Day 2, Dawn, Palisade National Park, Camp Watzmilion

Jenny and Volt lugged the last of the trash bags to the side of the road.

"The irony is," gasped Jenny, "the garbage trucks aren't even going to be able to come and haul this stuff away."

Volt wasn't tired, but he didn't like working on an empty stomach, much less watching his person do it. "I know," he said, "but at least we can-" he paused, perking up his ears.

"What is it, what do you hear?"

After several seconds, Volt answered. "There's a car coming."

--Day 3 qn--
"qn" is the time in which Quadrant 9 runs. The day Q9 opened was "Day 1 qn". What relation that is to the real world, only a very select few people know.
Quadrant 9
8:03 qn

"You may bring her in." Dr. Steele took his forefinger off the touch screen and watched the solid steel room through the glass window.

"Which one is this?" asked Tony.

"Cynthia Thomas. Age thirty-two. Height five foot six inches. Weight one hundred fifty-four pounds. She's suspected of having obtained strange mental powers."

Tony grimaced, "Not another one of those... What kind is it this time?"

"The only extent known is levitation."

"I hate that kind."

"I thought you told me you weren't afraid of heights?"

"I'm not! It's the bumping into the ceiling part I don't like."

Steele chuckled softly and dropped a hand on Tony's shoulder. "I'll try to get a hold of her before she starts playing ping pong with you as the ball. Alright?"

"Alright... Just, if you're not fast enough, don't let her drop me this time, OK?"

"OK," Steele winked.

A green light flashed suddenly and there was a little beep.

"She's in," commented Tony, eyeing the woman creeping along the silver, solid wall.

"Indeed..." murmured Steele, putting his hands on empty places on the dashboard and peering through the glass. He watched her pause, look around, lick her lips nervously, then suddenly stare right at them.

Tony shifted his weight uncomfortably, then said, "She can't see us through the one way glass. Do you think she can sense us?"

"Could be. Could also be that the black rectangle of our one way glass is the only difference in the room's scenery. She is at least averagely intelligent, it would seem." With his eyes on the woman in the room below, Steele pressed twice on the screen, both in different places. From out of the wall in the solid steel box below suddenly appeared what looked like a steel post, about 5' high and 2' in diameter. It wheeled quickly across the floor towards the woman.

"Does that thing make any noise?" asked Tony suddenly.

"No."

Tony nodded slowly.

The woman had her back against the wall now, gazing at the thing with wide eyes, her breath quickening. The thing came closer and closer, until it stood about 5 feet away from her. Then it stopped and just sat. For a moment, nothing moved. Then slowly, the thing began to unlock itself. Panels came off of it, separating, transforming, shifting, slowly taking the shape of a very large, anti-aircraft type gun, the barrel of which was pointing straight at the woman.

Tony saw her mouth fly open, as though she were either screaming or gasping, he couldn't tell which because of the soundproofing of the room. Suddenly the post/gun shot up into the air and smashed against the ceiling, then was peeled off and flung towards the glass. Tony cringed automatically, but Steele watched impassively as the metal crumpled against the bulletproof glass and the glass spiderwebbed and cracked with a loud pop. The crushed post slid down the window slowly, a very faint screeching sound seeping through the damaged glass.

"I ordered a much higher quality of impact resistant material than that," commented the Doctor. "This will have to be taken care of as soon as we are finished."

Tony cast him an uncertain look, then peered around a web in the window to see what the woman was doing. She was still against the wall and breathing hard.

Steele touched the screen again. A new sheet of glass slid silently behind the first one. Again, Steele touched the screen. Tony craned his neck to see the new steel post that came trundling out of the closet in the wall of the steel room. He switched his gaze from the post to the woman and waited for her reaction.
She stiffened, then glared at the post, narrowing her eyes and clenching her jaws. Suddenly her eyes began to glow and pulse, like a strobe light. Tony raised his eyebrows and looked towards the post. Nothing happened. It continued rolling towards her. The woman's strobe light eyes flicked into normalcy as panic swept across her face. The post continued rolling towards her. Her eyes flashed again, coupled with the tightened jaws. The post came even closer. Off went the eyes and her mouth began to open.

Steele touched the screen twice and the speakers from the steel box into the control room switched on. A high pitched, desperate, pathetic scream trickled into the little room.

Steele looked at Tony. "Your cue."

"This is the hologram, right?"

"Correct."

"OK..." Tony moved to the elevator that took him down to the box level. "You will come after me fast enough to avoid my ending up like that test thing on the window, right?"

"Correct."

Tony raised an eyebrow at him.

Steele raised one hand and placed the other on his heart. "I swear it."

The boy smiled, shook his head, then stepped into the elevator.

Day 2: Arida

Convent

Xandria and Allee turned around to see Father Fallon. There, standing in a sedate black suit, his collar being the only clue to his status, was a tall, jolly man. If he had been rounder and shorter, he could have passed as Santa Claus. There was a small twinkle in his eyes at all times.

"Good morning, girls," he said, his rolling voice comforting but firm. "As soon as you're ready, we will start working to get people to safety. I do not know if you are aware, but the power surge has crippled the city, and a full-fledged gang war is going on. We need to get as many people out of the way of danger as possible. I trust you two are alright with going into the city a ways?"

de Mon Castle Grounds

An extra chair had been found for Vange, and Candi had silently watched the two guests from her edge of the table. As soon as the meal was over, Candi gave a curt nod and the various staff members began to vanish back to their duties. She turned to the two bounty hunters.

"I would be much obliged if you would accompany me to my study for a small chat," she said cooly.

Burg: Day 2
Lawrence Manor

Squeezing... suffocating... large snake-thing coiling around her, then a sudden release followed by a swift hit to the head.

Most of what had happened in the alley was just a blur for Selena, though she did remember something about laying in a car.. or was it a van?.. when a tall man with a mask entered and....

"Ma'am? Miss Browning, I have some tea and toast for yo..." before Jennings could complete his sentence, the red haired girl in the bed had given a quick (though ill aimed) upper cut with her left fist and was know half sitting, half kneeling on the bed, ready to jump at the butler.

"Who are you? Where am I and what... do.. you.. want." Selena sternly inquired as she wielded the silver tray that had fallen on the bed before her lightheadedness returned, causing Selena to sit down.

After picking himself off of the floor and silently thanking the heavens that the girls punch missed his jaw, Jennings straightened his suit and began picking up the toast that was now scattered on the carpet. "My name is Jennings, butler of Lawrence Manor, which just so happens to be where you are. As to what I want, I was hoping to offer you some fresh toast and tea..." he said as he picked up a broken cup. "Though I suppose you're not one for tea." he added with a slight smile at the girl who was still brandishing the serving tray.

"Oh.... Um, no. I'm more of a coffee person." Selena said slightly stunned at the older mans kindness. Perhaps I'm safe here... The reassuring thought was quickly shattered when the bedroom door opened and a younger man began to enter.

"Is everything alright, Richard?? I heard a..." A quick yelp and a serving tray flying towards him was enough to make Malcom quickly shut the door. A loud thud a second later confirmed the wiseness of shutting the door. "... I'll be downstairs in the study if you need me." Lawrence said through the door as he backed away. What have I brought home this time.... the billionaire thought as he descended the stairs.

"Well, I must say I've never seen a young woman do that to Mr. Lawrence before..." Jennings said with a chuckle.

"... Who was that??" Selena asked panting after throwing the serving tray.

"That... was Mr. Lawrence. The owner of this house and of the bed you are currently in." Jennings said nodding towards Selena. "I have fixed lasagna for dinner and I do hope you will join us, miss. You can find fresh clothes in the dresser here..." Richard said pointing to the large wood dresser at the foot of the bed. "If you need anything, just call."

"Jennings! Umm... sorry for nearly killing you and Mr. Lawrence. I.. haven't had the best of experiences in the past. With millionaires and all..." Selena said blushing slightly and obviously relaxing a bit.

"Quite understandable, miss. Do let me know if you need anything at all..." Jennings said with slight smile before pulling the serving tray from the door and leaving the bedroom.

Lasagna sounds great... and I should probably make-up for my first impression to Mr. Lawrence... Selena thought as she walked over to the larger, hardwood dresser. There were only a few non-formal outfits inside, but Selena was able to find various pieces that fit together well and formed one semi-new outfit.

---------------------------------------

Aridia: Day 1
de Mon Castle Grounds

Dinner had been surprisingly good for a wealthy family's meal. Christopher could actually recognize most of what he was eating, unlike most of the time at these sort of places where the only thing he knew for certain was the dessert.

"We would be honored." Christopher said in his best formal tone and manner. The bounty hunter glanced at Vange and hoped she wouldn't try to cause any problems for them.

-Day 1-
Parksville, Erbaine
Post Supernova

There weren't any lights to guide her, so she went, step by agonizing step. Sometimes metal on the ceiling would creak, and sometimes she would hear something crash to the floor behind her. Cat gulped and moved on-- it was all she could do.

She hadn't run into any bodies yet, which she thought was good. They had probably just left her, forgotten about her. That happened alot. In the dark, she managed a trembling smile, trying to console herself.

Fingers outstretched, she finally touched familiar vertical metal, just the feel of the gym doors! She was just feeling around them to find the edges when there was a big CREAK and the door fell straight away from her hand. She snatched the hand back and heard a rushing of air, and then a BOOM.

The door had fallen over, away from her. "Oh," Cat said aloud, her voice loud in the stillness. At least she could get out now.

------

Dreyman knew something was happening. Then everything happened, one-two-three: Liam acted awkward and tried to be casual and then put his hand in his pocket, and at that motion, everything changed.

The backpack hit the floor, the impromptu awkwardness ended. What was more, Dreyman's quick mind put two and two together. Something strange that Liam did not understand was happening around him, and, as Dreyman saw, Liam had the power to control it; he'd just turned it off.

These were the mutations he had studied, had hypothesized would happen. He had to take advantage of this quickly.

"As long as that's settled," Lewis said, with an expression of kindness on his face, "You ought to be getting home, Laramie. You've got family in town, I think." He knew Liam didn't, or not much. "Liam, can you walk with Connor and I?"

Day 1
Arida, Arenico
de Mon Castle Grounds

Vange ate her dinner in silence, mostly picking at that and this. She wasn't really hungry. Instead, she spent most of the time observing each person who sat at the table. She smiled occasionally at people who caught her eye and ignored Christopher, who sat beside her.

When dinner was over, the woman, Candi, approached her and Christopher. She nodded at the request and said, "Sure..."

Day 1: Arida: de Mon Castle

Candi swiftly led the two newcomers up the stairs and into the study. A warm glow emanated from the fireplace, but the room was still dim because the fire was the only light. Candi motioned for her guests to have a seat, and settled into her own favorite imposing chair. She lit a cigarette and took several puffs, staring into the fire. After an extended silence, she finally spoke.

"So, tell me. What is your mutual occupation?" she asked, a forceful breath of smoke coming from her nose.

Day 1
Arida, Arenico
de Mon Castle Grounds

Evangeline sat down in a chair, crossing her legs and trying to hide the gun strapped to her thigh as best as she could. A new set of clothes would be a welcome thing right now. The dress she wore was hardly practical.

At Candi's question, Evangeline chuckled and said, "I do I'm told the moment I'm told, whatever it may be. It isn't so much an occupation, but more like a way of living. I make money and that's all that counts."

Day 1: Aridia
de Mon Castle Grounds

Christopher decided to stand instead of sitting down. There was something slightly degrading about having to sit across from an upper class individual such as Candi and be studied while you talked. Besides, there were some very intriguing books and artifacts in this room....

Chris chuckled slightly at Evangeline's response to their hosts inquiry. "As for myself, I'm much the same... though more cautious about the jobs I take." the bounty hunter gavea slight smile to Vange with the last remark.

Day 1: Arida: de Mon Castle

Candi smiled a somewhat plastic smile.

"And I believe that mainly includes shooting people or otherwise blowing things up?" Candi paused. "Come come. You can't face off like you did and not expect a pair of little eyes to see you."

Day 1
Arida, Arenico
de Mon Castle Grounds

Vange shifted in her seat. "As a woman in my trade, I don't get as many offers as Christopher would, so I take what I get. Shooting people, poisoning them, stabbing them... As long as you get the job finished without getting caught, what difference does it make?"

"Why do you ask, though?" Evangeline observed the young woman with narrowed eyes. If the woman meant trouble, Evangeline would have to formulate an escape plan within seconds. Or use her weapon. Both were possible options.

Day 1: Arida: de Mon Castle

"I makes very little difference. And what man would expect it from a woman?" Candi's plasticity melted away into a slightly more sinister real smile. "I am always on the lookout for allies...or, if the need be...to destroy potential threats. I need to know which you are. Its that simple."

Day 1: Arida
de Mon Castle

"Depends on your definition of an ally or a threat..." Christopher said as he slowly made his way to the fireplace. "If you define an ally as someone who will stick with you through think and thin, then we are not. But..." Chris paused as he looked from Candi to Vange then back again. "... You don't have to worry about us bumping you off anytime soon. We don't have any bounties for you, yet."

After giving his opinion on whether their host should trust them or not, Christopher returned to examining the ornate figures around the fireplace.

Day 1: Arida: de Mon Castle

"Oh, I'm sure you will quite soon, especially with how the government may play this...catastrophe," Candi said softly, taking a puff from her cigarette. The door creaked quietly, and a large black cougar padded quietly across the floor boards toward Candi.

— Day 2, Early Morning —
Palisade National Park
Near Parksville, Erbaine

Previously…

He tinkered with a few wires, then to his surprised delight the engine sputtered hesitantly to life. Grace clapped her hands excitedly. With a grin Dan turned to his equally-astonished wife. “Let’s pack up, Ang; we’re going home!”

The engine was running roughly – all the electronics that normally ensured a smooth and flawless performance weren’t working – and Dan wasn’t sure he’d be able to get it going again should he turn it off. So he left it running while the family broke camp in record time, rather carelessly tossing their tent, sleeping bags, and other gear into the back of the vehicle.

Then they were off, slowly making their way down the road that led to Parksville. “I hope we can make it home.” Angie whispered to her husband, not wanting to worry their daughter should this effort fail. Before speaking she’d looked back to see Grace happily occupied, playing with her puppy.

“Me too, but I have my doubts. I hope we make it to Camp Watzmilion at least.” He crossed his fingers.

Once again their luck seemed to hold. They spotted the turnoff into the camp, and immediately Dan spotted a small building near the camp’s entrance.

“Ooh, a doggie!” came the excited cry from the back seat. Angie glanced over to see a young girl, a bit older than Grace, accompanied by a large white dog that looked like a German shepherd. “Can I play with her?”

“We’ll see, honey,” Angela answered.

They turned into the building’s parking lot just as the car’s engine died. “I’m glad we made it this far,” Dan sighed.

“What’s wrong, Daddy?” Grace piped up. He turned to see his daughter’s worried face.

“The car won’t run any more.”

“Can I play with the doggie while you fix it again?” He wished he had her confidence in his abilities; he wasn’t at all certain the car would start again.

“I’ll come with you, okay?”

“Okay, Mama.”

With that they all stepped out of the car; Dan opened the hood once again while Grace ran toward the other girl, Candy barking at her feet.

“Hi, I’m Grace. This is my puppy Candy and my Mommy. What’s your name?” It all came out in one breathless rush.