Who's afraid of the zombie?

[Seer]

<< night gives way to a bright, windy morning. Delilah has tapped Haleigh's contacts for a thorough cleaning/sterilization of the pool before having it repaired and refilled by Morgan's contracted pool maintenance crew. the insurance and other protections Morgan has in place for Melrose Place are impressive, probably motivated by memories of what happened to Illustra. Still while Delilah appreciates Morgan entrusting her with running in Morgan's absence, its a task the light manipulating mutant would not have immediately chosen for herself.>>

<< Sharon awakens, her body fully recovered from the surprising injury. It was well noted that had it been anyone outside of an elite few among the Six, Haleigh's blow would have killed most others. But the fact that she hit the invulnerable mutate and lived to tell about it was equally impressive. Still, as Zach said in a moment of rare insight, physical wounds are often the quickest and easiest to heal. the root of the problem remained between them and could pose a problem for the rest of the time should they be needed for action...or even just continuing to live in the same space.>>

<< Ava and Cameron were largely settled into MP and while Ava found time to enjoy a more well rounded life including romance, Cameron seemed to be revisiting some of his earlier ways of behaving. Thankfully Delilah, a close friend of his big sister's was reaching out to him, having a steady, positive impact as a sort of surrogate big sister. it was a development that was good for both of them in some ways. Cameron's future with Sharon as a friend or anything else...remained in the balance. THEY TOO would have to talk. While Sharon didnt mind the idea of having fun with a younger man, if he had some OTHER motive behind his interest with Sharon...he'd REGRET it from more than one source in the Six.>>

<< Nicolas, found himself in a much more stable, favorable standing with the team as a whole although Delilah and Ava were still not fond of him, they could at least TOLERATE him. Sharon and Nicolas also saw their bond on stronger ground. He had grown, gained much needed maturity and was now able to deal with things better than before. Still, he was not entirely removed from the problem involving Haleigh and Sharon either.>>


<< inspite of all this, it wasnt THAT out of the ordinary for the group, moving from one personal set of issues to another. thats what happens when you deal with special people who are hardly normal by any stretch of the imagination.>>


<< today is a training day for the Six at the suped up warehouse that houses the state of the art "Danger Room", similar to the design added to Illustra before its fall. despite the tensions among some team members, they HAVE to keep themselves in shape and ready for battle. and so, Black Widow, Silver Swan, Persephone, Rampage, MorningStar and Prophet were all present, ready to run through a serious cycle.>>


<< and across town, Claudia and Clara Zacchara, one time residents of MP were now living in a sprawling estate, recovering from their ordeal with Barbas AND the Six. their lives were never to be the same and how far that went, even THEY didnt know, but Claudia would certainly get a taste of it TODAY as she was now preparing to leave for LAX.>>

<< her personal business would be overshadowed by issues from her own past, which would again lead her back to the six.>>

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah had slept well - no dreams that she remembered at least - and woken up refreshed. She'd had a quick omelette and piece of fruit for breakfast before dressing in an Under Armor green and white striped tank and black capris.

Grabbing a water bottle, she picked up her keys and headed over to the warehouse. She wasn't THAT excited to do the danger room thing, but training never hurt anyone. As long as no beer brawls broke out, things should be fine. But she wasn't that confident that they all wouldn't ended fighting each other, one way or another.

She stood off to the side of the room, stretching out her arms. She scooped her hair up into a high pony, then pulled one arm across her body to stretch out her shoulder. She wasn't used to training without Morgan or at least Alison, so the day should be interesting.

 

[Prophet]

:: Cameron had a somewhat decent night of sleep. He was struggling with some personal issues which seemed to present themselves again and again in his dreams. He did however wake up seemingly refreshed. ::

:: He threw himself into the shower, changed into his active wear and headed to the kitchen where he made some simply and easy plain oatmeal, quickly sucking it down as he grabbed a bottle of water and headed out the door. ::

:: He got in the car and began to make his way across town to the Warehouse, listening to some Sam Sparro helped move the drive along. Before he knew it, he had reached his destination. Cameron got out of the car and entered the warehouse where he was greeted by Delilah who was stretching out. ::

"Morning, Trelaven. Sleep Well?"

:: Setting his water down. ::

"So this is.. The Danger Room.. it's a little intimidating."

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh takes a sip of red wine as a delicious smelling plate is place before her. She smiles across the table at her host for the night, a dapper looking gentleman in his fifties. The man smiled back. He was polite, refined, charming and slightly creepy, though the last characteristic never gave Haleigh any trouble. The man's name was Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Dr. Lecter: So nice of you to visit again, Haleigh.

"I wish we could do this more often. It's a shame my work keeps me so busy."

Dr.: Indeed it is.

"So…. Won't you tell me what we're having for dinner tonight? It looks and smells amazing."

Dr.: I'm afraid if I tell you… you won't even try it.

[with an amused smile, oblivious to his ominous warning] "Alright, if I try it, will you tell me?"

Dr.: [mirroring her smile] If you insist.

She cuts a bite sized portion of her entrée and places it in her mouth warily. It tastes wonderful beyond belief. She nods in approval as she consumes it, and he silently holds his smile for a bit and then prompts her:

Dr.: Conjecture?

She samples it again, this time really savoring the flavor and trying to identify it, shaking her head slowly after she finishes.

"It's definitely NOT beef… or lamb, or venison. It's…. Like nothing I've ever tasted."

Dr.: Better?

"SUPREMELY so. [giving him the tell-the-truth look] You promised. I need to know which of your dishes to request in the future."

Dr.: Well, since you're enjoying it so immensely… [she nods and places another bite in her mouth] It's human."

Haleigh swallows jaggedly.

"….Human?"

She breathes, stuck on the concept, and he nods slowly, his eyes trained carefully on her. She casually reaches for her wine glass. She lifts it to her lips and notices her wine is more viscous than normal. It also has a slightly metallic smell…. Kind of like copper. it's blood, she realizes. I had two glasses without noticing… She smiles weakly as she places the glass back on the table. Her host wears an eerily cool smile.

Dr.: I thought you'd be inclined to appreciate it, after all…. Mystech's zombie-creating virus is such a symbiotic part of you.

Sharon: [scoffing] And I thought I was a MONSTER.

Haleigh whipped to look over her shoulder at Sharon, who stood triumphant in her Silver Swan armor, looking insouciant.

[disjointedly] "SHARON?! What are YOU doing here??"

Sharon: [shrugs] You tell me…. It's YOUR nightmare!

Haleigh wakes with a start, glistening with sweat. She sits up, pushing her hair back out of her face and working on get her breathing back under control. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the smell of a gourmet breakfast is in the air. The only thing unusual is that Zach was not lying next to her. He was in the kitchen. Haleigh staggers to the bathroom and splashes water on her face and neck before brushing her teeth thoroughly. She stares at herself in the mirror, bewildered by the dream. Zach calls to her from the bedroom.

Zach: Haleigh? [she reenters] Damn… I was hoping I could surprise you… [gesturing to his setup] breakfast in bed.

[confused] "I thought it was my turn to cook breakfast…."

Zach: Hence 'surprise'. Bacon, Sausage, eggs, toast, the works.

[staring at it] "That's wonderful of you Zach, thank you…. But I'll just have the toast…"

Zach: That's it??

"And the orange juice. I'll take it with me. I'm sorry, I'm running late. I forgot about the Danger Room session we scheduled for this morning."

Zach: Ah…. So did I.

[smiling gently] "It's the thought that counts."

Zach: I suppose so. Well… [kisses her goodbye] Good luck, my love."

"Thanks."

She says, grabbing the toast and glass of oj from his platter and departing. She wasn't really late… but she needed a few minutes alone to decompress from that dream. The whole thing made her terribly anxious. If she tried to understand it with him there, he'd quickly surmise that something was wrong and she didn't feel comfortable THINKING about it, let alone talking about it.

It seems to only take seconds before she was passing through the security checkpoint to her warehouses. She notices Delilah and Cameron's cars in the parking lot and hustles to the danger room, suddenly eager for a distraction.

"Good morning Delilah…. Cameron. I'll get Cerberus up and running and as soon as the others arrive… we can get started.

 

[Rampage]

Of course Nicolas was awake: he hadn't slept, preferring to spend the time thinking through things and getting his corporate work assigned and taken care of for his businesses. He decided to spend a few more moments meditating before the session when he was jolted.

Something was wrong. Her mind screamed quickly as if leaving a nightmare, and her breathing and heart rate were through the roof! Nicolas started to act, then stopped. Zach was there, and he was already helping her as her vitals began to normalize. She left quickly as Nicolas emerged from his own apartment and walked over to Sharon's.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

I know you're up, so let's go do it.

As Nicolas spoke his car came around on its own, thanks to TK.

 

[Persephone]

Needless to say the evening didn't end on a high note. Haleigh was pissed off, rightfully so. The situation with Sharon was far from resolved. And Ava felt like she hadn't backed up Haleigh the way that she should have. It was a tricky situation...when to jump in and tell Sharon to back off, or when to stand back and let Haleigh handle it like everyone knows she can. Honestly, it was just giving her an all around headache.

After leaving her sisters apartment, Ava decided to head home alone for the remainder of the evening. Morning soon approached giving way to a new day. Exiting her apartment, the goddess headed down to the danger room for a manditory training session. Wearing black stretchy yoga pants, a black razer back sports bra, and black nikes, Ava entered the danger room in the midst of pulling her long chocolate brown hair into a pony tail. Seeing Delilah, Cameron, and Haleigh already standing in the middle of the room, Ava made her way over to them.

"Morning."

 

[Silver Swan]

unwanted training

[ Sharon was tending to her pets, entertaining them with special toys she had made for them when Nicolas came calling.]

Mommy will be home in a way. You be good until she returns!

[ She pets her gryfalcons and places them in their large , spacious floor to ceiling cage inside the other room of her apartment and sets the room properly for them turning on soft music before leaving and making her way through her apartment to the front door.]

Really, Nicolas.

[ She says with disinterest.]

I dont feel like being bothered with, much less TRAINING with Haleigh. Someone should train HER on how to be a decent human being. It'd be amazing to see how the REST of society, not to mention the people close at hand who have been BURNED by her, would benefit from THAT.

[ In her battle armour now, she shut the door behind her.]

Just...get us there. The sooner we get started, the sooner I can do something ELSE with my day.

[ joining Nicolas in his car, they soon arrive at the training facility where she walks in with him and spots the others. silently WAITING for Haleigh to give her a reason to snap her in half. and if Ava wanted to say something, she could get it too. but even as the initial flash of hostility peaks, she remembers Nicolas' words and those of the Amazons. If Haleigh is too stupid, too hypocritical to regard Sharon properly...thats HER problem, HER loss. Sharon shouldnt degrade herself by being effected by Haleigh's treatment of her. ]

I certainly hope this wont take long. I can think of many other ways that are more pleasurable to spend my day.

 

[MorningStar]

She continued stretching as Cameron joined her. She just nodded when he asked if she slept well.

"So this is.. The Danger Room.. it's a little intimidating."

Delilah raised an eyebrow.

"More intimidating than battling Malice or zombies or any of the other creepy crawlies we normally deal with?"

Delilah was bent at the waist, stretching out her back, when she saw Haleigh arrive. She stood tall and watched Haleigh come towards them, trying to judge her mood. She seemed to be acting normally.

"Good morning Delilah…. Cameron. I'll get Cerberus up and running and as soon as the others arrive… we can get started."

Delilah gave her a wave and a smile.

"Morning."

Then as Haleigh went to start up the simulator, she raised her voice a little as she called after her.

"Oh, and Haleigh - thanks for the pool cleanup. Your team did an excellent job."

She smiled genuinely. It was a small peace offering, but it was a start.

Delilah nodded to Ava as she joined them. And then came Sharon and Nicolas.

I certainly hope this wont take long. I can think of many other ways that are more pleasurable to spend my day.

Delilah paused in her warm up. She and Sharon had made peace before the Barbas incident...and she didn't want to jeopardize that. BUT that didn't mean she wasn't going to call Sharon on being a BITCH when she was one.

She lowered her head and narrowed her eyes a bit, crossing her arms over her chest.

"You know, Sharon, if you don't want to be here, then stop wasting our time and just leave. Some of us want to train and if you aren't going to give 110%, you just shouldn't bother."

 

[Silver Swan]

the training room

[ Sharon looked at Delilah up and down for a moment, smiling with amusement.]

Do you have a problem, Delilah?

Last time I checked, I could say what i please, WHEN I please. A right that anyone ELSE in this room exercises whenever it suits them.

I'm here because its necessary, NOT because I "want" to be and unless I miscalculated, you are young enough to be my daughter. So how about you get a hold of your tongue and show some respect.

Don't let situations that have nothing to do with you influence your better judgement on the OTHER bridges you have.

[ locking eyes with the younger woman. if delilah wanted to push her luck, she certainly could but sharon wasnt about to tolerate being chided by a child who once AIDED the man that tried to kill her...TWICE, something that sharon MIGHT have forgiven, but certainly NEVER forgot.]

now then, of you've finished, shall we get on with it?

[ referring to the training session.]

 

[Rampage]

Really, Nicolas.

[ She says with disinterest.]

I dont feel like being bothered with, much less TRAINING with Haleigh. Someone should train HER on how to be a decent human being. It'd be amazing to see how the REST of society, not to mention the people close at hand who have been BURNED by her, would benefit from THAT.

Nicolas chuckled, his night of meditation having a very good effect on him.

Now SHARON, I am sure the Amazons taught you that it is good to train and stay focused in the ways of war. Besides, if she is training and you are not...

Nicolas opened her door, and came around, powering the supercar to life.

Just...get us there. The sooner we get started, the sooner I can do something ELSE with my day.

Nicolas laughed heartily as her comment, finding her dry attitude actually rather funny. He powered them there quickly and quietly, and hopped out and over the car at once, opening her door and ushering them inside the facility.

Once inside, he saw the others gathered and greeted them all.

Wassup Haleigh, Delilah, Cameron, Ava. I guess the gangs now officially all here.

I certainly hope this wont take long. I can think of many other ways that are more pleasurable to spend my day.

Her comment prompted a response from Delilah and a sharp retort in kind. It was already starting poorly. Nicolas spoke up.


I believe ALL of us could use some NEW target to pick on, even if it is all make-believe. So let's work out WITH each other instead of ON each other this time, OK?

Nicolas looked directly at Sharon for a second, then glanced up to Haleigh at the controls.

Set the drill however you will Haleigh. You always do, and it always works out JUST fine.

Nicolas stretched quickly, his classy outfit changing into his battle gear: a pair of dark pants and combat boots with his cane transforming into his axe. He wore no top.

 

[MorningStar]

Do you have a problem, Delilah?

Last time I checked, I could say what i please, WHEN I please. A right that anyone ELSE in this room exercises whenever it suits them.

I'm here because its necessary, NOT because I "want" to be and unless I miscalculated, you are young enough to be my daughter. So how about you get a hold of your tongue and show some respect.

Don't let situations that have nothing to do with you influence your better judgment on the OTHER bridges you have.

Delilah hadn’t thought it was possible for Sharon to become an even bigger bitch than she had been in the past, but here they were. If there was any doubt in her mind that this Sharon was a completely different person than she had been as a human, it was gone now. And talking about her AGE like that? For fuck’s sake…

“Respect? Sharon, you’re acting like a spoiled BRAT. And as long as you’re going to act like a child, I’ll treat you as one. I may be young enough to be your daughter, but you are NOT my mother, so you can just check your condescending attitude at the door.

I don’t give a shit whether you and Haleigh like each other, and I’m not interested in taking part in your argument. Outside this room, say whatever the hell you like. But when you’re in here, you’re here to train, not whine. For god’s sake, you’re supposed to be LEADING us Sharon, act like it. When you start acting like you deserve my respect, then you’ll get it, and not a second before.”

Now then, of you've finished, shall we get on with it?

“SOME of us have BEEN ready.”

What the hell does she have to do that's so important? Clean the bird shit out of her carpets?

Delilah had had just enough of Sharon’s bullshit. She and Haleigh should be good friends – they both knew how to beat a dead horse about how mistreated they were. If Delilah were leading this team, she’d have kicked Sharon out of the room by now. But she wasn’t, so she just turned her back on the pain in the ass and looked to see what Haleigh had come up with for them.

 

[Black Widow]

"Cerberus, initiate battle simulation mode. Six participants."

Haleigh stood near Delilah and Cameron, faced towards the Danger Room control bay, looking up at it casually. She didn't need to go IN the control bay to get everything set up. Her system, affectionately named "Cerberus" was pretty much fully automated. It hardly needed more than the startup command. Haleigh could narrow the parameters to specify the experience or let Cerberus choose for her.

Ava: Morning.

"Morning sis."

Delilah: Oh, and Haleigh - thanks for the pool cleanup. Your team did an excellent job.

"You're very welcome."

She responded simply, returning Delilah's smile. True be told, Haleigh felt it was her responsibility anyway. It was HER blood… and because of the TO virus, and the things it was known to do to living tissue, she felt compelled to account for EVERY DROP of it. Containment was of the utmost importance. She remembered her experience in the alternate 'future'… the CONTROL she had over the TO virus was incredible and something that Haleigh worked on occasionally, but it was NOT something she took lightly.

Sharon and Nicolas arrive, coming through the door behind Haleigh. She doesn't look back at them. Sharon doesn't even bother greeting anyone, and Haleigh can tell from the tone of her voice that Sharon is wearing her bitchface this morning. Oh, JUST what we need. A BAD ATTITUDE to sour the mood. She thought.

Sharon: I certainly hope this won't take long. I can think of many other ways that are more pleasurable to spend my day.

Haleigh's eyes flashed with indignation. How RUDE! She had the fleeting urge to tell Sharon if she didn't want to be here, she could GET THE HELL OFF HALEIGH'S PROPERTY because WHO wanted HER here ANYWAY…. But that would NOT be helpful and DESPITE Sharon standing there, looking as cavalier as she had in Haleigh's dream, Haleigh was TRYING to start off on the right foot and it was IMPORTANT that they regularly trained together so that they would be well accustomed to working around and with each other in battle. And BESIDES, If Haleigh said anything to Sharon, then SHE'D be the bad guy and it'd be HER FAULT and it was unlikely that ANYONE would acknowledge that she was right… as a matter of fact, everyone would likely assume she was just holding the grudge from last night. And then…. Delilah became Haleigh's hero.

Delilah: You know, Sharon, if you don't want to be here, then stop wasting our time and just leave. Some of us want to train and if you aren't going to give 110%, you just shouldn't bother.

Sharon shot back some big-talking words about how she could say whatever she wanted and that Delilah was basically a child who should show some respect. Nicolas tried to smooth things over but Haleigh finally turned slowly to face Sharon, not just standing next to Delilah literally, but also on the subject.

"No, you know WHAT? Delilah's RIGHT. Sharon, if you have somewhere you'd rather be, if you have more enjoyable or more IMPORTANT things to do, then please, don't let US keep you. The REST of us came here with good attitudes, willing to make an effort to retain our unity as a TEAM, and if you can't contribute, if you only have negative, derogatory things to say, we'll be BETTER OFF without you. You might take your OWN advise about RESPECT and apply it to YOURSELF, because you coming in here today with your flippant disregard is DISRESPECTFUL to EVERYONE here and what we're trying to ACCOMPLISH this morning. If you don't think this is important or WORTHY of your time and effort, then I will GLADLY declare is UNnecessary for you to be here, and you can just leave."

Haleigh said, with a cool, calm tone. She was angry, but she wasn't about to let Sharon see that.... but she ALSO wasn't about to tolerate Sharon standing around and basically pissing all over everyone and their training session. Bad attitudes were contagious and counter-productive and Haleigh was 'co-leader'. it was her responsiblity to 'lead' them to work as a cohesive unit.

 

[Silver Swan]

face off

Oh Delilah? Jesus Christ called, he said he'd already been on the cross so you can cut out the messiah routine.


[ and looking at Haleigh, Sharon smiled smugly as she surveyed her EYE.]

Why dont you MAKE me leave. [with an antagonizing look]

Let's see how well you do with that and maybe we can find a MATCH for you BLACK EYE!

Do something usefull besides running your mouth and RUN THE SIMULATION, because trust me, your words mean nothing to me and YOU even LESS.

I'm here...and there's nothing you can do about it. Now i suggest you get on with it. and if you want to DO something about this?

[ gesturing to herself]

Then by all means...take your BEST SHOT.

[Sharon stood, unmoved by Delilah, Haleigh or anyone else.]

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah just burst out laughing. That was probably THE most ridiculous display she'd ever seen.

"Fuck you, Sharon. And GROW UP while you're at it. I don't know what the hell your problem is, and I don't really care anymore."

She turned to Haleigh and spoke matter-of-factly.

"I don't need this bullshit."

She picked up her water bottle.

"If she decides to start acting like a member of this team, call me."

And with that, Delilah walked out of the warehouse.

 

[Prophet]

:: Soon everyone had arrived at the warehouse, and par for the course these days, when Sharon entered, trouble ensued. Delilah and Sharon exchanged some harsh words as Delilah stormed out of the warehouse. Cameron rolled his eyes for a moment. It felt like the early days of The Six, when everyone hated each other and could barely stand being in the same room with each other. ::

"Trelaven! Wait up!"

:: He called as Delilah as he caught up with her. ::

"You can't leave! I know Sharon's been getting under your skin.. well everyone's skin lately but this is important. It's for the team, it's mandatory..."

:: Cameron looked back at the others, a satisfied Sharon who was about to call Haleigh out once again. He shook his head. ::

"And I swear, Scout's honor, if she pounces again, i'll back you up, which if she is anything like Morgan used to be, will probably lead to my death.. but I figure i've only used about three of my nine lives, so we should be good..."

:: He made a concerted face. ::

"Please? For me? If that ain't enough, for the rest of us?"

 

[MorningStar]

"You can't leave! I know Sharon's been getting under your skin.. well everyone's skin lately but this is important. It's for the team, it's mandatory..And I swear, Scout's honor, if she pounces again, i'll back you up, which if she is anything like Morgan used to be, will probably lead to my death.. but I figure i've only used about three of my nine lives, so we should be good... Please? For me? If that ain't enough, for the rest of us?"

Delilah did not turn back towards the group.

“I’m sorry, Cameron, but she isn’t the leader of ANYBODY right now. SHE is not better than the rest of us, and her attitude is an INSULT to those of us who care about being on this team. She’s just wasting our time, and I’m not about to put up with it just cause she wants to pretend to be the playground bully. Like I said, when she’s ready to work, call me.”

She opened the door.

“I’ll see you later King.”

And she walked out.

She made it to her car, then leaned against the door. She slid down until she was sitting on the ground. She put her elbows on her knees, and rested her head in her hands. She wanted to scream. She was used to “bitchy” women, being friends with Morgan and Alison for so long. But this attitude from Sharon was just not cool anymore – it was like she had taken one giant leap BACKWARD. Delilah was frustrated. She wasn’t a kindergarten teacher, and she wasn’t a babysitter. If that’s what they needed back in there, they could count her out.

 

[Rampage]

Predictably the scene descended into chaos, finishing up with Delilah walking out of the meeting. Nicolas was incensed. Sharon had really come here and shown her ass. He was so disappointed and...angry.

That will be quite enough! Sharon, I have tried. I have cajoled and begged and appealed to you, and YOU PROMISED you would try!

This is our LIVES here. I don't get along with Delilah OR Ava really but I REFUSE to risk this team with pettiness and neither will you.You are disrespecting the co-leaders of this team and I will not stand for it in this venue. The Amazons would not put up with this shit from you and neither will we.

Nothing I can do about it?

You will cease this display and participate fully OR you will leave on your own OR you will take a one-way trip THROUGH THE ASTRAL PLANE back to your apartment.

Nicolas was as angry as any of them had seen him in some time. He had put forth the effort and Sharon had not. He crossed his arms, glaring at Sharon in disappointment as he spoke to Haleigh.

Haleigh, please intercom Delilah and Cameron outside so we can start the goddamn sequence as soon as Sharon makes up her mind.

 

[Black Widow]

Sharon: Why don't you MAKE me leave.

[with a facetious smile] "Unlike you, I don't feel the need to FORCE my will on other people. If you wish to stay, that's fine too. It just seemed like you would rather leave."

Funny how Sharon wanted to stay NOW, after they suggested she left. She was just trying to be confrontational, just like last night, only today… Haleigh had found an ally that was willing to take a stand. And not just that, Delilah plain would NOT put up with Sharon's game.

Delilah: If she decides to start acting like a member of this team, call me.

Cameron tried to stop her and talk her into staying but Delilah had made up her mind and left. Haleigh watched her go, awestruck. What a brilliant idea. Nicolas was vexed and understandably so. Haleigh felt a sense of calm washing over her. She had 'won' without really doing anything. She was NOT the enemy, for once. Nicolas gave Sharon an ultimatum. Haleigh shook her head softly, touching Nicolas briefly on his bicep to stay him.

"It's alright Nicolas. I know this upsets you, but getting angry won't help anything. This is easily solved,--"

Sharon:
Do something usefull besides running your mouth and RUN THE SIMULATION, because trust me, your words mean nothing to me and YOU even LESS. I'm here...and there's nothing you can do about it. Now i suggest you get on with it.

Haleigh looked at Sharon for a beat, and then her smile spread.

[nonchalantly] "Of course. Cerberus, execute the training program. Randomize opponents, no handicap. [pause] And simulate my involvement."

A duplicate 'robot' appeared next to Haleigh, looking dressed and prepared. Haleigh pat the doppelganger on the back lightly.

"Sharon.. Here's a NEW 'robochick' to be your punching bag. I guess you guys don't need ME here after all. Cerberus is fully automated. [lively] Have fun!"

She disappeared without delay. The robotic Black Widow moved smoothly but had a 'Stepford' demeanor. It looked around at the group with a polite smile.

Black Widow: Let us begin.

Haleigh herself reappeared in the parking lot, next to Delilah, who sat on the ground next to the car. Haleigh looked down at her, barely able to contain her smile, offering a hand to help her up.

"I kind of skipped breakfast…. Would you like to go grab something? Or, we don't have to eat. Drinks or something…"

She suggested, without a word about what just happened.

 

[Silver Swan]

anger!

[ Sharon waved goodbye dismissively to Delilah and as Nicolas spoke? Her look of satisfaction faded. THAT was was one thing Sharon could not take. HIM talking to her like this? HIM taking THEIR SIDE? so EASILY? She was HEARTBROKEN! THIS would not tolerate.]

Nicolas....you...

[ she said before shutting her silver eyes and then opening them with a flash of ANGER as she glared at him, opening her mouth as he spoke.]

SHUT UP! NICOLAS! DONT YOU EVER SPEAK TO ME LIKE THAT AGAIN!

[ she shouted with her SONIC SCREAM at nearly FULL POWER deliberately to hurt him as he'd hurt her! the warehouse SHOOK violently and the ground rippled. ]

[YOU don't tell me what to do! NOT NOW! NOT EVER!

I dont need them...and if YOU are going to treat me like this? then i dont need YOU EITHER! You'll REGRET THIS!

[ NOT an idle threat. Haleigh decided to "humour" Sharon with a replica of herself as SHE herself left.]

JUST DIE!
[ and Sharon decided to do to the robot, what she wanted to do to Haleigh....as she CHOPPED the robot across the neck, and SLICED its head off.]


[with fluent move and speed she THEN took off, zooming up and BUSTING out of t he roof of the warehouse and speeding off in the sky far beyond the reach of any of them. where she was going was anyone's guess. what she might DO was also in question. ]

[ for Cameron, it was a frightening reminder of MORGAN years ago. For Delilah, this woman she saw now was NOT the woman Delilah once knew and respected and for Nicolas, he'd NOW seen that she was capable of lashing out at him if she felt betrayed.]

[ she was gone but not for good...not by a long shot and the worst thing was that when/how she came back was impossible for them to know.]

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas was HORRIBLY surprised. Sharon was not being reasonable, and anyone who tried to reason with her beyond a whisper would pay the price it seemed. As she buffeted him with her sonic scream he somehow dug in, not willing to turn away at her onslaught, not willing for Haleigh or Ava to get any of it even more should he leave. Had he given way, what would become of THEM?! He shielded the others as she let loose before rising up and departing.

As she left, he looked up at her go, his eyes and ears bleeding. He turned back to face Ava and sent a message to her sister Haleigh outside.

Haleigh..I need medical attention.

Nicolas fell to the floor of the now-broken warehouse.