Tests and Trials

[Persephone]

:: Clearing her throat in a rather calm manner, Ava folded her arms across her chest as the lights within the danger room turned off. Her enhanced eyesight took a few seconds to kick in, but soon enough, she was able to see everything and everyone one as clear as day. Hearing what sounded like energy, Ava spotted two tenticals coming for each of her arms. With her arms extended out to her side (almost taunting the tenticals to come and get her), a small cyclone of bitter cold air circled around her palms before blasting right into the oncoming tenticals. Immediately, the threat froze in mid air into frosty cubes before falling to the floor. ::

:: Running her fingers through her hair, Ava was obviously less than concerned with whatever Alycia was throwing at her and the group. They had battled Gods, psycho preachers, bionic mad men, and technologically enhanced former senetors to name a few, so in Ava's eyes, they were pretty well versed in what to do during crisis situations...::

:: Watching the danger room change into a holographic image of a creepy mansion, obviously Alycia thought otherwise. Inhaling a deep breath as zombies began to come out of the wood work, Ava spotted some large wasps flying toward her. Raising her hand, before she could even unleash an attack, Sharon began to go ballistic, screaming and throwing stars around the room. Some of the stars struck the wasps heading for Persephone, making them drop to the ground, but the other stars flew erratically throughout the simulated room. Hearing one wiz by, Ava moved directly into the path of another one; the star grazing her cheek and leaving a clean cut. Hissing in pain, Nicolas and Delilah quickly addressed the situation while Alycia shut down the simulation. It was obvious Sharon wasn't ready for any of this.... ::

:: Alycia asked if everyone was alright, and Ava nodded. Lifting her fingers to her cut, it was barely bleeding; just a superficial wound.::

"Yeah, i'm fine."

 

[Black Widow]

We'll have to see about that wont we?

"Well, are you going to stand there holding the firecracker and matches, but too busy talking shit to light the fuse?"

Haleigh shot back playfully. The scene changed quickly to a creepy victorian mansion, with creatures of the living dead starting to advance. A pack of degenerated dobermans took a shine to Haleigh.... but they weren't looking for a new owner... they were looking for the next meal. Haleigh bent her knees slightly and raised her hands, taking a defensive stance as they closed in and began to circle her in predatory instinct. One leapt straight for her, and Haleigh caught it with one hand by the throat. It snarled and snapped at her, as another launched itself into her, strongly biting down on her elbow, trying to get her to release the first dog. Haleigh's suit protected her from the bite, and she brought a fist down on the biting dog's head, knocking it out clean as she crushed the windpipe of the dog in hand.

Haleigh could instantly sense the spike in Sharon's level of panic, and she delivered a crippling roundhouse kick to the next attacking dog before diving out of the way of a few stars that were too close for comfort. Nicolas brought up protection and Alycia halted the training session. Sharon voiced her feelings and as Nicolas and Delilah immediately responded, Haleigh remained silent for a bit. She knew EXACTLY what Sharon meant... and what she was feeling. Alycia tried to defend herself, and Haleigh stepped in, STRANGELY, in her defense.

"Alycia didn't do it on purpose, Sharon.... She set the parameters for the location and it pulled a place that fit the bill directly from your subconscious.... we can't fault the simulation bay for doing EXACTLY what it was supposed to..... the enemy can be COUNTED on to use psychological warfare and whatever other underhanded fight tactics at their disposal.... the Danger Room was programmed to condition us to anything and everything..... Sharon....You did quite well, but there is ONE important thing to take away from this session. You MUST NEVER panic or lose your composure.... not only did it put US at risk, but essentially it also puts YOU in danger because it can initiate a loss of control or worse, it can be absolutely debilitating. I KNOW it's a lot.... and it's so unnatural to be doing these things, to have this PART of your body that you don't fully understand and can't quite control.... but control comes with practice and patience. Mystech..... has changed you into something.... FUNDAMENTALLY different than what you were and i know precisely what that feels like.... and I can identify with the hesitation that Mystech's lingering touch leaves. You're worried about what you're capable of..... and you feel like a freak of nature..... but Sharon.... Delilah's right..... 'normal' is an illusion. What WE have is a balance.... and you'll find that balance too.... but like the cliche goes, Rome wasn't built in a day."

Haleigh assured, as she glanced at Alycia. She was SURE that Alycia wasn't being entirely forthcoming.... but Sharon was having difficultly adjusting, and understandably so.... and Haleigh felt it best to wait until AFTER she retired 'home' to debrief in FULL with Alycia.

 

[Silver Swan]

:: Sharon breathed deeply. Delilah's illumniation was modulated just right to bring about calm and soothing balm to her highetend emotion. she eased her body posture as Delilah reminded her that NO ONE was ever truly normal and that powers or no...life was never easy. Nicolas seconded this and assured her that she would get through it.::

:: again..she WANTED to believe them, but some days...it just seemed like she didnt have it together at all.::

:: She looked upon Alycia, who answered Nicolas' question as briefly as possible. She appreciated Alycia, LOVED HER as her best friend, but she was still disjointed emotionally and it was hard for her to properly communicate. she hadnt fully reintegrated yet.::

I feel so OUT OF PLACE....I'm sorry if i hurt you...:: looking at Nicolas and Ava::

I didnt mean to. When I was ... 'programmed' i seemed to know just what to do..NOW im feeling lost and disoriented.

:: Haleigh spoke with clarity and understanding. it reached Sharon and let her know that it was OKAY for her to be struggling as she was. She didnt HAVE to perform perfectly right away....THAT was something that RICK RILEY had expected...PERFECT PERFORMANCE AND COMPLIANCE.::




::Alycia ifnformed them that they were finished with this exercise and asked Nicolas to take her home....she was staying in a luxe brownstone that Nicolas provided, he was making sure that all her needs were met, honoring his father's memory of her, and repaying her kindness to him from the past as he thought best.::

:: one thing was for sure...the future was full of possibilities for Sharon Kelly but NO ONE could ignore that she was now and forever the Silver Swan. She would HAVE to be READY for what would come her way...and THEY would have to help her. not only for her benefit but for THEIRS as well. little did she know that the hauntings of her past were only just beginning. sometimes, threats come from where they are least expected.::

:: as Nicolas reassures her that she'll be allright and that he'll take her home, he leaves to change and with uncertain silence, Sharon llooks at the remaining four women before takiing her leave the danger room, her high heeled boots echoed as they hit the metalloid floor. she'd see the six later.::

 

[Artemis]

Illustra- the danger room

:: Alycia WAS feeling terribly on edge just now. She felt like she had just declassified something that she shouldnt have....but whether he was doing it to DISTRACT from that, or INSPITE of, Alycia was mildly relieved by Nicolas' TRADEMARK ovetures and flirtations. after staring off for a moment, Alycia snapped back into focus, rolling her neck and giving Nicolas the hand dismissively::

Oh honey please, who do you think you're fooling? you'll end up straining your wrist...AGAIN .

:: her own catty retort and an implication to what he does in his spare time ::

:: as Nicolas got serious and resassured Sharon before leaving to change, Haleigh had surprisingly come to Alycia's defense, being up front about the danger room scenario. while Alycia WAS still learning her away around the system, it had essentially done exactly what it was supposed to. SHE ALSO managed to sum up the best possible aspect of the session, piggy backing what Alycia was saying. Not only did Sharon need to be able to protect herself, but that the enemy would never play fair and that SHE must NOT panic or lose control.::

:: Haleigh had a wealth of PERSONAL knowledge and empathy to Sharon's situation and Alycia would hardly not at all object to her involvement in Sharon's rehabilitation and training. the woman was a valuble ally...though they were STILL "on the mend", they had taken STRIDES toward repairing their own friendship as well. the tension, the HOSTILITY was no longer there and in many ways Haleigh would probably be the best one to pick up where Alycia left off in this matter::

Thank you...Haleigh.

:: Ava indicated she was fine and Delilah was no worse for the wear and as Sharon left the danger room as well, that left Alycia alone with the other three.::

:: exhaling.::

I didnt mean to upset her so....

:: she looks down, before bending down to pick up a spinning star::

She's CHANGED so much! I look at her..and i SCARCELY see the same woman i once knew....even her eyes, her VOICE have changed. Sometimes i feel like I'm barely reaching her....

:: studying the spinning star.::

and now....now i'm pretty much digging my own hole DEEPER than ever before, by NOT coming clean about Sharon to the NSA ...and of course...all of THIS. I've been back and forth lately....and i think its starting to get to me.

:: looking at them::


You three, and Nicolas performed excellently of course. Each of you has picked up more skill and finesse, probably the result of having to match wits with depraved idiots like Riley. We're ALL going to need to have extra guile and cunning in the times to come.


I have to return to capitol hill..FULL TIME...I wont be able to come back for a long while. I've also got to begin training of the new batch of Force Works agents that have swelled the ranks of my federal strike force.

::hoping this would distract them from any lingering question they might have about the Arklay Mansion and what it meant to Sharon.::

I'll be leaving tomorrow. You have my private contact numbers if you need anything.

By the way, Ava, at MY urging, my office has decided to award Cassadine Industries the full contract for weapons/technology supply and development. its the first step I've taken to try to help legitamize and REPAIR the Cassadine image on Capitol Hill. You'll be receiving the documents to sign in a day or so.

You guys...take care...and take care of Sharon too.

:: she departed, presumably to leave Illustra and return to her diamond executive suite at the Parthenon hotel.::

 

[Seer]

into the night

:: sound unusual sounds could be heard in the air as Alycia left. probably just the sound of the technology and machinery settling and powering all the way down. The Danger Room was a crowning achievement. the combined efforts of Haleigh, Nicolas, Cassadine Industries and Alycia with Morgan's blessing...but even with this new facility for the six and their allies to test themselves and further hone their skills....sometimes, NO amount of preparation would help when things happen as they will.::

:: Alycia WAS sitting on something. but what was it and WHY? in the weeks that past, her relationship with various members of the six had recovered greatly and she seemed more approachable, more helpfull and less intimidating/erratic but there was always a certain air of "secret" that she kept...and with Sharon returning..it seemed to be growing.::

as the evening progressed

:: Nicolas took Sharon back to the posh brownstone she was staying it. Two elite Force Works operatives and two Clandestine Inc soldiers were stationed nearby and around the home while Mike and his men were also in convinient but covert reach, all of them making SURE that the occupant of this brownstone was kept safe from discovery and harm.::

meanwhile


:: Ava, who was enjoying a renewed friendship with James, was now left to ponder the fact that she would have documents to sign, but because Cassadine Industries and Illustra Inc were now affiliated, She would have to inform Morgan before the documents were signed, any action taken by Cassadine Industries would also have some effect on Illustra and vice versa. This was yet ANOTHER step toward her goal of bringing Cassadine Industries OUT from under the cloud of infamy left by her father. First the daring move to allign with Illustra and now coming off the success of the breast cancer awarness concert/gala featuring Madonna, she was about to take another BOLD step, courtesy of Alycia, the same woman who had helped her establish her identity in this timeline.::

:: Haleigh, still recently single, was in an unusual place. with Morgan ABSENT for the time being, SHE would be the one to become field leader but she wasnt quite sure if she should ACT in that role yet. so much had happen during Riley's reign of terror and Haleigh's standing the team had taken another blow. things were on the upswing now but it wasnt clear yet. She was definately prooving to be a big help with Sharon though, and because of that, it seemed that SHE and Nicolas might be the best ones to approach Alycia about whatever she was sitting on with regards to Sharon.::

:: Delilah, who was now fully invested in Illustra thanks to Morgan and Alison, was reaching the point financially where she wouldnt HAVE to work IF she didnt want to. She was making more money at a faster rate than she ever thought possible thanks to the rising stock of Illustra Inc...and its public and financial successes as of late. Still, Delilah was not like Morgan in that she didnt "live" for the "life of a socialite". She was a cop..it was what she loved, and her bridges with the NYPD remained solid and open, with that in mind, maybe it was time for her to do some "consulting" work of sorts?::

:: Nicolas, now at Sharon's new home, watched as she sat motionless on a corner of a couch in the posh sitting room. she stared blankly as only the sound of a ticking grandfather clock could be heard. She needed to be drawn out of her shell...he needed to TALK with her.::

and across town

:: who watches the one that watches others? Alycia has no idea that she is being trailed and surveyed by someone ELSE...someone who has blended into New York City's night life and has become a shadow to more than one member of the six.::

 

[Artemis]

The Parthenon- diamond suite floor

:: standing near the floor to ceiling, panoramic window overlooking one side of the city, Alycia looks lost in thought at her refracted image in the window. droplets of rain herald the beginning of summer night storm.::

:: the haunting sounds of BJORK played over the sound system. a surprising selection for Alycia, but she was a woman who always had a surprise or two.::

:: slowly turning away from the window, she walked slowly. no longer in her suit, she was now moving about her diamond executive suite, wearing green, gem toned mini robe with some matching fluffy deerfoam slippers and her raven black hair was pulled back into a "messy" pony tail. she looked comfortable and relaxed but as she poured herself a small drink, her mind churned.::

:: she was having such a hard time balancing HERSELF. was she really going to be able to REMAIN the special assistant to the national security advisor of the president of the united states AND chair woman of the commission of super human activities and STILL protect the very people the government would LOVE to get their hands on? was she selling herself out by living a compromised existence? how LONG could she walk the tightrope before it broke...or someone ELSE came along and pushed her OFF?::

:: it was weighing HEAVILY on her, despite the recent victories and the bolstered reputation she was enjoying. this was yet ANOTHER milestone in her life...but WHY did it feel like a MILLSTONE was tied around her neck!?::

:: sitting at her desk, a fair cry from her satellite office that used to be in Illustra or her new spot in the pentagon, she began to sift through a file...on Sharon Kelly no less. there were documents, captures, and other things but there was an entire section that was "blacked out" from almost any information source and government agency. Alycia had gone to GREAT LENGTHS to make sure that Sharon was now as insulated as she could possibly be, but no matter how much you cover things..the past has a way of coming BACK...the LAST caper prooved that much.::

....why now? why NOW?

:: looking at pictures of the Arklay mansion, unaware that someone else was watching HER from another window of a building nearby.::

 

[Bishop]

From the darkness of a nearby building...

Little did Alycia know that she was in the crosshairs of a Marine-issue ATN NVM-14 night vision camera. The shutter clicked a few times before scanning down to the document Alcyia was perusing. It clicked one more time, then was lowered by the prone figure holding it.

Bishop didn't need to photograph the document that carefully because, of course, he already had a copy of it.

"Oh, Miss Barnett - you've been a very naughty girl."

Still clad in the shadows, he rolled over onto his back and put the camera in it's place on his vest. Turning back for one last look at Alycia as she sat unawares, he smiled.

"Sorry, darlin' - I have another appointment to get to."

He made it back to the service elevator and down to the street unseen. Pulling up the collar on his jacket, he blended into the crowd of tourists and businessmen, and made his way quickly downtown.

 

[MorningStar]

"DIC Trelaven for all personnel: hold your positions and wait for my signal before proceeding. Repeat: wait for my signal before proceeding."

[ Delilah lowered her walkie and looked around. Police cars had cordoned off the area, and officers kept careful watch over a rundown brownstone in Alphabet City. Snipers had been stationed in the surrounding buildings, and the SWAT team had just arrived. Delilah stood near them, dressed in a borrowed bullet-proof vest with the huge yellow SWAT logo on the back.

They had been waiting for this bust for a long time, she was in charge, and Delilah was not about to fuck it up. By the book and perfect was important in this case. The perp was a real slimeball - a contract killer who seemed to walk on a technicality or disappear any time they got close. He used a lot of firepower and wasn't afraid to use explosives, which was the reason the SWAT boys had been called in. It wasn't your usual takedown, and he wasn't getting away this time.

Plain clothes had caught sight of him and pursued him here, where they had cornered him. They knew he was in there, now they just had to go in and get him.

Delilah took a deep breath and nodded to her partner. Rivera was young, clean-cut, and good looking. But he was also a good cop, and Delilah trusted him to watch her back. She raised a hand in the direction of the team that would go in the building with her. They had objected to her presence, but she had been following this case for years and she would de damned if she wouldn't be there when he was captured. The team moved towards the door of the apartment building, where a large officer with forearms bigger than his head stood watch. She nodded to him, and he stepped aside. ]

"This is DIC Trelaven, we're going in."

[ She handed the walkie to the officer, and did a radio check of the in-ear piece she would use to communicate with SWAT. Satisfied all was in order, she nodded to the team to go ahead. They swept inside and up the stairway quickly, with trained precision. As they reached the fifth floor, Delilah took the safety off her gun.

The point man counted to three on his fingers, then the door was broken down with a portable battering ram, and the officers moved inside. Delilah was the second inside, and as the point man called clear in the rundown living room, Delilah leapfrogged to the door to the bedroom. She kicked the door open and went in gun first.

There was her perp - her gun leveled towards him. His eyes were shifty, his hands already up in surrender. The window was open and a breeze blew through the dingy curtains. As Delilah's eyes scanned the room, she saw that a man leaned casually against the windowsill, and he too was pointing a Sterling Mark 6 9mm handgun at HER perp. ]

"NYPD, put the gun DOWN!"

[ One corner of the man's mouth turned up into a smile. She stepped further into the room, closer now to the one she'd come for, but training her gun now on the mysterious stranger. ]

"We're taking this man into custody. Drop your weapon - the gun is not necessary."

[ The man in front of her was handsome, well muscled, dark hair close shaven to his head. His expression was playful, almost amused, but his eyes were cold as steel and his gun arm unwavering. Those eyes seemed to look right through her. She swallowed hard. ]

"He will be brought to justice."

 

[Bishop]

Bishop's half smile got bigger at that. Justice. He cocked his head slightly at the blonde officer that stood pointing a gun at him, not once moving his gun arm or his finger off the trigger. She was cute for a cop.

"He'll be back out on the street tomorrow."

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah had come across justice system pessimists before. It didn't phase her. She licked her lips. ]

"Put. The. Gun. Down. I promise you he will go to jail. Lower your weapon or I will shoot you!"

[ All this time the stranger had kept one eye on the badguy. But now, he gave her his full attention.

"Don't make promises you can't keep," he said. And pulled the trigger.

The bullet tore a hole through Delilah's perp's head. She flinched as blood spattered across her face. The body slumped to the floor and Delilah knelt beside it, looking for a pulse and finding none. She turned her head upward to the window, but the stranger was gone.

She touched her hand to her earpiece. ]

"Suspect fleeing through northside window. Take him down!"

[ She reached the window and looked down, up, to the sides. No one. ]

"Blue 2, do you have eyes on him?"

"Negative."

"Blue 3, 4?"

"Negative."

"Negative."

"Where the hell did he go, damnit!?"

[ Delilah pushed her way past the officers now milling about the apartment and back down the stairs. ]

"This is Detective-in-Charge Trelaven. Requesting emergency personnel inside - subject is down. Repeat: subject is down. I am in pursuit of a white male, age 30 to 35, approximately 200 pounds, shaved head, dark pants and black jacket fleeing from the crime scene. Request immediate assistance. Over."

[ Delilah rushed out the back door of the building. She turned round, out of breath, seeing only the deserted alley. She threw up her hands in exasperation. She had lost him. ]

 

[Persephone]

:: Even though the battle simulations didn't turn out as everyone had planned, Alycia dropped Ava a rather pleasent bomb, explaining that she was able to get Cassadine Enterprises a very impressive contract to distrubute weapons and technology. ::

"Fantastic, Alycia. I'll go speak to Morgan about this right away so we can finish the paper work. Just fax the contracts to my home office."

:: And with that, Ava bid both Haleigh and Alycia farewell before heading back to her apartment and taking a quick shower and changing. By that time, Alycia had already faxed the paperwork, prompting Ava to call Morgan who was away with her mother. Looking over the contract, Ava dialed Morgan's cell phone and held the phone between her shoulder and ear as she continued to review. Running her hand fingers through her wet hair, she turned and slid on top of her desk, continuing to flip through the contract while waiting for Morgan to answer. ::

 

[Spellbinder]

phone call

<< across the country in L.A. California, Morgan and Karen were enjoying a trip born out of business and pleasure. both women had matters to attend to out here and decided to take the trip together as mother and daughter, giving them a chance to interact OUTSIDE of the dynamic of the six, and even the world of fashion. the trip was prooving to be a delightfull distraction and Morgan trusted that the team would be fine...and would keep Sharon safe.>>

<< on Melrose Avenue, in a cute, spanish courtyard of a vacant apartment complex, Morgan stood with a real estate agent.>>

it seems like this building is a mild "fixer upper", it could be restored to its original glory and purchasing it is a no brainer....

<< turning to her mother and whispering>>

the cash flow from this building and any occupants could be stored away in an off shore account...an air tight nest egg for either of us if something should go wrong.

<< turning back to the real estate agent.>>

of couse ill want a complete history of this propety, previous owners..and ill want to see any of the units that are still in semi operable condition.

<< at that moment, her cell phone rang in her coach purse.>>

excuse me...

<< seeing that it was Ava, Morgan stepped away, near to the pool and picked up.>>

Hello, Ava?

<< Morgan waited for her to answer.>>

 

[Persephone]

:: Hearing Morgan's voice, Ava straightened her posture and changed phone positions, now holding it in her hand instead of between her ear and shoulder. Although it wasn't an offical buisness call, Ava seemed to instinctively get into that 'buisness woman' mindset when involving Cassadine Enterprises. ::

"Morgan, I hope i'm not inturrupting you, but I just recieved word from Alycia today that she managed sign Cassadine Enterprises for offical distribution of weapons and technology for the government. She faxed me the contracts and they look fine; I just need to pass it with you and for us to both sign it, and we'll be on our way."

::

 

[Spellbinder]

phone call

No, it's allright, im just taking care of some personal business while out here on the west coast.....

<< Morgan listened and smiled, nodding as Ava informed her of the good news.>>

That's wonderfull, Ava. Congratulations! this is what you've been looking for all along. this will surely push up Cassadine Industries on Wallstreet. Have my secretary at Illustra sign for me, she's authorized. and get it notarized and then you should be good to go.

<< pausing for a moment.>>

I'll be here for at least another two days. Tell me....how are things? Is everything okay back there? and with Sharon?

 

[Persephone]

:: Smiling, Ava listened as Morgan congratulated her. It was a huge step for Ava and Cassadine Enterprises. For years, her name was tainted, and now, she was finally going beyond Stavros and building her company into something more than supplying MysTech with their next diobolic creation. ::

"Thank you, i'm extremely happy about this as well. I'll fax the contract to your office now."

:: Slipping off her desk, Ava made her way around to her chair and took a seat. Grabbing a pen, she began to sign multiple times, paging through the thick contract. But Morgan's question about Sharon made her stop and hesitate before answering. She didn't want to concern Morgan, so she tried to sum up what happened in a somewhat sugar coated way. ::

"Sharon had a bit of a set back today during one of our danger room simulations...but Haleigh, Alycia, and Delilah were all there to help her. Nicolas is with her now, keeping an eye on her. It's a slow recovery, but she's doing fine, Morgan."

:: Signing a few more spaces, Ava closed the contract and rested her pen on top of the folder. ::

"I actually need to go get ready...i'm meeting James for dinner. I'll have these files faxed ASAP. And, try to enjoy yourself...Sharon's fine, I swear."

 

[Spellbinder]

phone call ends

excellent. I'm very happy for you. with the success of Madonna's breast cancer awareness mini concert and gala and now this, Cassadine is becoming a popular and well received company stateside...and this is just what we need right now...more companies that people will APPRECIATE rather than hate.

<< Morgan nodded slowly as Ava spoke about Sharon's "set back" during a training exercise. Alycia, Haleigh and Delilah had helped her and now Nicolas with with her, watching over it. it sounded as though everything was under control.>>

allright....well that's good.

<< Ava was preparing to meet James for Dinner. the two had been seeing much of each other since the special event and Morgan had noticed it. Ava was preoccupied, but in a good way. >>

ohooo! soo it seems that the mini concert was MORE than a professional and public image coup for you eh?

<< teasing Ava a bit>>

well you enjoy yourself and I'll be fine out here. my mother and i are enjoying ourselves. thanks for the update and ill see you in a day or too. Dont make TOO much noise tonight...there's only 3000 miles between us!

<< one last barb for Ava before Morgan laughed and bid her farewell for the evening.>>

well...that's good news.

<< she went back to join her mother, informing her of the good fortune for Ava (which indirectly would effect Illustra's umbrella) and soon, they were on there way to finish their own business before preparing for dinner and a movie. Morgan and Karen were enjoying themselves as mother and daughter and it seemed that Ava and most likely the rest of the six were also enjoying healthy "personal time" as well. but she missed Nicolas, and she couldnt help but worry about Sharon.>>

<< little did she know she had good reason to be concerned for even now, Alycia was being watched like PREY and Delilah was encountering a new, deadly stranger.>>

 

[Rampage]

Kelly-Rasmussen Brownstone

Nicolas placed salads on the table as he finished preparations for dinner. He had decided on a light pasta with the salads and some wine to match; it seemed to be a favorite of Sharon's and so, considering her ordeal today, he went to what worked. He turned and walked over to Sharon, lightly taking her hand as he prompted her to stand.

Dinner is served!

He paused after noticing that her expression was unchanged, thought a moment and spoke.

I do not know how it is to endure all you have gone through lately. But I do know how it feels to think you are all alone. But I want you to know that you did VERY well today, considering. And you will do better still in time, with our help. Sharon? Talk to me, you seem so withdrawn today.

Nicolas looked crestfallen as he spoke. As strong and big as he was, it hurt him to no end to see his favorite ladies hurting, and his look right now would melt the heart of ANY mother, even a surrogate one...

 

[Silver Swan]

NYC- the brownstone

:: Sharon sat for a few more moments still...before finally blinking her silver eyes. the first sign that she was responsive.::

:: she slowly looked at Nicolas as he told her that she did well in the exercise. Haleigh said the same thing...::

DId I?

:: her voice cold and haunting.::


I'ts hard to think...for very long. If i think for very long....I REMEMBER.

:: she held in her armor covered hands a picture of her first husband, Robert and Kyle.::

My husband and my son.

:: for all that he know about Sharon, he only knew her during her time with Gustav...and that she was a senator. he did not know much of her life BEFORE that save for tid bits here and there and after this evening's episode in the Danger Room and what Alycia said...there was clearly more.::

I forgot how it feels...to be ALIVE again. But I dont think I ENJOY it...HOW CAN I?

I REMEMBER.....i MURDERED so ...many....people....

:: she bows her head in shame ::

and my husband..my son...they're still dead.....the people who murdered them..murdered ME...brought me BACK and USED ME to MURDER INNOCENT PEOPLE...i'm a disgrace..to my own legacy.

I dont even LOOK or SOUND like "myself"...I can look at you all and TELL that much....

I..just don't know HOW i'm going to live like this....one minute...I think i MIGHT be able to....and then....a sight...a sound....something REMINDS ME ...and its like my son is lurking around EVERY CORNER....his and the screams of all the people that.... killed as the Silver Swan.

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas listened as Sharon began to explore her feelings. He nodded slowly as he understood even more the shame and guilt that Sharon lived with constantly. He waited until she was done, thought a moment, then spoke.

It is OK to feel guilt, to hate what was done to you and what took place. But I want you to understand that we ALL have burdens to bear courtesy of Mystech. You were USED by others but they made one huge mistake: They left you to live. YOU have the opportunity to allow that guilt to move you to help others with the very gifts that Mystech gave you to destroy lives with. We cannot undo the past, but we can move forward and make our next days better than our the ones before. I plan to do that, and here is one way how.

Nicolas led Sharon gently but forcefully by the hand into a large storage area of the house in the back. It was about 60 degrees Farenheit in there. On a pair of twin silver perches were two VERY large Gyrfalcons, both silver and absolutely breathtaking to behold. Nicolas turned to face her as he gestured to them.

It took a lot of time to find them, and I want you to have them. With your abilities, you can care for them and understand them like no other. You see, these two are interbred with Golden Eagles and are going to be HUGE. But they are immature, powerful, and difficult to handle. The reason I believe, is that whoever made these two failed to realize that Golden Eagles and Gyrfalcons are natural ENEMIES, like you and Mystech were. It is like they are uncomfortable in their own skin, battling conflicting natures much like YOU are. But I believe that you and they will get along just fine, and together you will help each other through this. They are young and need LOTS of love, but I can feel that you have that in your heart to give. Please accept them. And excuse the coldness of the room, these birds prefer a bit cooler environment to rest.

Nicolas held out his hand, gesturing for Sharon to get closer to her two new "children".

 

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah sat at her computer back in her office. After the area around the brownstone had been swept and the forensics team called in, she had hitched a ride with Rivera back to headquarters. Her suspect was dead - one case closed but now a new mystery was in front of her. Who was the man in black?

She had called in a favor to the lab, asking they put the fingerprints taken from the windowsill at the top of their priority list. Of course, all the prints found at the scene ended up belonging to their deceased friend. So much for making it easy. Delilah was now busy looking through mugshots, hoping to recognize her killer. She had entered his description into the main database, but getting those results would take time, and she wasn't willing to sit and do nothing while that man was out there.

She rubbed her eyes and went to get herself a cup of tea. She went to the window, cupping the hot mug in her hands and blowing across its contents. For the thousandth time that night she thought about what he had said to her. He'll be back out on the street tomorrow.

Delilah believed in the justice system. The police arrested the bad guys, there was a fair trial, the guilty were punished, the innocent went free. But sometimes the guilty did go free. Not this time.

Delilah was snapped out of her thoughts by Rivera, who dedicated as he was had stayed to help her search for her mystery man.

"I'm going to call it a night. You should head home too," he said. She turned to see Rivera standing there expectantly. She would be lucky if he he didn't walk her to her car to make sure she left. ]

"I will. There's just one more thing I want to check out before I go. But you go, I'll be fine."

[ He hesitated. ]

"Go!"

[ Rivera, nodded and smiled, then left her alone. Delilah returned to the computer, calling up a list of all the unsolved homicides of known criminals for the past five years... ]