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

LOCATION> SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. THE AMNESIA NIGHT CLUB. NIGHT.

SCENE> CAIN MARKO, WITHOUT HIS GEM BUT STILL VERY MUCH A POWERFUL LOOKING FIGURE, CHARGES THROUGH THE CROWD AT SHADOWCAT.

<Skyler> Guess that means we found him. ::starts pushing past people towards the bar::

<Dragon> ::eyes flash orange, and she strikes for Cain's mind, attempting to simply bypass his muscle control and stop his charge::

<Cain> ::faults, and goes crashing into the bar::

ACTION> PEOPLE BEGIN TO SCREAM AND MOVE AWAY OR COMPLETELY RUN OUT OF THE CLUB.

<Skyler> +com+ I want him conscious! If he's uncooperative, Dragon will have to dig it out of his head. Conscious, people! ::pulls out a .22 as he nears the bar::

<Dragon> ::blinks slightly, rapidly:: ((Didn't exactly expect that.)) {{He's fine. Put your gun back where it belongs.}} ::shifts her mental focus back to Marko:: {{Listen... I need your help.}}

<Cain> ::stands, brushing the splintered wood off of himself:: Get out of my mind, witch! ::looks around, not exactly sure who is in his mind:: I got me an X-Chick to pulverize! ::looks for Kitty::

<Dragon> ::scowls, pushing her way through the people toward the bar:: Wait! ((Just won't tell him that was me, I suppose..))

<Skyler> ((No offense, but I'm not gonna enter a fight with no weapons... my gun stays where it is)) ::jumps onto the bar and points his gun at Marko:: Freeze, Marko!

<Shadowcat> ::blinks and looks towards Cain as she phases:: ((And people usually think popularity is supposed to get you somewhere)) ::moves a bit away from people in case he decides to actually run her down so he doesn't hit people when he doesn't hit her phased form::

<Dragon> ::mutters:: Idiot...

<Cain> ::doesn't hear Dragon, but sees Skyler and smashes his arm into the bar and sends Skyler flying, before turning to Kitty:: What the hell are you doing here?! Did he send you?

<Shadowcat> ::blinks and looks up at Skyler and then to Cain:: ((Think he can handle himself..)) Did who send me?

<Skyler> Wugh! ::lands near Dragon, on his back:: uf...thanks. Insult *and* injury.

<Dragon> ::stares down at Skyler:: {{Put your gun away and leave this to qualified people before you really piss him off.}}

<Cain> You know who! That bastard brother of mine! :;charges at Kitty::

<Shadowcat> Oh uhm..well No! I left the Xmen awhile ago ((gah...still looks like it's gonna hurt even though I'm phased))

<Skyler> ::gets up:: Fine, then take care of the lout and lets be done with it. ::narrow eyed look::

<Dragon> {{We're not affiliated with your brother, whoever that is. We're just looking for a little information...}} ::tries to give her psi-speech as 'agreeable' a tone as she can::

ACTION> CAIN CHARGES INTO THE WALL BEHIND KITTY, AND BOUNCES BACK. SHADOWCAT IS UNHARMED.

<Shadowcat> ::blinks and winces as she turns around and looks down at him..staying phased:: You ok?

<Cain> No... ::very dazed but conscious:: Step-brother... ::tries to gets his bearing and lean up, but falls back::

<Shadowcat> ((Still don't totally trust him)) ::moves closer to him staying phased for the moment:: We just need to ask you some questions, Cain

<Skyler> ::slowly starts over:: Marko... we need know what happened to your magical ruby.

<Dragon> ::hangs back a bit, watching for signs of danger from Marko::

<Cain> ...don't know... ::begins moving a bit more, despite a large lump on his head with a cut on it:: ...can't remember...

<Dragon> ::scowls:: ((Screw this... I could have been in and out of his head by now..))

<Shadowcat> ::looks towards Skyler as she unphases and grabs a nearby napkin and tries to whipe some of the blood away from his cut:: do you remember anything at all?

<Dragon> Concussed? ::steps forward:: Hospital. Should take him.. ::moves closer, reaching for Marko's head, holding her hand a few centimeters away, trying to scan his memories::

<Skyler> ::looks at Kitty wearily::

ACTION> DRAGON FINDS THAT CAIN'S MEMORIES HAVE BEEN BLOCKED AND HAS BEEN UNABLE TO REMEMBER THE PAST FEW DAYS.

<Shadowcat> ::looks at Dragon and blinks looking to Cain:: ((Please don't let him get pissed about her being in there..))

<Dragon> ::frowns slightly, brow furrowing as she searches for weaknesses in the block::

ACTION> THE MIND-BLOCK IS PRETTY SIMPLE TO GET AROUND SINCE CAIN'S MIND IS PRETTY SIMPLE.

ACTION> DRAGON SENSES THAT CAIN'S MEMORY'S COME FLASHINGBACK TO HIM AND SHE SEES….

>>>>>INTERLUDE<<<<<

LOCATION> CAIN'S MEMORY.

SCENE> CAIN IS MEETING A PERSPECTIVE CLIENT FOR A MISSION THAT WOULD EARN HIM A GREAT SUM OF MONEY. HE'S BEEN ASKED TO MEET THE PARTY AT THE APARTMENT OF ERICA DANER, IN SYDNEY.

<Skyler> ACTION> THE MEMORY FLASHES AGAIN. CAIN TALKS TO A MAN AND WOMAN, LILY AND BOZ WALKER, WHO OFFER HIM A SUM OF MONEY FOR GOING TO MADRIPOOR AND LEARNING ABOUT LANDUA, LUCKMAN, AND LAKE AS THEY ARE INTERESTED IN THEIR PORTALS. BEHIND THE MAN AND WOMAN, IS ANOTHER FEMALE, THOUGH SHE LOOKS ALMOST CATATONIC.

<Cain> Sorry, chumps. I ain't going to Madripoor. That place is bad news. I gots to go meet my partner Tom for another gig anyways. You're out of luck.

<Lily> Not so fast, Mr.Marko.

<Boz> Yes, we will be requiring something before you leave, then.

<Cain> What're you talking about?

<Boz> You're gem. The Crimson Gem of Cytorrak. If you won't do this for us, then our lady here, ::gestures to Erica Daner behind him and she just stares off into space, catatonic::

<Cain> You're crazy, buddy.

<Lily> Who are you to judge? ::stands::

ACTION> LILY THEN BEGINS RECITING AN INCANTATION. CAIN BEGINS TO FEEL A TUGGING IN HIS CHEST. LILY'S VOICE GETS FASTER AND THEN RED EENERGY BEGINS TO ERRUPT FROM CAIN'S PORES. IT HURTS LIKE HELL. HE CAN FEEL THE GEM BURROWING OUT OF HIM. SUDDENLY, HE SEES THE GEM FLOTING IN FRONT OF HIM AND HE COLLAPSES. THEN HE HEARS...

<Boz> ::sing-song:: Oh, Erica...

ACTION> THE NEXT MEMORY IS CAIN WAKING UP IN THE HOSPITAL, FREAKED OUT. HE LEAVES QUICKLY TO GO FIND BLACK TOM CASSIDY AND DISCUSS JUST WHAT THEY SHOULD DO ABOUT THE RETURN OF HIS STEP BROTHER, CHARLES XAVIER...

>>>>>SIM RESUME<<<<<

SCENE> DRAGON PULLS AWAY HAVING SEEN CAIN'S MEMORY. SHE NOW KNOWS WHERE ERICA DANER LIVES AND UNDERSTAND THAT SHE IS THE FEMALE JUGGERNAUT, THOUGH NOT WHO LILY AND BOZ ARE. CAIN, DRAINED FROM THE FIGHT AND THE MIND PROBE, COLLAPSES INTO A DEEP SLEEP.

<Shadowcat> ::blinks and takes a step back as he collapses:: Woah..

<Skyler> ::looks at Cain then Dragon::

<Shadowcat> I'm guessing you got most of it then ::goes to step over Kain...hesitates and reconsiders..walking around him towards the others::

<Dragon> ::opens her eyes after a moment or two:: Hn.. {{Got it.. Some... two people *mental flash of Lily and Boz* and this catatonic chick...}} ::shakes her head slightly::

<Skyler> ((Don't recognize any of them...do you know where we can look for them?)) ::blinks::

<Dragon> ::nods:: {{Know where the girl's place is... }}

<Skyler> Good. We'll discuss this on the way. The local authorities can handle Marko. ::heads for the door:: Lets go.

>>>>>ELSEWHERE<<<<<

LOCATION> UNKNOWN.

SCENE> GAGE, MYRIAD, SERAPH, AND RHYTHM BEGIN TO FEEL A SENSE OF SPACE AROUND THEM AGAIN AS THE WHITE LIGHT DISSIPATES. THEY FIND THEY ARE IN A NORMAL LOOKING OFFICE WITH A PLAIN WOODEN DESK. BEHIND THE DESK IS A WOMAN, ZOE CULLODEN, WHOM SERAPH RECOGNIZES.

<Rhythm> what the f...

<Seraph> ::rubs his eyes before looking around:: Ms Culloden? ..where are we?

<Gage> ::blinks, feeling dizzy:: ...unexpected. ::shakes his head before opening his eyes and looking around::

<Rhythm> ::looks around in amazement::

<Myriad> ::...sways on her feet slightly, glancing around the room:: ...Heyyy.. What happened?...

<Zoe> ::stands:: Gideon. ::nods:: You must be X-Factor. You are in my office.

ACTION> MYRIAD BEGINS TO FEEL NOT DRUNK AGAIN.

<Rhythm> ::looks at Myriad for a second, then to Zoe:: uh.. did we pass out?

<Seraph> ::walks towards the desk:: how did we get here in your office? We were just at this bar... ::looks at the others:: oh.. yes.. this is part of X Factor

<Myriad> ..Your.. office? ..Your office is in a bar? ...::puts a hand on her head:: ..No, that's not right... ((......))

<Zoe> Let me explain. You have just accessed a warp portal. it might help you to think of it in Super mario Brothers terms. It brought you here to my office. I am Zoe Culloden, Expiditer for Ladau, Luckman, and Lake.

<Rhythm> ::puts his right hand to his mouth and blows on it:: ((i know i didn't get to drink that beer))

<Gage> Huh? So, we're not in Madripoor anymore? Is this where the female Juggernaut came? ::looks at Seraph:: You know this lady?

<Zoe> :;sits, expecting the group to need a few minutes to sort out their confusion::

<Seraph> ::nods to Gage:: she appeared in my room while I was sleeping and gave me her card...

<Myriad> ::mumbles to herself:: ..This is too weird..

<Gage> Oh. ::thinks:: Why?

<Rhythm> Mario Bros? what? ::shakes his head violently::

<Seraph> but there was no address on it.. ::pauses:: she wanted me to join an agency.. ::looks around:: I guess this one...

<Gage> ::looks at Zoe:: What do you do here?

<Zoe> You wouldn't understand really. The short of it is that we operate portals through the known universe and the known multiverse. In other words, you can get to other planets and dimensions through our portals.

<Myriad> .....

<Seraph> Is that how you got into my room?

<Zoe> ::nod:: Yes. ::looks at the others:: Are we all cought up, now, becuase i have information pertaining to the female Juggernaut you are looking for.

<Rhythm> ::looks at Gage then Myriad and shrugs his shoulders::

<Gage> I... think so. ::blinks, looking at Myriad and Rhythm::

<Seraph> what kind of information?

<Myriad> ::just sorta standing there, looking slightly confused still:: ((..Was I.. really flirting with that bartender...?))

<Rhythm> did this Juggernaut lady come through here then?

<Zoe> The female Juggernaut, calling herself Bloodstone, accessed the portal you just used several days ago. At the time, it was set to transport to the Blue Area of Earth's moon, an area inhabitted by the alien Watcher, Uatu.

<Seraph> alien?

<Rhythm> Alien watcher? like a bird watcher but with aliens? are there many aliens on the moon?

<Myriad> ..Watcher?.. ::blank look::

<Seraph> ((I wonder what alien girls look like...)) is that normal?

<Zoe> ::sighs:: An Alien of the race called the Watchers. This one, who is the only inhabitant of the moon, is named Uatu.

<Myriad> ..Right. And what are Watchers?

<Myriad> Do they eat flesh, or is there anything else we need to know about them? ::slightly exasperated look::

<Zoe> The Watchers are peaceful. They basically *watch* other races. They have quite advanced technology, which brings me to my point...

<Seraph> What should we do about this Bloodstone lady?

<Zoe> Such use of the warp chamber was unauthorized and I routed the portal here afterwards. We believe that "Bloodstone" is trying to gain control of the Alien technology for some reason. Obviously, you must stop her.

<Seraph> but how? she's so... strong... and big... ::blinks::

<Rhythm> ... ok

<Gage> I.. :: loss of words :: Okay. ::looks at the others::

<Zoe> You will find a way. ::gives Seraph a reassuring glance as if she has some great faith in his abilities::

<Rhythm> ::looks at Gage then back to Zoe:: can you at least give us space suits? 'cause I dont know about you but I need to breathe

<Zoe> Not needed. There is an atmosphere in the Blue Area. Now, you must be on your way. ::looks at Seraph:: Our offer still stands. ::looks at the others:: Do not attempt to use the warp chamber in Madripoor again, or else you may find yourselves in a quite undesirable place.

<Gage> Riiight. ::looks at Myriad and Seraph:: (( As investigators, they're okay...but I'm not so sure they were meant to fight magically enhanced women...guess we'll see))

<Rhythm> we can breathe? on the moon?! ::looks to Seraph:: is thi lady for real?

<Seraph> I don't know, I wasn't sure myself when I woke up and saw her in my room...

<Zoe> ::sighs again, then gestures to a door on the opposite of the room as she walks over to it:: This will take you where you are needed. Thank you and good luck.

ACTION> ZOE OPENS THE DOOR AND ONCE AGAIN, THE GROUP FEELS OVERCOME WITH SPACELESSNESS.

>>>>>ELESEWHERE AGAIN<<<<<

LOCATION> MADRIPOOR, THE PRINCESS BAR.

SCENE> ALPHA GROUP HAS ARRIVED IN LOWTOWN TO THE LOCATION OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE -LLL- ACRONYM. THEY ARE JUST NOW REALIZING THAT THIS IS WHERE GAGE AND HIS GROUP CAME TO INVESTIGATE, BUT ARE NOW, NOWHERE TO BE FOUND AND CLICK CANNOT SENSE THEM. THE BAR INHABITANTS SEEM SOMEWHAT AGITATED, ALSO.

<Phase> :::Looks around, then pulls out a cigarette from a badly crumpled pack, lighting it::: Lovely place. Real family spot.

<Bartender> ::groans as he see the group walk in:: (( Not more of them... ))

<Cryz> ::glances around the crowd after walking in and sighs:: ((Where are they?)) Remind me to bring the kids, when I get started on that family..

<Phase> :::Smirks, releasing a puff of smoke::: Only if you remember to remind me. ((Place looks about as stable as a bottle of nitro))

<DrunkRuffian> ::with a black eye where Gage punched him, begins whispering to his friends as he ghlances at Cryz and Phase::

<Cryz> ::glances to Phase then just shakes his head:: Might as well start asking around.. ::heads to the bar::

<Bartender> ::waves Cryz over:: ((Maybe he knows where dat lil' piece o' work is from. I can get her phone number))

<Phase> :::Grunts in reply, releasing another cloud of smoke, then follows C::: ((Good thing I brought the piece. I think the natives are restless.))

<Cryz> ::stops in front of the bar, looking to the Bartender:: We're looking for some friends of ours.. they may have been here earlier..

<Bartender> Four of 'em? I mousy little guy quiet guy, a cocky little shit, a tall kinda blonde fella who acted like their leader, and sweet piece of ass drunk girl?

<Phase> :::Chuckles lowly at the descriptions::: That'd be them.

<Cryz> ::blinks at the bartender:: Uhh.. yeah, I guess you've met them. ((I'll have to let Myriad know she has an admirer..))

<Bartender> Yeah, dey was here 'bout an hour ago. Started punchin' up my customers... buy a drink and I'll tell ya where dey went. ::smirk::

<Phase> :::Shrugs, stamping out his cigarette in the ashtray::: Scotch, on the rocks.

<Cryz> ::takes out the $50 Skyler gave him:: Get him two, I'm not that thirsty..

<Bartender> ::grabs the $50:: I ain't got change. ::pours Phase two scotches:: They went through dat door. ::points to the door in the back::

<Cryz> ::nods:: Anybody go in after them?

<Bartender> Nope. They was looking for that big orange lady who came through here a coupl'a days ago. She went trough dat door, too, y'know. ::puts the scotch away:: <Phase> :::Takes the first glass, smiles::: Hello, old friend. :::Takes a long gulp, then slams down the cup::: Yeow! Now that's how I like it!

<Cryz> I'd thank you for the info.. but I think the 25 buck drinks ought to repay it.. ::heads away from the bar:: Come`on.. we have a door to check out.. ::to Phase::

<Phase> :::Looks to C, then to the second glass, then shrugs and gulps down the contents with haste::: No use wasting good stuff.

ACTION> AS CRYZ HEADS TO THE BACK, THE DRUNK RUFFIAN STANDS UP IN HIS PATH.

<Cryz> ::sighs, looking to the Ruffian:: ((At least it's not the ninja..)) Can I help you?

<Drunk Ruffian> Hey, you! Your friends was in here earlier and gave me this black eye! ::pokes Cryz's chest with his index finger::

<Cryz> ::eyes narrow, looking down at his chest then to the man:: Don't poke me. I dislike being poked by drunk jackasses.

<Phase> :::Watchs the exchange, frowning::: ((Not a good move!))

<Drunk Ruffian> Screw you buddy! ::pushes Cryz::

<Cryz> ::gets pushed back:: ..::shakes his head to himself:: I told you not to poke me.. then you go and push me. That's even worse. ::shifts to crystal::

<Drunk Ruffian> Wah! ::falls back scared, his friends all sliding their chairs away from Cryz::

<Phase> :::Moves his hand into his jacket, reaching for his pistol, lowly to Cryz::: Are you TRYING to get us in trouble?

<Cryz> You're still in the way.. ::heads to the door, stepping on the Ruffian's hand on the way to it::

<Drunk Ruffian> aaaaaaah! ::cowers in pain, his hand fractured::

ACTION> CRYZ REACHES THE DOOR IN THE BACK. IT IS CLOSED.

<Cryz> Come on, Phase.. ::pauses in front of the door before trying to open it::

<Phase> :::Cringes at the wet sounds of bones crunching::: ((Well, I don't think he'll ever play piano again)) :::Moves to stand next to Cryz:::

ACTION> AS THE DOOR OPENS, THEY ARE PULLED INTO A WHITE LIGHT. THEY FEEL WARM. THEN THEY SLIDE OUT OF THE PORTAL INTO A PIPING HOT LANDSCAPE. THE SCENE AROUND THEM APPEARS TO BE A CAVE STRUCTURE. RIVERS OF LAVA FLOW PAST THEM AND GHOSTLY APPIRATIONS SCREAM FOR RELIEF. THE PORTAL CLOSES BEHIND THEM AS SOON AS THEY ALL ARRIVE. IF THEY DIDN'T THINK IT IMPOSSIBLE, THEY COULD SWEAR THAT THEY ARE IN HELL.

>>>>>BACK IN AUSTRALIA<<<<<

LOCATION> ERICA DANER'S APARTMENT. SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. STILL NIGHT.

SCENE> SKYLER AND THE 3 WOMEN HAVE JUST ARRIVED AT ERICA DANER'S APARTMENT DOOR.

<Dragon> ::glances down the street, psi-scanning the inside of the apartment to check its safety::

<Skyler> ::stands in front of the door:: Dragon, are you getting anything?

ACTION> DRAGON DOES NOT SENSE ANYONE INSIDE THE APARTMENT.

<Dragon> Nothing. ::reaches for the handle, testing it::

<Skyler> Good. ::allows Dragon to open the door::

ACTION> THE DOOR-KNOB GINGERLY OPENS WITH A CLICK.

<Skyler> ::pushes the door open and steps inside, looking around::

<Dragon> ::follows Skyler in:: {{Precisely what are we supposed to find here?}}

<Boz> Us.

ACTION> AS THE GROUP ENTER THE APARTMENT, THEY SEE A MAN AND A WOMAN (LILY AND BOZ). THEY RECOGNIZE THEM FROM MARKO'S MEMORY AND THE MENTAL PICTURE DRAGON GAVE THEM.

<Lily> You shouldn't have come here.

<Boz> Now you have to die.

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