Disclaimer: I do not own Worm, that belongs to Wildbow. I do not own Heroes of the Storm, that belongs to Activision-Blizzard and Blizzard Entertainment.

Chapter 10

January 23, 2011

PRT HQ

Director Emily Piggot's Office

Emily Piggot arrived at work early. She got up to speed on the last night's events which thankfully for once was a mostly quiet night. There were two reports that had her interest, a Merchant stash house had been hit yesterday afternoon and it wasn't until later that the report came in that the police were suspecting a Stranger might be involved as no one could remember anything and that the video surveillance system had been wiped out. The drugs were still on site, but all the cash in the safe had been cleared out.

The other thing of note on the report was that the Merchants were all confessing to their crimes, one of them was a rapist that the BBPD was looking for and even this one was confessing to every crime. None of them were asking for leniency, they were all willing to plead guilty to all charges. Emily raised an eyebrow at that. She wondered if this Stranger was a Master/Stranger. She made a note to have this incident investigated further.

The second report she noticed was a sighting of the Case 53 at a church. Again, multiple people were healed, a person had been cured of their addictions to drugs before the Case 53 left. The report described that the Healer Cape healed these people individually, not in an area effect like she had done previously. Emily wanted this Cape in the Protectorate badly.

Emily set the reports to the side after reading them and prepared for her meeting with the Chief Director and the other Directors of the PRT. If Rebecca thought Emily was going to fall on her sword, she was in for very big surprise.

Emily got up and prepared the coffee maker in her office for coffee and poured herself a full cup of her favorite beverage after a good scotch, which she was unable to drink anymore. It was almost time for the meeting, her computer was set all she had to do was connect to the meeting and she would be in a virtual meeting room with the other Directors of the PRT and the Chief Director.

Looking at the clock, it was almost time. Emily secured the room and above her office door was a notification light that she was in a conference and not to be disturbed unless it was an absolute emergency. Her assistant saw the light and sent the email that the Director was currently in conference and not available.

The display on her monitor showed the images of the different Directors of the PRT. Not all of the Directors were there, even the Chief Director wasn't there yet. A few greeted Emily with a quick hello, but for the most part no one said anything. Emily scowled at the silent treatment.

Then, the Directors that were missing, appeared along with the Chief Director. The last ones to arrive were the Directors at New York, Boston, Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco.

Rebecca Costa-Brown didn't waste any time. "Good morning everyone. Director Piggot, what is the latest on the hunt for PRT Special Agent Sandra Jefferson?"

Emily was surprised that the Chief Director was opening the meeting with this question. She could play the game though. Emily cleared her throat and replied, "She's still on the run. We've had numerous tips phoned in or submitted online but nothing has turned solid. I've put in a Watchdog request for their assistance but have yet to hear back from them. Given what this agent is accused of, I would think that Watchdog would be more available to my request in chasing this rogue agent down. Perhaps a word from you, Chief Director would encourage them to be more helpful."

Emily watched the image of the Chief Director carefully for any reaction and she did catch a slight twitch of the Chief Director's eye. Emily didn't show anything but she felt a little bit of satisfaction.

Emily made a show of moving a sheet of paper. "We have every law enforcement agency looking for the rogue agent but apparently she planned her escape very well. She had three safe deposit boxes at Brockton Bay Central Bank where she kept her share of the cash she'd embezzled with her co-conspirators before leaving the city. We know she has not fled the country, there's been no sighting of her at any airport, train station, or bus terminal. Evidence from her home indicates she has multiple wigs so it's obvious she has disguised her appearance. Pictures of her with altered appearance have been distributed everywhere."

The Chief Director's face gave nothing away this time. She moved on, "Good work in having Shadow Stalker captured an taken into custody quickly Emily. Be sure to pass on the congratulations to Armsmaster and everyone else in getting it done so quickly."

"I will.", Emily quickly said.

The Anchorage PRT Director said, "Did you have to turn her over to the FBI? We can take care of our own trouble Wards."

Emily snarled, "Well, considering the FBI was here with a warrant signed by a Federal judge, I couldn't tell them to 'no'. The US Attorney here is not having any inter-agency stonewalling and the Assistant US Attorney assigned to the case is just like him."

The Directors looked displeased. Someone muttered, "You should have stood your ground, this makes us look bad."

Emily snarked, "You want to fight a Federal warrant? You know who we work for, right? Last time I checked we fall under the Department of Justice umbrella. Tell you what, I'm going to let you do exactly that when the Feds come over here again. I'm going to call you, put you on the line and you can say whatever the hell you want while I watch them make a call to have you arrested for obstruction of justice. Emily glared at the camera for a few seconds then finished with one word. "Idiot."

Rebecca cut in before the man could retort. "That's enough. Quiet, all of you." Everyone quieted down then Rebecca said, "Can you explain why and how this happened, Director Piggot?"

Emily replied, "We're still investigating, but it appears that shortly after Special Agent Jefferson was assigned the duty of watching Shadow Stalker in her civilian and costumed identity...basically being her parole officer, Agent Jefferson decided to go rogue. We are still putting the pieces together, but it would appear she immediately made contact with the Principal, Carrie Blackwell and was stealing not just the money that was supposed to go to Winslow, she was also stealing from additional PRT accounts. The money that Winslow was receiving from the PRT was being embezzled immediately starting with the first disbursement last year. The other accounts appear to have been stolen a few months before she took on the parole officer duty. Forensic accountants are still figuring out how much money has been stolen so I don't have a number to give you other than to say it was a large amount of money, high six figures minimum, well over seven figures maximum. We should know the exact amount very soon."

"As for Shadow Stalker, Special Agent Jefferson apparently didn't give a shit, she let the girl do whatever the hell she wanted. We've discovered that she's gone on unauthorized solo patrols on nights she was supposed to be home. Then of course there's the bullying which ties with the locker incident. While the victim of the locker incident was the primary target, Miss Hess was physically abusive against other students at the school and was allowed to continue this behavior thanks to the Principal and Special Agent Jefferson. Both the Principal and Special Agent Jefferson's reports on Miss Hess have since been determined to be falsified."

"You had no one else checking on Special Agent Jefferson? You had no one monitoring the account activity?", Director Wilkins asked.

"Why would I assign someone to watch her? She had never been disciplined, there were no marks on her record. You all have access to her file, PRT Special Agent Jefferson had a sterling record and reputation, her performance had been exemplary before this happened. She reminded me of me before my injuries at Ellisburg took me out of field duty. As for monitoring the accounts, she was taking small amounts and doing it in such a way that no red flags were raised. She knew the protocols, she knew how to avoid setting any alerts off."

Emily held up a sheet of paper to the camera while talking. "Protocols are being developed to make it so that what Special Agent Jefferson has done in stealing from the smaller accounts to not happen again. I will be forwarding those protocols to you Chief Director for immediate review and release, it is possible that someone else out there in another department could be doing the same thing."

Rebecca's expression was flat as she said, "Noted. Please send those right away."

"I will.", Emily said with a nod.

Emily cleared her throat, indicating she had something else to say.

Rebecca asked, "Did you have something else to say?"

Emily nodded while replying, "Yes. I'm sure all of you saw the news conference that the locker victim's father intends on filing a lawsuit against the PRT for its mishandling of Shadow Stalker/Sophia Hess. He's also going to be suing the school district and the school and staff. He's hired Robert Cheatum, I'm sure the name will ring a bell for some of you. They intend on filing the suit on Monday."

After a dramatic pause she finished by saying, "They are open to a deal, their lawyer's offered to settle for one hundred million. However, one of the terms is that the PRT has to admit wrongdoing over how it handled Miss Hess and the PRT has to apologize to the victim and her father."

Director Tagg made a scoffing noise, "As if we'd do such a thing,"

Other Directors made sounds of agreement with Tagg.

Emily calmly stated, "Well, our representative offered a maximum offer of twenty five million which was rejected. But I have to point out that I warned them to deal with Mister Hebert fairly, the PR man that was there almost blew it completely when he lowballed the Hebert family with a two million dollar offer."

Another voice said, "Two million's too much, let alone twenty five."

Emily scowled and angrily said, "Let me point out something painfully obvious that you all seem to be missing. They've got us by the balls. You can have Glenn Chambers do his best work, you can have our best lawyers put up a vigorous defense but when this case gets to court, a jury of twelve people is going to find the PRT liable and we could be facing a financial judgment well beyond one hundred million, maybe three to four hundred million total. Think we can handle that kind of financial hit? Look, it will sting, but if we admit wrongdoing, apologize, and pay the one hundred million it will be far cheaper compared to what a jury will hit us with."

Emily had really wanted to rip that person's head off but she refrained from doing so, but she was getting impatient. "One last thing to report, we've had multiple new cape sightings, one dressed as a wizard, a blonde female and a Case 53 Elf appearing cape with area of effect healing power. I've just been made aware of a possible Stranger as well but I don't have anything definitive on that yet. Reports on the Case 53 and the new Wizard cape have been turned in but I wanted to inform you verbally of the new sightings."

Several Directors became excited at the news of the Case 53 cape with the healing power.

"We need that healer cape in the Protectorate!", Director Tagg yelled.

Director Wilkins asked, "What are you doing to find that Cape and get them in the Protectorate?"

Emily replied, "We are keeping an eye out, I've informed my people that we are to handle their recruitment with a soft touch. I'm hopeful and confident we will get them in the Protectorate or at the bare minimum, allied with it. Given her physical appearance, she should be easy to spot."

There were some grumblings and Emily scowled as she overheard their comments. Emily growled, "Last time I checked, joining the Protectorate is a choice, not mandatory!"

Director Tagg said, "They used their power without getting cleared by the PRT, you can forcibly get them in the Protectorate easily!"

Emily said, "Last thing I want to do is piss off the Cape with the healing powers, or perhaps you forget that rule of not pissing off the healer. Unless I have no other choice, I'm going to be nice in our efforts to recruit this Cape, unless they do something that forces me to not be so nice."

The Chief Director was shuffling some papers around. Then she looked at the camera and Emily could feel the Chief Director's gaze on her.

"Emily, I'm going to be asking for your resignation. I'm sorry." By looking at the Chief Director, Emily could tell she wasn't sorry.

Emily knew this was coming. She responded with one word. "No."

Everyone was surprised with Emily's response. No one said anything. Rebecca Costa-Brown arched an eyebrow and asked, "What did you say?"

Emily defiantly said, "You heard me, I didn't stutter. You want me to resign, I won't give it to you. You want me gone, you're going to have to fire me right here, right now in front of everyone here."

Rebecca sighed. "Emily, I'm going to give you this one chance to do the right thing and step down. I will indeed fire you if you don't resign."

"Then fire me. Fire me and see what happens.", Emily snarled.

Rebecca was about to say the two words that everyone knew was coming when she realized that if she fired Emily, she would be doing exactly what Emily wanted and Rebecca was not going to fall into that trap. Instead, Rebecca said, "Emily, you cannot remain as the Director of the East North East. Someone has to fall on their sword for this and you fit the bill."

Emily fired back, "Why, so you can replace me with a backstabbing son of a bitch who's been running a corporation and playing consultant on the side? I know all about your conversations with Mister Calvert. He is far from being qualified to be a PRT Director given his history. Trust me, you put him in charge in my seat, he'll find some way to fuck this posting up and blame everyone else but himself. He's been out of the game too long. He talks a big game, but he is way out of his depth. Let him stay in the private sector where he belongs."

Rebecca's eyes narrowed and she glared at Emily on her screen. "Director Piggot, that is enough!"

Emily kept going. "I have been running this department for a little over a decade. I have been outnumbered by all the villains and the only thing that makes it look easier and I stress the words 'look easier' to manage is when I take into account my Wards team and that of New Wave to back up my own Protectorate roster. Think about that. I have to deploy my Wards team into active roles in my city which have caused me increasing difficulties with regards to the Youth Guard."

"I have to use my Wards for roles that they shouldn't have to be used, and you sit here thinking this is funny Director Wilkins?! You have the luxury of five fucking Wards Teams spread throughout New York City and yet you can't keep the Teeth under control with all that extra help. Why don't you come over here to Brockton Bay and see what you can do with the Nazis and a fucking rage dragon using just what I have, I guarantee you or anyone else will have the city exploding in a ball of fire within the week of your arrival."

Director Wilkins's face turned red and was going to say something but Emily kept talking, not giving him or anyone else a chance to speak.

"With just my Protectorate roster alone, I am outnumbered three to one. However, with the few resources I have, I have kept my city from exploding into a multi pronged gang war ever since I took this posting. Don't think I haven't heard various calls to declare Brockton Bay an HOSV city. You go that route and I guarantee you won't like what happens in the media."

She paused and watched the reactions of the different directors as they heard that last sentence. She saw James Tagg show no reaction, she knew that the man had put the motion through once.

Emily resumed, "I've had to make due with being at the bottom for receiving new equipment, PRT trooper reinforcements, no Protectorate reinforcements and I've held the line. I highly doubt any of you could have done my job without having the city explode in a massive three way gang war."

Emily glared at the camera, "You want scapegoats, I give you PRT Special Agent Jefferson once we have her in custody. Her head is all you need. She stole from the PRT, she mismanaged Shadow Stalker. She. Lied. To. Me. Then there's the little piece of shit herself, Shadow Stalker."

The Chief Director cleared her throat, "Emily, please don't refer to Shadow Stalker like that."

Emily asked, "Why not? Everyone in this meeting now knows what she's been up to thanks to the media. They've done a stand out job listing what she's been up to while Special Agent Jefferson was robbing us blind." She paused, she took a breath. "I warned you Chief Director, Armsmaster warned you, Chief Director. Jessica Yamada and two other psychiatrists that rotate through here also warned that Shadow Stalker was a poor fit for this city, especially with Brockton Bay being the American Nazi Capital. I did not want the troublemaker in my city based on her vigilante activity before her capture because I knew she was trouble."

"I suggested that she be transferred to any city but mine, going so far as to specifically suggest that she be placed in New York, directly under Legend so the girl could learn how to be a hero. I was overruled." Emily glared at Rebecca as she stressed the last three words of her statement.

"With regards to the family of Miss Hess, given that her name is out there, we were able to get her family away and they have already been moved out of the city. WIT SEC is handling their new identities and will move them to a new city once the six year old child can remember the new names of his mom and baby sister without calling them by their old names as well as remembering his own new name."

Director Tagg fired, "You were Shadow Stalker's superior…"

Emily interrupted him, "Last time I checked, shit rolls down hill which means I'm fully prepared for that large turd to fall on someone else, specifically Special Agent Jefferson and Sophia Hess aka Shadow Stalker."

"I have all the documentation that points out that Shadow Stalker was a poor fit for Brockton Bay. Furthermore, the reports that Special Agent Jefferson were clearly falsehoods, a simple one page report that all she did was change the date and resubmit." Emily moved her mouse and pushed the Send button on the email.

Everyone knew what Emily was saying, that Rebecca overruled Emily and made Emily take Shadow Stalker as a Probationary Ward.

There were chimes on everyone's computer terminals, even Rebecca's. Rebecca ignored hers.

Rebecca said, "Emily, you were complaining of being shorthanded against the Parahuman threats in your city, I couldn't just deprive you of a local asset."

Emily said, "Asset? Let me remind you, she was caught after she nailed an Empire gang member to the wall with her crossbow bolts. I needed that girl in my city like I needed a hole in my head given the threat that the Empire poses against minorities. I offered to trade her for any other Ward, and let me remind you Chief Director, you blocked the move before I could have even asked any other Director, so deprive me of a local asset? Pardon my French, by you shoved Shadow Stalker up my ass without the courtesy of asking first."

Rebecca Costa-Brown's eyes widened and she yelled, "Director Piggot! I will-"

Director Armstrong jumped in, not caring that he was interrupting his superior. "Is that true Chief Director? I would have traded one of my Wards to Brockton Bay in exchange for Shadow Stalker had I been made aware of the issue."

Director Wilkins added, "Before all this shit happened, I would have taken the girl and put her directly under Legend's purview as Director Piggot mentioned. I do have a Ward that is grumbling and considering a transfer to another city."

Rebecca's eye twitched. It was clear she was getting annoyed, this was not going how she anticipated or expected. She frowned as she saw emails on her screen appear and she quickly noticed that the emails were from Senators and Representatives that were giving their support to Emily Piggot. Then there was the email from Emily Piggot herself.

Then Director Seneca exclaimed, "What the fuck is this in my Inbox!?"

Emily's smile was feral. "Oh that, that's the paper trail that I diligently saved showing how one Chief Director Rebecca Costa-Brown ignored the recommendations of the lead Protectorate Hero, his second in command, the psychiatrist on rotation at the time to have Shadow Stalker transferred to any department but Brockton Bay along with my own recommendation that she be deployed to New York, directly under Legend where she could learn to be a hero. That's just an appetizer, I have a seven course meal ready to be served if you fire me."

Everyone was stunned, Rebecca glanced at the email that Emily sent and was absolutely furious. But before she could say anything Emily kept going. "You fire me, I promise you not just a whistleblower lawsuit, I will testify in front of the fucking Senate and I will make this current scandal look like a kindergarten party."

"You fucked me over Ellisburg, you fucked me by sticking me in this posting, a city that has more Parahumans per capita than anywhere else with next to no additional support to keep me silent, and you fucked me by sticking me with a problem child that between you and the Youth Guard I couldn't even discipline properly. I will not be fucked by you or anyone else anymore."

Looking directly into the camera on her terminal Emily declared, "The only way I'm leaving my post is if I'm killed in the line of duty or I die of natural causes, or I reach my thirty years and retire."

So, you go ahead and fire me Chief Director and I guarantee you'll be busy testifying in front of the Senate who will ask you some very pointed questions, and you'll be extremely lucky if keep your job when it's all said in done, and the chances are you just might join me in the unemployment line. I bet you won't be able to be hired to be a fucking crossing guard when it all blows over."

"In fact, I've spoken to Senator Cromwell and he is fully prepared to call you to the Senate Judiciary Committee, should you go through with your firing of me, and I will be testifying as well."

Emily softened her expression and took a breath. "Now, I realize this scandal is bad. No, it's a nightmare and people do love a scandal and they love talking about a scandal. But, you know what people also love?" She paused and looked the expressions on the different Directors' faces. "They love victory. You want to give the public something else to talk about, give them a victory."

She pushed a button and images of A Class and S Class Villains began to appear on the different Director's monitor screens. "I say we each nominate an A Class or S Class villain, then we vote on taking one or more of them out. I'm going to go ahead and nominate Hookwolf. I could also nominate Lung, but this nominee is personal to me. One, he's a top level member of the Empire Eighty Eight with multiple murder convictions. Two, he has been sentenced to the Birdcage but has been broken out of transport twice and I don't want him to escape a third time. Three, he's a Nazi, that's good enough for me. However, it might be better to take out a villain in the Midwest or West Coast, that way the public relations focus moves away from Brockton Bay and the scandal can fade to the background."

She looked at the camera and asked, "Alright, would anyone else like to nominate an A Class or S Class villain?"

The Seattle PRT Director exclaimed, "Emily, this is ridiculous! We can't just go after an A Class or S Class villain just to give the public something nice to talk about! Just resign and take-"

Emily cut him off. "Fuck you." She glared at the camera, her gaze hot enough to melt solid steel. "Perhaps I need to drag Glenn Chambers over here and let him explain to you all how to bullshit the public. Give the public a win, a real win against the bad guys, the scandal will be on page four or five

while the front page will have interviews from the Heroes that took part. The six o'clock news or better yet the talk shows can have clips of the successful takedown or as guests on the show. The web sites will have video testimonials of our PRT Troopers that took part in the take down. Give the public something they haven't seen in a long time: A fucking win over the bad guys. Now, I can't be the only person, someone here nominate an evil son of bitch that we can take off the board!"

Everyone was silent

Rebecca cleared her throat and said, "Emily…", Rebecca's eyes narrowed then resumed, "I'm going to hold off on firing you for now. But I will be launching an investigation into your actions as Director with regards to PRT Special Agent Jefferson and Shadow Stalker. If the investigation finds you in violation, I will fire you."

Emily nodded her head. "Very well Chief Director. With your approval, I'd like to get back to work."

Chief Director Costa-Brown gave a nod of her head and Emily disconnected from the conference. She pushed the button that brought her office out of secure mode which also informed her assistant that she was out of the conference and could be contacted if needed.

Emily had her computer switch over to look at the latest reports that had been turned in while her meeting was under way. She looked at the newest tips that had been phoned in for the hunt of PRT Special Agent Jefferson and she picked up the phone. One of the tips looked very promising.

Brockton Bay District Attorney's Office

Assistant US Attorney Michael Spector and Assistant District Attorney Abbie Kincaid were talking things over and discussing the next phase of their case.

Michael asked, "Well, what did your boss say?"

Abbie answered, "He's fully onboard. You've got the judge to sign the arrest warrants?"

Michael nodded and answered, "I did. Joint operation?"

Abbie smiled and replied, "Yes. I'll call Detective Voight and let her know to work with your FBI Agents in arresting the kids. I'll email her and CC her Captain the arrest warrants."

Michael said, "Right."

Michael went back to his borrowed office and called FBI Special Agent Sheppard.

"Go for Sheppard.", the FBI Agent answered his cell phone.

Michael said, "Special Agent Sheppard, this is AUSA Spector, you should be getting an email with arrest warrants for multiple suspects, specifically the onlookers that stood and did nothing when the victim was shoved in her locker. Work with BBPD Detective Voight in arresting all of them."

The FBI Special Agent replied, "Understood, I'll get in touch with her and we'll work on a plan to get them all for you Counselor."

Calls were made, plans discussed, the prep work had been done yesterday so the officers and FBI Agents knew where the suspects lived. It was a little after nine am when the police cars and black SUVs started rolling out to the houses of the teenagers that were going to be arrested.

At around nine thirty in the morning, the first arrests were made at multiple houses. The families were surprised to see BBPD officers with FBI Agents arresting their son or daughter and when asked what the charges were they were informed that they were being arrested for conspiracy, aiding and abetting in a terrorist act, and depraved indifference.

The teenagers were shocked, the parents were even more shocked considering what had happened over the last couple days but they could do nothing but watch as their son or daughter was arrested and driven off in an SUV or Crown Victoria police car.

By eleven am, all of the identified suspects had been arrested and were now being booked into jail. The District Attorney and US Attorney had instructed their subordinates to charge the teens as adults for their actions and so the teens were placed in protective custody in the Brockton Bay City Jail to minimize their contact with adult prisoners until their arraignment.

Paperwork had to be completed, so once more the Detectives and FBI Agents along with the Assistant US Attorney as well as the Assistant District Attorney had a lot more work to do.

The sudden activity by the BBPD and FBI were noticed by the media and they began to appear at the police station and the District Attorney's office trying to ask questions but they were informed that a press conference would be held later in the day to give them the details. The reporters left disappointed but now were anxiously awaiting the upcoming conference.

Undersiders Loft

Tattletale's Room

Lisa Wilborne, aka the cape known as Tattletale had spent the night reviewing the data she'd been able to hack and review as well as the data that her employer, Coil had sent to her. It was a little before seven am and she had a map of the United States open on one of the tabs of her web browser and she'd been looking at camera feeds along the route that her power had deduced that rogue PRT Special Agent was taking.

She had a notepad that had many pages filled with her notes and leads that her power had given her and she was switched over to look at her camera feeds along one of the highways. She needed to get some sleep, she looked at the clock and growled and groaned simultaneously as it was almost eight am.

Just as she was about to close her laptop so she could get some sleep, she saw something and her power whispered to her.

Car matches description of rogue Agent's car. License plate does not match, appears to have been switched, license plate is stolen.

Lisa narrowed her eyes, "Well, hello there." She switched to another camera further along the highway and soon enough saw the car again. She got an angle to see the driver's face and her power whispered to her that she'd hit paydirt. She was able to follow the car for a distance then saw it pull off and her power was giving her more information.

Going off the main highway to take side roads to avoid detection. Still planning to cross over to Canada, continuing to Minnesota and will make first attempt to cross there.

Lisa smirked, "Got her!", she thought to herself. Lisa opened a drawer and looked inside, the drawer was full of burner phones waiting to be used. She grabbed one and she prepared to use it by making it so that the call would be coming from a Wisconsin area code.

Once prepared, she called the tip line that was everywhere asking for tips from the public to assist in locating the rogue PRT agent. The phone rang and after a couple of rings a voice answered, "PRT Tip Line."

Lisa answered, "Hi, um I saw that car of the person that you're looking for...that rogue agent person."

"Really? Please, tell me some more."

Lisa proceeded to explain how she saw the woman drive on the highway, passing by her car and exited at a particular off ramp. She pointed out that the license plate was different, but that the woman matching the description was driving.

"Thank you for the tip."

Lisa being financially driven couldn't help but ask, "If my information leads to her arrest, do I get a reward?"

"Certainly, there's a twenty five thousand dollar award and you can file a claim for it at your local PRT office once the agent is in custody." The agent provided a claim number she would need to file.

Lisa smiled, "Thank you, I'll be sure to do that. Go get her." Then she hung up.

Lisa raised her arms in triumph and got up from her desk. She looked at her bed, then grabbed a sheet of paper and scribbled a note and taped it to her door then closed and locked her door and promptly flopped onto her bed, pulled the covers and closed her eyes.

A couple of hours later, the leader of the Undersiders, Brian Laborn, walked up to Lisa's door and saw the taped note on it.

"Wake me up before 5pm and there will be much pain. Your pain." - Lisa

Brian sighed, turned around and went back to the kitchen. He hadn't had breakfast yet, guess he could make bacon, eggs, and pancakes for himself.

Brockton Bay School District Office

Superintendent Brent Wilkenson's Office

Everyone was back at work in the district office working hard to fulfill the Superintendent's directives that he had issued yesterday.

A lot of work was being done right now arranging for the students at Winslow to be moved to different schools to the school district. The Superintendent's computer gave a notification of an urgent email.

Brent looked to see what he'd received and saw it was an email from the Assistant US Attorney. He clicked on the email and read it. Then he yelled multiple curse words as he looked at what had to be done. He picked up his phone and called the person that was responsible for the task.

"Beverly, it's me. I just received an email with instructions from the US Attorney. I'm sending it to you now, but you need to make sure that the listed students are not sent to the same school as Julia Maxwell. I mean it, this request comes from the Assistant US Attorney so I want no fuck ups here." He paused as he heard the woman acknowledge the orders while forwarding the email to the woman. "There I just forwarded it to you. I mean it, don't fuck this up." Then he hung up.

Then he picked up the phone again and dialed another number. "Janice, what's the word on the Hebert situation? Where is she going to be transferred to?" He paused for the answer and a smile came to his face. "Excellent, that's fine. Make sure to call and speak with Danny personally." Then he hung up the phone.

Brent saw Danny Hebert's press conference in front of his house and he was upset over the impending action that was going to happen on Monday but he was hoping that the peace offering that was going to be made would show some good will. He'd call and talk to Danny himself after he'd given the man some time to cool down. Right now he knew Danny's temper was very hot.

Brent scowled as he knew he had to meet with Legal to discuss the pending lawsuit that was threatened by Danny. He cursed Monica Shelby and Carrie Blackwell's name for having put the school district in its greatest crisis in decades.

Growling with frustration, Brent returned to his work. He was still going over Winslow's finances and the accounting team had found some alarming discrepancies from Blackwell's books. The amount of money stolen was close to seven figures and it may go over one million dollars and that was going to put a serious strain on the school district's budget.

Speaking of the budget, he was going to have to look and see what money could be moved around to cover the costs of hiring new teachers that would be needed at the other high schools among other things such as the asbestos remediation that would have to be done again at Winslow.

Brent cursed Monica and Carrie again as he looked at the finances of the school district.

Chief Director Rebecca Costa-Brown's Office

Los Angeles, California

Rebecca's office was still in secure mode now that the conference with the Directors was finished. Rebecca placed both hands on her face and slid them down slowly and yelled into her hands.

The meeting did not go as she expected or anticipated. Rebecca felt a difference in the room as she knew when Doormaker's power was being used. Her hands now clear of blocking her eyes she saw a familiar person standing in front of her.

Contessa.

The fedora wearing woman was dressed in black slacks and royal blue blouse with a long coat. The woman looked at Rebecca with her cold eyes.

Rebecca was curious as to why Contessa was there. "What is it?"

Contessa said, "You will keep Director Piggot as the Director of ENE. The Path requires it. There is something going on there. There is a distinct possibility that we will have to terminate the experiment in Brockton Bay."

Before Rebecca could ask a question the woman called for a Door, the portal appeared and the woman walked through, the portal closing immediately as she entered.

Rebecca growled in frustration. She was going to need to arrange a meeting with the rest of Cauldron as soon as possible.

The Hebert House

"Taylor?"

"Taylor!?"

"Wake up!"

"Young Taylor, awaken!"

"Wake up Taylor!"

A groaning sound emerged from the teenage girl on top of her bed.

"She's coming to! Taylor! Wake up!"

"Enfin!"

"Be nice, Widowmaker, we still don't know what happened!"

"Taylor, it's Sarah, wake up sweetie, you're late for your morning workout!"

"Mmmraffhgsnkle", came out of the teenage girl's mouth. The teenage stirred now, turning onto her right side, then left then flopping back onto her back.

"Wake up, right the hell now, soldier!", yelled the voice identified as Sarah.

Taylor Hebert sat up with a startle she yelled, "I'm awake! I'm awake!"

Every Voice in Taylor's head yelled back. "Quiet down, you'll wake up your dad!", or some variation along that line.

Taylor clutched the sides of her head. Awakened

but the cobwebs were still clearing, she felt a lingering pain in her head that was fading away as she came to full wakefulness.

Taylor quietly said, "Did anyone get the license plate of the truck that hit me? God, I feel awful!"

The Voices were concerned. All of them asked questions at once.

"Are you okay?"

"What are you feeling?"

"Are you still in pain?"

"What's wrong?"

"Hey, let's give her a chance to speak!"

Taylor was blinking away the cobwebs, she shook her head, the pain was fading. She looked around her room and was seeing everything just fine. The room was not spinning like it was when she passed out.

But she wasn't completely fine. She was feeling as if she'd eaten a very full meal but she was feeling hungry. Her stomach growled, letting her know that she needed to eat.

Taylor felt that something was different about her power. As if some sort of internal meter was reading as "full". She tilted her head to one side then the other, trying to figure things out.

The Voices asked if she was alright again.

Taylor replied, "I feel...weird. Something...something's weird…"

Taylor stood up shakily at first but quickly found her footing. She grabbed her forehead. Again, the Voices expressed concern. Each one asking a question along the lines of, "Are you alright?" Taylor let out a breath and she tried to get her thoughts in order.

"Quiet.", she said.

As Taylor was gathering her thoughts, she started thinking about the Voices. She thought of Sarah, Tyrande, Widowmaker, Jaina, and Li-Ming and images of each woman appeared in her mind.

As she thought of each woman, she felt something. Something different about her power and she couldn't stop now. She thought of Li-Ming and an image of the Wizard appeared in her head. (AN: Default costume for HotS). She felt that this new aspect of her power wasn't ready for Li-Ming.

Then she thought of Widowmaker, and an image of the beautiful blue skinned former assassin appeared (AN: Default Overwatch 2 skin) in her mind. Again, her power seemed to not be ready for Widowmaker.

Next she thought of Jaina, and an image of the Archmage appeared in her mind (AN: Theramore Sorceress Jaina skin from HotS). Taylor sensed that the new aspect of her power was ready.

Taylor thought of Sarah, and an image of the red headed Ghost was in her mind (AN: Ghost outfit from Tarsonis cinematic). Taylor felt that this new aspect of her power that she was feeling was ready when she thought of Sarah.

Finally, Taylor thought of Tyrande and the Night Elf appeared in Taylor's mind. Taylor felt that the new aspect of her power was ready when she thought of Tyrande.

Taylor quietly said, "I think...I think my power has been charging something...each time I've changed, bringing you out something was building up."

There was confusion among the Voices, concern as well.

"What?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Taylor, tell us what's wrong."

Taylor went to the bathroom to take care of business. The full and stuffiness feeling not going away when she was done. She took a deep breath and let it out as she looked at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. She returned to her bedroom.

Widowmaker said, "Alright, if you're feeling better you can still get part of a workout done before you have to get ready for your meeting with the new lawyer."

Taylor was walking in a circle around her room her hand on her chin as she was thinking. "I think...I think I know what to do. No workout today, something about my power is different. I think my power is ready for something different."

Before the Voices could ask, Taylor focused on Sarah and she saw Sarah in her mind again. This time instead of the pulling sensation she normally did when bringing each Voice out was replaced with a need to push. The sensation of being full was fading slightly

Sarah asked, "Okay Taylor, what is…" Sarah felt as if she was being pushed out of a Hercules dropship for a High Altitude Low Opening jump and she didn't have a parachute. She exclaimed, "Taaaayyyyloooorrr!?" Her voice sounding as if she was in a tunnel, her voice echoing and fading at the same time.

Suddenly there was a POP as if a champagne cork had been popped and Sarah Kerrigan was standing in the room in front of Taylor.

Taylor stepped backwards a couple steps as she saw Sarah, who was wearing the same clothes as he had been wearing yesterday for her "recon" mission on the Merchants.

Everyone in Taylor's head expressed surprise in some form or fashion. The Voices speaking all at once, it was a cacophony of noise. Sarah was looking at her hands for a few seconds then looked at Taylor.

Sarah exclaimed, "What the fuck!?"

Taylor was in shock at looking at Sarah. "It worked?!", she exclaimed.

Taylor stepped forward and reached out with her right hand and poked Sarah on the right shoulder. Taylor felt resistance as if Sarah was really there.

Taylor poked her again, as if not really believing Sarah was there.

Sarah arched an eyebrow then reached out and poked Taylor in the chest. "How do you like that?", Sarah asked.

Taylor rubbed her chest. "Ow, you need to cut your nails.", Taylor commented.

Sarah rolled her eyes then brought her hands up to check her nails. "They're not that long!"

"How did you do that?"

"What?!"

"Can you do that again!? Pick me!"

"Let me out at once! I demand you let me out!"

Taylor quietly exclaimed, "Li-Ming, Tyrande, Jaina, and Widow, shut up! I'll explain this in a moment!"

Sarah was about to say something when right then Danny's voice was right outside the door. "Taylor, are you up?" The door handle was turning.

Taylor cried out, "Dad! I'm not decent, I just woke up!"

The door handle stopped moving and Danny sputtered and started apologizing quickly. "Sorry, Taylor. Sorry, so sorry. I'm going to get started on breakfast, it's going to be waffles today."

Taylor responded, "Okay, sounds great!"

Danny walked down the stairs.

Sarah gestured to Taylor and quietly said, "For all of us Taylor, explain what just happened."

Taylor took a breath then she explained in a low voice, "I woke up feeling like I've eaten too much. But, when I focused my thoughts...when I thought of each one of you, I felt something different."

Taylor said, "It's hard to explain...this full feeling I feel. But I thought of each of you and...and I thought of Sarah and while I could use my power to change myself into you, I felt this need to...push. So I used the opposite of the technique I use to change into you. I thought of you Sarah and I 'pushed'. Now, here you are! How do you feel, any different? Look you're still wearing the clothes from yesterday!"

Sarah responded, "I noticed. I don't feel any different."

Widowmaker demanded, "I want to be let out at once!" There was a pause followed by a huff and then Widowmaker calmly rephrased her request. "I would like to be released...please."

Tyrande asked, "Taylor, what is going on?"

Jaina asked, "Taylor, how did you do that?"

Li-Ming declared, "My turn please! Taylor let me out!"

Sarah tilted her head. "Weird, I can still hear everyone in my head."

Taylor asked, "You can hear them?"

Tyrande, Jaina, and Li-Ming asked, "You can hear me?"

Sarah replied, "Yeah, I can hear them and no, it's not because I'm reading your mind because I'm not reading your mind right now."

Taylor was surprised. She wanted to talk some more but she looked at the clock. "Dammit, I have to get ready, breakfast will be ready soon. I'll call you back now."

Sarah held up a hand. "Wait! Don't do that, let me stay out for a bit. Please?"

Taylor said, "Okay. Stay here, I'll bring you some food, I promise to eat real fast.", Taylor said.

Sarah nodded. "Fine."

Taylor grabbed clothes out of her closet and drawer and went to the bathroom to take a quick shower.

Shower done, fully dressed, Taylor walked downstairs and grabbed a loaf of bread and butter. She threw the bread in the toaster then grabbed the orange juice and poured it into glasses for her dad and for herself.

Danny was finishing up the cooking. The eggs and bacon were done and he was working on the pancakes, using the batter he made from yesterday. The toaster popped the toast out and Taylor grabbed the toasted bread and began spreading butter on the slices.

Cooking was completed, father and daughter sat down to eat. The Voices commenting on the delicious aroma of eggs and bacon. Danny and Taylor ate their food and as they were eating Danny remarked, "That was a hell of a barbecue last night, wasn't it?"

Taylor nodded. She swallowed her bite and replied, "Oh yeah. So many chicken wings died...to satiate my hunger last night."

Widowmaker snarked, "Yes, so many chicken wings, Taylor. When are you going to exercise?"

Danny chuckled. "You were devouring the grilled wings that Kurt was making as fast as he was making them."

Taylor thought, "I'll work out later, I'm dealing with this new thing with my power."

Taylor nodded, "They were so good. That sauce Aunt Lacey made for the wings was amazing. She called it a buffalo ranch sauce. I could dive in a bowl of it and drink it, it was so good."

Danny and Taylor talked about the amazing food and Taylor made her dad promise that there would be another barbecue again. Then her dad got to talking about their upcoming meeting.

"We're going to be meeting her at her office, she's made time for us given that it's a Sunday.", Danny said.

Taylor responded, "Mighty nice of her."

"Yeah.", Danny said. "I think it's because I mentioned that Mister Cheatum referred her to me that she's giving us that little bit extra courtesy."

Taylor asked, "She knows why we're coming over, right?"

Danny was finishing up his pancakes. "Yeah, she knows I want to sue the parents of your bullies."

Taylor was finishing her own pancakes as she asked, "What time is the meeting?"

"Ten o'clock. Her office is downtown.", Danny replied. He stood up and put the dishes in the sink and rinsed them. Taylor finished up and did the same then she started washing the dishes while her dad went to grab the newspaper. Danny returned to the kitchen to refill his coffee cup then said he was going to the living room to read the paper.

Taylor told her dad that she would finish washing the dishes and go back to her room until it was time to go to the meeting.

After finishing the dishes Taylor made some more toast which she buttered and spread some strawberry jam. She grabbed a couple of cheddar cheese sticks then made her way upstairs. Her dad had the newspaper open and was reading it.

Taylor walked into her room and saw Sarah sitting at her desk using the advanced computer that was part of her kit. Sarah was wearing her Ghost gear again, the clothes she had bought yesterday were folded on top of the bed. Taylor looked at the screen from behind she saw that Sarah was on PHO.

Taylor said, "Here, it's not much, but I couldn't cook another breakfast without dad getting suspicious."

Sarah turned and saw the food in Taylor's hand. Taylor set the items next to Sarah who grabbed a slice of toast and started eating. "Mmmmmm, it may be toast with butter and strawberry jam but it's the first real food I've had in a long time." She took one of the cheese sticks, opened the package with her telekinesis and took a bite.

Taylor watched her open the package and said, "Somehow, I think that's cheating."

Sarah chortled. "If you got it, use it."

Taylor asked, "What are you looking at?"

Sarah replied, "Looking over the Merchant information. I figure we can hit them again either later this afternoon or tonight."

Taylor hummed in approval. "Well, I think I'll need to experiment with this new part of my power before we hit the Merchants, I have ideas."

Sarah and the Voices all said at the same time, "Oh? Do tell."

"Taylor said, "I think...I think I can summon you guys...some of you."

Li-Ming asked, "Really? You can make me appear like Sarah?"

Tyrande asked, "You can?"

Before anyone could speak, Taylor said, "I think so. I'll test it later, I don't want to make more noise that dad can hear."

Sarah hummed in thought. Then she turned to look at the screen again and went back to looking at PHO.

Taylor looked at the posts and commented, "Looks like they're talking about the hit we did on the stash house."

Sarah said, "Yep. Looks like we're in the clear. No one knows it was us."

Taylor said, "Good."

Widowmaker snarked, "If there is nothing to do until it is time to go to this meeting, get your butt to the basement and lift some weights."

Taylor rolled her eyes. "Fine."

She changed out of her clothes and donned some sweats and a t-shirt. Then she went down to the basement.

On the way she said to her dad, "Going to lift some weights for a little bit."

Danny folded his newspaper and looked at Taylor. "Okay, want me to let you know when to stop so you can take a quick shower and get ready?"

"That would be great, thanks.", Taylor said.

Taylor went into the kitchen, opened the door to the basement, entered and turned on the light and walked down the steps. Taylor began doing warm up stretches per Widowmaker's instruction. Once done, she started her work out.

Federal Detention Center

Concord, New Hampshire

The detention center that held Federal prisoners was located next to the Federal building. It was nondescript, it didn't look like a prison which was a point in its favor. Most citizens didn't know that the building was there even though it was visible.

Waiting in a room were the parents of Madison Clements and her lawyer. It took a few minutes but the young teenager entered the room with the guard right behind her.

Madison exclaimed, "Mom! Dad! I'm so happy to see you!"

The girl's expression was indeed that of happiness, but both parents and the lawyer could see that the girl had been crying.

Madison was uncuffed briefly then cuffed to the chain on the table. The guard quickly exited.

Both mother and father reached a hand out to take one of Madison's hands and squeezed. Madison's father said, "You...you look good, honey. How are you doing?"

Madison blinked back the tears that were building. "I'm...I'm okay...as okay a person could be I guess."

Madison's mother said, "Maddie, honey", she gestured to the brown haired man in the very expensive blue suit. "This is Harvey Ross, he's going to represent you."

Harvey opened up his briefcase and pulled out a notepad. "Madison, your parents have filled me in that you wish to cooperate and testify against your co-defendants, Emma Barnes and Sophia Hess."

Madison said, "Yes, that's right."

Harvey was jotting notes own. "Your parents told me that they met with the AUSA and the ADA last night. I'll be speaking to them and letting them know that you still wish to cooperate."

Madison nodded.

Harvey was looking directly at Madison as he asked, "Are you safe where they're holding you?"

Madison sniffed and replied, "Yeah...Emma, Sophia, and I are being kept in protective custody. The guards keep checking our cells every fifteen minutes."

Harvey asked, "How close is your cell to the others?"

Madison replied, "Uh, my cell is a couple away from Emma, Sophia...I think her cell is a the end of the cell block. I'm in the first cell."

Harvey asked, "Have you talked to Emma or Sophia?"

Madison shook her head. "No."

Harvey said, "Good. Keep it that way. If they do talk to you, try to ask if you are helping law enforcement, you tell them that you're not talking. Don't talk to them though. If they ask why, tell them that you're afraid that THEY are talking to law enforcement."

Madison was quiet, she looked at her mom and dad then she looked at the lawyer with concern. "Is...is it true that Sophia was a Ward? That she's Shadow Stalker?"

The lawyer answered, "Well…", he paused then said, "Yes." Then he added, "Don't spread it around,"

Madison made a noise and said, "Now it makes sense, why Emma and Sophia were so close. She knew!"

Harvey asked, "So you were never aware that Sophia was Shadow Stalker while you knew her at Winslow?"

Madison shook her head. "No, I never knew. I knew that Emma and Sophia had some sort of secret...but I just thought they were lesbian lovers or something."

Harvey was writing notes. "Right.", he remarked.

Harvey said, "So, you're willing to cooperate with the US Attorney and the District Attorney, that's good. You will have to testify against your friends."

Madison nodded and said, "That's not a problem. How much time would I have to serve?"

Harvey replied, "I don't know. I'm going to push that the State and Federal sentences run concurrent so that you do have a chance of walking out of prison before you're an old woman. The minimum, and this is me being optimistic would be twenty five years. That means you get out when you're forty years old and you can live the rest of your life. It could be more, I don't know. I'm going to push for the twenty five years if I can and really, the more cooperative you are, the more they're willing to knock years off your sentence."

Madison looked resolved as she said, "I want to burn Emma and Sophia to the ground. I know what I did was wrong, I realize that. I had as much a part of participating in it as they did, but...unlike Emma or Sophia, I'm sorry I did this. I really am. I used to be bullied in middle school and I saw an opportunity to not be on the bottom for once and I took it. I wish I'd didn't meet Emma and Sophia when I did."

Madison's parents squeezed their daughter's hands and gave reassuring words to try and comfort their daughter.

Harvey said, "Alright, they're going to arraign you tomorrow, I should be getting the charge sheet from the Feds sometime today which will list the charges you're facing. We are going to act normal, to not give anything away that we're cooperating with the Feds or the DA. So, let me do all the talking, Mister and Misses Clements. Don't talk to the media, don't talk to anyone from law enforcement without me being there. I'll speak to the AUSA and the ADA later today."

Harvey put the notepad away in the briefcase and closed it. "I'll let you send some time with your family. I'll see you at the arraignment Madison. Mister and Misses Clements, don't forget to bring a change of clothes for Madison. I'll be sure to get them to you before you go before the judge."

Madison thanked the lawyer and Harvey left the room. After he was gone, Madison spent the remaining time talking to her parents until the guard came and announced that visiting time was over.

Madison was taken back to her cell after saying goodbye and her parents left the detention center to return home and wait until they had to go to court for their daughter's arraignment in Federal court.

PRT HQ

Director Emily Piggot's Office

Downtown Brockton Bay

It was almost ten am when the phone rang in Emily Piggot's office. The woman had been working non stop, coordinating with various agencies to try and capture Special Agent Jefferson. One of the tips seemed very promising so she was directing resources towards that area of the country and thankfully, those resources were moving into position. Now she had to wait.

Now the phone rang and she answered it after the second ring. "What is it?"

It was the voice of the PRT agent assigned to working the reception desk. "Director, a protest is forming in front of the building. It looks like the Empire has sent their non gang members to protest."

Emily scowled and growled, "What?" She turned on the large monitor on the wall closest to her desk and activated the CCTV to look at the cameras pointing towards the front and the street. Emily saw the large crowd that seemed to be growing by the second.

Emily zoomed in on the crowd. Most of the people looked clean cut, no visible gang colors. They looked almost ordinary. But, Emily knew the signs and she growled as she saw Kaiser's handiwork.

Emily asked, "Find out if they have a permit, if they don't disperse them."

"Already done ma'am. They do have a permit."

Emily growled and muted her phone and said to herself, "Of course they have a permit. Kaiser's got people in city hall to get a permit so fast."

Emily unmuted the phone and said, "Of course they did, send a squad of troopers to the front and make sure the crowd stays civil."

"Yes ma'am. Anything else?"

"No one is to speak on our behalf except for Glenn Chambers or the person he designates. If they are approached by the media and are asked a question, they are to say 'No Comment'. I'll let Glenn know what's outside."

"Yes, Director."

Emily hung up the phone then picked it up and dialed the extension that Glenn Chambers was using.

"Glenn here.", the Director of Image answered.

"Glenn, it's Emily. I don't know if you've looked outside but it seems that Kaiser has ordered his more...presentable members to stage a protest right outside."

There was silence for a few seconds and Emily could hear the man standing up and walking over to the window that was in his office followed by mutterings and some not so polite language coming from the Director of Image.

A moment later Emily heard Glenn's voice as he said, "I see. Very interesting. I'll take it from here, thank you Director."

"Certainly.", Emily hung up the phone.

Emily looked at the monitor showing the protest and shook her head and cursed Sophia Hess and Sandra Jefferson for what had to be the thousandth time.

The Offices of Lewin and Associates

Downtown Brockton Bay

The offices of the lawyer they were going to meet was in mid size corporate tower that had many other offices, some accounting firms, a school for court reporters, a couple of doctor's offices and the small law firm that Danny and Taylor Hebert were here to visit.

Taking the elevator the tenth floor the father and daughter duo exited and made their way down the hallway to the office they were going to. Danny opened the door and there was a small waiting room and the receptionist was at her desk working.

Danny walked up and said, "Danny and Taylor Hebert to see Miss Lewin, we have an appointment at ten."

The receptionist smiled and said, "Go ahead and sign in, I'll let her know you're here."

The two were not kept waiting for long, only a couple of minutes. The receptionist led them to the office which was a short trip through the door and a small hallway which led to a closed door that the receptionist opened.

"Danny and Taylor Hebert to see you Miss Lewin."

"Thank you.", the lawyer said.

The lawyer was a middle aged honey blonde haired woman. Her hair was wavy and down to the shoulder blades and she had blue eyes. She was wearing a very nice royal blue pant suit. She stood up and gestured towards the chairs in front of her desk while saying, "Good morning Mister Hebert, and hello to you too Miss Hebert." She extended her hand out for handshake.

Danny and Taylor shook the lawyer's hand and sat down in the chairs in front of the lawyer's desk.

Danny said, "Hello, thanks for agreeing to see us on a Sunday, Miss Lewin. Can I ask, are you a Partner in the firm?"

The woman smiled as she sat down while saying, "Well, it's not everyday that Robert Cheatum refers a client to me. By the way you can call me Shelley. As for the Firm, I'm the Founder and Senior Partner. This is mine. I've got some Associates that work for me. I got my start working for Dewey Cheatum and Howe, but I wanted to start my own practice. We parted on good terms and once in a while Mister Cheatum sends me a case."

Shelley had a legal pad in front of her and she picked up a pen. "So, as we talked yesterday, you're looking to sue the parents of the students that harmed your daughter."

Danny nodded his head. "Yes, we know the family of one of them, the Barnes family. We used to be close…" Danny paused and sighed then continued. "Things changed after my wife died. My daughter used to be best friends with Emma but for some unknown reason she ended the friendship and started abusing Taylor in her freshmen year."

Danny went on to explain everything that had happened to Taylor, building up to the Locker incident. At that point, Taylor took over, first going over some things that Danny had missed then when she got to the locker, it took her some time to talk about that morning.

The lawyer was nice and patient, waiting for Taylor to speak, giving Taylor the time she needed to explain what had happened from her arrival at the school to her approach to the locker and the sight of so many students hanging around nearby as if they knew what was about to happen.

The Voices were comforting, giving Taylor kind words to help her as she told her story. She described seeing Emma, Sophia, and Madison, told how hey looked, what they said. Tears were falling down Taylor's face as she got to the point where she opened the locker, describing what she saw and smelled, described how she was hit on the back of her head and shoved in and the door slamming shut, locking her in.

Taylor described how Emma laughed at her pleas and cries to be let out. She recounted how Sophia laughed and taunted her. Taylor recounted how Madison got in her taunts as well and she described how the others watching laughed and how no one came to her aid.

Danny lost his composure and tears were falling down his face. The lawyer was having difficulty keeping her face expressionless and when Taylor stopped talking after saying how no one had helped her, the lawyer called for a break.

Shelley Lewin held up a hand and said, "I think we need to take a break right now. Let me show you to the rest rooms where you can compose yourself."

Shelley led the two out of the law office over to the rest rooms that were down the main corridor near the elevators.

"Here, take however much time you need, and when you return, I'll have Annette take you to the kitchenette where there is some coffee.", Shelley said.

Danny and Taylor thanked Shelley and went inside to their particular rest room to compose themselves. Danny and Taylor took some time to themselves, Danny didn't take as much time as Taylor did though. Taylor was in the rest room for ten minutes.

Inside the rest room, Taylor had slumped against the far wall opposite the sinks and sat on the floor, her back against the wall, her knees up her arms atop them and she buried her head on top and was sobbing.

The memory of what happened that day was back, and she could remember the words that were said by the peanut gallery, the smell of the inside of the locker, the pain of the bugs biting her. Emma's words after the door had been closed and her pleas for Emma to let her out haunted her the most still.

Jaina and Tyrande gave comforting words. "It's alright Taylor, no harm can come to you. We won't allow it." "You are not alone Taylor, we are with you."

Widowmaker said, "My offer is still open, I will put a bullet in each one who harmed you, Taylor."

Li-Ming said, "Forget the meteor, how does a nice Energy Twister or two through their houses sound?"

Taylor chuckled. She sniffed and then stood up and went to the sink. She washed her face and hands and looked at the mirror. She looked better now.

Tyrande offered, "If you can bring me out, I would like to comfort you, Taylor."

Taylor took a breath. "Later. I need to get back to the office, but...I'd like that Tyrande."

Taylor nodded at her reflection. "Let's do this."

She walked out of the rest room and went back to the office. She offered an apology.

Shelley said, "You don't need to apologize Taylor."

Widowmaker exclaimed, "Damn right you don't!"

Danny reached out, patting his daughter's shoulder and giving it a reassuring squeeze. With concern on his face Danny asked, "Are you alright?"

Taylor nodded. "Yeah, I'm alright."

Shelley said with a reassuring expression, "I think I have enough on the locker incident for now. Tell me about the beginning of the bullying. How did it start?"

Danny moved his hand to Taylor's hand and gave it a squeeze while looking at his daughter with a caring expression.

Taylor took a breath then she began, "It really started when I came back from summer camp back in the summer of two thousand and nine…."

The meeting lasted a little over two hours. The lawyer was patient and let Taylor tell her story. When it was over, Shelley informed them, "Well, I've got enough to file against the parents. The fact that they've been arrested and are facing Federal and State charges will help our case but we may have to wait for the criminal trials to finish before we get our day in court."

Danny and Taylor nodded their heads. Danny said, "Please let me know when you file against the Barnes family at the least."

"I will. Serving the Barnes and Clements families should not be difficult. The difficult one will be Miss Hess's family. Given that she's been outed as a Cape, a Ward at that, I have no doubt that the PRT has put the family into protective custody. I may have some extra hoops to jump through to ensure that Miss Hess's parents are served."

Taylor folded her arms and grimaced. "Sophia is not a Hero."

Shelley agreed with Taylor. "Most definitely, Taylor. It's clear that the school covered for the three. But, you have Mister Cheatum pursuing the school, correct?"

Danny and Taylor nodded their heads. Danny said, "Yes, he will be filing against the school district, the school and staff at Winslow, and the PRT."

Shelly said, "Well, that's quite a lot, but a firm like DC and H are more than capable of handling it. There's a good possibility that settlements will be reached and the cases won't be tried in court."

Danny said, "Right, and we're fine with that as long as they agree and publicly that they were responsible for the wrongdoings and that they apologize. We won't accept anything less. They don't get to pay out monies and say that they're not responsible. They are responsible, they have to acknowledge that. If they can't, we're prepared for a jury to tell them."

Shelley nodded her head. "Right, well I have my work cut out for me, but I promise that I won't let you down."

Danny and Taylor stood up and said their goodbyes then left the office. Once in the truck Danny looked at Taylor. "Let's get home and get some food. We've got left over food from last night."

Taylor grinned and rubbed her hands. "There's some chicken wings with buffalo ranch sauce calling me."

Danny chuckled, "I see. Well I better get this truck moving." With that Danny backed the truck out of the parking spot and put it in drive. Father and daughter started heading home.

Liberty Park at Captain's Hill

It was a few minutes before noon and in front of the main building for the park but set up to the side of the building to prevent blocking traffic in and out of the building was a podium set up. Assembled around the podium and dressed up in their costumes was the independent hero group of the city, New Wave. Assembled in front of the hero team were a small group of reporters and their camera people to record the statement issued by the hero team.

Lady Photon stepped up to the podium and cleared her throat. The sound of photographs being taken was clearly heard. The heroine looked at the cameras and began to speak.

"Good afternoon and thank you to those members of the media who are here right now. New Wave was founded on transparency and accountability. We are shocked, saddened, and angry at the actions of a corrupt agent and apparently a corrupt Ward who'd been given a second chance and took that second chance to continue doing criminal acts while in her civilian identity. We, along with the citizens of Brockton Bay feel that this is just the tip of the iceberg and that this Ward needs to be investigated further so that all of her criminal acts are exposed and she is prosecuted for them."

Lady Photon continued to speak, her remarks expressing New Wave's displeasure at the PRT's failure over their rogue agent and their failure at making sure that Shadow Stalker was staying on the straight and narrow path towards redemption. Lady Photon hammered the fact that the girl was on probation yet they PRT had a dirty agent watching over a probationary Ward.

Lady Photon went over the failure of the Winslow High School administration, hammering the corrupt Principal and office staff, taking time to point out that the staff and faculty were suspended pending investigation and wondering what other dirty laundry would be exposed.

Lady Photon took time to thank the rest of the group that had assembled to assist law enforcement with the quarantine of the school and she doubly thanked Panacea for her hard work and diligence in healing so many students and staff that had been exposed to the biohazardous pathogens. Lady Photon did thank the school district for their donation to Panacea's favored charity and she announced that the charity had received the donation already.

As each member of New Wave was thanked, Lady Photon made a point to bring them out in front to the applause of the audience so they could get that recognition. Panacea received a standing ovation from the small crowd of people that were gathered there.

Panacea was surprised and she blushed at the crowd's appreciation. When she returned to her spot she was surprised again when her mother patted and squeezed her shoulder.

Lady Photon finished by saying, "A copy of this statement is on our website and on our social media page. I want to finish by saying that it is up to us and the citizens of this city to hold those in power responsible and accountable when they fail and we have seen failure at two major government institutions, the PRT and the Brockton Bay school district in how they allowed Winslow High School to deteriorate to his point. New Wave will be leading the charge to make sure that these failures are not only fully revealed, but that measures are put in place so that it does not happen again. Thank you."

Lady Photon smiled and stepped back then she joined in the rest of the team in walking away. There were going to be private interviews with the major local news as well as at least one national news cable channel.

Federal Detention Center

Concord, New Hampshire

Walking into the lobby were the Barnes family and their new lawyer Ellenor Dole. The Barnes were dressed nicely, Anne and Zoe Barnes were wearing dresses, Anne's a dark blue while Zoe was wearing a dark green dress. Alan was wearing a blue dress shirt with a dark gray tie and black slacks. The large clock in the center of the lobby showed the time as being twelve thirty in the afternoon.

Ellenor was a heavy set woman, with dark brown hair that she was wearing long to her mid back. She was wearing a blue blouse and black slacks with a blue suit jacket. She was holding her briefcase in her right hand.

The group entered and went through the security checkpoint and Ellenor did the talking, saying she was the attorney of record for Emma Barnes and was here with the girl's family.

After more than twenty minutes of processing and another twenty minutes of waiting, the group was guided to a visiting room.

Ellenor looked at the family and said, "Alright, remember that you'll get a few minutes with Emma, introduce me and I'll take it from there. I'll need to speak with her privately for a while but once I'm done, you can come back and spend some more time with her before they take her back to her cell. Okay?"

Alan, Zoe, and Anne nodded their heads and gave different verbal acknowledgments. They waited silently for Emma to be brought over.

Ten minutes passed and the door opened and Emma walked into the room. She saw her family and exclaimed, "Mom! Dad! Anne!" The girl wanted to hug her family but she was handcuffed in front and the guard wasn't going to allow it.

The guard guided Emma to her seat at the table and released the cuffs then cuffed her to the table. The chains were longer which allowed her to reach across the table.

Ellenor had sat down already so she was facing Emma. Zoe took the chair next to the lawyer. Alan and Anne were sitting at the ends of the table.

Zoe took charge, "Emma, it's so good to see you sweetie." She squeezed her daughter's hand. She gestured to Ellenor while saying, "This is Ellenor Dole, she's going to be your lawyer."

Emma looked at her dad confused. "You're not going to represent me daddy?"

Alan shook his head. "I can't sweetie, but we found a really good lawyer for you, Misses Dole comes highly recommended by the Senior Partner and Founder of my firm."

Anne asked, "How are you Emma? Did you sleep alright?"

Emma looked tired, she most likely didn't get a full night's sleep since she was in a jail cell. The teenager shrugged her shoulders and mumbled, "I didn't sleep much."

Zoe and Anne sighed while Alan reached over and patted his daughter's shoulder.

Anne asked with concern, "You're in a cell by yourself?"

Emma nodded. "Yeah, it's just me. The guards come by every fifteen minutes." She looked at the lawyer and asked, "When are you getting me out of here?"

Ellenor knocked on the table with her right hand. "And that's my cue. I need a few minutes to talk to Emma, alright?"

Alan Zoe and Anne stood up, said that they would be back, and left the room.

Now that Ellenor was alone with Emma she got started, "Alright Emma, I'm your lawyer, anything you say to me, is privileged, I won't tell anyone; not even your parents. I want you to trust me," Ellenor opened up her briefcase and pulled out a legal sized notepad and pen followed by a digital recorder. "I like to record my meetings with clients even though I take notes, I might miss something so it is a great help. Is that alright, Emma?"

Emma was silent then she said, "Okay." Then she looked at Ellenor directly and asked, "Why am I in jail? All I did was pull off a prank against the loser of the high school. This is bullshit." Emma grabbed a pen to throw but Ellenor grabbed the pen out of Emma's grasp and put it out of her reach.

Ellenor looked directly at Emma and asked, "You call what you and your friends did a prank? Your victim could have died, Emma."

Emma rolled her eyes, "Then it proves Taylor was too weak to live."

Ellenor jotted some notes down and looked at Emma. "Do you understand the crimes you are going to be charged with? I haven't received the charging sheet yet, but I can tell you based on the news conference that was made after the arrest of your coconspirators and yourself, you and your friends are facing multiple counts of domestic terrorism, forced confinement, conspiracy at the minimum. You and your friends are going to be tried as an adult in Federal and State court Miss Barnes. You are looking at spending the rest of your life in prison without the opportunity of parole. Do you understand?"

Emma blinked and leaned back into her seat. She express disbelief and surprise. "What? Domestic terrorism? Conspiracy? For what?! It was a stupid prank! Blackwell raised a stink but nothing happened! Why the big deal?!"

Ellenor responded, "The deal is Miss Barnes that what you did under the law is not a prank. You conspired with your friends, you and your friends shoved another student into her locker and left her there for hours. A prank would have been you doing the deed and letting her out after a couple of minutes."

Emma rolled her eyes again. "Then she wouldn't have learned anything. Haven't you been listening?! She had to be pushed down to the ground, she had to be made to see how

Ellenor was all business but she softened her expression to show a more caring look. "I'm here to help you, make you realize the depth of the situation you are in. You just spent the night in a jail cell, you think that was nasty? Think on this, you are facing the strong possibility of being in a prison cell for the rest of your life. You will not go to your senior prom, you will not go to college, you will not be getting married, having children. You will grow old and die in a prison cell."

Emma didn't seem to be getting it. "Why? Why are they making a deal out of this?! Blackwell didn't do anything! Taylor was a nobody! It was just a prank, you know? Ha ha! The loser got shoved in her locker! Ha ha! Everybody was laughing! This is bullshit!" Emma slammed her palm down on the table.

Ellenor looked at Emma silently. She thought of the conversation she had with the girl's mother and sister and decided it was time to find out if they were on to something.

Ellenor pulled her hand that was holding the pen back so that Emma couldn't reach it and set it in front of her. She looked at Emma directly and said, "Tell me what happened on July eighteen, two thousand and nine."

Emma leaned back and she blinked quickly. "What?" Then she shook her head and said, "Nothing happened that day."

Ellenor asked, "Are you sure? Your mother and sister told me that something happened to you and your father that day, I'd like you to tell me what happened in your own words."

Emma leaned forward, scooting her chair closer to the table so she could get closer which would allow her to bring her arms up and she hugged herself. She brought her arms down and placed them on the table. "Fine. My dad was driving me to a photo shoot, he stupidly decided to take a shortcut through an alley because we were running late and it turned into a trap by some ABB gang members."

Ellenor asked, "What happened next?"

Emma was silent. She was bouncing one of her feet, causing her knee to rise and fall very quickly as she started talking. "I fought back, Shadow Stalker saved me."

Ellenor asked, "What about your father? Did she save your father too?"

Emma blinked her eyes rapidly then replied, "I said that. I said she saved us."

Ellenor said, "Actually, you said that Shadow Stalker saved you, you didn't say 'us'. Let's talk about Shadow Stalker. You met her again a few days after the attack yes? Did she tell you her secret immediately?"

"Yeah, I saw her...I went back to where the attack happened and met Sophia for the first time." She paused then continued, "She didn't tell me her secret right away."

"When did she tell you?", Ellenor asked.

"After about a month. She got hurt on one of her patrols and called me to help her. I found out that she was Shadow Stalker then." Emma was still bouncing her foot very fast and had started drumming the table with the fingers with her left hand.

"Tell me what happened before Shadow Stalker saved you."

Emma blinked. She fidgeted in her seat. "I..I don't like talking about that."

Ellenor said, "Nothing is going to happen, I need to know what happened to you that day."

Emma snapped, "I fought back! I'm a survivor! I'm not prey, I'm not a sheep!" She pointed to herself with her right index finger in a jabbing motion.

Ellenor asked, "Did you fight back right away? Weren't they holding you down?"

Emma scowled and growled, "I stopped them!" Her eyes were blazing with fury.

Ellenor decided to take the conversation in a different direction. She asked, "How long have you known Sophia Hess?"

Emma thought for a few seconds and said, "Just under two years, it'll be two years in July."

"Before you ended your friendship, how long did you know Taylor as your best friend?", Ellenor asked.

Emma made a scoffing sound and rolled her eyes. "Why? She's not important."

Ellenor said, "I just want to know why you would destroy and throw a friendship you had with someone for almost ten years for someone you just met. Explain it to me."

Emma scowled, then harshly said, "Because, she...was...weak! She was not strong, she is not a predator, she's a sheep! She cried for a week because her mom died!"

Ellenor cut in before Emma could keep talking, "It's called grieving, Emma. Wouldn't you cry for a week or more if your own mother or father died?"

Emma was about to say something but she blinked and was coming up with words to respond when Ellenor asked another question.

"Predator? Care to explain?"

Emma rolled her eyes. "Look, you're either a predator or you're prey. Predators are the strong, they get shit done, they're the top of the mountain. Sheep, prey they're just too stupid and they get what they deserve."

Ellenor grabbed her pen and quickly jotted some notes in her personal shorthand. Then she asked, "And you're a predator?"

Emma replied harshly, "You bet your ass I am. I'm a survivor, I fought back! I'm not prey, I kick ass, take names and I keep those below me down on the ground where they belong."

Ellenor asked, "Like Taylor?"

"Damn right, she's prey. Once upon a time, I did think she could be strong like me but she's shown me time and time again that she's weak and deserves everything coming to her."

Ellenor jotted some more notes on her notepad in her shorthand. She was quickly drawing the same conclusions that Zoe and Anne had talked to her about. This meant she had a possible defense strategy.

She talked to Emma for a few more minutes and wrapped up her meeting with Emma. She stood up and walked to the door and beckoned her parents and sister to enter the room.

"I'll let you spend some time with your daughter, I'll be outside.", Ellenor said. She left the room.

The family reunion was brief but Alan, Zoe, and Anne got to spend time with Emma until the guard arrived to say that visiting time was over. The family parted with tears falling and promises to help Emma.

Once the group was in the parking lot Ellenor said, "Please, meet with me at my office, I need to go over my strategy with you."

Husband and wife nodded and said that they would meet her at the office after they stopped for lunch. Ellenor said that would be fine.

An hour later the Barnes family was sitting in the office of Ellenor Dole. The parents were sitting in front of the lawyer's desk while Anne was sitting in a chair at the front of the room, against the wall behind her parents.

Ellenor steepled her hands and said, "Mister and Misses Barnes, I do have a strategy to defend Emma, and after speaking with you, Zoe and also with you Anne yesterday, II talked to Emma alone to confirm what you two told me about and my course of action is clear."

She paused then stated, "I will be pursuing a not guilty by mental disease or defect defense on behalf of Emma."

Alan leaned forward, his face expressing anger as he said, "Hold on just a minute! Emma's not-"

Zoe placed a hand on Alan's arm. Her voice was calm as she said only one word. "Alan."

Alan looked at Zoe, his expression changing from anger to disbelief. "Zoe?! We can't-"

Zoe shook her head. "You're not going to be interfering, if Emma's lawyer thinks this is the best defense, then we must trust her."

Alan shook his head, "Zoe, no!"

Zoe was resolute. "Alan. Anne and I talked to her in private where we expressed concerns after our visit with Emma at the police station. She needs help, Alan. She's not well and all of this could have been avoided if you had been honest with me and gotten Emma the help she desperately needed!" Zoe was clearly upset, her voice had been rising with almost every word, and by the time she reached her last sentence she was screaming.

Ellenor reached out with her right arm in a placating gesture and said, "Look, Mister Barnes..Alan, this is the best defense for Emma. She needs help. Being confined to a mental hospital will be far better than a Federal Supermax prison and you know it."

Alan shook his head. "How will that work? Until some doctor declares her competent to stand trial and then they put her on trial and she's in a prison for the rest of her life!"

Ellenor said, "We'll cross that bridge if and when it happens, but based on my brief interaction, if I can get her declared mentally unfit to stand trial, she will be in a mental facility for many years."

Alan retorted, "I don't think the prosecutor is going to just let you get this through."

Ellenor said, "Mister Barnes, trust me. He can argue that she is competent, but to prove it, he'll need to have her examined and evaluated. My expert will no doubt say she isn't mentally competent, his will want to say she is, but their expert has to tell the truth. He'll have to admit to the AUSA and the ADA that Emma is mentally ill. From there, the Judge will have to declare her unfit to stand trial and she'll be placed in a mental health facility until she is declared mentally competent."

Zoe asked, "Do you think Emma can be cured and found to be mentally competent where she will be put on trial?"

Ellenor gave a sigh. "I'm being honest, that's not my expertise. If she is found competent, I don't think it will be for a while, maybe in five, ten years. Or, it could take twenty years. That's a question for my expert that I have in my rolodex."

Zoe asked, "Tell me, what are our chances we can get Emma the help she needs."

Ellenor slowly nodded her head in thought. "I think they're good, but we'll have to see."

Ellenor's computer chirped and she looked at the screen. She glanced at the Barnes family and said, "Excuse me." She looked at the screen, moved her mouse and used it to click on something. She frowned, and let out a sigh.

Ellenor looked at the Barnes family. "I just received the charge sheet from the Assistant US Attorney for Emma and her co-conspirators. She's looking at Domestic Terrorism, Conspiracy, Forced Confinement, and Attempted Murder. The attempted murder charge is one thousand four hundred thirty eight counts. I'm pretty sure that's how many people were exposed and no doubt includes the victim that was stuffed in the locker then there's the fact that Panacea had to come heal everyone."

Alan and Zoe's faces were shocked while Anne had covered her face with her hands.

Ellenor expressed concern and continued, "I haven't received the charge sheet from the District Attorney's office yet. I expect the charges to mirror the Federal charges but I must caution you that they could and most likely will add additional charges, charges associated with the alleged bullying."

Alan scowled, "Emma did not bully Taylor, they were as close as sisters! I refuse to believe that!"

Zoe looked at her husband, "That's enough Alan."

Alan looked at Zoe who had an expression on her face that told him not to continue that particular discussion.

Anne stood up and walked out of the office saying, "I need some air."

Ellenor said, "Naturally, I will represent Emma in State court as well. With regards to the bullying allegations, we have to face them head on. I will be filing the appropriate discovery motions, don't worry about that. As it is, the Feds and the State have to turn over their evidence for me and my experts to review."

Ellenor gave a sigh and she leaned forward with a concerned expression. "Alan, Zoe...these past couple of days and the next few days have brought rapid changes and many things happening at lightning speed. But once we get to the arraignment, things are going to slow down. Your husband's familiar about Justice being slow. Things will slow down. A trial date will need to be set and it most likely won't happen until the end of the year at the earliest or sometime next year. There are factors involved."

Ellenor leaned back into her chair and gave a reassuring smile. "We'll know more when the arraignment happens. I'll see you there."

Zoe took the lead and said, "Yes, you will. Thank you." Zoe stood up and Alan followed suit.

Ellenor stood up and offered her hand in a handshake which both Alan and Zoe shook. "Arraignment is scheduled for twelve at the Federal courthouse."

Zoe nodded, "Right, see you there. Let's go Alan."

Zoe walked out with Alan and saw Anne in the lobby of the office building. Anne stood up from the bench and met her parents.

Anne said, "Sorry, I just needed to get out."

Zoe reached out and gave her daughter a side hug and the two walked out together as Zoe said, "I know sweetie. I swear I keep hoping to wake up from this nightmare to realize it was a dream."

Alan walked ahead of the two but not too far, the parking garage was close by but it was a brief walk down the street of downtown Brockton Bay so he stayed close to his wife and older daughter.

The group arrived to their car at the parking garage and they got into the car and Alan drove them back home.

The Hebert House

It was around three pm when the phone rang at the house of Danny and Taylor Hebert. Danny was closest so he got up and answered the phone.

"Hebert residence, Danny speaking."

The voice on the phone line began speaking. "Mister Hebert, this is Janice Williams from the Brockton Bay School District Office, with Winslow High School shut down due to asbestos, we are moving all the students to different high schools."

"Your daughter Taylor will be moved to Arcadia High School effective immediately until the asbestos has been removed. Her school records will be at the Arcadia office. Have a nice day, Mister Hebert."

The person hung up before Danny could speak. He looked at the phone with a confused expression. Taylor walked in and asked, "What's up, dad?"

Danny hung up the phone and looked at Taylor. "Hey, kiddo. That was the school district office, they said that with Winslow shut down, you've been moved to Arcadia until the asbestos has been removed."

Taylor blinked, "Really? That's mighty convenient. You said it's until the asbestos gets removed?"

Sarah said, "Your official transfer that I filled out for you will take some time to process with all the chaos, but I'm sure that by the time they clean up the asbestos and do some rebuilding your transfer will be permanent."

Danny nodded while replying, "That's what the lady from the district office said, she mentioned that your school records will be at the Arcadia office."

Taylor tilted her head, "But I won't be going to Arcadia on Monday will I?"

Danny replied, "No, you won't. You'll probably get the week off, I may let you go back in a few days, it depends on what the district does after we file the lawsuit."

Taylor was silent. "Well, I am enjoying playing hooky, but mom did want me to go to school. Maybe I can test for my GED?"

Danny shook his head. "No. You will be going back to school when things have calmed down. As much as Winslow and...those three thugs made a mess of things, you need to socialize with kids your own age."

Tyrande said, "Your father is right, you should be with others of your age, make new friends."

Jaina said, "Yes, your father is correct. Isn't Arcadia where you wished to go? You need to make new friends and you can make these new friends at your new school."

Taylor sighed, "I guess so, not that being around kids my age at Winslow was good for me."

Danny gave a caring expression. "Taylor, you went to Winslow out of loyalty to Emma, you had no idea she would do what she had done. Personally, I should not have let you go to Winslow anyway. I'm just stunned at the state that school was in when I confronted your principal."

Taylor said, "Had I known what Emma would do to me, I'd never have gone to Winslow and all this would never have happened."

Danny said, "Well, there was no way to know. But, once we send the district the message and they understand how much I mean business, you can go to Arcadia. I want you to go to school and graduate. It's what your mother would have wanted too."

Taylor sighed. "Yeah.", she said quietly.

Taylor went to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water and opened it. She took a drink and said, "Dad, I'm going to go out for a bit. I'll be back around dinner time."

Danny looked at the clock and said, "I want you home before it gets dark, okay?"

"Sure thing." Taylor showed the bottle of pepper spray and gave a jaunty wave. "See ya!"

Danny called out. "Have fun whatever it is you're doing but be careful!"

Taylor was out the door saying, "I will!"

Taylor jogged up the street to get to the bus stop. She thought, "Going to head to a place where I can test things out again."

Taylor arrived a few minutes before the next bus and soon she was on the way.

Taylor walked into the abandoned building near the Trainyards. It was at the edge of the Docks/Trainyards part of the city. She looked around and saw that there was junk and trash everywhere. There were holes in the ceiling that she could see actual holes in the roof.

Taylor said, "Okay, guess this will have to do. I'm going to try to pull each of you out like I did with Sarah this morning. So, uh...get ready.".

Li-Ming was excited. "Yes!"

Widowmaker was insistent as she said, "I want to be the first one!"

Sarah said, "I can wait a bit, I've had some fun already."

Jaina was curious about this new aspect of Taylor's power.

Tyrande asked, "I would like to be out as well. I would like to return to the grove tonight. This way I could do this without bothering you."

Taylor said, "Quiet, let me focus here."

Taylor thought of Li-Ming and saw her in her mind. She tried to duplicate what she had done with Sarah earlier this morning. This time, Taylor felt something happening, the same thing that happened when she brought Sarah out.

Li-Ming exclaimed, "Hey, what's-"

Taylor was focused on Li-Ming, she pushed her power and she felt Li-Ming moving rapidly while Li-Ming was exclaiming, "Heeelllllllllppppppppp!"

Suddenly, just like in Taylor's bedroom there was a 'POP' sound and Li-Ming (AN: Default Heroes of the Storm costume) was standing in front of Taylor. The Wizard turned her head left, right, up, down as she took sense of her bearings. She stopped when she saw Taylor and she cackled.

"Wow! What a ride!", Li-Ming exclaimed. She walked over to Taylor and gave her a hug. "Thank you, Taylor!", she gushed.

Taylor returned the hug and stepped back. "You're welcome. Let me try the others now."

Li-Ming nodded while saying with a smile, "Sure thing! I'm just going to look around!" The Wizard dashed off, one second she was there and the next she was gone, already across the warehouse at the far end of the building. "That's my teleport spell!"

She zoomed back to stand where she had been previously. "See? Short range. Jaina, you gotta teach me your teleport spell!" Li-Ming zipped away to the closer side of the warehouse this time and started looking at a junked tractor trailer, the vehicle having been picked apart by scavengers.

Taylor smiled. She focused her thoughts again, this time she focused on Jaina and this time, as she had the image of the Archmage in her head, pushing Jaina 'out' was easy, a lot more easy than Sarah or Li-Ming.'

Jaina's voice cried out, "Taaaaayyyyylllloooooorrrrrr!"

Once again there was a 'POP' sound and suddenly Jaina Proudmore was in front of Taylor. (AN: Theramore Sorceress attire from Heroes of the Storm.)

Sarah remarked, "You ladies are drama queens."

Jaina turned to look at Taylor, while Li-Ming teleported back and looked at Taylor. Li-Ming and Jaina each put one of their hands on their hip and gave Taylor a glare.

Jaina commented, "Well Sarah, you screamed just like I did!"

Li-Ming just added, "Yeah! I remember you doing exactly what we did!"

Sarah seemed to radiate embarrassment in Taylor's mind. "Hmm, I seem to have forgotten you could hear that."

Taylor realized that the glare the two women were giving was meant for Sarah. She declared, "Settle down. This is new to me too."

Widowmaker was about to say something when she realized that something was happening. She asked, "This feeling...I feel as if I'm-"

Sarah cut in, "Being pushed out a high altitude aircraft with no parachute?"

Widowmaker exclaimed, "Yeeeeeeeeeesssssssss!"

Again there was a sudden 'POP' and Widowmaker was standing in front of Taylor, next to Jaina. Li-Ming was standing on Jaina's other side. (AN: Widowmaker wearing default Overwatch 2 outfit)

Standing in front of Taylor and next to the others, Widowmaker raised her arms in triumph. She exclaimed in French, "I'm free! Free at last!"

Widowmaker kept one arm raised and she used her grapple, and she was off the ground and in the metal scaffolding of the warehouse. Somehow the woman became practically invisible even though Taylor, Li-Ming, and Jaina knew where she was.

Widowmaker was looking down at the group from her hiding spot. "You can see me?!", she asked.

Everyone answered at once.

"Yeah."

"Yep."

"Yes."

"Sure can, sweetie."

"Indeed."

Widowmaker was making choking sounds and muttering curses in French and Italian. She ran across the rafters then used her grapple to attach at the end and then she swung across the warehouse and landed next to Li-Ming with a beautiful flip to stand next to the wizard.

Sarah quipped, "Beautiful! Solid nines across the board except from the Russian judge who scores a six!"

Taylor couldn't help but break out into giggles while Widowmaker growled, "Nines!? That was a ten! As for the Russian judge, they wouldn't dare! Not to me, they wouldn't!"

Sarah was chuckling. "Yeah, I can totally see you walking up to the Russian judge and beating the crap out of him for giving you less than a perfect score. Alright Tyrande, you're up! Taylor, see if you can bring her out!"

Taylor focused her thoughts on Tyrande, once she saw the image of the Night Elf in her mind, Taylor pushed once more. Tyrande commented, "Nothing seems...wait...wait! What's this?!"

Suddenly there was another 'POP' and the Night Elf was standing next to Widowmaker. (AN: Default Heroes of the Storm outfit).

Taylor blinked at Tyrande's new look. She looked ready for war. White boots with armored greaves atop her boots and covering her legs. White armor, looking almost leather in texture covering her chest. Large white shoulder pauldrons were atop her shoulders. She was wearing a simple war skirt that flowed down to her knees. An ornately crafted bow was in Tyrande's right hand. Tyrande's hair was long, flowing down her back and still had a high pony tail set high. She wasn't wearing a helm, just a silvery circlet with a crescent moon in the center of her forehead.

Widowmaker made an approving sound. "Ready for war, are you?"

Jaina reached out to the Night Elf and the two women embraced. "It's been a while, my friend.", Jaina said.

Tyrande responded, "Yes, it has. Too long." Then she looked at Widowmaker and said, "I believe Miss Taylor wished to test us. I am simply prepared."

Tyrande turned and looked at Taylor and said, "Ishnu Ala, Taylor. It is so nice to meet you properly. I am Tyrande Whisperwind, High Priestess of Elune, Leader of the Kaldorei. I am happy to be here."

Taylor nodded and smiled. "Hello. Let me get Sarah now and we can all talk together, face to face."

Taylor focused on Sarah once more and started to 'push' once more.

Nothing happened.

Taylor blinked in confusion. "Weird, nothing's happening. Let me try again."

Taylor focused on Sarah, saw the image of the Ghost in her mind and 'pushed' again, harder this time. She got a twinge of pain, like a brain freeze as if she'd eaten her ice cream too fast and she grabbed the side of her head and hissed in pain.

Sarah cried out, "Taylor!"

Tyrande quickly rushed over and placed a hand on Taylor's head, her hand glowed slightly green as she whispered a spell and Taylor felt soothing relief that made the pain fade away in waves.

Taylor blinked her eyes quickly and said, "I can't bring you out, Sarah….it's like I've hit a wall."

The others had moved in closer to see if Taylor was alright and Taylor replied that she was feeling better thanks to Tyrande.

Sarah asked, "Can you bring me out the other way? Why don't you try that?"

Taylor nodded. "Yeah, let's try that."

Li-Ming and Jaina voiced concern that she shouldn't push herself too hard but Taylor shook her head.

"I can't get stronger with my powers if I take it easy.", Taylor said.

This time Taylor focused on Sarah and 'pulled'. Everyone saw Taylor growing slightly taller, her clothes were shifting, changing color and type. Taylor's wavy raven black hair straightening and turning brown, then to the dark red color of Sarah Kerrigan's hair color. In seconds, Taylor was gone and Sarah was standing in her place, clad once more in the gear of a Ghost.

Sarah looked herself over and said, "Well, the old way works."

Everyone heard Taylor's voice in their heads as she chirped, "Yep." This was followed by a sigh from the teenage girl.

Jaina rubbed her chin in thought. "Maybe you can only summon so many of us at a time and you have to let one of us take your spot." Jaina walked in a circle around the group as she was thinking. She stopped and said, "It kind of makes sense, if all of us were summoned, you have no protection. This way, one of us is protecting you by taking that spot."

Li-Ming added, "That's an excellent theory. Perhaps as she uses us, as we are her power, her abilities will strengthen and she'll be able to do more. We need to test the current limits."

Widowmaker rubbed her forehead and muttered in French, "Good God, two brainiacs."

Jaina looked at Widowmaker and arched an eyebrow.

Li-Ming clapped her hands once. "Alright! This place looks good for wrecking! Let's all take turns at power demonstrations! Jaina, would you like to go first? We've seen arcane missiles and your frostbolt and of course your invisibility and teleport. What else do you have?"

Li-Ming arched an eyebrow and her expression was that of a challenge. She wanted to see how powerful her magical counterpart was.

Jaina gave a smirk and she walked forward to the center of the large warehouse. The space was wide open with wooden pallets stacked around and junk scattered. She raised her hand and a series of arcane missiles streaked out of her hand to hit a stack of wooden pallets. The stack exploded into splinters after the first three missiles hit, she moved her hand and another three missiles flew towards the next target which equally exploded into splinters, and another series of arcane missiles streaked out and three more missiles destroyed the wooden pallet stack she targeted.

Li-Ming clapped. "Oh, well done! What else?"

Widowmaker leaned back against a large box next to Sarah and said, "This should be entertaining."

Sarah gave a, "Uh-huh."

Jaina walked to another stack of junk that was piled up. She extended her hand and a cone of wind blew out, a very cold wind as the junk froze and you could see icicles around the objects. Jaina said, "Cone of cold."

She backed up and extended her hand again and after a moment a bolt of frost fired and struck the frozen junk. The junk exploded into frozen bits. "Frostbolt.", Jaina said.

Then she turned and saw a stack of junk further away. She grinned and said, "You like fire Li-Ming, I think you'll like this." She brought her hands together and Jaina's hands seemed to glow orange. It took a few seconds then she extended one hand out and a ball of fire appeared and streaked to the junk target she was aiming at and it exploded. Jaina smirked and said, "Fireball. My specialty may be water and frost, but I can cast Fire and Arcane magic as you can see."

Sarah clapped slowly and said, "You might want to put that fire out." She tilted her head in the direction of where Jaina had cast her spell where pieces of junk were still burning.

Jaina kept her smirk on her face. "No problem." She raised her staff and her other arm high and held it there. Large blocks of ice began to hit the area where the pieces were still burning. Everyone could feel the cold radiating from the ice storm that was falling on the wide area. The burning pieces were quickly quenched and the floor where the storm was hitting had turned frozen. The storm finally stopped and Jaina looked at the group and said, "That was Blizzard."

Li-Ming looked at the thawing ice on the floor. She looked over at Jaina and walked to her. She patted Jaina on the shoulder. "Not bad, not bad at all. Let me show you how it's done." She twirled with dramatic flair, her wand in one hand the floating orb in the other. She closed her eyes for a few seconds then she raised the hand with the orb above her head. A similar storm of ice fell on the ground, the chunks of ice slightly smaller but ice on the ground quickly appeared freezing the last bit of objects on the floor. The storm dissipated.

Li-Ming said, "That's my standard Blizzard spell. But, I can modify it, like so."

She closed her eyes for a few seconds then she opened them and raised that hand with the floating orb and another storm appeared, this time it was raining bolts of lightning. The bots would strike the ground and electrical arcs would spread out from the impact point over a wide area of the warehouse.

Li-Ming gave a bow and said, "That modification to Blizzard is called Lightning Storm. My next one is Apocalypse!" She cackled and said, "I'm so good, I astound myself!"

Before anyone could say anything she cast the spell and it began to rain fire in the building, the ground was still frozen, not completely gone so nothing was set on fire.

Taylor's voice was in everyone's mind. "Li-Ming! Jaina! Please don't burn the place down!"

Both women nodded their heads. "Of course.", Jaina said.

Li-Ming chirped, "You got it!"

Li-Ming looked at the group. "I do have an area denying and control spell. It's called Hydra and I can modify it. The first one is your standard Hydra." She waved her wand and three fiery dragon heads seemed to grow out of the ground. The dragon heads were each facing a different direction but doing nothing. Li-Ming went on to explain the spell to everyone. Bu the time she was done, the Hydra had sunk back into the ground and vanished leaving no sign it had been there.

"Here's one you can appreciate o lady of Frost.", she said to Jaina. "I give you, Frost Hydra!" She cast her wand again and another Hydra appeared, this one looking like three icy dragons. This time Li-Ming picked up a brick and threw it at one of the dragon heads. From it's mouth, the dragon breathed an icy breath. The brick froze and fell to the ground and shattered into pieces.

Li-Ming said, "I have an Arcane and Lightning variant of Hydra I can cast as well. But, I know you really wanted to see something...shocking!" She aimed her wand and a bolt of lightning streaked out and struck one of the wooden pallet stacks a distance away, exploding it into tiny splinters.

She walked over to Sarah and Widowmaker and stood facing the two women. "Not shocking enough? Well," She walked away from the group to stand in the area where Jaina and her were demonstrating their area effect spells. "How's this!?" Tiny sparks streaked away from Li-Ming, moving away from the Wizard. Li-Ming would turn and she would cast the spell again and streak of lightning would move away from her. After a pause she said, "That spell is called Shock Pulse. I can modify it to cast Fire Bolts, a Piercing Orb, like so!" She closed her eyes for a few seconds then opened them and waved her wand again. A ball of lightning streak away and exploded a distance away, not having struck a target.

"I can cast a version of it with Explosive Bolts, where…thetargetexplodeswhentheydie. Never mind that one.", Li-Ming chuckled and rubbed the back of her head. Li- Ming spoke that last bit so fast it took several seconds for the others to catch on to what she said.

Immediately Taylor said, "No. No. No. None of that one."

Li-Ming expressed innocence on her face. "Yes, uh I'll be sure not to cast that." Then she muttered under her breath, "Unless absolutely necessary." Li-Ming's face continued to express innocence.

Li-Ming declared, "Alright, you've seen what Jaina and I can do, Widowmaker, show us what you've got."

Widowmaker glared at Li-Ming. "I'm not a pony to prance and show off. I'm a killer." She brought her rifle down from her shoulder and presented it. "This, this is the Widow's Kiss. I have taken many lives with it at Talon's order. I do not shoot to injure, they ordered me to kill and I had no choice but to obey."

She brought the rifle back and slung it onto her shoulder again. "I...I'm free now, before I somehow ended up here, I was free from their control. Free to choose. I prefer killing my enemy and my enemy was Talon. They turned me into this." She waved her free hand downward towards herself. My skills at infiltration, close quarters combat, and assassination are very good." She reached into a pouch and held out a small object. "Widow mines." I usually place them around me to prevent anyone trying to sneak up on me when I am sniping. Usually, they don't kill immediately, but I do have access to a more lethal mine."

Widowmaker said, "I recognize I'm a weapon, it is what Talon made me." A tear was falling down Widowmaker's cheek. "Did you know..." She shook her head. "Of course you don't…." She sighed and wiped the tear away, and another tear began to fall after she had done so. "I can't...I'm sorry, I can't talk about this to you yet."

Widowmaker raised her arm and shot her grapple and she vanished into the darkness of the warehouse rafters. Everyone heard Taylor in their minds. "Widowmaker, when you're ready, we're here."

There was an old can of paint atop a stack of crates. There was a shot and the paint can exploded. From the rafters they heard Widowmaker's sultry voice. "One shot, one kill." Everyone looked up and could see where Widowmaker was, her rifle aiming at something else. "I promise you Taylor, I will not kill unless you order me to."

Sarah looked at the shot from where Widowmaker had fired. "Nice shooting. You and I should have a competition." She brought her rifle up to her cheek. She aimed at something and fired. The shot was not very noisy, the hit was however as the door back of the tractor trailer had a sizable hole in it.

Sarah brought her rifle up and slung it over her shoulder and said, "You should go see the other side."

Tyrande, Jaina, and Li-Ming walked over and saw that the front of the tractor trailer had a larger hole in the front. Li-Ming climbed to look at the interior and exclaimed, "Wow. That's...that's pretty impressive." She jumped down. Tyrande and Jaina were looking at the hole and peering into the truck and quietly talking to each other.

Sarah reached her hand out and started to use her telekinesis to lift various objects. Cans, small auto parts, hubcaps, a wooden pallet. She moved them about in a figure eight then she moved an object to float over each person's head and had it orbit above them.

Widowmaker snarked from her spot in the rafters, "Must you?"

Sarah chirped, "I must, I must."

Tyrande looked up at the orbiting can of some kind above her head. She looked at Sarah. "How do you do that?"

Sarah smiled, "I told you, I'm psychic. The Confederacy pushed me to my limits when they put me through Ghost training."

Tyrande asked, "Is it difficult?"

Sarah answered, "Not anymore. When I was learning my abilities, yes. Training to use my abilities was not a pleasant experience. The Confederacy used Ghosts as weapons against their own people as well as against their enemies." She tilted her head, sighed and continued, "Actually...to the Confederacy, they considered their own people as enemies."

Sarah stepped away from the crate she was leaning against and made a circular motion with her index finger. The objects she was playing with moved away from floating above the other women's heads and moved to the open area that was being used to demonstrate different powers and abilities. Sarah kept the objects floating there and moved them so that they were all in a horizontal line.

Sarah said, "Here's a new trick." She raised her hand and brought it up. She clenched her hand into a fist and one of the objects, a hubcap was deformed and crushed into a small ball. Sarah kept her hand raised and changed it into a finger gun and she made a gesture as if she was firing the gun and an energy bolt appeared and struck the can sending it flying backwards more than a dozen feet.

Sarah demonstrated various applications of her psychic abilities in destroying the floating objects. She turned to the group and gave a bow. Sarah used her telepathy to send to everyone, "Don't forget, I can read minds and use telepathy."

Tyrande said, "Your ability to communicate to us in our head is a very versatile in combat.

Jaina asked, "Taylor, how are you feeling?"

Everyone heard Taylor's response in their mind. "Still feel fine everybody."

Jaina then said, "Perhaps we should see how far we can move on our own. While reviewing different powers over the internet I recall saying that some powers have a range. How far can we move away from each other or do we need to stay within a certain distance of Taylor who is currently Sarah?"

Li-Ming was excited. "Yeah! Let's all take a walk!"

Taylor spoke, "Everyone, I've been thinking and it might be best if you all cover your faces...you know, mask up. You don't want to experience what happened to New Wave, where the bad guys can attack you without warning."

Sarah said, "Hey, they won't sneak up on me, I can tell if someone's planning to shoot me or stab me in the back."

Taylor asked, "How far is your range? What if it's Victor with a sniper rifle from a mile away?"

Widowmaker made a huffing noise. She used her grapple and lowered herself down to the ground simply, landing gracefully. "Look at me, look at Tyrande, we could wear one of these masks, but my skin gives me away and while Tyrande…", she gestured towards Tyrande. "There is no hiding those ears or hair!"

Taylor sighed, "Yeah, they're calling her a Case 53 according to PHO."

Tyrande folded her arms and declared, "I am not one of these Case 53's. I know who I am and where I am from."

Jaina patted Tyrande's arm. "We know."

Taylor echoed, "Yes, Tyrande we know. But they don't."

Jaina scowled, "Wearing a mask...it would make me feel like I was a bandit, a rogue, like the Defias Brotherhood."

Sarah and Li-Ming asked, "The what?"

Widowmaker asked, "The who?"

Tyrande chuckled. "Jaina can regale you all with the story when we gather for a meal together. We are wasting time, let us all take a direction, while Sarah remains here to see how far we can go. Take efforts to avoid being spotted to minimize interference. If you have a problem, use this gift of mind speech that we all seem to share now. I shall go North."

Jaina sighed, "I'll go East."

Li-Ming pointed her wand in the direction and declared, "South for me!"

Widowmaker huffed, "Well, that leaves West for me. Very well."

Sarah watched the women start heading for the door. Li-Ming used her teleport spell to dash forward and reached the exit first. She opened the door carefully and poked her head out, looking left and right. Then the Wizard opened the door wide and in an excited tone, "I'm off!"

The other women walked out and parted ways to head in the direction they had chosen.

Sarah sighed and said, "Well, it's just you and me Taylor."

Taylor chirped, "Yep."

A few minutes pass and Sarah tilts her head. "Well, this is interesting, you sense it Taylor? You see?"

Taylor replied, "Yes."

In Sarah's mind now, and Taylor could see what Sarah was seeing, the images of what Jaina, Li-Ming, Tyrande, and Widowmaker were seeing could be seen by Sarah/Taylor. Additionally, they could sense how far the four women were from them. Each woman was currently a block away and moving steadily further away, occasionally stopping to hide to avoid being seen.

Sarah commented, "This is weird, but pretty cool."

Taylor remarked, "Yeah, it sure is."

They could sense that Li-Ming was furthest away, she was using her Teleport to dash across and move quickly. Widowmaker was second, she was using her grapple to move her self across open distances. Now she was running across the Trainyards atop the train containers where possible. The woman was enjoying herself, moving quickly. Now she stood atop the roof of a building taking in the sights.

Jaina and Tyrande moved quickly as well, the Night Elf moving faster and using her Shadowmeld technique to avoid being spotted. Jaina was moving towards the coast but had many miles to go before she would reach the edge of what was called Lord's Market.

Sarah was using her telekinesis again to rearrange things in the warehouse. She lifted up the tractor trailer and flipped it over onto its roof. She was playing with different objects, putting them together. Right now she was putting together a form of Stonehenge with the crates and wooden pallet planks that were remaining.

Taylor said, "I think something's happening, I'm losing the connection to Li-Ming."

Li-Ming was several blocks away, out of the Docks and into the part called Docks South. She hadn't gotten very far into this area when she tried to teleport one more time and she vanished with no noise or effect.

Li-Ming was quick to say, "Well, that was fun! One second I was where I was and next I'm back here."

Sarah commented, "Looks like you made it to about four blocks."

Suddenly Widowmaker's voice announced, "What the?! I'm back here!? Dammit!"

Sarah said, "Yeah, looks like you made it the same distance as Li-Ming, four blocks."

Widowmaker huffed.

Sarah/Taylor and now Widowmaker and Li-Ming got a sense of where Tyrande and Jaina were at and how far they were. Sarah said, "Any moment now…"

Sure enough once Jaina and Tyrande reached around the four block distance, they disappeared and their presences were back in Sarah/Taylor's mind with everyone else.

Taylor made a humming sound then said, "So, four blocks seems to be the limit for everyone. That's pretty good."

Sarah said, "Yeah, and that's going to work out for us. We can go on a mission together and there's a couple stash houses we can choose from and hit!"

Taylor said, "Well, we can hit one later, but I should be getting home soon."

Sarah said, "That's fine, Jaina will get us near the house and you can walk the rest of the way. Tonight, we're going to hit the Merchants again. After all, paying for a lawyer's mighty expensive."

Taylor focused her thoughts again and soon Jaina was standing where Sarah once was. She raised her staff and cast her teleport spell to return them to the grove once more.

Jaina changed back to Taylor and the teenager was walking out of the grove, heading home once again. There were still leftovers from the barbecue last night to consume.

Brockton Bay District Attorney's Office

In the Press Briefing room there was a crowd of reporters assembled, a large mix of national, state, and local news media were waiting for the press conference to begin. The reporters checked their phones or watches as the time was close to when the conference was set to begin.

The doors at the front of the room opened and the US Attorney, as well as the District Attorney emerged at the front accompanied by FBI Special Agent Sam Sheppard and Brockton Bay Detective Kim Voight.

Steven Wall approached the podium and cleared his throat. The room was silent except for the sound of cameras taking photographs.

US Attorney Wall began, "Good afternoon, thank you all for coming to this news conference. The investigation into the Winslow Bioterror attack is still ongoing. While we have the three main suspects in custody awaiting their arraignment, we have continued investigating to determine who else may have been involved and I'm pleased to announce that more arrests have been made."

"This morning arrest warrants were issued by a Federal and State judge against multiple suspects that were connected to the incident that took place on January third two thousand eleven. These arrest warrants were served and carried out in a combined fashion with agents of the FBI and the Brockton Bay police department."

"Today, more than two dozen suspects were arrested, all of them juveniles who were present at the time of the incident taking place. They will be tried as adults in Federal and State court and the pending charges that these individuals are facing is conspiracy, aiding and abetting in a terrorist act, and depraved indifference."

The conference continued as he thanked the various agencies and personnel involved. Then he passed the microphone to District Attorney Arthur Wolfe who began to make his own comments.

District Attorney Wolfe remarked, "These suspects had every opportunity to inform someone of what was about to happen. They could have told a teacher, a staff member, even phoned an anonymous tip to law enforcement but they did nothing. They stood by and did nothing to stop the crime from happening, they did nothing to help the victim. They just stood and laughed."

District Attorney Wolfe looked angry as he was making his statement. "Which is why my office will be prosecuting these juvenile suspects as adults and the charges will be the same. They will be charged with conspiracy, aiding and abetting in a terrorist act, and depraved indifference. We are sending a message to the community that actions have consequences and this suspects will feel the full weight of the justice system."

More comments were made, no details were given due to the pending court arraignments that would be happening in the coming days. The news conference continued for a while as law enforcement got their turn to speak about their arrests and how they went down. Thankfully, no one was hurt and all suspects were arrested without incident.

The conference ended and the reporters began to face the camera to give their closing statements and closing their live broadcast feed.