>>>>>SIM START<<<<<

LOCATION> JUST OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK CITY,SOME SUBURBAN BACK ROAD.4:00 A.M.

SCENE> OUR LUCK CHANGING BY ENCOUNTER TALON, HE AGREED TO ESCORT US OUT OF THE CITY. WE NOW FOUND OURSELVES IN A SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD, BUT SPARSLEY POPULATED AREA, TAKING A BREAK ON SOME DEAD END STREET.

<Hazard> ::sits in the passenger seat of the van still, one arm hanging out of the open window and popping open the glove box to see what's inside::

<Polaris> ::Is sitting atop of the vehicle, while breaking and glancing up at the night sky, arms draped about her figure:: Chilly.

<Phase> :::Takes a long puff off one of his dog-earred cigarettes::: ((Well, there went my entire life. Folks are NOT going to be pleased with this.))

<Gage> ACTION> HAZARD FINDS A GLOVE IN THE GLOVE BOX....AND A USED HYPODERMIC NEEDLE.

<Seraph> ::sits on top of the van with his feet dangling off the side:: ((maybe we could... no.. no.. NO! nothing works.. these people are nothing but trouble! but.. I can't

leave.. I'm being blamed too.. but.. for what? I didn't do anything... we didn't do anything... this isn't fair!))

<Talon> ::leaning against his car looking at their van::

<Havok> ::stands very smugly with arms folded over chest with a very "i told you so" look about his face::

<Myriad> ::sitting in the back of the van, lying against a seat like she's trying to take a nap::

<Phase> :::Walks over to Talon, blowing a cloud of smoke into the air::: You know, you could lose your job for this. Let alone the chances of you ending up next to us.

<Gage> ::walks over to Talon:: Thank you again...I know you don't have to believe us, but...thanks. ::small smile, turns to face Havok:: Okay, Summers, let me have it.

<Talon> ::looks to Phase and nods:: Yes, but i know you guys didnt do this

<Seraph> ::stands up on top of the van and glances around:: ((must get away for a few minutes...)) ::extends his wings and flies into the sky::

<Hazard> heh.. wow, people actually put gloves in their glove box. ::snaps it shut again::

<Talon> No problem, Gage

<Phase> :::Shrugs, letting the cigarette drop to the ground, then stamping it out::: Mind if I ask a favor, as one cop to another?

<Talon> ::looks back to the van:: sure

<Polaris> ::Shifts atop of the car, still letting arms stay crossed about her stomach, hands rubbing her arms lightly::

<Gage> ::glances at Polaris for second, then gestures to Seraph:: Pol, keep an eye on him. ::looks at Havok::

<Phase> Got any spare clips? :::Pulls out a single pistol clip::: I'm kinda short. And I doubt any shops'll let me buy from them now.

<Polaris> ::Nods:: Sure thing... ::takes to the air, glancing at Havok a moment and shaking her head:: Lets see... ::Follows after Seraph::

<Talon> ::nods:: yeah i got some in here ::steps away rom his car and opens the door looking around and coming out with 2 spare clips:: here ya go

<Phase> Appreciate it. :::Puts the clips in an inner-jacket pocket::: Just hope I don't have to use them.

<Talon> Me too ::closes his car door and leans back against it::

<Hazard> ::opens the door and steps out of the van, glancing towards Gage and Havok::

<Seraph> ::glances around the ground, spotting a church steeple and heading for it::

<Gage> ::half interested look at Havok:: You gonna tell me "I told you so" or what? ...cause I'm waiting. ::hands resting on his hips, trying not to look as tired as he is::

<Polaris> ::flies next to Seraph:: What're you up too? ::A small smile, and is curiously asked::

<Phase> :::Leans against the car next to Talon, pulls out his pack of smokes and lights another, then looks to Tal::: Want one?

<Havok> I don't see how that would be very beneficial to the situation, Gage.

<Seraph> ::quietly lands in front of the church:: just leave me alone please.. ::walks towards the doors::

<Talon> ::looks to Phase:: nah ::pauses:: what department were you in, in law enforcement?

<Gage> ::nods:: Good, cause we're all in the same boat now, and I want some suggestions as to what we should do. ::looks at Haz as he gets out of the van::

<Phase> Seattle PD, homicide. :::Smirks to himself::: Those were the days. The thrill of the chase.

<Talon> ::grins and nods:: yeah

<Havok> ::states very matter-of-factly:: Turn ourselves in.

<Hazard> ::stands at the side of the van with his arms crossed, smirking for some reason::

<Seraph> ::tries the doors, but finds they are locked:: *sigh* ((...)) ::sits on the front steps::

<Polaris> ::Lands and sits next to Seraph:: Well I was informed to follow you...so I'm doing that...care to talk about it?

<Phase> :::Mutters low enough for only Tal to hear::: I think that moron we got with us is fruitier than a nutcake.

<Seraph> no.. ::sulks::

<Talon> ::glances to haz:: you have no idea

<Phase> Think I should invest in a few armor-piercing rounds?

<Gage> ::closes his eyes, slowly:: I know that you're not that naive, Summers. You heard the radio like the rest of us...they blame us for the bombing. ::looks at Hazard::

What're you grinning at?

<Talon> ::thinks:: for what reason?

<Phase> :::Looks to Tal, with a serious expression::: Ever consider the possiblitiy of having to put him down?

<Polaris> ::Eyes him frowning somewhat:: Is it because of the things going on with Gage and Havok? Or is it everything? Because believe me...I could probably agree

with you on everything you have a problem with.

<Talon> no, not personally but im sure many people have ::opens his car door and turns on his scanner loud rolls down his window so he can hear it outside::

<Seraph> its not that... ::wraps his wings around himself:: I don't know what it is.. why can't we just go and explain it to them... we didn't do anything wrong, we were

trying to help...

<Havok> You didn't let me finish, Gage.

<Polaris> ::Nods:: Yeah...I know what you mean...I don't like this whole running thing...but you know if we disagree with what Havok and Gage are trying to do, they won't

pay us much mind at all. ::Grumbles somewhat at that::

<Hazard> ::smirks still, not answering the question:: Don't worry about it.

<Havok> We turn ourselves in, and you accept full responsibility for any wrongdoing we might be implicated in.

<Phase> :::Looks at Haz::: If I said I considered you the lowest form of life on this planet, what would you say?

<Seraph> its just not fair...

<Polaris> Well how about this...lets go talk to Gage and Havok?

<Gage> ::questioning look at Haz before turning back around and looking at Havok with disdain:: If only it were that simple...you see, I didn't bomb the place. The FoH

did, but since can't prove it, we all get implicated...I could take the blame, but since half of the team have questionable backgrounds as it is, they aren't going to be let off

the hook.

<Seraph> ::shakes his head:: they won't listen.. just like you said. Maybe I should just leave, I don't know if I like this anymore. I thought I could make a difference by

being here, but so far all we seem to do is cause trouble.

<Hazard> ::doesn't look over his shoulder at Phase, acknowledging him only by lifting his hand and raising a finger back at him:: We could duck into Canada like last

time, Gage. Worked last time to give us some breathing room.

<Phase> :::Pulls out his pistol, centering the sight on Haz's finger::: Let's see if I take it down to the second knuckle from here.

<Gage> ::shakes his head:: You want me to resign leadership? I will. ...but not until we get this sorted out and I can ensure that each and evberyone involved doesn't

get their asses burned for it. Including you.

<Polaris> Working for the government? No...a difference won't ever be made....we're nothing but their pawns... ::sighs lightly:: And lets just try? You talk to Gage, pull him

off to the side, and I'll talk to Havok... if he will even bother to speak to me that is.... ::Curiously said::

<Talon> ::puts his hand over the top of Phase's pistol and lowers it:: None of that

<Seraph> Then this group is pointless? I don't wish to speak to him, it won't change anything. ::stands up::

<Gage> ::not looking at Haz but hearing his suggestion:: ((That could work...and we're close as it is))

<Havok> And whose fault is that Gage? Whose reckless fool's errand was this?

<Polaris> ::Stands with him:: Well X-Factor isn't pointless...we can work to protect the world from evil...just not with the government...and if you won't talk to them...I will....

::levitates some:: But I do need anothers support...just come with me?

<Phase> :::Frowns at Talon::: What kinda cop are you?

<Gage> I'm not drudging up that arguement again, Havok. You disagree with me, I disagree with you. I'm right, you wrong, yadda yadda yadda. :;waves his hand

around irritably and with a sigh::

<Talon> I didnt give you extra clips so you could shoot your teammate

<Seraph> ::stands there looking at the ground::

<Phase> That man is not my teammate. He's my archenemy!

<Polaris> Please Seraph? ::Eyes him a moment, before she sighs:: Fine...I'll let Gage know you're alright... come if you want. ::Frankly she's tired of everything, and then

heads back to where the others are::

<Hazard> And it doesn't sound like anyone's coming up with a plan here. So how about we hit the road again? ::raises an eyebrow questioningly::

<Seraph> ::watches her go:: ...

<Gage> We'll leave in a few. Gotta Gather everyone up...and stuff. :;walks over to Talon::

<Talon> ::looks to Gage::

<Hazard> ::glances at Gage as he walks past:: That's chill then. ::looks at Havok::

<Polaris> ::Moments later, lands atop of the vehicle and eyes everyone, making sure she's heard inside of the vehicle as well:: Seraph is okay...but I won't be going.

::said dryly:: I'm tired of running...I'll rather be taken prisoner, than get myself into more trouble, when we were trying to stop others from doing wrong.

<Havok> ::frustrated sigh, mutters under breath:: I'd rather deal with Pietro than this..

<Myriad> ::..wakes up from the light sleep she was in, rubs at her eyes:: ..huh..?

<Gage> ::looks at Polairs, sighing:: Man...not now.

<Hazard> ::moves his gaze from Havok up to Polaris:: Tired of running? It's been a couple hours. Get some stamina, cabbage-top.

<Phase> :::Looks to Talon::: On second thought, I'll need your shotgun too. Might have some uses for it later.

<Polaris> ::Eyes Gage:: Well you know what Gage....it's going to be now, because frankly...running is causing us to be in more trouble than we already are...it's like we're

outlaws... ::Eyes Hazard:: And if it wasn't for you, we wouldn't be in this position as of now... ::starts to levitate:: So whether you like it or not...I'm going back to tell them

what happened ::isnt mad, and every thing is said calmly::

<Talon> ::glances to Phase:: your not gettin my shotgun

<Gage> ACTION> A LOUD VOICE ECHOES THROUGH THE NIGHT.

<Voice> As a matter of fact, nobody is going anywhere...

<Seraph> ::flies back towards the group slowly::

<Myriad> ::..blinks, moving slightly to look out a window:: ....?...

<Talon> ::looks around for the voice:: what the?

<Gage> ACTION> TYLER SMITH, THE X-FACTOR-FBI LIASON, STEPS OUT OF THE SHADOWS, IN SOME SORT OF ARMORED EXO-SKELETON.

<Hazard> What?! ::turns, glaring up at her:: Listen you PMS'ing dyejob, none of this was even my idea! In fact, I seem to be one of the few that's actually cooperating for

onc-::hears the voice, head jerking back:: Oh NOW what the hell?!

<Smith> ::standing some 8 feet tall with the exo-skeletion:: Now, why don

<Talon> ::opens his trunk and pulls out his shotgun and toses it to Phase:: On second thought, here ya go ::takes out his glock::

<Seraph> ::approaches the scene from above, looking over the scene:: ((what is that thing?))

<Phase> :::Catchs the shotgun, loads a shell into the chamber::: Now this is what I'm talking about!

<Smith> don't you all just get in a nice little line where I can see all of you? ::sees Talon:: Talon, you're back...and Hazard too, goody. No matter, this armor

has ways of nullifying each of you.

<Smith> Seraph seems to be missing, but no, matter. In line now, in line.

<Polaris> ::Eyes Hazard and lofts a brow, about to say something back before she glances to Tyler and flies infront of him:: Please...just listen...we're not the enemies....

<Seraph> ::lands quietly behind some bushes and watches:: ((but.. I can't do anything against THAT thing...))

<Talon> ::lines up his sights on his glock with smith:: I think not

<Hazard> ::smirks:: He seems pretty sure we are. Get screwed, Smitty.

<Myriad> ::climbs out of the back of the van, looking to Smith:: ..and what is the meaning of this?

<Phase> :::Aims the shotgun at Smith, smirking::: I'm sorry, we don't seem to have met. But, I'll let my friend do the talking.

<Gage> <Smith> Oh, indeed, you are the enemies. You bombed a New York office building. Whether the office was a bad place or not, you just don't do that. ::looks at

Myriad:; Oh, Fiona, my dear...you have outlived your usefulness. ::fires an energy blast which hits her and send his into the van door::

<Seraph> ::hears the shot but can't see what happened from his perspective::

<Hazard> ::looks to his side at Myriad getting blasted:: Well she did ask.

<Talon> ::gets behind his car door and fires at Smith as he attacks::

<Gage> ((...shit)) ::looks at Havok:: see? ::powers up:: Polaris, out of there! ::fires a blast at Smith::

<Myriad> ::short scream, falling to the ground after hitting the door::

<Polaris> ::Hazard is ignored, and she only eyes Smith:: NO! It wasn't us..... ::eyes go wide as he fires at the van:: Please... -stop-! Just...stop with all of the violence....

::Grumbles and floats some, forcefield moving about her body and she moves towards Myriad:: Are you okay?

<Gage> ACTION> MYRIAD IS IN A LOT OF PAIN, BUT STILL CONSCIOUS AND ABLE TO MOVE.

<Myriad> ::..weak groan, moving her head slightly:: ...no...

<Talon> ::loads another clip into his pistol and continues firing::

<Phase> Bad move, tin man! :::Unloads two shotgun rounds at Smith, then tries to desynch:::

<Seraph> ((well.. now's as good a time as any..)) ::rushes out of the bushes and flies up over the van, trying to land on or kick Smith from behind::

<Hazard> Oh.. "please".. that'll work. Please always reasons with the triggerhappy maniacs. ::watches at Phase and Talon start firing one Smih::

<Gage> <Smith> ::the bullets richochetting off of the armor with sparks, and the armor absorbing Gage's blast::

<Gage> ACTION> SERAPH KNOCKS SMITH FORWARD

<Myriad> ((..ought to.. give the bastard.. what's coming to him..)) ::tries to make Smith feel.. sorry::

<Hazard> There we go.. ::grins and launches himself forward at Smith after Seraph's attack, raising his knee to slam into Smith's gut::

<Talon> ::toses his pistol in his car:: knew that probably wouldnt work....::winces and extends his talons making a slight sound of pain as they come out having not used

them in awhile::

<Polaris> ::Sighs:: Geez...I'm sick of the violence... ::Eyes Smith and then the others firing, and their little on going war, only keeping her forcefield up about her as she

just takes a step back::

<Seraph> ::jump up and flies away from Smith so the others can move in::

<Gage> <Smith> ::eyes narrow at Myriad:: I- I- ::shakes his head:: No! Not sorry! ::gets Hazard's knee to the gut, knocking him back a a couple of yards::

<Myriad> ::...grits her teeth, trying to turn up the level of the emotion:: ...you.. will be..!

<Phase> :::Frowns::: ((Shotgun...having no effect. Solution? Hum a few bars and fake it.)) :::Gives a battlecry, then resynchs, swinging the shotgun like a club at Smith's

head:::

<Seraph> ::moves over to Myriad:: what happened?

<Gage> ACTION> THE ARMOR SEEMS TO HAVE ABOSRBS A LOT OF THE ATTACK FROM HAZARD AND SMITH SEEMS UNINJURED.

<Hazard> ::quickly gets his footing again after nailing Smith, racing immediately after him:: Gotta agree with the girl on that!

<Talon> ::runs at Smith as he gets knocked back and slices at him::

<Myriad> ..Smith.. ::slowly sits up, her back to the van::

<Seraph> he shot you? but why?

<Gage> <Smith> ::gets the shot gun to the head, but takes a swing at Phase and then tossing Talon over him before he can get sliced at, but getting hit by Haz again,

knocking him into the air breifly::

<Gage> ::runs forward:: ((God, Haz is gonna kill him!))

<Talon> ::lands on his feet rolling forward and turning around as he stops looking to Smith::

<Myriad> don't know.. he must think.. we did bomb the place.. ::slowly puts a hand to her head:: can't believe he's doing this..

<Smith> ::stands quickly, eyeing Haz:: (( Shit...armor is reaching it's limits...much more and the power matrix will overload))

<Hazard> ::skids to a stop after hitting him, jumping into the air to catch him by the legs and slam him down into the ground::

<Phase> :::Gets slowly to his feet, swaying slightly::: Is that the best you can do?

<Talon> ::looks for any weak spot on Smith's armor he can cut loose::

<Gage> ACTION> HAZ MISSES AND LANDS NEAR SMITH

<Smith> ::darts back towards the others:: ((May have to agree to listen to them...if the matrix overloads...decimate the immediate area))

<Hazard> ::lands, glaring at Smith with his eyes flaring with blue energy:: Talk to me, Smitty. Tell me about this brainwashing deal you had me signed up for.

<Talon> ::runs after Smith::

<Gage> ACTION> TALON SEES SEVERAL EXPOSED WIRES ON SMITH'S BACK

<Talon> ::jumps at smith slicing at the exposed wires:: ahhh!

<Seraph> don't try to move until its safe, ok?

<Phase> :::Still slightly out of it, looks at Haz and the blue energy::: ((Maybe pissing him off isn't all that good of an idea.))

<Smith> ((Aww hell, He knows about that? Forgot...)) ::looks at the others:: I'm warning you, back off. ::sends out a sonic pulse from his waist::

<Myriad> ..when.. is it ever safe?

<Gage> ACTION> TALON CUTS THE WIRES, BUT THEN IS THROWN BACK, AS IS EVERYONE ELSE, BY THE PULSE, WHICH DISORIENTS THEM FOR A SECOND.

<Seraph> ::falls backwards onto the ground:: unf..

<Talon> ::lands on his back and skids a few feet, talons retract, sits up holding his head:: did i do that?

<Myriad> ::grabs at the van, unsuccessfully hitting the ground again:: ..oww..

<Polaris> ::Falls back into the van and then slowly stands once more, forcefield about her body as she eyes the battle, and doesn't do or say anything::

<Hazard> ::staggers back, losing his footing from the pulse, but grinning:: Better warn me again then.

<Gage> ::grabs his head:: Ghow...

<Phase> :::Collapsed on the ground, moaning::: ((Why me, lord? Out of all your screwed-up creations, why did it have to be me?))

<Smith> ((pulse weaken armor limits...)) :;sweating:: Controls aren't responding... ::motionless in a standing position:: ((Talon cut the wires!))

<Hazard> It's bad enough you were already on my case to "recruit" me agian. But now you're coming down on me for something I didn't even do?! ::glares, walking back towards him:: Having problems? ::grabs for the front of his suit to lift him off the ground:: Let me guess! You want to listen now?

<Myriad> ::doesn't bother to try getting back up again::

<Seraph> ::moves over to Myriad again and helps her sit up against the van:: maybe we should try to move you...

<Talon> ::stands up and looks to Smith::

<Smith> ::uneasy look:: No time. Get out of here. All of you.

<Myriad> why? fight's.. almost over.. looks like..

<Talon> ::walks back towards his car::

<Phase> :::Slowly sits up, then gets to his feet with some effort::: Well, that was fun. Can we do again soon?

<Seraph> I hope so..

<Hazard> ::raises an eyebrow:: First you want us to stay.. and now you want us to go.. You're a very indecisive person, Smitty. Not the best quality for someone with a job like yours. You should do something about that.

<Smith> Cooper and I...tried to save face by blaming you. Leave, now. This armor is about to overload, and it's gonna kill everyone in this area. Oh shit. ::armor begins sparking::

<Seraph> that doesn't sound good...

<Myriad> ..okay, trying to move me.. is a good idea now..

<Phase> I think this is the point where we run for our friggin' lives!!! :::Runs towards the nearest vehicle:::

<Talon> Think we should leave now ::gets in his car and starts it up::

<Gage> ::sighs:: Not good. Not good. Everyone in the van! :;darts towards the van::

<Hazard> Ohh, I see.. ::sets Smith back on his feet:: Someone should have told you. Politics'll kill ya.. ::jogs back to the van after the others::

<Seraph> ::stares for a moment at Smith, then looks back to Myriad:: let me help... ::picks her up and gets her fastened into the van::

<Myriad> ..thanks..

<Hazard> ::jumps throgh the open passenger side, sliding over to the driver's side and getting the van started back up:: The meter's running, all aboard!

<Talon> ::takes off peeling the tires a little::

<Gage> ::jumps in, looks back:: Polaris...shield us...we may not make it away!

<Phase> :::Jumps into the van, not taking the time buckle up::: Floor it, Sulu!

<Gage> ...and his car. ::points to Talon:: Go!

<Seraph> ::sits next to her and straps in, while uttering Hail Mary::

<Polaris> ::Takes to the air and umm nods, letting her forcefield expand over the others, instead of driving with them, flying over head::

<Hazard> Sulu..? ::pops it into drive, slamming the gas::

<Talon> ::puts the pedal to the floor::

<Gage> ACTION> A HELICOPTER CAN BE HEARD OVERHEAD FOR A BRIEF SECOND AS SMITH AND THE ARMOR EXPLODE IS A BRILLIANT BLUE

EXPLOSION...THE VANS, CAR, AND POLAIRS ARE THROWN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. EVERYONE IS ALIVE...BUT THEIR EARS ARE RINGING.

<Gage> >>>>>epilogue<<<<<

<Polaris> << And Polaris is scared up some >>

LOCATION> ABOUT A HUNDRED FEET AWAY

SCENE> MICHEAL SKYLER, A TALL BLACK MAN, EXITS A HELICOPTER WHICH IS ENTIRELY BLACK. HE WEARS A SUIT AND TIE, AND ON THE TIE IS A

PIN WHICH SAYS "CIA".

<Sklyer> ::hops out of the helicopter:: Ahh, we found them. ::looks at the blast radius:: ...and by the looks of it, we're lucky they're still alive.

<Skyler> ::turns to the pilot:: ...so, lets get them out of here before the cops arrive...

<Pilot> Sir?

<Sklyer> ...that way everyone will think they're dead...and thats just the way I want it. ::smiles:: Load them up!

ACTION> MEN HOP OUT OF THE HELICOPTER AND LOAD THE UNCONSCIOUS BODIES OF X-FACTOR ON TO THE HELICOPTER.

>>>>>SIM END<<<<<