted the offer of the program...not knowing the tragedy that would befall him but ultimately HE took that doomed journey and your father was an ACTIVE enabler in the destruction of Patrick as he was turned into the creature that menaced the Six. The ghosts of your father's and haleigh's past....they are now all too PAINFULLY personified by a vengefull Sharon and while she may be MAD with hatred...there was ALWAYS a level of contempt towards Stavros and Haleigh within her even BEFORE she died.

Ultimately, you did the right thing. Haleigh will not see it now, but if she doesnt get a hold of herself when she awakens, she may not see much of ANYTHING for very long.

As for Zach and Haleigh....I think i know what it is that Sharon revealed. A WOMAN knows these things...especially one who has been through what I have.

<< referring to the pain, humiliation and betrayal that came with the revelation of Christopher's affair with Malice so many years ago. The doctor subtlely implied that perhaps what Haleigh had learned had something to do with "affairs of the heart.>>

<< looking at Haleigh.>>

Sharon is out to destroy everything Haleigh hold's dear before destroying her. She wants to REPAY Haleigh for what she feels is HER FAULT and part of that would certainly include destroying any chance at happiness she may have.

<< looking at Ava once more>>

Go upstairs to your apartment and rest. You've suffered enough for one evening and there's nothing more you can do here. I will stay here and look after Haleigh. I may keep her sedated until the team can deal with Rick Riley...i dont know yet. But right now, I'm the only person who CAN attempt to help/treat her.

Just go and rest....take sometime to recover. you'll be no good to Haleigh or anyone else if you dont take time for yourself after this difficult experience.

<< Karen gently placed a hand on Ava's back.>>

You've been brave and youve been loyal for a very long time...but even I know that we all make mistakes. You're no more to blame for Patrick...then Haleigh is to blame for THIS situation with Sharon...though Rick Riley is playing his hand well...he doesnt realize that he represents the face of the entity who IS responsible.

Whatever problems we may be facing internally, it will only DELAY his fate...a fate that he more than richly deserves.

<< with that, Karen sends Ava on her way, leaving only the doctor and Mike in the room. the doctor looks him over for a moment, wondering if she should send him away as well, but he probably wouldnt readily listen, because of his orders from Nicolas.>>

<< instead, she takes a moment to find out about the most recent ally of the six.>>

<< sigh.>>

over the intercom to the rest of the Six: Doctor Victoria to the Six. You'd better come down here before you leave for the cottage. There's something i need to tell you.

<< closing the channel, the doctor huffs as she turnes and looks around the room and all the remnants of the commotion from moments before.>>

<< twitching her nose ala' Samantha Stevens [Bewitched] that twinkling sound is heard as she quickly gestures with both hands. a rushing chiming sound is heard, followed by a flash of golden light and the lab is restored, with no broken bottles, damaged equipment or anything else out of place. all is clean, quiet and in order.


I'm getting TOO OLD for this! but you, you seem awfully young to be so well versed in so many things. do you have medical training?

<< still in her regal black, flying suit.>>she walks over to a chart, Haleigh's, picking it up to document her current vital signs and the latest incident. waiting for Mike's answer.>>

 

[Black Widow]

Karen comes in and quickly sedates Haleigh before she can do any more damage, and Mike picks the hybrid up and places her back on the gurney as the room is repaired and the dust is allowed to settle. Ava reveals a clearer version of her involvement with the Super Soldier project, and how much she really knew, to Karen..... and relays what little she knows about Haleigh and Zach, as Zach himself paces outside the medical lab. He has SEEN the latest memory on a hall monitor.... he knows that she is in great pain... but he is conflicted. As much as he wants to rush to her side... he worries that it would only serve to further unhinge her. And yet.... the pull of his worry for HER overpowers the threat of bodily harm.... and he appears in the door of the medical lab. Karen is reassuring Ava about something and telling her to get some rest.

Zach: "Looks like the truth about the past is finally coming out-- not just for Haleigh.... but for ALL of us."

He says, as he moves to her bedside, taking her hand gently in both of his. Karen makes a call to the rest of the six. Zach falls quiet, lost in thought...

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra, medical lab

<< as Zach quietly entered the room, he made his way over to Haleigh's bedside. Karen watched him with her sapphire blue eyes, looking a bit stern at the young man.>>

Secrets, indeed, Zachary.

<< she said as she sat at the control counsel in the center of the large medical lab. the counsel had a wrap around design with a large, high backed, swiveling, executive seat in the eye of the half circle. cutting edge technology allowed the person to administer medical treatments, monitor vitals, errect forcefields, quarantine fields, flood this or any other floor with various types of gasses and sound the alarm for medical emergencies among other things and the doctor looked right at home at this control counsel.>>

and some secrets are more hurtfull than others... as Ava has learned.

<< though she was referring in part to the situation with Ava and Haleigh, Karen was ALSO speaking as a woman who had been humiliated by an affair herself she eyed Zach knowingly.>>

would you like to tell ME what happened between you, haleigh and sharon before the others get here? or shall i offer them my EDUCATED GUESS?

<< she spoke with a sharp edge in her tongue as she offered an "either or" option.>>

I might be older...but all that means is that i've experience MORE and nothing that you can say will be any thing NEW.

<< she hoped he would man up this time, since obviously he couldnt when Sharon had confronted them. She looked at Mike, indicating him to step back to the door and just keep watch. making it easier for Zach to speak as he sat next to the slumbering and restrained Haleigh.>>

Part of being a FAMILY is knowing when to accept accountability...something SOME OF YOU have had a hard time doing. But if you've learned ANYTHING today behind your encounter with Sharon, its that secrets...what's done in the dark...will ALWAYS come to the light. NO ONE is exempt from that.

 

[Prophet]

Illustra

:: Cameron took a moment before talking with Morgan. This was actually he felt a big moment for the both of them. The fact that they were okay being alone in a room together was a big step from when they first met. He let out a troubled sigh. ::

"I just wanted to know what you thought. I really want to go and help Alycia and help Sharon, but I feel like I can't leave Haleigh. I just feel like I am the only one who is going to be able to really help her. I spoke with your mother earlier alone and she told me the same thing, she told me how proud Alison would be if I was the one to stop her grim vision of the future from happening. I just feel torn, one a sense of duty, the other by love. I love Haleigh. She can't keep doing this Morgan. She is going to have the Silver Swan expose us all..."

:: He turned away for a second. He had never been THIS vulernable in front of Morgan. The only people who knew he LOVED Haleigh were Delilah, Nicholas and Karen. Ava, Zach and Morgan had no clue. But he felt like he had to say something. He was torn as to where the best place for him should be. ::

"I am coming to you because.. you are the leader of the team. I want to know what you think. Where do you think I am needed right now? With you and the others? Or with Haleigh and your mother? I am coming to you out of respect and trust. I am just feeling lost at the moment Morgan, and I am really torn. I don't want to not go with to save Alycia and have something happen, but if I leave and Haleigh DOESN'T survive what she is going through, I will feel just as bad, if not worse..."

:: Cameron waited for the Sorceress to respond. He was really just looking for someone to put him in line.. tell HIM where HE needed to be at the moment because he couldn't decide on his own right now. ::

:: He heard Karen call to the Six, he sighed. ::

"That can't be good..."

 

[Rampage]

Illustra

For Mike, watching the Six work was always magical. Indeed, when Dr. Victoria cleaned up the entire Med bay with a wiggle of her nose, he was still a bit awe-struck.

Damn, I could use her at the house. Sure beats maid service...

He smiled sheepishly as she asked him about himself. Most people just were glad that he could do what he could do. No one (save Nicolas and his father) gave a damn HOW he could do it. As he finished attaching the monitors and making a few mental notes about Haleigh's physiological baselines, he answered the doctor.

I was a standout in life sciences in college before I went into the military. In becoming a Navy SEAL, I trained for many different contingencies including medical assistance. I am actually an RN now. How about you? What drew you into what YOU do? I have to give you credit for loving your work as you do...

<<<looks at Haleigh>>>

...even when it's obviously difficult for you.

*************************************

As Karen signaled the team above, Nicolas shook his head. he was beginning to worry about what to do with Haleigh long-term, especially since Morgan seemed to be right and her powers were not contained by the trick Delilah used. As the episode was over, he guessed that the doctor had neutralized her powers. Then he thought of something. An idea. Something he would have to ask about if not now, then definitely later...

 

[Spellbinder]

Illustra-107th floor

<< Morgan looked at Cameron, she was rather weary but she would press on to the point of BURN OUT before she abandonned Alycia and with Nicolas and Delilah by her side, she knew they were capable of facing ANYTHING, but Cameron? he'd only just returned, he was still finding his way and there was no telling how stable his abilities were yet. PLUS, they needed to keep people here to defend Illustra and Haleigh in case Sharon attacked. Her mother would provide ample magickal protection while Mike seemed to have the amoury and weapons situation covered. Persephone was a powerfull goddess and there were the security precautions set forth by Delilah but the more Morgan thought about it, the more she realized that perhaps HE would be better served HERE as well.>>

<< she looked upon him unwaveringly as he professed his love for Haleigh and his genuinine concern for Sharon and Alycia. this was UNLIKE anything she'd seen from him before.>>

Wow...

<< he was truly reveling in emotions that he never really indulged before. it gave him more depth and made him look more RESPECTABLE to Morgan.>>

Cameron....

<< she spoke in an icy voice as she looked at him.>>

This caper is more than a little tricky...for ALL of us because so many people each of us care about is at risk...and those of us trying to HELP are often a step BEHIND Rick Riley and the Silver Swan...and SHE HERSELF is a victim...though she may not know it.

If you feel you should stay here with Haleigh, then please stay. I'd rather have you where your heart lies than have you elsewhere being torn between more than one thing. Rick Riley is cunning and dangerous....I KNOW he's got something planned for anyone who shows up to try to rescue Alycia. We have something of an advantage with two telepaths. it allows us to keep an active link between are divided team and helps to compensate in a way for Alison's absence.

I may not see things the way Alison does...but I know that there's unfinished business between you and Haleigh and right now, Haleigh NEEDS people who DO care for and love her....I hate to say it...but she DOESNT have many people who are that fond of her right now..and its HER OWN FAULT that its that way. It's like she WANTS to fullfill Alison's prophecy and if she does...then what will happen to US!?

<< Morgan paused for a moment.>>

I believe you're a different person now, Cameron, I believe i can talk to you like THIS and you can understand MY position.

<< looking away for a moment, she breathed out slowly.>>

we'll go down to the medical lab. you can share with Nicolas the information you gained on Alycia from the astral plane and while Delilah, Nicolas and I go to get her...you stay here with my mother, Mike and Ava. if anything happens, you and Nicolas can communicate between you.

<< she looked at him again.>>

It's a good thing you're here....some things would be alot worse right now had you not been on hand when we faced Sharon at the church and even though Haleigh doesnt know it...its a good thing you're here for HER.

<< with that, Morgan returns to the others, seeing Delilah and Nicolas playing with tinkerbell and the kitten. a little smile came over her face. >>

we're ready to go down stairs. once we're there. Cameron will share with Nicolas what information he has on Alycia's where abouts....and they will maintain a telepathic link to keep the divided team in constant contact.

<< Morgan teleports them down to the medical lab, where she finds the lab looking immaculate, its quite, dimly lit with the soft hum of energy and machines running their course. her mother is sitting in the center of the room, having apparently been talking with Zach and Mike. Haleigh was seemingly asleep and BOUND with mystic chains!? and Ava was no longer in the room.>>

Mom?.....what happened? is ...everyone allright? I dont see Ava.

 

[Rampage]

Med Bay

As Morgan walked around the corner with Cameron, Nicolas turned, noticing the pair if cats.

Hey babies!! Before I go, let's relax a bit, shall we?

Nicolas lifted Tink and carefully lay her on his lap as he sat in the air, levitating. He rubbed the cat as he waited for the pair to emerge from their talk. As he stroked the cat, he decided to try something. He "spoke" to her wordlessly.

Tink, watch your territory for me while we are gone. If you see ANYTHING unusual, tell Mommy's mommy, OK? I will take good care of Mommy and we will be back soon.

As Morgan returned, he stood slowly, lifting the cat into his arms. He looked it in the eye as he stroked Tink one last time before setting her down. Morgan let them know what the game plan was and he nodded his approval. This plan kept the team even in magic, teleportation, and mental powers. It was VERY smart. Besides, Haleigh DID need Cameron.

Good deal. I have strengthened our link a bit. That will help us to not have to focus on it at all and even if one of us is rendered unconscious, the other should be able to "feel" him out.

Morgan them teleported them to the lab, which looked like a million maids had been at work on it. He saw no Ava, but Mike was at the door trying not to pry, and Dr. Victoria was facing Zach as he sat on a chair beside a gurney in which Haleigh in mystic chains. Obviously drugged and powerless. Nicolas looked around, puzzled as Morgan asked her mother what was going on.

What indeed? And how does Zach fit in?

*********************

Mike stood detached as the group appeared. He knew what Karen was getting at, but it was not his place to pry. He'd seen that "I got caught" look before. Hell, he'd had that look before. Still, he had no good feeling about this guy. Zach REEKED of fuckup and he knew that Nic was not high on him. He rested his hand on his piece...

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra- medical lab

<< Karen smiled at the young man, he seemed very vital, like Nicolas but there was a wealth of experience and training that lay beneath that young exterior.>>

ahh, so many young , handsome men in one space. in another time and place...i might entertain the idea of a may/december romance. but these children are my daughter's age or even YOUNGER.

<< Karen was impressed as Mike revealed more of his resume' he was MORE than a simple driver after all...she had begun to suspect that the night he was covering her at the restaurant. but now it was confirmed and what better partner for Nicolas to have watching his back. she only hoped that HE wouldnt share the fate that befell Sharon or Alycia....>>

well, my grandmother, "grammie" started me on the path of the role of "counselor". its a gift that seems to be within many women of my family, but i wanted to ENHANCE IT so i went to school. I wanted to become a medical doctor and to help people in their minds and their bodies..and with my magick...i gained more than a strong following and reputation. after a while though, especially with my...ex husband...morgan's father. I began to be pulled into the criminal profiler realm.

<< the doctor had two books that were statewide best sellers and had appeared on several talk shows. she'd also been responsible for helping to capture two deadly serial killers in the late 90's one of whom escaped and sought revenge against her but was later recaptured.>>

helping people...protecting them...it all extends from my most important role...that of MOTHER. Grammie gave that to me...I give it to my daughter...and now...many members of the Six have become my surrogate children...including Nicolas.

<< she spoke warmly as she said that last part about being a mother and her children in the six.>>

<< at that moment, Morgan and the others arrived. Zach, who seemed AWFULLY slow to answer her question, had very little time to either take the reigns of that situation or let Karen handle it.>>

<< sitting at the wrap around control counsel, Karen looked at Nicolas and Morgan with an analytical look in her beautifull , stern eyes.>>

Haleigh's most recent episode was brought on by a severe emotional reaction. She learned something...something that came as a shock, betrayal and traumatic. For her safety and ours, I sedated her, scrambled her powers and have bound her with mystic chains. she will remain this way until i deem her fit to be released.


<< continuing to sit, she steepled her fingers under her chin.>>

Mike has been an excellent source of help as I have now stabilized Haleigh. her vitals are being monitored. as for Zach, well, I believe he has something he would like to tell you but if he cannot, i CERTAINLY will.

 

[Rampage]

Med Bay

Mike watched Karen as she listened to his answer. Her eyes were very pretty. Indeed, more than simply her eyes were pretty, and as he relaxed around the group a bit he saw her in a more...discerning light, the way that many men probably saw her.

I must say, I know where Morgan gets it from. She is lovely. If it wouldn't freak everybody out including probably her, I would speak with her further. But chances are she spends so much time caring for this group, she never lets someone take care of her very much. Food for thought...

And you do well at it. But I wonder who takes care of you??

As Mike said it, he smiled a bit, raising an eyebrow to the Dr. It wasn't really a pass, but it did let the good doctor know she was noticed, in a respectful but direct way...

As everyone questions what has occurred, he steps away a bit to give them room to interact.

 

[Black Widow]

Zach stroked Haleigh's hair as he tried to think how to answer Karen's questions... with the truth, of course, but how to say it? He clears his throat.

"I was... unfaithful to her.... with Sharon. It seems.... a lifetime ago now.... I would have broken it off... I would have told her... but after Master Mold... after Sharon died, and Morgan.... and Cameron's disappearance... I couldn't tell her... she needed someone she could lean on.... someone she could trust.... the Six is a constant source of instability for her. She needed to be able to count on me.... And now I may have lost her for good."

He confided, running his hand over his hair as the others began to arrive. He stood up, letting go of her hand gently.

"There is little I can do for her now... she will come to me when she is ready... she'll know where to find me. Until then... she will need support.... from all of you. She needs your help... and she KNOWS that.... but when she is faced with the darker side of herself... she will always push you away.... to protect you from that part of her. Help her anyway... she'll appreciate it.... in her own way."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra- medical lab

And you do well at it. But I wonder who takes care of you??

As Mike said it, he smiled a bit, raising an eyebrow to the Dr. It wasn't really a pass, but it did let the good doctor know she was noticed, in a respectful but direct way...

<< Karen's sapphire blue eyes widened a bit as her perfectly shapped eyebrows raised with a bit of surprise at the boldness and directness of this young man.>>

I do believe Nicolas asked me the same thing...but probably NOT for the same reasons as you, young man.

<< she said with a calm, yet slightly reprimanding/playfull tone. still, she was not totally disapproving of the statement and she couldnt help but look at him a bit longer with a knowing glance in her eyes.>>


<< but before she could continue on with THAT discussion, the others arrived and things unfolded, Zach did the right thing and informed everyone of his OWN secret link to Sharon Kelly from the past. She had suspected it, but there was nothing like hearing it from the horses mouth. As he spoke, she could see he was convicted. She THOUGHT he might minimize Sharon and accuse her of being a slut, at which point, both SHE and Morgan would tear into him but he didnt. He may have had feelings for Sharon at the same time he had Haleigh. He did not ELABORATE on his history with Sharon and there was no need to.>>

Ava told me that something happened at the Cathedral...that Sharon had unleashed a terrible secret upon Haleigh and that she was totally upset with Zach after they escaped the Cathedral. THIS must be the secret.

<< she looked at Zach. she COULD have berated him, as a woman who'd been the victim of an extra marital affair herself, she KNEW how damaging that betrayal would have been to Haleigh and while Karen didnt like HALEIGH for a number of reasons, THIS was something that ANY woman could identify with.>>

And what of you?

<< as Zach suggested his impending departure.>>

You are not anymore safe than the rest of us and Sharon Kelly will not hesitate to try to kill YOU either. You are just as much of an enemy as Haleigh is. Don't you think you OWE Haleigh an explanation if nothing ELSE? I mentioned ACCOUNTABILITY more than once before...THIS would be a perfect time for SOMEONE to take that to heart.

 

[Spellbinder]

Illustra- medical lab

<< Morgan noticed a lingering eye contact between Karen and Mike...she narrowed her own eyes as she wondered what THAT was about.>>

hmmm. is Mike making eyes at my mother!?

<< Not that she objected to her mother having a life, Morgan knew her mother was beautifull and even BEFORE she was her mother, she was a WOMAN. but still, it would be more than a little...unusal to see her mother with Mike, the partner and employee of HER OWN suitor, Nicolas. and of course there was Ava, whom Mike was MORE than making a little overture towards. Maybe Morgan was reading too much into it, perhaps Mike was just appreciating the elegance and beauty of the doctor? and why shouldnt he? her mother had turned the heads of more than a few young men in recent months and as long as they werent like CHRISTOPHER VICTORY..it was all good.>>

<< as Karen briefed them on the situation , Morgan looked over at the sedated, bound Haleigh. she looked so pitifull, and the chains...it seemed so extreme but secretly, Morgan was GLAD she was bound and sedated..NOW there would be no needless , self destructive negativity or argument and Haleigh wouldnt be a danger to anyone or herself at this time. Zach was sitting by her bed side, stroking her hair as the vital stats monitors continued to blip and beep and the IV drip flowed. he was intently watching her. it was obvious he cared about her, but there was something that had CHANGED about him lately...and it had made him seem LESS appealing to Morgan than in times past.>>

<< as Karen cued Zach to tell them something, Morgan looked with focused curiosity. he dropped a HELL of a bomb on them.>>

"I was... unfaithful to her.... with Sharon. It seems.... a lifetime ago now.... I would have broken it off... I would have told her... but after Master Mold... after Sharon died, and Morgan.... and Cameron's disappearance... I couldn't tell her... she needed someone she could lean on.... someone she could trust.... the Six is a constant source of instability for her. She needed to be able to count on me.... And now I may have lost her for good."

<< she opened her mouth a bit with a slight audible sound of disbelief.>>

you....had an affair with SHARON?

<< Sharon was closer to Karen's age, but she certainly didnt look it. She was already a widow and had lost a child to mystech and she'd dedicated her life to fighting against Mystech and fighting for women's rights. she was a dear friend of Morgan's....how could she have NOT KNOWN about Zach before? Sharon never seemed to acknowledge him as anything more than Haleigh's "little boyfriend". Morgan wondered if ALISON had known about it, since Sharon and Alison were also close. So many questions, and SCENARIOS popped in Morgan's eye as Zach spoke of Sharon, the affair , master mold...and how he didnt want to pull the rug out from Haleigh at that time.>>

there was PLENTY of time between the time Sharon died and THIS MOMENT for you to have told her. With her mental state the way it is...ANY negative stimuli seems to trigger her episodes and as we all just saw with this most recent one...they are getting WORSE.

<< she left it at that. there was no need for further explanation on his part. it was ultimately a personal matter between himself, haleigh and sharon and SILVER SWAN was obviously in NO MOOD to discuss things civilly with ANYONE. This , however, did NOT do well for Morgan with her trust issues with men. one of the more outrageous thoughts that flashed in her mind was the idea that NICOLAS would try to CHEAT on her with HER MOTHER! of course her MOTHER wouldnt have any part of it..but NICOLAS....>>

no..that's just silly of me. i need to get a GRIP!

My mother's right, Zach. You can't just leave this unresolved with Haleigh. You yourself know that you've been about the ONLY ONE that can talk to her and reach ANY kind of conclusion in discussions with. You OWE her that much...since no other man has ever saw anything THROUGH with her.

<< she couldnt believe she might have been ADVOCATING for Haleigh in some way...but it was just proof that nearly all the women on the team had long standing issues with men even Karen had them.>>

Mom, was THAT the reason behind her most recent episode?

<< shocking, she didnt imagine that finding out that Zach had an affair with Sharon would cause THAT severe a reaction...but then again, her mother would tell her "everyone has their own ways of manifesting adjustment reactions", so she couldnt be sure.>>