Ororo's ghost story II: Outbreak

[Delilah Trelaven]

Delilah stood with Morgan and Blaze as they grieved. There was nothing else she could do for them. She breathed a sigh of relief as Morgan seemed to accept Mike – finally – if only for the moment. She knew Morgan would never trust Mike completely, but at a time like this they didn’t need to be fighting with each other. And Delilah herself knew that Mike would not let them down.

After a time, Harbinger called for them to proceed. As much as she didn’t want to leave the safety of the rooftop, she knew they couldn’t stay there forever. They had to find Haleigh and Karen and get as far away from Raccoon City as they could get.

It's time for us to run the gauntlet...on the ground below. We stay together...Morgan and Blaze can fly and pick off targets before they even know what's happening, Delilah and Mike can lead the way on the ground. Ava, Cameron and I will block for for them and we move...no hesitation...no matter HOW afraid we may be. We HAVE to protect ourselves.

Let's go then. I have some frustrations to take out. Dee, take lead with your light. I will cover you, formation Beta.

Delilah nodded at them both. She didn’t mind taking point – and she’d rather have a good look at her enemy as it tried to kill her.

Are you ready??

Delilah mentally braced herself for what was to come.

“Just say the word.”

 

[Seer]

Raccoon City Police Department

<< and so, Morgan removes Jennifer's body to an undisclosed location via stepping disc and from the relative safety of the roof high above the city gripped by night and chaos, down to the ground where it was all painfully clear and in your face, the group of supers and Mike moved together. Morgan and Blaze took to the air, using long range strikes to hit zombies. despite their powers, the two young women were not accustomed to such high danger levels of combat and some of their blasts only staggered or momentarily halted the lumbering creatures. thankfull MOST could be easily evaded.>>

<< Delilah used her light to deadly effect, drawing the attention of some creatures as Mike picked them off while they attempted to catch Delilah. She used her photon and laser blasts to handle others.>>

<< Alison, Cameron and Ava blocked on the sides and rear of Delilah and Mike as they moved carefull and quickly dodging car wreck/fires, zombies , aiding police where they could and getting around road blocks. they were reaching thier destination as best they could but danger was around every corner, every turn...with every STEP.>>

<< there were several close calls for Cameron and Ava and a large piece of falling debris from a building above nearly seperated the trio from Delilah and Mike had not Morgan "caught" it in a stepping disc and teleported it away.>>

<< with sirens wailing, gun shots ringing out and screams and chaos flowing around and past them, the group felt like they were on a wild ride through hell that they barely had control over.>>

<< soon though with only the fright of close calls to deal with , they arrived at the Raccoon City Police Department>>

<< the growling of zombies can be heard near by.>>

Delilah: Inside everyone. Let's get undercover.

<< she stands at the door, waving everyone in, before picking off a nearby zombie with her pointed index finger and a laser blast. she slams the door behind her and Alison SEALS it shut with her TK power. it will remain in effect as long as she's conscious.>>

<< INSIDE the police station, the found themselves secured from the outside threats AT the moment. It was a strong building which used to be a beacon of safety for the city...now it seemed haunted, eeriely silent inside with only faint echoes from the outside. the group now could breathe and take a moment to collect themselves.>>

<< it looked as though much activity had taken place in the main area...bad activity. but here they were. Mike and Delilah knew this place the best and could lead the group down to the lower levels where the armory was as well as the high tech command center once used by Haleigh. THAT was what Alison wanted to see.>>

<< Everyone was present and accounted for. Mike and Delilah could see that much had changed and not good. there was no telling what was now lurking inside this fortress.>>

 

[Persephone]

Entering the Raccoon City Police Department, it was like entering a completely different world. It was quiet and peaceful--a vast contrast to the warzone-like terror that was going on out in the city. However, there was no doubt in Ava's mind that zombies were hidden within their shelter...it was just a matter of time before they made themselves present.

"So why are we here?"

She asked, looking around the large building. Sometimes she wished Alison would just say why they needed to go somewhere rather than keeping it a mystery. But, that was Alison for ya.

Hearing the faint sound of gurgling echo around them, it sounded like the zombies caught wind of their presents.

"Whatever it is, we better hurry up. Who KNOWS how many of those things are in here."

 

[Arsenal]

Mike nodded as they began to move.

The street had a stench to it, funk and slobber and death and rotting flesh as they moved. Mike blocked it out as he moved quietly ahead, avoiding zombies as he too high ground where he found it, picking off as many zombies as he could silently while they made for Delilah's light.

It was a symphony of death, the "pop" of a silenced weapon or muffled whine of the new energy weapons he'd lifted form some of the "guards" he'd seen at Morgan's offices earlier, followed by a gurgle as another grounded target fell in a heap. After a few minutes hectic movement, they had finally made it to the police station, where they'd attracted a crowd by now following them. Mike picked some off in his methodically deadly fashion as the other made their way in. As they entered, Alison gestured and the door sealed up tighter than Mike's junior prom date as she issued marching order to head to Haleighs wepons area, or as Mike liked to call it, her REAL box of goodies. Apparently Alison knew her shit, and he was more impressed with her by the moment. He responded to her.

Alison, keep the doors on the sides sealed if you can while I clear the way up front. Delilah, could you slag-seal the doorjam to the entrance? That should leave you (glances at Alison) free to focus on what is in HERE to get us, OK? Because this will not be a cakewalk with all that racket from the back. And at the VERY back is where Hales' depot access is located.

Mike tosses his rifle and pulls out a sawed-off shotgun and a machete. He clips a light to the shotgun and turns back one last time.

Let's go...the longer we wait, the more of THEM that will be waiting for us.

He takes full point as he moves towards the gurgles, down the hallway...

 

[Spellbinder]

RPD police department at the moment

"So why are we here?"

<< Morgan heard the question as she checked over Blaze.>>

I'd rather be in here than out THERE with those things...

The police are totally out matched...what were they thinking!?

Blaze: probably the same thing those creeps with mystech were thinking. "we have everything under control"

<< the younger sister's voice drips with sarcasm.>>

looking around the large building. Sometimes she wished Alison would just say why they needed to go somewhere rather than keeping it a mystery. But, that was Alison for ya.

Hearing the faint sound of gurgling echo around them, it sounded like the zombies caught wind of their presents.

"Whatever it is, we better hurry up. Who KNOWS how many of those things are in here."[/QUOTE]

I agree...no where is safe...is EVERYONE in the city DEAD or ...

<< hearinag the gurgling too>>

one of those THINGS now??

<< she and Blaze stood close, holding hands as they took a few hesitant steps walking in the same direction with the others.>>

Blaze: probably anyone who used the rejuvination product and anyone that has been attacked or bitten since. but they've been around for a while...at least for the last 6 months in the creepy forest.

<< Blaze said as she recounted her own first time encounter with these nightmarish creatures.>>

<< they followed Mike and Delilah who knew this place well. It was much more than meets the eye. many floors, a sophisticated floor plan, and impressive technology. but the sad fact was, the police department was ran by a corrupt chief who was firmly in the pocket of Mystech interests. Delilah had long suspected it and after what happened to Blaze and then Haleigh, she couldnt take it anymore. if she was going to be effective in protecting herself and her family/friends...she'd have to do it on her own. Mike stayed in...ONLY to keep access to weaponry and technology and to keep an ear to what was going on to pass info to Delilah on the "outside".>>

<< the RPD was doomed the moment they installed that corrupt chief and he was STILL in the building. the group would find him and there would be one more piece of unpleasant, unfinished business to deal with for Mike, Delilah and the others.>>

Even if we get trapped, I can get us out. My teleporting power allows me to take myself and 10 other people in one disc.

<< she said in a low town as t hey went down a few floors to find Haleigh's command center and armory.>>

Your sister Haleigh must have held quite a high position with the RPD.

<< she noted as they arrived in the desired area. indeed Haleigh was the commanding officer of the S.T.A.R.S. Bravo team. It's only surviving member though was Michael. Delilah resigned after their harrowing caper in Arklay forest and the other members have since disappeared or died in duty. the same for the entire Alpha team. Haleigh KNEW something rotten was going on. She had several WELL protected files and a disc of information that Michael and Delilah were to retrieve and get to the media and the government. THIS was why Alison directed them here...because AFTER this...this place, this entire city...well it would not be what it is now.>>

<< Morgan and Blaze carefully examined the large, impressive command console with all of its monitors and cameras that gave excellent views of the city from all over.>>

its chaos...everywhere...

<< she said as they watched the valiant but ultimately futile attempts of surviving law enforcement to battle the creatures.>>

they should just leave...there's no hope for them.

<< Morgan said with a somber tone.>>

Blaze: Morgan...look, some armour accessories

<< indeed...a few armour accessories, designed for the feminine form and only available to STARS members. Delilah had already donned her former STARS uniform and Morgan began to examine the accessories available.>>

hmm...maybe we should use some of these to protect our arms and chest. and they wont clash with my dolce & gabanna outfit!

 

[Arsenal]

Mike escorted them towards the back, picking off strays as Alison sealed a few into the perimeter rooms leading into the side hallway that he'd decided on to bring them to the access to Hales area.

Once they arrived at the area, Mike could see that they were impressed with what they saw there. Haleigh, due to her powers, had even better "toys" than the Alpha team hidden here, and Mike donned a special something they had been working on. The slim battle suit gave him better overall protection and incorporated passive leverage in its embedded exoskeleton to give him slightly enhanced strength, a predicted factor of 1.5x. Haleigh claimed that she could make microscopic engines to make him REALLY strong but she'd had no chance to incorporate or test any of that with him. His goggles relayed information to him as they moved as they scanned across many different spectra. THIS they had tested, and Haleigh suspected that it would be needed one day. Mike was grateful that Alison had pointed them here, as he'd conceded already that there would be no time to get here.

He stood before Haleigh's command center and typed in the access code for the files needed:

c3o1m4m1a5n9d2o654

a mixture of a running joke concerning her eternal hatred of pantylines (panties for that matter ) and the first 10 digits of pi.

The files loaded and he quickly transferred them all to disc, making enough copies for all of them...just in case. he handed them out, trying not to watch the carnage outside. He'd worked with most of those men at some point and it was hard to leave them behind. He knew they were COMPLETELY doomed, and he had no time to think about it. He looked over the ladies as they spoke of the idea of donning some of the armor.

I would definitely suggest putting on gloves and gauntlets to cover your arms to protect against bites. The rest... up to you, but it can be quite binding if you're not used to it and you are wearing...heels. I would suggest that extra speed and agility you gain is more important than the protection you gain. The last thing I want is any of you stumbling over the place while fighting these fuckers.

Mike holstered up and brought everything online while the ladies donned whatever they chose. He caught Ava's eye and smiled, winking as he finished his preparations. After a moment, he walked over to her.

You ready, pretty lady? This is a bit awkward for a first date and I forgot to bring flowers...but I promise to have you home at a reasonable hour ma'am. Just try not to take advantage of me. In my current state I could be convinced to do almost ANYTHING.

Mike smiled goodnaturedly after his joke, an attempt to help Ava relax a bit before what was sure to be a harrowing experience...

 

[Persephone]

Making their way back to Haleigh's command center Mike punched in the necessary code and everyone made their way inside. Unlike the others Ava wasn't surprised by the amount of armory or technology she saw. Haleigh was obsessed with her powers; always testing their limits or seeing what new toys she could make.

Blaze: Morgan...look, some armor accessories.

Glancing over at Blaze and Morgan as they examined some protective suites, Ava walked over as well picking picking up a leather-like vest looking over it.

"Looks like Carolina Herrera's 2007 winter collection."

A collection with Morgan would be very familiar with. They both did a runway show in Paris that year for it. Herrera brought back the 'military' look but with a avant garde edge to it. Maybe Haleigh DID pay attention to the fashion magazine despite her hatred for everything high fashion.

Slipping the vest on, Ava zipped it up and then grabbed some elbow high gloves that had a durable yet light weight metal sewn within for maximum protection.

Mike: You ready, pretty lady?

"As i'll ever be."

Mike: This is a bit awkward for a first date and I forgot to bring flowers...but I promise to have you home at a reasonable hour ma'am. Just try not to take advantage of me. In my current state I could be convinced to do almost ANYTHING.Ava couldn't help but smile at Mike's joke. He definitely knew how to ease a tense situation, which was helpful since Ava had never actually gone to battle before. Well....aside from the occational diva model who she would 'accidently' blow off the runway if they pissed her off. But zombie battles? Not so much.

"Anything huh? Well...i'll have to keep that mind mind."

Giving him a playful smile, Ava's expression soon turned more serious.

"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Mike. You're been MORE than helpful in this situation. [lowering her voice to a whisper] And if we survive this....well....just pray we survive this."

Giving him a sexy smile, Ava brushed passed him and headed over to Alison. Catching a glimpse of the various monitors that gave views of Raccoon City, it was hard to watch what innocent people were left getting slaughtered.

"You're awfully quiet....you okay?"

 

[Arsenal]

"Anything huh? Well...i'll have to keep that mind mind."

Giving him a playful smile, Ava's expression soon turned more serious.

"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Mike. You're been MORE than helpful in this situation. [lowering her voice to a whisper] And if we survive this....well....just pray we survive this."

Mike whispered back mischievously as she BRUSHED past. He made sure not to give her any EXTRA room.

Yet another good reason to live. I'll be shooting straighter now...

Mike adjusted himself a bit, counted to ten, then finished armoring up by donning and powering up his goggles viewscreen optics. He opened up the last weapons locker...there were interesting weapons of all types and sizes. Mike then turned to the rest of the group.

I do not pretend to know all your abilities and their limits in terms of endurance so I mean no disrespect, but I would prefer it if everyone would select a weapon of some sort. It stands to reason that we are headed towards the epicenter of this outbreak and it could be crawling...

Mike thought better of sharing the entire situational analysis with a group of supermodels more worried about how armor would LOOK on them than if it would keep them from being a casualty and an executive who couldn't beat him in an arm-wrestling contest with both hands. They were quite powerful and he had tremendous respect for what he'd seen them all do, but his worry was how their powers would react to near-paralyzing FEAR.

OK...let's just say that having a hand-held auto-crossbow, a katana, or a small firearm might help you out in the end and if you ultimately decide you don't need it, I can break it down and carry it or dispose of it, no big deal.


Mike gestured to the open locker...

 

[Spellbinder]

Raccoon City Police Department- Haleigh's command center

<< as Morgan and Blaze seemed to get more into trying on certain pieces, Morgan remarked on how well designed they were for the feminine form.>>

Glancing over at Blaze and Morgan as they examined some protective suites, Ava walked over as well picking picking up a leather-like vest looking over it.

"Looks like Carolina Herrera's 2007 winter collection."

A collection with Morgan would be very familiar with. They both did a runway show in Paris that year for it. Herrera brought back the 'military' look but with a avant garde edge to it. Maybe Haleigh DID pay attention to the fashion magazine despite her hatred for everything high fashion.


Slipping the vest on, Ava zipped it up and then grabbed some elbow high gloves that had a durable yet light weight metal sewn within for maximum protection.

Yes...you're right! no WONDER i'm not at all against putting some of these pieces on.

Blaze: I'll say! Charlie's Angels for the new millenium.

<< Morgan nodded with approval as she slipped on state of the art, sleek fitting gauntlents on either arm that seemed to excell perfectly with her black dolce & gabanna leather bustier and cropped jacket. she also placed a black chocker around her neck.>>

I would definitely suggest putting on gloves and gauntlets to cover your arms to protect against bites. The rest... up to you, but it can be quite binding if you're not used to it and you are wearing...heels. I would suggest that extra speed and agility you gain is more important than the protection you gain. The last thing I want is any of you stumbling over the place while fighting these fuckers.

<< Morgan looked up at Mike.>>

Um excuse me?

<< she said in her icy tone.>>

Wearing high heels is what i DO!

<< snapping her fingers, seemingly in defiance or attitude, she was actually igniting a conjuring spell to change her fashionable but less functional high heeled sling backs into a pair of matching black leather high heeled BOOTS to give better support and and protect her feet, ankles and lower calves. the boots perfectly matched her black leather D&G Skirt, bustier and cropped jacket.>>

<< Blaze had taken a jacket some boots and leggings that all were actually body contouring armour and incorporated them into her outfit. she pulled her hair back into a pony tail with a leather tie and Morgan quickly styled her hair up into a sleek bun.>>

there's no reason we can't be fashionable AND functional.

<< she said, sounding a bit more confident at the moment. indeed, she and blaze and even ava enjoyed this small moment where they DID have some control over something, their LOOKS and if that some how could help better prepare them for what was to come, then Mike, although probably amused by "a bunch of super models fussing over armour for its looks rather than its ability to keep them alive" , could grant them that.>>

I do not pretend to know all your abilities and their limits in terms of endurance so I mean no disrespect, but I would prefer it if everyone would select a weapon of some sort. It stands to reason that we are headed towards the epicenter of this outbreak and it could be crawling...

Mike thought better of sharing the entire situational analysis with a group of supermodels more worried about how armor would LOOK on them than if it would keep them from being a casualty and an executive who couldn't beat him in an arm-wrestling contest with both hands. They were quite powerful and he had tremendous respect for what he'd seen them all do, but his worry was how their powers would react to near-paralyzing FEAR.

OK...let's just say that having a hand-held auto-crossbow, a katana, or a small firearm might help you out in the end and if you ultimately decide you don't need it, I can break it down and carry it or dispose of it, no big deal.

<< Morgan looked at the weapons cabinet.>>

i cant' use a gun...i dont know how and i might need my hands for a spell. PLUS I'm super strong. i'll ....hmm....i'll take these daggers...i can use them as athames. charge them with magick and do some damage with them!

<< she took them, along with the leather thigh holster and slid the holster up her leg, hiking up her skirt which had a side split in it already a bit as she fixed the athame inside the sheath. one for each thigh.>>

<< Blaze selected the cross bow which she could charge the arrow heads with her flame and add more damage to the weapon if need be.>>

<< after Ava and Cameron selected theirs, Ava went to check on Alison who was noticeably absent from the make shift fashion show and Mike's (permissable) raiding of Haleigh's command center. Delilah also drew near to the rather standoffish precog.>>

 

[Harbinger]

raccoon police department

:: Ava and Cameron knew how Alison worked and Morgan, a fellow witch seemed to be willing to give her room to work. Delilah was coming around slowly , as was Mike but they didnt needlessly challenge her or waste time doing it.::

:: they got to the police station, but it was a terrifying "IN YOUR FACE" gauntlet that they ran. inside, she sealed the large double doors. as they rested for a moment and then moved with caution, Delilah used her laser to slag seal the locks on the doors as Alison used her power to keep doors and windows elsewhere from opening, even holding cells.::

:: everyone went about the business of finding ways to better suit up and normally she would have joined in as she was a fashion maiden too but her mind was ablaze, her precognition was commanding her focus as she was drawn to the center of Haleigh's command center. she seated herself at control console and noted the state of the art control panel and views of nearly EVERY WHERE in the city. some cameras had been damaged and were offline but there were enough other heartbreaking views.::

:: Alison remained stone faced as the fleeting ghost images she saw BEFORE HAND when she first arrived...were now FULLY manifested! she quietly exhaled, as she heard her brother's voice in the background. she had him and Ava with her and though it may have been cold...that was what mattered MOST to her. NONE of them in that room were like "the others" in the city...and while they had power, the winds of fate were twisted against this city thanks to actions and machinations LONG set in motion by Mystech.::

there's little to be done for the city...it burns...blood runs...the dead walk...

:: a small beeping sound could be heard on the counsel. Haleigh, with her powers had secured channels to listen in on even high levels of city, state and FEDERAL communications and what was coming in now was outrageous...this along with what Alison was watching on a particular screen...a sleek black helicopter that had dropped something off at Raccoon City hospital and then quickly sped off into the smokey night sky caused ALison's colbalt blue eyes to narrow.::

"You're awfully quiet....you okay?"

:: she looked over at Ava.::

Corporate maleficence has doomed this city...and all there in. ALL we can do now is rescue Karen and Haleigh...and escape with our lives.

:: Delilah and Mike questioned why she sounded so FINAL about her speaking of the city. couldnt this zombie plague be erradicated and the city rebuilt?::

YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!

:: Alison bellowed at Mike and Delilah as she stood up.::

There isnt going to BE a "what happens after". The federal government has authorized STERILIZATION...

:: using her power to see EXACTLY what was coming over Haleigh's communication, looking into the clearest time thread based on what she saw...::

a precision tactical nuclear device, to be deployed...yield 5. it will destroy EVERYTHING here...and Mystech has ALREADY planned a COVER UP!

Anything you cared about here...anyONE...if they arent already dead...they will be BEYOND dead come DAWN. We have 5 hours to find Karen and Haleigh and Morgan will have to teleport us FAR AWAY from this place.

:: Alison was both forcefull and grim with her tone. Michael had heard of such SPECIAL gifts as PRECOGNITION before, which was STRONGER than mere clairvoyance. It seemed to him that Alison might be a PRECOG as well. That would explain her bold attitude at times and her seemingly ALWAYS perfect timing.::

We're not heroes...not like you two. We ONLY came here to see about Haleigh...and now...we

:: it was clear to Ava and Cameron that theire friend/sister was feeling the tremendous effects of seeing BEFOREHAND what they could ONLY IMAGINE.::

we are witnessing....10 to midnight...the END of a city of INNOCENTS who were under the THUMB of yet another american corporate monster!

:: the images on the screens behind her beared that out...but something ELSE, beside all of this.::

Delilah....the death glow...it shines SO BRIGHTLY all around you!

:: she was TELLING Delilah that her DEATH was NEAR.::

We must....be ready to SAVE HER before we leave here!

:: something was about to happen...or COMING for Delilah. For Mike it was a terrifying further observation of Alison's abilities for Morgan...it was a VERY upsetting revelation that her dearest friend was in immediate danger somehow.::

 

[Seer]

meanwhile, in Arklay Research Facility

<< as everyone in the Raccoon City police department gathered themselves together mentally, the realized that the night was only going to get more complex and deadly from here on. Alison totally confirmed it, leaving them reeling that the city mike, delilah, morgan, blaze and cameron had called home would soon be a MEMORY and that delilah was in immediate MORTAL danger. Even as they began to respond to Alison...>>


in Arklay Forest, the research facility

<< it had been a horrific beginning to a long night filled with danger and tribulation... but through it all Dr. Victoria and the young Nicolas (with his kitten safely in tow) pressed their way through the house of the dead that was once the arklay research facility, the birth place of the global entity known as mystech and the hot bed for the bio hazard that had been slowly creeping out into the forest and had now over taken Raccoon City.>>

<< Dr. Victoria, a woman who had been scarred by the machinations of mystech had only one MAIN thing that kept her going, to keep her daughters safe from the scrutiny and harm of mystech. but over the years following the derailment of the Ecliptic Express, Nicolas had come to regard his attending psycho-therapist as a surrogate mother. TWICE he'd been orphaned and at various points of the evening had practically had to FORCE his only surviving mother figure not to abandon him OR herself. He took no pleasure in the fact that he actually got upset with Karen as she seemed to withdraw her emotional support from him in the midst of the traumatic experience they were facing. He had been thrust into a position he never dreamed of nor did he relish in but he would not lose Karen to this nightmare and he would not be taken by it either.>>

<< for the doctor, it was all her secret fears coalescing into some impossibly bizarre and deadly nightmare that there was no awakening from. she'd always secretly feard the day would come where she would be powerless to protect herself from mystech and the reality was more terrifying than anything she imagined. for a moment she even thought she'd WELCOME the sudden appearence of that wretched Michael Armstrong! but If the mansion was any indication of what was happening now in the forest and city, He was probably lost...and her daughters! what about THEM!? She felt nothing BAD from Morgan through their bond as mother and child...so there was hope and for THAT reason, along with the fact that she HAD promised Nicolas (before all this began) he would never be orphaned again AND the person whom she was going to help so that they might help HER...gave her the ability to press on.>>


<< through the mansion, into the interior courtyard, across the large ornamental pool and into a secret passage that brough them below ground to the sub basements and labs, the witch and the young mutant went.>>

<< battling more creatures including zombies, devil dogs, leeches, crows and giant insects, the pair did their best and Karen now had less reservation about using her magick to directly destroy her now zombiefied colleagues.>>

<< the underground lair of the mansion was enormous, intricate and sprawling but Karen's high ranking status and time here afforded her the knowledge and access to most of this dark, secret domain. but still there were more than a few unpleasant surprises waiting for them as they moved further into this high tech heart of darkness. >>

further in the underground reaches....zooming through the central lab and control center

<< we find a row of high tech holding cells. most are empty but there is ONE that remains active and OCCUPIED.>>

<< inside we find Haleigh Davidoff, the commanding officer of S.T.A.R.S. Bravo team, ALIVE. The woman looked remarkably well considering she had been a PRISONER AND had been subjected to some intense but ultimately SURFACE level scrutiny upon the discovery that she was actually a "SUPER". While here, she had seen/heard many MONSTROUS things, including Mystech's ultimate motives, the fact that the S.T.A.R.S. teams were meant to be mystech's first response teams in the event of a bio hazard outbreak AND that the chief of police for raccoon city was as corrupt as they come. the city was created by and for mystech. MANY things she heard or saw she had begun to suspect a while ago...she was also now aware of the secret of the Victoria family, why Blaze had been the SOLE survivor of the attack in Arklay forest that killed all her friends...that Morgan and her mother were witches and that Karen's husband, Christopher had been murdered by James Marcus. She heard it all.>>

<< through her time in captivity, she had managed to strike a chord with Karen, they learned more about each other and Haleigh knew that Karen was NOT the enemy but rather held HOSTAGE by it with her daughter's lives in the balance. Karen did everything she could to keep Haleigh free of harrassment from Mystech guards and James Marcus>>

<< the young woman had flash backs to several brief but secret and intense conversations where t hey were hatching a plan of escape and going to the authorities. HAleigh promised Karen and her daughters safe passage out of Raccoon City if Karen would help HER to escape. Karen agreed. That was BEFORE all HELL broke loose in the mansion. She didnt see most of it above ground, but she heard the sirens, she heard the violent confrontation between Karen and Marcus..including his attempt to sexually assault her before another woman...DIANA(Malice) appeared with another woman (Helena) and staged a sort of surprise coup before unleashing DEATH upon the mansion and its occupants. >>

<< Haleigh didnt scare easily but this ugly secret about Raccoon city and her time here had REALLY been a source of shock for her.and now...trapped inside the cell, she was thankfull to still be ALIVE as she now heard and SAW creatures that lumbered past her cell. SOME tried to come in, but could not and SHE was unable to access her powers. Karen was supposed to deliver her the key to unlock her "collar" but the woman was no where to be found. Had she died after escaping the nerve center where an explosive confrontation had taken place!? Haleigh had survived the train, and captivity....but NOW she truly didnt KNOW what was going to happen to her. Cut off from the outside world, her only secret ally appeared to be dead and she trapped!>>

<< it was not looking good...for ANY of them. all we can do is watch.>>

 

[Persephone]

Ava stood behind her friend, noting that Alison wouldn't turn around to face her or the group. She knew the precog well enough to know when she was this withdrawn it was because the outcome of what she saw was terrible. With the chaos and destruction playing on the monitors that both she and her friend stood in front of, it just solidified Ava's theory....they were all royally fucked.

Alison: Corporate maleficence has doomed this city...and all there in. ALL we can do now is rescue Karen and Haleigh...and escape with our lives.

Frankly, that's all Ava WANTED to do. She wasn't a super hero. She wasn't a member of the police force where she put the lives of others before her own like Mike and Delilah. She was selfish and wanted to get Haleigh and get the hell out of dodge. But Mike and Delilah weren't thrilled about the idea of abandoning the rest of the city.

Alison: YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! There isnt going to BE a "what happens after". The federal government has authorized STERILIZATION...

"Jesus..."

Ava mummbled very quietly to herself. She knew the American government was corrupt as all hell, but this was beyond anything she could imagine. But then agian, what else was there to do in a situation like this? It was like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Each scenerio was horrible, but one was less devestating than the other.

Alison: a precision tactical nuclear device, to be deployed...yield 5. it will destroy EVERYTHING here...and Mystech has ALREADY planned a COVER UP! Anything you cared about here...anyONE...if they arent already dead...they will be BEYOND dead come DAWN. We have 5 hours to find Karen and Haleigh and Morgan will have to teleport us FAR AWAY from this place.

"I hate to sound like a heartless bitch....but what else can be done? Once everyone in this city is dead, those zombies aren't going to just sit around and starve to death....they're going to look for their NEXT MEAL. If this situation isn't dealt with the entire country is in danger, and our efforts to save my sister and your [lookin to Morgan and Blaze] mother will be in vain."

Alison: we are witnessing....10 to midnight...the END of a city of INNOCENTS who were under the THUMB of yet another american corporate monster!

She may have lived outside of the United States, but that didn't mean if this situation wasn't dealt with, it wouldn't spread to other parts of the world. Ava sighed, knowing she wasn't exactly miss popularity at the moment, but the truth was the truth...no matter how much people didn't want to see it or believe it.

Alison: Delilah....the death glow...it shines SO BRIGHTLY all around you! We must....be ready to SAVE HER before we leave here!

Looking over at Delilah, Ava didn't say anything. She wasn't close with the woman, and frankly she didn't like her. So she kept her mouth shut and took the opportunity to go to the weapons locker to grab two hand guns an a holster. With Haleigh as a sister, it was pretty standard to know how to use a gun. As the others reacted to Alison's revelation about Delilah, Ava strapped herself up [at the advise of Mike] quietly.

 

[Arsenal]

As Mike finished getting ready, he bantered back at the supermodel as she snapped her fingers.

If you can kick ass and work it at the same time, then you do YOU girl!! I ain't gonna hate on THAT.

Mike smiled as he seemd to balance a nice diversion with getting ready to go into this battle. As he turned, Alison was speaking about abandoning this town to its fate, which was doom. Mike wasn't so sure.

Wait a minute, Aliosn, there are certainly people out there who are hunkered sdown and need rescuing. We could EASILY mop up this crowd after we rescue-

Alison: YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! There isnt going to BE a "what happens after". The federal government has authorized STERILIZATION...

Sterilization? How can you KNOW that-

Alison: a precision tactical nuclear device, to be deployed...yield 5. it will destroy EVERYTHING here...and Mystech has ALREADY planned a COVER UP! Anything you cared about here...anyONE...if they arent already dead...they will be BEYOND dead come DAWN. We have 5 hours to find Karen and Haleigh and Morgan will have to teleport us FAR AWAY from this place.

And then he KNEW. This woman, she somehow saw what was to come!! That is the only way she could know the jargon so well, be able to so certainly say that without THIS group of alpha females challenging it at ALL. Mike's mouth dropped open for a second as the realization kicked in. He then exhaled heavily as the fact that the ENTIRE fucking town was lost sunk in.

We're not heroes...not like you two. We ONLY came here to see about Haleigh...and now...we

Hey relax lady!! You don't look so good.

Mike grabbed water from the cooler to give her to drink as she continued on about corporate monsters. He turned back to her as what she said next made his blood run COLD.

Delilah....the death glow...it shines SO BRIGHTLY all around you!

Mike began to shake his head as he looked at his teammate and friend. His face then hardened noticeably.

We must....be ready to SAVE HER before we leave here!

Mike spoke, as much to himself as to anyone in particular, in a low growl.

We will, 'cause I ain't LEAVING this motherfucker without her.

He armed his weapon and spoke to the others.

You heard Alison. It's time we got a move on...save whatever we can here while we still can save SOMETHING or SOMEONE.

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh sat on the edge of her cot, upright, rigid and extremely still. She stared patiently at the back of her cell door. There was nothing to do now except wait. She had long since retired in her efforts to remove the collar that suppressed her powers and her holding cell was inescapable without them. Now there were only two possibilities left. Her lone ally in this place would come to release her.... or one of those abominable creatures roaming the halls would eventually break in here. Either way, she was ready.... but she hoped beyond hope that it would be the doctor that made it to her first. She hadn't a prayer of fighting off one of those.... things. She would have to evade it and in this small cell with only one exit... that would be a challenge.

She worried about her former teammates, her best friends. She hoped that Mike and Delilah would be able to get out in time. She hoped they believed she was dead. She didn't want them searching this place for her.... not NOW that the mansion was in such a horrid state. Not now that it would be a suicide mission to even TRY. No... she needed them to survive and get the word out so that this whole mess didn't get any bigger... or spread its venomous tentacles any farther. They could not allow Mystech to get away with this... what if the next place they set up shop was in Europe? Haleigh could not stand the idea that this might touch her sister or be anywhere NEAR her.

It was torture to sit here, incapable of action in the face of all the danger swirling around her... but there was no other option. The collar kept her subdued in more than just power. Pacing made her dizzy and any type of physical strain was extremely tiring. She had no idea of knowing if Karen was dead, alive, injured... or if she was even COMING but she was reluctant to give up hope. The only other possibilities were that she may be trapped in here forever... or else be minced by one of those mutated experiments... and both ideas made her desolate. She had to stay positive or else she'd go completely insane.

 

[Rampage]

The only thing that seemed to get stir her was when she protected them, protected him as they moved. Her attacks became more lethal, more well-planned. But Nicolas was worried about Karen. he knew that she must be worried about her daughter, inconsolable because she was blaming herself for all of this when even he could see that she was in many ways a victim herself. And as close to family as he'd had in nearly 10 years. Nicolas tried to keep her as positive as possible, asking questions, staying in contact with her (he'd read that it was good for the mind) and trying to treat her with the respect and esteem that he'd always held her in. As his powers came into themselves, his mind was slowly reaching out through the compound, finding nothing so far among the diseased there and the monsters, finding a barrier in Karen that he could not breach, but there was one mind...

It was a woman...he could not pinpoint the location, but he could feel her worry: would she be rescued?

Nicolas spoke to her mentally...

Hello...where are you? If I can locate you, I will come for you as soon as we find whoever else we are supposed to free.

It had not yet occurred to Nicolas that they were looking for the same person...

 

[Prophet]

STARS Basement

:: Everything was moving so fast and on the way to the Police Station Cameron had a moment to look at the absolute and chaotic destruction that the city he called home was left in. The place had such a feeling of doom and dread. Places he once had coffee in the morning, the schools, everything looked destroyed. Everything looked desolate. The whole situation made him even more determined to get everyone out of here as fast and painless as possible but before he could give anything more thought they were inside the Raccoon City Police Department. ::

"Well at least these walls are thick enough to protect us now.."

:: Making their way to the STARS headquarters, each of the friends were now able to add some armory to their bodies in order to further protect themselves from the zombies should the problem arrive which it most certainly would. Cameron made his way to his selections, sighing as he watched others almost PLAYFUL in such a desperate and dire situation. This was hard for Cameron. For the others, this really wasn't their home, they all had homesteads somewhere else. But for Cameron he just kept having these horrible thoughts of fighting off some of the people he had considered friends. He shuddered at the thought. ::

"Keep it together, King..."

:: Cameron selected a dark and formfitting body suit that was heavy material that primarily consisted of a vest, bottoms, boots and gloves. He put the vest on over his red button down collared Armani shirt as he rolled up his sleeves, putting the gloves on that only covered his hands. he took off his jeans and stood for a moment in his boxers (giving some of the women a show) and slipped on the very formfitting bottoms as well as the boots. Searching around he grabbed a holster, put it on and slid the gun inside that Mike had given him earlier. He was ready to go. ::

"It DOES make me feel a little safer, if not just a tad bit sexier!"

:: And then Alison once again became the harbringer of doom. She confirmed everything that Cameron had been afraid of. The death of the city. He wanted to freak out about it but his sister didn't need anything else to worry about. Instead he placed his hand on hers. It wasn't much but he hoped it would comfort her. He looked as the others reacted. ::

"Ava's right... This city cannot be saved, as much as I would like it to be... And goddammit, we may not be heroes, Alison, but we are ALL this city's got! And at this point it has to be enough! And at least now we have a time limit to work with..."

Alison: Delilah....the death glow...it shines SO BRIGHTLY all around you! We must....be ready to SAVE HER before we leave here!

:: Cameron shot a look at Delilah ::

"That ain't going to happen sis. Besides the fact that Delilah Trelaven happens to be one of the most capable women I have ever met, she has got an ARSENAL of help behind her. It's going to be one hell of a battle to take ANY of us out..."

:: He took a moment to look around at the people around him. It felt like the calm before the storm and once they entered the forest, he might not see some of them ever again. ::

"Let's get a move on, we've got some people to save..."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

Arklay Research Facility underground

<< the doctor took a moment...leaning against a wall as she breathed in and out deeply.>>

the...control room/laboratory...is just down this hall. I need to get there to get a special key to release the person I've come for. hopefully....with her help, perhaps we can escape this place together. there's also a log...Marcus' personal log. I must find it...and get it to the press. I've spent so much time giving IN to this awfull entity. If i can do something to help ENSURE its downfall...then i MUST. Only then will i know my daughters will be safe...should something happen to me tonight.

<< Nicolas may have vowed that Karen would live, but she knew better. even HE could not overcome the full scope of the horror and complexity of this situation...of MYSTECH. Not ALONE at least and Karen STILL felt it would be better if he escaped while he had the chance. Normally the young man took Karen's direction well, but in THIS instance...he refused to obey her order to leave her behind.>>

<< after a few moments, the two move down the narrow hall, the same hall SHE had escaped through when Diana (Malice) and Helena had facilitated the release of the virus and deadly nerve gas in the mansion. Karen's heart beat so hard and fast now. she was TERRIFIED of what she'd find.>>

<< Haleigh was not too far away....everything was going to work out...wasnt it?!>>

<< down the hall, and into the large circular lab/control room, the evidence of the confrontation earlier before the disaster was evident.>>

James Marcus...he's no longer human. He...he injected himself with the G Virus. This of course was after he attacked me before being assaulted himself by Diana and Helena. They have staged some kind of coup, claiming that Mystech was going in another direction and they had no more need of Marcus OR this place. They didnt seem too interested in me...Diana knows her psi powers wont work on me and Helena....I'm not sure WHAT her stake is in all this.

They dont seem to be here anymore....no sign of Marcus either.

<< looking around...>>

be carefulll and dont touch ANYTHING.

<< Nicolas noted several large stasis tubes with nutrient rich liquid flowing and bubbling inside of them. there were humanoid figures inside of these tubes. several were large and had enhanced physical features about their person. the room was obviously the technological nerve center of the secret underground labyrinth and labs and from the various screens over the control panel, Nicolas could see there was MUCH more than meets the eye to this place! places they hadnt even BEEN TO and the idea of going to these places or even getting LOST...it troubled the young man. he HAD to keep an eye on the only "mother" he had now more than ever.>>

<< Karen quietly but urgently searched for>>

...the key....where IS it...

<< she said in a hushed but urgent tone....when finally, near the surgical table where Marcus had fallen, she found a tray ....>>

there...

<< she reached for it when a virus mutated LEECH appeared near by and hurled itself at her. she gasped as she fell back and thrust her hand forward unleashing a golden hued mystic force bolt that blasted the leech dead center and destroyed it.>>

<< Karen sighed with relief but then to her and nicolas' horror MORE leeches came into view...the ceiling, the walls and the floor! they were slithering along, larger and clearly mutated with an appetite for mutant flesh, just like the ones Haleigh, Mike and Delilah encountered on the train! just like the ones that KILLED Sharon's husband! Nicolas would remember that clearly.>>

<< Karen grabbed the key and had found the disc containing vital information from marcus' logs that would expose Mystech...>>

GOT them!

<< but the leeches seemed to be moving in concert...as they formed a growing, flowing WALL and beared down on Karen! she cried out as the CASCADED down upon her. at the LAST SECOND throwing her hands up and erecting a MYSTIC SHIELD to protect herself before it was too late but for Nicolas, it seemed she HAD been enveloped!>>

 

[Seer]

and then...

Raccoon City Police Department

<< as the group once again shuddered at Alison's grim display of precognition, they heard several large thuds nearby. same floor but further away.>>

<< then they heard a woman's scream...and a CHAINSAW!>>

<< Delilah's sense of duty caused her to move ahead to the source of the action with Morgan following close behind, not wanting her friend to be rushing into her possible DEATH. The others followed, down the hall, around a corner into a more office like area that looked rather chaotic with blood spatters on the wall and and a dead officer laying on the floor, his back up against the desk.>>

<< through that office into a file room area and now into the office of THE CHIEF OF POLICE! a woman, laying on his desk in a white gown looking bloodied and terrified screamed for her life.>>

<< as the group burst into the room, they wondered what could be going on and how she could be in this position, when suddenly a man roaring with an almost DRUG induced RAGE came bursting in right behind them, LUNGING for Delilah. She recognized his tall form as the Chief of Police, but there was something quite different, quite WRONG about him. he had a black hood mask over his face, he was wielding a chainsaw as well. and the man was operating on the the influence of a mystech's RAGE virus. ANOTHER experiment in bio technology that was supposed to aid m ilitary soldiers in hard field battle. But after several disastrous failures, it was "abandonned". But vials of it still sold on the black market. This virus that him animal like agression and FAR ABOVE AVERAGE super human strength, speed and durability. standard artillery would have no effect on him, nothing less than full fledged super strength (the kind that only Morgan or Nicolas had) or energy projection would even BEGIN to slow him down. His endurance and invulnerability were NOT something he had when he was simply human and he seemed BESIDE himself with rage now.>>

<< the shock of his arrival and sudden advance on Delilah was more than anyone could have expected.>>

Underground @ Arklay Research Facility

<< Nicolas, horrified at the sight of Karen seemingly enveloped by the large, cannibal leeches, unleashes a fury of his telekinetic power as he sends of massive shockwave out to blast the leeches off and away from her. that immense sound and feedback did not go unnoticed by Haleigh, who was not that far away. Karen was crouched down inside her own mystic shield when Nicolas finally reached her. Still alive, if not a bit winded.>>

<< his attack was well meant but he had also caused major disruption around the lab, including the computer systems that controlled the stasis tubes...unlocking the mechanisms that kept the creatures sedated and insuspended animation. though he didnt know it or mean to, they will ALL see he will have did more HARM than help.>>

<< the pair quickly scramble out of the lab and down another hall...around a corner to a relatively peacefull area...the holding cells! the systems are in tact and there seems to be no one or no CREATURES about.>>

<< Karen enters an access code that leads to the corridor where the actual holding cells are. some are open and vacant, only three are in use and in one of the three...the person has been long dead...another member of S.T.A.R.S from the Alpha team! in the other...the person has become a zombie but is held in check by the containment field and in the final occupied one is HALEIGH.>>

<< she hears Karen's voice after having heard "in her head" the voice of a young man. she wasnt going crazy after all! the moment of her release was finally at hand and now...with the three of them, the chance for ESCAPE was more possible...or WAS it? >>

 

[Harbinger]

Raccoon City Police Department

:: Alison was more thankfull than anyone might guess that her baby brother was by her side now. At her CORE, she was more "human" in her emotions than most would be allowed to see. Her care and concern for Ava is what prompted her to journey here with her to find Haleigh. NO WAY would she let Ava walk into this alone and her own BROTHER? she could not leave him here. Her aloof nature was tempered by human compassion and decency which is what motivated her to care for those in the group. She couldnt save everyone in this city so she decided to make SURE that those who were helping them would make it out with their lives. even if some...like her bother...lost their "livelyhood" here...they would LIVE to rebuild elsewhere!::

:: at this moment...the grim COMING reality of this city sickened her. the corporate malificence, the fact that she had a MORE than "Front row" seat to it all with her precognition...for the first time in this witch's life...she found herselef feeling close to "OVERWHELMED" but her baby brother's touch helped keep her grounded rather than give in to the emotions that she had been so good at keeping checked.::

:: despite regarding Michael LIGHTLY most of the time, he had prooven to be very aware, astute and fast on his feet both mentally and physically. the fact that he was charming Ava had been a small source of amusement to the precog, as most men had a short "shelf life" when it came to enertaining ava but NOW? he seemed to be more than a little necessary to this group. certainly to Delilah who had the closest connection to him among them all. he'd never given up on Haleigh somehow being alive even BEFORE they had arrived and he was ready to lay down his life for Delilah too!::

:: perhaps they COULD get around or AVOID the fate Alison clearly saw. it would be one of thsoe rare times...but Alison WELCOMED the chance for them to ALTER the outcome of her vision. ::

:: and so...as they all prepared to go back into the eye of the terror storm, they heard heavy thumping and screaming! Delilah thought she recognized the woman's voice and rushed out. Morgan called after Delilah and immediatley followed as tdid the rest of them.::

:: into another large administrative area, they found the office looked ransacked. a dead police officer on the floor and more blood on the walls. through a file area and into an executive office there was a badly injured young woman on the desk.::

:: Alison narrowed her colbalt blue eyes.::

Something's wrong...

:: and sure enough...the psychotic man...super man comes bursting in, tall, physically enhcnaced, bare chested and wearing a black hood mask and wielding a bizarre looking chainsaw.::

:: its apparently the chief of police himself! he bulled his way through them and charged for Delilah and raised his chainsaw with a predatory yell::

Watch OUT!

:: she thrusts her hands out a'la Piper Halliwell and unleashes her power over time as she attempts to "freeze" him temporal stasis but to her's and ava's shock...the man FIGHTS THROUGH IT....only being SLOWED down as he becomes a slowed blur of movement while the temporal field around her warps. but that slowing is just enough for....::

MORGAN....

:: Alison cues the other witch to take action before its too late!

 

[Spellbinder]

Raccoon City Police Department

<< Morgan flinched as the hooded man charged past her. his was TALL and toned but lean....his veins pulsating as he growled and yelled like a wild animal.>>

goddess!!!

<< he waved his chainsaw around enough to do LEATHERFACE proud.>>

who the HELL is that!?


<< Morgan said with a dismayed look on her face as he seemed to be focused on Delilah.>>

oh no...he's going to attack!

<< and sure enough he RUNS and lunges. Alison uses her magick but it only slows him down...but ENOUGH for Morgan to step forward and even as Alison was cuing her, Morgan runs and dives for Delilah, grabbing the woman by the waist and using her flight power to zoom both of them away from the reach of the hooded man as they land on the floor and he CRASHES his chainsaw on the floor slamming into the floor with such force and of course that horrid sound of the chainsaw buzzing loudly all along.>>

ughhh....

<< Morgan and Delilah hit the floor rather hard but it was better to be bruised than to be CUT UP!>>

Oh...my GAWD...Delilah are you alright??

<< she looks over shoulder and her violet eyes widens as the drug crazed man recovers and pushes through Alison's attempt to hold him and comes again.>>

Here he COMES!

<< Morgan's eyes sparkle as she magicks up a pentagram of protection around herself and Delilah...there's no TIME for her to do anything ELSE but hope that this holds against him.>>