Bitter Aftermath - Marvel: Earth-USB Saga (Part 15)

[rufusluciusivan]

The saga now comes with a characters description: viewtopic.php?t=10048

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Bitter Aftermath

**************

Trapstr glanced at the unconscious Black Cat and her red-haired accomplice. (Whom she didn’t recognize. Why would Black Cat team up with a nobody? she wondered.)

“You sure it’s wise to leave these two here?”

Taylor wasn’t listening. She was trying to tend to Sarah. First, she removed the enhancer, but it wasn’t enough. The blonde was spasming and sobbing, and it didn’t seem she was going to stop any time soon. Ultimately, the black-haired woman opted to inject the empath with a sleeping drug to ease her pain.

Sarah relaxed and went still, now deeply asleep.

“Sparks!” Trapstr insisted.

“Kelly will never agree to work with Black Cat.” Taylor retorted.

“But still…”

Though Trapstr was mostly arguing for form’s sake. While the criminal tech expert was no paragon of virtue, she wasn’t a stone cold killer either.

“They can’t tell him anything he won’t already find through some research.” Taylor added. “Some of the other women got a look at my face anyway.”

She lifted Sarah’s unconscious body, and used a firearm carry to transport her. She looked Trapstr in the eyes.

“Trust me, Michelle. I killed more people in my life than you ever will. After a while, you grow tired of it. I prefer to save executions for when it’s indispensable.”

Trapstr didn’t attempt to argue further. She and Taylor regrouped in the stairs with Charlotte, Screwball, and Jenna.

The shape-shifter was looking incredibly smug. Since Screwball had been humiliated and was currently only clad in her undergarments, it was a given.

Taylor groaned in annoyance after glancing at Screwball’s and Jenna’s underwear-clad bodies. “Why didn’t you put on the clothes your muggers left behind?”

“They hid them! We didn’t have the time-”

“No excuses. Follow us, and stay out of sight. I’ll think of something.”

“Can’t we take their clothes?” Jenna proposed, pointing at the distant figures of Black Cat and her teammate.

“If they’re found clad in stolen staff uniforms, they’ll maybe mistake us for our accomplices.” Taylor explained. “Besides, their uniforms are bugged with GPS tracking systems, and we’re too exposed on the roof. We need to flee before they secure the area.”

“You can’t exactly be discreet with Nudge on your shoulders…” Trapstr remarked.

“The crowd almost rioted. Will anyone bat an eye at someone carrying a wounded woman?” Taylor retorted. She then explained her plan: “Our disguises aren’t compromised yet. Nudge and I look like painters. Trapstr and Blender look like snipers of the security detail. The only two who found out we’re fakes won’t wake up before a couple of hours. For now, police doesn’t know for sure there was an assassination attempt. From an outsider’s perspective, it just looks like the crowd lost control and there was a riot. Therefore they won’t search for terrorists at first – they will begin by securing the premises and calm down the crowd. The security detail will first escort Kelly to a safe place. We must find a way to leave before they start searching the building-”

Screwball cleared her throat.

“- and find you two new clothes.”

**************

Police and paramedics were swarming the area of the rally. Plenty of people had been wounded when the crowd had lost control, but thankfully the stampede had stopped before. Paramedics were carrying them away, while police officers were containing and dispersing the scared civilians to prevent a second stampede.

Nobody could explain why the crowd had suddenly begun rioting – nor why the stampede had stopped as abruptly as it had started. Police would investigate later, once the crowd was dispersed. Robert Kelly was being escorted to a safe location by Silver Sable herself and his security detail.

Ruby and Gladys were part of the numerous paramedics sent to tend to the wounded. They parked their ambulance in the backyard of the main building.

They had received a message. Two snipers of Kelly’s team had signaled a wounded woman. No police officer was required, there were no other civilians to help contain. They said they were securing the area themselves.

The paramedics exited the ambulance. They were wearing white button up short-sleeved paramedic uniform shirts over white tank-tops, black belts, black trousers, and grey sneakers.

“They should be here.” Ruby commented.

She was a light-skinned tall Caucasian woman with blond hair, a white skin, and green eyes whose haircut was a short low ponytail. The tip of her ponytail was dyed red.

Gladys wore glasses, had a dark skin, black hair, and golden brown eyes. Her haircut was a neck bun.

She shook her head sadly. “What a mess… I wonder what caused such as riot…”

“Me too. I knew Kelly was a divisive figure, but I didn’t think it’d escalate like that… You think there’s something else?”

Gladys watched around her. “One thing at a time. First, we evacuate the wounded. Then police can investigate the area later.”

The two paramedics were suddenly called by a group of women in the backyard, who were exiting the building.

“Please! She’s here!”

A black-haired woman dressed as a painter was carrying a blond colleague of hers, who looked unconscious, and was escorted by two snipers of the security detail.

“My friend is hurt!”

“We’re coming.”

Ruby and Gladys deployed a gurney, grabbed their medical kit in the ambulance, and regrouped with the wounded woman and her escort. However, they didn’t realize that, by doing so, the frame of the ambulance also concealed their presence.

With the help of the black-haired painter, they laid the unconscious blonde on the gurney.

“Good firearm carry.” Ruby commented, as she figured out a sincere compliment would help calm the woman’s down.

The black-haired woman nodded. “I attended to first aid classes.”

Gladys checked the blonde’s vitals while Ruby bent forward to rummage through the medical kit.

“Don’t worry.” the blond paramedic told. “Your friend is in good hands.”

Without any warning, the black-haired painter suddenly hit the back of Gladys’ neck with her hand, knocking her out. At the same time, the sniper with sunglasses hand-gagged Ruby, and dispatched her with a stun gun jolt to the neck.

The two paramedics were out cold before they could even register the betrayal

**************

“Usually, people quip when the girls leave them an opening…” Trapstr remarked as she laid Ruby onto the ground.

“Quips are a waste of time, except when they’re used as a distraction.” Taylor retorted while doing the same with Gladys. “Take off their clothes.” she instructed Trapstr and Charlotte.

The duo of fake snipers got down to work, and began by unbuttoning the white short-sleeved paramedic shirts.

At the same time, Taylor motioned to Screwball and Jenna to leave their hiding spot. The two underwear-clad women carefully complied.

Charlotte and Trapstr pulled off the paramedics’ sneakers, socks, and trousers.

Taylor pointed at the discarded clothes. “Put their uniforms on. We leave with their ambulance.”

Once Trapstr and Charlotte were done with the stripping, Ruby was left wearing a green t-shirt bra with white edges and shoulder straps and matching green hip-hugging panties with a white waistband strap, and Gladys was clad in fuchsia tanga panties with a black waistband strap and a burgundy bralette with white lace.

Screwball and Jenna slipped into the paramedic uniforms while their two accomplices restrained the unconscious women.

Ruby and Gladys were bound and gagged with gauze and medical tape. The hands were taped and bound behind the back. Several layers of tape and some gauze were wrapped around the calves. Each woman’s mouth was stuffed with gauze, and her lips were sealed off with tape.

Since the backyard’s dumpster was at their disposal, Taylor and her team stashed the two trussed up paramedics inside. They were satisfied to see the two guards of the security detail already locked inside were still deeply asleep thanks to the sleeping drug.

Jenna and Screwball adjusted their stolen uniforms. “We’re ready to make our grand exit!” the blonde commented.

The two fake paramedics pushed the gurney carrying Sarah and, following Taylor’s instructions, loaded it inside the ambulance’s back. Taylor, Trapstr, and Charlotte climbed in the back with Sarah, while Jenna and Screwball drove off. They turned the lights and siren on to make sure nobody would stop their vehicle.

In the rearview mirror, they briefly noticed that a group of mercenaries working for Silver Sable were entering the backyard to search the area. Then, the building was out of view.

“Just in time.” Jenna commented.

Screwball grinned. “I hope Black Cat and that red-haired nobody have tons of fun in prison!”

**************

Bright light.

Felicia woke up on a chair, her hands cuffed behind her back.

“Finally.” a female voice commented.

Black Cat winced. She knew that voice.

The cat burglar shook her head to regain her senses. In spite of her slim appearance, she had a robust constitution. She recovered fast.

However, she knew it was best to pretend she was still weakened.

Therefore, Felicia made a show of groaning slurrily, and slowly opening her eyes. She acted as if she had a huge migraine, and the light was hurting her.

The cat burglar first realized she had been stripped off her stolen mercenary gear.

At least, her jailers had been considerate to dress her up with a long baggy white t-shirt that reached down to her thighs. Therefore her undergarments weren’t in full display…

A tall slim white-skinned woman was glaring at Felicia. She had long platinum blond hair and piercing blue eyes, which had the cold glimmer of steel She was clad in a shining metal grey full-bodysuit, which was armored and with a protective Kevlar lining. An equipment belt with several weapons was tied around her waist. Looking at her felt a bit weird for Black Cat. It was almost like looking at a deforming mirror – the two women were a bit similar physically, but couldn’t have chosen different paths. One was a rule-abiding mercenary, the other a free-spirited thief.

“Silver Sable… Long time no see…” Felicia lied.

One of the many people on her ‘to avoid list’ – especially after she had stolen her outfit and underwear during the Oscorp Heist, leaving her to be found stark naked.

Though hopefully the mercenary was mistakenly thinking Taylor and her team were responsible of her humiliation…

There’s no way she could know I was here, right? Either way, better not mention that part...

Felicia looked around her. She was being kept in a small room with bare white walls, no window, and only one table and two chairs. However, she quickly deduced she wasn’t in a police station. Most likely, she was being detained either in one of Robert Kelly’s campaign HQs or some building belonging to Silver Sable Security.

The mercenary was unmoved by Felicia’s friendliness.

But at least, she doesn’t seem aware I’m the one who ridiculed her. Good. Felicia thought to herself.

“Mr. Kelly has questions. And you will give me the answers if you know what’s good for you.” the mercenary commented dryly.

“I’m quite sure what you’re doing is highly illegal.” Felicia retorted.

“Somebody attempted on the life a presidential candidate. Mr. Kelly gave me free reign to find out who. You were here. You and your partner mugged two students, and two women of his staff. It can’t be a coincidence.”

“Oh? So you already know we didn’t mug your mercenaries?” Felicia remarked.

Silver Sable frowned.

Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned that… If I’m too insightful, she’ll understand I’ve fully recovered already. Black Cat thought to herself.

“We indeed know other women were involved.” Silver Sable admitted. “Accomplices of yours? Coincidence? Or were they rivals you tried to put down?”

“And what do I get if I play along?” Felicia retorted. “You hand me over to the police? Kelly gets to use me as a bargaining chip with SHIELD or the Spider Team?”

Silver Sable remained silent, but Felicia easily deduced one of her assumptions was correct.

“If you want my answers, I want a fair deal first.” she concluded.

The mercenary shook her head. “My orders are crystal clear. Mr. Kelly doesn’t want to cut deals with vigilantes and criminals-”

“I prefer ‘anti-heroine’.” Felicia interrupted.

The other woman rolled her eyes. “-with your kind.”

“Ouch!” Black Cat pretended to be hurt. “Come on! This was for a good cause! Aren’t you part of the Goody-two-shoes?”

The mercenary leader glared at her with undisguised annoyance. “I may help Spider-Man and his friends on occasions, but I have a contract with Robert Kelly. My word is my bond.”

Felicia huffed. I hate honor-bound mercenaries. They are always so psychorigid when it comes to their code…

...

Well, I tried being nice.

“And what about my partner?”

“The redhead? She’s here too.”

“She’s just a dense heroine wannabe. I manipulated her into helping me. You better release her. She doesn’t know anything. In fact, she can barely walk and chew gum at the same time...”

“That’s not up to me to decide. Now, we’ll start from the beginning-”

Silver Sable’s cellphone suddenly rang.

She sighed, picked it up, and barked an annoyed:“What?”

Felicia couldn’t hear the answer, but judging by Silver Sable’s grimace, it wasn’t pleasant news.

“Tell him I’m coming.” The mercenary leader hung up. “Mr. Kelly wants to speak to me. There is a lead on the other women. Paramedic apparently. When I come back, I hope you’ll have come to your senses.”

“I wouldn’t count on it.”

Silver Sable exited the room and locked the door.

**************

Of course, Felicia immediately started to pick her handcuffs the moment she was alone.

On each of her palm, she was hiding a tiny lockpick under a strip of fake rubber skin. It was time to put them to good use…

Picking these quality handcuffs was quite a challenge, but not impossible for a cat burglar of her caliber. It would just take some time. Time that Felicia used to think of her current situation.

It was clear Taylor and her team had set up MJ and her to take the fall. Depending on how obtuse Kelly was, it could even work…

I swear this is the last time Team Nuisance gets the drop on me! Having them arrested was MY idea! How dare they steal MY ideas!

Though what was done was done. Getting angry wouldn’t help her get out of this situation.

The question was… Would she try to cooperate and cut a deal with Kelly? Or would she cut her losses and flee?

Cutting a deal would be the easy solution. Felicia knew how negotiations worked. Both sides always asked more than what they truly wanted to see how far they could go, then backed down to reach a compromise. In spite of Silver Sable’s protests, the cat burglar suspected Kelly was pragmatic enough to cut a deal with a criminal.

However, Felicia didn’t like the idea of being at Robert Kelly’s mercy. She conceded the man was an honest politician – well, as honest as a politician could be. But she knew he would use her in his power plays with SHIELD. And, to be fair, she didn’t like how he took part in the smear campaign against Peter, Gwen, and Miles.

So an evasion it was. Hopefully, her good deed at the rally would be enough to sway Peter into convincing Nick Fury to wipe the slate clean…

The next question was how she’d escape. For now, she decided to bide her time, wait for Silver Sable or any other mercenary to enter… so that she could ‘borrow’ an outfit.

Felicia wasn’t afraid to come down to blows. Silver Sable had lose a good part of her aura of menace after she had seen her unconscious in her color-coded undies.

After quite some time (she couldn’t tell how much, there was no clock in the room – classic destabilizing maneuver), she heard someone unlock the door.

However, it wasn’t Silver Sable. It was one of her mercenaries.

Felicia resisted the urge to smile. Did they HAVE to make things so easy?

Silver Sable Security was maybe held in high esteem by many women, but it was clear they had become complacent after scoring many successes against small fries. Their failure to stop Taylor’s team, and the way they were now clearly underestimating a mistress of escape like Black Cat, were key proofs they needed to be humbled...

The mercenary was wearing the tactical gear of Silver Sable Security: black combat shoes, silver grey uniform trousers, a black weapon belt, grey fingerless gloves, a white shirt, a silver grey uniform jacket, and a black equipment belt to carry her gun, walkie talkie, zip-ties, knife, and various other tools. Even though she was inside a friendly building, she was still wearing her SWAT-like dark grey helmet.

The mercenary was tall and athletic-looking, with black hair, a white skin, brown eyes, and a tomboyish-looking side-swept layered pixie cut.

“I need one hour alone with her.” she instructed an other guard in the corridor.

“Roger that. I’ll take a break. Then, I’ll pay a visit to the redhead…”

Felicia resisted the urge to sight. Did they have to make things so easy? Of course, she didn’t mind an easy victory – better win without peril than lose after all. But still. She had her pride.

The mercenary smiled and closed the door. She glared at the captive.

“So… Finally alone together… Remember me?”

Felicia raised an eyebrow. “Should I?”

“You mugged me for my uniform!”

There was a beat.

“Do you have the slightest idea how little that narrows it down?” Black Cat finally commented.

“Paulina Wilkerson! The Bastet Statue Heist! One year ago!”

“Doesn’t ring a bell. Must have been during some off-screen adventures.” Felicia winked.

Her taunts were beginning to work. Now, if only this mercenary could get closer...

“You know what? I don’t care if you remember or not.” Paulina cracked her knuckles. “I only care that you pay for it.”

“I don’t think your boss will like that.”

The mercenary approached her prisoner menacingly. “She doesn’t have to know. I’ll tell her you tried to escape. Won’t be hard to sell that lie…”

Paulina balled up a fist.

“The room is soundproof. Boss is busy with Kelly. My partner is officially on a break. We have one hour to ourselves. I think I’ll start with the face. You must be pretty proud of that face… Bet you have a lot of success with men… Wonder if you’ll still be pretty with a broken nose…”

Felicia chuckled.

Paulina was taken aback. She was expecting her victim to beg for mercy. “Why are you laughing?”

“You know my handcuffs?”

“What about them?”

Felicia showed the mercenary her wrists.

“I picked them.”

Paulina gasped.

Felicia jumped over the table, and pounced on her. The two women rolled onto the floor.

The room was indeed soundproof. Nobody heard Paulina’s calls for help, the grunts, or the punch noises.

**************

“Maybe you girls shouldn’t have given me that t-shirt…” Felicia commented to the unconscious Paulina.

She bent the mercenary face down over the interrogation room’s table, and spread her legs open. She tied each ankle to a table leg with a few strips of the discarded t-shirt. She used the handcuffs she had picked to bind the mercenary’s wrists behind her back. Finally, she stuffed the woman’s mouth and cleave-gagged her with a few more strips of t-shirt

Paulina was stripped down to her white lacy g-string, and white stick-on bra designed to look like swan wings.

“By the way, for someone who claimed she was mugged, you certainly haven’t learned your lesson. Always be careful about your choice of underwear on the job.” Felicia commented to the unconscious woman. The cat burglar then shrugged to herself. “Oh well, it’s your problem.”

The cat burglar slipped into the mercenary’s tactical gear, uniform, and thick shoes. She used the helmet to obscure her face and conceal her hair – thankfully for her, if Paulina was any indication, Silver Sable’s mercenaries kept their helmet on even in friendly buildings.

She went to the door.

“Strange… Can’t help but feel I’m forgetting something…” Felicia glanced thoughtfully at the defeated Paulina. Her eyes caught on the woman’s pixie cut. She slapped her helmeted forehead. “Oh right! MJ!”

**************

Luckily, the redhead was locked alone in a nearby room, handcuffed and seated on a chair. They were probably letting her stew in her worries. A classic tactic to make a suspect lose their nerves and talk.

MJ too was only clad in a long baggy t-shirt worn over her underwear. She raised her head when Felicia entered. Because of the helmet, she didn’t recognize Black Cat immediately.

“I’m innocent! You have to contact Ghost Spider and her friends! Or Nick Fury! They’ll vouch for me, I swear!”

Felicia smiled. “You heroine types really have no experience with law enforcement...”

“Oh. It’s you.” MJ didn’t hide her disappointment.

“Wow. I was expecting a bit more gratefulness. I came here to rescue you.”

The redhead glared daggers at her, as she was annoyed by her nonchalance. “I’m in this mess because of you!”

“True. And now I’m busting you out.”

There was a beat.

Mary-Jane frowned in utter incomprehension. “Why?”

The question was legitimate, since the two women spent most of their time sniping quips at each other.

Felicia shrugged. “Blame my bleeding heart. You’ve kinda grown on me.”

Of course, there was also the fact she didn’t want to burn bridges with Peter, Gwen, and Miles – who were most likely her last remaining allies on the good side of the law. And leaving MJ to her fate would be the surest way for that...

But Felicia preferred it that way. She preferred when her good deeds also had a practical reasoning – it was a perfect way to ignore she may have a good heart deep down inside.

She was very good at lying. Including to herself.

“Breaking out would worsen my case…” Mary-Jane objected.

“Red. You do realize they’re detaining you illegally. I wouldn’t trust them to respect your rights. Did they allow you a lawyer?”

“No.”

“Trust me. Silver Sable Security is lawful neutral, not lawful good. And Kelly has the money and connections to make sure police will turn a blind eye on whatever happens to us behind closed doors.”

“He can’t! He-”

Felicia heard someone grab the doorknob. She remembered the brief conversation she’d heard between Paulina and her colleague. Apparently, it was MJ’s turn on the grill.

“Wanna bet?”

She suddenly moved to the farthermost corner of the room. That way, she’d be hidden by the door and then in the newcomer’s blind spot.

A woman entered the room, and closed the door. Felicia was ready to neutralize her here and there if she turned and noticed her, but the woman’s attention was focused on MJ.

The newcomer was an other of Silver Sable’s mercenaries. She was wearing the same outfit, and she too kept her protective helmet even indoors. She was a black-haired brown-eyed Asian-American woman. Her hair were tied up into a tight low bun.

The mercenary gave her prisoner her best ‘evil predatory glare’ – Felicia thought she was hamming it up a bit too much, but the tactic was effective.

MJ decided to try her luck again. “I’m innocent! You have to contact Ghost Spider and her friends! Or Nick Fury! They’ll vouch for me, I swear!”

The mercenary paused, then chuckled. “Paulina was right. This one will be easy to break…”

The cat burglar rolled her eyes. The good old ‘bad cop shtick’.

The mercenary slammed her hands onto the table, making MJ wince. “Mister Kelly said police won’t mind in what state we give you to them after we’re done, as long as you’re still breathing.”

Mary-Jane gulped. Then, she saw Felicia was standing in the mercenary’s back. The platinum blonde was silent, but her facial expression just screamed ‘I told you so’. MJ couldn’t hide her exasperation.

The mercenary wrongfully took it as a sign of defiance directed against her.

“Oh. I see someone feels headstrong. Maybe hitting your face against the table a few times will soften you up?”

“No wait!”

The mercenary grinned wickedly and grabbed the back of MJ’s head.

Unfortunately for her, it also meant she was leaving an opening.

Felicia lunged at her, and locked the mercenary’s head and throat into a tight sleeperhold before the woman could register she was under attack. Her cries for help were smothered, and she only let out faint gurgles. Felicia kicked the Asian-American mercenary in the back of the knee to unbalance her when she let go of MJ and attempted to struggle out of the hold. The lack of oxygen quickly made her pass out. Felicia dropped the limp woman onto the table.

“Sorry. I had to step in. You would’ve broken a perfectly good table long before anything could get through that thick skull of hers.”

“Very funny. A million laughs.”

Felicia picked Mary-Jane’s handcuffs. After freeing herself, the cat burglar now knew how this specific model was designed. It didn’t take her long, all the more since her hands were free. “Take her uniform and helmet. We’re leaving.”

The redhead complied this time. With Felicia’s help, she stripped the Asian-American mercenary down to her deep blue thong with a frilly waistband strap and a matching lacy balcony bra.

“And an other girl who should have known better…” Felicia muttered to herself. “No wonder she and Paulina are friends...”

MJ chose to ignore the remark’s implications.

They seated the unconscious mercenary on the chair, and handcuffed her wrists behind her back. Mary-Jane used strips of her discarded t-shirt to bind the woman’s calves to the legs of the chair, and to gag her.

“Maybe they shouldn’t have given me that t-shirt…” the redhead commented as she began to put on the mercenary’s gear and uniform.

Felicia refrained from saying something.

**************

Sarah was in a stable state, still asleep and strapped onto the gurney. Charlotte and Trapstr were watching her.

Taylor was instructing Screwball and Jenna. She had them drive the ambulance across the city, to the parking of a stadium.

It was the very same stadium in which they had stolen the trophy after impersonating a bunch of cheerleaders.

“Why did you lead us here?” Jenna asked.

“We need to steal an other vehicle to cover our tracks. Nobody will question an ambulance being stationed near a stadium. They’ll assume we’re here in case there’s an emergency.”

The black-haired former black op exited the vehicle.

“Jenna, Screwball, you stay with Sarah. Trapstr, Charlotte, come with me.”

The parking was full of vehicles, but devoid of people. There was a competition going on – handball apparently. Everyone was inside.

However, luck decided to smile upon the fugitives.

In a corner of the parking, there were some minibuses. They were used by the players of the various teams. And, in front of one, there was a group of handball players.

They were dressed in dark green jerseys with white numbers on the back and in front, green sports shorts, black protective kneepads, long white sports socks, and green sports shoes.

The captain of the team was a 23-years old young woman with a slender build. She had a fair skin, brown eyes, and medium-length brown hair tied in a high-set ponytail. She also wore a red headband.

The Number 2 player was a tall leggy brunette with a dark skin and hazel eyes. Her hair were tied into a short ponytail.
The Number 3 player was a blonde girl with a white skin, light blue eyes, and a pixie cut.
The Number 4 player was a fair-skinned young woman of very slim figure build and below average height with straight black hair that had side bangs, a large forehead, light-blue eyes and a slender yet athletic physique. Her haircut was two pigtails.
The Number 5 player was a redhead with numerous freckles, green eyes, a white skin, and a crown braid.
The Number 6 player had a black skin, dark brown eyes, and frizzy hair.
The Number 7 player was brown-haired and green-eyed. Her haircut was a medium bun.
The Number 8 player was a black-skinned coarse-haired with cornrows tied into a bun.

“I can’t believe we were the first to be eliminated from the competition! What were you thinking, Jessie?” ‘Number 4’ complained.

“Is it my fault we only had one reserve player?!” the captain retorted.

‘Number 8’ shifted nervously on her feet.

“Eating seafood the day before the competition… What were they thinking?” ‘Number 3’ commented while shaking her head.

“Even then, we shouldn’t have been eliminated so quickly! We’re a league above all these losers!” ‘Number 4’ insisted.

“Oh, will just stop complaining! What’s done is done!” ‘Number 5’ exclaimed in annoyance.

Of course, the argument truly began after that.

Taylor pondered for a brief moment. She intended to merely steal a van. But at the same time, she didn’t mind having a quick change of clothes to confuse their eventual pursuers.

“These girls will be our tickets.” she decided.

“They’re eight…” Trapstr objected.

Taylor glanced at her. “It won’t be a problem.”

**************

Taylor approached her unsuspecting preys. She didn’t like using her powers, but this was an emergency. She certainly wouldn’t risk failure and arrest just to satisfy her pride.

The handball players didn’t pay attention to her. They were too busy arguing with each other.

Taylor briefly observed the group, planning the most efficient move to take them all out.

The players number 2 and 7 were standing aside from the main group. They didn’t want to get involved in the fight. They would be the first to go down.

Taylor struck. Using the full extent of her enhanced speed, she jumped right in-between the two handball players, and grabbed their necks. Her hands released electric jolts that knocked them out instantly. The two girls didn’t even have the time to realize they were attacked before they were out.

Taylor immediately rushed to her next target. As the two unconscious bodies were beginning to fall, she rushed to a third player – the Number 6 – and hit her neck with her electricity-infused hands. Knocked out instantly, the girl grunted. Her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed.

Taylor kept moving. Her steps were fast and graceful, like some sort of deadly dance.

When the first two players fell on top of each other, she jumped in-between the remaining girls.

The young women finally realized they were under attack. Too late.

Taylor punched ‘Number 4’ in the solar plexus, hit ‘Number 3’ in the cheek with the palm of her hand, and backhanded ‘Number 5’ in the face.

Such hits normally shouldn’t have been enough to knock them out, but Taylor’s hands were basically tazers at this point. A mere touch overloaded her victim’s senses, even through the clothes, and made their brains shut down.

The three girls fell entangled together.

Number 8’s reptilian mind finally processed the threat she was in. Reflexively, her body moved to run away. Taylor grabbed her shoulder, and released a powerful surge of electricity to knock her out.

The last girl – Jessie, the captain of the team – began to shout for help.

Her cry was muffled when Taylor clamped a hand over her mouth.

The girl’s eyes widened in fear.

One jolt of electricity knocked her out.

Taylor let the unconscious body fall on top of the other defeated players.

Trapstr stared at her, mouth agap. The whole scene had happened so fast, she had barely been able to follow it.

“That was… impressive… I think even Spider-Man would have trouble keeping up…”

Taylor was unmoved by the compliment. “There’s nothing impressive with that. I was just born with a cheat code.” she retorted bitterly. Then she looked at her two accomplices. “Load them into their van. I’ll grab some sedatives in the ambulance. Then we’ll drive them to a discreet place and take their clothes.”

**************

Twenty minutes later, Taylor’s team was climbing into the minibus, disguised as handball players. Taylor was dressed as the captain, the others were clad in outfits numbers 2 to 6.

Sarah was still deeply asleep – Taylor and Charlotte had to take off her painter outfit and dress her up in the handball player clothes. They placed the blonde on a seat, and fastened her belt.

The real team of handball players were left stashed in the back of the ambulance. Since there wasn’t a lot of room, the girls were huddled up together into a small pile.

They were bound with gauze and medical tape, as well as strips of the clothes previously worn by players number 7 and 8 which had been turned into makeshift ropes. The wrists were bound behind the back. The thighs and the legs were tied together. The upper-arms were also restrained. The girls were gagged with medical tape.

The handball players were all wearing similar-looking undergarments. (Apparently they were as much part of their sports equipment as the rest.) A comfortable green sports bra, and matching exercise boyshorts.

(When Charlotte opened her mouth to suggest they stole the undergarments to ‘perfect’ their disguise, Taylor dope-slapped the back of her head and she wisely kept her suggestion to herself.)

Taylor locked the ambulance, then sat behind the van’s wheel. It was time to regroup in their hideout.

The mission was a failure. Magneto would be disappointed.

**************

It turned out the building MJ and Felicia were detained in was indeed one of Kelly’s campaign headquarters.

It wasn’t New York’s main one though. This one was located in a quieter part of the city, in the suburbs. Apparently, Robert Kelly and Silver Sable thought it was better to illegally detain their prisoners far from the busy business district.

Luckily for the two fake mercenaries, there weren’t many people in the building. A good chunk of them were probably roaming the city, chasing after Taylor’s tail. And their boss was busy being chewed on by their employer. It was easy to escape the notice of the few people they came across.

Under the guise of members of Silver Sable Security, it was easy for the two escapees to pretend they were on an errand, and they climbed into a van belonging to the company.

Felicia drove them away, in the suburbs.

Once they were relatively safe, MJ exploded. “I can’t believe this is happening to me! Now I’m a criminal! Worst, a fugitive! My career is over! I’m finished! I can’t even return to my apartment! I have nothing on me! Not even money! Or my ID card! Or-”

Felicia was driving, but she still took the time to slap the back of the redhead’s skull.

“Ow! What was that for?”

“To calm you down. Now, take a deep breath, and think clearly. How many people got a good look at you? The two students? Their attention was focused on me. The guard and the technician? They barely had the time to figure out what happened – let alone see your face. Kelly’s mercenaries? They were holding you illegally, so they’ll have a hard time pressing charges without having to answer compromising questions – and if there’s one thing Kelly won’t want right now, it’s bad press. Silver Sable is thick as hell, but even she will eventually realize neither you nor I are the ‘terrorist type’ – and thus deduce that we’re the reason Kelly is still alive.”

“What are you insinuating?”

“My point is, you’ve done nothing SHIELD can’t fix yet. So follow my lead, and once we’re safe in my hideout, call Peter or Gwen so that they can explain everything to Nick Fury. One phone call of him, and Kelly will never bother you again.”

“That’s your argument? It’s no big deal because I can avoid repercussions?”

“Let me put it this way. What will be more beneficial to this city in the long run? You turning yourself in and being arrested for SAVING an entire crowd of innocents? Or you calling the Spider Team and telling them all you’ve discovered, then keeping on fighting the evil-doers?”

Mary-Jane crossed her arms and sulked. “You’re right…” she finally muttered – and it was pretty clear it costed her to say it.

“Glad to hear it, because we’ll need to have a change of clothes.”

“WHAT?!” MJ shrieked so loud, Felicia almost crashed the van into a road sign.

“Both the vehicle and the equipment we stole have some GPS tracking system. I tried to disable them, but I’m pretty sure the ones I deactivated were decoys. Which means the moment they discover Paulina and her pal, they’ll be able to track us down. You want to lead them straight to our hideout before we can get SHIELD’s protection?”

MJ took her face in her hands. “This is a nightmare… I’m going to wake up…”

“Just let me handle everything.”

“That doesn’t make it better! I don’t want to mug innocent people! I don’t want to act like it’s no big deal!”

Felicia realized her partner was about to break down. Not good. I need to calm her down.

It was because a hysterical partner wasn’t of any use, she told herself. Not because she was starting to grow fond of the redhead and was feeling sorry for her…

…

… maybe a little…

“Okay. Fine, I’ll try something different. But if it doesn’t work, we’ll do things my way.”

**************

It was a perfect evening for a date, Rosalind thought to herself. Warm weather. Soft breeze.

Reflexively, she squeezed the hand she was holding, and gave a small kiss on her girlfriend’s cheek.

The latter, Caitlin, chuckled. “What was that for?”

“No reason. I felt like it.”

Caitlin answered with a kiss of her own.

Then, the lovebirds resumed their walk.

Rosalind had a tall figure, white skin, untied midback-long dark brown hair, and blue eyes. Part of her hair were resting on her right shoulder. One strand was dyed purple from the root to the tip. She was wearing a white jumper, a deep blue skirt, white long socks, and black shoes.

Caitlin was a bit shorter. She had short shaggy black hair, a lightly dark skin, and golden brown eyes. She was clad in a violet light jacket over a pink t-shirt, navy blue capri pants, and light brown ankle boots.

“What do you want to do this evening? We could try the new sushi restaurant.” Rosalind proposed.

Caitlin smiled coyly. “I was thinking of a more intimate meal… at my house…”

Rosalind smiled back to her girlfriend. “I think I like where this is going…”

She moved for an other kissing session.

Without any warning, an armored van suddenly parked next to the couple. Rosalind and Caitlin shared a startled look.

An armed and uniformed woman immediately exited the vehicle. “Good evening citizens. Do you know who I am?”

“Silver Sable Security. Of course. You girls are awesome!”

Rosalind was indeed a fan of the company. A group of badass all-female mercenaries. She found that empowering.

The mercenary smiled. “Then it’ll be easier. I need your help. It’s a matter of national security.”

Rosalind and Caitlin shared a look. “Really?”

“Please come inside the van, and I’ll explain everything.”

She led the way. The young couple didn’t hesitate to follow her. A second mercenary entered the back of the van with them. This one looked very dour for some reason.

The first mercenary closed the back door. “Please sit.” she instructed the two lovebirds. “My partner and I are after two fugitives.” she then explained. “Elusive mistresses of disguise. We found a lead on them, but unfortunately we don’t have the time to wait for backup. That’s why we need you.”

Rosalind couldn’t help but feel flattered. These tough badass mercenaries were asking her for help. “Us? What can we do?”

“We’re gonna need your clothes. If they see us approach in our uniforms, they’ll flee immediately. But if we’re dressed as ordinary citizens, we can take them by surprise.”

There was a beat.

“That’s a strange request.” Caitlin commented.

“I was hoping we’d contribute more directly...” Rosalind complained, feeling a bit dejected.

“We certainly wouldn’t put innocent people into harm’s way!”

For some reason, the dour-looking mercenary grimaced when hearing her partner’s emphatic statement.

Rosalind hesitated. Ultimately, she relented. This woman was from Silver Sable Security. She knew what she was doing! “If it’s to catch dangerous criminals, I’ll do it!”

“That’s the spirit! Every woman should contribute to justice within her capacity!”

The dour-looking mercenary seemed about to scoff, but refrained from doing so.

The first mercenary added: “Of course you’ll need to stay inside the van. Our colleagues are on their way. They should find you soon.”

When Caitlin saw her lover stand up and begin to undress, she started to remove her clothes too. “I’ll do it...”

The pair stripped off their outer clothes, until they were left in their undergarments. Rosalind was clad in grey socks, white bikini panties and a matching t-shirt bra. Caitlin was wearing violet socks, purple cheeky panties and a matching push-up bra. The underwear actually matched her girlfriend’s dye. She blushed slightly.

Rosalind eyed the badass-looking mercenary gear. “Can we put on your uniforms after you changed clothes?” she asked.

“No!” the second mercenary (the dour-looking one) intervened. It was the first time she spoke. “They’ll arrest you on the spot!”

The first mercenary glared at her to silence her. “What my colleague means is that dressing in our company’s uniform is a serious offense. No matter the circumstances. But don’t worry. Silver Sable Security only employs women.”

“Oh… Okay…”

“We’ll now have to ask you to look the other way. We need to protect our anonymity.”

“This is so weird…” Caitlin commented as she and Rosalind purposefully looked at a bare wall of the van.

They heard the two mercenaries remove their gear and uniform, then slip into the discarded casual outfits.

To say things felt awkward would have been an understatement.

“Thank you for your cooperation.” the first mercenary ultimately said in their back. “You’ve done a great service to our nation today! Stay inside the van. It’s armored and locked. You’ll be safe until our colleagues find you.”

The two mercenaries exited the vehicle, leaving Rosalind and Caitlin alone.

The two lovebirds sat again.

The awkwardness intensified.

“Sooo… Purple underwear?” Rosalind finally asked, fidgeting with her strand of purple-dyed hair.

Caitlin blushed deeper. “I wanted to give you a surprise…”

“You did. In a way.” She pulled her lover on her lap and embraced her. “Here. Let me warm you up.”

Caitlin leaned against her. “I never thought our date would turn out like that… This seems so surreal...”

“Me neither. But I won’t deny I find the situation a bit… exciting.” Rosalind whispered the last word in her lover’s neck.

Caitlin shivered slightly – and it wasn’t because of the cold. “Their request was odd though… Our clothes… Had they not been women in uniform, I’d have thought they were perverts…”

Rosalind shrugged. “They are women in uniform. They know what they’re doing.”

“I guess you’re right.”

**************

Mary-Jane and Felicia exited the van, and quickly walked away. The former was wearing Caitlin’s clothes, and the latter was clad in Rosalind’s outfit. They were half-expecting the young couple to burst out of the vehicle and scream for help. However, nothing happened.

“I can’t believe it worked…” the incredulous redhead commented. “It shouldn’t have worked… And yet it worked… I can’t believe it...”

Felicia simply smiled. She was feeling incredibly smug.

MJ glared at her. “Did you have to ham it up? I hate you so much sometimes. Even when you’re good, you’re bad!”

“That’s indeed me in a nutshell.” Black Cat playfully teased to close the topic.

However, the blonde was taken by surprise when MJ then muttered a: “Thank you…”

Felicia frowned. “Did you...?”

“I said thank you, okay! For… For taking my feelings into consideration…”

Felicia was genuinely taken aback. In hindsight, why did she go through so much trouble to avoid mugging these two women the old fashioned way? Once they were inside the van, two neck-chops would’ve been enough. Sweet dreams girls, and thanks for the clothes! It was not like MJ had any leverage against her. Did she really do that just because she didn’t want to hurt the redhead’s feelings? Felicia didn’t like pondering on the thought. She was a cat burglar and a loner. Attachments were dangerous.

But she was Black Cat. So she did what she did best. She dodged.

“Consider it my good deed of the month. Now hurry up. I’ll steal us a car.”

**************

And steal a car, Felicia did. It felt good to reassure herself she was still an anti-heroine.

Once they were inside the small apartment she used as a hideout, Mary-Jane let herself fall face first onto the sofa bed. Felicia didn’t blame her. She too was exhausted. The blonde sat on a chair, and poured herself a highly sugary drink.

“What a day… I hate how this team of upstarts is constantly showing me up…”

“Welcome in my world.” Mary-Jane dryly commented, her face still planted in the mattress and her voice muffled.

Felicia preferred to change the subject. “But at least we did good.”

“I guess so…”

Felicia took a sip.“This team is more dangerous that I expected… I’ll need-... I mean- We’ll need help.”

Mary-Jane turned her head in the blonde’s direction. “This is only about getting rid of a bunch of rivals for you, uh?” she accused.

Felicia pondered for a moment, then finished her drink. “Not entirely. But I said it to you once. Doing good deeds and making a profit are not incompatible.”

Mary-Jane groaned, but didn’t attempt to argue. Instead, she buried her face in the mattress once again.

Felicia began to check on the latest news and social media updates. Of course, everybody was talking of the events of Kelly’s political rally. Many girls had been found divested of their clothes and trussed up in the area. Infiltration and bondage were a perfect cocktail to attract views. She also found a video recorded with a phone showing two young women wrapped in blankets who were being chastised by Silver Sable for being tricked by fugitives. Rosalind and Caitlin had been found quickly…

So there truly were GPS tracking systems in the uniforms.

“Good news, Red. All the girls we mugged were found unharmed, including the two students.”

This seemed to lift Mary-Jane’s spirit a bit. She mustered up the energy to sit on the sofa.

“What do we do now?”

“I’ll let you call Gwen.” Felicia informed her partner.

“Why not you?”

The platinum blonde grimaced. “There’s been an… incident… with a pair of SHIELD agents… and White Tiger… It’s best you do the talking.”

Mary-Jane sighed deeply. “Just hand me a phone…” The redhead massaged her forehead, and muttered bitterly. “I don’t see how things could get worst…”

**************

Of course there are some sentences a heroine should never say out loud...

**************

Silver Sable entered the office room of Robert Kelly’s main campaign HQ in New York, and stood in front of the desk.

The politician was furious. He went straight to the point. “Do you have any justification?”

“No. I apologize for my failures. I have no excuse.”

Robert Kelly briefly lost control of his emotions, and threw his pen onto the desk. The object ricocheted, forcing Silver Sable to dodge. “You’re DAMN right you HAVEN’T! Do I have to remind you HOW MUCH I paid to hire you?!” he exclaimed.

Then, he remembered a presidential candidate should never lose his cool, and straightened his tie. When he spoke again, his voice was composed.

“There was an attempt on my life. I don’t know how they managed to riot the crowd, but somebody clearly reached the roof. Had they used a sniper instead of whatever they did, and I wouldn’t be here. Your mercenaries didn’t even hinder them – quite the contrary. They provided them with a disguise! I don’t know how the attempt on my life was thwarted, but it certainly wasn’t thanks to you! And then, you managed to lose the two suspects we did catch! We had Black Cat! Do you know the worth of such prisoner?!”

“Those mistakes won’t happen again.”

“No they won’t. Because I’ve decided to step up my game.” He pressed a button on his interphone. “Dolores? Have them come in, please.”

Two mercenaries entered the room. They were dressed in red combat uniforms with black shoulder pads and knee pads, black equipment belts with black pouches, red protective helmets with yellow protective transparent visors and black boots. They were escorting a third person – a man sharply dressed in a red business suit. A bright red orchid was adorning his boutonniere.

Silver Sable’s eyes widened briefly. “Orchis? With all due respect, sir, I advise against hiring these-”

“- these perfectly legal private military contractors.” Kelly interrupted her. “I need more firepower, people who are less… squeamish.”

The red-clothed businessman smiled. “I wouldn’t have said it better myself, sir.” He mockingly saluted Silver Sable. “Silvija. Good to meet you. Hopefully you won’t mind sharing the spotlight.”

The platinum-blond-haired woman didn’t dignify him with a nod. “Jefferson. I heard of your latest blunder in Africa. How many civilian casualties again?”

“Haven’t you read the reports? None at all.”

“And of course I trust you didn’t falsify those reports.”

“Enough!” Robert Kelly interrupted her. “Had your company done your job, we wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place.”

Silver Sable went quiet.

Jefferson chuckled.

Robert Kelly glared at him, and the other man immediately went silent. “I want you to remember that for as long as you work for me, your actions reflect on my candidacy. I won’t tolerate any slip-up.”

The red-clothed businessman saluted like a soldier. “Duly noted, sir. We’ll be on our best behavior. We want nothing more than your victory.”

**************

The mood in Magneto’s hideout was bitter and somber, but not tense.

The boss wasn’t angry. The assassination attempt may have ended up in failure, but the old mutant was aware it wasn’t due to a mistake of his team. Taylor and her crew had performed every step perfectly. Outside factors they couldn’t predict had hindered them at the worst moment. Those were the sad realities of war – one could never predict everything.

Taylor was alone this time – Sarah was still recovering from the effects of the enhancers, and she had left Charlotte under Screwball’s, Jenna’s and Trapstr’s supervision. Hopefully, the three of them would be enough to stop her from raiding the pantry for sugary snacks.

“It’s a shame…” Magneto commented. “Weeks of planning… Each secondary mission, each step of the operation, a flawless success… Only to be foiled at the last second… Maybe you should have killed these two trouble-makers.”

Taylor held his gaze. “What was the point? They weren’t a threat. And given how thick-headed Kelly is, he may placate them as accomplices.”

“Kelly will never be able to contain Black Cat. She’ll be back, trust me.” Magneto looked at the black-haired woman. “I can’t help but think there was an other reason...”

There was a short beat. “She tried to help Sarah.” Taylor finally said. "I owed her."

Magneto nodded in understanding. “How is she recovering?”

Taylor glared daggers at him. “Afraid your weapon has become unusable?”

“Of course not. I-”

He was interrupted by Mystique’s arrival.

“Fresh news. Kelly hired William Jefferson.” she announced.

“Orchis?” Magneto raised an eyebrow. “Kelly hired Orchis?”

Mystique nodded. She wasn’t trying to hide her hate-filled grimace.

Orchis was known for its brutal methods and its anti-mutant stance. Mutants considered themeven more hateful than someone like Robert Kelly, by far. However, ironically, since they were controversial they were less of a threat to Magneto's agenda than Kelly.

The old mutant scratched his chin. “Predictable response. Predictable, but problematic. Still, this could also work to our advantage… I’ll have to think of something.”

Taylor scoffed. “That settles it. There’s no way I’ll endanger Charlotte and Sarah by going against these fascists. We’re out.”

Mystique’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “You’re leaving? Just like that?”

“The deal was to help you with your operation against Kelly. But it never said the assassination had to be a success. It’s not our fault a pair of snoops derailed the whole ploy at the last second. Nobody could have predicted that.” Taylor retorted. “I think we were pretty generous in our interpretation of the contract – given all the heists we performed to prepare for that one assault. We’ve paid our debt. This is where we part ways.”

The red-haired mutant stood in front of her. “Coward! You can’t turn your back on your kind!”

Taylor glared at her. “Step aside. Or suffer the consequences.” Her voice was even, but also colder than ice.

There was a beat.

Mystique stepped aside.

Taylor walked away.

Magneto didn’t try to block her path.

He didn’t try to use his powers.

He simply commented: “The technology of Oscorp’s enhancers can be reversed.”

Taylor stopped dead in her tracks. “Come again?”

“The enhancers. They can be turned into inhibitors. Devices to block mutant powers. And block all their side-effects.”

Taylor knew what such an invention would mean for Sarah. The blonde would be free, at last.

And Magneto knew she knew.

“You’re disgusting sometimes, old man.” she spat.

“I’m trying to do what’s best for all of mutantkind. I don’t like it any more than you do.”

“Spare me the excuses. Just tell me what you want me to do.”

[esercito sconfitto]

Wow Rufus you are a friend

Thanks for the handball team and the pile in the ambulance

[rufusluciusivan]

You're welcome.

[tirepanted3]

And these chapters are coming quick! You weren't kidding when you told me you had a bunch of them written in advance.

Felicia and MJ's team-up continues to be very entertaining, particularly MJ's reluctance to partake in it. I love MJ's disappointed "Oh. It's you" when Felicia comes to rescue her from Silver Sable's team.

“So… Finally alone together… Remember me?”

Felicia raised an eyebrow. “Should I?”

“You mugged me for my uniform!”

There was a beat.

“Do you have the slightest idea how little that narrows it down?” Black Cat finally commented.

Little Batman Beyond homage there, although it also recalls this great Star Wars line:



Although I recall a recent chapter where Felicia steals a Bastet statue. I assume the "Bastet Statue Heist" Paulina refers to is something else?

I chuckled when the handball team showed up. Seems to be a dangerous sport in USB-themed universes. Surprised there wasn't an argument (perhaps by Charlotte or Screwball) over which numbered uniforms each thief would get to wear.

The scene with Caitlin and Rosalind was an interesting change of pace, with the two willingly giving up their clothes. It was nice to see MJ appeal to Felicia's better nature, and a good way to highlight that Felicia is capable of being nice on occasion - even if her plan will still involve two women ending up in their underwear. (Perhaps fortunately for everyone involved, Caitlin and Rosalind already had similar plans. )

And the stakes continue to rise at chapter's end, with the introduction of Orchis. Looking forward to seeing where things will head next...

[rufusluciusivan]

And these chapters are coming quick! You weren't kidding when you told me you had a bunch of them written in advance.

That, and this chapter was more an epilogue of the previous chapter. Depending on how I segment the following storylines, there may be an other update soon, but then the pace of the uploads should slow down once more.

Felicia and MJ's team-up continues to be very entertaining, particularly MJ's reluctance to partake in it. I love MJ's disappointed "Oh. It's you" when Felicia comes to rescue her from Silver Sable's team.

Poor Felicia! Her feelings were most likely hurt!

Fun fact, this part features my favorite MJ quip at Felicia so far: "I hate you so much sometimes. Even when you’re good, you’re bad!”

Little Batman Beyond homage there, although it also recalls this great Star Wars line:

It's indeed a reference to the Batman Beyond meme. (I didn't know Star Wars had its own variation. )

Although I recall a recent chapter where Felicia steals a Bastet statue. I assume the "Bastet Statue Heist" Paulina refers to is something else?

Yes. Something that took place offscreen in the backstory.

I chuckled when the handball team showed up. Seems to be a dangerous sport in USB-themed universes. Surprised there wasn't an argument (perhaps by Charlotte or Screwball) over which numbered uniforms each thief would get to wear.

Oh shoot, missed opportunity. Didn't even think of it. Maybe I'll re-write this part at some point...

The scene with Caitlin and Rosalind was an interesting change of pace, with the two willingly giving up their clothes. It was nice to see MJ appeal to Felicia's better nature, and a good way to highlight that Felicia is capable of being nice on occasion - even if her plan will still involve two women ending up in their underwear. (Perhaps fortunately for everyone involved, Caitlin and Rosalind already had similar plans. )

They indeed had plans to lose those clothes anyway. This scene was a fun change of pace - especially because it had no right to work so well. And yet it did. MJ couldn't believe her eyes.

Yes, Felicia has a soft spot for Mary-Jane. These latest parts are showcasing her inner-depths.

And the stakes continue to rise at chapter's end, with the introduction of Orchis. Looking forward to seeing where things will head next...

Orchis may soon regret the choice of face-obscuring helmets as part of their uniforms, but maybe they'll also give as good as they get...

[meditions142]

I had been away from the computer and haven't had a chance to respond to your latest stories. I wanted to comment on the great scene in this story involving Taylor's mass attack on the handball players. Love the idea of Taylor using both her speed and mutant ability to quickly take out all the women.

I loved your description of how it worked "but Taylor’s hands were basically tazers at this point. A mere touch overloaded her victim’s senses, even through the clothes, and made their brains shut down."

I also really liked the description of the take out of Jessie "The last girl – Jessie, the captain of the team – began to shout for help. Her cry was muffled when Taylor clamped a hand over her mouth. The girl’s eyes widened in fear. One jolt of electricity knocked her out. Taylor let the unconscious body fall on top of the other defeated players." Sexy image of the unconscious Jessie being dumped on top of the pile.

I really, really like Taylor as a character and her abilities.

[rufusluciusivan]

I had been away from the computer and haven't had a chance to respond to your latest stories. I wanted to comment on the great scene in this story involving Taylor's mass attack on the handball players. Love the idea of Taylor using both her speed and mutant ability to quickly take out all the women.

I loved your description of how it worked "but Taylor’s hands were basically tazers at this point. A mere touch overloaded her victim’s senses, even through the clothes, and made their brains shut down."

I also really liked the description of the take out of Jessie "The last girl – Jessie, the captain of the team – began to shout for help. Her cry was muffled when Taylor clamped a hand over her mouth. The girl’s eyes widened in fear. One jolt of electricity knocked her out. Taylor let the unconscious body fall on top of the other defeated players." Sexy image of the unconscious Jessie being dumped on top of the pile.

I really, really like Taylor as a character and her abilities.

I'm glad the scene left an impact on you. This scene was important to me because it's meant to highlight just how dangerous Taylor is, as she's supposed to be a major antagonist. The main heroines of the story (MJ and Felicia) don't stand the ghost of a change in a straight-up fight against her, and even Gwen would have trouble beating her. So they'll have to be twice as cunning... Thankfully, uniform stealers are not lacking in cunning!