Crashing down

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Illustra-Alycia's office

<< Morgan looked around the office, the cold air coming in was making it rather chilly. It seemed that all the "action" had been confined to Alycia's executive office within the suite and everywhere else out in the vestibule and other conference rooms was pretty much undisturbed.>>

<< listening to what Alycia tells, them...Morgan shakes her head.>>

serves him right. he shouldnt have been here in the first place and he attacked Alycia so she had EVERY right to defend herself.

<< in an icy voice>>

allright ladies...Alycia isnt a SUSPECT here. If Stavros' dumb ass came to this building..he's lucky he didnt get discovered by ME, ALISON or someone else...either way he was going to wind up DEAD.

<< folding her arms as she looks around>>

what i want to know is..how could a HUMAN BEING be able to bypass the supposed "state of the art" security?

<< alycia HAD made a point about that.>>

and more importantly, what are we going to do about our not so dearly departed guest on the office park grounds below?

I think I should just send the body to Limbo and let the demons have it. Then have Nicolas mind wipe those authorities who do show up while Alison casts a spell over the rest of the city.

All the times Alycia has covered OUR asses...we need to cover her ass now.
 
[ Delilah paused for a second, then took a deep breath. She looked one last time at Haleigh then back to Alycia as she suggested they view the security tapes. ]

"I don't think that will be necessary."

[ Morgan, in her usual way, took the lead and suggested a plan. Delilah agreed that the security of Illustra did seem to have lapsed...but she forgot about that as Morgan suggested covering up the death.

She turned quickly to Morgan, her head snapping around, a slightly shocked expression on her face. ]

"A coverup? Morgan, you can't be serious. Alycia acted in self-defense; we don't need a coverup. We have proof as she said in the security tapes. Wiping people's minds? You can't mess with human beings that way. It's not right. It's unecessary. A frivolous use of our powers."
 
99th floor

:: After being transported by Spellbinder up to the 99th floor, Persephone kept her arms crossed along her chest, staying quiet. She eyed Alycia, feeling aboslute contempt toward the woman for no logical reason at all. As she discribed what had happened, Morgan chimed in saying that perhaps it would be best to send Stavros' body to Limbo and wiping the minds of the people who saw what had happened. Delilah quickly jumped in, opposed to the idea. A level headed woman indeed. ::

"I agree. We can't just send his body to Limbo. You all might dispise, but he has a family who loves him. Who would want a proper barrial. Not to be cast off into some dimention like a piece of garb--"

:: Stopping, Persephone realized that she was becoming emotional to the fact that they wanted to disgard Stavros, a man she never even MET. This entire integration thing was becoming too overwhelming, even for Persephone to handle. And this time it was quite obvious to the others. Shaking her head, Persephone's eyes shut. ::

"I apologize. I don't know what..."

:: Keeping herself collected, she opened her eyes looking to the group. ::

"I need some air."

:: Even though there was plenty of air blowing throughout Alycia's office, the goddess felt like she was in a small box, sufficating. Turning toward Alycia's doors, she walked out and headed down the hallway toward the elevator. ::
 
Business Park - Illustra

Click! The shutter of Ethan Spencer's camera clicked away several frames of film as the body of Stavros Cassadine fell from the skyrise building of Illustra, landing in the business park. This was incredible really. At first he couldn't understand why the people protecting the Cassadine family would want a measly attorney dead. Now he knew why. He made sure to get pictures of Alycia with the golf club. With Stavros dead, he could have easily just forgot about the job. He had already been paid a little as collateral, but he figured the dead body of Alycia Barnett would be an excellent addition to his growing list of victories. No, he would kill her and collect the rest of his bounty. He faded from view as he walked up to the body of the completely smashed body and smiled for a minute, as if he was reveling in the kill that Alycia had executed.

"I guess today is a good a day to die as any..Ms. Barnett, another time and another place.. I could see us working together..."

Ethan got closer to the body as he bent over the body of Stavros. Putting his hand over the man's face, he gently closed the man's eyes. Ethan had no idea really who Stavros was, but he figured everybody deserved a little dignity in their death. He looked up at the crashed window. He would have to penetrate Illustra. That was his next move. He continued down the side walk and went back to his room at the Parthenon Hotel, ready to plot his next move in order to get Alycia alone. This would be his greatest hit to date. He was ready to battle.
 
back inside Illustra-99th floor

Nicolas arrived upstairs to find a shocked Alycia with the others. He listened as she recounted what occurred and Morgan and Delilah discussed options. He thought for a moment then spoke.

"Morgan, Delilah is right. There is no need to cover this up. Stavros was a fugitive who apparently came to take revenge on the lawyer responsible for his downfall. In defending herself, she stood up to Sharon's murderer. The tapes will exonerate her. In fact, she may emerge from this as a much needed example to other women out there that they need not be victims to men physically. She did what she had to do, and we are capable of standing by her without use of our powers in this case. Stavros got ewhat was coming to him, and Alycia is safe. Let's release the tapes, let the cops do their work, and everything will be fine."

Nicolas turns to Alycia.

"Do you need anything?? If you like, I can have an attorney here in minutes."
 
Illustra-99th floor

:: Alison stood beside the sitting Alycia as Morgan immediately suggested disposing of the body and using magick and telepathy to cover this up. Delilah immediately objected and had a sound reason for it...the TAPES would proove that Alycia was protecting herself.::

:: Persephone spoke, and Alison immediately knew what was wrong with her. Watching the woman as she barged out of the office, through the vestibule and into the hallway::

Persephone's own psyche is having a much harder time integrating the emotional and "soulfull" aspects of Ava's essence. She's not herself right now..in more than one way. Logically, Persephone has NO connection to Stavros...but because of Ava's emotions and essence merged into her by the Seige Perilous...she cannot help but react to this in an emotional way.

:: Nicolas seconded Delilah's objection::

Morgan cannot be blamed for wanting to protect Alycia. After all, this woman has been one of our STRONGEST allies and liasons to the political and legal realms. What happened tonight is just as it should have. Stavros got EXACTLY what he deserved, further more, it will not impact Alycia's destiny to receive the new position of power within the federal government.

However...there is something else...Stavros didnt just come in here on a whim. he had help...and it went BEYOND those "agents of mystech" that were reported in the news. This was someone with power, but they are as elusive as the wind itself , i can't clearly "see" them yet.....a rare thing indeed.

In THIS instance, only to preserve our own saftey and secrecy...I must agree with Delilah and Nicolas.

:: Delilah knew that Alison had NO qualms about killing...she was there when Alison brought forth the frozen, severed head of Frost's father...a clear indication that Alison had murdered him after his escape from the courthouse BUT she also knew that Alison's precognition would help them to choose the best possible course of action.::

We cannot afford to be linked to this...it would bring a deep, violating scrutiny upon us and Illustra and so we need to keep ourselves scarce in this matter. Delilah can deliver the evidence to the police department. Her prior contact with Alycia both as a client AND as a colleague in matters will make her the most ideal candidate.

meanwhile, Alycia, you will stay here with us tonight. You cannot go out there alone...if you do, i sense that you will meet an untimely death...whomever helped Stavros to get this close to you, is far from finished.

:: looking to Haleigh::

Perhaps it would do us ALL some good if the security protocalls of Illustra were..."fine tuned"? and Morgan can bring back the mystical barriers that once fortified this building.
 
Alison asked Haleigh to go easy.... and everyone appeared almost at once asking the same questions... alycia spoke... and retaliated at Haleigh in a way that CERTAINLY didn't dissolve any of the building tension between them. Morgan suggested a cover-up, Delilah countered with telling the truth.... they did, after all, have the tapes, as Alycia so eloquently pointed out, surveillance footage from the camera Haleigh'd put out the last time she was in the office. Haleigh was nonchalant as she leaned against the desk and lit a black cigarrette.

"See... THAT'S the thing, Delilah... you don't quite have your facts straight. I have the tapes..... [turning a withering glare to Alycia] I have the PROOF that will either condemn or exonerate. Oh, sure.... she's got a likely story... but the whole WORLD knows she's out to get Stav... AND that it's personal... so who KNOWS how it will look. NOW.... I'm not an unreasonable hybrid. You need the tapes... I want something in return. And you'd do well to WATCH YOUR TONE with me.... you've NO REASON to speak to me like that.... I've extended you every PROFESSIONAL and PERSONAL courtesy I could afford... and you SPIT IN MY FACE when you went out to Greece with the INTENTION of killing my sister after I ASKED you not to... So... POLICIA.... listen here: Stand up and FACE me... you give me the respect i DESERVE and answer my goddamn questions.... or so HELP me... this STUPID WOMAN.... will hang you out to dry."

Haleigh was aware that Persephone had left in a hurry, claiming to need air... but that wasn't something she was ready to deal with....right NOW... she had her sights set on Alycia.
 
Illustra-99th floor

<< Morgan looked at Delilah as her best friend countered her suggestion of a cover up. Nicolas also sided with Delilah and Persephone offered a rather emotional response that made Morgan look at HER as though she had just come from another planet.>>

since when is SHE so hung up about what we do with Stavros Cassadine?

<< Alison clued them in on what her problem was and Morgan nodded.>>

Do think this is something that will pose a problem for the team? will she be less effective now?

<< before they got side tracked on that issue..something that would certainly represent itself later....Alison also sided with Delilah and Nicolas for matters of protection and security of the six and Illustra. She was mildly irritated...she didnt see the need to respect or preserve his dead body. he should feed the demons as far as SHE was concerned.>>

Allright, points well taken. But Alison has obviously seen something on the horizon that threatens Alycia's life. Stavros is finally dead and Alycia shouldnt even have to WORRY about this. She did what she had to do. Anybody else in this room would have done the same thing. Its time to let this chapter END and those tapes will do just that.

<< just as it seem to be the best thing for Delilah to deliver the tapes to the police, Haleigh responded in a way that caused Morgan to look at her in disbellief.>>

HALEIGH have you gone MAD?

<< Morgan said as her icy violet eyes widened with dismay.>>

how DARE you suggest hanging Alycia out to dry! May i remind you that she is a guest in MY building...she's MY friend and I will NOT see her go down for this. Not only that..but this happened on the grounds of Illustra...if we DONT give this evidence to the police, they will be HERE, not to mention the FBI and other officials...and we could all be found out for who and what we REALLY ARE... ALL of us Haleigh.

This goes BEYOND you trying put Alycia in her place (and picking a most inopportune time to do it). You gave her courtesy yes and SHE's helped to cover YOUR ASS just as she did ALL of us...remember the Citadle? remember NERVOUS?

Whatever happened between you two prior to the Greece caper...it does NOT give you the right to do this to her. Despite Alycia's intentions, Your sister ISNT dead. WE went to Greece to INSURE that didnt happen and to make sure that justice was served. Stavros' death tonight was his own damn fault and here you stand...acting like HIS FLESH AND BLOOD with your treacherous comments you are acting like...HIM.<< gesturing out to the broken window>>

From the start of this... The two of you had deep emotional investments in this situation and they were OPPOSING. It's understandable that you might have fallen out...but to come to THIS POINT!? where you not only jeaopardize Alycia's life..but ALL of our lives? According to Alison, You came IN here berating Alycia the moment after this happened...what did you EXPECT her to do...just stand there and TAKE IT? we both know she's not like that.



I can't believe your behavior right now.


<< she was deeply disturbed by what Haleigh had just said. she didnt know how SERIOUS the woman was..but Morgan couldnt risk anything...not after all they'd gone through to avenge Sharon's death and knowing how grim this could get as Alison described it>>

Illustra is MY property and i control ALL therein. I am also the leader of this team. I can't allow you to risk our lives and i WONT allow you to hurt Alycia. You WILL cooperate and release those tapes to Delilah or i will be forced to extract them MYSELF and i DARE anyone in this room to TRY to stop me.

You may revel in the thought of hurting Alycia, of seeing her be destroyed by this accident...which itself makes me wonder if youre OLD WAYS are starting to come back. When It was revealed what your link to Stavros was..and it SEEMED like you could have been privy to information about Master Mold even WE knew about it...that could have been enough to expell you from this team and Illustra. But we arent where we were a YEAR ago. we're all BETTER than we were then...we TRUST each other and I definately know things arent always as they APPEAR on the surface so I vouched for you...so did Delilah!

I don't know why your doing this, but I'm not having it!
 
[ Delilah's eyes flashed anger as Haleigh spoke so condescendingly to her. How could she even think of withholding those tapes for her own sick self-satisfaction? Before she could respond Morgan cut into her, and rightly so. Delilah worried about Haleigh, it was true - she was concerned she might feel cut off from the rest of the team, ganged up on - but she was severely out of order just the same. ]

"Haleigh, what has gotten into you? You're about to make things worse for us all. A murder at Illustra - the company which YOU are the head of security for - would bring high profile scrutiny down on everyone connected to it. Our lives would be in jeopardy, and for what? Revenge? Payback? Respect? You may be calculating, proud, cunning - but you're not self-destructive... And you heard Morgan. Don't break up the Six for petty vengeance. Because I assure you, if you do this, we're through."
 
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Nicolas listened as Alison backed him and delilah, watching Morgan relent. He was relieved that this would be no issue until Haliegh made her power move. He listened to Morgan and Delilah's response and decided that it was not enough. So he responded coldly.

"And rest assured, you do NOT hold all of the cards here. The forensic evidence is more than enough to exonerate her, especially combined with the fact that he was a fugitive with no right to be here and she is a respected DA. So NO ONE will believe otherwise than that she defended her life, and I WILL make certain of it. In fact, if you do not release the tapes, the only one that looks bad would be YOU as head of Illustra security. Considering that there ARE cameras but no tape for today, that would look awfully suspicious for YOU as his daughter..."

Nicolas trailed off, making sure that Haliegh relized that she was not the only one capable of threats. He hated that she felt she could use her power to hold something over Alycia, especially since Alycia HAD no powers, so he decided to make sure she knew how that felt.
 
Haleigh took a drag as Morgan asked her if shed gone mad. she thought about it for a beat, and then shrugged.

"Probably."

Morgan tried to reason with her... but that wasn't working. Haleigh was beyond reason... she was tired of taking Alycia's abuse and now that she'd put her foot down... it was a matter of saving face to hold her ground no matter WHAT the rest of the group said. Morgan went so far as to compare Haleigh to Stavros... a remark that would have previously evoked both hurt and anger... but Haleigh was inexplicably detached... and all the while Morgan spoke, Haleigh stared at Alycia. Morgan continued, DEMANDING her cooperation and playing the guilt card, the 'i believed in you' case. Haleigh looked up at Morgan as she finished, an immovable object meeting an unstoppable force.

"You know WHAT, Morgan? Think what you want... about me... about my connection to Stavros.... about my behaviour. I don't think I'm asking TOO much here... ALL I want is my fucking answers.... ALL she has to do is show me HALF the courtesy I gave her right before she went off to MURDER my sister..... and if she does... I'll GIFTWRAP the damn tapes, and hand them right over."

Delilah cut in, asking her not to break up the Six for petty vengeance, which provoked a sly, knowing smile from Haleigh. She turned on Delilah next.

"hmmm... that's FUNNY.... because that's EXACTLY what Alycia did when she took off to kill the Cassadines, ISNT IT? She split us RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE.... and yet... everybody pats her on the back and congratulates her for a job fucking well done.... that HOITY-TOITY bitch gets to do WHATEVER she damn well pleases, and I'm SICK of it! [turning to glare at Alycia again] She goes off on a murdering RAMPAGE and she doesn't care WHO she hurts, even if it's one of US.... now I think its TIME we take her down a notch... before she turns on US.... and before you say 'she WONT'... just know.... she turned on ME."

Nicolas put an effort forth next. The rest of the Six were creating a united front... but NONE of them knew just exactly how bad things were between Alycia... or just how bad Haleigh wanted what she was asking for. But EVERYONE could see a burning determination in Haleigh and whatever was driving it was real and unrelenting. Nicolas threatened Haleigh... who put her cigarrette out on the oak wood desk, leaving an unsightly burn mark, as she threw her gaze over to the only man in the room, and looked him up and down, as if to size him up. She made a point to speak slowly, as if he wouldn't follow her if she didnt.

"Now... how can I help you understand.... oh. I dont...... CARE." She said, glaring at him before turning back on alycia as if she'd hadn't been interrupted at all. "OH.... speaking of looking suspicious... what ARE you doing with GOLF CLUBS in your office?? [narrowing her eyes] You don't GOLF.... [taking a scathing tone, as she folds her arms across her chest] You're MUCH too busy taking pleasure in DESTROYING people's LIVES... and ordering SNIPER HITS on innocent PEOPLE."
 
Illustra-99th floor

:: Alycia stood up from her desk, more angry than EVER.::

you ungreatfull CAN OPENER!

:: she blasts out with fury::

I do not work for YOU, NOR do i ANSWER to you. I have ALWAYS maintained an ongoing PROFESSIONAL relationship with the Six because of my PERSONAL friendship with Morgan, Delilah and Alison. I owe you NOTHING.

YOU dropped the ball with Master Mold and Sharon Kelly paid for it with her LIFE. A woman who dedicated herself to standing in the gap for people like YOU and obviously you are too selfish, to avaricious to CARE..just like your "step father."

:: Alycia watches as the arrogant woman puts her cigarette out on the desk, leaving a burn mark.::

your every action shows just how disrespectfull you are.

:: continuing on::

I was authorized by the U.S. Government to use WHATEVER FORCE NECESSARY to bring down Stavros AND FAMILY. Ava was aiding in resisting arrest , i was WELL within my authority to have her struck down for that reason ALONE. Capturing Stavros was something that not only conincided with JUSTICE for Sharon Kelly, but also the U.S. Governments ongoing attempts to ROOT OUT strong holds and allies of MysTech. my "rampage" has given them a MAJOR victory against a global terror entity and you're too wrapped up in your delusions to realize that right now.

:: as Haleigh scathingly questioned Alycia about the golf club, Alycia cut her off as she threw her hands up in the air, rolling her eyes with exaspiration.::

Look at the golf club, the HANDLE, you mechanical Jessica Fletcher wannabe, they are ENGRAVED with Sharon's initials.

:: and so they were...(S.L.K- Sharon Lynn Kelly)::

those were among the personal items deeded to me by Sharon's will. THAT'S what i was doing with them in my office.

:: she came out from behind her desk, not remotely afraid of Haleigh::

I'm not afraid of you...or what you THINK you can do. IF you want to try to black mail me...I BURY YOU and EVERYONE you think you care about..INCLUDING Zach in so much litigation and federal scrutiny that your GRAND CHILDREN will need lawyers. The game is changing honey I have the power of the u.s. government behind me NOW. In case you hadn't been paying attention to ALISON's statements due to my help in bringing down Stavros, my involvement in exposing the super soldier project as well as getting the ball rolling against Mystech after Master Mold..the PRESIDENT himself has offered me the position of:

Special Assistant to the National Security Advisor of the President of the United States & Chair Woman of the Commission on Superhuman Activities.

Which will basically make ME the person that YOU will answer to if you are suspected of ANY wrong doing and believe me sweetie, with the paper trail ive got on YOU....I could have you drawn and quatered from one side of the coast line down to the other.

With this new position not only will i retain the legal powers I had before and gain the power to use WHATEVER FORCE necessary to "contain" or ELIMINATE any mutant/meta human threat. I now have the power to act as the liason between The Six and the U.S. Government...giving you FEDERAL SANCTION to do what you need to do without FEAR of being scrutinized anymore...but THAT is conditional on MY recommendation.


:: a bombshell indeed. Alycia was now on the verge of gaining a POWERFULL position in the u.s. government that would give her access to all sorts information, technology and security as well as giving her a wide range of latitude on handling "super human threats"::

so you see Haleigh, even WITHOUT "powers"...I am more POWERFULL THAN YOU. DONT TEST ME.
 
stand off

<< a bad situation that stood to become much worse. what was clearly an act of self defense (and in a way the exact "justice" that Stavros deserved) was now being twisted, perverted by one of the Six's OWN...in some insane attempt to gain leverage? or maybe something else...>>

<< whatever it was Haleigh's actions not only drew the ire of her team mates but suggested that she may have taken leave of her senses now. one problem was being compounded by another. What to do about Stavros' and making sure Alycia would be okay WHILE also handling the situation with Haleigh. But as Alycia said..the game WAS changing. Alycia announced the dawn of a new era for herself, as she was to gain a position of considerable power in the U.S. Government. A position that would make her a VALUABLE and NEEDED liason between the six and the government...OR something that could be used to destroy them. Alycia had friends in this team...she had gone to bat for them several times and it nearly cost her life but now...with Haleigh attempting to draw some line in the sand, Alycia drew a line of her OWN and DARED her to cross it.>>

<< whatever was going to happen, it was clear that this was far from over. even with Stavros' death...strife, tension and possibly VIOLENCE lurked on the horizon for the Six.....dissappoingting, yet. SURPRISING? no. All the while, as the turmoil inside Illustra was brewing, there was a new threat UNSEEN outside of Illustra as well. One that would bring themselves fully into the midst of the Six whether they liked it or not.>>
 
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