Disclaimer: Don't own The Incredibles, Brad Bird does (and I'm glad neither he or anyone from Disney reads this stuff). Don't own Aberrant, White Wolf does (though I would buy the abandoned property from them if I won the Lotto). Don't own Null, Bridgette, or Damon Best, those were characters created by others who let me use the characters. Okay...also don't own Zoe either, but she's on permanent loan (and has a contract that I have to honor...LOL!) Kickjak is a character from the Aberrant RPG. He was also a cool character, despite being a "Utopia sanctioned" hero.

Author's Notes: This is going to be a weird chapter. A lot of shit happens here. Some of you *cough*Dani*cough* have been waiting for this moment. This is going to be a little different from how I tend to write chapters...because I'm writing some scenes in the form of a "script" because it's supposed to represent footage of some sort. Oh...and keep in mind that it's October of 2006 in this fic. The concept of the "flex" keyboard is not a new one, though they are cool and I figured it would make sense that, in the world of Aberrant, the technology would be possible to improve upon, especially with the concept of "eufibre" and it's various uses.

"And we are coming to you from SST in Metroville, California. The atmosphere has taken on that of a rave or a rock concert. A couple groups have already performed on the main stage, entertaining the crowd who descended upon the facility's parking lot almost immediately when the front gates opened. As you can see, the main pavilion houses a large digital screen. In addition to the OCS, we have seen various other projects that SST intends to release to the public over the next year. We will be showing these later on in the show…"

-Entertainment Tonight

"And believe me when I tell you that this new game system will blow you away. Having already seen it and played it, I can guarantee that the gaming console war between companies just erupted again. Nintendo, Sega, and SST have successfully banded together and, as Flynn said, they are ready to 'take the fight right to Sony and ViaSoft's front doorstep'. There's even a rumor that Apple is already looking at filing a lawsuit against SST…"

-E-Talk: On Scene

"Despite our attempts, SST personnel have barred our people from the facility, suggesting that we film the event from across the street. In other entertainment news, Novation Media is considering a joint lawsuit with Apple against David Flynn's company…"

-N!Channel: N!tertainment!

"Okay, fellow hackers…I will level with you. I have been to the dark depths of SST's development section, gone through various back doors, firewalls, and some really creative booby-traps that trashed some of my best tools…but I will tell you right now that it was worth it. The OCS…I'm not going to ruin it for you…but it is the real fucking deal! This is the new 'Holy Grail' for us gamers, my friends! A gaming system that looks like it was developed by hackers for hackers. Nintendo and Sega were on their way out, having fallen from dominance awhile back…but this project they have with Flynn…the commercials weren't lying, this is going to change everything! It's no wonder ViaSoft, Sony, Novation, and even Apple are shitting bricks…this threatens their strangle hold on the Electronic Landscape.

And to all you "old school" brethren of mine who miss the good 'ol days of games that were fun and required skill instead of just a mashing of buttons…Flynn, Sony, and Sega have a surprise for you. It's fucking awesome and worth it!"

Oh…and Flynn…if you're picking up on this…the moment the units go on sale, expect my payment to be wired to you within seconds!

-Aonymous hacker post on "H-Cove"

{News segment, KMET Channel 10. Nate Corgan's interview with city councilman and mayoral candidate Lucius Best}

NC: "So you are actually in favor of the company coming to Metroville."

LB: "Absolutely. The fact that this young man shows up, buys a closed down school, renovates it, and converts it to his business headquarters tells me that he's actually serious about this neighborhood. It's no big secret that Mayor Sansweet has no love for the Southside and Memorial Boulevard area and has deliberately funneled project money from those two districts and into his precious 'Old Town' restoration project, from which he then diverts some of that cash towards districts he feel will carry his re-election. Flynn setting up his company here has helped the neighborhood. Local businesses that would have gone belly-up when my competitor shuffled the school districts around are still in business and thriving since SST started up. Other businesses are even starting to move in and a large number of David Flynn's employees have either rented or bought housing out here. This party he's throwing here tonight...yeah, he's charged people to attend, and any business would do that. But he's made it clear that SST is here and this is where he calls home. That rings true with the locals and it's not uncommon to see him running down the streets here every morning. He and most of his people have gotten to know the neighborhood and are regulars at some of the local businesses and markets. The only time Sansweet comes down to this area is when he needs a 'poor and impoverished' set piece for one of his ads."

NC: "Those are some pretty harsh allegations, Councilman."

LB: "Truth is almost always harsh, Nate, especially in politics. Take law enforcement for example. One year ago, we had the highest crime statistics in the area and the slowest response time. Since Flynn and his nova personnel have shown up, the crime rates have dropped considerably in the last few months. However, the response time of the police department is still pretty slow. We got the facts to back us up on this and my opponent knows this."

NC: "What about the concern that having SST, a company that employs novas here, possibly attracting nova criminals."

LB (rolls eyes): "Seriously, they're going to go with that old argument? Look, over twenty years ago, back when there weren't as many super-powered individuals around, that might have been the case, but this is the 21st century, Nate. After the Galatea incident and more supers…excuse me…novas, erupted…it was a different world. The ban on supers during the 80s and 90s had been lifted, but very few were operating actively when that event occurred. Those people who suddenly had powers…most of them are from a different world. They're more practical and realize that, in today's society, things are very different. Why be a criminal who can rob banks with super strength when they can go into the construction business and make more money doing that than just making a score? It also works the other way…why be a "superhero" when you can go into law enforcement or private contracting and actually get PAID to do the job? And then you have others who simply will stay in the field of employment they're in and probably market their power and skills for profit. Sure, you've got some people who might go the hero/villain route, but not so much. Hell, even the so called 'premiere' hero group, Team Tomorrow collects a paycheck from their employer, along with royalties from whatever products they're paid to endorse. Believe me, if anything, SST is probably more likely to attract prospective employees instead of criminals."

NC: "That's nice, but what about us lowly, unpowered 'baselines'?"

LB: "You mean the baselines that have businesses here or are finding jobs out here because new businesses are opening up? I don't know, I think they're fine. As for Flynn's company, yeah, most of his employees, like himself, are novas but there are a few baseline employees there as well. He's not just employing novas here, Nate, he's employing the best and brightest talent he can find and there's nothing wrong with that, is there?"

NC: "So you're not concerned about David Flynn's anti-Utopia views?"

LB (chuckles): "Maybe I'm the wrong person you should be asking that question, Nate. You know I'm not a big fan of Utopia, but I do approve of some of the humanitarian work they've done both in inner-cities and abroad. I do believe a good number of people in that organization are decent people who believe in what they're doing and are trying to do the right thing. It's the political hacks running the departments and walking around with their 'holier than thou' attitude I can't stand. And, given my opponent's questionable record on some political deals he's made with Utopia, you can understand my issues with that organization."

{End clip}

{Cut to video feed coming from CTV's "E-Talk: On Scene" with Mark Johal}

Mark Johal: "Mark Johal here and we are streaming to you from SST headquarters down here in Metroville, California." (Turns to the a crowd of people standing behind him, some waving and posing at the camera) "Everyone having a good time tonight?"

(A loud roar of approval from the crowd, some holding up cans of soda, mochas, or energy drinks)

MJ (laughing): "As you can see a lot of people have shown up for this open house party at SST. A few lucky people had gotten tours of the facility and, according to Zoe Kilmarten, SST's head of promotions and advertising, they do intend to arrange more tours to the public at various times. In case you haven't noticed, the crew standing here with me is an avid core of gamers…"

(The group around Johal cheer again and chants of "H-Cove! H-Cove! H-Cove" can be heard).

MJ: "As I was saying, a lot of video game enthusiasts of all ages have attended along with local celebrities, a couple politicians, and even a couple novas, In fact, I've got one here with me now…" (The camera pans over to show a black-man with dreadlocks wearing a mask and dull gray body-suit, slamming back a large bottle of Power-Ade while onlooker cheer him on chanting "CHUG, CHUG, CHUG") "From the motor city, it's Detroit's very own Kickjak!"

(Kickjak finishes off his bottle of power-ade, then his hand glows for a moment, causing the bottle to disintegrate. This gets a cheer from the fans, some of whom begin chanting Kickjack's name)

Kickjack: "Thanks for having me on, Mark."

MJ: "Now, Kickjack, I have to admit that I'm surprised to see you here. After all, you are a Utopia sanctioned nova and, as you know, a lot of people at SST don't care much for Utopia."

K: "Hey man…I got in here like the rest of these guys did, I paid my admission!" (Holds up a ticket stub and people cheer. He laughs and shakes his head) "But Yeah, you're right, Utopia and SST have their differences, but that's not me. I'm just kid from Detroit who got lucky, and I'm still that kid from Detroit. Utopia's 'sanction' means that I'm allowed to operate in that city without too much hassle from the law enforcement. Then again…"(he grins sheepishly)"that's Detroit, and the concept of law enforcement is still new to the politicians there."

(This gets some laughter)

K: "But seriously…I'm here on my own. Like the rest of the peeps here, I'm here to see the new game system because I want to know what I'm gonna' buy myself for Christmas."

MJ: "So you haven't had any problems with any of the novas here?"

K: "No, man, they've been pretty cool with me. But stay away from the pink haired girl and her coffee…" (shudders) "…she's scary!"

MJ: "Okay…I just got informed that the presentation is about to begin. Kickjak, thanks for taking time to hang out with us."

K: "Not goin' anywhere, Mark…I think I'll hang out with you people for the show." (Glances over his shoulder at the crowd around them) "That cool with you, people?"

(A loud cheer from the people and Mark laughs)

MJ: "Okay…no problem here. We're switching to the main feed starting…now."

(Cut to a new camera angle as the lights go out for a second, only the light from the massive onstage video screen providing illumination. Then pyrotechnics explode above the crowd as "The Last High" by The Dandy Warhols begins to play over the sound system speakers. Suddenly, Zoe Kilmarten comes zooming down overhead via zip-line, stopping onstage as a large burst of pyrotechnics and laser light erupt around the stage, prompting a loud roar of approval from the crowd. When the display finally dies down, the lighting has returned to the stage and Zoe is smiling at the crowd, aluminum baseball bat in hand with "Blunt Force Trauma Applicator" inscribed on it. Behind her, multiple pedestals, about three feet high each, stand on the ground.)

Zoe: "So, everyone having fun?"

(This gets another loud roar of approval and cheering from the fans. One person could be heard screaming "Start blowing shit up!")

Zoe (laughs, shakes her head): "Sorry, not today. We're going 'old school' tonight!" (She twirls the bat in her hand, prompting more cheers. She smiles and waits for everyone to quiet down a little before she continues. Then she starts to pace in front of the audience a couple seconds, brandishing bat in her hands before stopping to look at the audience) "Before David throws the future at you, it was decided that we should take a little walk through the past. So…join with me as we stroll down…" (she gestures at the pedestals behind her which are suddenly illuminated by multiple spotlights. By now, the onlookers can make out old game consoles on the pedestals)"…the hall of ancient artifacts and relics of the past!"

(Zoe walks up to the first pedestal, picking up a 3x5 index card that was on the old game console, and then proceeds to read from it)

Zoe (clears throat): "In the 1970s…back when dinosaurs ruled the world and listened to something called the 8 track…" (She blinks for a moment, a confused look on her face) "Um…what's an 8 track?"

(This gets some laughter…seeing as how almost everyone there, Zoe included, were born AFTER the 8 Track tape had long disappeared from memory. She shrugs, crumples the 3x5 card and tosses it over her shoulder)

Zoe: "Oh, fuck it. This, people, is the one that made it, the old prehistoric ancestor to the modern video game console…I give you…the Atari 2600 video game system!"

(This gets some gasps and even a couple cheers).

Zoe: "To give you an idea how old these things are…my parents were teenagers when these first came out! However…simple as they were…the games were entertaining and, even today, the system is still thought of fondly, even among the modern day gamer."

("Damn Straight!" yells out one member of the crowd, others murmuring in agreement).

Zoe (reaching over to pick up the Atari system): "And so..we shall show proper respect to this long gone, but not forgotten ancestor of the game system, by insuring that their legacy shall continue…so…who wants a working antique?"

(Several people raise their hands and Zoe tosses the old system in their direction and moves on to the next pedestal, showing another game system)

Zoe: "Our next contestant is the Atari knock-off known as the Mattel Intellivision…a weird little device as you can see that had funky controllers with a key pad. The games sucked, the graphics were hard to differentiate from the snow on the TV screen, and, to be honest…was very lacking."

(She suddenly swings at the pedestal with her baseball bat, shattering the old game system and scattering its remains across the stage…getting surprise gasps followed by cheers of approval and applause)

Zoe (walking up to the next pedestal): "Next up…the ColecoVision!"

(A mixture of cheers and boos erupt from the crowd)

David watched from off stage as Zoe made her presentation and couldn't help smiling.

Damn, she's enjoying this way too much.

He had talked the idea over with Zoe a couple days ago and they both agreed that some items were to be treated with respect, others were to be destroyed on stage. The original Atari system, the Nintendo systems, and the Sega consoles were to be left untouched or given to random members of the audience. Zoe agreed with that, but whined when she was informed that she would not be allowed to use any projectile or energy shooting devices to destroy the other various consoles.

"Incoming!" Zoe, tossed a PS2 up in the air and swung hard, catching the falling console and shattering it, scattering it's electronic innards across the stage and sending some components flying into a cheering audience. "Next up! The X-BOX!"

David felt a tap on his shoulder, and glanced over to see Violet standing next to him. "Don't you think this is going a little overboard?" she asked, although one could tell that even she was trying not to laugh as Zoe then proceeded to pound on a ViaSoft X-Box with her baseball bat.

David shrugged. "Maybe," he replied with a grin, "but I had to let her have some fun. Just be thankful I didn't let her use the plasma cannon."

"Okay, you got a point." Violet shuddered as she remembered some of Zoe's antics with one of David's devices in a Youtube video. "But I'm concerned with what you're about to do."

"Oh, you mean unveiling a video game and PC console to the world with new technology?" David pretended to think about it for a moment and then nodded. "Okay, you're right...I think I'll just go home and get back to counting down to Zoe's eighteenth birthday when she's legal. Although, I did have this dream the other night that involved you and her dressed in tight leather and carrying whips and chains-"

"Okay...too much information there," Violet said, shaking her head. Then she saw the smug grin on his face and punched him in the shoulder. "You made that up, dammit!"

"Ow! Okay, you're right, I made it up." Then David smiled at her again. "It was just you with a whip telling me I've been ba-OW!" David rubbed his shoulder after Violet hit him again.

"Now you're deliberately changing the subject," Violet snapped.

"Of course I am, we don't need to talk about it."

"David, this is serious. I'm not saying we should hold back on the OCS, but do you think it's wise to let something out so quickly? It's going to cause shock waves."

"Well, that is the general idea, Vi. Even with the leap in technology over the last few years, it's been controlled, not for the 'greater good', but more for making a profit off of stuff already outdated. All I'm doing is hitting the 'reset' button on the competition."

"That's all well and good, David," Violet said, "but they already got lawyers lined up to take us on."

"Oh, I'm sure they do, but they know they can't make it stick." David's grin suddenly took a more sinister look, briefly reminding Violet of Buddy Pine. "I'm sure Gates and Jobs don't want to talk about the past and the concept of piracy and property theft. As for Utopia...well...if we don't step up, they'll let their corporate subsidiary, Irridium, step in and destroy the market with technology they confiscated from others and try to pass off as their own."

"Wait, hold on, do you have proof of this?"

David's answer came in the form of a soft and sinister chuckle. "Vi, believe me, if Utopia comes after us for this, certain facts and patent questions are going to come to light, and I'm not talking about the ones they've already scrambled to cover." He then nodded to Zoe who briefly glanced in their direction, signaling her to wrap up her presentation. "Besides," he added, "everything we've done is legal and by the book."

"Yeah, well, it looks like Utopia is trying to rewrite that book."

David shrugged. "Maybe so," he admitted. "Hopefully we can stall them long enough before they succeed in that."

Violet was about to ask him what he meant by that, but was cut off as "Schizophrene" by Ankst roared through the pavilion's sound system. David smiled as he sang along to the lyrics of the song before looking over his shoulder at her. "Well," he said, picking up the small briefcase by the stage entrance, "it's show time!"

He waited a couple minutes as the fans were entertained by the laser-light show and video footage of the various games that would be coming out for the new gaming console. During that time, the stage was dimly lit, allowing for Zoe to kick on the super-speed, clean up the debris from her little show and set up a small table without being noticed. He waited until the closing lyrics began to play and quietly slipped onto the stage.

"I must be free from what it is...the more I see the more I bleed.

I have confirmed my lack of faith, the angel wings...you seal your fate.

I'm not fool I was before, I will not go there anymore...

I recognize the truth...

I recognize the truth...

I recognize the truth...

I recognize the truth..."

The lights to the main stage kicked back on, and David stood there, smiling at the crowd as he calmly set the brief case on the table. He waited for the applause to die down before he spoke. "The year was 1984," he began, giving a slight smirk to the crowd that he knew would be picked up by the camera and shown on the large screen behind him, "and a lot of us probably weren't even born yet or were just learning to walk at that time." He paused for a moment to let the laughter his comment caused to die down before continuing. "It was Superbowl Sunday and a certain computer company aired an ad that made history. Even though some of us weren't born yet, I'm sure you've all seen the Macintosh/George Orwell's 1984 ad at some point?"

He smiled again as most of the audience cheered and applauded, then a thoughtful look formed on his face. "So, am I the only one who's a little concerned right now that I'm talking to you while my ugly mug is being displayed on the giant screen behind me and this whole thing is being broadcasted worldwide?" He then turned to glance at the big screen and pretended to gasp in horror. "Oh god, I can see that little zit on the back of my neck!"

Again, this got more laughter from the crowd and he chuckled as he turned to look back at the crowd. "But seriously," he continued, "we truly are living in amazing and interesting times. When you think about it…back then, in 1984, the world we live in now was mostly seen as a world of science fiction. In 1984, when Apple introduced the Macintosh, it threw everything on its ear and, quite literally, jumped technology ahead by about a decade. Yeah, I know, some of you want to make some snide comment about Microsoft and that whole little feud with Apple, but we're not going there tonight. That's in the past and it's time to leave that in the past. In fact, the only reason I'm talking about Apple and what they did back then is to make this one simple point: What they did to the PC industry back then, is what I'm going to do both the PC and video game console industry tonight."

David opened the case and pulled out the Omega gaming console and set it on one of the now vacant pedestals. There were some gasps and murmurs from the crowd when they saw the nine and a half inch long and six and a half inch wide black box that appeared to be no more than an inch thick. "Yes," he said with a grin, "it's really that small. Using our new Omega chip technology, this thing has faster processing power and graphics capability than anything Sony or Viasoft is currently working on. Not only that, it's also Wi-Fi capable allowing access to the net or even remotely linking up with the new Wi-Fi television sets coming out these days. It also comes with two controllers that are wireless as well." He reached over and pulled two sleek controllers out of the case and set them next to the console. "They are linked to the gaming console and both the console and controllers are motion sensitive which you will all be able to see in action shortly." On cue, the sixty small kiosks surrounding the area lit up as the sheets were pulled off them to show multiple console stations where the audience could get up close and personal with the product. "This is the base system and, I won't lie to you, people, it's going to go for about four hundred and fifty bucks."

David then held up a hand to calm down some of the cries of "That's expensive" and nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I know, it sounds steep. However, I'm not done yet. When these things go on sale on Black Friday, there's something you should know. As I said, this thing is net capable and I'm assuming most of you here have high-speed service, right?"

Several members of the audience cheered in response.

"Okay then…as you know, Nintendo and Sega are partners with SST on this baby. For one year, starting this Black Friday to next year's Black Friday, almost every game Sega and Nintendo made for their consoles from the last two decades will be available for download. If you purchase this system within that year, you will be allowed to download twenty games of your choice from their archive. Oh…and before you ask, yeah…there is space on the drive for that which brings me to the final selling point." He smiled again as he pulled a plastic tube out of his coat, opened it, pulled out the item inside which he unrolled in front of the console, revealing it to be a keyboard that began to glow a faint electric blue color as it activated. "We will also be selling these for the console starting in January as well, although a regular wireless and even a USB keyboard will work if you provide the cord." He then reached over and pushed the power button to the gaming console. The video screen switched to show the electric blue SST logo as the system powered up before revealing a digital desktop. "That's right people; it also has its own operating system and is a fully functional PC. Granted, it's only got a couple hundred gigs on it, but it is fully functional, has its own net browser and utilities, and it is fully legal." He smiled again, knowing full well that certain corporations were already ordering their lawyers to storm the SST offices with legal paperwork in hand. "Bill, Steve, and you greedy bastards at Sony, if you're watching…you may want to pull your lawyers back because, like I said, everything is legal. You guys will just have to actually come out with new quality products instead of just regurgitating the same old stuff and slapping a new version number on it…or at the very least, give the people something that's worth the amount of money you gouge them for."

The last comment got some laughter from the crowd, several members going "Oooooooh!" at the fact that David was practically calling out the longtime rulers of the electronic market, practically throwing the gauntlet down in challenge.

"The world's changing, people," he said, "I know it's stating the obvious, but let's face facts. A revolution in this industry was due and we are starting it." He gestured to the crowd as if they were part of the 'revolution' he was talking about, a sentiment that played well judging from the shouts of approval he was hearing. "But don't take my word for it...walk around, check out the various kiosks. Try the future and see if you like it, that's all I ask."

With another gesture, the main stage lighting dimmed while the large video screen flashed to life. "Tournament mode engaged," a cool female voice announced, "participants are encouraged to log in at the various kiosks."

David smiled as he watched the crowd break off to check out the kiosks.

Well, he thought, I just lit the fuse. I figure the lawyers will start hitting us first thing in the morning.

He started to walk off stage, but suddenly stopped when he caught a flash of dark brown hair near the front. He linked to the various security cameras, locking on the area he thought he saw her. He was surprised when one camera got a lock on her.

Well, damn, Miss Saunders, I didn't think you'd actually pull off dressing like a goth, but you do it well.

He quietly slipped off the stage and followed her, pausing to occasionally talk to a few people but staying mentally linked to the security cameras to track Bridgette Saunders' movements. He finally caught up with her a few minutes later by the lobby entrance to SST.

"You know," he said, walking up behind her, causing her to jump in surprise and turn around, "I'd almost think you were trying to find some way to bypass that security lock if I didn't know any better."

Bridgette Saunders answered his smug grin with a cold glare of her own. "It wouldn't be that hard," she snapped, "it's a standard key-card entry, easily bypassed."

"Wow," David smirked, "you really like talking down to people, don't you?"

"Only the arrogant ones."

David pretended to wince. "Ouch...I do believe that my ego is starting to bleed. I just got a question...well, a couple questions actually. Why are you here and why the hostility towards me?"

"I was invited and I think you're an arrogant ass who likes to spit on Utopia and the good they've done just to make a profit."

"Wait, you were invited?" David asked before shaking his head. "Forget that, let's jump to the other bit. You really think I'm doing all this just to make a profit?"

"Your actions pretty much back up my argument. You destroyed Brandi Miller and the lives of others just to take a stab at Utopia."

David let his smug persona disappear, his expression becoming serious. "Oh yeah, I destroyed the lives of a bunch of pedophiles, but believe me when I say it wasn't just for shits and grins." His voice took on a venomous edge that seemed to take Bridgette by surprise. "That bitch, under orders from people within Utopia, was planning on launching a smear campaign against my co-workers and friends. If she simply went after me, that would have been cool and we would have had our little war which would have ended with me quietly confronting her and giving her a choice. But she made it personal by targeting people I care about and I decided she and her Utopia masters needed to be taught a lesson."

Bridgette laughed at him. "My god...you're starting to sound like those right wing nut jobs on talk radio. Don't tell me you believe there's some grand conspiracy behind everything."

"And please don't tell me you're one of those mindless little lemmings who will believe whatever hype Utopia feeds them," David countered. "Look around you, Saunders. Do you really think the world is that black and white? Because if you do, then you're going to be in for a very rude awakening when-"

David stopped himself, realizing that he was angry and almost said something he knew he'd regret.

"When what?" Bridgette sneered.

For a moment, David was tempted to tell her the truth but realized that would probably make things worse.

Besides, he thought, it's not my secret to tell. I at least owe her father that much.

"Owe him what?" Bridgette asked, suddenly curious.

Shit! Did I say that out loud? No, I couldn't. Oh fuck...it's the link!

Bridgette's eyes narrowed. "What link...and you didn't speak it, did you?"

David shook his head. "We'll talk about this later, Bridgette," he said, turning to walk away. "This is not the time."

Bridgette grabbed him by the arm. "No, something's going on between you and my father," she said. "I saw it last night at dinner and you hardly said anything to me. My father has also been a little on edge around me. What's going on?"

"Forget it, Bridgette, this is none of your concern."

"Like hell it isn't."

"I said forget about it!" David snapped.

Bridgette suddenly stiffened at David's words, standing straight, a glassy and blank look on her face.

David stared in shock at her for a moment, closing his eyes as he regained his composure. Apparently, he had inadvertently linked with the nanites in her head. He severed the connection and waved his hand in front of her face. "Um...Bridgette...you okay?"

The young woman blinked a couple times, the glassy look fading away as she focused on him. "Of course I'm okay, Flynn. Now if you don't mind, I'm looking for Zoe. She invited me here and I don't feel like wasting my time talking to you."

David said nothing, but merely nodded and watched her walk off. When he was certain she was gone, he headed back to the main video pavilion to go find Violet.

About a mile away from the SST facility, Brian Paladino quietly lined up for the shot on David Flynn. He had toyed with the idea of taking the little shit out while he gave his speech, but thought it would be better to wait until people weren't paying too much attention to the egotistical little bastard. He then tracked David through the crowd and to the front door of the SST building where he argued with a dark haired woman. He almost took the shot then, but decided it just wasn't right.

Cloaked by the psychic shield she had created to shield their presence from Brian Paladino, Phillpa smiled at Chiraben and Zone. "You know," she said, smirking at the clueless sniper standing a several feet away from them, "the vengeance obsessed mind is probably the most easy to manipulate."

"How so?" Chiraben asked.

"They become so obsessed with their target, so one tracked, all it takes is just a simple nudge to knock them just a little off course." She then fixed her gaze on Paladino again, linking directly to his mind, seeing what he saw. "So easy...especially when the subject's eye itches."

Brian tracked David back to the stage where he met up with some of his employees. Then he saw another young woman with long dark hair talking to David and recognized her.

Oh shit, Violet's there.

For a moment, he thought about calling it off. Maybe his half-brother, Greg, was right. Maybe it wasn't worth it.

Fuck it, what does he know? All he wants to do is play combat photographer and forget about our father's murder. As for Violet...she's not the target. So what if she gets a little blood and brain matter splattered on her...it's not like she's in any real danger.

He focused back on Flynn again, then felt his eye begin to itch...probably from the dryness of staying open too long. He blinked a couple times, his eyelids providing much needed moisture and relief, killing the itch. He then realized that he must have moved because he was a couple degrees off target and adjusted his aim accordingly to line back up with Flynn's head.

Phillipa chuckled, shaking her head. "It's too fucking easy, sometimes...just the slightest change of one's perception...and it's all over."

Brian, smiled as he pulled the trigger.

David found Violet on the main stage talking to Shiro, Null, and Damon Best. "Um, guys," he said as he joined them on stage, "I think we need to have a talk later when this is over."

"Oh?" Violet gave him a playful shove. "The lawyers have already arrived?"

"Um...no...look, have you seen Zoe?"

"She said something about meeting up with a guest," Null replied.

"Um, yeah, she invited Bridgette Saunders here."

"She did?" Shiro popped his head up, looking for the aforementioned Ms. Saunders. "Cool, we can talk about the stuff we worked on yesterday."

David groaned and shook his head.

"David, relax," Violet said, "I know she's a little...off..."

"Hey, that's not nice," Shiro said.

Violet ignored him and kept talking. "As I was saying, she might be a little off, but-" Suddenly, she spun away from David and the others, flying backwards as something hit her in the shoulder before ripping through her back.

One second later, Violet was on the ground, bleeding from a gunshot wound.

"Violet!"

Brian blinked again, smiling as he watched the chaos, then his smile faded as he noticed Flynn was still alive and kneeling down to...prop up a bleeding Violet Parr!

What the fuck! What happened? I had the shot! Flynn should be dead!

"And that," Phillipa said as she nodded at Zone to take them away, "is what I call a painful lesson in perception. So...who's up for ice cream?"

The air rippled around the trio before they vanished as they had the day before, leaving a confused and panicked Brian Paladino behind.