Ororo's ghost story, part 2

[Black Widow]

They went below the main deck to search the crew quarters... everything was a disaster and there was an awful stench. It was dark and dank.... but Haleigh had 'night-vision' capabilities that allowed her to see. She offered Nicolas a flashlight as he offered her a handkerchief.

That's sweet.... but I've already aclimated to the smell. can you see alright?

He had a different way of 'seeing'; he used his telepathy like a cat would use whiskers. Despite steeling themselves for the worst.... they didn't find anyone or any THING that could explain what happened.... and so, they agreed to go back up to the main deck and wait for reinforcements.

They sat down, both independently mulling over the discovery.

You know...last night, in the fog, I thought I heard something. But I put it away, thought it was CRAZY, unbelievable. Last night, in that fog Haleigh, I heard the voice of my late wife, Alycia. Not so long ago, she and some of her friends were lost on her yacht, dead...it took us THREE days to find them, but it looked as if they had been gone a month. I will never forget that day, though at the same time, I never wanted to remember it. It was the worst day of my life, of the lives of many people here. I apologize for not putting it together before...here is all that I remember, I think this may be linked...

"I'm sorry... about your wife."

She said, as he 'sent' her the information. she reviewed it with REMARKABLE speed and considered the connections. He accompanied the information with his emotions... and while she sympathized with him, it was not relevant to her evalution and so she 'filed' it away as part of a personal 'profile' on him but didn't regard it further.

"I wish I could say this was the worst thing I've ever seen. This type of violence... the physical brutality.... it doesn't seem congruent with DROWNING victims. How long ago did this happen? There ARE a couple of correlations.... The state of the ship.... the time discrepancy.... the FOG.... It's a lot to chalk up to coincedence... but I wish we'd found the CREW of this ship. That could tell us a little more. I don't know.... but ONE THING I DO KNOW.... is the way the fog disrupted mechanical devices last night.... really gave me the creeps... and I don't usually GET the creeps."

 

[Persephone]

:: Upon opening the door, Blaze greeted both Ava and Morgan...but something seemed slightly off about the fire manipulator. She smiled at them, but her eyes conveyed that of worry. ::

"Hey Blaze...you okay?"

:: Walking into Sharon's loft as Blaze stepped aside to allow them in, Ava glanced over at Morgan who noticed Blaze's worried expression as well. ::

"There's something you guys should see...Kyle found it at the beach. I called Sharon already and informed her."

:: Ava's expression became serious as she eyed Blaze with a concerned look. ::

"What is it? What's wrong?"

:: Blaze led them to Sharon's room. As she opened the door Ava fully expected some crazy looking beast to be in there...or maybe a dangerous talisman. But as the door opened, Ava's concerned expression instantly faded seeing a simple piece of wood where Blaze gestured. ::

[deadpan] "It's a log...."

"You guys are gonna think I'm crazy but that piece of wood can transform into a coin! Kyle and I both witnessed it.

"Okaaay--it's a magical log."

:: Walking forward, Ava's wedge heals tapped softly against the hardwood floor in Sharon's bedroom. Lowering her brows, she leaned forward to get a better look as Blaze explained that she got an eerie feeling about it...like it was perhaps cursed or something. ::

"Huh...I don't know...i've never seen a piece of wood transform into a coin, or vise versa. [looking over to Morgan] Do you think it's the work of a witch or wizard?"

:: Obviously Blaze was really concerned about the transforming piece of wood, so Ava backburned her jokes and became serious. Blaze was hardly the type to get easily rattled, so the weather goddess took her uneasyness as a sign that perhaps this lump of wood was more than meets the eye. ::

 

[Spellbinder]

in sharon's ocean loft

"sorceress SLUTpreme?" oh here YOU go. Goddess of all things V.D.

<< Morgan said with a laugh as Ava picked with her.>>

<< walking up toward the door of Sharon's place, Morgan rolled her eyes with sarcastic amusement as Ava offered her anecdote about her adventure babysitting Kyle with Cameron AND topped it off with the idea of Morgan resurrecting him! She exhaled with laughter as Ava nudged her.>>

Yeah, that's a GREAT idea. and while you welcome him back by jumping his bones...you can wear that little black dress from Chanel to my FUNERAL after Alison jumps MY ass for "Trifeling with her brother".

You know...as infuriating as Cameron was...he sure was a GREAT KISSER!

<< allowing herself a moment to remember Cameron in better times. The boy was an absolute ASS, but he was cute and he definately knew how to keep a lady busy. Morgan and Ava often overlapped when it came to certain men, but while there may have been some competition over certain men, they never let a man come BETWEEN them. Usually the woman best suited for the man ended up with him...and sometimes, Morgan was all but ready to SEND Nicolas to Ava's house >>



<< at the door, Blaze greets them and Morgan immediately felt the pensive nature of her sister. Ava asked if she was okay and Morgan touched her shoulder.>>

Yeah...you and Kyle allright here? Sharon should be home very soon. We're here to give you a lift back to the mansion.

"There's something you guys should see...Kyle found it at the beach. I called Sharon already and informed her."

<< as they followed her up the spiral stair case, down the hall, to Sharon's master bedroom, the fire elemental opened the doors and lead them inside, pointing to a decent sized piece of drift wood.>>

<< Ava commented on how UNREMARKABLE it was until Blaze told them that it had TURNED from a gold coin INTO a piece of wood...>>

<< Morgan looked at it curiously. Ava went on to suggest it was a "magickal piece of wood." whic made Morga smirk a bit. >>

It does look rather...odd, for it to be merely a piece of ..."drift wood"? that means..it came from a larger object...a ship perhaps? a gold coin that TURNED into a piece of wood? the only things that turn from one object to another like that are usually charms...or omens....

<< showing her serious side and her knowledge of magick. she wanted to touch it..and so, her right hand and arm manifested the "eldritch armour" that was part of her power set. she reached forward...there was a certain feeling all the women shared as Morgan drew near it...and as she lifted the piece of wood...she got a TERRIBLE scare as underneath it...a SNAKE was laying!>>

OH MY GOD!

<< she shrieked as she staggered back, just as the snake displayed such an AGRESSION that contradicted its size. the creature was all black with eerie markings on it...it struck at Morgan, who was terrified of snakes and immediate dropped the piece of wood. had she not manifested her armour over that arm and hand, she wouldve been bitten!>>

<< the snake was NOT natural...it seemed to be there because Morgan was the one to touch it, giving strength to ava's theory that it was indeed cursed.>>

<< for now, someone had to do something about the snake before it escaped out of sharon's room and perhaps threatened Kyle.>>

 

[Firebird]

Sharon's loft

As Ava and Morgan investigated the mysterious object, Blaze watched with intrigue. "I don't know...it just creeped me out." She advised once more while Ava investigated it. Next, Morgan manifested her armor, which provided some protection from anything dangerous.

"Even if its magically inclined what is it doing HERE?!"

Yet, just as Morgan tried to explore there was a deadly snake underneath it. Fearful for Morgan's safety, Blaze went into adrenaline mode. Quickly her fingers plucked the back of the snakes head to hurl it away from her sister. Igniting a low powered heat to soothe the cold-blooded beast. Aware that snakes were cold-blooded creatures who craved heat. Which, unlike Morgan, Blaze wasn't fearful of snakes or even reptiles.

Glancing over to Ava to allow her to manipulate the snake, knowing she had a fondness for them. "This was no coincidence that a snake was conveniently hidden underneath that piece of wood. It wasn't there earlier! In biblical times, snakes were a sign of evil.."

Turning to check on Morgan to see if she was bitten or at the very least okay. "Are you okay? Do you think this has something to do with that bizarre weather last night?"

 

[Spellbinder]

Sharon's ocean loft

<< Morgan's instinct to escape the snake was primal. she back pedaled immediately. her armour having her hand and arm against the snake bite, Blaze hurled the snake away from her sister while Ava immediately placed it in a lulled state with her power over nature. Morgan was breathing heavily as Blaze asked if she was allright.>>


<< the young sorceress rested her hand on her chest, trying to get ahold of herself.>>

....yes...yes i think so...i just wasn't expecting...to see a...SNAKE.

<< she looks between Ava and Blaze.>>

That wood...is not natural...not anymore. There's something about it...but its not mystical. I dont know what it is...or how Kyle was the one that found it, but let's wait until Sharon comes...if anything happened to Kyle because he tried to touch it...we'd never forgive ourselves.

<< and so, the three young ladies stayed where they were, all trying to make sense of what just happened. Not sure if it had anything to do with the fog or not.>>

I dont know about the fog Blaze...everyone else is just kind of passing it off as another "occurrence". it seems like only certain people felt anything MORE than the obvious things that we all saw.

<< she looks at Blaze.>>

I was telling Ava that I thought i heard something else besides the car horrns and alarms going off. When tinkerbell started hissing, i felt like i was being WATCHED, like someone was there with me and I heard...OUR father's voice. It was disjointed at first but soon, i could hear it clearly. It was at that point that i came to check on you and close your windows, then I called ava and my mother.

I thought maybe I'd had too much to drink, but now...i dont know.

<< shaking her head...and trying to sweep away any frown on her face [ as they cause premature wrinkles ] Morgan looks at herself in a mirror.>>

Let's just wait for Sharon to get here, after that, we should get back to my house. It's already getting dark and we'll need to start getting ready.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

back at the gothic church

<< Karen gasped as Alison ATTACKED Delilah and herself!>>

Alison...WHAT ARE YOU....

<< too late, the women were sent FLYING, moved by TELEBLINKING as they passed THROUGH a wall and were hurled outside. it was a stylized equivalent of being thrown out of a bar or some other establishment.>>

<< Karen landed on her side, but stayed loose and rolled with it. Delilah recovered as well. After a few moments, Alison's voice could be heard, barring Karen from coming back here again.>>

...the NERVE of that woman!

: So i guess that means "NO" on her doing the benediction?

<< Delilah always had this way of quipping about any situation, no matter how pressing. her wit and humour were one of the things that helped balace Karen's sometimes obsessive compulsive tendencies and tremendous drive.>>

<< Karen looked at Delilah as she coughed a bit and dusted off her suit.>>

Alison is obviously not well. I would send the doctor up here, but she'd probably attack HIM too. There's nothing we can do about what she found in that...journal. It was written 100 years ago and by now...what's done is done. If we can just get through this ONE NIGHT...

<< the two women helped each other up.>>

We'll find another way to close the ceremony. For now, let's get back into town. I'm supposed to be meeting with Michael and Nicolas for an update on the Valiant. Did call the caterer and make sure they were on course? and what about the statue? is it already in the town square, covered and secured for tonights unveiling? and the candles for the citizens to light during the procession?

Yes Ma'am [ to everything Karen asked....]

<< it seemed that Karen was already back on business, not paying much heed to Alison's words. But was it because she didnt care? or because she couldnt bear the thought of seeing any link between last night and what Alison said this late afternoon. strange things had happened before...why was this so farfetched!?>>

<< at anyrate, the only thing Karen felt she should do now, was GO FORWARD. this town, its citizens were totally unaware of the story Alison had told them just now. there was no reason to frighten them.>>


<< and soon, they were off, zooming away from the church as the grey skies seemed to return once more, heralding the passing of late afternoon to early evening.>>

 

[Seer]

and so

<< Karen and Delilah drive back further into town. Several more phone calls and one stop along the way before meeting with Michael. Nicolas has not been available, as he has been out at sea with his new companion, scouring the Valiant for clues.>>

along the countryside roads that offer a view of the ocean

<< Sharon drives along, headed home and looking rather grim as the wind blows through her blonde, silver streaked hair. She'll only have a few hours to be with Kyle before his baby sitter, a nearby neighbor, Mrs. Kobritz, comes to sit with him while she does the nightly broadcast from the lighthouse. a ghost dj is at the lighthouse now, handling the play list and other general functions.>>


and back on the Valiant

<< as Haleigh does her b est to find connections between Alycia's yacht, this boat and last night's fog...she pinpoints a few things, doing her best to remain focused inspite of what Nicolas has told her. She may not scare easily, but even THIS situation, these recent events had creeped her out a bit. perhaps MOVING ON with her own journey, to the valley was the SMART thing to do, but in the short time she'd known Nicolas...she seemed to get the idea that MAYBE she could make a go of it while here in Thunder Bay...that might not be the best thought she had.>>

<< as she spoke, Nicolas was overcome by that feeling again...the presence of ALYCIA.>>

Alycia: you...abandonned me...you left me to die...now i have a new family...the ones who cry out for vengeance! these ones on this ship are but the FIRST!


<< her distinct voice was lost in a group of voices now...disjointed, overlapping...some male, some female, all of which seemed to be restless and unhappy. the presence was BELOW in the crew cabin. Nicolas and Haleigh had to go back down below.>>


<< then they reached below again...there was still NOTHING. but this time, Nicolas would be determined to find something...ANYTHING. >>

 

[Persephone]

:: Ava observed as Morgan moved forward to touch the piece of wood. She made sure to manifest her eldrict armor just incase anything funny happened....which was a smart procaution on her part. As Morgan lifted the piece of wood a snake suddenly struck out at the witch, causing her to stumble backwards in a blind panic. Morgan was phobic of snakes and Ava could see her starting to have a panic attack. Wisely Blaze flung the snake across the room away from Morgan. ::

"It's okay Morg. Just don't look at it."

:: Walking over to where the snake was now coiled up, Ava kneeled down in front of it, looking directly into it's eyes. Putting it into a hypnotic trance, unlike Morgan, Ava actually enjoyed snakes. In fact, she had quite a few as pets....which was probably why Morgan hardly came over to her house. ::

:: As Morgan and Blaze conversed about the drift wood and snake, Ava remained where she was, studying the marks on the reptiles body. Well versed in all species of animals, ESPECIALLY snakes, they were nothing Ava had ever seen before. ::

"These markings are so strange.....and the scale pattern is really unusual. [looking over her shoulder at Morgan and Blaze] I've never seen a species of snake like this before in my life."

 

[Silver Swan]

Sharon's loft

[ arriving and parking along side Morgan's luxury Jag, Sharon gets out and walks toward the doors, opening them and entering, she finds Kyle contentedly playing on the floor while the movie HALLOWEEN plays on the large plasma screen TV. ]


[ the eerie and classic music score of that movie is the first thing she notes before looking at her son who doesnt seem afraid.]

boys will be boys..

[ she said to herself as she calls out to him.]

hey!!

[ Kyle looks over.]

Kyle: mommy! mommy!

[ as he rushes over, Sharon bends down and scoops him up hugging him.]

What're you doing watching that scarey stuff? arent you afraid you'll have nightmares?

Kyle: It's okay mommy. You're stronger than Michael Myers! You'd kick his butt! I'd just dream you up like i've done before.

[ an indication that the boy was in fact a mutant and had powers of a psychic nature.]


[ Sharon hugs her son.]

a brave boy...yes you are! now you sit down here and let me talk to Blaze for a minute okay? I'll fix you something to eat as soon as I'm done.

[ Kyle okay's that and sits down. Sharon looks at him for a moment before departing the sunken in lounge, passing through other rooms and heading up the spiral stair case. down the hall, she finds Blaze with Morgan and Ava in her master bedroom. She can HEAR Morgan's elevated heart beat as well as the last words uttered by Ava as she enters.]

Well hello ladies. Party in my bedroom huh?

[ she comes in, looking curious to see exactly what's going on. Sharon was older than this group of women but her looks easily gave theirs a run for their money and she definately kept up with the times while retaining a classic wisdom.]

[ she waited for someone to tell her what was going on. she could see they had all witnessed something UNUSUAL.]

 

[Firebird]

Sharon's loft

....yes...yes i think so...i just wasn't expecting...to see a...SNAKE.

"You and me both."

Out of all the things to expect a snake wasn't high on that list. While Morgan struggled to calm herself, Blaze reached out to touch her on the arm. A gentle warmth enveloping her sister in an effort to lull her worries.

Unlike Morgan, Blaze didn't mind snakes, spiders, or any other animal. She had been over to Ava's house to see her precious pets. Slightly fascinated by the creatures, they were simply misunderstood since the beginning of time.

That wood...is not natural...not anymore. There's something about it...but its not mystical. I don't know what it is...or how Kyle was the one that found it, but let's wait until Sharon comes...if anything happened to Kyle because he tried to touch it...we'd never forgive ourselves.

"Precisely, which is why I contacted Sharon earlier. Okay, that sounds good."

Silently relieved that Morgan and Ava were there with her. Blaze was far from weak. In fact underneath her brainy persona was a spunky woman who could be a real prankster. Yet, looking at Blaze one wouldn't suspect that because Morgan was the real party girl. But she could let loose when the mood struck her.

I don't know about the fog Blaze...everyone else is just kind of passing it off as another "occurrence". it seems like only certain people felt anything MORE than the obvious things that we all saw.

"That could be but I just think its a weird coincidence with everything that plagued the town last night."

She had obviously watched one too many old episodes of X-Files. She didn't think much more on the subject, she was probably just being paranoid. It was just the fog, it wasn't like that was the culprit behind all of the strange occurrences.

I was telling Ava that I thought i heard something else besides the car horrns and alarms going off. When tinkerbell started hissing, i felt like i was being WATCHED, like someone was there with me and I heard...OUR father's voice. It was disjointed at first but soon, i could hear it clearly. It was at that point that i came to check on you and close your windows, then I called ava and my mother.

I thought maybe I'd had too much to drink, but now...i dont know.

"Maybe someone WAS there. Animals can sense things that most people cannot. Victor?! Morgan, he's dead...are you sure you heard correctly? Maybe it was a figment of your imagination? It could have been the wind and with how you knock back those lemon drops I wouldn't be surprised if it was just that."

Smiling over to her, Blaze pondered this bizarre phenomenon more. Turning to Ava, she looked at the brunette, "What about you, Ava, did you have anything strange happen to you? Or hear anything that was out of the ordinary?" Blaze wasn't aware that Ava was in a compromising position with her loyal subjects being worshipped by them. :hehe2:

Let's just wait for Sharon to get here, after that, we should get back to my house. It's already getting dark and we'll need to start getting ready.

"Getting ready for what?"

A thin brow perked along her forehead unsure what tonight was. It dawned on Blaze before she offered her sister a sheepish smile. "I suppose I'll have to play a designated driver for you two?"

"These markings are so strange.....and the scale pattern is really unusual. I've never seen a species of snake like this before in my life."

"That's really odd."

Deep in thought, Blaze didn't notice Sharon even arrive until her voice filtered through the room.

Well hello ladies. Party in my bedroom huh?

"Yeah, something like that."

Blaze's eyes glanced from Ava to Morgan and back to Sharon. Deciding she might as well fill her in first.

"I had Morgan and Ava take a look at the piece of wood Kyle found. But there was a snake under it that attempted to strike at Morgan. Which, according to Ava she's never seen that type of species before. But its okay, she was able to control the situation and Kyle is fine! But earlier I felt or sensed the presence of evil....a strong sense of vengeance. It was powerful...almost terrifying to feel that."

Motioning towards the wood and the snake, Blaze peered at all three women.

"What do you make of it, Sharon?"

Allowing the older woman to take a look at it. Blaze stepped closer to the snake that Ava was able to sooth. Peering down at the unusual markings, "These are odd."

 

[Rampage]

As Haleigh analyzed and reported what she could connect from what Nicolas had sent her. As she made her report Nicolas noted absently what was said, but his mind was mostly else where as he thought of...

Alycia...so beautiful, so SMART, so sexy...they hadn't been married very long when it all happened, only a couple of years. She was a great attorney and orator, and Nicolas had managed to win her heart after a whirlwind session of no-nonsense wooing punctuated by an insane animal attraction that managed to make their nights even more eventful than their busy days making deals and leading a jet set life.

Nicolas normally would accompany Alycia when she was on the ocean, but that ONE night, they'd had a tiff...nothing REALLY...and he had planned to take the speed boat out and make it up to her when her new yacht went missing. The only thing worse than losing her was losing her like THAT...knowing that she died and they weren't on perfect terms, that he had failed to protect her, and that there was now a gaping HOLE in his life.

He'd replaced her business acumen and litigious savvy with high-powered attorneys, but never her loyalty to him and their shared ventures. Morgan was a fantastic lover, but she could not replace the trust that he shared with Alycia, the love they made (as opposed to the fucking Morgan offered), or the trust that they shared in such an intimate moment. The idea that she would ever be the woman that Alycia was had hardly even occurred to him. Even the prospect of screwing both Morgan and Ava (possibly at once) only excited him on the basest of levels. All in all Nicolas was trying to put the pieces together, but that voice, HER voice...it brought home the fact that Nicolas wasn't nearly as together as he had hoped.

Nicolas was mulling these things through his mind, his face grim and set, when he heard the voice again.

Alycia: you...abandonned me...you left me to die...now i have a new family...the ones who cry out for vengeance! these ones on this ship are but the FIRST!


<< her distinct voice was lost in a group of voices now...disjointed, overlapping...some male, some female, all of which seemed to be restless and unhappy. the presence was BELOW in the crew cabin.

Nicolas rose quickly and ran belowdecks. He arrived at the crew cabin and looked around again. Nothing. But he KNEW this was where he had heard it, where it had emanated from.

ALYCIA!!! I NEVER abandoned...would NEVER abandon you!! Whoever..whatever has her, I will find you!!

With that, Nicolas reaches THROUGH the crew cabin wall into the next quarters and tears away the wall itself. The ship shudders as he pulls, determined to find whatever is responsible for this.

 

[Persephone]

:: Standing from her crotched positon, Ava turned her body toward Morgan and Blaze as Sharon entered the room. Blaze caught Sharon up on everything that had happened thus far. ::

"Just make sure you keep Kyle of out here. Who knows what this lump of wood will do next. [Ava paused for a moment] Woooow, never thought i'd consider a piece of kindling a threat."

:: Shaking her head, this whole situation was just wacky. Regardless, the goddess kept the snake under her charms and waited for Sharon to respond to everything. ::

 

[Black Widow]

The breeze picked up and the sun started to shine through the clouds.... Haleigh rummaged through her bag for something, all the while still discussing things with Nicolas.

"....It's just.... I'm hesitant to say it's DEFINITELY linked..... [Ah! there it is she thought, taking out a hard sunglasses case and slipping on a pair of Ray Bans] without more concrete evidence..... you know?"

She asked, looking back up at him, noticing his 'glazed over' look. He was distracted by something.... she wasn't offended, just intrigued. He'd been right here a minute ago, but he was clearly zoned out now.

"Earth to Nicolas King..... Come BACK to us, Nicolas King."

But he didn't 'come back'. Instead, he stood up and RAN back below deck.... Haleigh jumped up and followed, all the while trying to reach him.

"HEY, KING! What's gotten INTO you?? Will you hold up just a goddamned minute? Hey, WHAT are you doing??"

He was tearing THROUGH the walls... the ship creaked and groaned under the stress of MORE damage. Haleigh grabbed Nicolas by the shoulders, by the arms, whatever she could get a grip on as she tried to STOP him. He was acting CRAZED!

"Hey, STOP! NICOLAS STOP!!!"

Her voice reached stereophonic levels, reverberating off the steels walls around them, amplified. She was alarmed by his inexplicable behavior, and alarmed even more by his feverish destruction of the ship.

 

[Seer]

a moment of discovery

<< Nicolas was not the only one who seemed full of surprises. As he lashed out in anguish and disbelief at what sounded like "Alycia's" accusation , the ship listed to one side, causing everything to go flying and toppling over.>>

<< the ship was definately suffering stress and Haleigh knew that as she called for Nicolas to get ahold of himself. But his outburst did reveal one thing, perhaps not to Haleigh's liking, as a BODY of one of the crew men seemed fall/LUNGE onto Haleigh's BACK! he was dead, slimey and covered in seaweed. from the look of it LONG DEAD and submerged, but still, it was never the most pleasant thing...having a dead body FALL on you. >>

<< the other two bodies rolled out as well and just then, the bay patrol and coast guard had arrived. it would not be official, the crew of the valiant lost. and Nicolas was no closer to discovering just who or WHAT was behind his haunting by Alycia.>>


after a little while

<< Nicolas and Haleigh would head back to the mainland, to the hospital where the medical examiner was performing her official rundown of the cause of death in the three individuals of the valiant.>>

<< Mike, Karen and Delilah were on their way to the hospital to meet with Nicolas and would be there shortly. He and Haleigh were both offered coffee and blankets as they had been recovered from their ordeal and now...more waiting.>>

 

[Silver Swan]

Sharon's loft

[ Sharon listened to Blaze and looked at the piece of drift wood with concern. tucking some of her blonde, silver streaked hair behind her ear, she comes close. She was a tough woman, in the literal sense. her invulnerability made her able to survive the most harsh environments and conditions and so, if this..."wood" had any more surprises...she would be best able to withstand it.]

[ she hesitated before finally GRIPPING the piece of wood and lifting it up, turning it over. there was no snake or anything else lurking underneath. it seemed to be just an inanimate object NOW. but there was some deeper indentation...like something, some word had been carved into it.]

i...have no idea, what it could be!

[ she said , looking rather concerned.]

But Kyle can't play with it anymore. I don't even want him looking at it.

[ she looks at the three young women.]

I'll talk with Kyle and I'll take the drift wood with me...I have to see Nicolas anyway. Maybe he knows what ship this belongs to.

[ standing up again.]

Thank you for being so carefull, Blaze. It gets hard sometimes...being a single mother... and its nice to have help from friends like you. thank you all for looking out for Kyle this evening.

[ she smiles.]

I hate to be short ladies, but I have much to do before this evening's broadcast and I'll need to talk with Kyle now.

[ and with that the women bid each other farewell for the time being, with Morgan , Ava and Blaze leaving in Morgan's luxury jag. Sharon waves goodbye and then slowly shuts the door as the fog horn mournfully tolls across the seaside. ]

[ in a little while, Sharon comes and sits in the sunken in lounge with Kyle and pats the seat next to her for Kyle to come and sit. ]

Sharon: Kyle, honey...tell me where you found that piece of wood today?

Kyle: Well...it was a gold coin first, and then it turned into a piece of wood. It was bright like fire, and then the wood had all this seaweed on it.

Sharon: did you touch it?

Kyle: No, i ran to get Blaze to see it, but she told me that i s houldnt touch it until you saw it first...can i see it now?

[Sharon paused for a moment, looking at her son for a moment before responding.]

Sharon: No, honey. I'm afraid not. Mommy is going to take it to Nicolas. I think it may belong to him.

Kyle: awwwww....but...

Sharon: No "buts", Kyle. And from now on, I want you to promise me that you'll come and get me first before you play with anything else you find on the beach okay?

[ Kyle seemed to pout a bit.]

Sharon: OKAY?

Kyle: Yes, mommy. Did i do something wrong?

Sharon: [ hugging her son] No honey...I just want you to be carefull. That's all. You're okay, kiddo.


[ the fog horn tolled mournfully outside as dusk washed over Thunder Bay and the high tide was starting to come in. ]

 

[Shadow Weaver]

the office of the medical examiner

<< Karen and Delilah arrived, both were walking with a purpose through the halls, their high heels heralded their approach as both women looked crisp, profesional and stylish, though Karen's facial experession was more grim than it had been BEFORE she got the call about the valiant's crew.>>

<< Mike was there now as well. they were coming to meet Nicolas, unaware of his recent traveling companion to learn more details about the status of the Valiant and its crew. For Karen, it would be more than a haunting de ja vu.>>

It doesnt get any easier, Delilah. It seems like more and more is coming apart the closer we get to the 100th anniversary.

<< soon they come to a waiting room, but there's no one inside. Delilah indicates that Nicolas and Haleigh are in the exam room/morgue and so, with heavy hearts and a gulp from Karen, the two women make their way in.>>

Good evening.

Medical Examiner: Good evening, Madame Mayor, Ms. Trelevan. Thank you both for coming so quickly.


Well, after a less than productive visit with Miss Alison Marble, we found ourselves with a little extra time on our hands.


<< Delilah looks at Karen, hoping she wont divulge the details of the meeting. But Karen is one step ahead as she nods and then sees Nicolas.>>

Hello Nicolas...

<< breaking from her formal presentation to give Nicolas a hug. Knowing that this couldnt be easy for him. its in indicator how some of the key players of this town have a long history together. a history blighted by loss such as this. >>

<< she pulls away, noticing Haleigh.>>

And who might you be?

<< the elegant, older woman said as she looked upon the young woman.>>

 

[Black Widow]

The ship began to sway and as it did, anything that wasn't bolted down went toppling this way and that. Haleigh wasn't too worried about-- until a pair of arms WRAPPED AROUND her! It was a MAN! Haleigh had the passing instinct to SHRIEK, but she held it in, reacting quickly and effieciently.... she used her elbow to create space between them as she turned towards him, then DECKED him in the face, easily breaking his nose, and inadvertantly breaking his NECK from the whiplash.... His body fell heavily with a sickening squelch.

"He's... already dead. [leaning over the body] Looks like he's been that way for quite some time. [spotting the two other bodies] There's others. These guys have been dead a LOT longer than overnight. Are you sure this is the crew of the Valiant?"

She was surprisingly calm for someone who'd just been assaulted by a dead, inanimate body.... an indication that she'd dealt with somethings similar if not WORSE before. She looked up at the 'ceiling'....

"Reinforcements. Let's get out of here."

After debriefing the Bay Patrol and the Coast Guard, Nicolas and Haleigh headed back to the hospital/morgue so that the ME could give them an accurate cause of death. A particularly friendly orderly at the hospital wrapped a blanket around Haleigh [though she protested] and offered her coffee. She opted instead for tea and when he left to get it, shed the blanket. She drank her tea as they waited for the ME to complete the autopsy, her mind mulling over the state of the bodies and WHY Nicolas had gone seemingly berserk.

After a good deal of waiting, the ME called them in. They went into the exam room and were followed by two women who seemed to have a purpose being there... but they weren't medical staff. The ME greeted one of them as MAYOR.... and that woman comforted Nicolas as Haleigh looked on. Clearly this was a tight knit group... Haleigh gave them both polite smiles and as the Mayor asked who she was, she offered her handshake.

"I'm Haleigh Davidoff... I helped Mr. King locate his missing vessel.... and I'm assisting in the investigation of what happened to it..... It's nice to meet you, Mayor."

Short, to the point. The truth, though not the WHOLE truth.... but Haleigh answered smoothly and left no reason for doubt. She was good at being professional.

 

[Shadow Weaver]

the office of the medical examiner

<< Karen lifted her perfectly shaped eyebrows as Haleigh introduced herself.>>

certainly a confident young woman.

<< but where did she come from?>>

<< Karen shook Haleigh's hand and nodded as the woman explained how she helped Nicolas find his missing vessel and was assisting in this investigation. Karen was momentarily at a loss for words. She wasnt exactly aware that she had hitchhiked her way into Thunder Bay and so she assumed the next most logical thing>>

Oh, I wasn't aware that Michael had hired you on so quickly!

<< Michael was a police chief in Thunder Bay. Delilah eyed Haleigh, almost positive this woman was not a Thunder Bay citizen, but if she was helping Nicolas in such a crucial way now...why bother to question her just yet? Karen>>

Well, allow me to personally thank you for your help in this...unpleasant matter.

<< looking to the Medical Examiner.>>

So, Dominique...what were you about to tell us? Sharon is going to want these details, as she will be one of the first to inform the town about the fate of the crew, but BEFORE THAT...<< looking at Nicolas and Mike.>> have the families been contacted?

 

[Rampage]

As Nicolas raged, he noticed the ship beginning to tilt. That and a pair of strong but feminine hands on his person stayed him from sending the whole damn thing back to the ocean's floor. As Haleigh finally restrained him, he "heard" her mentally yelp as she turned to attack a dead body. It appears that the crew had been found.

Haleigh made an astute observation as to their condition, a condition similar to his late wife when SHE was found, and sought to confirm that the time missing was accurate. Nicolas took a look at them with TK, confirming their identities.

It's them. I have the dental records of ALL my crews. Shipping is dangerous business, although I had previously rarely lost crewmen, and NEVER an ENTIRE crew.

Haleigh notified him of the coming Sea patrol and he went into business mode, taking charge of turning the vessel over to authorities and accompanying the men (along with Haleigh) to the ME. He confirmed the crewmen identities and was notifying his personal assistant to make preparations when Karen and Delilah made their entrance.

Hello Nicolas...

<< breaking from her formal presentation to give Nicolas a hug. Knowing that this couldnt be easy for him. its in indicator how some of the key players of this town have a long history together. a history blighted by loss such as this. >>

Karen. It is good to see you, even in times like this.

Nicolas returned her embrace and kissed her forehead, a habit he began as they mourned their respective spouses not so long ago. There had LONG been a healthy respect and close rapport, but the loss that day galvanized the pair. His support for the mayor was total and reinforced in turn. Together they were formidable in a situation.

<< she pulls away, noticing Haleigh.>>

And who might you be?

"I'm Haleigh Davidoff... I helped Mr. King locate his missing vessel.... and I'm assisting in the investigation of what happened to it..... It's nice to meet you, Mayor."

Oh, I wasn't aware that Michael had hired you on so quickly!

Actually Karen, I had been working on a project to help support Mike, the local sea Patrol and regional authorities, since the port often brings in...unusual circumstances. Ms. Davidoff was in for an interview with me when I attempted to cancel at the news of the Valiant. She offered to help and I am certain that we are grateful to her for her assistance and expertise in this matter.


Not TOTALLY untrue. Simply a mixture of plans he'd made one day after the FIRST incident and the circumstances of Haleigh's involvement. He sent the regional plans to Haleigh with a message.

Delilah means well, but is NOSY. This will give you more info to work with.

Well, allow me to personally thank you for your help in this...unpleasant matter.

<< looking to the Medical Examiner.>>

So, Dominique...what were you about to tell us? Sharon is going to want these details, as she will be one of the first to inform the town about the fate of the crew, but BEFORE THAT...<< looking at Nicolas and Mike.>> have the families been contacted?
Today 06:37 PM

Nicolas sent a message to Mike as well. His eyes had widened at the story Nicolas just told and Nicolas wanted to keep the story together. So he kept his old friend as in the loop as he currently could.

Play ALONG. I vouch for her.

MIKE:Er...um.Yes, of course. They are being contacted now. I have sent the neighborhood beat cop along with one of Nic's corporate representatives to inform each family and offer any help that may be needed. Nicolas has assured me that they will be well cared for.

 

[Black Widow]

Oh, I wasn't aware that Michael had hired you on so quickly!

Michael? Oh, she must have been referring to the other man here... Haleigh gave him the once over. His uniform was cleaned and pressed, his posture and demeanor very proud and strong. He reminded her of the Navy SEAL boys she used to know... his badge said Police Chief.... and Karen glanced at him in a way that suggested familiar comfort... and he returned her glance. Haleigh watched him, hiding her reaction.... the way Mike and Karen exchanged glances... there MUST be something more between them than just professional courtesy. An expert at reading body language and 'between the lines' communication, Haleigh hid a smile... and looked back at Karen.

"Oh, no--"

But Nicolas jumped in and gave her a hand.... and she glanced at him with a grateful smile. She didn't want to have to explain herself.... and he provided her with a 'cover story' that would get her through any questions they might ask her. Thanks, Nicolas. She thought, knowing he'd hear.

Well, allow me to personally thank you for your help in this...unpleasant matter.

"Don't mention it... this is certainly unfortunate... if there's anything I can do, it'd be my pleasure."

The policeman seemed a little suspicious of Nicolas' story but he went along with it anyway, answering the Mayor about the notification of the families. Haleigh glanced at the ME, waiting for her analysis of the crew.... very interested in what she might have to say.