********SIM START********
<Erik> SCENE> A BRIGHTLY LIT, EXPANSIVE LABORATORY. ONE OF MR ESSEX'S FAVORITES. ALEX AND SCOTT ARRIVED HERE A FEW HOURS AGO, AFTER BEING ROUSED AND TOLD TO PACK THEIR THINGS. ESSEX SEEMED IN A HURRY TO GET TO THIS LAB, AND PROMPTLY DISAPPEARED ONTO THE LOWER FLOORS, LEAVING THE BOYS TO AMUSE THEMSELVES.
<Erik> ACTION> SCOTT IS SLUMPED IN A CHAIR, BOREDLY TOSSING PENCILS INTO THE AIR AND TRIGGERING TINY BURSTS FROM HIS VISOR, TO NEATLY SNAP THEM IN TWO, ONE AFTER ANOTHER.
<Havok> ::Scowls, leaning against a wall, his arms crossed and watching Scott, snorting and rolling his eyes, before murmuring:: Showoff.
<Erik> Scott> What do you think he's doing down there? ::idly drums his fingers on his knee::
<Havok> Beats me..::Scowls:: I mean, this whole..lab stuff, kinda gives me the creeps. Almost makes him look like some kinda..mad scientist. ::Smirks::
<Erik> Scott> ::reproving glance at Alex, lips thinning slightly:: He's done a lot for us... the least you could do is show some gratitude.
<Havok> Hey..::Glares, slightly:: It was a joke, alright? ::Shrugs::
<Havok> ((More like done a lot for YOU, y'mean, anyways..)) ::Shakes his head::
<Erik> Scott> Yeah, whatever. ::stands up, stretching:: Well I'm going to see if I can't be of some help… you sit here if you want to.
<Havok> ::Frowns and straightens up, leaning away from the wall:: Yeah yeah..Fine..I'll go help..
<Erik> ACTION> A DOOR SWINGS OPEN, AND THEIR MENTOR STEPS THROUGH, FOLLOWED BY A SHORTER, BROAD-SHOULDERED MAN WHOSE ARMS SEEM SLIGHTLY TOO LONG FOR HIS BODY. THE SHORTER MAN CLUTCHES A NOTEBOOK IN ONE MASSIVE HAND, AND IS CHATTERING ANXIOUSLY AT ESSEX, WHO TAKES LITTLE NOTICE OF HIM.
<Erik> Essex> That will be unnecessary, Scott. I have simply been reviewing Dr. McCoy's observations. Henry, this is Scott Summers. ::gestures slightly:: And his brother, Alexander.
<Erik> Scott> ::nods slightly and extends a hand:: Pleased to meet you, Doctor.
<Erik> McCoy> ::breaks off his on-going monologue at Essex's back, pausing for a moment with an intensely searching look at Scott, then smiles widely and shakes his hand hurriedly:: Yes, I see… ::gaze drifts to Alex for a split second, scarcely visible behind spectacles::
<Havok> ::Blinks, surprised by the sudden entrance:: Uhm..hi. ::Eyes dart towards Sinister briefly, upon his introduction:: (("..And his brother"..Feh..)) ::Offers his hand, after watching Scott do it and not wanting to be outdone::
<Erik> Essex> Scott, come with me. I believe I have corrected the calibrations on the scanner. Let us find out if it is any more successful this time.
<Erik> ACTION> ESSEX LEAVES THE ROOM WITH SCOTT IN TOW, CUTTING BETWEEN MCCOY AND ALEX.
<Erik> McCoy> ::sets his notes to one side, looking at the door for a moment, then turns to Alex, raising a brow:: Hmm. Golden boy, exit stage left. ::odd grin, as he shakes Alex's hand:: Alexander, is it? Might I call you Alex?
<Havok> ::Frowns, watching them leave:: ((Always wants Scott to help, to hell with me..)) Golden boy is right..::Shakes his head:: And I don't mind at all, Dr. McCoy.
<Erik> McCoy> Amazing… ::stares at Alex for a moment:: Dr Essex has raised you for how long, now? You must find his work fascinating…. I certainly do.
<Erik> McCoy> My dissertation last year… bio-nucleic acid transfers between mu-well, it was terribly obscure, you know, the sort of subject that maybe five people in the scientific community worldwide know enough about to read and really grasp the work… ::laughs slightly, rubbing the back of his neck::
<Erik> McCoy> Dr Essex read it… and five minutes later he was pointing out errors in my theory! It was astounding! He's a brilliant, brilliant man.
<Havok> Uhm..well..it's been about 10 years. ::Blinks, slightly at McCoy's talking:: Uh..well..to be honest, I do find a lot of it interesting, but he doesn't exactly let me in on a lot of the stuff he works on..
<Erik> McCoy> Now that he's giving me funding and equipment, the progress I've been able to make… and he's actually letting me help him with some of his projects! They're incredible! So much more enlightening results than say, testing on rats… I think I could safely say he knows more about genetics than anyone else alive today.
<Erik> McCoy> But I digress... ::smirks slightly:: You and your brother have ah… quite intriguing powers, I've heard. Solar energy conversion, is it?
<Havok> I'd definitely believe you on that..::Cracks a slight smile:: Yeah, I got the plasma blasts, Scott's got the eye blasts.
<Erik> McCoy> ::muttering to himself slightly:: Heat and force... like walking batteries... phenomenal ability...
<Havok> Well..Thanks, I think. So..are you a mutant, too?
<Erik> McCoy> ::wide smirk:: Nothing so flashy, I assure you. ::lifts one huge hand and waves slightly:: Just your garden-variety plus-sized appendages.
<Havok> Ah..::Looks at them curiously:: Hunh. Not flashy, but I have to imagine pretty useful. So, do you have any idea what they're working on, right now..?
<Erik> McCoy> I could tell you... ::turns, glasses reflecting the overhead lights:: But then I'd have to kill you....
<Erik> McCoy> ::snickers:: My apologies. Lab humor.
<Havok> ::Shakes his head, smiling slightly:: S'okay.
<Erik> McCoy> ::clears his throat, composing himself:: Ah, well, I believe Dr Essex is attempting to get a look inside your brother's skull, at the processes which generate his eye-blasts.
<Havok> ::Blinks, quirking an eyebrow:: Through the scanner he mentioned? I'm guessing to figure out why he has to keep wearing the visor and how to fix it..
<Erik> McCoy> Perhaps... rather mundane research, that is. Leave brain damage to the neurologists, I say... let the geneticist study the genes... ::glances toward the door::
<Havok> I suppose..::Also glances towards the door::
<Erik> McCoy> I'm afraid I must bid you adieu, for now, young Alex. ::smirks:: Time waits for no man, and all that. Experiments on the burner, results to check. Genes to splice. ::short chuckle, as he ambles out of the room with a little wave to Havok::
<Havok> Sure. Nice to meet you. ::Blinks a little slightly at the last comment:: (("Genes to splice"?))
<Erik> ACTION> THE DOOR SWINGS SHUT, LEAVING ALEX ALONE IN THE SILENT ROOM.
<Havok> ::Scowls, looking around:: ((That gives me the creeps..Just what are him and McCoy working on, in there, I wonder..I mean, McCoy seems like a nice guy, kinda, but..)) ::moves to wander down the hall, stretching slightly and yawning:: ((Now what do I do?))
<Erik> ACTION> IN THE HALL, A SET OF DOORS OFF ONE SIDE REVEAL ESSEX AND SCOTT INTENTLY EXAMINING A LARGE DEVICE. FURTHER DOWN THE HALL, A DARK STAIRWELL LEADS DOWN TO THE LOWER FLOORS...
<Havok> ::Glances in, slightly:: ((Hmph..Well..that's not too overly impressive..)) ::Looks towards the stairwell:: ((This, however..Hell, why not..)) ::Moves to head down to the lower floors::

*****SCENE CHANGE*****
<Erik> SCENE> A DARK ROOM, ONE WALL LINED WITH CAGES. TABLES AND ODD-LOOKING EQUIPMENT CAST BIZARRE SHADOWS, FROM THE TINY LIGHTS ON SOME OF THE MACHINES.
<Erik> ACTION> CATSEYE AWAKENS WITH A START BEHIND A BARRED DOOR, FEELING COLD AND CRAMPED. SHE REALIZES A MOMENT LATER THAT THE MYSTERIOUS CHANGE HAS HAPPENED AGAIN, LEAVING HER TALL AND PINK AND FUNNY-LOOKING, LIKE A HUMAN. SHE IS SORE ALL OVER, AND THE BACK OF HER HAND ITCHES HORRIBLY.
<Catseye> ::pushes against the cage:: ((stuck.. cold...)) ::peers around in the darkness:: ((big again))
<Erik> ACTION> SHE CAN SEE NO FAMILIAR SHAPES AMONG THE JUMBLE OF WIRES AND BLINKING LIGHTS AND METAL. THE ROOM SMELLS ALIEN AND EMPTY, WIPED CLEAN OF ALL CHARACTERIZING SCENTS SAVE FOR THE FAINT TINGLE OF METAL. BUT WAIT… SHE SPIES A HUMAN, LYING DOWN ON ONE OF THE TABLES, SLEEPING PERHAPS?
<Catseye> ::tries to scratch at her hand with her teeth:: ((stuck!)) ::wrestles around trying to move::
<Erik> ACTION> THE RATTLING OF CATSEYE'S CAGE DOOR AWAKENS EMMA... SHE IS STRAPPED DOWN TO A HARD SURFACE, AND SOME SORT OF DEVICE IS ENCIRCLING HER HEAD. THE LAST THING SHE REMEMBERS IS BEING SHOVED INTO A CAR...
<Catseye> ::stares outside the cage:: ((where? catsy not know)) ::sees a person:: ((person sleep?)) ::rattles trying to move again::
<Emma> Where...?
<Emma> ::Tries to sit up and feels the straps bite into her skin.::
<Catseye> ((person let catsye out!)) ::makes a muffled meowing/moaning sound while rustling in the cage::
<Erik> ACTION> CATSEYE FEELS THE CAGE DOOR GIVE A LITTLE, ALTHOUGH THE LATCH CATCHES AT AN ODD ANGLE AND THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FURTHER THAN A CRACK, AT THE TOP
<Emma> ::Tries to turn head to the meowling she heard.::
<Erik> ACTION> EMMA CAN SEE OUT OF THE CORNER OF HER EYE, A WALL OF LARGE CAGES. IN ONE OF THEM, REFLECTIVE EYES STARE BACK AT HER, TOO LARGE TO BE A CAT.
<Catseye> ::tries to move her paw.. hand... whatever it was now... towards the door...:: ((person see catsye?)) ::makes another sound, trying to mimic the word "help"::
<Emma> ((I can't get up.)) ::Tries to focus and scan the figure's mind.::
<Erik> ACTION> EMMA REALIZES, WITH A SINKING FEELING OF HORROR, THAT THE EXTRA 'SENSE' SHE IS SOMETIMES ABLE TO GRASP, IS QUITE SIMPLY NONEXISTENT... IT'S AS IF SHE RAN UP AGAINST A STONE WALL IN HER OWN MIND. A SMALL LIGHT FLASHES ON THE DEVICE ON HER FOREHEAD.
<Catseye> :;tries to get her hand out of the cage if the crack is wide enough::
<Emma> ::Frowns, her gaze narrowing at the light.:: I can't move.
<Erik> ACTION> CATSEYE CAN GET HER HAND OUT, AT THE TOP OF THE CAGE... THE BARS PRESS PAINFULLY INTO HER WRIST THOUGH, AND SHE CAN FIND NOTHING TO GRASP.
<Erik> ACTION> A DOOR AT ONE END OF THE ROOM SWINGS OPEN, LETTING BRIGHTER LIGHT IN FROM THE HALL. A DARK FIGURE IS SILHOUETTED AGAINST THE LIGHT, PEERING INTO THE ROOM.
<Catseye> ::growls, fidgeting again in the cage as she pulls her hand back in:: ((catsye stuck))
<Catseye> ::stares at the figure by the door, quietly::
<Havok> ::Squints in the darkness, looking around, trying to let his eyes adjust to the darkness, mumbling slightly:: With my luck, I'll probably stumble onto some kinda file room or storage room..
<Catseye> ::hisses::
<Havok> ::Blinks, slightly, hearing the hissing noise:: ((What the hell was that?))
<Emma> You.
<Catseye> ::growls lowly, staring at the figure still::
<Havok> ::Stares for a second:: ((That..wasn't..)) ...Hello?
<Erik> ACTION> HAVOK GETS A GLIMPSE OF THE REFLECTIVE EYES IN THE CAGE, AND HEARS EMMA
<Emma> Where am I?
<Havok> ::Stares around confusedly:: ((The hell?)) You're..in a storage room or something, I think..::Looks around for some kind of light switch along the side of the wall::
<Erik> ACTION> HAVOK FINDS A ROW OF SWITCHES..
<Emma> Can you get me out of this?
<Havok> ::Tries creating a slight bit of light with his powers to see the switches better, tentatively trying a switch:: Out of what? I can't really see anything, yet..::Frowns:: ((What the hell is going on?))
<Catseye> ::rattles the cage again:: hehp cahtzee
<Erik> ACTION> A BANK OF LIGHTS COMES ON, ILLUMINATING THE ROOM DIMLY.
<Havok> ::Looks around the room, towards where Emma and Catseye are, staring with a look of horror on his face:: Oh man..
<Catseye> ::squints, hissing at the light change::
<Emma> ::Raises her eyebrow at him, waiting for him to get over the shock.::
<Erik> ACTION> HAVOK AND EMMA CAN SEE THE GIRL IN THE CAGE CLEARER NOW... SHE IS FILTHY, WITH SOMEWHAT MATTED PURPLE HAIR, NO CLOTHING, AND A FURRY TAIL, ALSO PURPLE..
<Havok> What the hell..? ::Stares:: This is..I mean..I knew he was a little creepy, but shit..
<Catseye> hehp cahtzee ::rustles in the cage again, pushing on the door::
<Havok> ::Shakes his head, a look of anger taking on his face:: Don't worry..I will..::Moves towards the cages, trying to find a way to unlock them::
<Catseye> ::moves as far back as possible from the door as Havok approaches::
<Erik> ACTION> HAVOK FINDS THE CONTROLS FOR THE CAGE DOORS... A MOMENT LATER, THE LATCHES ALL ALONG THE WALL CLICK OPEN... CATSEYE'S CAGE DOOR SWINGS A LITTLE FORWARD.
<Havok> ::Turns towards Emma, moving for her straps:: I don't know what happened or why you're here, exactly..but I've just got a really bad feeling about all of this..
<Catseye> ::waits for Havok to move away from the cages before moving back to the door and pushing against it::
<Erik> ACTION> CATSEYE HEARS FOOTSTEPS COMING FROM THE HALL AS HER DOOR SWINGS THE REST OF THE WAY OPEN.
<Catseye> ::tries to hop to the floor:: ((person walk here))
<Erik> ACTION> CATSEYE STUMBLES A BIT, UNSTEADY ON HER FEET... THE PROPORTIONS ARE ALL WRONG FOR FOUR-LEGGED WALKING, BUT TO STAND ON TWO PUTS HER SO HIGH IN THE AIR....
<Catseye> ::crawls on all fours:: ((cold))
<Emma> Just get these straps off of me. ::Speaks coolly.::
<Erik> ACTION> THE DOORS AT THE END OF THE ROOM OPEN...
<Erik> McCoy> I suggest you *not*, Alex. ::stands in the doorway, adjusting his glasses slightly::
<Catseye> ::sniffs the air:: ((person again)) ::looks at the door::
<Erik> McCoy> ::pleasant smile:: Now... why don't you put the cat back in her cage where she belongs, and come with me?
<Emma> Who the hell are you?
<Havok> Dr. McCoy? ::Looks back, his hands crackling with energy briefly:: What's going on here, Doctor? Why are they being treated like animals?
<Erik> McCoy> My dear boy... certainly you realize that real advances in science cannot be made without certain... practical applications. ::closes the door behind him, firmly::
<Catseye> ::growls, not liking the tone of voice of this new person::
<Emma> ::Tries to wiggle her wrists out of the straps.::
<Havok> ::Narrows his eyes:: You're experimenting on them..?
<Erik> McCoy> ::short laugh:: Hardly. They, however, are providing Dr Essex and I with some valuable new research.
<Catseye> ::moves clumsily over to Havok and Emma::
<Havok> "Research"? ::Watches McCoy carefully, not moving from his current spot:: Research that requires them to be kept in cages..or strapped down?
<Catseye> ::tries to chew on one of Emma's straps::
<Emma> ::Glances at Catseye, a slight look of relief on her face.::
<Erik> McCoy> Be careful. ::gestures to Catseye:: Who knows what sort of filthy diseases that one's carrying. Might want to be careful. ::smirks:: It is typical procedure to restrain possibly dangerous subjects, is it not?
<Catseye> ::tries her paws.. er, hands... instead::
<Havok> ...In a Cage? ::watches McCoy warily:: And what about her? ::Nods towards Emma::
<Erik> ACTION> THE STRAPS ARE TOO COMPLICATED FOR CATSEYE'S CLUMSY FINGERS TO QUITE MANAGE
<Emma> Apparently, the doctor is threatened by a strong woman. ::Smirks.::
<Catseye> ::hisses and begins to bat at the strap, getting frustrated with it::
<Erik> McCoy> A telepath... curious, isn't it? That such a powerful mind... one that might be capable of frying every synapse in either of our brains... could be housed in such a frail body. ::smirks slightly::
<Catseye> :;goes back to trying to chew the straps:: ((no open))
<Havok> ::Scowls, looking towards Catseye and Emma, then back at McCoy, a conflicted expression on his face:: ((Damnit, do I believe him..or not..I mean..I don't care what he's saying..this is still wrong, but..))
<Emma> Do you think I want to be here?
<Erik> McCoy> ::glances dismissively at Emma:: Think of it as a sacrifice for a greater cause, my dear.
<Catseye> ::gives up completely and meanders towards McCoy:: baaaaaaad
<Havok> ::Narrows his eyes:: "Sacrifice for a greater cause", huh? Y'know, for a minute, I was almost prepared to believe you...but whenever someone says that, it's always a bad thing..::Lets his hands flare with energy::
<Emma> I hope for your sake you do kill me quickly. ::Hisses in an icy tone.::
<Erik> ACTION> THE DOORS SLAM OPEN WITH A CRASH, STARTLING EVERYONE.
<Catseye> ::jumps away from Havok, then jumps in general at the door::
<Emma> ((He had to wait for the nutcase to say that?)) ::Sighs.:: ((The boy has serious issues--)) ::Glances to the door.::
<Erik> ACTION> A RED BEAM TAGS CATSEYE IN THE SHOULDER AND KNOCKS HER SPINNING ACROSS THE FLOOR. SCOTT AND ESSEX STAND IN THE DOORWAY.. SCOTT WITH ONE HAND RAISED TO HIS VISOR.
<Erik> Scott> Get back, Alex!!
<Catseye> MROWWW! ::sprawls out on the floor upon hitting it::
<Havok> Scotty? ::Narrows his eyes:: What the hell?
<Emma> ::Closes her eyes, focusing on trying to push through that wall.::
<Catseye> ::tries to move::
<Erik> Essex> I suggest you stand away, Alexander. ::cold look, as he raises his hand towards them::
<Erik> ACTION> CATSEYE HAS NO TROUBLE MOVING, JUST WHAT FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO BE ONE HELL OF A BRUISE, FORMING ON HER SHOULDER
<Catseye> ::growls loudly and crawls around behind Emma's table::
<Havok> This whole thing stinks, Essex..I don't know what they told you, Scotty, but I get the feeling there's a lot they're not really telling us..And you know what, I don't like being anybody's puppet! ::moves to fire a mild plasma blast at the device that's above Emma, to try and take it out of commission, keeping his other hand trained on Essex and the others::
<Catseye> ::jumps onto the table and leaps at Scott::
<Erik> ACTION> THE DEVICE SHATTERS, SPARKING SLIGHTLY ACROSS EMMA, BUT SHE CAN FEEL HER ABILITIES RETURN WITH A HEADY RUSH
<Emma> ::Closes her eyes tightly, focusing on McCoy to command him to unto the straps.::
<Erik> Scott> What are you doing, Alex?? She's possessing you, isn't she!
<Erik> ACTION> CATSEYE NARROWLY DODGES ANOTHER BEAM FROM SCOTT... IF SHE GETS ANY CLOSER TO HIM, SHE'LL GET HIT FOR SURE
<Erik> McCoy> ::eyes go slightly vacant, and he twitches slightly, before stepping forward, reaching for the straps::
<Catseye> :;slides to a stop on the floor, staring at the duo in the doorway, growling and hissing at them::
<Havok> No one's possessing me, Scotty! I've just had more than enough of being lied to and this kinda crap! ::Fires a warning blast at Essex and Scott:: This is wrong, and you should know it!
<Emma> ::Grits her teeth as she tries to keep her focus.:: ((I will not ask him again!))
<Catseye> ((bad persons all place!)) ::stays perfectly still::
<Erik> ACTION> EMMA IS FREED, MOMENTS BEFORE A BLAST FROM ESSEX SLAMS INTO MCCOY'S BACK AND KNOCKS HIM AWAY FROM HER TABLE
<Emma> ::Scrambles from the table onto her feet, looking for some sort of weapon to use.::
<Havok> ::Looks back towards Emma:: We're out of here! ::Fires a widespread blast at the doorway, trying to clear it of Essex and Scott::
<Erik> ACTION> SCOTT IS UNAFFECTED, BUT STARES AT HAVOK BLANKLY AS ESSEX IS THROWN BACKWARDS SLIGHTLY.
<Catseye> ::runs at Scott's legs while he's watching the other person (Havok), trying to squeeze out of the door::
<Erik> Scott> ...How could you... what are you...
<Erik> ACTION> CATSEYE TRIPS SCOTT UP AS SHE STREAKS OUT THE DOOR AND DOWN THE HALL.
<Erik> <<Emma: No weapons readily available>>
<Emma> ::Starts to run for it, trying to avoid Essex.::
<Catseye> ::runs/crawls down the hall, looking for a way out:: ((catsye stuck))
<Havok> I'm sorry, Scotty..but this is just one of those things...maybe one of these days, you'll realize what these guys are really up to...and stop buying into all this kissing up they do to you..maybe BEFORE they try to think of a way to make you the next "sacrifice for a greater cause"..::Moves to rush out of the room:: See you around.
<Erik> Essex> ::stares coldly at Alex:: You have made a very foolish mistake, young man.
<Erik> ACTION> ALEX, EMMA, AND CATSEYE FLEE DOWN THE HALLWAY AND UP THE STAIRS... A COUPLE FLIGHTS OF THEM, AND THE STAIRWAY ENDS, BRINGING THEM TO ANOTHER HALL. JUDGING FROM FOOTSTEPS, THEIR PURSUIT IS NOT FAR BEHIND.
<Catseye> ((run.. run.. run...)) ::runs down the new hall, looking for a door or window outside::
<Emma> I assume you know the way around here?
<Havok> ::Rushes down the hall:: I know enough to know there should be an exit not too far ahead..
<Emma> ::Follows, starting to feel the pangs of a migraine and she grits her teeth.:: ((I've done this once, I can do it again.))
<Erik> ACTION> THEY COME TO AN EXIT AS A BLAST OF ENERGY NARROWLY MISSES THEM, SCORCHING THE WALL. ESSEX IS STRIDING TOWARD THEM, SKIN GONE EVEN PALER THAN USUAL, ALMOST GRAY, AND A RED DIAMOND APPEARING ON HIS FOREHEAD.
<Havok> ::Looks back, eyes going slightly wide at the sight of Sinister:: Jesus Christ, what the hell are you?! ::Lets loose another blast at him::
<Erik> Essex> Don't jeopardize your future, fool boy. I have offered you the seeds of a world, and you dare to cast them back at my feet?
<Emma> You mean you didn't know this..? ::Eyes faintly narrow at the tall man.::
<Erik> ACTION> THE NEXT BLAST FROM ESSEX KNOCKS HAVOK BACK THROUGH THE DOORS, SCATTERING BROKEN GLASS ACROSS THE STREET OUTSIDE.
<Havok> "Seeds of the world"...all I've ever got the impression is that I get the crumbs while Scott gets the seeds...and you lie to us and jerk us around..no thank you! Urgh! ::Gets slammed hard out through the doors, wincing as he tries to get up:: Run, damnit!
<Emma> ::Squeezes her eyes shut again, trying to mentally jar the tall man's mind.::
<Catseye> ::runs outside, disoriented by the lighting change::
<Erik> ACTION> EMMA CAN FEEL THE MAN'S MIND... BUT HER 'TOUCH' SLIDES RIGHT OFF, UNABLE TO SENSE A THING FROM HIS THOUGHTS
<Catseye> ::hides behind anything nearby, be it trash cans, dumpsters, or an alley::
<Emma> ::Opens her eyes quickly and springs for it, trying go grab Havok as she runs.::
<Erik> ACTION> CATSEYE SEES ANOTHER PERSON RUNNING TOWARD THEM, DOWN THE STREET... HAVOK NOTICES THE APPROACHING FIGURE AS WELL, AN OLDER-LOOKING MAN WITH WHITE HAIR.
<Erik> ACTION> ESSEX WHIPS AN ARM OUT, CATCHING EMMA BY THE THROAT BEFORE SHE CAN SCRAMBLE OUT OF REACH. HE LIFTS HER AS IF SHE WEIGHED NOTHING, DANGLING HER FROM ONE HAND, EYES COLD AND RED.
<Havok> ::Struggles to get to his feet, looking towards the man:: Who the..? ::Turns back towards Sinister:: Let her go! ::Prepares to fire a blast at him, trying to get a good aim at him, without risking hitting Emma::
<Catseye> ::runs a different direction:: ((more persons! catsey be cat can hide more!)) ::wonders why she looks like persons again::
<Emma> ::Struggles in Essex's grip, but her gaze shows no fear of him.::
<Erik> Get down!! ::shouts at Havok, stretching an arm out towards Essex, energy practically crackling around him::
<Havok> What..? ::Moves to quickly duck beneath the man's reach:: ((Who the hell is that?!))
<Catseye> ::watches from the sidelines:: ((catsey.. mama? where)) ::tries to go back to being a cat::
<Erik> ACTION> A LONG PIECE OF IRON WRENCHES OUT OF THE WALL OF THE BUILDING ACROSS THE STREET, AND HURTLES THROUGH THE AIR TOWARD ESSEX. EMMA FINDS HERSELF DROPPED FROM SUDDENLY NERVELESS HANDS AS ESSEX SLAMS BACK INTO THE WALL, THE BEAM RUN CLEAN THROUGH HIS MIDSECTION AND INTO THE PLASTER.
<Havok> ::Stares for a second in shock at the beam running through Essex:: You..killed him? ::Looks towards the man:: Who..?
<Emma> ::Drops with a light grunt and looks wide eyed at the impaled man... she gets to her feet and backs away.:: What the hell..? ::Looks over her shoulder at the older man.::
<Erik> ::breathing hard, waves a hand down the street:: Run, all of you. There is a plane... get aboard, now!
<Erik> ACTION> ESSEX JERKS, FREEING HIMSELF FROM THE WALL AND STALKING BACK TOWARDS THE DOOR AS HE PULLS THE METAL BEAM FROM HIS BODY.
<Emma> ((Can I trust him... oh hell... I can escape a third time.)) ::Runs towards the plane.::
<Catseye> ::watches the persons running around:: mrow?
<Havok> ::Eyes go wide as he jerks free:: Holy crap..::Runs like hell, in the direction the man gestured::
<Erik> ACTION> THE METAL SEEMS ANIMATED, TWISTING AND WRAPPING AROUND ESSEX EVEN AS THE PALE MAN WRENCHES IT AWAY AND SENDS A BLAST AT THE WHITE-HAIRED STRANGER.
<Erik> ACTION> EMMA AND HAVOK FIND A STRANGE-LOOKING, SINUOUS BLACK JET SITTING IN AN EMPTY LOT VERY NEARBY. THE HATCH IS OPEN.
<Emma> Where's the cat girl? ::pauses to look around.::
<Catseye> ::peeks out, seeing the fight and runs the way the other two persons went::
<Havok> ::Stares at the hatch:: ..I hate to say it, but I get this weird expression that this is out of the frying pan and into the fire or something...way too convenient...but at this point..I don't think we have much choice..
<Erik> ::slammed backwards, picks himself up slowly, coughing and wiping his mouth with one hand, before glaring towards Essex again:: ((The children are safe...))
<Emma> I've got out of one mess before on my own... I can do it again.
<Erik> ACTION> METAL PIPES TEAR OUT OF THE STREET, WRAPPING AROUND ESSEX TIGHTLY AS HE STRUGGLES. MORE AND MORE ACCUMULATE, CRUSHING EVER-TIGHTER... FINALLY, ERIK TURNS AND MOVES HURRIEDLY BACK DOWN THE STREET, LIMPING SLIGHTLY. THE MASS OF METAL TWITCHES AND JERKS, BEHIND HIM.
<Havok> ::Looks around, spotting Catseye after them, then moving to head up the ramp:: I'd rather take a risk here, then have...whatever Essex really is coming after us..you two coming or what?!
<Catseye> ::staggers up to Emma and looks at her then Havok:: hehp cahtzee?
<Emma> Yes, I think so.
<Emma> ::Glances to see if the man who helped them is okay.:: Come on.. Cahtzee, let's go into the plane...
<Erik> ::nears the jet, drawing himself up straighter, face tightening slightly:: I will explain later... please, all of you step aboard now... there is little time.
<Catseye> pane ::tries repeating words as she walks on the jet:: expane.. pease
<Emma> ::Mutely turns following Havok and Catseye.::
<Erik> ACTION> WITHIN MOMENTS, THE STRANGER HAS STARTED THE JET INTO THE AIR AND AWAY FROM THE SCENE.
<Erik> ::turns, wearily, glancing over his shoulder at the three of them:: I am afraid these are not precisely the circumstances I had wished to make your acquaintance in. I am Erik Lensherr... I run a school, for mutants.
<Erik> **********END DIVISION**********