What lies beneath

[Spellbinder]

<< it was now after 11 pm e.s.t. Spellbinder, Guardian, Shockwave, MorningStar and Bane were now back in NYC having engaged in a harrowing campaign against one of the most deadly and powerful creatures turned out by Mystech yet. but worse....THIS creature represented one of apparently MANY collaberations between MysTech and the United States government! Alycia Barnett, a powerful, resourcefull and intimidating corporate lawyer had uncovered some sensitive information regarded this dangerous collerbation....but she had LONG been considered a "risk" and "nuisance" in many intelligence circles and was now a PRIME TARGET of MysTech. The Government had all but turned their back on her....save her long time friend and ally, Senator Sharon Kelly....who now found HERSELF in danger as well. Hence the involvement of Morgan and Alison......now "The Six" as they were....faced the possibility that they were being closed in on by not one..but TWO powerful adversaries...one of which was the very government that they THOUGHT they had nothing to fear from>>


<< at this moment, they were now in Morgan's luxury penthouse...seemingly safe inside Illustra....Morgan kept an eye on Sharon and Alycia via her Scrying Glass....while Alison stood by the floor-to-ceiling panoramic window over looking the NYC skyline>>

<< Morgan looked over from the scrying glass>>

we need to get more information from Sharon and Alycia, but I'm reluctant to wake them. They've been through ALOT tonight. Anybody have a suggestion on just WHAT we should be doing next? we dont exactly KNOW who to go after or what "they" have on US now.

 

[Persephone]

:: Alexis rounded Morgan's couch before making herself comfortable on the plush furniture. Unzipping her suite to further her comfort, she stopped right at the top of her clevage before resting her hands on her lap and putting her head back. It had been an exhasting night, and knowing how these missions go, it was far from over. Shifting her eyes over to Morgan who asked for any suggestions about their next course of action, Alexis raised her brows. She had an idea...far be it they would actually consider it. ::

"I think the smartest plan would be to contact Haleigh. Aside from Alycia and Sharon, she's the one person we know who's involved the deepest with the government. Plus, we know she has something to do with this, as Alycia said before."

:: Leaning forward, she rested her elbows on her knees, keeping her eyes to Morgan and Alison. She didn't need to convince the others, she needed to convice THEM. ::

"I know you guys would rather eat rat poison then ask Haleigh for help, but she knows vital information that could assist us further in keeping Sharon and Alycia safe, plus, stop these super soilders."

:: Stopping, she pressed her lips together taking a deep breath in through her nose. After the family situation that happened to her a couple of weeks ago, she learned to speak to Morgan and Alison in a more calming and rational way, knowing that's the best way to get the point across to them. Granted this wasn't who Alexis was, but in these situations, it was the best to bring out her manipulation skills rather then get into a huge argument with them. ::

 

[Harbinger]

:: standing tall, with her arms folded. Alison adjusted the corsett of her leather, countoured body suit, looking like a sleek, elegant bird of prey....but far less "robotic" than before. She seemed to be lost in deep thought, that was until Morgan spoke::


I think we have to face the fact that we may need.....input from Haleigh. After all...SHE was named by Alycia in what little briefing we had back in the forest on the east coast.


:: Looking across the way toward Bane and Shockwave as they sit in the sunken in lounge, and then back at Spellbinder, who stood by the scrying glass::

MysTech is regrouping, even as we speak...and they are far more in league with our government than ANY of us may have suspected. This reaches as far back as when YOU were tapped to join Valiant.

It is no coincidence that Haleigh is a necessary component to our core, for she has deep seeded connections in the world of intelligence. She had a connection to the super soldier AS WELL AS Adam Chandler.

We must.....bring her back to Illustra. :: spoken with extreme reluctance::

and soon. time grows short. Alexis and Cameron are going to be "exposed" their true identities revealed and their lives all but ruined. further down the line....there will be a modern day WITCH HUNT....which would affect not only you and me, Morgan...but your Mother and any other practicioner of Magick.

right now...EVERY discernable time thread..no matter how probable or not...holds DISASTER for US and EVERYONE we hold dear. Sharon and Alycia's lives are in the balance and at the same time...they have been the main obstacles between MysTech exposing US to the government and providing them with the ammo they need to spear head their "anti super human" agenda.

 

[Spellbinder]

<< thunder rumbled ominously in the night sky as Alexis and Alison spoke. BOTH women had valid points....with Alison's underscoring the urgency of it all>>

<< Morgan gently bit her lower lip...a look of extreme consternation on her face as she stretched..and exhaled with annoyance>>

i cant help but get Ororo's warning to Cameron out of my head....

vast and terrible powers threaten YOU as well as this world...it is your lot to stand against them..TOGETHER

I just...keep thinking HOW is that possible? Those two [Cameron and Haleigh] have been self serving from the moment ALL OF THIS began months ago.

<< walking forward..she began to pace slowly back and forth...gesturing as she talked>>

Alexis, Haleigh ADMITTED that HER only reason for joining us was to further HER own agenda. she USED the fact that she knew Foxfire was alive BEFORE myself and even Alison to GOAD us into helping her achieve the goal of eliminating MysTech as a rival to Clandestine Intelligence..but at that time even SHE didnt know how large and powerful an entity MysTech was.

<< moving back >> and Cameron...he..he WANTED to see my break down and ruined. I dont know HOW i know this...but he CONFESSED to Ororo!!

<< Morgan still hadnt realized that she had shared [in some aspects] the traumatic nightmare that Cameron had in the Parthenon following the arrival of Helena...but what she ALSO didnt realize was that Cameron was on a new path...TRYING to put his best foot forward>>

Do we DARE trust Haleigh?? Alycia and Alison keep saying that she has INVOLVEMENT in all of this...but how do we know that she's not in league with MysTech!? Adam Chandler....spoke to her with SUCH FAMILIARITY, almost as if he had been a past mentor.

<< again, Morgan and the others had not been present to see the full exchange between Imagiomg/Adam/Haleigh and the reason why there was a connection between them>>

I understand the NEED...but is the RISK worth it? she could LEAD us to our doom just as fast as she could possibly provide an crucial information/assistance.

<< Morgan's concerns were valid...it wasnt even about her NOT wanting to see Haleigh's face again...for THAT was more apart of Morgan's "recovery" process from the spectre of Inferno and Blaze's death>>

Alison....what do you do you see??

 

[Bane]

Sitting next to Alexis with his legs crossed and his head and shoulders reclined backward, Adrian looked as elegant as ever. In spite of a change in appearance and personality, he still maintained the grace that he himself had worked for. Now, however, his looks were simply average at best and, save for his beautiful green eyes, he appeared mediocre.

What more, he felt mediocre.

Adrian looked away towards a vase, despairing. His pheromones would have been essential to solving this problem, as they had allowed him to infiltrate virtually every facet of contemporary society and control those around him. Now? He hadn't even returned to the real world yet, and he could never pass off as Adrian Lockhart again. In fact, he dreaded having to face his "old friends" -- even though he was emotionally detached from his memories, which were technically second-hand.

Even more, he had felt an odd sense of thrill when he had attacked the monster, and that disturbed him the most. He wasn't supposed to take joy in harming others. It was contrary to everything he had been taught. This situation had been the first where he had used his powers with intent to kill, and he had already succumbed to human emotion. What would his teacher think?

And now, of course, things were spiraling downward, despite their success in obliviating an infathomly powerful opponent. What could he do to contribute? Would he be able to tap into the resources he had before? Would the group ever open up to him, considering he had been double-faced ever since they had met?

As Guardian intoned the peril they faced, Adrian wasn't suprised. But he took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and said outloud, "We can only overcome this obstacle united." He opened his eyes, looking toward Alison, his eerie green gaze unwavering. "The only way they will be able to conquer us is by pitting us against each other, and, given the current state of things, there's no telling how effective their machinations will be," he said, echoing the fear that Foxfire had expressed countless times before.

Privately, Adrian knew that the threat of division was only too plausible. But he had to keep his cool and, more importantly, assuage the uncertainty that had clouded the minds of his team mates.

"All of us have let our emotions get the best of us. Haleigh and Cameron may have not had the best of intentions starting out, but their contribution was key to rescuing Alexis, an undertaking that could not have been accomplished without teamwork."

He moved his gaze from Guardian to Morgan, who was the most uncertain about their unity. "People change. There is risk in having faith. But in facing this evil, we must put that behind us, for the best of humanity."

 

[Harbinger]

:: shifting her weight from one high heel to the other....she turned and looked over to Bane who was seated next to Alexis::

and YOU...what should we think about you?

YOURE intentions were less than pure when you made the scene. I saw right through you, and when push came to shove, you let this team DOWN. I dont need to say HOW ....you should already know.

::she was of course referring to his inability to even stand on his own two feet when the final battle with Helena had occurred. He couldnt save Alexis' father from the dearly neuro toxin that killed him.::

What you arent aware of, is that we've suffered nightmare after the next. members our own families have tried to kill us, while OTHERS near and dear to us have DIED helping us. Even now....two dear and valuable friends/allies are in grave danger because of us.

when....i tried to WARN people of what was coming [the inferno] they didnt heed me, and Foxfire DIED. Will YOU listen to me? or will your foolish bravado cause you to rush head long into disaster?

::glaring at him with her cobalt blue eyes, Guardian stepped down into the sunken in Lounge and walked past him...abruptly ending her conversation with him. her hatred of him seemed to match Morgan's hatred of Haleigh....ironic...since Alison AGREED with Alexis that Haleigh's involvement would necessary::

Morgan, I'll place a call to Haleigh now. i suggest you secure the perimeter of illustra and activate the building's defenses. Delilah, Alexis, Bane...STAY on this floor...

:: with that, Guardian left, as did Morgan. of the three that remained, Delilah had the best rapport with the two witches she knew how they felt and why they acted the way they did. it was obviously that Bane was the least trusted among them...and Alexis was using her new found bridge with the witches to appeal to their sense of reason::

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


out of the doors to Morgan's penthouse..and down the long hall just past the elevator

:: alison was now in the small private alcove. as she used her long range "sight" to lock onto to Haleigh... a pair of cobalt blue eyes popped open RIGHT IN FRONT OF HALEIGH. a disconscerting sight for anyone...even members of the Six had not gotten used to it entirely. the eyes looked upon Haleigh with a cold, mechanic detachment::

Haleigh Davidoff....you're presence is required at Illustra. Something has happened....that involves YOU and will only FURTHER involve you with the passage of time. Do not contest me...for my precognition is CLEAR as it is accurate.

:: her voice was cold and clear...and did little to promote any kind of comfort for anyone that heard it::

 

[Persephone]

:: Hearing the subtle but obviously fighting between the group members, Alexis sighed while closing her eyes. The blame game was always what got this team into so much trouble. But Morgan's words did impact Alexis. If they were to be exposed, everything she worked for with her company, everything her father left her, would be gone. It would crumble like a house of cards. Not only that, but the government would expose her family members. Emily, Dillion, and even Jason didn't need that. As much as they didn't get along with each other, she didn't want their lives to be turned upside down. This needed to be stopped... ::

"Why are we so threatneing. We risk our lives day in and day out for THEM yet they treat us like we're some sort of rabid animal they need to terminate."

:: Alexis' tone was hostile and annoyed. Not to anyone inparticular, but just in general...she spoke with much content and hatred. Standing from the sofa, the meta human made her way over to the floor to ceiling windows, crossing her arms. Her eyes watching the people far below walk the streets of New York. Biting her bottom lip, she continued to stare now lost in deep thought. ::

 

[Black Widow]

From Manhattan to Long Island: Calling it a night

Haleigh laughed, humoring a guest of hers before excusing herself. She had eaten quickly and then made her way from table to table, greeting everyone personally and thanking them for their contributions, planting the idea that MORE money could be donated. The banquet was nearing its end, many dessert dishes were being served. A dark man in a tux approached Haleigh, speaking softly in her ear. She turned her head to block his face from view... it was unlikely that there were lipreaders anywhere around... but Haleigh was too smart and too careful to take that chance. She nodded softly, luckily, she was close to the stage area already. She stepped up on the stage, allowing a man to help steady her ascent though she wouldn't normally... she was trying to play the part of a high society lady... she did it justice... not a hint of ruthless mastermind in her demeanor. She leaned forward to the microphone, speaking one last time. She thanked everyone for coming, directed their attention to the table set up to take further donations, and urged everyone to enjoy their desserts. She told them she would have to take her leave.... that her assistance was needed... after all, her company overseas headquarters were due to open tomorrow morning. The assemblance clapped, and she smiled and waved, taking Zach's arm and being led backstage. They went straight from there up the stairway to the roof exit, where Haleigh's chopper waited for her again. Haleigh was on the line with her Exec. Assist. Jennifer immediately. She wanted to take the new intel at her residence by the time she got there.

Minutes later and her wishes were granted. Zach hung his jacket on a barstool in the kitchen as they passed, on the way to her 'office'. He left his vest on but loosened his tie. Haleigh didnt bother with her gown... she was too excited about the news. The super soldier project.... had the test subject resurfaced? This was BIG news... And Haleigh could hardly read the intel in the black folder fast enough. Zach stood behind her, skimming the page as well.

"I have been waiting for this... for so long."

Haleigh murmured, looking at the dark photos. They were hardly in focus... just shapes really. A silhouetted figure with red eyes... the image gave even Haleigh a chill. Her patience... her diligence payed off. Finally... she could find out what Mystech was doing... how they were faring with this project. They both stood behind the desk, the excitement between them holding them in place, keeping them from talking. Zach knew Haleigh would go after this one personally. She didnt even have to say it. They studied the one 'good' picture of the Shape... the silhouette of him. They couldn't see his face... so haleigh wouldn't recognize him... but as she turned the page... and read that the SIX were recruited to stop the SS... Haleigh frowned... Jen had tried to tell her earlier....The six would be in over their heads... this must be the OTHER shapes in the picture, facing off with the monster...

Haleigh and Z were both focused so intently... that neither saw Alison appear... but Haleigh felt Zach bristle behind her as Alison spoke. Haleigh put her hand softly on his forearm, calming him as she locked eyes with Alison. It WAS rather bizarre to be talking to a pair of floating, disembodied eyes... but Hales didnt let Alison see that. She held up the silhouette image of the Shape so Alison could see.

"I'LL SAY. It was FOOLISH--" She stopped herself... she was going to chastise Ali for not informing her that they were going after this monster... but it had been HALEIGH who'd left and swore she'd never return... so she couldn't be upset to be left out of this one until absolutely necessary. Haleigh changed track and recovered quickly. "of me... to think I could avoid seeing the Six forever... our lives are too intertwined. i'll have you know, though... I WOULD refuse you... but I have far too much personal stake in this one. DONT think I'm under your-- or Morg's-- command... we shall simply... collaborate. Let me change into something more... appropriate. Zach.... go back to the office... watch my six."

She said, gliding from the room. Zach eyed Ali for a few seconds and then left as well. Haleigh returned quickly, back in the tech she'd been seen in last week. This one was clean, at least... but appeared to be the same model of super 'track suit' she'd worn previously.

"I'm ready... I see you all have gotten a taste of reality.... why else would you resort to asking ME for help?"

 

[Harbinger]

::The cobalt blue eyes continued to float..and glare::

don't rest on your laurels, Davidoff. The only reason You are being contacted now is because this is when it was SUPPOSED to happen. I KNEW all along that even YOU could not be "kept away" from The Six for long.....Ororo's words proove true time and again...even WITHOUT my precognition.

futher more, "the shape"...has been rendered inert. MorningStar returned and joined Spellbinder, Shockwave, Bane and myself in RESCUING Alycia Barnett and Sharon Kelly from the Super Soldier's murderous rampage.


You're involvement in this....is far more personal than YOU may suspect. It not only gives you a personal stake..but it makes you look even MORE "suspect" than when you FIRST arrived on the scene. Your "cooperation" will serve to insure YOU are allowed to continue your life FREE of "scrutiny" or worse...just as it will those nearest and DEAREST to you.

::the eyes glared at Zach menacingly::

you can find your own way to Illustra. you need to be there within the hour.

::a cold wind gusts as the eyes shut and fade from view::

 

[Spellbinder]

back at illustra

<< Morgan was now at the control panel of the security/defenses of Illustra inc...as she sit down infront of the counsel, she began to take a quick view of all points of entry on the main floor, and all the secondary passages throughout the building. everything was calm and secure for now. her guards were stationed properly and all was in order.>>

<< a few buttons and protocalls entered....and soon...the perimeter of illustra was now blanketed by a net of infrared sensor beams...forcefields surrouned the main entry way to the crystaline vestibule...and all manholes were sealed from underneath with forcefields. cameras were now on alert and sweeping the grounds....as well as every floor>>

all points of entry secure. the outside grounds are secure as well. we should be safe and if nothing else...i can get us out of here via disc.

<< she exhaled slowly...she felt like she was being beared down upon by some mammoth enemy that she couldnt stop>>

<< making her way back into the regular layout of her luxury penthouse, down the hall past the bedrooms....and out into the open area...looking to the left at the kitchen ...then over to the right past the dinning room and where the lounge was..>>

<< in an icy voice>>: defenses are up. I imagine Alison will be returning...with Haleigh.

<< tightening her fist with anger>>

i hope...that this all comes together...for everyone's sake here.

 

[Bane]

Adrian watched, nonplussed, as Guardian berated him for his inefficiency during the rescue mission for Alexis. Yes, he had expected it. Nuggets of wisdom from Adrian had been few, and they had often been patronizing, so when she walked passed him with that icy disdain, he took it as he would.

Of course, she had vocalized the doubt that lingered in the back of his mind. Not just in that mission, but the proceeding one, where his contribution diminished to simply "holding" the monster still. Most of the time had been spent with him dodging blades, and though he knew his abilities were tailor-made for defensive measures, the entirety of the idea bothered him right now.

When Alexis got up to situate herself by the window, he made no move to proffer advice or condolances. He knew better than anyone that he was walking on thin ice, given that no group mate had truly realized the kind of transformation he had undergone, and still thought of him as a manipulative bastard. So instead, Adrian continued brooding, his fingers occasionally drawn to his temples, where he rubbed with frustration. He longed to return to the spirit realm, where his control was absolute and he was surrounded by people who understood him. In different circumstances, Morgan would have been key in helping him understand his gifts, as she too knew the temptation of her realm, as well as how to resist giving into it entirely.

But things were different, so Adrian simply watched as Morgan came back after having had drawn up the defensives of the building. It hadn't occured to him yet that the gesture alone in allowing him in Illustra was huge, because his thoughts ran too wildly about other things. Namely, how on Earth he was going to manage the coming events if he continued to be so unstable.

 

[Harbinger]

:: Guardian blinked back into view inside Morgan's penthouse::

I've made contact with Haleigh......she will be here within the hour.

Meanwhile....I will look in on Alycia and Sharon personally and make sure they are okay...

Haleigh will bring with her a seed of GREAT trouble. Let us hope that our powers our sufficient to deal with the daunting task that lies ahead.


::and with that...Guardian BLINKS again...dissappearing down to the 104th floor to look in on Alycia and Sharon. inside of Foxfire's old penthouse....the two women were peacefully asleep. guarded by Spellbinder's deadly warding spells::


rest well....both of you. the days ahead will be dark and frought with treachery and danger for ALL of us...

::after making sure everything was in order...Guardian turned....toward the window...something seemed to "fly" past....but it couldnt be possible could it? birds dont fly at night.::

:: Guardian stayed and watched..to see "it"...whatever it was came back again...but nothing. knowing that Spellbinder's magick would BAR any intrusion from anyone else...Guardian quickly returned to Morgan's apartment::


Everything is in order with Sharon and Alycia...I thought i saw/FELT something pass by the window...even at this height...but at this time of night, i dont know what it could have been. Perhaps it was just a strong gust of wind. Admittedly I AM a bit ..."on edge" at the moment.

:: trying to pass off the feeling, though she knew it had been SOMETHING...she didnt want to say what it was she truly "FELT" because it would seem ridiculous ...she would wait until after Haleigh had arrived::

 

[Persephone]

:: Looking to Alison as she spoke about a "thing" flying past the window, Alexis stepped forward a bit more, looking more closely out the window. Everything was dark...but she wouldn't put it past MysTech to have something scoping Illustra out. ::

"Well as long as Alycia and Sharon are safe, and Morgan's spell's up, we should be alright for now."

:: Folding her arms across her chest as if she got a chill, she nodded. ::

"Lets just keep a closer watch outside.."

 

[Prophet]

:: Cameron had wanted to go with Alison. As she blinked away, Prophet ran to the door. He didn't want to miss any opportunity to get back with the Six and work what he had already made progress with. But as he reached for the door, he became extremely dizzy, and the world around him swirled. Within seconds, Cameron had fell to the floor, completely passed out. He had experienced this one time in his life before, when he had first gained access to his telepathic powers. It was too much and he just passed out. He was out cold for two days on the harsh streets of Los Angeles. He hoped this time it wouldn't last too long. ::

:: When he awoke and the world around him returned in a blurred vision, he immediately stood up and looked at the clock. It had been around three or four hours. Great. That was going to look great, but at least this time he was going to be honest when he entered Illustra, this was Morgan's domain and he was going to play on her field, he wasn't going to push any buttons. He remained calm as headed towards the door and to Illustra ::

:: This was going to be harder than he expected. Morgan had most likely told her Security that Cameron King was not to be seen on her premises ever again. He was going to have to take the more covert route. He entered Illustra through a side door and found himself in the staff halls and a rather unattractive underbelly that was Illustra. He looked for something, anything to get access to the Penthouses on the top of the building. Soon, Cameron found what appeared to be the entrance to the elevator shaft, that was bolted up with four large industrial screws. Someone didn't want anybody to get in here. ::

"Jesus.. bolting the elevator shafts? Good Show Morgan..."

:: Looking behind him, he luckily found a fire extinguisher, in which he used to continuously spray the four bolts which froze them as he knocked into them with the bottom the the extinguisher, knocking each one of them out of their place. Opening the shaft, he realized he was only on the 80th floor. He had a lot of climbing to do if he was going to get to the top. Perhaps if he could send some kind of message to Alison, using their bond, she would know he was there and be able to help him navigate around the elevator. He knew the group was probably with Morgan in her penthouse. He had to do something. Anything. ::

"Well.. Here goes nothing..."

:: Prophet stood gazing at the piece of jagged metal that was in front of him before looking away as he stabbed it right into his arm. The pain was intense, but no worse than any other wound he had sustained in battle. He cried out in a rather large and sanctimonious scream as he knew his sister would be able to feel his pain and locate him. Though his arm was now bleeding and weak, he continued to climb the shaft. Floor 89.. Only fifteen more floors to go. ::

 

[Harbinger]

Illustra: Top floor

::as everyone quietly waited...pensively, Guardian was seated on a cube shapped leather stool by the floor to ceiling window..her had her gloved hand down ..lightly petting tinkerbell who was out with the group...and making her rounds for attention. the younger kitten that Haleigh had presented Morgan was sleeping soundly in her bed in Morgan's room.::

::as Guardian absentmindedly stroked Tinkerbell's head....she felt a throbbing "pain" in her own head...as she put her other hand to her forehead and frowned with annoying. her 'sight' locked on to CAMERON of all people trying to covertly make his way through Illustra without being noticed. He'd been moderately successfull so far..but if he was caught..he would be shot by lasers on site.::

ughhh!

:: putting both her hands to her forehead::

I will....return shortly.

::Blinking down to the exact spot where Cameron was, Alison knelt down..and helped her brother up::

what do you think you're doing!? are you trying to get killed?

::helping to steady the visibly shaken Cameron, Alison ceased her scolding of him...and looked around.::

your resourcefullness is noted...and it is good that you made such an effort.

::bringing him back to his old penthouse...it was a bit dusty ..but still had furnishings and a bed....a quick wave of Guardian's hand...and all dust and cobwebs vanished::

lay down..and rest. gather yourself together.....

::Guardian sat down alongside on the edge of the bed crossing her legs at the knee....as she held her gloved hand over his wound...and gently numbed it with a cool, soothing freeze effect...pulling the flesh back together as rewound the temporal field around it.::

::she waited for his explanation::

 

[Black Widow]

Infiltrating Illustra: A Return to the Six

Haleigh stared at Gaurdian's eyes as she disappeared, swearing angrily. Haleigh had hoped things would be different... after all... the woman came to her for HELP... but she was sorely mistaken, for Alison was by far incorrigible. An insufferable know-it-all. She thought scathingly, though secretly she admired the woman's stubborn disposition. She wondered were THAT came from, that she'd be at all impressed with Alison, who was arguably her arch rival, right up there with Spellbinder.... but instead contemplated what she'd said. What did she mean, more 'suspect'? What did she know that Hales didnt? Haleigh looked once more at the intel. The government's involvement didnt at all surprise her... she KNOWN about that... She put the file down and turned to leave. There was only one way to find out. Haleigh had stopped reading the file before she got to the part about the test subject's name: Patrick Phillips. Haleigh would've recognized it with a twinge of pain... but she was in too much a rush to finish reading. She would have to find out the hard way. She went out to the garage, grabbing the keys to the black Aston Martin. The drive to Illustra would only take a few minutes at this late hour, there was no need for the chopper.

She pulled up to Illustra, looking up at the towering building. She pray this wouldnt end up harder than it had to be. She knew deep down it would anyway. There was no use.... the best she could do was be as restrained as possible. The rest was out of her control. Getting into Illustra and up to Morgan's floor was less than challenging. After all, security technology was her specialty. She duped the systems to ignore her prescence, manipulating the cycles of the security cameras to be looking the other way as she passed. She continued this all the way to Morgan's penthouse door, using a business card as a executive keycard in the elevator to reach the top floor. Even if she was spotted... she could simply turn the weapons on themselves. Haleigh knocked on Morgan's door... she couldnt ignore that the whole place seemed more... uninviting... than she remembered... but she pushed through the feeling. Once more... lives were at stake. It was no time to get tangled up in the bitter strife between her and Morgan Victoria. She needed to be above it.

 

[Persephone]

:: Hearing a soft knocking on Morgan's door, Alexis turned away from the window and to the door. It had to be Haleigh...who else would be able to get past Illustra's security other then the super soilders themselves. Stepping forward, Alexis made her way across the livingroom to the door, looking into the peep hole. It was indeed Haleigh. She took it upon herself to answer, knowing Morgan didn't want Haleigh here in the first place...it'd be better to start off on a somewhat calm setting instead of throwing fuel into the fire right off.::

"It's Haleigh."

:: Unlocking the door, Alexis turned the handle opening the large wooden door to reveal the blonde agent. Stepping to the side, she tucked a few of her fallen brunette strands behind her ear, as she allowed Haleigh into Morgan's penthouse. ::

"Hey Hales."

 

[Spellbinder]

<<Spellbinder turned her head..upon hearing the knocking. OF COURSE Haleigh would be the one person to be able to comfortably slip past the security defenses. Tightening her face as Alexis let Haleigh in....Morgan watched her unwavering as she made her way into the dimly lit pent house>>


<< in an icy voice>>: so you remember the way. and i see you diverted my cameras as well....its just as well. i think you'd rather be in one piece when you see what i am about to show you.

<< waiting for Haleigh to get closer to the lounge....so that Morgan could get a closer look at this woman...Morgan shifted a little in her stance resting more on one of her high heels>>

Guardian left momentarily. I imagine she will return at any moment now.

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh offered Alexis a condoling smile, greeting her in return as she stood outside Morg's residence.

"Alexis.... its good to see you out and about, so to speak.... I was beginning to worry. Feeling a little better, I gather?"

She asked, stepping past Lex into the room. She was undeniably sincere, and Alexis could see something had changed. Haleigh followed the sound of Morgan's voice and reminded herself to be polite and diplomatic. It was dim in the penthouse, but as Hales stepped into a ray of moonlight, Morgan too could see something had changed in Haleigh's demeanor. She appeared well rested, and much less hard-edged than before. There was no menace in her eyes... and there seemed to be.... a relaxed happiness about her. No tension was evident, even when she faced Morgan. The week away must have done her good. She stopped in the lounge, placing her hands on her hips instead of her usual standoffish stance, her arms across her chest.

"Show me what?"

A request instead of a demand. Haleigh was showing she didnt want to START claws out.... whether or not they did was now up to Morgan.

 

[Bane]

Adrian stared toward the direction of Haleigh, his clear green gaze assailing the woman who had endeavored and succeeded in bypassing state-of-the-art security. They had once shared some small similarity in their unflinching, even sadistic, determination of achieving what they wanted.

Now, however, he noted her with apprehension, though nothing was revealed past his mysterious irises. Violence disturbed him, and if anything, this blonde-haired girl epitomized chaos and passion.