Disclaimer:

Aberrant, owned by White Wolf. The Incredibles, owned by Disney. "Modern Crusaders", written by Michael Cretu and performed by Enigma. No congressmen were harmed (though they may have lost their jobs a few years later) in the writing of this chapter.

Author's Notes:

Okay, a slight change of pace. I wrote this piece while listening to Enigma's "Modern Crusaders" which I suggest you listen to before reading the chapter. Or at least listen to the song while imagining the limousine transporting David and Zoe rolling up to the front of an expensive restaurant frequented by the rich elite. Also, this chapter is kind of a short "break" between story lines...giving me a chance to catch my breath a little before the body-count and carnage starts back up again.

As usual, thanks to EVERYONE who is still reading this sick and twisted 'verse. And, as always, reviews are welcome.

Don't look back
The time has come
All the pain turns into love
We're not submissive, we're not aggressive
But they think we can't defend

Stand up, join us, modern crusaders alive
We have the power to face the future
Cause we are the fighters
Just fighting for our rights

They're accusing, like always without knowing
What is just fiction or what is the truth
They have no mission, they have no passion
But they dare to tell us what's bad and what's good!

Stand up, join us, modern crusaders alive
We have the power who'll face the future
Cause we are the fighters
Just fighting for our fights

-"Modern Crusaders", Enigma

3 November

Lucien's

Manhattan, New York

1400 Hrs.

David had to admit that Zoe cleaned up very nicely while he got out of the limousine and helped her out of the vehicle. Then again, aside from the school uniform she briefly wore a couple months ago, he wasn't sure if Zoe was actually able to wear a dress, let alone an evening gown. However, she managed to look quite lovely, her pink hair perfectly combed and styled. Granted, she wasn't built like a super-model, but she was attractive enough to get some looks from other bystanders and more than a look of envy aimed in David's direction.

Wow, David thought, a bunch of people 'perving out to an underage minor. I think I just saw Congressman Anthony Weiner over there…yep…pretending to not be caught checking Zoe out. Someday, that bastard's going to fuck up and it will cost him his career.

"I have to admit," he said to Zoe, "you do clean up nicely."

"Thank you," Zoe said sweetly, before leaning in to whisper, "I am so going to kill you for making me wear this."

"Hey, think how I feel," David countered as he nodded at Null, "I'm wearing a damn suit."

Zoe pulled away and playfully reached over to straighten his tie. "Oh, you poor baby."

Null, playing the part of the bodyguard/chauffeur, nodded to David as he closed the door and got back into the driver's compartment. "I'll be waiting out here," he said.

"Good," David said, "because we won't be here very long." He then turned to Zoe. "So…shall we?" he asked offering her his arm.

"We shall," Zoe replied as she wrapped her arm within his and softly leaned into him as she pecked him on the cheek. "Just think," she whispered, "362 days to go and we can do this for real…then we can do naughty things to each other in the hotel across the street from here."

"Not helping, Zoe," David said. "Soul…removed…used as toilet paper…and put back afterwards."

"Oh, c'mon, Uncle Nathan didn't mean it…much."

David shook his head as they made their way up the steps and into the lobby of Lucien's, one of New York's finest cafes and a known spot for famous celebrities, politicians, and the rich elite to frequent. He could see the snobby maître d, standing next to a podium made out of ivory that held a small guest book. David could tell the man was studying them, trying to decide if they were worthy of even making it through the front door. Though his initial reaction was negative, the man's attitude began to shift slightly as he looked at the clothing that David and Zoe were wearing.

I'm wearing an Italian made suit that costs at least fifteen grand and the tinted shades I'm wearing go for about a grand. Zoe's gown and shoes cost at least twenty-five grand altogether. Shit, looking at this guy, I can he's already trying to price our worth and I haven't even talked to him yet.

David gave the man a nod. "I would like a table for two, please," he said, starting to reach into his jacket.

"Do you have a reservation?" the man asked.

David wasn't surprised, but the man's now business-like demeanor and the question informed David that the maitre'd had decided that it was worth letting them in the building instead of saying that it was reservation only and they were all booked up.

Though he could still play that routine if I don't play the next angle right, David thought. That he didn't deny us outright tells me that he thinks I have money and might be willing to pay my way in. Shit…these assholes are so predictable.

"Unfortunately, no," David replied. He then pulled a small bundle of hundred dollar bills, two thousand dollars worth, out of his jacket and set them on the podium next to the guest book. "However, I would like to put my name on the list if that's possible."

If there was any doubt in the man as to whether or not these guests could afford to be at this establishment, it vanished almost as quickly as the bills that he grabbed off the podium before pulling out a pen to write in the book. "Oh, it is very possible, sir," the man said in a suddenly friendly manner. "In fact, if you give us only a couple minutes, I will have a table ready for you. Now, if I could just get your name…"

"Flynn," David said as he removed his shades and put them in the breast pocket of his jacket. "David Pine Flynn."

"Very well, Mr.- " The man's face suddenly paled as he looked up and, for the first time, actually recognized David. "F-Flynn?" the poor guy managed to choke out.

"Yes, that would be me," David replied casually.

"D-do you realize where you are, who dines here?"

"Let's see," David said, "a lot of Utopia upper management, some novas, various UN ambassadors, congressmen, business leaders, celebrities, and really snobby rich people with a lot of money and influence. How am I doing so far?"

"W-why are you here?" the maitre'd asked, wondering if he should call for security. He had obviously seen the news the last couple days and wasn't happy with the fact that THE David Pine Flynn was in his restaurant, a place famous for hosting Utopia dignitaries, politicians, and assorted events. However, he was not ready to have his restaurant to turn into a warzone.

David only grinned at the man's discomfort. "Relax," he said, "I have no intention of causing trouble. However, if you wish to make a scene, you better believe various media outlets around the world will hear about it. I'm here to meet someone and this is going to be neutral ground because I know the people I'm visiting won't cause a scene and risk another scandal, they have enough problems. You have my word that my associate and I will be out of here in about ten minutes."

The man paused for a moment, weighing his options. After a couple more seconds he nodded and gestured for David and Zoe to enter the dining area. "Ten minutes," he said, "then I call Security."

Zoe managed to chuckle softly instead of outright laugh as she and David entered the dining area. "Ten minutes," she giggled, "you destroyed Brandi Miller in less than five."

"Yeah, but I'm not here to destroy someone," David said as he scanned the room. He noticed some of the patrons had seen him and were doing their best to either pretend to ignore him, hurry up with their eating, or suddenly signaled for their check.

"Then why are we here?" Zoe asked him.

"Truthfully, no real reason," David replied. "I'm just here to personally deliver a message." He spied his targets sitting at a corner table at the far end of the dining room. Apparently, they were too busy arguing with each other to notice him an Zoe approaching.

Then again, I seriously doubt they would be expecting me.

Thetis rarely ventured outside her office or the luxurious suite she called home at the Aeon Building. However, there were times when she would give in to one of her guilty pleasures, such as dining at Lucien's where they had some of the most exquisite pastries in the world. She could have had them delivered to her, but she quite enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant and it served as a suitable meeting place when she wanted to meet away from her office. A simple, but elegant, dinner followed by a very delicious tea and dessert. However, she chose today to meet with Utopia Director Justin Laragione here instead of in her office for a good reason. She was not in the mood for what had become a daily ritual consisting with him barging into her office and delivering an angry tirade.

Here, at Lucien's, a public place frequented by key media people, various politicians, UN delegates, and other high-profile celebrities, Thetis knew that Justin would keep his cool and not want to cause a scene. This time, the meeting would be on her terms and he would be forced to act civilly. However, that still didn't change the fact that Laragione was angry at her latest attempt to get rid of David Flynn. Granted, it was a sort of spur-of-the-moment decision but she saw an opportunity and took it.

Unfortunately, as it seemed to be a regular occurrence when dealing with Flynn, the attempt failed spectacularly and had somehow caused some sort of incident with the Chinese government and the world hacking community at large. Already, some media outlets were reporting that Utopia had attempted to test out a "cyberweapon" on the internet and was responsible for the accidental crash of several networks around the world.

And now, here she was, eating her dessert and sipping tea while she listened to Justin complain about her actions.

"Going after Flynn like that was stupid."

Thetis shook her head and took a sip of tea before she responded. "We did not go after him, Justin," she said, her voice calm and serene, giving her the air of innocence. "He came after us."

"Like you knew he would when he learned you had your operative, Kent I believe his name was, go in and take Paladino into custody." Justin Laragione, though composed, didn't bother hiding the anger in his voice. "Your attempt to have him killed online failed and somehow pissed off the Chinese government. And now I have the US ambassador to the UN literally kicking down my door and threatening to call for a vote on creating an oversight committee."

Thetis chuckled. "Really, Justin, you know that such a vote wouldn't get a required majority. It failed the last four times they attempted such a vote."

"Yeah, but more people are starting to side with them," Justin said. "Our greatest strength in the UN was the division among those who actually have the strength to oppose us. Sure, a majority of the UN support us, but most of the powerhouses are wary of us or just don't outright like us. Now, after the stunt you pulled and Flynn's retaliation, I'm watching the US, China, and Iran reps actually setting aside their differences, talking to each other while viewing us with a wary eye. Oh yeah, we're uniting people all right…against us."

"Calm yourself, Justin." Thetis rolled her eyes. As always, she thought to herself, Justin's being melodramatic. "There might be some cause for concern. But if the unthinkable were to occur and an alliance formed between those three, we'll just simply cause an incident with one, frame one for it, and watch their alliance fall apart as they point fingers at each other."

"Wow," said a new voice, causing them both to look up at the intruder. Thetis, upon seeing their visitor, actually stiffened up, her face going pale in shock as David Flynn stood there with the Kilmarten girl hanging off his arm. "Listen to you two," he said, "playing God over tea, coffee, and some pastries."

That's not possible, Thetis thought, what's he doing here?

Justin's reaction was similar to Thetis' though he did swear under his breath.

David Flynn, for his part, merely grinned as he pulled out a chair for Zoe Kilmarten who sat down and waved at them.

"Hi, I'm Zoe. My boyfriend and I are kind of pissed at the shit you pulled recently." Though she was smiling, there was no humor in it; it was clear that the girl had as much contempt for them that Flynn had.

"Don't worry," the Flynn said as he pulled up a chair for himself and sat down. "We won't be staying long and I promised the poor maitre'd over there that I wouldn't turn his restaurant into a warzone. How you react, on the other hand," he shrugged his shoulders, "well, I have no control over that. But any violence or scandal will be all on you, not me. And we all know you don't want that."

After taking a couple seconds to recover, it was Justin who managed to speak first. "What do you want, Flynn?"

"You know, that's an interesting question," Flynn said, leaning back in his chair to glance over at Zoe. "Isn't it?"

"Not really," Zoe replied, "because I don't think these bastards really care what you want."

Flynn nodded in agreement. "You're right," he said, turning his attention back to Thetis and Laragione. "But, since you asked, I could be a smart-ass and say 'I want world peace', but we all know that's a crock of shit. World peace is a pipe dream, because the only way that's going to happen is if there's a war or some great cataclysm that wipes out most of humanity and they have to rebuild. There will be peace then...but then the cycle will repeat as humanity grows, forms separate tribes which then form nations, which then go to war with each other, and then nearly wipe each other out and repeat the cycle." He then looked at Thetis. "Or, in the case of some really fucked up people, they recognize the cycle and then decide 'Hey, let's play god, manipulate the world's powers against each other, bring about a near extinction level cataclysm, and then WE can bring about a true golden age by taking control of the survivors'."

Thetis chuckled, but Justin could tell from the look in older woman's eyes that Flynn's comments struck a nerve. "Really, Flynn," she said, "that's quite a fantastic idea."

"Director Thetis, please don't insult my intelligence. I know about you and Proteus, I also know that you and Director Laragione here are at odds about what the goals of Utopia truly are. I know that you're a power hungry bitch who enjoys what she does and you're not happy that Phillipa Lavielle exiled your sorry ass out here to New York alongside Director Laragione here who, despite his position as Director of Utopia, is pretty much a glorified 'Yes-man' for Aeon."

Flynn then looked in Justin's direction.

"And that brings us back to you, Director Laragione. What bothers me is that you truly believe you're trying to do good in the world, but neither you nor most of the people who work under you have any fucking clue of what's really going on. Or maybe you do, but you just don't care. Hell, in some ways, you're a willing participant when it comes to some things."

"Like what?" Justin asked, thinking Flynn was bluffing. The kid's overplaying his hand.

"Oh...I dunno'," Flynn replied. "Although, does the term 'nova's living off the grid' mean anything to you?"

Justin's face paled and he could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

Oh god, Justin thought, he knows...how?

"You're probably wondering how I know this," the young man continued, giving the Utopia Director a malicious grin. "Very simple really, hacking the UN and dumping a bunch of operative names...that was just a smoke-screen. The real objective was stabbing deep in the heart of Aeon's network and seeing what kind of shit I could dig up. And I gotta' tell ya, portraying people like me and the Teragen as evil...shit, we're saints compared to the likes of you. Well, maybe not you, Director Laragione, you're just a tool that Aeon hired on to put a friendly face on Utopia. However, give it a couple years and I'm sure your soul will be as black and hard as the old bitch sitting at the table with us."

"Is there a point to this, Mr. Flynn?" Thetis asked irritably. "Or are did you just come here to insult us?"

Flynn shook his head and laughed lightly, it wasn't a pleasant sound and Justin didn't like the malicious intent behind it. "No," Flynn replied, "insulting you is just a fringe benefit. As for why I'm here...well...given the fact that you tried to take me out in my own front yard, I figured it was only fair that I come to YOUR home, kick your front door in, and take a shit in your living room. And to answer Director Laragione's question, I want nothing from you. I'm just giving you a message; you wanted a war with me, you got one. If you thought what I've been doing to you lately was bad, wait until I really take it to you and I won't hesitate to gut you and let you bleed out."

"Do you really think you can stand against us and win, boy?"

"Truthfully, Thetis, no; but let me ask you something. Do you really think, after taking me down, that you'll be in any position to deal with whoever it is that decides to come in and finish you off? Do you think Phillipa will let you recover and not decide to eliminate you? Or how about Justin here? He knows about some of the shit you've been secretly up to. Hell, he's even tried to have you removed or forced to step down from your position. I just wonder how much more effort he'd put into it if he found about your other secrets...like your experiments in Bahrain."

"That's a high-level detention center," Justin said, "I already know about it."

"Do you? And I'm sure that only the most dangerous nova criminals Team Tomorrow has defeated are imprisoned there, along with novas that Aeon figures no one will miss. Tell me, Director Thetis, what does Doctor Toiho routinely ask you in those encrypted communiques...oh yeah...'any new toys for me to play with?'."

"Toiho?" The surprise in Justin's voice was unmistakable. "What does he have to do with this? He died in a car accident earlier this year."

Flynn smiled and Thetis silently wished she could kill the little bastard with a glare. "Oh, is that what they told you, Director Laragione? From what I understand, what goes on at Bahrain is something that not even the Nazis dreamed of doing when they experimented on people in the second world war. But it doesn't matter, does it? After all, you've got most of the UN members under thumb and your manipulation of most of the media would make that story vanish faster than a virgin on a prom night if it ever got out."

Thetis didn't respond right away. Instead, she took a sip of her tea and studied the young man sitting at her table. We truly have underestimated him, she thought. "Then why don't you come forward with everything you claim to know?" she asked as she set her teacup on the table.

"I'll give you the same reason I gave Phillipa when we talked in Mexico," Flynn replied. "Because if I suddenly came forward with everything, one of two things would happen. The first possibility is that you would deny everything I accused you of and your media minions around the world would put out enough spin to discredit anything I say and portray me of being some paranoid and delusional nova...something you could use as an excuse to take me down and convince various government agencies to assist you. The second possibility is that enough people would believe the evidence given to them and they start to riot and protest; these actions would eventually lead to violence and some countries may use this as an excuse to rise up openly against you and that would convince you enact some sort of fail-safe plan by engineering another disaster or something."

"Good god, Flynn," Justin laughed, shaking his head, "you sound like one of those crazed conspiracy nuts." However, despite his tone, Justin noted that there was something in Thetis' expression that suggested Flynn wasn't entirely off the mark. That's crazy, he thought, Thetis' people may do some 'black bag' work but what Flynn is accusing her of is...crazy.

Thetis' response chilled Justin to the bone. "I'm impressed, Mr. Flynn," she said. "We really should have put more effort into collecting you eight years ago."

This time, it was Flynn who look like he had been slapped and Justin saw a confused look on Zoe Kilmarten's face.

"It's hard to believe that you killed those six agents when you were just ten years old," Thetis continued, a cold look in her eyes. "One shot each, in their heads."

"David, what's she talking about?" Zoe asked.

"Oh, didn't David tell you about his past?" Thetis' voice was sickly sweet as she spoke, but it only made her sound more sinister. "You never told her what you truly are, did you?"

"She knows enough," Flynn countered. "She knows about Redfield."

"Ah," Thetis nodded her head in acknowledgment, "so she knows about that, but she doesn't know everything about you, does she? Tell me, do the others at SST know who and what you are?"

Okay, Justin thought, there's more to this. What's going on?

For a moment, Flynn seemed to hesitate, then he glanced over at Justin before returning to Thetis, resolve in his eyes. "Does Justin here really know what you people are about? Or will you kill him too once he outlives his usefulness?"

Silence blanketed the table for a few seconds as Thetis and Flynn stared at each other. Justin noticed that Zoe was looking at David, the expression on her face making it clear she was pondering what she actually knew about her boyfriend.

Finally, after a couple more seconds, Thetis nodded her head slightly and spoke. "Well played, Mr. Flynn. It would appear we have each other at a stalemate."

"So it would appear."

"Then what do you propose? A shadow war?"

"Isn't that what we've been doing?" Flynn then leaned forward slightly. "To tell you the truth, I really don't give a damn about your agenda. In fact you're more than welcome to pursue it...play God...wreck the world for all I care. Unfortunately, your agenda seems to consist of ruining mine."

"And what exactly is your agenda?" Thetis asked.

"Getting my people out of your way."

"Interesting, and how do you propose to do that?"

Instead of answering right away, Flynn glanced down at his watch. "I do believe our time is up," he said, getting up out of his chair and helping Zoe out of hers. "But like I said, you want a war, you got one. You send anyone after me...well...a lot of people seem to think I'm destined to follow in my father's footsteps. Maybe, when it comes to dealing with you, that just might might happen." He then turned to Zoe. "C'mon, let's go, we're done here."

Justin watched the young couple walk away for a couple seconds, then he turned to look at Thetis. Though it was very slight, he could see the older woman trembling with rage, her hand shaking ever so slightly as she reached for her tea cup. It was very obvious that Flynn had gotten to her.

Thetis took another sip of her tea, closed her eyes for a moment, and took a slow breath as she put her cup down again. "Well then," she said, "he wants a war...he won't be disappointed."

"Excuse me?" Justin couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Didn't you just hear him? He's expecting to fight us and he's right, we may take him out in a war, but we will weakened to the point our enemies can take us."

Thetis smiled at him. "Oh, Justin," she said in that sickly sweet grandmotherly voice, "I didn't say he would be going to war with us now, did I?"

Justin paused for a moment, letting those words sink in as he remembered who he was talking to and what she was capable of. "Oh god," he said, "what have you done?"

The old woman chuckled and shook her head. "Now Justin," she said, "why should I tell you? After all, Flynn sees you as a 'glorified yes-man' for Aeon. Perhaps it's best that you take that roll. That way, you can always claim innocence. Now, try this almond croissant, it's quite good..."