HEROES Chapter 5

The group from New York made it to Chicago with relative ease. Traveling at night, they made their way along Lake Erie so they avoided being spotted as well as had less traffic to worry about thus making their journey quicker.

Morgan decided to leave on her own despite the concern and warning from both Tim and Yelena and now, she’s found herself locked up and in her father Frank’s custody. Frank, now working for RAID, is determined to exorcise the demons from his daughter. As Morgan waits for her fate, the other meta’s are unaware of her predicament. Yet.

Grey Pyre, after having the life nearly beat out of him, found himself dumped not too far from the meta’s safe house in Troy. Just before they left Troy, Yelena and Morgan found his beaten, broken and bruised body along side the road they jogged on each morning. While Morgan didn’t like the idea, Yelena and Tim told her it was best to just leave him be in case it was a trick by RAID, Beacon or any other agency trying to get to them. Little did Yelena and Tim know there was someone watching over Grey, but it wasn’t a government agency.

Scavenger, a good friend of Grey’s, was in his raven form and found the injured Grey. Waiting for the others to clear out before he acted, Stefan went back to Troy, stole a vehicle, drove back out to Grey, picked the young man up and drove non-stop to Chicago.

Yelena, Tim, Shawn, Cassius and Zoe were accepted by the Chicago Resistance fighters into the Green Street safe house where Zoe, a.k.a. KillSwitch is taking over the duties of Silicone Surfer who was recently killed. After meeting some other Meta’s in the safe house, the group from Troy feel as though they are able to relax a little more and not worry about looking over their shoulders each second of each day.

A group of rogue Meta Humans have recently escaped from a RAID detention facility and there is quite a bit of increased activity from like minded Meta’s in Chicago. It’s suspected a build up of these rogue meta’s are gathering for something big in Chicago, but exactly what for, no one knows yet.

With the group from Troy now joining the resistance fighters in Chicago, it’s sure to be an interesting time in the Windy City.

When Yelena received Toril’s voice mail she closed the phone and was just thinking of going to look for him when she heard activity in the safe house. When she turned to look behind her she saw the huge form of the Bronze Devil fill up the threshold of the room. Thinking she had just walked into some sort of strange dimension, the shape shifter was getting ready to run for her life. Thankfully Toril, wearing his mask, stepped out from behind the Devil before Yelena could get a squeak out.

Seeing her friend for the first time since their escape from the Beacon facility, Yelena couldn’t hide the relief and happiness she felt. He was indeed doing just fine and she could rest easy now knowing he was safe. While she wanted to get up and embrace him, she resisted the urge afraid it would send the wrong message to him. The last thing she wanted was to mislead him. His friendship meant too much to her for that.

As the Devil introduced himself and asked about her abilities and if she could perform as different celebrities at his club, Yelena was very confused…at first. And when he called Toril Studio, it confused her a bit more. While she was no novice to humor, she didn’t quite understand this new form of it and she would look to Toril with a confused look on her face. When she finally realized this Devil was joking with her, she put two and two together and realized he was the owner of the comedy club of the card Toril left behind.

Shaking the Devil’s hand after taking Toril’s in her own, the shape shifter chuckled softly and shook her head. Looking over at Toril, she grinned slightly as she spoke in perfect Russian to him knowing he would understand most of what she said.

”You have a strange friend here. I hope he does more for a living than own a comedy club.”

Finally she looked over at The Bronze Devil again with a genuine smile on her face.

”I am Yelena Petrokovich also known as Chameleon. And yes, I am shape shifter as Wraith has mentioned.”

When Devil got up to get himself a drink, Yelena felt more comfortable to talk to Toril openly. Looking back to the handsome Norwegian, she glanced down at her shoulder.

”Is nothing, really. Thanks to Tim’s quick thinking, is almost completely healed now. Still a little stiff, but I not been able to work out properly to loosen shoulder up much.”

There was a moment of hesitation before Yelena spoke again. There was no doubt she was nervous and it clearly showed in the way she quit making eye contact with Toril and fidgeted with her phone.

”You did all you could. I not thank you enough for what you did. I owe you life. I was very worried when I not see you on other side of lake. I was certain Vicily got to you again. I am very glad that not case.”

Finally her eyes made contact with his once more.

”I would have come back for you no matter what risks I faced.”

Before Toril could respond, Devil came back and handed the blond man his Sam Adams and Yelena quickly changed the subject. Glacing at the Devil, she asked him about something she found curious. Grinning, she asked the all important question.

”I don’t suppose you tell me what name Studio is all about, would you?”

As Yelena listened to the story about how Toril ended up with the nickname Studio from the Devil’s perspective, she found herself laughing softly. It had been some time since she was able to laugh….really laugh. And it felt good. After catching up with Toril and explaining what happened after they got separated, Yelena finally finished up with their trip from Troy to Chicago and their arrival at the safe house.

Once she was done, she asked the men about the new city she was going to call home for now. The Devil and Toril relayed the info about the rogue meta’s in the city and how they thumb their nose at the laws meant to protect the citizens of Chicago. Not the Riggs Act, but the regular laws themselves the police are suppose to enforce.

Yelena didn’t like what she was hearing, especially after hearing a RAID detention facility recently suffered an escape. Things didn’t seem to be going very well for the Windy City, as the Devil called it. And from where Yelena sat, it sounded like the Windy City was in for some winds of change indeed.

Tim looked over the rim of his coffee cup as the large horned man man entered the room. He looked over at Totem, as he sat the cup down and said "'cuse me thar pardner fur a couple of miniutes." Tim then stood up and walked over to the big man. He looked at him hard, with a cold and expressionless face. "My Grandpappy kept tellin' me I was gonna end up in hell, ifin' I didn' change my ways. ........ But I never figured on gettin a right personal escurt." ......... Then Tim grinned and extened his hand "Tim Rutherford, they call me Cowboy."

(Friday, May 22, 3:10 PM Green Street Base)

Allie had been working with kids all afternoon and was glad when she was done. She loved working with the kids, teaching them self-defense and giving them an outlet for their frustrations and aggressions, but for some reason, she just couldn't get into the spirit of it today.

Telling Mikala bye, she headed to her loft to shower and change then head to the Green Street base and check on their guests.

Once she arrived, she saw Toril talking to Yelena and Tim speaking with Bronze Devil. She told all four of them hi and asked Yelena how Shawn was doing, if he was finding his away okay? She was glad when Yelena told her that all was well with the young man and he had all but memorized the place. Allie was relieved, knowing that it must be hard for the kid to have to learn a new place all of the time.

Walking over to Tim, she excuses herself, telling him and Bronze Devil that she needed to talk to Tim and that Bronze Devil could stick around if he wanted to. Seeing Totem, she motioned him to come over as well.

"I would like to know about Morgan's father. I think we need to know just what this guy is like. Who is he? Is he a meta? Just how much of a threat is he to her? What's he look like? Any information would be great so that the rest of us know what we're looking for when we're out and about, in case he's grabbed her."

She looks to Tim and Totem both, waiting for their answers, seeing Totem's hesitation.

"Look, Totem, I know how it feels to be among those like you, but that you don't know. It's not in us to trust just anyone, but she is one of Tim's group and they are now a part of this group as are you if you'd like to be. That means that we all will help in finding her, but I for one, would like to know what we're up against where her maniacal father is concerned and right now, I know very little."

As Tim explains what he knows about Frank, Allie becomes more and more concerned.

"I have a friend who is a clarivoyant. Do you have anything of hers that I can take to her? See if she can get a reading. You can come along if you wish, both of you. Her name is Mikala and I work for her, helping out the local kids that are down on their luck and need a somewhere to let out their frustrations. It's a rundown gym called Second Chance Gym."

Toril took another swig of his beer and eased back into the couch. "Bronze has been filling me in, on the local action and it doesn't look good." He mentioned to Yelena, "I figure I might as well lend a hand and when Shinnigami comes a calling, we'll be ready for him. There's strength in numbers, eh?" Wraith said with a gleaming smile that further supported his nickname, Studio.



When Tim Rutherford walked into the room and colourfully introduced himself, the Bronze Devil laughed. "Stick with me kid and I'll give ya the grand tour." He replied to the comment about 'hell'. "Cowboy, eh? I'm betting your thang is guns? Am I right?" Gabriel assumed while making the universal gesture for a pistol with his free hand, while he sucked back a bourbon on the rocks in one gulp. He turned then when he saw the Flaming Angel enter the room. "Hey Allie." he greeted, "Sorry I haven't been around the Gym lately. Been busy at the Ukrainian Village Youth Centre and the Club. You know how it is? You've met Wraith, right?" The Devil mentioned while gesturing to Toril, keeping his name as private as possible, as per his friend's wishes. "This bum is stayin' with me, but Totem is crashing here for now."

Totem stood behind one of the couches looking on. He nodded to Allie, and though she spoke convincingly of the camaraderie they all shared he remained stand offish.

"So, Mikala's a seer?" Questioned the Bronze Devil, "Well, ya learn somethin' new everyday." he commented, then finished off the rest of his drink. Heading back to the bar, he pointed to Toril's beer, and the big Norwegian shrugged off the offer of another.

"When is this, Morgan, supposed to be checking in?" Asked Wraith with concern in his voice. "Chicago doesn't seem safe right now for a lone meta, especially one that is being pursued by an insane father. Does anyone, know where she was the last time she was heard from?"

Bronze Devil listening from the bar while pouring himself another drink, noticed Sigma as he quickly walked through the room. With his hands tucked into the pockets of his slate blue trench coat and masked face held low, he walked straight on down the hallway and out of sight without a word.

"There goes a guy that could probably track her down." Mentioned Gabriel pointing to the back of Sigma as he vanished round the corner.



Sigma didn't have any time for idle chit chat. He figured he'd meet all the new people soon enough, but right now he had some research to do. He walked down the hall, past the medical lab, then hung a left and went straight down to the door at the very end of the hall in the extreme south east corner of the facility. In there was a computer lab, with several desks and some offices, one in particular marked with a sigma symbol on the door, his home away from home. He unlocked the windowed door, closed it behind him and turned down the venetian blind for some extra privacy.

The office was furnished with overflowing bookshelves, a desk with a couple of monitors and table in the corner upon which was an old industrial coffee maker. With vertical blinds drawn tight and his door closed, Sigma lowered his mask and prepared himself a pot of coffee after booting up his computers. As he sat down behind his old oak desk, Sigma recalled the faces of the newcomers he had glanced at as he strolled by. One in particular stood out, the man in denim with the long shaggy hair looked familiar, then it dawned on him, 'The Wrangler!'. He was the guy that the FBI had been pursuing across New York. "Well the guy sure picked a nice quiet spot to lay low" he mused to himself. He had been following his movements, and Sigma was certain the guy was an ex-cop, criminals just didn't move in patterns like him, and Sigma knew patterns. He saw them everywhere and in everything and judging the Wrangler's trail, Sigma figured this guy could probably lend him a hand in Silicone Surfer's investigation, but first he had to verify some of his theories before sharing them.

Shonen hummed softly to himself as he walked alone to the park, he had seen various children playing there in the past few days and enjoyed their company. Machine was happy when he rounded the corner and saw 3 or 4 children playing. Most of their parents were busy drinking Starbucks or talking on their cell phones to notice that Shonen was not your average city kid.

Shonen had come here three mornings in a row and was learning a great deal about children and their quirks, the small droid was new to Chicago and all alone. Although he liked the interaction with the young ones his programming tugged at him, he would have to find a way to be useful and soon. It simply would not do for him to spend all his time at play.

Across the street a woman in business attire was attempting to change a flat tire on her SUV, cellphone at her shoulder. She was obviously upset and apparently running late for something. Shonen left the sandbox abruptly, "Bye bye!" shouted his playmates as Shonen crossed the busy street.

"Konichiwa, can I be of service?" Machine said sheepishly. The woman just stared at him.


"I am a mark one Toyomech assistant, please let me help." The woman was nervous, she stepped back from the small being.

"You should go home kid, at least get out of the stree..." The young woman's words trailed off as Machine went to work. The tools in machine's hands made quick work of the flat tire, in an instant it was off and the spare was on. "Braappp...braappp..!" in seconds Shonen had the lug nuts cranked down. He placed the flat into her open trunk and then bowed to the shocked woman.

"Thank you miss and have a nice day."

The woman stood motionless, her cell phone slipped from between her shoulder and ear it smacked onto the asphalt. She picked it up and tucked it into her jacket pocket.

"Uh..thanks kid." The woman finally spoke, she reached into her purse and withdrew something, she placed it into Shonen's hand and quickly got into her car and drove away.

Shonen looked into his hand, he was holding a 5 dollar bill.

"Strange..." The small droid murmured. He smiled as best as his rigid face would allow as he watched the woman drive away.

Allie smiled in greeting to Bronze Devil, "That's alright Bronze. But, the kids sure have missed you. Especially little Meaghan. Her mother finally left that bum that was no good for her and Meaghan's 10th birthday next Tuesday. We're throwing her a party at the gym while she waits for her mom to get off of work. You and your wife should come, Meaghan would love it."

Listening to Wraith's questions and concerns, she agrees with him.

"Yes, Mikala is a seer but she's a stronger empath. Sometimes, though, she can get a reading through the emotions she feels, even from inanimate objects. I thought it could be worth a try, maybe get an idea on where Morgan is and if she's safe. Does anyone know when she will be checking in, as Wraith mentioned?"

Noticing that Totem was still a little tight in the britches, she couldn't say she blamed him. It took time learning to trust and even then you had to sometimes watch your back. So, she simply gave him a friendly smile and let him be.

Looking over at Sigma as he walked in, she saw the he was preoccupied, figuring it had something to with Silicone's death. He didn't show his emotions, if he had any, but she could tell that he'd taken it hard.

Smiling at Bronze Devil, she nodded her head.

"Bronze is right. If anyone can find her, it would Sigma and God help her father if he's already caught her and hurt her."

Turning back to Tim and Totem, she smiles again.

"So, what do you say? Do you have anything of Morgan's and if you do, do you want to give Mikala a try?"

Yelena listened to the others and when Allie asked what time Morgan was to check in, Yelena finally chimed in.

”Morgan say she check in between five and six tonight.”

When everyone turned to look in her direction, the Russian suddenly felt like she had been exposed or something. With a quick glance at Toril and a slight nod from him, Yelena swallowed and went on to explain.

”Morgan call me to tell me she look for Frank to put end to way he stalked her. I tried to convince her is not good idea, but she very stubborn and not listen. I worry. Her father sound like man she not need to be around.”

When she was done, she glanced to Tim and gave an apologetic look. If she could have stopped Morgan from trying to confront her father, the shape shifter most certainly would have. But like most young, independent women Morgan was no different in wanting to prove herself and make a clean start with a new life that didn’t need the old one haunting it.

It was dark, almost pitch black except for the light from the street lamp shining through one of the small windows. Morgan wasn't terrified of the dark, but she didn't like it either.

She didn't know how long Frank had been gone or what time it was, so the she was jumping at every little sound. She'd called some of the rats to her and they gave her some comfort, but when she heard the rattling of the chain at the door, she quickly sent them away, knowing that Frank would kill them if he saw them with her. She realized as well, that her old fear was still alive inside of her. The little girl waiting for her punishment that always came when the locks were being unlocked.

She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, calming herself. When she saw the light bouncing around from the flashlight, it took everything she had to remain calm. She heard Frank struggling with something, then listened as he ran back out only to return again. Then, there was light. Frank had bought 3 battery operated lamps, postioning them in a triangle. One mear the table, one near the cage, and one near a folding metal chair. Next, he added a razor strap, a bottle of rubbing alcohol, and a canister of salt to the table. She almost panicked when she saw him take out a handgun, shove a clip home and screw on a silencer. His smile sent chills down her spine.

When he approached the cage, she stood up, facing him, keeping up a brave front.

"Awwww, Morgan, come one now. Don't make this difficult. Just come with me, to the chair and let Daddy cleanse your soul."

Morgan glared at him, her lavender eyes turning black, causing his face to turn red. She felt pressure inside of her head and the next thing she knew she was in the chair, her arms tied behind her back, her feet tied to the legs. She also noticed that her boots had been removed, the legs to her jeans had been cut off from her upper thighs down, and the arms and midsection to her shirt had also been cut away.

When she saw Frank wiping blood away from his nose and saw it seeping out of his ears, she knew then that not only could he track her, but he could also control minds. While Frank had his back turned to her, facing the table, she began to envision a solid, brick wall around her, protecting her from his mental control.

Turning around, Frank held the board with the nails sticking out of it, his eyes glazed with insanity.

"Now, Morgan, you can make this easy or you can make it painful. All you have to do to make it easy is confess your sins for killing Cassie and tell me where 'Wrangler' is."

Morgan glared at him, her eyes beginning to glow as she called to the rats in the building. A resounding slap could be heard throughout the abadoned building.

"NO...NO...NO!!! DON'T YOU USE YOUR DEMON POWERS ON ME, BITCH!!!"

He slapped her again, splitting her bottom lip.

"I WILL KILL ANY ANIMAL THAT COMES NEAR ME OR YOU!!! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME, DEVIL'S WHORE?!!"

Morgan nodded her head, still glaring at him, her eyes no longer glowing.

"Do you confess Morgan? Do you confess to killing little Cassie? And, where is 'Wrangler'?"

"I didn't kill, Cassie you sonofabitch and even if I did know where 'Wrangler' was, I sure in the hell wouldn't tell you!"

Morgan couldn't stop a shiver of fear when she was her father's face as he placed duct tape over her mouth. He drew back the board, the 1 inch length of nails facing the side of her thigh and swung, driving the nails in clean up to the board and then yanking them back out. He did this again and again, leaving the outside of her left thigh a bloody mess when he was done. Muffled screams could be heard from behind the duct tape as tears streamed down Morgan's cheeks.

Ripping the tape off, Frank leaned in to her face, asking her again if she would confess and tell him where 'Wrangler' was.

"Go...to...hell...Father!!"

The tape was slapped back on and this time the nails were brought down on the outside of the other leg. When he was done, Morgan was only semi conscious, her head hanging down. Frank curled his lip in disgust, mumbling about demons walking the Earth.

May 22, 2010 8:00 p.m. when he got done for the time being. He started around 5:15 p.m.

Sigma had been browsing through his old files on meta-human criminals and was quickly becoming discouraged as none of his particular searches in the database that Silicone Surfer had originally made were coming up. She had taught him how to access the system and use it to hack into the Chicago RAID and FBI databases as well, but time was always a factor when doing so. He searched as fast as he could but there was only so much he could so in eight minutes, and that's when the system automatically broke the connection, preventing the hack from ever being discovered. It was ingenious system, and Silicone had made it idiot proof. Once again he wondered how someone so smart could be caught so easily. The more he tried to fit everything together the more puzzle pieces he was finding and none of them were lining up. He needed some extra sensory perception on this case and there was only one guy that Slate new he could turn to, the only other person in the world who knew his true identity, Everet Delved.



Everet was enduring yet another boring meeting with his accountants who he was beginning to suspect were actually trying to drive him mad. They had found another, discrepancy in one of this investments and after looking it over once himself had found them in error and thus they had spent the last quarter of an hour defending their actions and justifying their positions. He hadn't even threatened them and they had immediately gone on the defensive and though he hadn't cared about the error in the beginning their sniveling attitudes were becoming so annoying that he actually was starting to consider firing both of them right on the spot. Thankfully his blackberry chimed in and when Everet checked the display there was only a sigma symbol and the number seventeen.

"Mr. Delved?" Called one of the accountants to Everet's back, but he didn't turn nor break stride as he headed out of his office and down the hallway.

"Sigma. How are you?" Greeted the former super-hero who was known as Grave Sight in his thick New Zealand accent.

"I'm okay." Apathetically answered Sigma. "You still readin' tea leaves?"

Everet laughed at Sigma's abrupt nature. "If you are referring to my psychometric readings, then yes, I still see the past everywhere I go." He answered.

"I need you to look into something for me." Requested Sigma.

"Look, Sigma. I told you before that I am not a part of your shadowy world anymore. I am a respectable..."

"It's about Silicone's murder." Sigma interrupted.

Everet sighed. "Yes, I head about her. I would have sent a card but I seemed to have lost your mailing address." He responded sardonically.

Sigma didn't appreciate the sarcasm, not when it concerned someone he cared about. 'Cared about?', Sigma considered the 'feeling' once again and came to the conclusion that Silicone Surfer must have meant something to him. "Look, Everet, I wouldn't have called if I didn't truly need you help. Stop by Green Street when and if you can schedule me in." He said then hung up his phone.

(Friday, May 22nd, 4:00 pm)

Slither shuddered and stirred on the couch where she appeared to be sleeping. Her shoulders writhed and heaved and as the muscles rolled beneath her snake-like skin, the vibrant green began to fade. She rolled over, then sat straight up, blinking her eyes rapidly. Rubbing them, she made her way down a decrepit hallway where she found an old claw foot tub she had recently filled with water. Slipping the garments off of her voluptuous frame she immersed herself into the cool water and completely submerged her body. There she remained, far beyond the time that any Human could hold their breath, staring up at the ceiling through the surface of the mirky water.



Agent Birkshire and his team followed Hunter's directions, which lead them to the railway yard north of the Gary-Chicago International Airport. There on the shore of Lake Michigan they found the derelict house amidst many other decaying buildings and quickly surrounded it.



Birkshire's enforcers weren't taking any chances and they had all suited up into their standard body armour to take down Slither, but when they burst into the house they found no trace of her. A quick perimeter search also yielded nothing, and Birkshire was fuming. Frank had found her, alright but he had been too obsessed with his own agenda to make sure she remained in the house. He knew that the agents were at least a half hour behind him at any given time, and this time it had taken them close to an hour to reach the location.

"Dammit!" Cursed Birkshire under his breath as he entered the crumbling house that their meta-human had been dwelling in. The couch that Frank described was near the doorway, and the Supervising Agent noted the window that Hunter most likely watched her from. He then made his way to the back of the house, where one of his men had discovered something rather strange.

Birkshire approached the bathtub and as he drew closer was forced to pull out a handkerchief to cover his nose and mouth with. A pungent stench rose up from the scummy water, and floating within it were slimy, sheaths of snake skin, one very noticeably about the size and shape of a human leg.

(Friday, May 22, 5:30 pm)

A scantly clad, dark haired woman wearing a tight short skirt, fish net stockings and pumps stepped out of a car at the corner of the intersection and thanked the driver for the lift. He had taken her as far north as he was going and though she may have been able to entice the guy to go a little further, Slither knew that she'd probably crush the life out of guy and she didn't want to attract any more attention to herself right now. Not while her brand new layer of skin was still fresh and soft. It had taken a lot of blood to allow her body to generate her flawless new flesh and she wasn't about to waste her time in it dealing with RAID. Selena Withers had far more important things to do with her Human guise in the days to come.

As her ride pulled away and headed down 83rd Street, Selena lit herself a cigarette and took a long drag while she surveyed her new surroundings. She'd never been to Chicago before, but she figured it had to be better than Cleveland. Throwing her large leather purse over her shoulder, she made her way north along Stony Island Avenue, until she arrived at the Zanzibar Motel, just her kind of place.

(Friday, May 22, 7:30 pm, Zanzibar Motel)

Tim listened to Allie and then to what Yelena said. "Well I reckin' It was bound ta happen, that thar woaman's stuburn as a Missoura mule. She was always a sayin' itid be best ifin' she took off on her own." He frowned and shook his head, then turned to Allie and said "Yep I gots a her direry in tha Hummer. I'll go an' fetch it ..... ifin' that'll do?" Tim got up and walked out to the Hummer, reached in the glove box and retrieved the journal and returned to the commopn room. He handed the journal to to Allie and said "Har ya ar, I reckon we best go pull her ass outta the far. ........ Ifin' that sun' a bitch Frank has ruffled one har on that gurls head I'ma gonna send him straight ta hell." Tim then reached in his jacket and pulled one S&W 40 semi automatic weapon out, checked to make sure it was loaded, slid the slide back, placing a round in the chamber, slipped it back in his shoulder holster, then did the same with the other. ......... "Let's go on an git at it. ..... Totem ya riddin' with me?" he said looking at Totem.

"Anybody else riddin along, git ta the Hummer." Tim then turned and walked towards the garage and the black Hummer. He muttered as he started down the hall "Should hav blowed tha bastard's head clean off, when I had tha chance."

John sat quietly in his small vault like cell, ugly fluorescent lights flickered over head. John looked down at his missing leg, he held his right arm up to the light. He rubbed the stump of his right wrist. He was beyond pissed that these mutts had the balls to take his hand and leg.

When I get my stuff back youse guys are gonna get it. The mechanic grumbled to himself.

The sound of hard boots could be heard in the hall just beyond the thick steel door.

Feeding time McManus. A R.A.I.D. trooper shoved a plate of food through an energized slot in the massive door, electricity crackled as the plate passed through and into the cell landing with a 'clack'.

Hey Junior, how much are these assholes payin' ya? Mcmanus barked from his cell.

Uh..they pay me plenty to keep animals like you locked up tight Mcmanus... The trooper replied.

John hopped up and pounded the door with his fist, the boom echoed down the facility hallway. The trooper stepped back, nervous.

Hey boy, when I get my leg back I'm gonna put my foot in yer ass, howse that sound to ya? McManus laughed, he could almost sense the agent begin to sweat.

Allie nodded her head and heading for where the vehicles were kept. Standing next to her '68 black, pearlescent mustang, she admired Tim's hummer.

"Nice ride, Cowboy. A little bulky, but it's nice. This here is my baby."

Allie ran a hand lovingly over the hood of her car, murmuring softly to it.

"Just follow me to Mikala's. I'll phone her on the way to let her know what's up.

About a half an hour later, traffic being a pain in the ass, the two vehicles pulled up in front of what looked like a run down gym called 'Second Chance Gym'. Entering through the doors, Tim and Totem would see a spacious gym with second hand, but in nice condition, equipment. The kids were in school, so the only ones there were the older teenagers ranging in ages from 17 to 20, all of whom were training or working out with a mentor. Allie smiled and waved to all of them as they all smiled yelling hi to her.

Heading up the stairs to the office, she knocked, then entered after hearing a soft enter. Walking in, Allie introduced Tim and Totem to the small woman who declined shaking their hands.

Tim and Russell would see a tiny woman of about 5'1" maybe 110 pounds soaking wet. Her hair was black as night, shoulder length and thick. Her eyes, though, is what caught people's attention. They were a silvery blue, their pupils nothing but pinpoints. One would think she was blind if you didn't know her.

"Sorry, boys, but if I'm to read this journal of the girl's, then I can't touch anyone until I'm done. Where is the journal and we'll see if I can get a reading from it."

Seeing Allie pull it out, she had her set it down on her desk then sat down in her chair. They would notice that her desk had been cleaned off, absolutely nothing was on the desk, it was completely bare.

She motions to the three to sit, telling them she couldn't guaranted anything, but being as this was Morgan's own handwriting, thoughts, and feelings, she was hopeful that she would get a good reading from it.

Laying her hands on the spiral notebook, Mikala closed her eyes, concentrating on nothing but the book. Picking it up, she ran her hands all over the book, even opening it to run her hands along the pages inside, when she stiffened up. When she spoke, her voice sounded almost identical to Morgan's.

"She cares for you deeply, Cowboy, and worries that you will meet the same fate as her little cousin, which she blames herself for still. Yet, you leave her confused but she understands why."

Mikala cocks her head to one side, as if listening to something or someone.

"Her father is evil to the core, obsessed with finding her."

Suddenly, a cry escapes Mikala, it is Morgan's voice completely now, pain filling her every word.

"He has her! There is so much pain....so much pain....and it has only begun. I see a cage....like a small dog kennel, but she is not in it right now."

Again, her head cocks to one side, her eyes having remained closed the whole time.

"An old building, made of brick, abandoned for a long time. Close to where you are, but I cannot tell how close or what direction. She's tied to a chair...there is blood.....she can feel it running down her legs...........fear and pain........he is there........a table with a board....nails sticking out of it.........carving knives............pain and fear...........so much pain.......careful, he can control minds with his own.......more pain"

Mikala opens her eyes and they are Morgan's lavender eyes that Tim stares into, the pain and fear radiating from them slamming into him.

"He is going to torture her more............it has only just begun, Tim.........but she is there to keep you safe."

Mikala slumps against her desk, Allie quickly to her side, helping her sit back.

"Mikey....Mikey? You okay, hon?"

Mikala, eyes now her own, looks to Tim.

"You must find her, Cowboy for her time is running out and not just for her life. She will not be the same when you do find her, her innocence and love of life will have begun to leave her. If you do not find her soon, then she will be as hard as you are, her heart closed off to you."

She leans forward, staring into Tim's eyes.

"You told her to be the toughest coyote on the block.......be careful what you wish for, Cowboy, for you may not like what you receive."

Mikala hands the journal to Tim, not Allie.

"You need to read what is in here, Cowboy, then you will understand."

Finally, Mikala looks to Totem, leaving her chair to come around and laying a hand on his shoulder.

"You are also fond of this girl, even though you only know her through her aunt and through a picture. You both walk with the animals and are kindred spirits."

As she looks once more to Tim, she smiles at him.

"You told her that her soft heart was a plus in your book, Cowboy, but that she needed to.....control it.......something along those lines I do believe. Do you really wish to see her lose that soft heart of hers? For that is what will happen if you do not find her in time."

Leaning down for only Tim to hear, she whispers.

"And what you do and how you treat her after she is found will also make or break her, Tim Rutledge. If you do not want her, then you must cut her loose as soon as she is returned to you. But, remember always, that your wife and son loved you very much and your wife does not like that you are alone in this world."

Mikala rose, her knowing eyes looking deep into Tim's.

"Now, go....find her before it is too late. If I see more I will contact Allie."

May 22, 2010 5:00 p.m. by the time everything is done with Mikala.

Allie was now worried about the girl Morgan. Her father would be torturing her and soon. When Mikala had one of her rare visions, it was either happening right then or it will be within a few hours.

Letting Tim, know, she was getting into her car when Mikala came running out.

"Cowboy....Totem!! You have until tomorrow afternoon to find her before she is lost to you. I don't know the exact time, but it is early afternoon."

Mikala looked to Allie, a look of understanding passing between the two women. Allie had been through hell at the meta boot camp for kids, but she knew that what she went through was a walk in the park compared to what Morgan was going to go through.

"We need to head to back to the safehouse, regroup and spread out. See if Sigma will help us find her, he's the best at finding people. We know that the building is empty, so we'll look for anything strange. I would say we start within a 5 block perimeter and work our way in. How's that sound to the two of you?"

Allie stood by her car, waiting for the two men to give her a reply, noticing that Tim was barely keeping his temper in check.

~God help Frank if Tim gets a hold of him,~ she thought to herself. Then she quickly changed her mind and hoped that Frank got what he deserved.

Totem was glad to be tagging along with Cowboy. Truthfully he really didn't care Wraith or the Bronze Devil, they were both a little to straight and narrow for him and though he shared their innate sense of justice they were on different paths.

The seer, Mikala had told them that the girl Morgan was in some abandoned brick building, ironically not too far from the base, still there were a lot of places she could be. Totem didn't think that they'd have time enough to find her, not unless they got lucky.

When Mikala mentioned that he had some feelings for a girl he had only seen in a picture, Totem got a little self conscious. Since the beginning the only thing that had been on his mind was the typical romantic fantasy of a grateful hot-girl falling for her rescuer. Aside from that he really hadn't had a plan, but now that he had met Cowboy things were different. He liked and respected him, and Morgan was his girl. According to Totem's code, brothers came first, so he would lend a hand then go on his way.

As Mikala had passed the journal to Cowboy, Totem had an idea. Finally he was beginning to think like animal, and strangely enough he had to come to a city to get back in touch with his spiritual roots. "Cowboy." He requested, "Hold onto the journal for a moment."

Totem closed his eyes and began to chant softly, accessing his meta-abilities the only way he knew how, which was by summoning the powers of the totems within him. His eyes flashed open, and they were bestial, like that of a bear. Totem bent down toward the book and sniffed in deeply, then straightening up his eyes still completely red brown, with no discernible white sclera looked to Time and told him, "I have her scent, but there are many smells in the city. Don't know if I can track her. I'd have to pick up on a good trail."

Bronze Devil and Wraith had decided to stick around the base while the youngsters tore off to see what they could learn from Mikala. They figured if they found something they would fill them in, if not, that was their prerogative. Toril figured that Yelena would probably tag along with Cowboy, they'd know each other for a while and he needed the support but he still thought he might ask her to accompany him and Bronze. Even before he could speak, however, Gabriel had given him a rather forceful cuff on the shoulder to usher him away along with him.

"What's up, Bronze?", Asked Toril, confused with his behaviour.

"Studio. How much d'ya know about these people?" Questioned the Bronze Devil when they were well out of ear shot.

"I know enough, Bronze. Damn, you're getting paranoid in your old age!" Countered Wraith. "Do you think I would throw in them if I wasn't sure?"

Bronze shrugged his shoulders innocently. "I'm just lookin' out for ya. That's all."

Toril smiled. "Well, thanks, but I think I pick and choose who I hang out with. Dad." he joked.

"Hey! You'd be damn lucky to have a father like me!" Playfully retorted Gabriel.

Wraith laughed. "Bronze, no offense, but you damn well know that you're not even close to having the wisdom of all your years."



The Bronze Devil toggled his head from side to side. "Yeah, I know, but I'm still your senior so you better listen."

The big Norwegian just shook his head and smiled. It was true, that despite Gabriel's 121 years, his mind was more like that of a 25 year old who had seen a lot, but still couldn't fully apply the wisdom. It was because of his slow developing mind he still couldn't draw the same conclusions that Toril or even his wife, Julie, was able to. Toril realized this and so he rarely got too perturbed with his old friend, since he usually meant well and now at least he had a chance to finally meet Sigma.



As the Bronze Devil's heavy steps could be heard approaching the office door, Sigma quickly pulled up his mask just as he rapped at the window. "Come in." Shouted Sigma.

Bronze Devil ducked under the door and Toril followed closely behind. "This is Wraith." Introduced Gabriel and the Norwegian quickly offered his hand in greeting, which Sigma shook firmly. "Nice to meet ya." he greeted.

"So one of the new people might be trouble, already. Seems her psycho father might have nabbed her." Informed Gabriel.

"You don't say." Replied Sigma as he was reading something on his monitor.

"So any luck, with the Silicone Surfer case?" Asked Gabriel.

"Contacted Everet." Mentioned Sigma.

"Everet?" Questioned Bronze Devil, "D'ya think he'll help?"

Sigma didn't respond, still focused on the computer screen, which was his way of by-passing those inquiries he didn't have the answers to and when Bronze Devil didn't receive an answer right away changed the subject. "D'you think maybe Everet might give us hand tracking down somebody else?"

Toril smiled appreciatively to Bronze Devil's gesture and while it didn't sound like Everet, who he knew was the former psychometric hero, Grave Sight, would lend them a hand, it was the thought that counted. As gruff as the Devil was he always tried to make amends in his own way and he obviously was trying to make up for over stepping his bounds. Wraith did wish though that Everet could help, his powers to see into the past could offer them some insights, but he could only find her if they could find the place that she was abducted, if in fact she was. They still weren't positive that she just wasn't hanging out a bar somewhere or maybe she decided to go home, wherever that may be.

(Friday, May 22, 4:00 pm, Green Street Base)

Henery Timble had not taken kindly to FBI Special Agnet Kaleb Mitchell's threat to assemble a team to crawl all over his ranch. Henrey's face turned dark as he glared at Agent Mitchell and sat his ccoffee cup down wth enough forse to rattles the saucer and splash coffee over the rim. Mrs. Timble looked at Agent Mitchel and just shook her head. It was obvious this man did not understand how things were down in Texas.

Henery stood up and said "Well now I tell ya just what ya do thar Special Agant Kaleb Mitchell. .... Ya git in yur fancy govermant car thar and ya just go on an git yur team of hyerd hands ...... Ya bring em' on out char with a court order and ya just look all ya want. Ya be sur a look under evry rock, behind evry Mequite bush and in evry water hole on this har five thousand acre ranch. Mean time I gotta cattle ranch ta run so you suited up bastards can have McDonald burgers ta eat durin' the week an' prime steaks ta eat on Satr'day night." Henery then walked over, leaned down and kissed his wife. "Me an the boys be out mendin' them fences on the south forty. Be back 'bot dinner time." Henery then stoled over to his horse, jumped up in the saddle and started to leave. "Oh Kathy ifin' this har "Gentleman" can't find his way ta tha gate you git Juan and Charlie ta show him tha way" Henery then rode off.




Footnote: leap back in time used as a means to reintroduce some backround investigation by the FBI - time will catch up for these characters shortly

Agent Mitchell, tucked his pen and notepad back into his pocket as he stood up to face Mr. Timble's roaring protests. He had said nothing in reply, remaining calm and politely acknowledging every angry word which just seemed to piss the rancher off all the more, and he knew it. His smug smile was one of his best weapons, and Special Agent Mitchell had his sharpened to the edge of a razor.

When Mr. Timble was done, Kaleb reached back into his pocket and pulled out his search warrant, reminding the rancher that he had the power to turn every stone over on his property, but to be fair to his wife he tucked it back and proceeded to leave. After the crusty saddle bag road off, Kaleb turned to Mrs. Timble with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry for ruining your morning and I am afraid you'll be seeing me again but it will be on the terms of the government." He told her as he walked down the stairs of the veranda. Mitchell turned to her, getting one last good look at the Texas beauty. "M'am." He bid her, "You've nothing but hospitable, I promise that my men will respectful of your home and we'll get this sorted out as quick as possible. I'll find my own way out." If Kaleb had been wearing a hat he would have tipped it to her but instead he just gave a little smile and went on his way.

He jumped into his SUV and started to head back to his hotel room at the Embassy Suites in Lubbock.

(May 1 - 9:15 am - Circle T Ranch - Arnett, Texas)

Morgan watched Frank through half closed eyes, fighting the darkness threatening to overtake her. She couldn't afford to pass out now. Frank had gone out and returned within a few minutes, carrying a longer rope. As he came over to her, his smile, once again, was chilling. He was actually enjoying her torture and that scared more than anything.

He didn't say a word as he looked up, turning in a circle, finally finding what he was apparantly looking for. Tieing the board with nails to one end of the rope, he threw it up and over a long hanging beam the board hitting the cement floor with bang about 10 feet from the chair Morgan was in. He then untied the board from the rope and walked over to the railing at the stairs and laid the rope down next to it. Shaking the railing, he made sure it was still sturdy and solid.

Walking over to Morgan, he chuckled.

"Now, the real shit begins, whore of the devil. Now we have fun."

Untieing her hands from behind her to only retie them in front of her, he drags her over to the end of the rope dangling from the beam. Tieing that end to the rope binding her hands he lets her drop to the floor, laughing about her legs not holding her. Walking over to the railing, he grabs the rope and pulls until Morgan is hanging there by her arms, her toes barely touching the floor.

Morgan looks at Frank, knowing that soon, she is going to have call to the rats, no matter what Frank does to her, before he kills her, even if it means some of them would lose their lives.

Frank comes over with the razor strap in his hands, ripping the tape off of Morgan's mouth again.

"Now, let's go through this one more time, Morgan. Do you confess to your sins and where is 'Cowboy'?"

Morgan, her eyes glaring at him, smiles at him.

"I confess to nothing, you bastard!! As for 'Cowboy', I will take where he is to the grave if I have to before I tell you anything!"

Frank's face turns red, his dark eyes becoming darker. Raising his hand, he brings the razor strap down on her, the strap wrapping around her waist, leaving a nasty red welt. Morgan jerks, but makes no sound. Frank then remembers the tape, and covers Morgan's mouth again.

He brings the strap down again and again, leaving bloody welts on her back, mid-section, and legs. Again, muffled screams are heard from behind the tape.

"WHERE IS COWBOY AND WILL YOU CONFESS TO YOUR SINS?!!!!"

Again, Morgan glares at him, her eyes turning dark once more.

Frank can't believe that she is still not doing what he wants her to do and his anger knows no bounds as he stares into her eyes, slamming past the barrier she'd erected in her mind, causing a whimper to be heard from her.

Morgan suddenly smells burning flesh, then she feels the pain in her midsection. First a C then an A, next an S, another S, and an I, and last an E is somehow burned into her skin. The letters are only one inch high and half an inch wide, but the pain is excrutiating and if her mouth hadn't have been taped shut, the group would have heard her screams down at the safehouse. Looking down, she sees Cassie's name seared into her flesh.

"Damn, didn't know the 'angels' would help me do that. I did pretty good work, don't you think so, Morgan? Now you will never forget that poor baby girl you got killed."

Frank walks back over to the table, laughing, wondering what else the 'angels' will help him do to purge Morgan's soul of it's sins.

Morgan hangs there, her toes barely touching the floor, blood dripping from her toes, onto the floor from her bloody welts and the puncture holes that have been reopened on her legs. She wants so badly to let the darkness take her, but she doesn't dare. She has to beat him, she has to win, she has to destroy him or she'll never be free, she knows this.

Frank puts a call in to Birkshire, but doesn't tell him where he's at.

"Birkshire, I got Morgan but 'Cowboy' wasn't with her. She was alone. I'm going to find out where he is and get back to you............what do you mean, Slither wasn't there when you got there?!................How in the hell should I know where she went?!.............she was there, sound asleep when I left..............Fine!!! I will finish with Morgan and then finish with Slither, have the other vials of blood ready for me for the escapees so that I can track them down for you............yea, yea, yea, I'll do it your way the next time and stick with the perp.........Yes, I understand."

He hung up, wanting to break something. Didn't Birkshire understand that he had to avenge little Cassie first, then the others would be taken care of. Sighing, he turned around to face Morgan.

While he had his back turned to her, Morgan called to the rats in the building, having them stay in the shadows, waiting.

May 22, 2010 9:00 p.m.

McManus opened his eyes, he had only been sleeping for a few hours. There was movement outside the door of his cell, the mechanic could hear tumblers turning, R.A.I.D. was coming in.

The foot thick door swung open, it swung out into the hall. Four R.A.I.D. troopers in full gear were in the doorway, they all had V batons, the weapons crackled with electricity.

Come with us McManus, no fighting or we'll give you the business.
One of the troopers motioned to the mechanic to come. John hopped onto his one leg and moved toward the agents.

Can I get a little help, I only got one leg ya jerks. McManus intentionally hopped slowly at the agents. The trooper that was doing the talking motioned to the others, two of them holstered their batons and approached McManus with caution. John hopped to them leaning on their shoulders, the tops of their helmets came to about John's shoulders. John put all his weight on them with a smile, the troopers groaned as they tried to stay up straight under the bulk of the big man.

You girls are doing a fine job... McManus sneered as they moved slowly towards the open door of the cell. The two troopers stumbled as they moved, the other two watched intently still brandishing their V batons.

Ow, ow..... John winced as they carried him through the cell door.
What is it McManus?. The lead agent barked.

It's my...it's my BALLS, I thought you could scratch 'em for me. John had a big grin on his face.
In one swift movement John swung the troopers that were carrying him into each other. Their heads collided, their helmets crashed face to face, broken visor pieces rained onto the floor. They lost their balance and composure and fell to the floor. John began to smash them with his fist, they attempted to roll away from the mechanic.

The other two agents jumped at John, gouging him with their batons. Blue flashes filled the room again and again as they shocked the hero. The mechanic did not make a sound as they punished him with the weapons. They beat him and shocked him for several minutes, an alarm was sounding in the hall as other agents became aware of the scuffle.

John slipped to his knees, he grit his teeth as a few more agents joined the fight. The agents John had got the jump on were stiil close by, John grabbed one by the ankle, he swung the man at the others.

God D@mmit men, subdue the prisoner! The lead man barked as John tossed one of their own right at him. The man collided with the others that were still on their feet knocking them back onto the hall. John hopped back to his feet (or foot as it were). He moved like an animal, he jumped at the R.A.I.D. troopers, it was now 4 or 5 on one.

Take this bastard down, he has one leg for F#@ks sake! There was fear in the trooper's voice as he tried to regain control of the scenario. The baton strikes were beginning to take their toll, John could feel his muscles beginning to shut down. John wavered a little as he struggled to stand on his one leg.

The troopers moved all around the big man, the batons flashed and hummed with each blow.
This was fun girls we have ta do it again... John mumbled as fell to his knees again, the fight was leaving him, he slugged one more agent as he fell. The trooper flew back several feet and fell flat on his ass.

They gave the hero a few more blows for good measure, the big man's eyes rolled back in his head and he finally passed out, his skin smoking from the many baton charges. The troopers caught their breath and gathered up their wounded.

Get this ape to the transport level, we have orders to take him to headquarters for interrogation. Jesus, I am sick of going through this every time we have to move this a$$hole... The lead agent huffed as he glared at the giant one legged man laying before him.

It took four troopers to haul John to the garage level, they dumped him in an armored R.A.I.D. vehicle and pulled away from the bunker like facility. All four men rode with their prisoner.

Mrs. Timble simpley smiled as Agent Mitchell smiled and climbed ito the govertment SUV. She gathered up the coffee cups and walked into the ranch house. Once inside she called to Conswello "Conswello will you take these please."
Coswello had been in the employ of Mr. & Mrs. Timble eversince she had imigrated to the United States. Tim Rutherford had found her one night walking the streets of Dallas, homeless, and brought her to the Circle "T" ranch. In fact it was Mr. & Mrs. Timble who had arranged for her to obtain her green card, paid for her to attend the required classes to become a United States citizen eight years ago.

"Si Mrs. Timble, will dis govenmant man cause trouble for Senior Timble?" Conswello asked in broken english.

Mrs. Timble smiled and said "No Conswellow, I think Henerey will probabl cause Agent Mitchell a few sleepless nights. If I know my husband." she surpressed a giggle and turned to walk to the study. There she picked up the phone and dialed (512) 463-0128, the office of Senator Robert L. Duncan at the Texas State capitol in Austin, Texas.

"Senator Duncan's office, this is the Senator's Secretary Jullie Rainbridge, speaking. How may I help you today." .......

"Hello Jullie, this is Kathy Timble, may I speak with the Senator please?" Mrs. Timble said

Jullie said "Well hello there Kathy, how is life on the ranch?.....I am sorry the Senator is on the Senate floor can I have him call you?"

"Oh I love it Jullie, everybody is doing great and we have three mares close to having fowls. Yes, have Bob call me as soon as he can. You and Steven must come for a visit soon, hun, and bring Stevie and David. I gota run now, talk to you soon. Give Steven and the boys my love." Mrs. Timble then hung up and walked back out on the porch.

By the time Agent Mitchell had arrived back in Lubbock he had already been in contact with his Director and arranged a team to meet him at the Embassy Suites by tomorrow afternoon. That gave Kaleb the morning to catch some of the sights and he planned on stopping by the Buddy Holly museum but until then he planned to have a relaxing supper then perhaps he'd check out the night life.

Kaleb cleaned the steam from the bathroom mirror and debated whether or not he should shave. He was nude except for the towel he wrapped around his waist. He was a fit man, large rounded shoulders and a defined abdomen. On his his left pectoral was a tattoo of an eagle resting upon an anchor crossed by a trident, the symbol of a Navy Seal and below it the dates, 1998 - 2002. He reached down and grabbed his shaving cream just as his blackberry rang. His Director had just gotten off the phone with a Senator Duncan who was apparently a relation of Mrs. Kathy Timble and the search warrant had been revoked. "This was signed by a judge." Argued Special Agent Mitchell, but it seemed that the corruption of the country he tried everyday to believe in just kept on growing. "Yes, sir." responded Mitchell, "I will, sir..... You too."

Agent Mitchell put down the phone and sighed. The Director had superseded Simon Henkel's authority and had as of that minute reassigned him to a new case. He was to leave first thing in the morning and meet up with other agents in Austin and he was to have nothing further to do with the Timble's. That's the part that pissed off Kaleb the most because he knew that guy was hiding something. He had Henry on the ropes, and he definitely wasn't the type to back down from a fight which is why he suspected that his wife arranged all this behind his back. "Women!", cursed Kaleb aloud.

There was only one thing to do now. Kaleb pulled out one of his suitcases and threw it on the bed. It was the case that he rarely had to open, but he kept with him for just these occasions. Opening it revealed an array of military gadgets and a dark grey and black camouflage uniform meant for night operations, the kind he wore when he was a Seal. He quickly gave his weapons a check, then put on a pair of jeans and t-shirt, and made his way out of the hotel with his case and got into his SUV.

It was one in the morning as a black clad, Agent Mitchell scanned the Timble ranch house with a high-tech pair of night vision binoculars that accessed the thermal imager that he had placed on top of the hood of his SUV. If there was a heat source, he saw it. There could be no mistakes, he couldn't risk being caught and even more so he didn't want to end up in a situation where he would have to take a life. Not that the killing bothered him, he'd killed before, but he would be a prime suspect and he didn't want to go down for just appeasing his curiousity.

Kaleb made his way to where he had spotted the old truck that had earlier sparked his interest and found it was still in the same location. Expertly he jimmied the lock and used a hand held device that somehow shorted out the interior light. He was wearing a sleek pair of night vision glasses, that appeared to be sunglasses, but in fact they allowed a limited range of light sensitivity so that he would be able to search the interior of the vehicle with no light.

Quickly the agent, rifled through the glove compartment and found some old faded bills which he kept then a thorough search of the rest of truck yielded nothing of interest. The biggest clue of all, however, had been right in front of his eyes the whole time. Hanging from the rear view mirror was a pair of dog tags and Kaleb knew that they were authentic not just by his military experience but because he recognized the name. "Son-of-a-bitch." he whispered. The tags belonged to a Seal.

He was alerted to the sound of a rock being kicked off a hard toed boot. Smoothly and calmly, the former naval officer slipped out of the cab and lightly closed the door. A ranch hand rounded the corner as he lit up a cigarette and as he walked passed the old truck noticed nothing and the unsuspecting man carried on his way, while Agent Mitchell slipped into the night and back to his SUV. It would be several weeks later before Kaleb would be able to return to analyzing his finds and when he did learned that the dog tags did in fact belong to a one, Sergeant Jim Beck, killed in the line of duty in 2002, the year that Kaleb left the service to start his training in the Bureau.

Kaleb had never known, Sergeant Beck personally but after some extensive investigation into his service records learned that he had been involved in some pretty intense operations, missions that his unit thankfully never saw. After reviewing Beck's unit, he found two that had ties with Texas, one who was born and raised and the other a law enforcer who was a New York transplant. The native Texan really didn't fit the profile, but the other, a Tim Rutherford seemed to fit the bill. The perpetrator had extensive knowledge of New York, yet was reported to have a Texas accent and when Kaleb saw his picture he knew he had found the Wrangler, otherwise known as Cowboy in the meta-human world and was filed as such by RAID.




Senior Special Agent Simon Henkel and his partner Special Agent Rick Jameson exited the airport and started walking toward a black Crown Victoria that was propping up two men in suits wearing the exact same style of sunglasses. They had just been transferred to Chicago to assist RAID with the recent increase in meta-human crime and would be working along side, of all people, Supervising Agent Birkshire who had been recently called in as well. It was a joint effort to quell the resistance and also to deal with a new organization called Umbra, that local enforcers attributed most of the violence to.

Agent Henkel stopped when his phone rang and placed his luggage on the pavement. "I'll catch up to ya, Jameson." He told his partner as he took the call. "Hello."

"Simon. It's Kaleb, I think I found your man, I'm uploading the information to your PDA right now." Informed the Texas agent.

Henkel took a quick glance then put his blackberry back to his ear. "Good work, Kaleb! I owe ya!" he praised as he picked up his baggage and continued on to the car. "Look, Kaleb I can't really talk right now, but I'll look what you sent over and get back to ya. Alright?"

"Sure thing." Answered Kaleb then hung up.

Henkel placed his luggage in the trunk of the car and greeted the other two agents. He got into the back of the car and immediately began scanning through the data then he looked over at his partner with a worried expression . "Shit! Take a look at this." He said as he passed the PDA to Jameson.

Jameson reviewed the identification. "Tim Rutherford." He recited, then nodded when he saw the picture. "That's definitely him." he verified then his eyes widened as he read on, "A navy seal? He's also ex-law enforcement, a detective." Jameson laughed. "No wonder." Then he handed the PDA back to Henkel. "Sensitive situation." he commented.

"Tell me about it." Replied Simon as he scrolled back up to Rutherford's place of residence. "I think I'm going to send Mitchell back to Arnette, Texas to check out this guy's home. We'll see what he can dig up before we proceed any further." Henkel decided. He then looked out the car window and surveyed the familiar Chicago landscape.

Special Agent Henkel had been stationed in Chicago for years before he transferred to New York. His familiarity with the city was one of the reasons he had been brought in for the special assignment, that and he was requested by Birkshire for some reason. Jameson believed it was because the RAID supervisor respected him, but Henkel simply thought it was just because Birkshire knew that he was the only agent that could tolerate his bullshit. Whatever the reason, he was glad to be home. RAID needed back up and he was going to provide it and he was glad to have the opportunity to work alongside the NSA for a change instead of against them. That's all RAID really was; a special branch of the National Security Agency that was formed to deal with meta-humans, but the problem was becoming so rampant now that they were over taxed and their resources stretched. The President himself had encouraged this partnership, so now the FBI and RAID were going to partner up to clean up the mean streets of Chicago.

(Friday, May 22, 5:00 pm. Chicago)

Bronze Devil walked around Sigma's desk to take a look at what he was monitoring and was surprised to find that he had accessed the R.A.I.D. network. He noted the safety timer in the lower right of the screen then realized that Silicone Surfer had somehow setup a permanent tap that could be accessed for a certain amount of time. "Damn that girl was smart." Gabriel commented, "A R.A.I.D. tap. Why'd ya bring this up?"

"There was an alert of the capture of a well known meta." Answered Sigma leaning back into his chair as the timer entered the final ten second count down before logging off.

"Who?" Asked Bronze Devil impatiently.

"I don't recognize the name. John McMannus, New York resident." Sigma informed Bronze.

"You're shittin' me!" Exclaimed Bronze, "You're sure?" he asked and Sigma responded by simply nodding his masked face. "Crap!" Roared the Devil looking to Wraith who was as in the dark as Sigma. "John's work was a little more covert, but I met him once a while back. I know he's registered, which makes this all the more serious." Explained Gabriel. "Did you happen to see where he was, Sigma?"

"Just said he was in transit." Answered Sigma.

"Well the next time you can log on, you find out all you can about McMannus." Ordered Gabriel.

Sigma nodded as he checked the scheduler. "Be at least an hour before I can access the system again without exposing our worms." he told Bronze Devil.

Gabriel nodded, then turned to Wraith. "I'm gonna need your help to follow through on this one. Y'know I can't involved." he said regrettably.

"I know." Wraith said understandably and wondered if either Yelena or Cowboy knew this McMannus since he was from New York as well.

(Friday, May 22, 4:15 pm, Green Street Base)

"Thank ya Mikala." Tim sais as he took the diary back from her, then looked at Totem, "I recokn we need a set of eyes ta go along wit' that thar nose of yurs Totem. Let's git ar asses back ta the Green Street base and pick up Yelena an' Shawn. Then we can comense ta havin' a look see 'round." Tim saw the confusion on Totem's face and said "That thar blind boy kin see thangs we can't, trust me on this un, thar pardnar. Tim tossed the diary on the dash, climbed in and he and Totem rode back to the Green Street base in relative silence. Nothing but the occasional chatter from the police band radio filled the interior of the Hummer. ............ When they arrived Tim immediately started to look for Yelena and Shawn, seeing Yelena in the common room he said "Yelena, find Shawn were gonna need them thar eyes a his." Tim's face was dark, his jaw set, his eyes as dark and cold as an Antartic night. ..... Stopping by his room, he picked up a sawed off 12 gauge pump riot gun and loaded it with law enforcement issue "shreader" shells. Carrying it at his side, Tim returned to the common room, seeing Torril and the Bronze Devil he asked ... "Ya all got a medical bag? Oh ya I'm gonna need a body bag ifin' ya' all got one. Ifin' ya ain', a couple a trash bags 'll work. I gots some trash ta take out." he said coldly then sat on a metal chair staring at the door, the sawed off shotgun laying across his lap, coiled like a Texas rattlesnake ready to strike.

Zoe paused silently outside of Sigma's door, her interest piqued by the discussion of getting into RAID's systems. When Sigma mentioned the lapse in time before he would be able to access it again, she knocked lightly on the door. After being told to enter, Killswitch slipped inside and looked coldly at the three men.

"If you need to get into RAID's system a little quicker," she said, "you realize I can do this with the same level of precaution and no time limit." She cocked an eyebrow at Sigma for a moment before lighting a cigarette and looking expectantly at the two men. When the Bronze Devil vigorously agreed, the young woman merely motioned for him to follow with one subtle motion of her head before turning and slipping out of Sigma's office headed for her own in the hidden crevice of the basement.

On the way, they ran into Yelena who asked if they'd seen Shawn. Killswitch merely shook her head and kept her thoughts of a tracking device to herself. In a labyrinth like this, it was going to be quite a challenge finding a quiet loner who couldn't hear them calling for him. As she descended into the basement, she deftly tapped some ash into the ashtray on a desk as she passed before sitting down in front of a monitor. Leaning back in the chair, she puffed nonchalantly on her cigarette as windows and text began to fly across the monitor at an indecipherable rate.

"It'll take a minute," she said finally in her monotone voice, "I can't be rash when getting into a system run by people who hunt metas for a living. I'm going the safe route." Slow, however, in Zoe's world, was about equal to that of the average computer geek as in a matter of minutes, windows began to pop up and overlap one another containing information on John McManus. When she'd pulled up every record she could find, Zoe peeked up at the large Bronze Devil and said flatly "have at it."
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Shawn had tucked himself away in a tight corner not far from a flight of stairs. It was a spot he had begun favoring as it was a small little nook just big enough for his somewhat stocky form and whatever he had brought with him, which today was one of Nietzche's books. The man's immortal words of power and greatness flowed through the young man's fingertips as though he were absorbing the philosopher's thoughts through some untapped power of his own.

It wasn't that he felt useless or ignored-- on the contrary, Yelena and Ayana checked on him quite regularly and Kekoa had shown some odd fascination in his books-- it was simply that he was accustomed to and very much preferred to be alone, something he was finding to be somewhat incompatible with his new life. When Yelena and Tim would stumble upon him, his head would be down, low enough such that he would look more like he was sleeping than reading, his stringy brown hair over his face and his hand running in perfect lines across the page. They needed only to ascend the stairs however for Shawn to catch their scent, raising his head, his empty eyes staring without focus just slightly past them.

He looked up expectantly, not bothering to close his book as he figured they were simply making sure he didn't get lost or needed something, a somewhat annoying habit but one which he didn't mind since their intentions were in the right place. His head swayed between them as Tim and Yelena knelt on either side of him and Yelena typed on his device, her words immediately soaking into him through his fingertips.

"We need your eyes," she said. Shawn furrowed his brow, surprised at this unexpected message. The idea that he would finally be useful again washed over him in a wave that he didn't dare let on. Gently closing his book, the young man got to his feet and slipped the book into his messenger bag before raising his hands to sign what he spoke.

"What happened?" he asked.

"Morgan's in trouble. We need find her," Yelena replied. There was a split second in which Shawn seemed to consider it. He lowered his hands however and simply said "okay," before following them out to Tim's car. Tim smelled of gunpowder and rage. This was sure to be interesting.
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As Tim, Yelena, and Shawn headed towards the car, they passed by Totem and Ayana, who reached out a hand to Tim.

"Hey!" she said, "Totem told me what happened. Let me come along, or at least help. Kekoa and I can be, if nothing else, an extra set of eyes and hands. I don't know what he meant when he said Demon can see things we can't, but I believe in strength in numbers."