The characters: Ororo, Piotr, Zandra and Screamer
The place: Near the Columbia University Campus
The scene: The three mutants are just out for a walk when they spot Screamer (a
Weapon X agent) nearby. Piotr vaguely remembers her and they follow to try and
pester her with questions. Screamer panics and tries to zap them and escape, but
Ororo and Zandra manage to subdue her and make a break for it with the captured
agent before the W-X backup team can figure out what to do about it. Piotr
manages to go the entire scene without ever really figuring out what's going on.
SAN Loss: 0/1d4 (Surly Zandra, Angry Ororo, lots of mutant power use; Screamer
and Zandra in similar outfits)

Continuity Note: This was supposed to take place contemporously with the 'mutant
rights rally' that never really seemed to materialize. If it does, then these
things might still take place simultaneously. If it doesn't, just think of it
as, well, a little taste of real Marvel comics. Marvel - where continuity gets
used like toilet paper. Just don't think about it too hard.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Piotr:

The young man before you is a towering, and imposing figure. Easily
standing close to, if not over, six and a half feet tall, and carrying enough
weight to make his appearance seem almost giant like. His black hair is getting
longer, almost to where it falls over his ears, and it has a free spirited
nature about it. His clear blue eyes are like that of a frozen lake on a
mid-winters day, they also appear full of life and energy. The angular features
of his face are covered by a thickening, black beard that runs down his cheeks,
over his chin, and covering down to his neck. The similarly thickening mustache
cuves around his lips, and giving the appearance of one in the Wilderness quite
often, possibly even a Lumber Jack. His massive, heavily muscled frame is
complimented by a physique that looks chisled from granite, but by the look of
his defination, there is more then brute strength.
The loose fitting jeans that span the length of his legs have the faded
look of being worn often in the sun. A black leather belt that keeps them around
his waist is also sun bleached. A long sleeved flannel shirt that buttons up the
front, and has seen some wear and tear with a white shirt underneath it. It fits
tight over his shoulders, and chest almost looking like it doesn't fit him. The
dark brown leathered work boots look to be of the Wolverine make. Made for
functionality rather than comfort, but it doesn't appear to bother Piotr. All in
all, he manages to wear this normal mans attire, but make it look more than
average.

Ororo:

Standing an easy five foot, eleven inches, Ororo Munroe walks with the grace of
a windblown reed. Slender, though her form may be, the muscle tone beneath tells
the tale of a person who either takes her physical training very seriously, or
had been born with a metabolism that could withstand almost her weight in food.
She is not overly muscular, though, as many an errant man's eye could probably
attest. Her physique was the sort to grace the covers of both Vogue or Sports
Illustrated magazines... if she were so inclined. Skin the color of chocolat au
lait; hair as soft and as white as a cascading snowdrift on an Aspen slope; and
eyes the color of the deepest azure only seem to enhance her beauty. Iman and
Tyra could hold no candle to the natural, wild beauty of this woman, though she
seems to go each day unaware of that power.

Casual comfort seems to be the look for the day for Ororo. Wearing slightly
baggy, light grey, fleece jogging pants, with elastic at the ankles gives her a
relaxed air. The elastized waist of the pants drop, and fit snuggly just around
her hips, leaving her 'innie' belly button exposed. Her undertop is a simple
white, long sleeved, crop-top t-shirt; its neckline either ripped for comfort,
or made to appear so, leaving her collarbone definition bare on one side or the
other, depending on her movement. Over the t-shirt, a plain light grey
sweatshirt, cropped slightly higher than the one below sports the logo "Viva
Africa". White and black Nikes clad her feet snugly, over ordinary white tube
socks, with little cloud designs woven into the knit. It is almost funny how
even Saturday Afternoon At Home wear could look elegant on this woman.

Zandra:

Before you is a young woman around the age of 20, with long unruly hair
of an unbelievably blue hue. Her bangs spill into her face hiding her left eye.
She's not very tall seeming to reach a height of around 5'6. Her skin is softly
tanned a golden hue and compliments the odd shade of her hair. She carries
herself with a quiet demeanor, not quite shy but not quite arrogant. While she
is nicely curved she is a far cry from the super models of the world. She might
even be considered plain if it were not for her hair. Her small ears are pierced
by a set of 3 silver rings in one ear and by 2 in the other. Her face has a
gentle blending of high cheekbones and a smallish nose that is anything but
pert. She's a fine example of an American, a mix of different heritage Mostly
English with a few faint traces of the native people.

Despite her rather ordinary form there's just something else /strange/
about her. It's not her clothes, it's not even the emotionless expressions so
often on her face. It's an aura so potent it demands one take notice. The air
around her seems some how invisibly charged, cold like an arctic breeze that is
all her own. Whatever this eerie sensation is, it's easily reflected in this
woman's eyes. Each iris is a breath taking electric blue. There is no possible
way they are normal or contact lenses. The outer rims are the darkest hue of
midnight with streaks of cyan cast over a backdrop of an ember like ultramarine.
Today her long indigo bangs over shadow her eyes in two natural locks,
the rest is pulled back by a top knot that lets the rest flow down over her
shoulders to her mid back. Today's wardrobe consists of a chic dark blue snug
fitting sweater. A "S" as in Superman proudly displayed on the front. Over this
is a loose fitting black leather jacket, complete with silvery zippers and
studs. The look is surely Punk, especially with the leather choker about her
neck. Lastly, a pair of old comfortable faded jeans is worn loose and baggy,
snug around the hips by a thick black leather silver studded belt. On her feet
are a pair of scuffed up combat boots, with a magenta heart shaped sticker on
the right toe. On each wrist she wears a pair of odd copper wide bracelets,
nearly medieval in style. They have a soft texture to the outer sides and appear
banned on the underside. Carefully crafted they are seem a well worn acquiring a
soft bluish luster in some of the textured spots. On her fingers she wear
several rings, many of them the type you get out of bubble gum machines.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It's early for the "rally". If indeed there is going to be one - from this part
of campus, things look pretty much normal. Perhaps the plan to do a smaller
gathering around the end of CU spring break wasn't such a good idea. Or perhaps
people just haven't bothered moving that way yet. You can never tell in this
town - most likely people are just ambling around waiting for any crowd that's
gathered to reach critical mass and start pulling completely random people in.
But that's... elsewhere. On the pleasant (if slightly chilly) walks en route to
it, things are pretty much normal. A fetid odor wafts briefly, as if from out of
nowhere, but is gone just as quick. Someone probably flushed a firecracker down
a toilet again and burst a sewer line. Just another day at CU - a nice one for
walking, at least.

Call her crazy, call her insane but yes, Zandra has come down to the Rally. Why?
does she plan to Root Root Root for mutants every where? Did she paint up a sign
that says Hell no We won't Go?! MMMMMmmm nope. But she is here to see just
what's going to happen. She's trying to keep a positive out look. No really,
It's all going to go peachy. No one is going to riot at the rally. Buildings
won't fall down.. Oh hey.. what's that.. odd feeling.. A chill runs down her
spine and the blue haired punkish gal looks about, eyes wide. "Whoa... " she
shakes it off and wanders forth, perhaps she can find one of the othere
supposedly here. Or if nothing else, perhaps a corn dog. Rallys have food..
least the good ones do!

Just make sure things don't get out of hand, Ororo muses as she leans against a
tree just slightly off the path. She had heard that this was supposed to happen,
but did not wish to be directly involved, so she bided her time ensuring that
the children did not come to harm, at least. The sound of foot falls catch her
ears, though she barely glances, quite a few had passed already, though not
enough to warrant a crowd. Something from the corner of her eye does catch her
interest. There were very few people she knew with -indigo- hair; at least not
the sort of shade that actually looked natural. Raising her chin slightly in a
sort of greeting, Ororo calls out, "Zandra."

For the most part people are hear for the Rally. Well, Piotr is one of the few
who are not here for the Rally, but for those who might be at the Rally. No
better place for recruitment than a turnout like this, and Logan said if he
couldn't make it to go without him. So, as instructed, the large Russian makes
his way around this area of the School. He scratches his nose at the stench, not
being here in a while, and think it some bad disposal system. Still, his path
will take him towards Zandra even though he isn't really paying attention. He's
looking for others who are not here for such a 'good time.'

The indigo haired lass quirks an eyebrow at her name being called. She flits her
all too cyan hued eyes towards the voice. A smile sly, lights her lips. "Hey
Ororo. Here for th' fun too I see.. I thought more people would be here." she
comments as she strolls closer to the tree and the weather witch. She hasn't yet
noticed Piotr.

Ororo wrinkles her nose slightly as the smell finally makes its way to her. She
looks around briefly before returning her attention to Zan's approach. "No doubt
the pranksters have been up to mischief." Ororo chuckles wryly. Smiling softly,
she replies, "Not quite. To ensure that that is all it shall remain. Tensions
may run high." If a goodly amount of people do show up, it was an almost
certainty that counter protesters would as well. That would not go over very
well. Ever vigilant, Ororo never stops surveying even as she speaks to her young
companion. She does see Piotr, but does no more than assess possibilities, and
dismiss him for the time being. His features, at least from a distance, would be
recognizable if trouble starts.

Piotr is also on the lookout for others, of course running into friends would be
nice as well, and catches Ororo's glance as he looks in their direction. There
aren't a lot of people out here, so it isn't hard for him to notice a few
talking together. He does spot Zandra, and a slight recognition slides onto his
features. Moving in their direction now Piotr continues to look around the
crowd. Once he is close enough, he will ask "Excuse me, but I believe we have
met before, da?" in particular to Zandra, though he will give Ororo a polite nod
in greeting.

Well, not much of a crowd, at least not here. People moving past, sure. You'd
have to be... well, a big guy like Piotr to have trouble navigating. Watch the
norms walking, although some of them aren't so 'normal'. One, in particular, is
almost-gothy, a girl in tight jeans with big heavy boots, a t-shirt with 'I
(heart)' and then a stylized cat-girl face and a leather jacket on over it.
Black lipstick marks her face beneath short, slightly scruffy black hair, and
that leather collar around her neck is some pretty hefty stuff. Her expression
is faintly bemused as she ambles along, hands stuck in her pockets. This is /so/
looking like a wash, as far as she's concerned. It wouldn't be the first waste
of her time, though. It's an excuse to wander around outside, for her and the
other operatives involved in this. What could go wrong? Sure, they're all spread
out a little too wide because of the crowd, but it's not like anyone will bother
her, right?

Zandra mmms? Wow isn't she popular tonight! It warms her heart under her
Supergirl Tee-shirt. She smiles and glances towards the heavily accented voice.
Who.. OH my. Yes. The gryn gets wider. "Hey.. Yes.. I believe we did.. Yer th'
artist from outside th' coffee shop?" yea..the one with that oh so curious aura.
"How funny, i was jus' talkin' t' a friend about you th' other day.. "

Ororo smiles a greeting to Piotr, nodding politely, even as sapphire blue eyes
continue to take in her surroundings. Oh, she would stop the surveillance to be
polite, of course, but introduction hadn't yet begun... and she thought the goth
look was fading. Perhaps not. A soft chuckle, and Ororo comments with wry humor
in her dual accented, rich voice, "But for the coloring and you two could pass
for twins." Not so bold as to forget her manners and point, Ororo raises her
chin slightly in the other goth girl's direction.

"Da, that is correct, Zandra?" Piotr nods, and tests his memory slightly. He
doesn't recognize Ororo, but she seems kind enough. "Piotr.." He adds in just in
case she doesn't remember, and offers his hand to her. "I hope your sketches are
coming along better than mine.." He says with a grin, and then looks up as Ororo
speaks. He turns to glance in the direction she is indicating, and his brow
furrows for a moment.

Screamer, unfortunately for her reputation as a fearless, flawless mutant killer
operative, doesn't even hardly notice the attention. She's used to people
admiring her great looks and amazing body, after all! Er... well... something
like that. She looks around once, but doesn't really notice them, and keeps on
heading towards her goal.

Zandra glances towards the direction Ororo is talking about. Does she see the
other woman? She just might notice the stronger aura around the other dimmer..
mundane people auras. Mutants appear much brighter to the young magnetic mutie.
As she searches she murmurs, "Mmmm yea.. I've done some pretty nice ones lately.
One I'm gunna turn into a statue eventually. " She pauses "Oh.. M' bad.. Ororo
this is Piotr.. visa versa.. "

Offering her hand to Piotr, Ororo smiles again. "A pleasure to meet you. I have
heard, briefly, of you." Instinct, or something, pulls at Ororo's subconscious
as the goth girl goes about her way. Perhaps she was just paranoid. It had been
a week for it after the news at the end of the previous week, but little had
openly shown up here. Not quite dismissing the goth, Ororo continues to Piotr.
"Adam... I believe you know him, said that you were investigating the
kidnappings." Yes. Forever blunt, Ororo speaks exactly what was on her mind.
Pushing herself from her leaning post, though, she does notice that the trickle
of people seemed to slow down even further. Perhaps it was time to move closer.

Piotr takes the hand, "A pleasure to meet you Ororo," Piotr responds as he seems
distracted by the other goth girl. That must be his thing or something, and he
nods when he hears Adam's name "Da, we are trying to find out what we can." A
rather bland answer, and finally he looks back to the two of them, "If you could
please excuse me for a moment. I think I know her from somewhere." That said,
Piotr turns around, and heads in Screamers direction. Probably having to move
his way through the crowd, but trying to keep sight of her as he does so.

It's fortunate that there aren't many people to get in the way, at least, not
here. The 'other goth' peeks over her shoulder as she walks, getting that
'watched' feeling, but doesn't quite register the big Russian heading her way.
Though it's going to be hard to miss him for long.

Zandra mmmms, arching a very indigo eyebrow. "That was.. abrupt. " she half
pouts putting a hand on her hip. She narrows her eyes at the girl, searching the
em spectrum. "There's somethin'.. odd ..I think she's.. gifted 'Ro..." she
murmurs softly to the african lady. She stays calm however, Piotr didn't seem
upset or anything. Maybe she's a friend of his.

Ororo nods briefly at Zandra's words, instinctively moving protectively closer
to her. "Let us see what this is about." she hedges, her eyes alert to Zan's
expression and body language. Stepping slightly ahead of Zan, herself as a
shield though not advertising such to any onlooker, most especially her young
companion, Ororo moves off in the direction Piotr had taken, carefully pacing
herself so that Zan is not left behind. Somewhat tall, even in sneakers, Ororo
scans the crowd ahead of her. The tall Russian can not be missed and, slightly
ahead of him, the goth girl.

<OOC> You say "And Ororo smells either trouble... or fresh blood for the
Brotherhood. No wonder she's so intent. ;>"
<OOC> Ororo grins, winks and tries to look innocent. ;)
<OOC> Ororo says "I think I should app recruiter as a trait. ;D"

As Piotr closes in on Screamer he will actually call out, "Excuse me, Miss.."
The thick Russian voice carries with the deepness to it, "Excuse me." Of course
there will be others to turn around, and likely look at him as he passes by.
Though it is painfully obvious that he is talking to Screamer, and if she turns
around it would be obvious to her as well.

Screamer peeks over her shoulder again. What, someone's talking... to her? She
looks right at Piotr for a moment, then past him as she notices the other two's
attention, then briefly back at Piotr. Hey, he's kinda familiar... Without
responding, she immediately turns away and starts off at a brisker pace. (Of
course, a fast walk for the short girl is a casual amble for the big Russian
following her.) Where the hell is her handler when she actually needs him?

Zandra ers as Ororo steps in the way. What's this woman thinking? That she can't
take care of herself. Hrmf! She strides a few steps to Ororo's side.. she may be
younger but she thinks she can hold her own just as well as the white haired
woman can. (Whether that's true remains to be seen!) "Ohh methinks th'
doppleganger don' wanna be found.. " she takes a few steps into the crowd after
Piotr.

Not stifling a chuckle at Zandra's chutzpah, Ororo watches her go after Piotr
and the girl. Noticing his call, and her reaction or rather her avoidance,
Ororo's curiosity is definitely piqued. Still moving at a pace, she watches the
goth girl's possible intended path and alters her course slightly, before easing
into a light jog. Tactics, they do work for something. What are people in the
crowd going to think of a black woman with white hair and blue eyes dressed in a
jogging suit running through the campus? Um, that she was out for a jog?

Ok, that isn't what Piotr expected, and now he is in an awful spot. He is
continuing to follow, a little faster now, "Miss, I have a question. I don't
want to bother you..." A large Russian guy chasing a young women, that will do
great things for Piotr's reputation. "I think you might have seen what happened
to a friend..." If he does catchup the last thing he'll do is touch her. That is
about as offensive as one can get, "Spaceebo Miss, just a few questions..."

Okay, panic time! She's supposed to hunt other people, not the other way around!
"Leave me alone!" Screamer finally cries out, breaking into a run when Piotr
gets close enough to touch - even if he doesn't actually do it. She ducks away
from him and alters course away from the crowd. Normally that's where someone
would duck in to hide, you'd think... But there might be more of these mutants'
friends there.

Zandra oys. "Uhhh.. Piotr... I don' think she wants t' talk.." she calls out,
moving through the sparce crowd at a pretty good pace. Most people seem to move
out of her way if they can. They take one look and well, it feels colder around
her. Or it's just that girl is freaky' so they inch away as if concerned the
eeriness will stick to them. However he's still several paces ahead of her, that
huge walking span of his. She tries jogging closer to him.

Ororo finds herself separated from her small group. It concerns her little,
though, except for information on why Piotr was trying to track the goth girl
down. Seeing her bolt -away- from the crowd, Ororo takes no time to register the
oddity of it. Fear, or paranoia, can make people do strange things. Altering her
course again to intercept the girl, Ororo takes off at a run, her long legs
carrying easily along. With any luck, she'll be able to catch up to the panicked
child and decipher what this was all about.

Piotr will actually stop when Screamer makes a run for it, "Bozsche Moi!!" He
seems honestly stunned at her reaction, of course most people probably wouldn't
enjoy someone his size chasing them, "I had only a few questions concerning a
friend. I thought she might had seen what happened that day..." Shaking his
head, he looks over to Zandra, " I did not wish to scare her." He'll try to keep
track of her, but if he loses her in the crowd he will not pursue any more. It
isn't like he thinks she's done anything wrong. He just wanted a few questions
asked.

Ack! Where do these people keep coming from? No sooner has Piotr given up
chasing Screamer than Ororo's after her. Screamer, of course, is convinced she's
been 'made', so this finally just tears it. As soon as she spots Ororo bearing
down on her she lashes out with her power, the sound of screams welling up from
inside the woman's mind. Familiar screams... desperate screams. Screams that,
against all consious evidence, feel like they're somehow Ororo's fault...
Screamer glares angrily at Ororo as she focuses her power on the woman. Okay, so
it's time to drop the 'scared kid' routine...

Zandra gives a quick nod to Piotr. "I think she was afraid.. " of a huge russian
dude? goodness why. "But then 'gain.. that seems t' be pretty common 'round
here. " she gives a friendly smile to the people taking note of them. Smile, eye
lash flutter flutter, nothing to see here folks. Hey.. where'd Ororo go? "ut
oh.."

Near stumbling as the shock of screams assail her mind, Ororo focuses the full
power of her training to her aid, trying to force the horrid things behind some
conscious wall within her mind. Focus. Focus, Ororo, her mind screams. Slowing
her pace, but just, Ororo continues toward the girl. It may be a fearful lashing
out, but it was a lashing, and very public. "We mean you no harm!" she calls
out, her head beginning to throb as the wailing within push and pull at her
emotional wall, anger threatening to slip through.

Piotr gives a sigh, and shrugs his shoulders in a defeated gesture, "Da, it
would seem that she did not want to speak to me." Zandra's good mood is a little
infecting though, and he gives a small smile, "It is becoming much to often an
occurance." Then, Zandra looks around for Ororo, and Piotr can hear Ororo
calling out from somewhere near. He scans the area looking for what is going on,
"It sounds as if Ororo may have found her." How ironicly true that statement is,
but Piotr really doesn't know.

Screamer actually laughs at Ororo's reply. She should play it cool, but she just
can't help herself... and from the look on her face, it's clear Screamer /does/
mean Ororo harm. She's just disappointed the woman doesn't cry out... But
Screamy doesn't have time to wrench that out of Ororo's strong will, so she
turns again and breaks into a renewed run, briefly in view again as she dashes
back the way she was originally coming. The screaming in Ororo's mind eases
almost as soon as Screamer's eyes are off the woman, although even the aftermath
of her power is a throbbing remnant of pain and abused brain.

Zandra gives an exasperated sigh. What _now_ . And to quote the Immortal space
smuggler, "I have a bad feelin' about this.." she looks down at the crushed
grass at her feet before putting more groove to her step. "Let's go see what th'
fuss is about.." and with that she hurries through the thin mass of people
towards where she sees Ororo staggering about. Oh hey it's the chick.. running
that way..

Ororo raises her hand to her temple, pressing firmly in an attempt to both focus
and ease the throbbing. Clearly seeing the look on Screamer's face, Ororo now
knew, this was personal. Straightening as best she could, Ororo's eyes mist
quickly from their rich, deep blue to a paler sky color, and then to white.
Around her, the very air takes on a life of its own on the already blustery day.
Today, the weather patterns were in her favor. Vaguely hearing footsteps on the
rather dead winter grass, she does not turn or even flinch. Low, her rich voice
intones, "Winds... to my aid!" With that, a buffet of wind is sent off in the
goth girl's direction, aiming to disable, though it was by the thinnest of
threads that the now angry Storm did not aim for more.

Piotr heads off in the direction of Ororo as Zandra speaks. His features are
showing concern for the newly met lady, and he hurries to see if she is all
right. He does spot Screamer running away, but really had no idea of the
conflict between the two. So, he continues to let her run on her way, and is
surprised when a strong wind starts to kick up. In heading in Ororos direction,
Piotr also noticed the rather obvious change in eye color. Now that is not
something you see everyday, and then the kick off from the wind allows him time
to think. As he reaches Ororo, he asks "Are you well? What is wrong?" Concern is
clear in his tone.

Now that's just cruel. Screamer can see the backup team's vehicle as she runs.
It's right over there! Just needs to get closer, and there'll be distracting
fire and a way to escape. And if not them, then a pay-phone will do just as
well. Let's see, there's one right ove-- eek! And then she's picked up by a gust
of wind and rudely slammed into the pavement with a sharp cry of surprised pain.
And she's staggering to her feet a moment later. Tougher than she looks. Or
perhaps just driven on by the knowledge of what happens if she doesn't get away.

Zandra is like, confuzed. Ok power play? She stares accuzingly at Ororo. "Um..
why.. are ya doing that fer?" Then she turns to stare, gawking really at
Screamer. She half smirks at her falling. Serves her right for showing up trying
to look like Zandra! Get your own wardrobe, poser! "What's happenin?!" She
stands still, not willing to make the decision yet which way to run. Towards
Ororo? Or after the chick?

Not taking her eyes off the falling, fleeing girl, Storm murmurs her teeth
clenched as she tries to reign in her still throbbing head. "She attacked me.
After her." A command, or a request? It is a true uncertainty as her very voice
seems to carry with it the sound of the wind now at her command. Raising her
hand, fingers slightly clawed, Storm sends out another gust, only slightly
stronger than the first but in the opposite direction, intending for the child
to get no further than where she was, or pushing her back toward the group.

Can we say baffled, Piotr saw Ororo was in pain, and then saw Screamer get
slammed into the ground. While this may not be the type of stuff they wanted to
show at the Rally, Piotr really doesn't know either one too well, "Ororo, stop
this, please..." As another gust can be felt rising, and he starts taking steps
towards Screamer. At the very least he can keep her from getting thrashed
around, "Miss, are you all right?" what more can you say when one of the people
it looked like you were with is tossing around some 'poor girl'

Yeah, they're certainly making a real good impression of mutants. Maybe it's a
good thing not many people are around over here to see. Screamer yelps
indignantly as she staggers back and falls on her butt. Fine. They wanna play it
that way? Screamer glowers at the lot of them (as well as a poor mundane guy who
happens to not have registered what's going on just yet). Hate-filled gaze
alights on each one in turn, screams bubbling up from inside Piotr's mind, and a
renewed assault searing into Ororo's. Zandra, on the other hand, gets to feel
the first real attack on her shields. It doesn't get through... but she can
actually feel it scrabbling away at the edges of her mind, trying to get in...

Zandra er ahs.. oh ack!. Yep this is gunna be a heckava mess. Hey! What's that
static. "Oh you just Didn't!" That broad just tried to fry her! "'Ro! Make it
misty?! Otherwize people are really gunna wig out.. Bring on th' rain t' get th'
muggles to bail already?" Why is she doing this? she isn't part of the
brotherhood. They don't owe them any thing.. crap on a stick! She jogs towards
one of the handy dandy trees that is apart of the spacious lot. Half hiding,
Zandra flicks out her hand, a blue halo surrounding it briefly. Without warning,
loud crackling cyan energy impetuously comes to life as the previously invisible
lines that weave around the globe are abruptly snagged. The EM energy surges and
bends to Zandra's design.. a spherical net to trap Screamer within!

Storm nods quickly through her pain fogged mind. Through gritted teeth she
murmurs to Piotr, "I... think... not." Turning her eyes skyward, she calls out,
"Fog... mist... rain! Heed my call!" Already heavy clouds grow heavier in answer
to the Weather Goddess, sending down a first a fine showering mist which casts
the area around her in an almost eerie light. Soon afterward, droplets of rain
begin hitting the ground, easily at first, then growing steadily. All the while,
the screams in her head threaten to deafen her, her face contorting with the
pain.

The nasty little screams begin their happy dance in Piotr's head. Each step
closer brings things he's never wanted to hear in his entire life.
"What..is..happening?!" The stoic Russian asks as he gets closer. The pain in
his head is nothing compared to the pain he feels in his heart over these
screams, and it is plain on his face, clenched jaw, and cold eyes that the
affect is not pleasant.

Screamer eeps as the electromagnetic net closes around her, and another glare
sweeps over them. "Let me OUT of here!" she yells, voice starting to show a
little panic. Not good. Not good at all. She tries to kick at the glowing net
holding her, but ends up slipping and falling rather gracelessly on her butt,
another yelp and a sharp crackle here and there indicating Zandra's added some
more electronic toys to her high score. At least the mental assault ceases for
the moment, as do Screamer's hopes of escape. Not likely the bunch of humans
with guns who are supposed to back her up are going to try their luck against a
magnet girl.

Zandra glares, fangs bared in an angry sneer. "Stop it! You, now, stop whatever
it is yer doin' to 'em .. O' so help me I'll rattle y' till yer scrambled like
an egg!!" she pulls her fist back, her eyes narrowing till there's little but a
cyan glow evident. The flickering blue orb vaults roughly up into the air 3 feet
before dashing it's contents viciously for a moment then stops just as suddenly.
As she cannot hear the screams she doesn't know they've ceased.

"Wait." Storm says, stepping slightly closer to Zandra, allowing the forces that
she'd called to run their course in case she needed them again. Holding a hand
to her temple as the throbbing pain continues, she murmurs, "The screaming has
stopped." Turning quickly, Storm looks at Piotr, trying to assess his condition.
She was trained to work as a team and, though these two may not be operatives,
at present they were as much team as she was going to get. She would not see
them incapacitated. Satisfied that the large man was not going to fall over,
perhaps the screaming had stopped for him as well, Storm steps forward, toward
the girl in the net. The murder in her eyes well hidden behind the blazing
white. Though she could wish for nothing better, murder was not her game.

Piotr is not doing too bad, the physical pain in his head is not bad, but the
voices were all too real. Perhaps something that he wasn't ready to deal with
yet. Even after they are gone there is a lingering darkness in his eyes. He
takes a few deep breathes before moving towards Screamer. His hands balled into
fists, and the muscles on his forearms standing out with strain. He takes these
moments to compose himself, otherwise he isn't sure what might happen.

Screamer sprawls limply in the bottom of the electromagnetic net, clearly not in
any shape to resist any more. Being used as a play-toy by a magnet girl can have
that effect on someone. Fortunately there's not many people who can see this
rude treatment, the instant storm dispersing those who were dumb enough to hang
around even so. All around, virtually invisible, the machinery of the Weapon X
operation pulls back. Screamer wasn't alone, but getting into a brawl in public
is not in the operational agenda... Especially not against unknown opponents who
can control the very weather. Unfortunately, the 'kill order' they broadcast to
the mutant girl's control collar doesn't have much effect. For once, Zandra's
zappyness has produced a result other than a big bill at Radio Shack.

Zandra 's expression softens. "Let's bail, Piotr, Ororo Y'll cool?" She really
doesn't like flying but it may be the only safe way out of here. She waves her
hand, telling some one to come on over. The orb drifts up and over to her
swiftly. It doubles insize, large enough to accomodate all who wish to fly Air
Magnet. She steps inside, the bubble flickering as it admits her without harm.
She kneels down to make sure she didn't accidently kill the girl. That would be
baaaadd. She winces at the scent of singed electronics. "What th' frick?" she
reaches towards the collar.

Nodding as she approaches, Storm tentatively steps inside the bubble, her mind
whirling even as she tries to maintain at least the fog through the slowly
fading pain in her head. Not quite registering Zandra's actions or discovery at
first, she offers, "The safehouse would be good, I believe." She was about to
give Zandra directions to get there when she catches Zan's movement. "Trouble?"
Storm asks, readying herself for anything now. She will not be caught off guard
twice by the same person in one day.

Allowing himself a few more moments, Piotr steps into the bubble as well with a
flicker like the field gets brighter for a moment, and is a bit more
stand-offish than the others appear with Screamer. He definately did not like
what happened, and whether she read his mind or not he's anything but cordial at
the moment. He simply watches Zandra, and then surveys the surroundings before
finally speaking up "I am sure the authorities will be here shortly." Hmm,
sounds like this one has had a few run-ins already.

The collar crackles faintly, and a bit of smoke rises from it. So it's not just
a piece of fashionable goth apparel? Screamer, however, certainly doesn't seem
to be causing any more trouble. Not that there's not more trouble to be found...
but Ororo's instant cover is keeping it from intruding.

Zandra shakes her head. Whoa.. that weirdo feeling again.. Momentarily satisfied
that the rogue mutant isn't going to blast them she looks to the others. "Ahh I
guess this is where I say, 'Up up an' Away.." the orb shudders then takes off!
Zoom! Straight up into the sky the orb goes, a bit faster than Zan had intended.
"Whoa.. " but then she evens it out and speeds them towards the city. "Soo where
is this 'house 'gain Ororo?"

What a lovely spectacle this is.. a blue crackling energy orb.. and almost no
one can see it due to fog!

Far from disturbed by the flight or speed, rather thrilling in it actually,
Storm dares to lay a reassuring hand on Piotr's arm. Turning to Zandra, she
gives directions to the now abandoned safehouse. Behind them, Storm allows the
systems to right themselves, clearing the mist, fog and drizzle slowly from the
campus. It would be more difficult for her to maintain them at a distance, and
she needed to concentrate on keeping them covered now. With the speed of Zan's
flight, though, she is still hard pressed to keep up. Nature has this way of
wanting to do its own thing.

Piotr will cast a glance to Ororo that shows he is appreciative of her thoughts.
Still, he is quiet now since they are leaving the area. Many thoughts rolling
through his head, and he looks at the walls of the orb. Whether he can see out
of them or not, it appears he is looking a thousand miles away, into another
time or place, and he merely shakes his head. He doesn't pay attention to where
they are going, but will turn his gaze to look down at Screamer.

(A short while later, at the Brotherhood's safe-house...)

Gone are the huge, fancy gizmos and gadgets that used to speckle this room,
entertainment for those who sought refuge or even lived here. Even the state of
the art television has been replaced by something a little more sedate. Though
empty of the Brotherhood operatives and scientists, it is still, after all, a
safehouse and welcome respite to any Mutant in need of a roof over their heads
and a warm meal. The sofa and chairs remain, also for use by guests, along with
a small scattering of tables upon which to rest drinks, food or even feet.

Ororo comes in from the kitchen, more calmer; more composed and back to her old
self... except for the ripping headache. Carrying a tray, laden with the
ambrosia du jour; her own special Kenyan blend of rich, dark coffee, some mugs,
some glasses of water and some desperately needed aspirin, she places it on the
coffee table. "Please. Help yourselves." she near whispers. Anything else, right
now, would set her head to throbbing again. Screamer, though the name is still
unknown to her, was left elsewhere in the house to rest. Having called Mystique
as soon as they had arrived, she had taken control of that particular situation
and was probably with the girl now. Inwardly, Ororo hoped that Mysti was immune
to whatever power it was that Screamer had used on them.

Reaching down for a glass of water, Piotr speaks up "Spaceebo Ororo." added with
an inclination of his head. He takes a long drink, and lets out a long breath
that almost sounds like a sigh. He is feeling better now, but he is still very
confused on exactly what happened. Of course the person with the answers is
passed out somewhere else in this interesting haven.

Zandra is laying on a well placed sofa, in a change of different clothes. Just a
white shirt and a pair of old dusty jeans. They arn't new but at least they
arn't wet. While she was spared the headache, she's wiped out thanks to the
strain of flying 3 other people across town. There's sure to be more UFO
sightings. She is sprawled out, half catnapping on the sofa. Her long hair has
been dried by a towel and wrapped up into a loose bun. As Ororo comes in with
the coffee she says softly. "Thanks.. can we turn on th' tv..I wanna know if we
are on th' news or if every one was truely cluess. "

Mystique comes into the room a few moments later. "Most likely any channel
mentioning you will have a different story on the matter," she comments, heading
for the coffee. "I fixed up your little friend, Ororo. Really, next time, you
should make sure to de-equip people /before/ you bring them to the safe-house. I
didn't find any transmitters, but you can never be too careful." She says this
like it happens all the time - sort of a 'don't track mud on the carpet, dear'
comment. But that's Mysti.

Leaning forward for, first some aspirin and water, and then the heavenly nectar
of life known as coffee, Ororo eases herself into a chair. Her chair, really,
for all the time she had spent in it in days past. "We were in a bit of a rush."
She states quietly, inhaling the aroma in her mug before taking a sip. "She has
some sort of mind attack." Yes, that was the sound of Ororo stating that she was
almost defeated by a sniveling, mind screaming brat. She does not look at all
pleased by the matter.

Piotr finishes off his water, and sets down the glass. Oh sweet water, the
bringer of life, and he merely sits as he listens to the conversation at hand.
He stretches in a chair near the table, his long legs straight out to relieve
some of the tension he didn't realize he had. He is curious as well about what
the news said, but not so much as to actually turn the T.V. on.

Zandra ehes at Mystique. "I think it got fried.. so it wouldn't have mattered
any way. She hit the sheild and any thing on her is prolly toast includin' her
watch if she had one.." Zan knows about these things! She's killed countless
dozens of poor innocent watches! and cells phones. She reaches out for the
remote annnnnndd... Zot. The lights in the Living room flicker then completely
go out. It's dark. Very dark. "... #@!^ it.." she grumbles, she pulls her hand
back, rubbing it. Add another tv remote to Zandra - killer of all things techie,
tally.

Mystique mms faintly, and visibly decides not to chide Ororo any further. She
sips her coffee, then pauses as Zandra drops the lights. Sigh... "Well, we'll
just carry a wrench when we talk to her. With luck, the blindfold I put on her
will work. If not, then we'll just hit her in the head whenever she tries it."
Blunt, that's Mysti. "Zandra, I'll need your help to pull that collar off her,
though. I think you fused it pretty well... and... I suppose you ought to
introduce your friend, Ororo." Meaning Piotr. Yes, Mysti continues conversing
quite contentedly in the dark. She's odd that way.

Ororo sighs softly, the sounds of movement from her chair, a shadow in the dark
moving to the base of the entertainment unit where candles used to be kept... at
least, where she used to hide them when... "My apologies." She mutters, fumbling
around in the even darker cabinet, "Piotr, this is my... friend, Mystique.
Mystique, Piotr." A meaningful pause in the dark, meant for their head of
security, "From the mansion." Some more shuffling within the cabinet and a soft
laugh. "Candles!" Ororo proclaims, then, "Does anyone have a match?"

"A pleasure to meet you, Mystique.." Piotr responds in the dark, and can't help
but smile a little at the situation. It is probably a good thing it is dark,
otherwise they might think he is laughing at more than the predicament. "Nyehtt,
I do not Ororo." Piotr responds to the matches question.

Click. A flame, a tiny one lights infront of Zandra's face. She's holding up a
lighter. Can you guess she's prepared cause this happens so often? "sorry." she
says, yawning. She stands up, a bit wobbly as she leans over to light the
candles Ororo has. However the flame isn't meant to be lit so long and she ends
up burning her thumb. "Yeouch!" the light goes out, the room is pitch dark once
more. There is the sound of some one stumbling! Thud! oof! and Piotr is the
lucky one who gets a dizzy Zandra tripping onto him. "oopse."

Mystique chuckles faintly. "Nice to meet you as well, Piotr. Even if it's in a
professional sort of wa... hm." Mysti pauses as Zandra intrudes by staggering
over and sprawling on Piotr. "Over-used your powers again, Zandra?" Mystique
queries softly.

Focusing, Ororo sets the candle in the holder by feel alone, her other hand
patting the ground around her for the dropped lighter. A victorious grin in the
dark, and the lighter flicks on again, illuminating her blue-eyed features with
it's sudden tiny light. Tilting the candles, not the lighter, Ororo lights one
before letting the lighter go out, and moving on to light the other two from the
first. Looking up now at the sprawled Zandra, she tries to stifle a laugh,
coughing politely instead. "She had to fly us here. All of us." With an almost
imperceptible head shake at Mystique, hopefully to halt a reminder that Ororo,
herself, could fly she continues, "It seemed the quickest way under the
circumstances." Standing, she returns to her seat, flopping down before
reclaiming her slowly cooling mug of coffee.

Piotr oofs just a little at the surprise of being tripped on, but does the nice
thing as he cushions Zandra's fall. Better falling him, than falling on the
floor right? His chuckle can be heard though, good natured as it is "I think you
need a little more rest before trying to wander around in the dark." After a
quick pause, he adds "And Spaceebo for taking me out of there. I'm sure there
might have been many questions otherwise."

Zandra blushes, oh she's red! Doesn't go well with the blue hair. She stands up
and wobbles a bit more. "Ah.. geeze...sorry Piotr.." She scrambles off him,
giving the customary zot of static electricity to them both. "ach..I..think I
better take a nap..." she lets her bangs hide her burning cheeks. "Wake me up if
they send in the national guard or the MIBs..." and with that she staggers off
to another one of the rooms.

Mystique mms. "I'm surprised she didn't drop you in mid-air, at that rate," she
comments, watching the exhaused Zandra stagger out. "You should probably call
the Den... and your friends, Piotr, to make sure they don't worry. And me... I
get to watch Sleeping Beauty." She smirks and sips at her coffee. "Which I
should get back to. Nice meeting you, Piotr." Yep, just business as usual for
Mystique. No idea what's going on, and mostly unconcerned about that fact. The
truth will make itself apparent... eventually.

(To be continued)