&&Greet Hello, ## . Today's story is entitled Onyx by Nathan C Weber &&Read The limousine pulled in front of Saint Gabriel the Herald. The chauffeur quickly stepped out of the driver's seat and smartly walked to the door on the rear passenger side. Opening the door wide he announced, "We're \emp\here, Miss Winters." "Thank you, \map="jhawn"="Jean"\," said a voice from inside the car. A pair of lean, stockinged legs swung out from inside the limousine. \map="jhawn"="Jean"\ reached down a hand and assisted his employer out of the car. Brandi Winters stood on the sidewalk as if she owned it, along with everything built around it. "Are you \emp\sure this is where you wanted to be," asked \map="jhawn"="Jean"\ a bit timidly. Gothic style churches tended to spook him ever since he read Victor Hugo. Brandi never even moved. "\map="jhawn"="Jean"\, have you ever known me to be unsure of where I'm headed?" "\map="nuh \pau=500\ no"="N-no"\, ma'am," sputtered the flustered chauffeur. He knew from her tone that he had made a career breaking mistake. Brandi nodded. "Just you remember that. Always." "Yes, ma'am." Brandi stepped forward and climbed the stairs to the doors of the church. She pulled on the handle and entered. Although the weather outside was humid, the church's interior was cool and dry. Brandi stepped across the foyer and entered into the main area of the church. Colonnades flanked the central aisle on either side. Multicolored light streamed in through the dozens of stained glass windows, each depicting a parable or story from the Bible. The bright primaries filled the room with a soft, quiet glow. Since there was no mass scheduled until the \map="no veenuh"="Novena"\, the church was empty. Brandi's low heeled shoes echoed throughout the entire structure. Brandi practically winced with each step. The one thing she did not want was to make her presence known. Aside from the altar, a woman knelt before a stand of candles. She seemed to be praying silently. She was attired in loose fitting clothes, and she seemed to be wearing a cape made of brown and gray eagle feathers. Brandi slowly approached the woman, but stopped a few yards away and waited. After a while, the praying woman crossed herself and stood. As she was about to walk away, Brandi Winters called out to her. "Please, wait. I wish to speak with you." The woman in the feathered cape paused a moment. ^+ "I am not supposed to talk with anyone," she stated. "If you're concerned about me finding out who you are, you needn't worry," said Brandi. "I already know." The caped woman turned and faced Brandi for the first time. ^+ "How can you know" she asked suspiciously. Brandi smiled. "I make it my business to know everything about anyone I plan on working with." A puzzled look crossed the caped woman's face. Brandi sat down on a pew and gestured for the other to join her. "I know you are an angel," began Brandi. "I also know that you only go out at night, but there is so much to do during the day. I know that you yearn to help more people. I want to help you with that." \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ ^+^@ "Excuse me! ^+ ^@ Pardon me! ^+ ^@ Skater comin' through!" Trina Bell \map="zigzagged"="zig-zagged"\ her way through the pedestrians of Monument City's busy downtown business district. People glared behind them as the flamboyantly dressed woman dodged mishap after mishap. She wore a bright orange strapless halter and purple bike pants. Eventually, passers-by decided it was better to simply avoid this callous youngster. Trina cruised the rest of the way to work on her in-line skates. Braking in much the same fashion as an ice skater or a skier, Trina leaned sideways into her skates until she halted in front of the music store that was her place of employment. As she stepped through the \map="entreeway"="entryway"\, an electronic beep announced her arrival to those inside the store. Inside, Trina came face to face with a very angry Sandra Rocque. "You're late," she said flatly to Trina. "Again." ^+ ^@ "Sorry, sorry," pleaded Trina. ^+ ^@ "My alarm clock didn't go off, and I had to make my own breakfast 'cause Mrs Hadley had cleaned everything up, and..." Sandra held up a forestalling hand. "Save it. Look, Trina, do you want to work here or not?" ^+ ^@ "Of course, I do," said Trina. "Then you've got to start showing more responsibility," said Sandra. "Getting to work on time is just one thing. There's also the matter of how you're dressed." Trina looked down at herself. ^+ ^@ "What's wrong with how I'm dressed?" Sandra raised an eyebrow. "You're kidding, right? Let me guess. You're color blind, is that it?" Trina pouted. ^+ ^@ "Ha-ha. ^+ ^@ Very funny." Sandra emitted an exasperated sigh. "Alright, we'll shelve that one for another time. But for right now, you need to start stocking shelves. And take those stupid skates off before you kill yourself. Or worse, a customer." As Sandra turned back to the check out counter, Trina childishly stuck her tongue out at her annoying \map="co worker"="coworker"\. She liked Sandra well enough, but that was when they weren't working. She ended up here because her dreams of becoming the next female singing sensation didn't pan out. Especially, after her voice shattered the sound proof glass to the recording booth and fried all the equipment. Not to mention hospitalizing the sound engineer. She didn't know how she did it. It had never happened before, and as a result, Trina never sang a note again. The electronic chime announce the entrance of a customer. Trina turned and saw a dark skinned woman of medium height and shoulder length black hair. She wore a deep blue linen suit and matching pumps. ^+ ^@ Now, this woman has some style, thought Trina. ^+ ^@ Sure it's a trifle conservative, but. "I'm looking for a Miss Trina Bell," said the woman to Trina. Trina blinked as she realized that the woman was talking to her. ^+ ^@ \map="um"="Uhm"\, I'm Trina Bell," said Trina. The woman smiled. "I've heard a lot about you, Trina. I'd like to discuss your future with you." Trina's hopes shot up momentarily. ^+ ^@ "Are you a music producer?" The woman's smile dimmed. "Well, not exactly, but you could say that I'm a sort of talent scout." ^+ ^@ "Talent scout?" asked Trina somewhat confused. ^+ ^@ "What kind of talent are you looking for?" "The kind that you exhibited at your last recording session." Trina's blood ran cold. ^+ ^@ Oh, no! she thought, ^+ ^@ they're gonna make me pay for all that stuff! Brandi could see the fear running across Trina's face and decided to really turn on the charm. "Not to worry, dear," said Brandi. "You're not in any trouble. In fact, I think you performance was outstanding." Trina looked surprised. ^+ ^@ "You mean something survived, and they got me on tape?" "I wasn't talking about your singing, dear," said Brandi. Trina's eyes narrowed. ^+ ^@ "Who are you, anyway? ^+ ^@ What do you want from me?" Just then Sandra walked up to the two women. "Trina, you need to get started. I'll take care of, oh! Miss Winters." "Sandra," responded Brandi with a nod. Trina got the feeling that they didn't like each other. ^+ ^@ "You two know each other?" "We've met," said Sandra. "Miss Winters wanted me to work for her, but I refused. My answer is still no." "I'm not here for you, Sandra dear," said Brandi with a knowing smile. Sandra blinked then turned toward Trina. "You're a \map="mayta"="meta"\?" Trina had been following the conversation between Brandi and Sandra and was taken aback by Sandra's strange question. ^+ ^@ "A what? ^+ ^@ What's a \map="mayta"="meta"\?" "She means a metahuman, dear," explained Brandi. "An ordinary person, such as yourself, with an extraordinary gift." ^+ ^@ "Gift?" asked Trina. ^+ ^@ "I blew up a recording studio. ^+ ^@ What kind of a gift is that?" "One that is untrained and untapped," said Brandi. "If you'll allow me, I can teach you to control your power." Trina looked questioningly at Sandra. "Don't listen to her," said Sandra. "Brandi Winters is one of the wealthiest people in the world, and you gotta wonder why she's so interested in people with enhanced abilities." "She's a woman with her own mind, Sandra," said Brandi. "She can make her own decisions. Like your sister did." Sandra rounded on Brandi and came close to grabbing her by the lapels of her jacket. "You leave my sister alone." "Sandra, please," said Brandi soothingly. "Such \map="thee at triks"="theatrics"\. I am not the villain you make me out to be, and your sister chose to join me of her own free will. Just like Trina has a choice. If she decides not to take me up on my offer, then I'll look elsewhere." Trina looked from Brandi to Sandra. Finally, she made her decision. ^+ ^@ "I accept your offer." "What?" cried Sandra incredulously. ^+ ^@ "Try to understand, Sandra," said Trina. ^+ ^@ "I've been walking around for the past year with vocal chords that are lethal. ^+ ^@ I've gotta find a way to control this. ^+ ^@ You said it yourself. ^+ ^@ I need to take more responsibility. ^+ ^@ Well, that's what I'm doing." Sandra stared at Trina for a few moments. "Well," said Sandra, "if that's what you want to do. I just hope you realize what you're getting into." Sandra refused to say good-bye to Trina and stood scowling from behind the counter as she watched Trina and Brandi step into a limousine and drive away. Though she refused to acknowledge them, \map="teers"="tears"\ slowly meandered down Sandra's cheeks and, eventually, settled on the glass counter top. \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ Gerald \map="dayvis"="Davis"\ hated these long airline flights. Usually. This time, however, was a real treat as it was his first time flying solo. He had spent the majority of his summer at his grandparents' big farm out in Nebraska. He had had a great time there and made some new friends. Still, it was nice to go back home. As they neared Monument City International Airport, Gerald decided to make a pit stop before the plane landed. It would be next to impossible to try and get to a restroom in the crowded airport. After relieving himself, Gerald washed his hands. He normally didn't, but \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\ always insisted. They were \emp\ her hands too, after all. It was an odd experience having two minds in one head. Sometimes, it got downright bizarre. Gerald was still getting used to \map="Muh Tahn's"="Matahn's"\ always being there. To relieve the stress of such a traumatic situation, they had both agreed a long time ago that since nothing was secret between them. They would always be careful about understanding that each thought differently from the other. They never criticized one another. It would be kind of difficult trying to get away from the person you're mad at when she's inside you. Since, \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\ was the adult of the two, she occasionally filled in when Gerald's mother wasn't about. Even so, \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\ always tried to respect Gerald's decisions, just as Gerald respected \map="Muh Tahn's"="Matahn's"\. In truth, Gerald was somewhat in awe of \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\ because of the life she had led as the chief engineer of an interstellar space craft. \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\, on the other hand, envied the simple life of a young boy in junior high school. They made a strange pair, but they learned to accept one another, and eventually, care for one another a great deal. As Gerald opened the door, \map="Muh Tahn's"="Matahn's"\ mind became aware that something wasn't quite right. She felt a sudden change in air pressure that Gerald wasn't normally attuned to. Two men were standing in the front of the plane. One was holding a small black box. The other had a makeshift rifle that appeared to have been put hastily together. The plane was being hijacked. Gerald was frightened, but \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\ reminded him that they had to do something. He slowly eased the restroom door shut and locked it. Gerald then began a remarkable transformation. In a matter of seconds, the small pre-teen had become a very tall woman in a red, blue and white skintight uniform. Now, they needed a plan of action. \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\ assumed that the box was the trigger for an incendiary device. They would have to act quickly and decisively. ^+ Should I zap 'em? asked Gerald. No, thought \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. A muscle spasm from the shock might set off the device. Besides, electricity can do more things than just shock people. \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ It was the worst experience of her entire life. \map="sue zen"="Susan"\ Hu had been a flight attendant for fifteen years. She had heard all of the horror stories and understood all of the risks, but when it actually happens to you, it's an entirely different story altogether. The plane was being hijacked. How these men got past airport security, she didn't know. The point was moot, now. They were here and they were in control. There were three of them. One took over the controls in the cockpit, while the other two watched over the passengers. One of them had a detonator and constantly threatened destruction if he didn't get the passengers' cooperation. The plane was silent except for the occasional barking of orders from the hijackers and the muffled cries of a few of the passengers who were, quite rightly, scared out of their minds. Since the flight attendant's seat faced the rear of the plane, \map="sue zen"="Susan"\ got the first look at the woman who came out of the bathroom. She was provocatively dressed in a skintight costume that covered nearly her entire body. It wasn't long before the hijackers saw her as well and told her to stay where she was. The woman raised her hands in the universal sign of submission. What happened next, \map="sue zen"="Susan"\ hadn't been expecting. \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \map="Max imma"="Maxima "\stepped out of the restroom cautiously. She stood and waited until she was noticed by the hijackers. "You!" screamed the man with the gun. "Don't move." He aimed the weapon at \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ carefully put her hands up in surrender. ^+ You sure this will work? asked Gerald. Trust me, said \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. ^+ They don't look like Muslims to me, said Gerald. That's a false view propagated by the media. Most hijackers in the states are like these guys. I'm guessing they're your radical, anti-government types. Ready? Gerald mentally swallowed. ^+ Ready. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ splayed her fingers apart and began to generate electricity between them. Then, she thrust her arms forward. Before the hijackers could react to this sudden movement, the gun and detonator flew out of the hijackers hands and into the grasp of \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\, along with a few pens, bobby pins and paper clips. Well, I never said it would work perfectly, said \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\ with some chagrin. Now, zap 'em! \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ sent a charged bolt of energy at the gunman who went flying bodily into the cockpit door. Quickly, she dispatched the other hijacker as well. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ then ripped the back off of the detonator and removed the battery. Then, she crushed the plastic housing and circuit board of the detonator into fragments. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ noticed a flight attendant who was trying to get her attention at the front of the plane. She quickly made her way to the attendant's seat. She's being silent, said \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. That means there's another hijacker on board. Probably in the cockpit. When \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ reached the flight attendant, she beckoned her to bend down close to her. ^+ \chr="Whisper"\"There's another man with a gun in the cockpit," whispered the attendant. "Most likely he knows something's wrong since the trigger man hit the door," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "I'll have to risk rushing him." \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ walked up to the door and attempted to turn the handle. When she did so, she discovered that the door was locked. That was when the gunfire started. Immediately, \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ charged her body with arms spread wide and feet apart. The bullets all embedded themselves into the invisible magnetic field in front of \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. She could hear the screams of the passengers behind her. No doubt they thought that this was the end of everything. After what seemed like hours, but in fact was only a few seconds, the gun fire stopped. Since the door to the cockpit was pretty much done in as it was, \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ ripped the rest of it off it's hinges. Inside, the last remaining hijacker was struggling with the pilot. The gunman got another shot off that hit the pilot in the shoulder causing the pilot to release his hold on the hijacker. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ grabbed the man by the neck and gave him a quick, short shock. The hijacker crumpled to the floor. "Thanks, whoever you are," managed the pilot between groans. "Are you okay?" asked \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "I think so," grimaced the pilot. "I don't think he hit anything vital." \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ carefully helped the pilot to his feet and called to the attendant for first aid. The flight attendant's training kicked in automatically and, in minutes, was attending to the captain's wound. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\, in the meantime, made use of a few pillow cases ripped into strips to truss up the three hijackers. Two other flight attendants appeared from their posts and began their job of reassuring the passengers that the crisis was over. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ went back to the cockpit and checked on the pilot. "The name's Rupert," said the pilot. "Captain James Rupert. I take it you're one of Monument City's unusual inhabitants." "\map="Max imma"="Maxima"\," offered \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "I'm coming back from vacation, actually. Think you can fly the plane okay?" "Flying's not the problem," said Captain Rupert. "Damn things practically fly themselves these days. It's take-offs and landings where you need a skilled pilot and co-pilot." "Co-pilot?" said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. She looked towards the co-pilot's seat and saw the body still strapped in place. ^+ Oh man, started Gerald. Gerald! warned \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. Don't you fall apart on me, buddy. I still need you. "Without a co-pilot, landing's going to be pretty tricky, not to mention dangerous," Captain Rupert was saying. "I can help," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "You can fly a plane?" asked Captain Rupert a tad skeptically. "Oh, I've flown more advanced craft than this," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ with a smile. "You'll have to give me a run down on the instrument panel, though." After they removed the co-pilot's body from its place, the captain quickly went over the more important instrumentation on the panel. As \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\ had expected, things were very similar to the controls of the hover skiffs she used to fly back home. Pretty soon, \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ had settled comfortably into her new position. The captain was impressed with \map="Max imma's"="Maxima's"\ advanced knowledge of aerodynamics and flight control. Soon, the plane was making its descent into Monument City airspace. That was when the explosion ripped through the plane. Passengers screamed in terror as flight attendants tried to keep order. Masks dropped from overhead as the cabin pressure began to fall. The plane began to descend rapidly. "What the hell was that?" asked Captain Rupert. He was fighting the controls to keep the plane from nose-diving. "My guess," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\, "is that I screwed up." "What do you mean?" "I destroyed the detonator," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "That's good, isn't it?" asked Captain Rupert. "Not in this case," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "It looks like they had an \map="al tim itter"="altimeter"\ switch put on their bomb, in case you decided to make an emergency landing before they got to where they were going. If I had studied the detonator, I could have figured that out and turn the switch off." "I doubt you had any time to study anything," said Captain Rupert. "We've lost cabin pressure, and I can't control the ailerons. We're going down in a hurry." They had cleared the cloud cover. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ got a good view of the ground below as it rushed to meet them. "How far are we from Monument City?" asked \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "About thirty miles," said the captain. "No way we're gonna make it. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ released her harness and half walked, half floated out of the cockpit. "Where are you going?" shouted Captain Rupert. "I need you up here! There's a chance we can still pull out of this!" Suddenly, without warning the nose of the plane began to rise. "We're doing it!" cried Captain Rupert joyously. "We're coming out of the dive!" The Captain glanced back and saw \map="sue zen"="Susan"\ Hu standing in the aisle directly behind the cockpit. Her gaze was turned upwards, and her mouth was hanging open. The captain looked to were \map="sue zen"="Susan"\ was staring and saw \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ flat against the ceiling of the jet. She had a terrible grimace upon her face and beads of sweat were starting to form. Well developed muscles which had not been apparent before were now bulging, as if straining to bear an immense weight. "What are you doing?" "I'm...holding...the...nose...up," managed \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ in a grunt that was close to a primal scream. Captain Rupert checked his controls. The ailerons were still nonfunctional. She really was holding them up. "How long can you keep this up?" asked Captain Rupert. "We'll...soon...see," grunted \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. They made it all the way to Monument City International. When they were cleared for an emergency landing, \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ instructed the captain to cut the engines and lower the landing gear. It was the first vertical landing of a commercial airliner in the airport's history. When the plane settled safely on the ground, \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ dropped the rest of the way to the floor of the plane's cabin. Captain Rupert and \map="sue zen"="Susan"\ Hu both rushed to her side. She had literally fainted from exhaustion. The first on board were \map="A T F"="ATF"\ agents. Upon seeing that the hijackers were pretty well subdued, they began to haul the men off of the plane. Next came the medics, who removed the body of the co-pilot and carried \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ off on a stretcher. Since Captain Rupert was also injured, he followed \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ off of the plane and into a waiting ambulance. \map="sue zen"="Susan"\ Hu stayed behind with the other flight attendants to orchestrate the disembarking of passengers. In the ambulance, \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ regained consciousness. "Well," she muttered while trying to rub away the headache that was threatening to crack open her skull, "I'll never try that again." "I certainly hope that's not the case," said Captain Rupert. "I may need your help again someday." \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ blinked. "Oh, hello. Where are we?" "In an ambulance," said Captain Rupert. "We're headed to County General." "Oh, man," groaned \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "My folks are gonna freak." Hush, Gerald, admonished \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. You're delirious. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ undid the straps that held her to the gurney. "Hey, what are you doing?" asked Captain Rupert. "I don't \emp\do hospitals, and someone's waiting for me back at the airport," replied \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. She grasped the captain's hand and smiled. "It's been real." "It's been about as unreal as it can get, for me," chuckled Captain Rupert. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ opened the rear doors of the ambulance, floated out and shut them behind her, all while the ambulance was traveling down an access road at a speed of fifty-five miles per hour. She flew up high into the sky to get her bearings, then headed back toward the airport. The other passengers were still on the tarmac waiting to be bussed to the airport terminal. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ quickly located an unobserved spot near the terminal and landed. Satisfied that no one was around, \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ changed back into Gerald \map="dayvis"="Davis"\. Gerald cautiously waited for the first busload of passengers to appear, then he carefully intermingled with them as they entered the terminal. Gerald spied his parents and waved while jumping up and down to get their attention. They spotted him and immediately made their way through the crowd of people toward their son. Gerald soon found himself buried within a smothering embrace from his mother and a bone cracking bear hug from his father. The last thing Gerald wanted to do was answer a barrage of questions about the hijacking incident, but he was sympathetic to his parents' concerns and fears. As they headed toward baggage claim, Gerald suddenly remembered that there probably wasn't any. The bomb had apparently been in the cargo hold, from the sound of it. When they reached baggage claim, Gerald's supposition was corroborated by an airport representative who told the passengers of his flight that all baggage in the cargo hold was spread across the Adirondacks. They would have to file claim reports for reimbursement. Gerald wasn't too upset about the loss of his suitcase. A couple of favorite shirts and a box of chocolate pralines could easily be replaced. Gerald was more happy about his role in preventing a far worse tragedy. As they exited the airport, they and others from the flight were swarmed by television and newspaper reporters barking out questions. Gerald and his family were able to squeeze past them \map="unskaythed"="unscathed"\. Still, Gerald heard some of the reports being made about \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. Some of the more hysterical ones were saying that she was one of the hijackers. \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\ raised a mental eyebrow at that. Others were saying that she nearly caused their destruction by trying to stop the hijackers. Still others, and Gerald was happy to note the majority, were proclaiming the amazing abilities of the strange woman who had rescued them from certain doom. Although their stories were somewhat exaggerated, they remained pretty faithful to actual events. Wonder how long that will last, thought \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. Gerald and his family piled into their mini-van and quietly made their way home. \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ walked into the imposing edifice of the WinterCorp Aerospace Technologies headquarters. The main lobby was an impressive display of etched glass and brass fixtures. A skylight that rested several stories above illuminated everything. There were a few miniature palm trees and some ferns surrounding a natural looking waterfall. In almost hidden alcoves to either side of the lobby were security stations. The reception desk sat squarely in the center of the lobby. \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ shouldered her duffel bag and headed toward it. Before she could say anything, Brandi Winters stepped out of an elevator located behind the waterfall. Every WinterCorp employee immediately stopped what they were doing to acknowledge her presence with either a stiff bow, a nod or a polite, "Good morning." Brandi noticed \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ at the reception desk and glided up to greet her. "So, you finally made it," she said smiling brightly. "How was the trip?" "I must say, it was very smooth," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ Rocque. "I've never flown in a Lear jet before." Brandi took \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ by the hand. "Come, dear, I want you to meet some people." \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ found herself led into a private elevator which had an express route to the topmost level. In a matter of seconds, they were stepping out into what looked like a parlor. Sitting in seats across the room were two other women. One was a fashion nightmare. Her long hair was pulled back into a queue. For some reason she didn't seem as cheerful as her wardrobe suggested. The other woman wore plain, loose fitting clothes, on top of which she wore a feathered cape. She seemed to be meditating as she sat erect with her eyes closed and her hands folded palms up in her lap. "Everyone, I want you to meet \map="muh ree"="Marie"\," announced Brandi. The woman in the loud clothes sat up and made an attempt to look cheerful, but \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ could tell that it was with an effort. The woman in the feathered cape opened her eyes, smiled politely and nodded. "Wow, very enthusiastic folks you've got here," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ sarcastically. "They're still adjusting," said Brandi. "Make yourself comfortable, and I'll be right back." \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ walked over and sat down near Trina. "So, what's your story?" she asked. "Get into a fight with a paint truck and lose?" Instead of getting angry, Trina merely smirked. ^+ ^@ "Yup, you're Sandra's sister, alright." "You know my sister?" asked \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. ^+ ^@ "We worked together for a while," said Trina. ^+ ^@ "We'd hang out sometimes. ^+ ^@ Though, I doubt that'll happen again." "Ah, don't worry about Miss Bossy Boots," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. "She's always getting her panties in a twist over something. Give her a week, and she'll forget why she was even mad at you." ^+ ^@ "I'm Trina," said Trina, truly smiling this time with very little effort. "I'm \map="muh ree"="Marie"\," \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ responded. The two shook hands. "So, what's your story?" started \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ as she turned to Monica. "Get tarred and feathered in the last town you were in?" Monica looked at \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ with a perplexed look. ^+ ^@ "\map="um"="Uhm"\, you have to be straightforward with Monica," offered Trina. ^+ ^@ "She's not big on sarcasm. ^+ ^@ Hasn't gotten the hang of idioms yet, either." "A little slow, huh?" \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ stood and proffered a hand to Monica. "I'm \map="muh ree"="Marie"\." Monica stood up and accepted the handshake. As she did so, her wings spasmed slightly in an attempt to alleviate the cramped feeling that was growing in them. \chr="Whisper"\ "Holy," whispered \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. ^+ ^@ "Yeah, that pretty much sums it up," chuckled Trina. "You...you're a freakin' angel," cried \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. ^+ ^@ "Oh, that's good," laughed Trina. ^+ ^@ "Swear at an angel. ^+ ^@ Your final reward is in jeopardy." "I didn't swear," snapped \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. She looked back at Monica. "Not exactly," she moderated. "Believe me," spoke Monica for the first time. ^+ "I have heard worse." The soft spoken voice made \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ jump a little. At that moment, Brandi Winters returned with another young woman. Both were carrying garment bags. "Alright, everyone," announced Brandi. "I've got something to show you." Brandi laid out her garment bags in the middle of the parlor, then she retrieved the other bags being held by her companion. "By the way," she added, "this is my assistant Katrina Hayes." Katrina waved hesitantly once she had been relieved of her burdens. "She's a bit shy, but she'll warm up to you shortly," commented Brandi. She was busy opening the garment bags. "I've tried to design something the reflects your varied personalities." ^+ ^@ "Design what?" asked Trina. "Our costumes, \map="sill e"="silly"\," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. ^+ ^@ "Costumes?" asked Trina confused. ^+ ^@ "We going to a party?" "Hardly, dear," said Brandi as she pulled out a green shirt with an orange trimmed collar along with a pair of purple pants. In the garment bag were yellow gloves, orange boots with bright gold buckles and red leggings. "Call me psychic," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ with a wry smile, "but I'm guessing that one's yours, Trina." Trina was ogling the outfit with envy when \map="muh ree's"="Marie's"\ comment sunk in. ^+ ^@ "This is for me?" Brandi smiled. "Of course it is, dear." ^+ ^@ "I...I don't know what to say." "How about you go into the next room and try it on," offered Brandi. After Trina had left, Brandi pulled out another outfit. "Here is your costume, \map="muh ree"="Marie"\," said Brandi with some distaste. "Just as you specified. Although, I still think it is most unprofessional, not to mention unladylike." Brandi held up a red latex halter with a zippered front and a pair of black latex briefs in one hand, while in the other hand she held up a pair of red latex thigh high boots. Still in the bag, was a pair of white cotton gloves. Upon seeing this outrageous ensemble, Monica's eyes went wide. "Now look what you done," said Brandi, "you've shocked our angel friend." "She'll live," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ callously as she eagerly took her costume into another room to try on. Brandi shook her head as she watched \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ leave the parlor. Then, she turned toward Monica. "You, I'm afraid, were most difficult to design for. I had originally envisioned flowing garments, but then realized that would be impractical. After all, I didn't become a powerhouse in aerospace engineering because of my sweet disposition." She bent down and pulled out another costume. "Although I disagree with \map="muh ree's"="Marie's"\ choice of work clothes, she did give me a few ideas." Brandi showed Monica an ochre colored shirt with a V-neck trimmed in black. Next she presented a pair of brown short pants, followed by gloves, belt and boots of a sky blue color. The boots were lined in rich brown fur and the cuffs were inverted to reveal this. Monica looked the clothes over. ^+ "They're very pretty." "Don't worry about the fur," said Brandi. "It's faux. The V-neck should allow you to step into the shirt since you can't pull it over your wings." Monica stood and stared at the garments. "Is something wrong, dear," asked Brandi a trifle concerned. Monica shook her head. ^+ "I was thinking of my friend, Kismet. ^+ She may be angry at me for doing this." "Why should she be?" asked Brandi. "\emp\You want to help people, just as \emp\she does." Monica hesitated a moment longer, then went into a third room to change her clothes. Brandi turned toward her assistant. "Well, Katrina, looks like it's our turn. I think you'll love what I've designed for you." \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ and Monica were the first to return to the lobby. Monica couldn't help but stare at \map="muh ree's"="Marie's"\ outrageous uniform. \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ made a show of modeling for Monica. "So what do you think?" she asked mischievously. "Pretty hot, huh?" ^+ "It's...unusual," said Monica a little unsure. She was surprised by the amount of skin that was exposed, especially around Marie's hips. ^+ "Are you sure you can wear that in public?" \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ looked at Monica. "Of course I can," she said. She appraised the angel's new outfit. "I must say, you look pretty good yourself." Monica simpered a little at the compliment, but was still uncomfortable with her bare legs. \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ tried to build her confidence. "You look fine," \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ assured her. "I know you're used to really covering up, but why \emp\should you? You don't have anything to be ashamed of or embarrassed about." ^+ "Pride goeth before the fall," replied Monica. "This isn't pride," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. "This has to do with accepting who you are. Being happy about being you." Monica blinked. ^+ "I think I understand," she said. \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ gave her a beaming smile. "Good." At that moment, Trina stepped into the lobby. ^+ ^@ "Well, what do you guys think?" \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ slapped her hand over her eyes. "Whoa, I forgot to bring my sunglasses." ^+ ^@ "Ha, ha," mocked Trina with a smirk. She was beginning to get used to her new wisecracking friend. ^+ ^@ "What do you think, Monica?" The angel smiled serenely. ^+ "You remind me of a rainbow," she said softly. ^+ ^@ "Thanks, Monica," said Trina. ^+ ^@ "That's sweet of you to say." "Are you sure it was a compliment?" asked Marie. Before Monica could object, \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ turned and cautioned, "That was a joke, Monica." For the first time, Monica frowned. ^+ "I don't think it's funny." For the first time, \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ was left without a comeback. Trina stepped up to Monica. ^+ ^@ "It's fine, Monica. ^+ ^@ \map="muh ree's"="Marie's"\ only trying to lighten the mood." ^+ "I do not like her making statements at other people's expense," said Monica. "I'm sorry, Monica," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\, "but this is how I cope." ^+ ^@ "We're all just a bit nervous," added Trina. ^+ ^@ "None of us really knows what to expect from Ms Winters. ^+ ^@ We should try our best to stick together, no matter what." Monica nodded then went and sat on a lounge chair, careful not to crumple her primaries. \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ bit her lower lip. She really didn't know if Monica was a real angel or merely a woman with wings, but she did know that she wanted to stay in Monica's good graces. Just then, Brandi returned with Katrina. Katrina was in full costume. She wore a shoulderless top with matching knit pants. Both were bright red. The outfit was accented with blue gloves, boots and belt. A blue stripe running down her right breast stopped at the waist where the belt was. The stripe and the belt together formed a stylized letter L. ^+ ^@ "Wow," breathed Trina. ^+ ^@ "You look smashing." Katrina smiled but said nothing. "Now, I want you girls to get to know one another better while I go out and bring in our last member," said Brandi. "Who's that?" asked \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ and Trina simultaneously. Startled, they looked at one another then giggled. "It's a surprise," said Brandi. \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ After the wild experience on the airliner, Gerald found that he couldn't relax. He was still on an adrenaline high. He told his parents that he was going to the courts to blow off some steam, grabbed his basketball and headed out. Gerald trotted the whole way to the public basketball courts, dribbling the entire time. Usually, the dribbling got on \map="Muh Tahn's"="Matahn's"\ nerves, but even \emp\she felt like she needed to get out and do something. As Gerald reached the courts, he stopped dribbling and watched the apparent activity that was going on. The place was crowded with people. Gerald had forgotten about the community three on three intramural games. There'd be no basketball for him today. Why don't we go flying, offered \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. That always relaxes you. Gerald was a bit surprised. \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\ never made a suggestion that required him to become \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. Gerald suspected that \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\ was starting to enjoy the life of a superhero. Gerald found a wooded place to both hide his basketball and change into \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. The change became more and more effortless each time he did it. When he first started, he had to concentrate hard to alter his physical form. Now, he barely even had to think about it any more. Quickly and quietly, \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ launched into the sky through a gap between the trees. In moments, she found herself zipping around office buildings and enjoying the startled looks from passers-by below. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ enjoyed flying more than anything else she could do. Both Gerald and \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\ found the experience euphoric. The sound of an engine having difficulty starting caught \map="Max imma's"="Maxima's"\ attention. Down below, an impressive looking limousine seemed to be stalled in an intersection. Traffic was beginning to build and tempers were starting to flare. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ decided to go down and offer her assistance. Circling the limo, \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ descended until she landed in front of the car. It's hood was up and a tall, wiry looking man dressed in a chauffeur's uniform was bent over the engine. "Anything I can do to help?" asked \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "Oh, thanks," said the chauffeur turning around. "I think I just need..." He stopped short as he caught sight of \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "Something wrong?" asked \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. The man shook his head. "No, not really. It's just that I didn't expect you to appear to quickly." \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ narrowed her eyes. "You were expecting me?" The man nodded. "Then this stall was faked to get my attention?" Again the man nodded. Just then, the rear passenger door of the limousine opened. Out stepped a smartly dressed woman wearing a navy linen suit. \map="Muh Tahn's"="Matahn's"\ hackles went up, but Gerald was curious to know why someone would go through such a ruse just to get \map="Max imma's"="Maxima's"\ attention. "Hello, \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\," said the woman. "My name is..." "Brandi Winters," finished \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\, "founder and CEO of WinterCorp Aerospace." Ms. Winters was taken aback. Good, thought \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\, we've surprised her. She won't underestimate us again, I'd wager. ^+ It's lucky you have me read all those engineering magazines at the library, thought Gerald. Well, I may be part of you, but I'm still an engineer, returned \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. "You know who I am?" asked Winters. "You're only the most brilliant aerospace engineer on the planet," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. Which is quite a compliment coming from me, added \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. "Well," said Ms. Winters still a little off kilter. "I must say that I'm flattered. I had no idea you were interested in the field." "It's something of a hobby," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ casually. Ms. Winters smiled. "I think we're going to get along famously, dear. I have a proposition for you. I think it's one you'll find to your advantage." "You could have found a better way to contact me," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "Unfortunately, unlike most of the costumed wonders of this city," said Ms. Winters, "you are very hard to keep track of." And we intend to keep it that way, commented \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. ^+ Should we take off, asked Gerald. No, replied \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\, let's hear her out. "What exactly did you have in mind, Ms Winters?" "If you please, I'd like you to return with me, and I will explain everything," said Brandi Winters. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ appeared to give it some thought. Then, without saying a word, she stepped into the limousine. Excellent, thought Brandi, and she too stepped in after \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. \map="jhawn"="Jean"\ closed the hood and quickly stepped around the limousine to close the door behind his employer. Just as quickly, he returned to the driver's seat and started up the limo without incident. The large car sped off down the street as angry motorists threw curses and horn honks indiscriminately. \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ ^+ ^@ "Ms. Winters told me that I'm a metahuman," said Trina. ^+ ^@ "Whatever that is." ^+ "Meta is Greek," offered Monica. ^+ "It means 'that which comes next.' ^+ Metahuman implies that you are the next possible step in human evolution." Trina stared wide-eyed at Monica not so much for what she had said as for the fact that she had said it. "Wow," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\, "our angel friend is very heavy." ^+ "I don't weigh much more than most women my size," said Monica. \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ chuckled. "No, I meant you are very smart." Monica's brow furrowed. ^+ "Oh. ^+ Then where does the term heavy come into play?" "I'm no expert on the history of idioms," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. "I just use 'em." ^+ ^@ "If Monica is right," said Trina, ^+ ^@ "then that means you all are here for the same reason." "So, what is it that makes you so extraordinary?" asked \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. ^+ ^@ "It's my voice," said Trina a trifle glumly. "Well, I'll admit it has its nuances, but I don't see what's so special about your voice," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. Trina shook her head. ^+ ^@ "Not my speaking voice, my singing voice. ^+ ^@ When I sing, things blow up. ^+ ^@ Literally." \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ whistled. "Impressive." ^+ ^@ "It's horrible, is what it is," groused Trina. ^+ ^@ "I almost killed a man with my voice." ^+ "Then, what you need," offered Monica, ^+ "is a little training and some self-confidence." "Or a muzzle," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. Monica turned and glowered at \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," protested \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ as she put her hands up defensively. "Sometimes I can't help myself." Trina went into fits of giggles. ^+ ^@ "It's okay Monica," she managed. ^+ ^@ "\map="muh ree's"="Marie's"\ just trying to cheer me up." "Geez, if looks could kill," complained \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. ^+ ^@ "What about you \map="muh ree"="Marie"\?" asked Trina. ^+ ^@ "How come you're here?" "Well, super powers kind of run in my family," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. "My sister and I both developed special abilities." ^+ ^@ "Sandra is a metahuman too?" asked Trina a bit surprised. \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ nodded. "Yup. She can create some pretty realistic illusions. People can actually feel, taste and smell things that she generates. I guess it's all in their heads." ^+ "The human mind is a very power persuader," said Monica. "Exactly," agreed \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. "Now, me, I can alter reality." Monica's eyebrows raised. ^+ "In what way?" "I can alter probability fields in a limited area," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. "I can change the likelihood of an event either positively or negatively. Within reason, of course." ^+ ^@ "Wow," said Trina. ^+ ^@ "That's pretty amazing." "It has its uses," admitted \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. "I mean, I can't do anything drastic, like have the president of the United States streak down Penn Avenue, but if something is about ten percent likely to happen, I can make it a hundred percent likely, or vice versa." ^+ ^@ "Well, I think we know what's special about Monica," said Trina with a smile. She turned and looked at Katrina. ^+ ^@ "How about you, Katrina?" "I'm not sure she talks," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. "She hasn't said a word since we met her." Monica stood and walked over to Katrina. Katrina watched Monica and smiled. Monica took Katrina by the hand and began to lead her to a sofa there in the lobby. Katrina mutely follow Monica. Monica sat first, then patted a spot beside her. ^+ "Sit by me," she said encouragingly. Katrina sat down beside Monica. ^+ "Now, you are a very special young lady, aren't you?" Katrina nodded. ^+ "Why are you such a wonderful, special person, Katrina?" ^+ \chr="Whisper"\"I'm good with numbers," Katrina said softly. \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ and Trina had to practically strain to hear her. ^+ "You like math, don't you?" asked Monica. Katrina nodded vigorously. ^+ "Katrina, what's pi?" ^+ \chr="Whisper"\"3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419...," rattled off Katrina. ^+ "That's \emp\very good, Katrina," interrupted Monica with a broad smile. ^+ "You really \emp\are good with numbers." Katrina smiled back, apparently pleased with herself. ^+ ^@ "What was all that?" asked Trina. ^+ "She was computing the value of pi," replied Monica. ^+ "So far it's been computed to about four hundred billion digits. ^+ No doubt Katrina would have been able to recite all of them, and probably continue past that." \chr="Whisper"\"Holy crap," breathed \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. ^+ "Indeed," said Monica with a smirk. ^+ "I believe that Katrina has a special kind of autism. ^+ One that incorporates the genetics of a metahuman." A chime rang as the elevator doors opened. Out stepped Brandi Winters accompanied by a tall woman in a tight fitting uniform of red and blue with white trim. ^+ ^@ "Whoa!" exclaimed Trina. ^+ ^@ "You're \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\!" \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ took in the brightly dressed Trina and smiled. "It's nice to meet a fan," she said. "Who?" asked \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. "You know her?" Trina looked at \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ as if she had grown a second head. ^+ ^@ "\map="Max imma"="Maxima"\! ^+ ^@ She's on the news more than Kismet these days." "I'm an out-of-towner, remember?" said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ spied the angel on the sofa. "Hello, Aquilia. It's good to see you." Trina blinked. ^+ ^@ "Who's Aquilia." "That would be Monica, dear," said Brandi. "Aquila is Latin for eagle." ^+ ^@ "Everybody knows these dead languages but me," said Trina. "It helps if you're involved in a scientific field," commented Brandi. She turned to \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "This is the team I'm putting together. I'd like you to join us." ^+ ^@ "Wow, working with \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\," exclaimed Trina. ^+ ^@ "Now, that would be stellar." \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ got an eyeful of \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ in her costume and blushed. \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ couldn't help but notice her reaction. "Looks like somebody is a touch prudish," teased \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ cleared her throat. "So what are all your names?" Brandi interceded. "I haven't had the chance to give them their names yet. Our angel, as you said, is known as Aquilia. My assistant is called Logos." "Very apropos," commented \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. "Our colorfully dressed member is called Muse," continued Brandi without skipping a beat. "And our provocative member is called \map="Say La Vee"="C'est La Vie"\." \map="muh ree's"="Marie's"\ eyebrows went up at that. Then, she grinned like a Cheshire cat. "I like it." "Quite an interesting bunch you have here, Ms. Winters," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "Please, dear, call me Brandi," said Brandi. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ shook her head. "Not if you're in charge of this shindig," she said. "I believe in giving people their due honorifics. I was a chief engineer in quantum mechanics, and I damn well made sure I got mine." Brandi gave \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ a measuring look and smiled. "As you wish." ^+ I don't think it was a good idea to push that thought out, \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\, thought Gerald. I had a point to make, replied \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. It'll be ok. ^+ So, we're joining? asked Gerald. I think it would be to our advantage, said \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\, but we'll have to lay down some ground rules. ^+ ^@ "Does this mean you'll join us?" asked Trina as if she had read \map="Max imma's"="Maxima's"\ mind. "I think it could be interesting," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. There's an understatement, thought \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. ^+ ^@ "So, what's your real name?" asked Trina. For heaven's sake don't tell them you're a kid, warned \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. "\map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. ^+ ^@ "I'm Trina," responded Trina. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. She's like you in a lot of ways, Gerald, said \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. ^+ I do not dress like that, complained Gerald. ^+ She could get a job as a traffic light. No, I mean she's young, energetic and very new to this whole hero nonsense, replied \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. \map="muh ree's"="Marie's"\ brow furrowed in consternation. "\map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\? Is that African or something?" \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ turned to \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. "\map="kuh terrun"="Kateran"\, actually." "Uh-huh," answered \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. She clearly didn't understand, but had decided not to pursue the subject further. How dense are these people? asked \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. I'm throwing hint after hint, that I'm an extraterrestrial and they just aren't getting it. ^+ Betcha Ms. Winters knows, said Gerald. That goes without saying, said \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\, and Aquilia already knows. ^+ ^@ "This is \map="muh ree"="Marie"\," continued Trina undaunted. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ nodded in her direction. ^+ ^@ "I guess you know Monica already, and this is Katrina. ^+ ^@ She's a little shy." \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ nodded in Katrina's direction. ^+ \chr="Whisper"\"Space girl," said Katrina with a smile. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ smiled at Katrina. "She catches on quick, though," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. ^+ ^@ "What did she mean?" asked Trina. "Goodness, I thought you knew," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "I'm not from your planet." Trina's jaw dropped prompting \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ to laugh. "Well, now that we've gotten to know one another," began Brandi, "I'd like to show you exactly what I have in mind for us." \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ \pau=1000\ The six remarkable women stepped out of the elevator into a cavernous room. Monica sighed with relief at the high ceiling which was several stories above the central floor. The angel immediately took flight and gave her wings a good work out. ^+ ^@ "Wow, look at her go," commented Trina. "Yes, she was feeling a touch claustrophobic," said Brandi Winters. "It's one of the reasons I brought you down here." "What are the other reasons?" asked \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. "To familiarize you with your new facilities," said Brandi. "You'll be training here in the central area, while around along the walls are your living quarters." "Hold on," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "We have to live here?" Brandi turned toward \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "It would be the best thing. Of course if it's an imposition..." "It's simply out of the question," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. Brandi frowned a little at \map="Max imma's"="Maxima's"\ tone of voice, but quickly rallied herself. "If it's a matter of getting out of a lease, I could pull some strings." \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ shook her head. "It's not that simple, and quite frankly, I'm happy where I am." ^+ "I'm afraid I too must decline your offer of accommodation," called a voice from above. Brandi looked up and saw Monica hovering over their heads. "How the heck can she hover like that?" asked \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. "Aquilia be reasonable," said Brandi. "You live in a belfry, for heaven's sake. You're an angel, not a fruit bat." Monica shook her head, ^+ "I have promises to keep, and I always keep my promises." Brandi realized that arguing with these women was useless. In addition, she didn't want to dissuade them from staying with the team. "Very well," she sighed, "but if at any time you feel you need a place to stay, even temporarily, you will always be welcome to join us." ^+ ^@ "Me, I'd love to get out of that boarding house," said Trina. "Well, seeing as how I don't have a place to stay at all," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\, "and the rent is reasonable..." "Don't be silly, dear," said Brandi. "You don't have to pay a cent." "Exactly," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ with a wink. Monica landed among her new compatriots. ^+ "What about Katrina?" "Normally, she stays with me," said Brandi, "but I want her to live here and develop a camaraderie with the rest of you." Katrina turned toward Brandi with a look of horror. Brandi reached out and patted Katrina on the arm. "It'll be fine, dear. You know I would never ask you to do anything I didn't think you could accomplish. Besides, you'll be making new friends." "Yeah, it'll be cool," added \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. "We'll have a blast." She put her arm around Katrina's shoulders and gave her a sisterly hug. Katrina looked up at \map="muh ree"="Marie"\ and smiled. Satisfied that things were beginning to gel, Brandi took the others on a tour of the underground facilities. After the training area, there was the library. Monica was quite pleased at the sight of it. Next, was a computer room that held state of the art components. After that, were the living quarters, the kitchen, the dining hall, a game room, and a spa. ^+ ^@ "Now, this is what I call living," said Trina. "You will, of course, spend most of your time training and staying at peak condition," said Brandi. ^+ "What about you?" asked Monica. Everyone stopped dead in their tracks. Monica had asked a question that had been on everyone's mind at some point, but she was the first to ask. "Oh, yes," said Brandi. "That was the other thing I wanted to show you." She led them out into the central court once more and followed a path that led to several large hangar doors. Brandi placed her palm again a hand recognition plate. The device immediately scanned her palm print and subsequently opened the doors. "You will all have your prints digitized for access," said Brandi. "That's gonna be difficult for me," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ with a slight grimace. "Why?" asked Brandi. "Don't you have prints?" "Normally, yes," said \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. "But these gloves don't come off. None of this does." Everyone looked at \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. ^+ ^@ "But if your costume doesn't come off," asked Trina. ^+ ^@ "How do you take a shower? ^+ ^@ Heck, how do you use the bathroom?" Gerald's mind raced to come up with an answer. Just keep it simple, said \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ shrugged her shoulders and said, "I just don't." Good one, Gerald, approved \map="Muh Tahn"="Matahn"\. That'll really keep them guessing. Trina tried to bend her mind around this cryptic statement. "We'll work something out," said Brandi confidently. She led the others into a massive room which held strange vehicles and other types of unusual equipment. "A lot of this is still experimental, mind you," said Brandi, "but I'd like us to give them a try." Finally, they stopped at the back of the hangar where a large, bullet shaped, glass booth stood. Inside the booth was what looked like futuristic armor placed on a mannequin. At the mannequin's feet was an odd, metallic backpack. Trina pressed her face to the glass to get a better look. ^+ ^@ "Keen," she enthused, ^+ ^@ "what's this for?" "That, dear," said Brandi, "is my costume." Everyone turned to stare at Brandi Winters. ^+ "Then you're a metahuman, too?" asked Monica. "Unfortunately, no," sighed Brandi. "As a result, I must resort to a more technological means of empowerment. Allow me to demonstrate." Brandi stepped forward and keyed in a numerical code on a panel at the front of the glass booth. With a hydraulic hiss, the glass lifted itself above the suit of armor. Brandi stepped up to the armor. "This is a material I invented myself," she said proudly. "It's tougher than Kevlar, yet it is as light as cotton. The suit itself is designed to respond to my reactions." "Galvanic skin response," guessed \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\. Brandi nodded, "Exactly. A direct brain interface is not possible and quite dangerous. Reading the electrochemical activity in my skin allows the suit to react almost instinctively. For offensive purposes, I have a grenade launcher on my wrist which uses non-lethal concussion grenades and smoke bombs." Brandi turned and bent down to pick up the back pack. "Then, there's this." With a touch of a hidden switch, two wings unfolded from the backpack. At each wing tip was what looked like booster rockets. "This will allow me to enter the domain of the air." "Three in the air, and three on the ground," mused \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. "Sounds fair." \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ stepped forward to closely examine the suit. She looked up at Brandi. "Have you tested this thing?" Brandi smiled. "Not yet. That is why I will also be training along side you." \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ seemed to mull things over in her mind. Finally, she said, "I think I can help you with a few things. There are, shall we say, some conventions from my world that you haven't discovered yet. I would be glad to incorporate them into your suit, provided that you make me a promise." "And that would be?" asked Brandi. "That you tell no one about the technology I present to you. Also, that you make no attempt to manufacture it for anyone else except the six of us." Brandi looked \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ straight in the eye. "Agreed." Brandi proffered a hand, and \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ accepted it. ^+ ^@ "Alright!" shouted Trina excitedly. ^+ ^@ "We're gonna be a team!" She ran over to \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ and Brandi and clapped her hand on top of theirs. Seizing upon the moment, Katrina did the same. Monica soon followed. Everyone turned to look at \map="muh ree"="Marie"\, who stood with her hands on her hips and shaking her head. "You guys have absolutely no idea how Saturday morning cartoonish this looks." \map="Max imma"="Maxima"\ looked at Brandi with raised eyebrows. "Ah, what the hell," said \map="muh ree"="Marie"\. She walked up to the others and added her hand to the pile. "Go team," she said sarcastically. "My friends," announced Brandi, "welcome to Onyx."