So it Begins

[Max452]

"You need to look at the big picture, Hazel." Cain said, not in a condescending voice. "Congress is already watching our every move ever since I've proposed this bill. Now, pretend you're Congress. What would you be thinking if you heard that I had sent out multiple tactical teams all across the United States?" The question was rhetorical of course. "That'll probably think I'm on a vendetta, or perhaps worse, that I was trying to make a coup of some delirious sort. But that is besides the point. We need to step carefully in the next few hours, but once this Bill is through, everything else will fall into place." He sighed, pleased with himself and his genius as he glanced outside briefly.

***
"Friday. Hmm." Julian wondered if he could get Bester then. Probably not, since he had no idea what the man looked like or where he was. He grimaced. "I won't be able to make that one..." He muttered and then lifted his eyes from the counter when the sound of water was shut off. "Huh? Um, well, I got a lead on someone who could help me, that's all." He partially lied. "I don't know how long it'll be." He twirled a finger on the counter.

[trinn]

"Oh." Sahira said, trying to smile. "That's great." But why did Julian look so shifty? Grabbing the vase, she walked back out to the living room to set it on the coffee table. "So, you'll probably have to be going soon." she said, looking at the flowers. Sahira had grown used to spending time with Julian nearly every day. The thought of him being gone a whole week wasn't exactly pleasant. But, if she had did it for a whole year, a week would be nothing. She looked up at Julian, smiling wryly, "Is that why you brought me these?"she teased. What she wanted was to go with him to find this man, to help. But if he wanted her along, she would leave it up for him to ask.
***

Hazel tilted her head as she listened to Cain's master plan. He was so brilliant, she was amazed. "Wow, Cain," she said adoringly, "you really think of everything." Hazel inhaled sharply as a quick jab of pain hit her brain. These pains had been happening often, recently. Thankfully, they lasted less than a second, but they always made her feel strange afterwards. She stared at Cain blankly, wondering about the pain.

[Max452]

Julian watched Sahira carefully as she walked back to the living room. He turned himself around on the bar stool, so he could face her better. By the tone in her voice, he knew she wasn't thrilled with him leaving. That makes two of us. He thought as she placed a more cheery voice into the atmosphere. "Maybe. Maybe I just wanted to get you something nice." He grinned and then faltered slightly. "I need to leave within the hour." He said, "I just wanted to see you before I left."

***
"Yes, yes I do." Cain said, tired of Hazel's fawning. His eyes focused on her sharply when her breath seemed to catch on something. They are becoming unnecessarily frequent. He commented to himself, knowing that the real Hazel seemed to be fighting more and more to regain conscious. "You all right, my dear?" Cain asked. "I need you at your top today." He continued to eye her, knowing that he needed to hypnotize her once more. "You are mine, Hazel." Cain began to use his hypnotism on her. "You are only devoted to me, Cain. You serve only me." Cain's voice was smooth. "Now, you're past life is done, forget about it. You are mine." He said and then shifted into a questionable tone. "Who do you serve?" Cain asked.

***
Logan scrambled across the Capital as he managed to grab some quotes from various delegates and spokespersons about today's session. Despite his numerous quotes, they all seemed very runaround and cryptic about today's closed session. Something about a possible terrorist attack. Logan rolled his eyes when he heard that; they're hiding something. Something about a bill...

Although he didn't get much on the mysterious bill, he did get some quotes about Senator Petrelli and his sudden disappearance. No one had seen or heard from him in a few days. "Something is definitely up." Logan thought out loud as he waited for more Senators to arrive. He managed to find a spot where a lot of the Senators entered without getting mobbed by so many reporters or paparazzi. He only hoped that his spot wouldn't be found out. He waited and interviewed several more Senators and Congressmen as they entered.

[Blod]

The difference between boards and people was how Deo handled them. Boards were things without minds and so Deo cared less about them and hardly gave them a run down knowing they didn't try to survive and they wouldn't kill but as soon as his mind adjusted to his actions those boards seemed to gain flesh, bone, and blood. Conscious thought spun through those thin wooden heads and Deo suddenly lost his smile and his eyes turned hard and calculating. Without even noticing it the shotgun dropped and his pistol was gripped comfortably within his two hands. Shot after shot fired quickly as different dummies came around and each and every bullet hit where he wanted with more than two bullets hitting one target. When that round ended he let the the magazine fall and without waiting he reached into a shelf and pulled out another and slipped it in.

Everything ready and in order Deo raised the gun in and his eyes darted from side to side the predator. A single movement and two pulls on the trigger sending bullets speeding at whatever moved. The humans in his mind fell bleeding yet the carboards died in their own special way.

[trinn]

That voice... Hazel couldn't resist, couldn't fight against it. But, wait, why would she? This was Cain, after all. Her brilliant Cain. Her brief lapse forgotten, she smiled again. "You, Cain. I serve you." she answered eagerly. Laughing at the question, Hazel relaxed in her seat, tapping her fingers idly together. "I hate long rides." she muttered, glaring out the window.
****

Within the hour didn't give them much time. "I'm glad you came by, then." Sahira said, smiling. "Now, instead of wondering what trouble you're getting yourself into, I'll just know." Her smile faded as she wondered just how dangerous this mission of his was. Whatever the risk, she hoped fervently that he found what he was looking for. "If you need any help," she said, her tone turning serious, "call me." Sahira's grin returned as she said, "they say I'm pretty handy in a fight."

[Max452]

Cain smiled and deactivated his powers. "Care to remember that, Hazel; I can't afford you to forget." Cain replied calmly, trying to maintain his patience and friendly demeanor with Hazel as much as possible. "I know, dear, I know." Cain reached over and patted Hazel's hands with a smile, however, he really didn't care for it.

Washington D.C.:

Senator Kane's car traveled to a secluded parking area for the Senators as they entered the Capital block. Parked, Tom opened Cain's side of the door, a wheelchair in waiting. "Ready, Senator?" Tom asked. Cain gave a nod and allowed Tom to transport him into the stupid wheelchair.

As he was wheeled inside, Cain noticed a lone reporter hanging around the door.
"Senator Kane! Logan Monroe, New York Bugle, I was hoping you could spare a few minutes to answer my questions?"
Cain raised an eyebrow. "Why, aren't you a polite reporter?" He smirked.
Logan laughed lightly, "well you have to be if you want a Senator to stop and talk."
Cain motioned for Tom to stop pushing the chair. "What can I answer for you today, Mr. Monroe?"
"Could you shed some light on what's going to happen today? There seems to be cloaks and daggers running around today's session."
"There is nothing to shed. The truth has always been available, if you know where to look."
"Senator." Tom pointed at his watch.
"Oh, yes, as much as I would like to speak further, I'm addressing Congress today, so, if you would excuse me." Cain motioned for Tom to wheel him again.

***
As Senator Kane entered the building, Logan spotted Hazel, who was trailing after him. "Hazel?" Logan gave a small grin. "Is that you?"

***
A soft chuckle escaped Julian's lips. "Well, I wouldn't want you to worry, besides its just some research and chasing leads. I'll be back before you know it." He smiled at her, wishing he could comfort her with more than words. "I'm going to be all right." He added, hoping that it was true; he didn't know what would happened with the telepath. He then gave a knowing and devious smile. "Believe me, I know how handy you are." He leaned his back against the countertop and gazed at her carefully, drinking her in before he had to go and do something he didn't want to do.

[trinn]

Taking a steadying breath, Hazel focused on acting like the perfect little good girl assistant for all the unknowing victims. Placing on a pleasant demeanor, she climbed out of the buick after Cain. Before they had gotten far, a reporter blocked their path. Hazel hung back behind Cain appropriately, but close enough to hear what was being said. The New York Bugle? Why did that sound so familiar... And why was this reporter giving her deja vue? Unsetteled, Hazel looked away from him, trying to concentrate on the very important task that was at hand. Finally, Tom was wheeling Cain away, and Hazel eagerly followed after. She came to an abrupt stop when the reporter called her name.

How did he know her name? Its not like that had ever met before. Maybe as the assistant of a senator, her name wasn't as private as she thought. "Yes." she said hesitantly. "I'm sorry, sir, have we met before?" she finally asked, the deja vue too strong to ignore.
****

The silence that filled the apartment was not uncomfortable. Sahira didn't mind Julian's stare, mostly because she was doing the same. No matter what he said about "just research", she wasn't going to believe there was no danger invovled. A sigh of frustration welled up in her throat. This wasn't the way most couples parted, keeping a safe distance from each other, trying not to touch. Well, Sahira wasn't going to stand for it. Crossing the room, she pulled Julian into a careful hug, arms around his waist, head on his shoulder. "You'd better return in one peice." she muttered.

[Max452]

"Hazel, its me, Logan. Logan Monroe." Logan gave Hazel a quizzical look. Was he really that dull that she didn't remember him? "We worked together, at the Bugle, for like months." He gave her a skeptic look. "Your desk was across from mine. We used to bicker and fight over stories and leads?" His baffled expression returned. Did she really not remember him? "I accidentally spilled coffee on you on my first day? Remember?" He asked, "I spent the whole day apologizing. You used to use that against me if you wanted a favor." He spotted her blank look. "You really don't remember me, do you?" Logan's heart slumped a little.

***
Cain hadn't noticed that Hazel wasn't following, for he was stopped by another colleague, who was talking to him about Senator Petrelli and his disappearance.
"Well, I'm sure he's just take a break from politics. He'll probably show up soon enough." Cain said, inwardly bored with the conversation, although he was quite interested at why Petrelli wasn't around. He thought the man would be the first to oppose him. No matter, one less person to brainwash.

***
Julian furrowed his brow when Sahira approached him. She wasn't planning on touching him was he? He couldn't afford to hurt her right before going on a mission. "Sahira, what..." He trailed off when she carefully hug him. "Sahira..." He sighed at her muttering. "I promise. I'll be careful." He carefully wrapped his arms around her, but kept his head up, just in case he accidentally touched her. "I'll see you soon." He said, restraining himself and feeling frustrated at the lack of contact. "I better go." He whispered as he parted from her. He gave her a small smile and teleported himself away before he lost the nerve to pursue Alfred Bester.

5 hours later:

Julian stood in front of the home of Alfred Bester and noticed that his door had been damaged. Did someone come and attack him? Julian wondered as he double checked the address. After spending some long hours on the phone, Julian managed to get one of his contacts to locate Bester. He was surprised, and perhaps grateful to know that Bester was in the same state as him.

Carefully approaching the house, Julian kept thinking the words: I'm an ally. I just want to talk. I'm an ally, I just want to talk. In case the telepath decided to invade his mind before he even got a word out.
"Hello? Mr. Bester?" Julian called out as he peeked his head inside the broken door.

[Firestar]

Bester had continued his drink as if nothing had happened. He would have gone to bed soon if he hadn't heard a man walking down the street to his door. He was thinking so loudly it was impossible to ignore. He went to his front door just as Julian called out and opened it.
"Hello, Mr. Riker," he said with a pleasant smile on his face, "Please come in. To what do I owe you this visit? Would you like something to drink?"

[trinn]

Was this guy insane? She had never set foot in this Daily Bugle place, nor ever worked with him. Hazel's eyebrows drew down as an annoying, painful throb started at the front of her head. The more he said the more her head hurt. "No." she said, her voice edgy, "Look, Mr. Monroe, I don't know what your scheme is, but I've never worked with you." Holding a hand to her head, she looked at him in annoyance and confusion. She found it odd that after her deja vue, this Logan was claiming to have worked with her. "I've been Senator Kane's assitant for years." Hazel added, feeling like she had to say something to prove him wrong. Thinking of Cain... Frantic, she looked about, searching for Cain. She hoped he wouldn't be mad she had wandered off.
***

Stepping back, Sahira smiled as Julian readied to depart. She didn't want him to leave thinking she was depressed. But, as soon as his shimmering form vanished, her smile fell away and her heart seemed to thud dejectedly. Sighing, Sahira retrieved her duffel bag from the living room and went to take a shower. Maybe being cleansed would make her feel better.

[Max452]

More confused than ever, Logan tried to hide the expression of being insulted from Hazel. "There's no scheme, Hazel." He tightened his jaw. Fine if she wanted to pretend that he didn't exist, then he could do the same...right? "Fine, whatever, my mistake then." He motioned to leave, but turned around, "And as for being Senator Kane's assistant for years...Kane never had an assistant until a few months ago. He always claimed to do his own work so the American people could trust him, even if he did something wrong. You might have forgotten that I keep tabs on my stories." He retorted, trying to mend his bruised ego. He left her with that final statement and stalked off.

***
"All right, thanks, Chris, but I think we're going to be late. Hazel, if you cou--" Cain stopped short, glancing around him. Where was Hazel? He inched out of his seat a bit and glanced over his shoulder. He spotted her talking to the reporter. What is that crazed woman doing? He asked, angry that she wasn't obeying like she normally would. Maybe he should have given her a higher dosage of brainwashing. "Hazel!" Cain barked out, causing Tom and Chris to look at him. Cain didn't care. He needed Hazel now. He needed her NOT talking to reporters!

***
Julian smirked, trying to hide that he was surprised that Bester knew his name. Well, he supposed he should get right down to business. "My employer is interested in you, Mr. Bester. He would like you to join him so that you two may talk about some future prospects." Julian told Bester, but wasn't exactly sure what Shadow had in mind. "I was told that...you were gifted...and my employer would like to hire you for your gift...I'm to take you to him." Julian explained the best he could; he too didn't know what was going on.

[trinn]

The reporter's last comment chilled Hazel to the bone. She felt unsettled and more confused than ever. The pain in her head had reached an almost incapacitating crecendo, similar to the migraines she suffered if she went overboard searching for those with abilities. Holding her head in both hands, Hazel looked down at the ground, knowing she should go over to Cain but wanting to go after the reporter. She wanted to slap him for thinking he knew Cain but at the same time wanted to make him explain what he was talking about. At the point of collapsing, she heard quite clearly her name called by Cain. Hearing his voice, her headache vanished, her previous doubt faded. Hearing his voice made her remember the importance of today. Feeling almost back to normal, Hazel walked quickly over to Cain.

Reaching his wheelchair, she apologized hastily, "Sorry, sir. Very sorry. I was distracted by that reporter, he was-" Hazel snapped her mouth shut, realizing she was rambling on. "Sorry." she said again, hoping he wasn't too angry with her.

[Max452]

"Its fine. Don't do it again." Cain said sternly. "Let's go." He ordered Tom and he was soon wheeled away.

"Congress will now come to order. Is there any issues that the people wish to address at this moment?" The Speaker asked, glancing around.
Cain raised his hand quickly, as he could not stand. "Senator Kane from Virgina wishes to address the people." His voice echoed across the large room as other members of Congress stood up and stated that they too wished to address them. Cain looked at the Speaker, using his powers to get the man to allow him to speak first.
The speaker nodded. "Senator Kane has the floor."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker." Cain wheeled himself across the floor, as he was now seated in the front because of his handicap. "Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to once again bring forward my bill that would change our world for the better. You all know of which I speak and of the gravity of the situation if it is not tended to immediately." He paused as he stared up at all the members. "I know, that someone of you think me crazy, but I assure you, this is not my vendetta. I have always wanted the best for the American people. I only wish that you too can see what I have seen." He wheeled himself over to a computer that was positioned on the floor for them to use; it was connected to a projecter. "If I may, Mr. Speaker?" Cain asked politely for the projecter screen to be placed down.
"You may." The Speaker nodded to some unknown person and a large screen began to come down.
"You asked for proof of these individuals with abilities, so I will show you." Cain popped in a portable hard drive and opened a video file. "I assure you...this is not fake." Cain cued someone to turn off the lights as the video ran.

The video consisted of images and footage of people using their abilities; random people that he was able to locate with Hazel and had someone record them. members of congress murmured in surprise and shock as some of the footage contained individuals using their abilities for personal gain. One was a footage of the bank robbery that Sylar and Noah were trying to quell. It showed the individuals throwing desks. Of course it didn't show the two Peters as Future Peter manages to freeze everything, however, it did show Sylar opening Jesse's head and steal his powers.

"You see! Those with abilities are dangerous. They are diseased as they seem to only do what is best for them. They only wish to satisfy their needs. They are dangerous and they need to be controlled...or we will all have to face the consequences." Cain glanced up at the screen, where the image of Matt Parkman being strapped around with explosives. "We have a responsibility to the American people to protect them. So I ask you...pass this bill, grant us the power to protect our people. Give me the power and funding I need to protect our people." Cain said, using his power at last. "Pass this bill. Pass it or our future will be nonexistent."

Cain ended his speech and his power controlling abilities. Once the room became lit once more, complete silence echoed. After a moment, the Speaker spoke. "Those in favor to pass The Exodus Bill, say Aye.

All present said Aye.

"Those in favor to not pass the Exodus Bill, say Nay." The Speaker asked.

Silence.

"The Ayes have it. The Exodus Bill has now been passed." The Speaker said and continued on as if nothing had happened.

Cain smiled with utter glee. He turned to look at Hazel, who was sitting in the gallery. He gave her a nod, letting her know it was time.

[trinn]

On the edge of her seat, Hazel watched Cain with rapt attention. He had such a way with words, such eloquence and command. It was a wonder the Exodus bill hadn't been passed sooner. The images that were played on the projecter were disgusting to her. Those weren't people, but monsters. Cain was right to want to cage them, to destroy them. When the lights were back on, and the aye's rang forth, Hazel had a hard time controlling her glee. Spotting Cain's signal, she promptly pulled out her phone. She sent a simple text to all the team leaders that would be hunting down the gifted; Exodus is in motion. They would know what it meant. Looking back up to Cain, she returned the nod, unable to hide a gleeful grin.

[Firestar]

Bester smirked a little at Julian's confusion. Riker had been told Bester was a telepath, but he apparently didn't know what all that meant.
"Ah, your employer, who you have never seen or heard. You only know him as Shadow. Well, I must say I am intrigued, but what would I get out of going with you?"

[Max452]

Cain smiled, pleased that everything was in place. He smiled at his plan. First, he would make the gifted run and hide as Senator Kane's loyal army went to attack them. Then, he, as Shadow would approach them, give them a place to hide. Give them the ability to be rid of their gifts...or so they think. He had made enough to make temporary doses, and when they come back after two or three visits, they wouldn't know that Cain was injecting them with a dose that would kill them within 24 hours. Their cells would degenerate and there would be nothing left of the devolved. Absolutely nothing.

Of course, there were some permanent ones, which he would reserve for himself, as he too wanted to be rid of this infectious curse. And also for those he needed to pledge his cause to the others. After all...some of them had to believe. After that, he supposed he could spare them...but who knew when their cells would devolve again.

Throughout the rest of the Congressional session, Cain plotted and refined his plans, knowing that he would need a telepath to help convince the world of what he wanted to do.

Once the meeting was done, Tom wheeled Cain out to meet Hazel near the car.

***
Logan was still running around, trying to pry information out of Senators, but like before, their mouths were shut and their eyes dazed, for the past few previous sessions, Cain made sure that none of the Senators would ruin his plans by spilling the beans prematurely. Frustrated, Logan was lost for words.

***
Julian clentched his jaw, not liking how his mind was fully exposed to Bester. "That's correct. I've never met him, but he does offer incentives." Julian replied, trying not focus on the cure for his abilities. "I can't tell you why you should go; I wasn't informed of any incentives for you. However, I know that Shadow may have something you want, so why not visit him and see for yourself? Perhaps you have something that only he can give; its between you and him only as my deal is as well." He told Bester, hoping that he could get this done and be able to see Sahira's fight.

[Firestar]

Bester gave a false smile at Julian's words.
"Incentives, like giving you the ability to touch the one you love again," he said. He gave a slightly exaggerated glance left and right, then said in a lower voice, "You may want to be more careful, Mr. Riker. Your thoughts are leaking all over the place." Then he picked up a normal tone of voice. "I suppose I will go with you. It is getting frightfully boring just waiting around for something to happen."
~~~~~
Terrisa checked the address again. This was the right place. Sahira Linden was probably home for now.
Just be calm, be friendly, don't threaten, she told herself. Sahira was on the list of dangerous individuals she needed to have arrested, but that wasn't what she was here for. She had questions and she wanted them answered. She was there just to talk. Still, she couldn't help but make sure her sidearm was still at her side, knowing it was fully loaded. She placed her badge on her belt in full sight and got out of her unmarked car. She approached the door with a cool head and knocked firmly.
"Ms. Linden?" she called, "This is Terrisa Seismore with the California Bureau of Investigation. I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions?"

[trinn]

For the rest of the meeting Hazel pretended to be interested in what the other Senator's rambled on about. All she wanted was to get out of this place and back to Cain's place, where they could celebrate. At last, the meeting was finished, and Hazel quickly stood and made her way carefully, and politely, around other guests. She paused near the exit, spotting the reporter dashing about, trying to get any info. he could Realizing she was smiling, Hazel shook herself and tried to pass discretley around Logan and get to Cain.
****

Sahira had just walked back into her living room, fresh from a shower, when ther was a sturdy knock at her door. A smile began to pull up the corner's of her lips, thinking it was Julian. When the sound of a woman's voice, a cop, came through, Sahira stiffened. She stared at the door, debating whether or not to run for it. No, no, best not to run. Maybe this cop wasn't after her... maybe. Trying to put on an innocent demeanor, and failing miserably, Sahira went over to the door and opened it. "Did you say Linden?" she asked, looking quizically at the woman. "I'm sorry, my name is Katrina Novovich. You must have the wrong address." Sahira eyed the badge once, despising the sight of it. Cop's were so full of themselves.

[Firestar]

Terrisa had studied the photographs of Linden she had been given long enough to know that the woman was lying about her identity. Maybe she wasn't as innocent as Terrisa would have liked to think. She gave a pleasant smile.
"I'm sorry, I must have gotten the names mixed up. I would still like to ask you a few questions, Ms. Novovich. May I come in?"

[trinn]

Shrugging, Sahira pretended to be indifferent. "Sure." she said, holding the door open for the woman. She swept her gaze around the complex, looking for any mysterious vans or groups of idling people. There was one van, a white one with a carpet cleaning logo. When Terrisa was inside, Sahira cosed her door and went to the living room. "Have a seat." she said, indicating the sofa and lazy-boy.