Honey, I'm home!

VENIN:
*She appears just outside of the new gates an angry frown creasing her brow as she looks around at her location then back down at the bracelette* Must have set up a new barrier damn it *A resigned look crosses her face as she walks towards the gate she glares at the guard on duty as he simply stares blankly at her* Venin reporting in *when he does nothing her voice lowers to an almost threatening level* as ordered.....are you going to open the gate? or do I open it for you? *the man swallows noisily as he hastily punches into the computer, calling up her ID and authorization* uhmmm sorry Ms. Christopher *he mumbles out as he rapidly keys the sequence to open the gates... she smiles and heads through them* make sure it doesn't happen again...*she continues further into the until she is out of sight of the guard then she stops and looks around, a brief smile on her lips as she breathes deeply* its good to be home

*Hastily, the guard at the front gate, as it were, picks up his commdevice and calls venin's appearance in. While Rikky had tampered with the guards' minds to let the woman in, the rest remained, and this was highly unusual. The data on the system hadn't been changed, but the man had felt compelled to admit her... why, he didn't know. So the call goes into the main switchboard, which starts a small murmur of gossip, voices, phone calls.... a wave of shocked excitement. And its not long after, quite quickly, to be honest, that a welcome party strolls out, wary, armed to the teeth, but fire held. Strangely enough. A large group is present, lots of Vet Hunters, old faces... Warpole, Hyaline, Stockpile... most the cyhunters show up, blinking huge eyes, powers ready, but not attacking. Shortly, there's a murmur and the crowd parts, not unlike the Red Sea... and HE appears, strolling slowly among them, brown eyes fixed* ...Yvette. *he stops about ten feet from her, not knowing what to expect. What the hell was going on?!* What are you doing here? *a lot of different meanings in the startled question, in the gravelly voice... why aren't you free? Why are you back? HOW are you? What am I supposed to do now? Obviously, Old Scratch is surprised, but little else can be gleaned from his face*

VENIN:
*She continues on towards the main complex a wry smile crossing her face as she sees the welcoming party....she had expected as much...she stands waiting with arms crossed before her as she watches them approach..she makes no move as they slowly surround her weapons ready for any trick she might have.....she nods briefly at the faces she knows, but there are many amoung them she is unfamiliar with much has changed....then slowly the crowds part, allowing him to make his way through like some grand soverign...a slight smile rests upon her lips as her gaze lands on him * Hello father *she raises an eyebrow at he question, almost as if she thinks it was unexpected* I am back

*slightly confused nods greet her back, Warpole just blinks at her, unsure what to say or do. But all falls quiet as Scratch appears... as he speaks... and when she answers she might as well be E.F. Hutton; everyone listens* ...So I see. *a grey brow raises, and he looks her over. He does NOT miss that she calls him 'father'... it sends something like a tiny internal tremor through him, his chest. He clears his throat from emotion and speaks lowly, but audibly* Forgive the question, Yvette, but... is this a friendly visit? *its a dumb question, maybe, but a valid one. Everyone tenses, awaiting a reply. Was this some kind of set-up? A suicide run? She was in... who let her in? And why didn't it really phaze anyone that she stood here, among them? Odd, yes, and to Scratch, who's mind no unnatural could touch, it was more than disconcerting. This simply wasn't expected. From elsewhere, in a shielded room, his bodyguard silent beside him, Asian lips spread in a thin smile as he observes the monitor piping the sound and sight through to his chambers* Perfect. *The Highlord purrs it, and outside, Scratch watches carefully, watches her every motion, senses open and painfully acute right now... Yvette was fast and crafty, a skilled tactitian. What was happening here?*

VENIN:
friendly? *laughter rings from her lips at the question* definatley, yes...I am finally free *she shakes her head, chuckling as she looks around at her old friends, old firends/enemies watching her warily, all on guard...some looking over their shoulders, waiting for other runners to appear* I understand your hesitance, I betrayed you...believe me, it was not my choice

*This starts another ripple among the gathered... bodies press in, everyone knows this is an epoch, and certainly a revelation would be offered this night. Venin, the infamous RUNner, daughter of Old Scratch... prodigal? Finally returning? Did she say she was free now? Scratch raises a hand and all fall silent. He asks the question on their minds, each one burning with barely contained curiosity... some with spite and disbelief... some with vengeance, she'd caused so many hardships, others merely excited for having laid eyes on this legend, who seemed more like a malicious spirit, a ghost, than a real flesh and blood woman, not from the stories they'd heard...* You've caused... great difficulty over the years, Yvette. Betrayed, yes, and more. Explain yourself. What do you mean it wasn't your choice?

VENIN:
*a sigh leaves her body as she once more looks around at the crowd as they push in nearer* I knew this wouldn't be easy *she looks once more at her father* I managed to break the barriers which they set...their Psis are good, but obviously not infallible ..*she looks once more around at the crowd, almost hoping he get the idea..that anyone could be a spy* they are very good...*she stands at attention before him, suddnely all business* I can give you a complete report sir

SCRATCH:
Indeed they must be... *he gives her a strange look... her shields.... but even those could be compromised under very special circumstances. Heads bob in agreement... it was true. That's why the new Shielding program was going into effect, a long over-due manditory installation of Psi shields, implimented by Rikky, meaning anyone below the caliber of the most powerful (e.g., Indigo, Ei-Que, Rikky or, heaven forbid, Aerik) would not be able to breech them. ANd that should take care of that. Scratch raises both brows high, takes a breath* Yes, I want a full report. I also want, if you don't mind, a scan. If you'd lower your shields for Psibernary....

VENIN:
*she pales slightly as he mentions the scan...she knew that was coming.she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath preparing herself.....and yet she hoped.....the one thing that will never change is her hatred, her fear of Psis in her head...and now, now she has more reason than ever to hate it....nervously she licks her lips as she looks at the currounding crowds* Yes sir..do it now, clear all doubts*the words almost a whisper as they pass her lips...she steels herself and nods as she lowers her shields...her claws unconciously embedding themselves within the flesh of her hand, drawing blood as she waits for this ordeal to end*

SCRATCH:
*Scratch understands the sacrifice... he knows how much she hates Psis, and can't blame her. While he doesn't have shields he can lower, so he's always safe, he knows all too well how much she, and so many others, despise Psis. With very good cause. He nods and flicks his eyes at Stockpile and Warpole. Both stare at him a moment, and then trot off, slip inside the complex, and after a few minutes of what must certainly torture for Venin, they re-emerge. Not standard practice to remove the Psibernary, after all. They carry her out in her throne, if it oculd be called that, an electronic dias designed to keep her organic parts alive and her cybernetic funtioning smoothly. Limbs are not atrophied only due to the electronic impulses the pulse thru her muscles and physical therapy she receives. Cruel? Not really, she volunteered for this. The Psibernary (Um, fix the previous spelling please?)doesn't blink, her eyes kept moist thru willpower and, barring that, gentle jets of saline solution misted into her white eyes. She seems fairly young, bald and hooked up to mecahnical devices, probes, electrodes.... once they figured the new technopath out, he'd be trained to interface with her for optimum performance... but she was stately, despite it all, perched like a queen, doted over, pampered as much as one like her could be. Her function was terribly important, and since Shred had died, anyone taking up this title whas had huge shoes to fill. She was doing very nicely. No Jesse or Kelsin, certainly no Aerik, but she did well enough, especially with the new electronic boosts. Scratch motions towards Yvette as the men set the throne of chrome and gold plated wires down* Psibernary, if you'd be so kind as to scan my daughter... is she telling the truth? *Without altering position or expression in any way, the cybernetic psionic does as bidden... she probes.... and finds...* == She speaks the truth. She is free. She had no choice but to betray, for she was used as a puppet == *brows raise... mutters thru the throng. Scratch sighs and smiles faintly* Welcome home, daughter.

VENIN:
*With a sigh of relief she once more raises up her shields, blood pours from her hands as she unclenches them, the nails pulling from her skin. A few muscles spasm as the tension leaves ehr body, tension even she didn't know she felt up until that moment....a grin of satisfaction crosses her face as she once more looks at the crowds around her and then back towards her father* thank you..father *she steps forwards as if to shake his hand, then at the last second she seems to change her mind and pulls him into a quick embrace..then she steps back, as if embarrassed at such a display* Its nice to be back

*Pole and Stockpile, on direction, cart the Psibernary back into the complex... she wasn't light, it took two Cyhunters to carry her. Scratch seems satisfied, a smile baring his teeth just a tiny amount. He can smell her blood, sense her tension, but she's a big girl, she deals with thing differently, and she'd be okay. He understands her tension as well. The crowd seems appeased by the answer and a new mutter crosses thru them... damn RUNners, to do such a thing, mess with heads and loyalties. Too much power, all Psi's should be locked away... shot on sight... Scratch grins broader after a moment and reaches out his hand to meet hers, as it seems she's about to shake his...* My pleasure. Now about that repor-- *he cut off as she doesn't take his hand, but embraces him instead. It totally catches him off guard, and his eyes widen to huge proportions. He freezes, his expression one of comical bemusement. He's so shocked, he doesn't react, doesn't hug back until he realizes what's going on and by the time he has the presence of mind to return the embrace, she's pulled back. His expression remains visible for her to see for a second. Then he blinks himself out of it, lowers his hand, and stammers. Certainly, the proffered handshake had been a surprise to him to begin with, but this...* Well, you're... well... it's... that is, we're all very happy to have you here.... *those who know of their history, that awful forced stake driven between them by the evil RUNners, those jerks, sigh happily at what appears to be a reunion and perhaps reconcilliation. Scratch himself is certainly pleased, and... is that.... that a blush? Surely not...*

VENIN:
*A feral smile crosses her face as she listens to the murmurs of the crowds...she agrees fully, destroy the Psis..but that is something she will keep to herself, at least for a while, until her personal vendetta has been dealt with...a vicious light enters her eyes as envisions the destruction of Aerik, she owes him much......She catches his expression and the stammered surprise, but no reaction to them cross her face...instead she merely nods in acknowledgement of his statement.....while she pulls out a pack of smokes and lights one....one of the many obvious changes in her, but what of the not so obvious?* And the report sir?

SCRATCH:
*he regains composure very quickly, impressively so. He hasn't been hugged by his daughter in... perhaps 21 years. He never expected to be... and doubts it will happen again. No matter. He's happy to have received that much* Alright folks, show's over. Back to yer posts. *his grammar and stance become more casual now that he's relaxed, not on edge, not /leading/ before the troops. Someone in the back stammers out a bad Porky Pig impression and the crowd chuckles, dispersing. Scratch grins and turns back to his daughter, notes the cigarette, and frowns deeply* What? No offer for yer old man? *But he does wonder... what had been changed? WHat hadn't he... WHO hadn't he known all these years? It bothered him... the woman he thought was his daughter was someone else* Yes, the report. *he nods and spins on his heel, walking back towards the complex, expecting her to follow, talk as they go* A full one, now.

VENIN:
*she glances a the dispersing crowds, a few still watching her warily...certain it is some sort of RUNner trick...after all, hadn't she just been broken out?........her attention turns back towards her father as he speaks and she shrugs, while she holds the pack towards him* didn't know you smoked *she turns in his path following, her long legged stride quickly catching up* where would you liek it to start.... my defection or my realization?

SCRATCH:
*Scratch shrugs taking a cigarette with a gracious nod* Yeah, could say the same as you. Figured, what the hell? Healing factor would take care of cancer, right? Least I think so... don't have much else to spend my money on. Oh, finally saved up enough to buy you that pony you've always wanted... *he chuckles and lights his smoke, inhaling deeply, ignoring the rest and looking back down at her, eyes intent* Thanks. Both. I mean, you just broke out, Yvette. People were hurt and killed, then you waltz back in... mind tampered with. I wanna know everything

VENIN:
*she shrugs* sounds as good as any excuse I've heard yet *she follows along at his side, her pace matching his stride for stride...not even a grin matches his attempt at humor* I had plenty of those, Northern Alberta, Canada, in case you didn't find it *emotionlessly she rattels off the coordinates, revealing the place she had held dear for so long, had guarded against discovery...she doesn't know for sure if GUARD had ever discovered it, but now they definately know* I think that helped, somehow, being stuck down there for so long...I think somehow that is when everything started to fall into place...perhaps the fact that I was bordering on insane broke some sort of block, or weakened it enough that it eventually broke

SCRATCH:
*He blinks down at her, inhaling smoke and releasing it, listening. Quietly he interjects* It was a joke, son, a joke. *half-hearted, FogHorn Leghorn impression to compliment the Porky Pig one. Had her humor dissipated too?* Yeah, we'd found it some time ago. Fine looking animals you had there. *he nods to the rest* Possible. Wouldn't be the first time. Who ya guess did this to you? And WHY? How long it been going on? *when did I stop knowing you as YOU?* Tell me everything... *he repeats, encouraging her*

VENIN:
*she arches a brow at his impression,* I know *the words almost a dead pan to his joke* good, thanks *she easily skims over the topic of the animals* find anyone? *She stops dead in her tracks, that deadly feral grin once more crossing her face* oh yes, I know....I definaltey know *the words filed with malice and the cold promise of death..* He did it for revenge, for a game....its his style...last I had heard he had wiped all files and memories...Aerik Winters codename Eclipse...a deadly Psi in a demonic body..*she shakes her head and once more continues on her way* I'm not sure, years I'm guessing....*she taps her forehead* there is a lot up here, perahaps my defection wasn't all that bad *a pleased smile crosses her lips* it may mean the end of the RUNners....I know much they wouldnt' want revealed

SCRATCH:
Tough crowd... *he mutters it under his breath, brows raising. Sheesh. But when she stops in her tracks, so does he, blinking down at her, listening, eyes narrowed. The grin was almost frightening* ....Eclipse.... *so soon after his meeting with the Highlord, he'd heard enough of this fellow. He frowns tho* But he's... well, he hasn't been around for some time. By the way, read his updated file, you might be surprised to see what's in there. *then he hears the rest and nods* Ahhhh.... years ago. *he shakes his head* I don't get it. Yeah, it fits his modus oporendi, but.... *he snorts* I don't think the RUNners would like that... *a grin, a broad one* Kind of one big undercover sting operation? Like a mole... Maybe this Aerik did us a favor then....

VENIN:
*her hearing easily picks up his murmured comment but he gets no reaction....she sneers and shakes her head* thats what he wants you to think *she raises a surprised eyebrow* You have managed to track him? get some information? *she is almost eager for any information on him..this is her goal, her ambition..she chuckles* not many RUNner like him, and he tends to do things on his own, for his own goals....with no regard for the others *once more that feral grin crosses her face* maybe he did, maybe

SCRATCH:
Get information? *his brows raise and he chuckles* oh yeah... you could say that. No, we didn't track him, dunno where he is, but we managed to learn some REAL interestin' things... like what you just said. We know. Seems only Ei-Que really ever liked him... and Sai, but that's over now. Sai's taken an extreme dislike to him now, but Jesse... *he mentions the name twice, watches for reaction, just to see... flicking the ashes off his smoke, he tosses it on the ground, stomps it out as he walks over it*

VENIN:
*She takes a long drag off of her smoke before crushing it out between her fingers, then flicks it off into the grass then shrugs* I don't know what exactly was with that, maybe he got to her too. I just know they were awfully close there for a while. I'll put everything I remember between them in my written report. *once more she pulls out the pack, offering it over to him before taking one for herself, then almost casually she slips in the one question plaguing her mind* So….what is going to be done with me? *She takes a drag from the smoke* I mean there is bound to be resentment, and anger…*an almost wry smile creases her lips* I've killed our men. Death and injury is part of the package, but how many expect to it from their own?

SCRATCH:
*A bit surprised she lights up again so quickly, Scratch nevertheless takes the offered cigarette, walking with it unlit, gripped bewteen his lips, talking around the butt end* Thanks. *he never was one to refuse a free smoke, and nods as she speaks of Jesse and Aerik. Scratch's eyes narrow, squinting into the afternoon sun, thumbs casually and loosely hooked into the pockets of his jeans* Close? I'd say they were close. *he snorts and peers out of the corners of his eye at her* You even know the whole story? *he shakes his head* You need to read that report, then. He got into her head all right, and a lot more... Good, good. We need all the information we can get on that one, the little bastard. *he grins slightly, retrieves his lighter from the front pocket of his shirt, and sets the cigarette alight. She asks her question, and for some time he's just quiet... inhales... exhales... looks up into the beautiful depthless blue of the sky, the scutting clouds in their mackerel patterns... and finally answers a few minutes later*...I don't know, not exactly. MOst likely, you'll be reinstated, maybe at a lower rank for awhile, as a precaution, but as a Hunter. Your information is just too valuable. Our Psibernary says yer clean... a statement will be issued... an update. But its up to the Big Guy, as you well know. That yer here talking and walking with me means something already. He believes you and your sincerity, otherwise it'd have never been so easy to get back in here and still be alive. Things have changed you know, and I doubt you'll have the clearance to access even half the knowledge, but... you understand, right? *he peeks down at her, through those tight eyes* You were messed up. Yer head wasn't yer own. Hopefully, people will overlook that. At least, they'll be TOLD to... and of course, you'll go back into training, just so we know where yer at right now.

VENIN:
I had my suspicions, but I never really wanted to know *A brief, almost imperceptible shiver runs through her* I couldn't stand him, let alone the idea of anything going on between them. *she stops and looks at him, one thumb slung loosely through a belt loop, her own posture almost an unconscious mirror of his own* How'd you manage to gather all this? *a slight smile crosses her lips* And all that time we were positive we had totally managed to avoid detection, guess we weren't as good as we thought *She takes a long deep drag from the smoke then sighs* I expected as much....as for the training, I'm almost looking forward to it...*her eyes take on a cold glint as she pictures her prey..but to get Aerik, she needs to study him, study long and hard*..The sooner I get training done, the quicker I can get in the field. *Port nods briefly at Scratch as he passes by, then his eyes widen slightly as he recognizes Venin, his jaw dropping in silent shock. Hermes, the veteran at his side roughly shoves him forward, urging him to continue on. Once he is a distance of he whispers to his companion* But I just read her file isn't she…. * an almost bone breaking grip stops him....Hermes glances back over his shoulder then glares at Port, knowing full well that both Scratch and Venin can easily pick up their quiet whispers* Jist forgit eet fer naw..if itz sumtin' ya need ta know ya'll be told *amusement crosses her face and she shakes her head* I'll be getting a lot of that for a while *she takes another long drag, the ember burning down to the filter…she exhales and smoke circles her head in a lazy whirl as she crushes the remaining life from the butt*

SCRATCH:
*Scratch chuckles, nodding, taking a deep drag of his cigarette* Yeah, well, NO one likes him but her, it seems. And maybe his lover... *Ian makes a small face* But I dunno if its for his... /needs/ or actual affection. *he realizes he's all but speaking a foreign language to her now and he grins* Sorry. Just read that file. We have huge amounts of info on 'im now. You'd be amazed. *he pauses, eyes narrowing unconsciously against a smoke tendril and the sunlight. In the distance, he sees two Hunters approaching. Soon enough, they'll recognize his daughter, or they SHOULD... he smiles to himself* We have a great new intelligence-gathering device. *again, he chuckles at his description of Rikky. It doesn't really cross his mind that Rikky is Aerik's identical twin.... Rikky was most obviously not Aerik, and a good kid* I'll tell ya more once I get clearance for it. Not sure what yer code would be at this point. *he slides his gaze over to her face, and smiles broadly* LIke I said, we have a GREAT intelligence-gathering device... and more than one. We have our fingers in thousands of pies at once. YOu shoulda guessed we woulda advanced more quickly than any RUNner could keep up with. We have more resources and we don't need to sneak. *Port and Hermes walk by, Port with wide eyes and wider mouth. Ian breathes a laugh, flicking his cigarette butt away* Yeah, you'll get that for awhile... *he's amused as well, but can't blame hem. He was still in slight shock, too. Word would get around fast, tho, and probably just raise more questions... a memo would have to be sent out...* We'll get you back into training STAT, Yvette. Tonight, if you like. Should see our new WreckRoom... it's absolutely amazing.

VENIN:
Sounds like a good one. I have only vaguely heard about his boyfriends...Nick? Nikky?...somethign like that...*Her eyes light up with a fain amusement* no sneaking? got a few moles in there eh? *a light chuckles leaves her lips* should have known *Her hand reaches for the pack of smokes, then pauses part way up and drops once more to her side* really? *S* maybe I should see it then

SCRATCH:
*Scratch just grins, says very little* We don't know his name, you just found it out for us. Apparently, Aerik never mentioned the name, just the fact. Jesse might have learned it tho... *Scratch doesn't know* HIs scent spectrum is onfile, of course. *he just winks at the mole comment, saying nothing. She wasn't totally right and she wasn't totally wrong... again, he nods* You /should/ look at it. SOoner the better. And get in some training too. I have a few things to check on, but I'll hunt you down later, we can talk more then. Sound okay?

VENIN:
So I am of some use still, your source isn't infallible *she nods* Very well, I will...and I'll get some training in *she looks around at the new base* same layout as the old one? same location?

SCRATCH:
*Scratch smiles softly* You were always of use to us, and you know it. *he casts his eyes towards the complex and shakes his head* No, they went all out this time. Take this... *from his breastpocket he withdraws a folded map for the compound* Everyone's gonna be using these for awhile... we even have a safety feature you wouldn't believe. Anyone tried a breakin, and the /entire inside/ of the building with change. Alter. Like the Batcave turned inside out, but moreso. Its wild. *he shakes his head. It was quite a safety feature for thid kind of place to have... and made the maps worthless*

VENIN:
Not for the last few years I wasn't *she accepts the map and carefully unfolds it, examining it, memorizing details...she whistles appreciatively* I can see there is some nice stuff here *she looks back up at hi almost apologeticaly* no way anyone could break into here *...or destroy it....the unpoken words hanging in the air..after all she was one of the primary reasons for the rebuild, shehad provided key details, that had led to the downfal of the american base....her finger lands on the Wreck room and she traces a path back towards the current location * got it *she folds the map back up and offers it back* Might as well start somewhere and the Wreck room is as good as any, maybe better

SCRATCH:
*Yes, she'd played a huge part in the why's of the new complex, but it was long overdue anyway. The map didn't even hold half of what had been done. There were so many tiny details no one would expect... he holds up a hand to the map, refusing it* Keep it, i'll get another one. YOu might actually need it sometime. You'll appreciate the new base more once you get into it. Like I said, amazing. *he nods at her, smiles, and starts off in a new direction* I'll do my errands and catch up with you later. Maybe we can even have a spar... *he grins back wickedly at her, over his shoulder* See ya soon... *then he's around a corner and gone, leaving his daughter to her own devices*

VENIN:
okay, thanks *She glances down at the map in her hand then stows it away in a jacket pocket* I wouldn't doubt it *she looks around once more* it might be different, but its still good to be home *She watches him turn and depart then she hersefl turns and heads in the direction of the Wreck.or at least the one indicated on the map...she wouldn't put it past GUARD to purposely put a few turns int he map just to confuse an outsider who might get a hold of it...she passes several people in the hallway, sneering at the few who simply stare and gawk....she stops before a large door* hmm, seems the map was right, bet I'll have some probs with the techie though...*with a sigh she pushes the door open, her eyes roaming over everything and everyoen in the control room*

RIKKY:
*Rikky isn't in the immediate room, he's off in a smaller side room which served as a kind of work out room when the weights were occupied and the rest of the eqipment used... or someone wanted to work out a bit more private, engage in something outside the norm. Rikky himself was practicing his kata, for his graduation to his next belt andhe refused to glean the information for it, learning it instead. He was doing very well, and would reach his blackbelt in three years if not sooner. He had several other manditory disciplines to learn as well. No GUARD learned only one, save maybe Rika, who learned /none/. He's alone in there now, quiet, just going through his moves... though someone like Venin could hear him easily enough, as he can hear her enter, and he knows her scent, but it hasn't reached him yet. And he's off in his own thoughts, not paying attention, focused on his actions...*