Paradox

[Firestar]

A little five year old girl appeared in the room where Julian and Sam were having their brawl. Cammie had been terrified the first time she heard the fighting, but she had slowly gotten used to it. It was still frightening to see, though, so she hurried over to Ando. She'd quickly become friends with him after her mother left her down here several months ago. She was more comfortable speaking in Japanese than English because it was how her mamma talked to her all the time. She had been delighted to find someone who could speak it as well as she could.
She grinned at Ando, ignoring the fight, wanting to tell her friend her news.
"Ando, Ando! I'm gonna see Mamma today! She said she'd come back today!" She bounced up and down in her excitement. She jabbered on in Japanese about how excited she was.
~~~~~
JennyBeth drove cautiously into New York City. Ever since she had made that crucial decision to trust Camille with the resistance members, she'd been hiding from the whole Exodus crew and continuing her science studies. She'd hated leaving her little girl with them, but after meeting a few of the members and slowly earning their trust, she'd decided Cammie would be safest there, as long as the Exodus crew didn't break through to the underground. Which was the only reason for her constant visits.
She pulled into a side street and parked the car, getting out so she could go on foot. Walking was a lot more quiet than driving, and she could sneak past the soldiers to make it to the underground entrance without being detected.

[trinn]

The porche... Will's mood immediately darkened. He was aware of Alicia's affection to the car. Stalking closer to Luc, Will ripped the man's headset off him and placed it on his own skull. "Max, is there some reason you didn't tell me of this? It had better be a good one."
***

Looking down at Sam, Etta was not amused. "I don't even want to know." she said, a note of frustration in her voice. "I just want this stupid fighting to stop!" Her gaze slid to Julian, wondering if he had provoked Sam. She was unaware that he was from the future, and she was surprised he was back so soon. When she spotted Hiro, Etta couldn't help but stare. This wasn't their Hiro. This meeting was clearly important, and yet Sam and Julian were taking the time to trade punches. Her gaze returned to Sam, dissapointment clear in her brown eyes. "Will you both just stop?"

"Hey, Etta, Sam started it." Sahira said then, a dangerous glint in her eyes.

"I don't care who started it." she said, exasperated. "That doesn't matter, Sahira. What matters is that they both just tried mutilating each other!" Seeing that the woman was going to argue again, Etta shook her head and looked back to Sam. Too frustrated and dissaponted to find words, she finally just turned around and walked away, leaving the room quickly before she lost her own temper.
***

Secure in Dave's embrace, Felicity started to feel a little better. She hugged him tightly in return, praying fervently that nothing would ever happen to him. If he died, there was no doubt she would go insane. Unbidden, a smile touched the corners of her lips upon hearing Dave's metaphor. It sounded like something Logan might say. "Ok, Dave. I'll try." But I can't make any promises. she thought bitterly.

[Max452]

Max cringed and let out an audible moan when she heard Will's voice on the other line. "What are you talking about?" She asked innocently. "I'm just making sure all the mechanics is working." She lied.

***
Luc continued to type and finally activated the lojack. It appeared that the car was on the interstate that lead to Virgina, however, it also appeared to have stopped in the middle of the interstate. Traffic? No...it wasn't near that time yet. He squinted his eyes. Was someone jamming the signal. He made a face. Max wasn't going to like this...

***
Ando shrugged. "Sam is more military minded - shoot and ask questions later. Julian likes to think things out. Usually, they work well together, but ever since Julian was experimented on by Shadow, Sam's been acting weird." As Ando talked about Julian's abduction, he mimed to his eye, where Julian's face was all metal. Ando spoke in a whisper then. "There is a mole in the Resistance...Sam isn't taking any chances." He eluded, right when Cammie bounded over. "Oh! That is right! She is scheduled to make an update." Ando reverted back to Japanese. "Cammie, you remember Hiro? Hiro, this is Cammie. Her mother is playing a double agent for us." He explained to Hiro.

***
Micah cringed when someone yelled, but either than that, began communicating with the computers about the security and making sure everything was still intact.

***
Julian grinned, clearly he had won the fight as Etta began scolding them. He just merely stood there, readjusting his jaw as his ability began to heal him. He scoffed. "He was trying...but clearly your punches are still weak." Julian remarked to Etta's comment about them trying to mutilate each other. He gave Sahira a quick grin for taking his side.

Sam grimaced as Etta reprimanded him. "Etta!" He whined, scrambling to his feet with an oof. That last blast was still affecting him. "You don't understand!" Sam followed after her, trying to explain himself. He glared at Julian as he left the room.

***
Once Sam left, Micah finally spoke. "So, who sends the information that we receive that sends all the leaders of the Resistance to the pier?" He glanced at Julian, eyes unwavering.

"I don't know." Julian shrugged. "But for one thing, Shadow is there...and the place was a trap."

"Shadow is there." Micah chewed on those words, thinking.

***
Sam chased after Etta. "Etta! You don't get it! That Julian isn't from here! He says he's from the future! and that we're all gonna die!" Sam hurried after her, informing her quickly and quietly, as there were still many people below them who were gazing up with a concerned look.

[Eyes Only]

Elpida sat in the greek embassy in new york bored as heek. her arm was almost crystalised to three inches above its elbow and the tips of her other fingers had already started to become like living crystal. strangely it still functioned like a normal arm felt like one... weight wise anyway. no one had figured out about her except the resistance and well shed been going back and forth between the greek embassy and there. not alot of course she had to be careful. and sneaky so to lose her security. then she had to cover her whole ipod in that lead crystal stuff. so the gps signal would get cut off. but she was in a good position to listen.... not to mention the ghosts could to.
all she had to do was listen.... she looked at the windowsill and the collection of crystalised roses on the shelf next to it. a fresh rose was on the windowsill... just like on appeared every so often... she smiled. some mysteryous person was sending her roses.... this one was different though...
"what....." a black rose... and the usual red one was it a message? "strange...." she picked up her catseye gemstone.

[Firestar]

Dave gave his sister a smile and stroked her hair lightly.
"That's all I ask for," he whispered to her, and a sigh followed. He thought of all the crazy people down here that he had to work with, everyone who were tense as cats in a small room full of rocking chairs with huge barking dogs just outside the door. He gave Felicity a half-grin, though there was still a lingering sadness behind his eyes that never fully disappeared.
"Sometimes trying to fly sucks, though," he told her, "especially when you're trying to help all those wackos out there."
~~~~~
Cammie gave a delighted squeel when she recognized Hiro, though he had no idea who she was, or why this American girl could speak fluent Japanese.
"Hi, Hiro!" the little girl said, hugging him. Hiro was so touched by her, and she was just so darn cute, that he returned the gesture. "Mamma's gonna be happy to see you. She was really worried and sad when she heard you were sick. I'm glad you got better!" Hiro stared at Ando with a surprised look. He got sick? And where was his future self, anyway?
"I'm glad I got better, too," he told Cammie, while staring at Ando demanding an explanation.

[Eyes Only]

Strange thought Calein. the animals shed spoken too all seemed to be avoiding the pier...and the birds....they were all.... leaving. as if a large storm where coming on the horizon yet the weather reports showed no sign of one. an omen her grandfather call it.
calein shifted back again. "I heard what you said and would like to point out...most of the animals seem to be avoiding a certain pier. Also the birds are leaving. As if a large storm or disaster where approaching strange as the weather reports do not mention a storm or and new york is not near any fault lines unless i'm mistaken."

[trinn]

Clenching his jaw, Will ground his teeth together. Max wasn't fooling him. "Max. Why is my sister headed to Virginia." he demanded, eyeing the computer screen that Luc was looking at. He wished he could teleport. He could probably find someone around here with that ability...
****

With a cool anger, Etta listened to Sam's explanation. She didn't bother slowing down though, and continued marching through the resistance. Once she was in a relatively empty hall, she came to a quick halt and twirled on Sam, her dark hair flying over her shoulders. "So what if he's from the future? And if he say's we're all doomed, wouldn't it be better to listen to what he has to say instead of breaking his jaw!" Etta hated being mad, especially at Sam, but seeing him fighting with Julian again was too much.
***

Seeing the little girl dash into the room, Sahira frowned impatiently. This was an important discussion, and they couldn't afford these distractions. Marching over to the door, Sahira grabbed a passing gifted. "Stand here and let no one in unless it's urgent." The man nodded, then took up a spot near the door. Sahira looked over her shoulder at Cammie, making a gesture at Ando to get her out.
***

Felicity gave a short laugh. "Like trying to fly through a hurricane, probably." she said, shaking her head wearily. Feeling that familiar depression sinking over her again, Felicity straightened and rubbed her eyes. "Come on, I need to do something before I lose my mind."

[Max452]

Max sighed, having failed to pathetically fool Will. "I don't know, Will." Max replied honestly. "But, I'm going to find out. Don't you do anything stupid." She warned him.

"Um," Luc began, "I've narrowed it down a bit, but it seems like the coordinates won't get any more specific than 20 miles."

"She must have done something to the Lojack. Link me up." Max told Luc.

"Gotcha." Luc quickly typed on the keyboard and immediately Max's comm link and photo appeared on his screen. He typed some more, transferring Alicia's info into Max's helmet, where a holographic screen appeared on the inside of her visor.

"All right. Got it. I'm headed over there." Max told both men and increased her speed.

***
Sam stumbled to a halt when Etta twirled to face him. He set his mouth in a vicegrip, hearing her out. "You know I don't trust him. Ever since he got "rescued" from one of the facilities more of us have been disappearing. Whenever he goes out, we receive anonymous tips of Shadow's movements and groups, and when we go to investigate, our teams are either ambushed, killed, or worse, captured." He exhaled sharply. "I'm sorry, but I just can't trust whatever he says, not when it concerns our cause or you." He softened a bit and looked at her gently. "I can't bear if you got hurt again."

***
Seeing Hiro's inquisitive look, Ando turned away, not wanting to tell his friend the truth. He was thankful when he spotted Sahira's aggressive stare about Cammie. He gave her a nod. "Cammie, can you let us grown-ups talk? Why don't you find Etta? Don't you think your mother would like some pretty flowers when she gets here?" He asked the girl in japanese.

***
Julian pointed at Calien as he talked to Micah. "See, even she agrees something is brewing up over there."
Micah nodded, thinking still. "Even so, we need to check it out. We should send a team in there." He caught Julian's protestive stare. "Before the scheduled deadline. Perhaps, we can catch them off guard. Despite all this, I'm not willing to sacrifice half of New York. We need to go in a disable whatever mechanism they have." Micah told them all.
"You can't be serious? If we go in there, the Resistance is gone."
"Do you have a better suggestion?" Micah asked, revealing his fatigue and an odd maturity for a 14 year old.
Julian said nothing, but glanced at Sahira. "No." He said somberly.

Micah nodded. "Sahira." He turned to look at the women. "Form a team. I want you heading this. This will be our utmost priority. Take how many and who ever you need." He glanced at Julian, who appeared to be sulking. Micah didn't want another power struggle to occur between Sam and Julian. He turned to Hiro for the first time. "And of course, Hiro, you need to go with the team too. You hold the key to stopping this from happening in the first place." He glanced back at Sahira. "Guard him with your life." He told her, referring to Hiro.

OOC: Jeriah, have Alica go to the pier too...I'm going to have Cain and Hazel there right now. =p Let's get this over with! lol

[Firestar]

OOC: Pier? Where? What? Huh? Uh...okay...lol.

Alicia kept the gas pedal smashed against the floorboard as a giddy exhilaration thrilled through her. She didn't think that she would be able to take the car safely back to the hideout and hoped that her boss might be able to give her a new one. Maybe a Ferrari, or even better, a Lamborghini. She sighed as she daydreamed of cars until she got close to the meeting place. About ten miles away she left the straight course, just in case Max was able to crack her lojack mess and tracked her. It wouldn't do to have the woman so close to any of her bosses. Parking, she glanced through the future, cursing quietly when she saw that Max would find the Porche. But she could clearly see that she wouldn't be able to follow her afterward. Alicia smirked to herself as she got out of the car, giving a quick wipedown for any fingerprints. Then, as she walked to the pier where she was to meet her boss, she smirked to herself. She was concocting a lovely little lie that would make her seem innocent and make Max look like an idiot for accusing her of being the mole. It really helped that the other one, the real Alicia, didn't know a thing about this and believed anything she told her.
~~~~~
Cammie frowned when she heard what Ando told her. She didn't want to go too far away because she wanted to be close when her mother arrived. But he was sad, and Hiro was confused. And the others were...not really angry, but very tense. She touched Ando's hand and smiled at him, trying to make his sadness go away, then turned around. As she walked to the door, she passed by the glaring lady named Sahira. She brushed her fingers against Sahira's leg as she passed, giving the woman calm, happy feelings. When she'd left the room, she frowned to herself again.
"I guess I'm gonna have to talk in english now," she complained to herself in Japanese.
~~~~~
Hiro watched as the little girl left. He was about to ask Ando what she had meant about him being sick, but then Micah spoke to him. He gave a quick little bow with his head at the boy's words.
"I will do what I can to stop the Shadow man and his evil schemes," he declared.
~~~~~
Dave gave his sister a crooked smile as he stood from sitting beside her on the bed.
"Well I don't know what we could do to keep us from losing our minds in some way or another. Julian Riker's come back, though, so maybe he has some news. He looks weird, though. His face is practically all metal." He opened the door and gestured for her to go ahead.

[Eyes Only]

Elpida packed some things then encased her ipod/panic button/gps in lead crystal and went into the rose garden out here was sort of a quartz fountain in a blind spot but underneath it a vein f quartz went straight to the underground...all she had to do was open it up descreetly... she did and slid down closing it after her. she was going to meet with the resistance. odd things where going on...and it had been a while.she walked through the tunnels and eventually made it to the door. she knocked that knock then pulled off her hood and waved taking off the smaller glove to show the crystal fingertips. "hello is Elpida!"

[trinn]

Sahira gave a brisk nod to Micha, alreading compiling a list of people she would like on this specific mission. She absently watched the little girl walk away, watched Cammie give her a fleeting touch. That was enough though to kick Sahira's tension away, to be replaced with an odd serenity. For a moment, Sahira forgot about the team she was to assemble, her mind pleasantly blank, an odd smile on her lips. The present tensness of the situation returned to her then, and she shook her head to clear away any remaining peacefullness. She couldn't afford to be relaxed. "Hiro, come on. Let's go get our team." she said to the timer master. Before leaving the room, Sahira glanced at Julian. "Come on. You too."
***

Etta couldn't deny that Sam made a valid point. It was odd how misfortune seemed to strike the teams while Julian was out. Still, without any concrete evidence, she wasn't eager to place blame on him. At mention of being hurt again, Etta unconsciously placed a hand over the long, jagged scar on her neck. This was nothing compared to what Sam suffered, though. "I won't get hurt again." she said, trying to sound confident. "But that's not exactly a fair request. I don't like seeing your hurt either, especially when it can be avoided. You have to stop picking fights with Julian. I don't care if you don't trust him, just don't go fighting him." Stepping forward, Etta wrapped her arms around his waist, placing her head on the shoulder above his missing arm. "Please."
***

A metal face? Gross. Standing, Felicity walked out of her dull room and into an even duller corridor. "Present Julian, or future Julian?" she asked Dave, looking back at him. It wasn't unusual when people from the past or even the future made visits to the Resistance.

[Max452]

Cain's face was set in an annoyed expression. The source of his irritation: Hazel. She was breaking his controls more frequently then he would have liked. She was becoming one of those strains that were far more than pleasant. He would need an incentive for her to continue staying by his side, for her part in this story was far than finished.

Cain finally decided on a very positive reinforcement for the woman, which was way they were here in one of his facilities. The pier was an excellent hideout and cover for the many illicit experiments he had conducted over the past 6 months. And now, it was time to show Hazel his prime experiment. Experiment 187.

Cain's shoes echoed against the polished marble floor as he lead Hazel to Experiment 187.
"Come along, dear." He said in a feigned pleasant voice as four guards escorted them through the massive warehouse, turned medical facility.

***
A guard was stationed at the entrance of the facility, making it appear as nothing more than a regular cargo hold. However, behind him were multiple cameras and soldiers hidden from view. The guard noticed Alicia walking towards his little booth.

***
Max revved the engine to her motorcycle as she headed in the direction of the Porche. What's going on, Alicia? Max wondered to herself as she turned off the freeway and into the local streets, being cautious of Shadow's cronies. She only hoped that Will heeded her warning to not get involved. Alicia was already a handful to worry about; she didn't feel like rescuing Will any time soon.

***
"Thank you, Cammie." Ando managed a soft smile as the little girl brushed against him and wandered out of the main room. He sighed, hoping his friend would be all right.

"Good luck." Micah wished them as he watched Sahira and her group leave. "I want the rest of you to get some rest. I have a feeling that Sahira might need backup. Wait for the alarm." Micah ordered to the rest in the room.

***
Julian glanced at Micah before following Sahira out the door. He was glad that Sahira wanted him with her, even though he would have gone along despite her protests. He had no intention to stand idly by as a recon team went to check out the facility; the image of the destroyed warehouse and his friends still fresh in his mind.

Julian followed closely behind Sahira, making sure that this time would be different. "We should take Max with us; she's good at sneaking into places. And oh, the multiplying guy. I forgot his name...he'll be useful. We should go in through the ocean...they won't expect that...have Hiro pop in there for a peek...." Julian's suggestions were far from suggesting as he hovered near her.

***
Sam's lip twitched as Etta pleaded with him to stop picking fights. His attitude softened when she hugged him. He made an exasperated sigh and narrowed his eyes at her playfully. "I hate when you do that." He smirked. "I can't seem to say no to your charm." He hugged her back. "I promise...no fights with Julian, if I can help it." He told her.

Sam parted from her after a moment, mainly due to a passing Resistance member. Sam still refused to show affection in public. "Anyways," He cleared his throat as his peripheral vision watched the soldier walk away. "Need help with anything?"

***
Elipida's announcement of her arrival was far from quiet as the security team noticed her. Unlocking the door, they allowed the girl inside the Resistance. A passing soldier noticed her and gave her a wave. "Yo. Welcome back." He said as he wandered off to do his duties.

[trinn]

Obediently, Hazel followed Cain through the large experimental facility. In the back of her skull throbbed a dull headache, which was confusing to her. She had not done any searching recently, so there was really no reason for the headache. As they walked along, shoes clicking dully on the floor, she began to think about the experiments Cain was conducting. Hazel had never really thought about them before. There was no reason to, after all. If Cain said these experiments were good, then they were good. But for some reason she couldn't fathom, her brain was starting to question if these experiments were good. Well, it didn't really matter what she thought. Sighing, Hazel continued after Cain soundlessly.
***

Heeding Julian's advice, Sahira first found the multiplying man. After a brief explanation to him, she continued on her way. After much mental debate, Sahira had decided that Sam would be valuable on the team. Turning to the multiplying fellow, Sahira spoke to him briskly. "Go find Sam and meet us back at the main hub." The man nodded and hurried off. Sahira glanced at Julian. She had to keep reminding herself that he was from the future, that he wasn't exactly her Julian. "Sam's coming with us whether you like it or not. He's a good fighter, and he's got experience." Sahira lifted an eyebrow, daring him to argue.
***

"That's it." Will growled under his breath, uncomfortable with doing nothing while his sister ran rampant. "I'm going out." he said to Luc. Swiveling on his heels, Will marched away without further words. He nearly ran through the halls, anxious to be on his way after Alicia. Finding the garage, Will pulled out a single key from his pants pocket. Finding his Dodge Charger, he unlocked the door and jumped in. Ripping open the glove box, he removed a small case, which he popped open. There were two pistols inside, along with shoulder holster for them both. After slipping into the shoulder holsters, Will deftly loaded the pistols and placed them in their respective holsters. Shoving the key into the ignition, Will brought the car to life with a roar. Punching a button on the dashboard, he brought up connections to the resitance control center. "Any change in position, Luc?" he asked as he pulled away and out of the garage.
***

"Good." Etta managed to say before Sam pulled out of her embrace. Catching sight of the lone man passing by, Etta stifled a sigh. One day, she would help Sam get over his reserves about public affection. Managing a smile, Etta began to speak, but stoped when another man walked up to them. She recognized the multiplying man, and gave him a friendly nod of hello. He returned it briefly before addressing Sam. "Sahira is forming up a team to check out that pier. She's requested you come along." Etta's heart skipped a beat, and her stomach seemed to drop. She wanted to shout 'No!', but new it would be useless. Sam would go, and she would wait for him as usual, praying the whole time he would come back safe.

[Max452]

Julian was pleased that Sahira was taking his advice when she invited the Multiplying Man, whose name was actually Doug. While Doug ran off to inform Sam, Julian did his best not to make a sneering noise when Sahira mentioned that Sam was coming along. "Fine, whatever." He huffed out and crossed his arms. "Let's just get this stupid thing over with." He muttered. "Maybe Sam will be the first to go." He replayed cynically, letting his disapproving of the mission known. "This is a very very bad idea!" He grunted, trying very hard not to relive the moments of him teleporting into a slaughter house. "I came back to change my future, not to speed it up."

***
"Um...Will...i don't think Max will like that idea...Will? Will!!" Luc yelled out as Will ran off. "She's gonna kick his ass..." Luc muttered right when Will's voice echoed into his headset. "No!" He squeaked, hoping Will didn't hear his last comment. "But, I can just link you with Max's GPS." Luc offered.

***
Passing through a city checkpoint, which were now installed to control Mutants from going into New York, Max speed quickly, tucking her security pass that she lynched off of a female agent awhile back. Her face began to reconstruct back into her own image as she waited to switch her shapeshifting power back to her heightened senses. She was drawing closer to the Porche's position, but noticed that it was where the lojack said it would be.

Narrowing her eyes, Max glanced around her. Where could Alicia be? Glancing around at her surroundings, Max knew that Alicia would have taken one of two routes, as the other possibilities would lead Alicia either to a military facility or to military controlled facilities. The two routes she was thinking of would either lead Alicia to downtown, where it was shrouded with Agents or to the ocean, where a local fish market was still functioning with little military interference.

Max wondered if Alicia was hunting. It was the most logical thing, as she had an unsatisfying lunch, and it would explain the sudden disappearing lojack and the fake excuse. Perhaps Alicia was ashamed that she gave into her cravings. Max sighed. She really didn't feel like fighting Alicia off of any fishermen.

Going with her gut instincts, Max turned towards the fish market.

***
"Okay. Tell her I'll be there shortly." Sam told Doug. He watched the man leave before turning back to Etta. He gave a half smile. "I'll see you when I get back?" He asked, searching her eyes, hoping that she wouldn't worry about him. "Maybe even a candlelight mac and cheese dinner?" He joked with her, hoping to relax the mood. He always hated leaving her on tense terms. He hated leaving her at all, but he had things he needed to do, despite his own feelings.

***
Walking through an automatic glass door, Cain lead Hazel in. "Stay on guard." Cain ordered the guards to stay outside. "Hazel," Cain began as they strolled through a medical room and into an elevator. Cain pressed a hidden button and the metal box lowered itself gently. "do you have any idea where I am taking you?" Cain glanced at her, knowing the answer was no. Hazel wasn't allowed to go down to the basement. The elevator stopped and the doors opened, revealing a large empty steel room. One metal walkway encircled the room across the top, intending for the viewers to gaze down onto the room as a bulletproof window protected them from something below. A small control panel was installed in front of the window, to the side, along with 4, 17 inch multiple screens that were attached to the switchboard. These screens revealed video images that were being recorded down below by numerous cameras on the walls. It showed a massive brawl down below the walkway.

Cain stepped out and went to the metal railing. His hands grasped tightly onto it as he glanced down to the large room, which revealed one exit on the walkway. The elevator. And one exit and entrance down below them, but there was no doorknob, indicating that someone from the outside could only open the door.

Cain motioned Hazel to stand next to him as a blue light streaked across the arena. "Don't worry. They can't see us." He pointed to the window. "Its one sided. We can see them, but they can't see us." He smiled pleasantly to her. He turned his head back to gaze down below. "I just wanted you to meet Experiment 187."

***
Down below the metal arena, Experiment 187 fired another blue radiation blast at two of his opponents, killing them with one blow. Dressed only in black pants and facing away from Cain and Hazel, Experiment 187 had only one task: to eliminate the targets before him. His eyes were blank as he slaughtered several more other men, who were all defected experiments and now only held the purpose of being used as target practice for Cain's favorite toy.

Using martial arts and tactical maneuvers, Experiment 187 dodged a sneak attack from his left, but managed to get attacked from a man who had spikes protruding from his fingernails. Experiment 187 felt nothing from the attacks that persisted and easily grasped the man's neck, snapping it in two. Experiment 187 tossed the body down and gazed at the dead bodies around him. He then stood in a military stance, awaiting further orders.

***
"Oh dear, it seems we just only arrived at the end." Cain frowned, disappointed as he watched Experiment 187 snap a man's neck on one of the screens. "Oh well." Cain huffed out and pressed a button on the control panel. "Experiment 187, about face." Cain ordered into a speaker that projected itself to the room below. The four cameras followed Experiment 187's movements and displayed them on the screens.

Experiment 187 did as he was told. Turning sharply around, he faced the window and the speaker, where Cain and Hazel were viewing him. His eyes glued to the metal wall in front of him as his bloody wounds began to heal before their eyes.

Cain smiled again. "187, at ease." Cain commanded, and Experiment 187 obeyed.
"Hazel. Meet Experiment 187." Cain's fake smile widened as Logan Monroe's face was shown as a close up on one of the screens.

[Eyes Only]

Elpida smiled then walked off to find Ando and show him the black rose. she liked it here. at least here she did not have to hide who she was. though she still felt... out of place sometimes despite the welcoming feeling. or maybe it was just her.

[trinn]

Choosing to ignore Luc's muttered comment, Will instead gave him a brisk, "Thanks". Turning a busy street corner, he kept a constant eye on the GPS, following the route that was laid out for him. Max could kick his ass to her heart's desire, so long as Alicia was returned home safely.
****

Keeping up a brisk pace, Sahira lead the way to the Resistance's control center. She new Max was involved closely there, and would thus be the likliest place for the empath to be. Eyeing Julian askance, Sahira tried not to think too much of the future Julian came from. Apparently, there would be countless deaths at the pier, and her body would be one of the many corpses. Or at least, parts of her body. "By checking the pier now, we could forestall the future explosion." she said to Julian, trying to pacify him. "Don't be so pessimistic." Of course, she herself wasn't exactly the most optimistic person on earth.
***

Managing a sincere smile, Etta gave Sam a nod. She didn't want him to be worrying about her while he was out risking his own life. "Sounds perfect." she said with a small laugh. Mac and cheese probably wasn't the most romantic dish, but the people of the resistance made due with what was available. Turning a bit more somber, Etta added, "Just come home safely."
***

Peering through the glass, Hazel felt a cool chill tremble down her spine. She was immensly glad the frenzied man below couldn't see her. The way he went about killing... there was no emotion, just an act of compliance. Normally, Hazel took pleasure in whatever Cain took pleasure in, but she couldn't bring herself to smile with him this time. As the last opponents neck gave way with a sick motion, Hazel flinched inwardly. Why was it that Cain wanted to create such... monsters?

Then, as experiment 187 turned to face them, Hazel had to reach out and grasp the rail in front of her to keep herself from keeling over. She new that man down there, in a way that was hauntingly familiar. "Logan." she heard herself whisper. Hearing that name aloud, there was a jolt of pain through the entirety of her brain. Bringing her hands to her head, Hazel clenched her eyes shut and grimly waited for the pain to recede. This wasn't a usual migraine. Through the searing pain, faint memories struggled forward, and she remembered now exactly who Logan was. She just couldn't remember why she was with Cain. "What did you do to him." she finally managed to gasp, forcing her eyes open to glare accusingly at Cain. Seeing him standing there, Hazel had a sudden flash of clarity. She new who she was, what was happening, who Logan and Cain really were to her. She new also that her current sanity might not last much longer. It felt so good to be free again, however briefly.

Lashing out, Hazel shoved Cain as hard as she could out of her way. Pounding down the button he had been using on the control panel, she spoke urgently into the speaker. "Your name is Logan! Experiment 187, your name is Logan! Logan Monroe!" Her speech was rushed as she tried to jog his memory, tried to snap him out of his blank submission. "This is Hazel, we worked together at the Daily Bugle!" she continued shouting into the speaker, hoping it wasn't a useless act. Knowing she couldn't escape Cain here, Hazel's only hope was to at least help Logan before she was once again made to forget him.

[Eyes Only]

Elpida walked into a room that looked like some one had had a temper tantrum with there abilitys. she did however see ando. she waited patiently for him to finish talking to whom he was talking to. then spoke up.
"Ando," she said in her thick greek accent "hello, i was wondering if something was happening? see remember those roses i told you about? the ones that keep showing up on my window sill? well i found a black one today along with the usual red one." she took the rose shed encased in crystal and showed it to ando.

[Max452]

Ando was on his way out with the remaining people in the command center when Elpida appeared. "Hello." Ando greeted Elpida as he halted to talk to her. He listened intently as she explained the black rose. He wasn't fully aware of all the mechanics of her powers but he trusted her. "What does this mean?" He asked her.

***
With narrowed eyes, Max stared at the abandoned Porsche. Her bike was parked to the side as she sat in the car, inspecting it. After talking to some of the fishermen, she discovered that they has seen a yellow Porsche pass by, but nothing on a woman fitting Alicia's description. Max figured that Alicia went all vampire and ran off. Now, Max sat in the car, wondering what in the hell was going on. She wiped her finger on the dashboard, suspicion in her eyes. Her finger was clean. Was Alicia captured or did she not want to be found?

***
"I'm not being pessimistic!" Julian gritted his teeth and grabbed her by the arm. He was thankful that he had solved his whole touching problem as his hand felt the warmth of Sahira's skin. He pushed his personal desires aside to get back to the primary issue. "You don't know that." He told her. "For all we know, we could just be accelerating the problem. We have no idea what's in there!" He tried to get his point across as they were halted on the stairs up to the control center.

***
Sam nodded, sensing the mood and hating it more that he was leaving for this mission. Especially this one. He had a hunch that Micah was sending them all to check out the pier and who knows what would happen. "I'll come back." Sam promised as his good hand placed her's in his. "I'll come back." He reiterated. Not even checking if they had an audience, Sam kissed her gently and briefly. "I'll see you soon." He turned to leave.

***
Cain was taking immense pleasure in watching Hazel come into realization of everything before her. His fake grin turned into a real one. He merely chuckled when Hazel glared at him. His eyes were fixated on her as she gazed back to 187, her precious Logan. He allowed her to push him aside as she jammed a finger onto the intercom. Uselessly trying to unhinge 5 months of programming.

Cain adjusted his tie. "Save your energy, Hazel. I'll need that spunk of yours for something else." Cain peered over to look at the unmovable soldier. "He won't listen to you; I've made sure of that." Cain mused over Hazel's desperation. "He only listens to my voice. My commands. Now, will you kindly step away from that switchboard? We have much to discuss, you and I."

***
Down below Cain and Hazel, 187 heard the screams of a frantic woman. At first his programming told him to ignore them as they were not Cain's voice, but something, something deep down moved ever so slightly towards the heartbreaking voice.

***
"Now, I'm sure you are aware of who you are, so I won't have to force you out." Cain's fake pleasant face stared at Hazel. "I need you all clear and sound for what I have planned next." Cain placed his hands inside his pockets, quite at his own leisure as he spoke to Hazel. "You must hate me." He spoke matter-of-factly. "Who can blame you? I've taken your life. Your freedom. Your will,...even..." He waved a hand at Logan, "your boyfriend." He nearly chuckled. "But I have to say, all those were unavoidable; both of you have no idea how special you are." His voice sounded awed, reverent.

[Eyes Only]

Elpida looked at it thinking carefully. "Well i know that black roses can be assosiated with death...i... believe it could be a warning. though they can also mean farewell or rejuvenation and rebirth so... i admit it is a bit...confusing. I hope it is one of the more positive meanings. but then that would not make mutch sence.... has someone died here recently?" she said suddenly changing the subject staring at something else.
~~~~
Molly Walker sat on a bench at the airport waiting for her friend Mr. Rains to come back. he'd been gone 30 minuets said he'd needed to go to the bathroom figured since there were all these people shed be safe specially since the security booth was right next to her. she was going by her Hindi name as well figured shed be safer that way.

[Firestar]

OOC: Oh, crap! I'd entirely missed everything about Logan...wow. Now the question is, when Max gets back, will she remember all her plans? I sure don't...

Alicia walked toward the pier steadily. She knew where the entrance to the hideout was, though she had never gone past the first couple of halls. It struck her as she walked that she had never even seen her highest boss's face before. He always communicated through his little attache girl. She would have liked to speak with him directly, to thank him for creating her and bringing her into his service, but she understood on some level his need for secrecy. If the Resistance ever acquired a mind-reader, she would have some small trouble keeping his identity a secret. She would sooner die than betray him.
She noticed a guard watching her closely as she made her way to the entrance. She felt her mouth begin to water as she contemplated sinking her teeth into his steadily pulsing neck. Remembering the nasty stuff the real Alicia made her drink earlier, she began to really thirst after pure human blood. But perhaps later. It wouldn't do to cause a scene here at the location of the hideout.
~~~~~
Dave shrugged at Felicity's question, not sure of the answer.
"I don't know, but judging by the look of him, I'd guess future. Obviously his personality doesn't change much." He chuckled slightly, then glanced up to see a little girl waiting in the hall. He recognized her as the daughter of that ninja chick who'd dropped her off and only occasionally visited. Cammie looked a little lonely, which wasn't surprising since she was by far the youngest person in the whole underground. The little girl smiled a little when she saw the two of them.
"Konnichiwa," she said with a bright smile. She looked at Felicity, noticing the sadness the lady was showing. Reaching up, she brushed her fingertips against Felicity's, trying to make her sadness go away. Dave smiled back at the talented child. Then the girl looked over at him with a somewhat anxious expression on her face.
"Kaa-chan wa doku desu ka?" she ask, perhaps the most often repeated question from her. It took perhaps three days for most of the underground to understand it.
"I'm sure your mom will be here soon," he assured her, "and will be very happy to see you."
Ever since Logan's death, Dave had sort of forced himself to mature. He gave up on his stupid dreams, stopped being such a wimp who relied on other people. He thought carefully about everything he needed to do, did his best to get along with others. He stayed out of most fights, but when he knew a hundred percent that he was right about something, he would support it no matter what. In general he would ask himself what Logan might do in a certain situation and try to see if it was right. Among his many regrets from before was how much of a nuisiance he must have been to his older brother. But he was fairly certain, if Logan were still alive today, he would be proud of Dave.