Critical Mass

[Seer]

<< True to her brutal and efficient reputation, Malice succeeds in capturing the last three members of The Six, having tripped their hearts and minds with not only her own formidable telepathic and empathic powers but with the help of Blackout, the newest and most promising recruit not only to MysTech but for candidacy to the Hellfire Club's inner circle.>>


<< the scene shifts....from Illustra to the abandonned medica office building in a rough and dark part of the lower east side>>

<< you may recall that Alexis Quatermaine was once Shockwave, a powerfull member of the Six. But after a year of battles, tragedy , loss and pain...the meta human seemingly fullfilled the destiny charted for her by Adam Chandler and Helena Quatermaine and now works for the vergy agency that blighted her life and her family's life for so long. and now, she's back where she begian her fight with MysTech...back at the Medical Office building that served as a front for the underground passage to the now abandonned and sealed off Citadle.>>

<< Now, as Blackout, Alexis has not only shed her alliance to the team that helped her through thick and thin, but she has also facilitated their capture. Now firmly under the power of Malice, there is no telling what cruelty the White Queen has instore for the remainder of The Six....but even the White queen cannot anticipate just how truly CHAOTIC this night will turn out for ALL involved!>>



<< MorningStar and Black Widow are now powerless, courtesy of the power neutralizers they wear around their necks that inhibit their mutations from working. Guardian is kept gassed and unconscious, under the power of the noxious fumes of the Black Lotus flower. All three women have no idea that they are back in the place where they first began their ongoing fight against MysTech...things have changed SO MUCH since then....but now as each one slowly begins to stir...they will find themselves in dark, seemingly featureless areas...>>

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh awakens to darkness and searing head pain... Her heartpace quickens... the last time she woke up like this was in Mystech's hands. She already knows something is terribly wrong... for she can only make out SHAPES in the darkness and normally her enhanced nightvision is very acute. She rubs her eyes and reopens them, to no avail. Her memory comes back in patches. The battle.... Morgan.... Blackout... extreme light... and then nothing. Her throat tightens... she could do nothing against Blackout's attack... didnt react fast enough... and now here they all were. Haleigh was never one to pity herself for the grave situation she was in... but Guilt was something that weighed on her heavily. She swallowed... groaned... and rolled over, willing herself to sit up. She did her best to assess conditions... but in such darkness... and without her powers... there wasn't much to be done.

Okay... My powers are on the fritz... maybe the blast? I have no idea where I am... I can hardly see... what the fuck is this? She thinks to herself, as she finds the power neutralizer around her neck with her fingers. She is careful not to put stress on it... for worry of the unknown. I have some kind of collar on... bomb? maybe its some kind of magnetic ring... that would suppress my powers... but it would also make me feel sick... damn.... it could be equipped with lasers... blades... who knows what else. Its actually a clever idea... if you want to contain someone. She thinks to herself, her thoughts wandering. The idea that this could be the end of her life never seems to occur to her... at least, not in the magnitude it would to others. Focus, Haleigh. Am I Alone? Her voice is raspy as she calls out for her comrades.

"Guardian? Morningstar?" She says, just above a whisper. She instinctively doesn't call for Morgan.... still feeling rather uneasy about her fallen teammate's reappearance.


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

Meanwhile, across town:

Illustra's Security office is abuzz. Haleigh rarely EVER falls unconscious and their 'Black Widow' monitoring systems are in a frenzy. The Head of Security looks to the GPS tracking display, types in Black Widow's GPS chip number and presses the 'ident' key. A red dot signifying Haleigh's location lights up like the fourth of july on the display. The seasoned Clandestine Officer immediately reaches for the PA microphone and flips the 'MASTER RESIDENCE' switch. His voice emanates from an overhead speaker in Morgan's penthouse.

HoS:"Commander Armani, Foxfire. Director Davidoff has been knocked unconscious and transported across town. The skirmish out in the plaza is over-- and all three women who went down to head the battle are missing. Guardian and Morningstar are presumed to be with Black Widow at Mystech's abandoned Medical Facilities.... the place that was shutdown last year after Black Widow and the rest of the Six infiltrated and destroyed it. Our health sensors were knocked offline... there's no way to tell what kind of condition she's in now."

 

[Foxfire]

Morgan's penthouse

Staring off into the blank life of the city, Blaze's mind began to wonder to her teammates. She was equally eager to battle but there was a calm to her deadly storm, almost like Fox could sense she was needed for a higher purpose. Her fingertips running along the windowsill with her green eyes admiring the cities beauty.

She was so lost in the beautiful sight that the intercom speaker startled her. Flinching backwards due to the appearance Malice made earlier. Her eyes searching for the speaker in Morgan's penthouse. She sighed, settling herself down but that worry would escalate due to the booming voice that communicated with her.

Cocking her head to the side, she registered the urgency in the commander's tone for his director. Even Blaze felt fear clutch her heart due to the unknown circumstance of her teammates. Were they okay? Blaze had to be hopeful but she also needed Dr. Victoria's assistance on this.

Turning on her heels, she moved firmly through Morgan's penthouse, in search of the doctor. Hopefully help would be on its way with Dr. Victoria and Foxfire in toe.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra-107th floor

<< Dr. Victoria came into the large observatory area of her daughter Morgan's penthouse, just as as Clandestine Inc. contacted Foxfire. The doctor had a grim, serious look on her face as she adjusted her "Flying Suit". standing tall and elegant, she was clearly the mother of Morgan Victoria..the similar looks , their disdainfull facial expressions and mannerisms...it would all remind Foxfire of her fallen sister>>

<<in an icy voice>>

It is what i feard would happen. We must go to their aid, Blaze. But before we do, I must insure the safety of Zach and Alycia. Once I locate the others with the Scrying Glass, i will use the stepping disc Morgan bound to her area of consecration to send Zach and Alycia to Limbo to the safety, to the safety of Ororo's garden. Clandestine Inc can protect Illustra while we try to rescue the others.

<< Morgan's familiar Tinkerbell seemed a bit nervous and agitated...as she sat perched on the arm of the large, plush leather sectional. she raised her paw a bit...seemingly trying to get the Doctor or Blaze's attention.>>

 

[Tinker]

a familiar's warning

::Tinkerbell, a sleek and elegant seal pointe Siamese, was Morgan's beloved cat and an enchanted familiar as well. She had helped Morgan and the Six in her own special way time and again, living up to the reputation of a familar always watching out for her witch.::

::even now that Morgan was gone, Tinkerbell was safe within Illustra.. No doubt any member of the Six would care for her but she found special comfort from Delilah and Dr. Victoria.::

::the pretty feline hurridly jumped up on the leather sectional and trotted down to the end closest to where Karen and Blaze were. she sat perched on the arm , watching with a curious glint in her clear blue eyes as Dr. Victoria and Foxfire began preparations for a rescue effort.::

::she bobbed her head a bit, as her tail swished around and as Karen began to speak of sending Zach and Alycia to limbo and preparing to find the location of the others on the scrying glass, Tinker began to mew and meow loudly almost to interrupt and get the attention. she mewed again..and lifted one of her front paws a bit, waiting for them to acknowledge her::

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra- Morgan's penthouse

<< As Karen began laying out plans, she turned her attention to the large, mysterious mystic lens that is the Scrying Glass, one of her daughter's most versatile and usefull talismans.>>

<< Karen focused her own magick as she slowly moved her hands and weaved a spell of "sight" infront of the lens. the scrying glass began to slowly sparkle and pulsate a glowing blue hue...a soft hum was heard in the air. >>

eyes of the past, present and future....through all time and space, show me where Guardian, MorningStar and Black Widow will be!

<< the spell began to activate as a soft harp like sound was heard in the air...but before the exact location and coordinates of the fallen members of the six were located, Karen's attention was caught by the mewing of Tinkerbell. The enchanted feline seemed INTENT on getting attention, and as Karen turned, she saw Tink lifting her front paw>>

Tink? what's the matter baby?

<< Karen looked back at the mystic lens which was now beginning to show swirling images that would soon focus to reveal where they needed to go. She then went over to Tinkerbell and began to gently stroke the cat's head. speaking in a soft, reassuring voice>>

what's the matter kitty? something bothering you?

 

[Foxfire]

Before Blaze had the opportunity to look for Doctor Victoria, she had awoken from her small nap. And it seemed she also overheard the Agent speaking on the intercom. Karen's icy voice cut through Blaze like butter, in a way reminding her of Morgan not only by her wintery exterior but her physical looks as well.

Following the witch into Morgan's bedroom she looked closely into the Scrying Glass. Her heart skipped a beat, hopeful the glass could locate her friends. Her keen hearing noticed the desperate cry in Tinkerbell's delicate body. Her eyes dashing onto the adorable feline as the Doctor began to inquire what had been upsetting Tink.

"She knows..." She trailed off, Blaze knew Tinkerbell was more than a typical cat, she was Morgan's familiar. Stepping closely to the right of Karen, "what is it Tink?" She asked sweetly to the kitty, moving her fingertips to scratch the fur underneath Tink's chin.

"I think she's got a better idea." She smirked over her shoulder at the Doctor.

 

[Tinker]

from the eyes of the familiar

::Tinkerbell mewed a bit as Karen came near to see what was the matter. raising her head to meet Karen's hand as the doctor gently stroked her fur. Tinker responded by purring a bit and standing up on all fours.::

::finally now that she had the doctor's attention, Tinkerbell looked up and her beautifull blue eyes began to glow. a soft , pillowy image bubble began to form. the image bubble waved and sparkled as an image of the battleground outside of Illustra, and the FALSE "Morgan" appeared with a large X crossing her out. THEN as the Scrying Glass chimed to signal a lock on the location of the surviving members of The Six, Tinkerbell's image bubble shifted to show an image of the Super Soldier. the massive creature that walks slowly with an unforgiving rhythm. his evil glowing red eyes almost seem to be looking THROUGH the Doctor even from the image bubble::

::after both images appeared...the bubble "popped" softly. putting an end to that.::

 

[Arclight]

The medical office building

"Well, look who decided to join the party."

:: Alexis' voice echoed in the room; from which direction was Haleigh's guess. Noting Morningstar had yet to wake, a cold laugh could soon be heard. ::

"It appears you're all alone Haleigh...as you were back when MysTech first captured your...feisty ass. Oh, don't bother calling out sweetness...Delilah dear is still unconscious and Alison? Well...Alison's a bit, incapacitated at the moment."

:: Another sadistic laugh could be heard, along with the sound of heals clicking against the hard flooring. The noise echoed loudly, but the direction was unclear. ::

"This could all be an illusion Haleigh, I’m guessing you realize that by now? This could very well be all in your head, while the real Blackout is at Illustra...murdering your fiance. I do believe with your powers gone, that means Illustra's security system is on the fritz."

:: The clicking of heals stopped, and all was quiet. ::

"Which means it's my playground. But then again...I could be here as well. There's no way to know for certain...no way to know if this is an illusion...no way to know if you're precious Zach is alive....Quite the predicament, isn't it Black Widow?"

:: Alexis' voice soon faded into the darkness that surrounded Black Widow; leaving her to ponder what exactly Blackout and Malice were up to. Were they watching the remaining four members of the six? Were they at Illustra attacking Karen, Alycia, Zach, and Blaze? It wasn't known for certain....but soon, all would be revealed. ::

 

[Malice]

The office pool

:: Malice, who was now fully active and walking around, rather than using her powers on a multi front initiative, turned on her heel and looked around the dimely lit, abandonned office pool that she and Blackout were now in.::

This place, represents a world of hurt and uncertainty not only for Haleigh but for Alison. Delilah was not involved with The Six during their first caper but we will make sure that she is included in tonight's "festivities".

I don't expect that you would remember the entire lay out of this facility but because most of the power used for this facility has long been diverted elsewhere, including the recently destroyed "Cell" containment facility across town, and because this facility is "sealed" as far as the record goes...we are going to make sure that there is a "haunting", "ghostly" effect for our guests.

as it stands...the emotional remnants of your [the six] last battle here are STILL easily discernable. many painfull revelations were made. Alison tried to kill Cameron and Haleigh; Haleigh endured such torture and was infected with the techno organic virus here. this is also where Blaze had been held captive prior to that. Morgan destroyed her father and damned him to Limbo along with your father. there is no more fitting a place to reveal the raw emotions and mental anguish of these women than here.

:: looking over at one of the few working monitors that hovered above and slowly turned to follow Malice where ever she went, the White Queen pointed::

Guardian is the least of our worry. As long as she is kept gassed and unconscious from the fumes of the Black Lotus flower, she will not be able to use her powers to facilitate an escape. We shall start with Haleigh....You must glamor into IMAGIOMG. While we confront her with that, I will probe MorningStar's memories and pull from there the image of a nemesis from her past...and then we will focus our attention on her.

The goal here is to bombared them with such much negative emotional and mental stimuli that they either shut down or fragment in their psyches..either way its the ULTIMATE breaking of their spirits before we destroy their BODIES!

If Doctor Karen Victoria and that runaway firefly Foxfire should try to come here....we have something in store for THEM as well.

::Alexis would know that Malice was referring to the Super Soldier. The same creature who brutalized Alycia and Sharon several months ago and who also nearly killed Spellbinder and Guardian in NERVOUS. The consciousness and protocalls of the Super Soldier had been grafted into the matrix of MASTER MOLD which was what made HIM so relentless...and the outcome of that battle was still fresh on Alexis' mind.::

 

[Black Widow]

Abandonned Medical Facilities

Haleigh started, her hand instinctively at her waist, reaching for a sidearm... but she had been stripped of her weapons AND her powers... and so she was left to stare out into the darkness, trying to discern alexis' shape as the metamorph continued to talk. Alexis attempts to plant seeds of terror.... telling Haleigh that she is alone... that Alison is 'incapacitated'.... that Illustra's security is down... that Zach could be dead... Haleigh shook her head, more out of sheer stubborness than blind faith.

Haleigh is no stranger to psychological torment... and she knows it when she sees it. Alexis' voice fades away, and Haleigh mentally counters EVERYTHING Alexis said with logical reasoning, for it is the ONLY thing she has left... and she won't let Alexis take that away with a few suggestive words.

NO....No. Mystech has had me ALONE before... and I've survived... this is NO different. Alison will be FINE... Delilah will wake up. Illustra's security is standalone.... THEY know what happened to us AND where we are... my security team is TRAINED for an event such as this... they will know what to do. Karen will come for us... and Zach and the others will ESCAPE.... Zach.... Zach is ALIVE. If he.... weren't... I'd know it.............I'd know.

 

[Foxfire]

Blaze watched with intrigue as a bubble formed around the two women. Leaning in to get a better view. An audible gasp escaped Blaze with her brilliant hunter eyes going wide in shock. Her left hand covering her mouth, which had fallen agape. Her eyes falling down the fake "Morgan," almost surveying if it was real or some sort of hologram. A red tint lite up around "Morgan," symbolizing this was just a ploy. Her eyes narrowed at the image, "Malice...she's using the appearance of Morgan to destroy us." She scoffed with disgust for the White Queen. "I'm really beginning to detest this woman."

But, for some reason Blaze stared at the large X that lay in front of "Morgan." Looking down to gather herself, Blaze knew this rescue mission wouldn't be easy. She knew the mind manipulations Malice was capable of, which would rise to new levels after the death of her two loyal subjects.

Blaze's eyes slide back up at the chime that sounded. It meant one thing, her teammates were still alive. Sighing with relief, she kept herself calm. "Thank God." She whispered under her breath. Blaze was close with all women on the team, they were all like second sisters to the mutant. Her eyes moved onto Karen, curious to see her reaction to all of this information.

Reaching out she ran her thumb gently around the tip of Tink's ear, massaging the skin there. "Nice job, Tinkerbell." She frowned at the sight of the Super Soldier, Blaze never had the opportunity to encounter such a being. But from the horror stories each of the women told, Blaze felt a pang of worry sliver through her.

Shuddering at the sight of the pulsating glowing red eyes that peered right through Karen's soul. "The Super Soldier, I presume?" She asked Karen, already knowing the answer to that.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Illustra- Morgan's penthouse

<< Karen watched intently as the enchanted familiar provided clues to what happened and a glimpse of what they would be facing. She breathed out slowly, composing herself as she saw the image of the FALSE Morgan. and then the Super Soldier>>

<< as the as image bubble popped away softly, Karen looked over at Foxfire as the young mutant asked about the Super Soldier>>

Yes, that is in fact the super soldier. one of mystech's most SUCCESSFULL bio hazards to date. he used to be human....he used to be involved with Haleigh. after his capture, Malice tore his mind apart with her psi powers. MysTech's mage, Imagiomg destroyed his soul and left the body functioning to allow them to transform him into the monster he is now. He is the personification of INDESTRUCTIBLE and has taken more punishment than most any biological based organism on the planet is capable of withstanding.

<< she looks out of the floor-to-ceiling window and pauses>>

We face GRAVE danger Blaze, but we cannot leave our friends...our FAMILY to die by Malice's hand. I was not able to protect my baby Morgan, I will NOT sit idly by and let this woman brutalize the rest of them!

<< Karen's fist was clenched...her head bowed as her face shook with bitterness>>

Summon Alycia and Zach. I must send them to Ororo's garden for their safety in case.....WE do not succeed. I will instruct Haleigh's security team to protect Illustra for as long as they can in the event of another attack here. Once Alycia and Zach, along with the familiars are safely away, we will depart.


:: Karen nodded and left Blaze to her task while she attended to hers::

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah's eyes fluttered open. She was lying somewhere cold and dark. She slowly moved into a sitting position, and was met with cries of pain from most fo the muscle groups in her body. ]

"Morgan?"

[ She felt groggy - what had happened? And why was it so dark? She held out her hand and willed a sphere of light to appear in her hand.

Nothing happened.

She tried again and then again, but still nothing. Something was definitely going on here. She touched her neck, finding the strange metal object encircling it. She tried to remove it but to no avail. She stood and began to try and feel her way to a door... ]

 

[Foxfire]

After the small introduction of the Super Soldier, Blaze remained quiet. Her deep - penetrating eyes dulled due to the lower lighting in the room. Her eyes conveying the real emotions she felt. She understood the situation was grim but like Karen, Blaze was a fighter. The mutant would travel to hell and back for her teammates, they would do the same for her.

Reaching a warm hand on Karen's shoulder to console her anger. Blaze understood anger due to her own manipulation over fire. Anger and raged coursed through her veins, but Haleigh's lingering words tracing their way back into her mind. Haleigh was one of the most logical women she knew, her advice always sound. "We'll get through this Karen, we'll come out on top." She spoke softly and calmly, Blaze had faith.

Offering the doctor a firm squeeze on the shoulder, not enough to harm or hurt her. Just enough to offer moral support and confidence before their rescue attempt.

"I'll get Alycia and Zack and the cats. We'll meet back here in about fifteen minutes or so."

She knew it wouldn't take long to gather their allies lodging within Morgan / Delilah's penthouse. Tinkerbell and her other siblings were usually lounging around. After a quick nod to Karen, Blaze walked off to find the others.

"Alycia? Zack?" She called gently, trying not to startle them. Both were probably still shaken from Malice's attack. Her eyes scanning throughout the penthouse, but the aroma of Alycia's shower gel and Zack's cologne made it simple to track them.

She moved into the guest bedroom to find Alycia. Blaze stood by the door, her eyes locking onto the lawyer's. "How are you feeling?" She asked, moving along to the Queen size bed to sit. Blaze sat at the edge of the bed, beside Alycia, who still had been recuperating. "You and Zack must take Morgan's....Delilah's familiars to a safe location. Karen will transport you to Ororo's garden in Limbo...its safe there. Karen and I must rescue Alison, Delilah, and Haleigh from the dark clutches of Malice and Black Widow." She paused, allowing Alycia to take this new information all in.

The hard wood floor creaked revealing Zack's location in the room. He was now standing beside the door frame where Blaze previously stood. Turning her head to meet his eyes, "Zack....I know your not going to like this but you have to leave here. You know the protocol here. Stay with Alycia....not that she needs protection...but for the sake of everyone." She grinned sheepishly. "Haleigh would slaughter me if anything happened to you.....she's in love. This is where she's at her most vulnerable...she's going to need all the strength she can get." Snapping out of her daydream, Blaze looked from Zack to Alycia. "We have a lock on the location of the team. Zack, you and Alycia with the cats are traveling to Limbo. Karen's already working on the mode of transportation. Ororo's garden is one of the safest places I know, I'm sure Ororo will be expecting you."

Standing up from the bed, both Alycia and Zack could see and sense the seriousness of the situation here. "Gather any items you might need for the trip, although I doubt you'll need them. Ororo is excellent at accommodating her guests. Once the coast is clear, we'll contact you. Please....do not return back until one of us has contacted you."

Moving beside Zack, Blaze glanced back at Alycia, "are you both ready?" The jingle of a collar broke the silence. Blaze's grinned widely at the sight of Madonna, "hey princess." She scooped down to pick up the cat. Blaze's slender arms securely wrapping around the adorable kitty. Leaning in Blaze planted a kiss on Madonna's head. "Your going on a trip too Maddy. We just need to get your feisty sister." She looked up with a blush, yes, Blaze had a habit of talking with a baby accent to the cats. The cats were looked after as nieces to Blaze. "What are you two staring at?" She perked a brow, scratching under Madonna's chin.

 

[Artemis]

Illustra- Morgan's penthouse

::recent former District attourney Alycia Barnett had an indication of just how grim things had gotten, but still weary from Malice's vicious attack, the spark in Alycia's eyes...the radiance and intimidating presence she once radiated were now muted. She was still healing from the psychic assault and forever greatfull to Karen for saving her life. Foxfire came to her guest room and informed her that it was time to go.::

Allright, I'm ready.

::casually dressed from head to toe in Donna Karan, the slim and sexy attourney walked quietly from her room with Blaze, down the hall and out into the main area of the penthouse. She had a small carry on bag packed with a few things. It just wasnt her nature to travel without certain necessities including her cellphone, blackberry and 9 mm glock, a picture of Sharon Kelly was in her billfold. she held it in her hand and lost herself in a brief thought. ::

::thinking:: Limbo....... how many ordinary humans can ever boast on the fact that they've been in the company of super powered mutants, meta humans and witches. been chased by monsters, captured by depraved military generals and watched giant robots terrorize a city?

::looking at pictures around the area...she saw Morgan, Alison, Delilah, celebrity friends some she knew personally, others she had only met once.. and of course, a picture of Sharon Kelly ..::

::looking across the room to the area of consecration, she saw the Scrying Glass...and the stepping disc nearby. Alycia had traveled through a disc before...but she had been unconscious and didnt remember the experience of "the first time"::



Now i'm going to another dimension to be with a woman who has a cross time counterpart in THIS reality as well? Hell..how many NORMAL humans would even know what i'm talking about? Ah well, a life without adventure is not a life worth living. with all that ive done for and TO people... with all that ive seen and KNOW....this is just a chance for me to LIVE to tell about it. Sharon, i miss you.....I don't know why ...but i just dont FEEL like i did before. Karen says its because of Malice's attack...but part of me just feels so NUMB now.


:: her mind snapped to attention again as Blaze spoke with last minute preparations for the escape::

Thank you for keeping me safe, I'ts not my nature to depend on others, but with things having gone the way they have, I don't see how I could have survived without The Six. But now....I wish you and Karen the VERY BEST of luck. Be carefull out there....come back to us. ALL of you.

::in a surprise moment of warmth, Alycia bent down slightly to hug the young mutant. the two had never had a CLOSE friendship but there was always a friendliness...a sense of trust and respect.::

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Morgan's penthouse- the area of consecration

<< Karen smiled warmly as Zach and Alycia arrived, along with Tinkerbell and the kitten. >>

As you both know, Malice and her army have captured Delilah, Alison and Haleigh. Blaze and I are all that stand between them and Malice destroying them. We MUST go to their aid. I've brought you here because for your safety, I must send you to a place where no one from MysTech can harm you. Clandestine Inc will watch over Illustra in our absence and you two will be in the safety of our ally Ororo and her mystical garden. Do not be afraid, Ororo is a trusted friend...a member of our family and she will keep you safe. if something happens, and Blaze and I are not successfull...if we DONT come back....then you two will be able to live your lives free from fear of retaliation by Mystech....especially you Alycia, who have been through so much already.

Remember us...may the goddess grant our powers be sufficient enough to save our family from the clutches of this woman and the vast terrible powers she represents.

Alycia Barnett: Karen, please...be carefull. I want you all to come back safe and sound.

Karen: we both want that, Alycia. You just make sure that you continue to rest. you've been through enough...the both of you.

<< the two women hug and Karen looks over to Zach>>

I know this isnt easy for you...being sent away like this, but it is for the best. Ororo will make sure that you acclimate to the envrionment to which you are traveling. keep your eyes, heart and mind open. You will know Haleigh is allright soon enough.

<< Karen takes Zach's hand and squeezes it gently as she nods with encouragement>>

take the cats in your arms, and step into the stepping disc there. it will take you to Ororo in the blink of an eye.

<< Karen gently directs them over to the disc....giving each of the cats a kiss goodbye...she bids one last farewell to Zachary and Alycia Barnett as they reluctantly step into the disc...which encompasses them and in the twinkling of an eye....they are GONE...teleported to Limbo..to the safety of Ororo's garden. Leaving the Doctor and the mutant alone in Illustra on the top floor>>

<< turning over to look at Blaze.>>

well, this is it. let's go.

<< Karen stands next to Foxfire and takes her cape, sweeping it around them both as they disappear in a flash of golden light and a rushing harp sound. leaving Illustra and traveling across town to the abandonned medical facility>>

 

[Seer]

Help is on the way

<< through the night air, faster than the breeze, as quickly as the stars in the sky sparkle. The Doctor and the mutant whisk from illustra to the abandonned medica facility. with the Scrying glass having pinpointed the location of the captive members of The Six, Karen is able to BYPASS the "front" of the building, the lobby, the triage, the eerie hallway and the morgue. arriving instead in the same dark secret access tunnel that the Six had first traveled through the night the Citadle went into melt down. the same tunnel in which Guardian had unleashed the ANT LIONS against Prophet and Black Widow.>>

<< The Doctor and Foxfire appeared at the mouth of the tunnel opening into the dock/hangar bay area....which was now eeriely silent. Foxfire would not remember this area as she had been captive in the Bio Systems Lab when the Six came to rescue her.>>

Meanwhile

<< as help arrives in the form of Dr. Victoria and Foxfire. Black Widow is struggling with the seeds of fear planted by Blackout and MorningStar has just awakened. Not willing to just sit there, Delilah attempts to feel her way about for a door. She instead finds herself bumping into a body, none other than Guardian, who is harshly bound and tied up, with a haunting black lotus flower around her neck that constantly bathes her in a noxious fume that keeps her gassed and unconscious. the women have a small comfort in knowing they are together but they are still at a disadvantage, with know indication of where Malice and Blackout are...or what is coming next. Still, Black Widow and MorningStar at least have the benefit of not being tied up, unlike Guardian.>>

<< they have yet to realize that Dr. Victoria and Foxfire have already gained access to the Citadle...but Dr. Victoria and Foxfire have YET themselves to realize that THEY will be greeted as well.>>

 

[Malice]

the Citadle- abandonned office pool

:: Malice folds her arms::

Blackout, it would appear that our guests are getting restless. why dont you check in on them...as only YOU can.

Meanwhile...

::turning to a flickering monitor::

I have some business of my own to attend to.

:: Malice had detected the arrival of Foxfire, but Dr. Victoria's mind was completely closed. it didnt matter, she knew they would come...and she had JUST the thing to keep THEM busy while she and Black out continued with their own course of action.::

::Leaving the office pool, Malice's high heeled boots clicked and echoed along the now dulled metallic floors. where exactly she was going was anyone's guess, but the glint in her sapphire blue eyes suggested she was moving with a purpose.::

 

[Black Widow]

Illustra Tower: Zachary Armani

Zach appeared in the doorway, folding his arms across his chest and leaning against the doorjamb. He was now dressed, as he had previously been wrapped in only a towel. As he followed Alycia and Blaze into the commons, his deep voice reverberated through the flat. He seemed accepting of what he had to do, though it was clear he wanted to go after Haleigh...

"It's okay.... I heard the announcement. Haleigh wanted us to get out if anything went wrong... so Alycia and I will go... I know it'll give Hales peace of mind, if nothing else. The Head of Security is waiting to hear from me... with Haleigh MIA I'm the ranking officer... I'll tell them to hold down Illustra... if you ladies want, I can also have a team dispatched WITH you. You two shouldn't go in there alone... I'm not saying you cant defend yourselves... but you're going in blind." He handed Blaze a holstered Walther P22, Haleigh's favorite handgun. "Here... give this to Haleigh, from me... it has special rounds, newly developed. She'll like it... and I have a feeling that if she's TRAPPED, wherever she is, she's unarmed." He paused, resting his free hand on Blaze's shoulder. "Blaze... I want to thank you for everything you did for me. It meant a lot to Haleigh... and a LOT to me too. I... don't know how to thank you enough. You saved me... and now you have to go save Haleigh... we're gonna have to buy you dinner or something." He suggests with a playful wink, as Karen speaks. He nods appreciatively as Alycia takes tinkerbell, and he cradles the kitten in his own arms.

"Thank you as well, Karen... and I SECOND Alycia, be VERY careful... and bring them ALL back."