Disclaimer: Don't own. Schneider's bakery and Nickelodeon do. Maybe Netflix. Regardless, I don't. So, lets see what I can do with borrowed property.
:}
Tori stared at her father, trying to piece together what he just told her. "So, Jade's not gonna be punished for what she did?"
"Apparently mister Masters was punishing her too much." The patriarch explained. "However, what happened with her was only the last in a series of issues that the mayor, the police and probation departments, and even the federal government had with his way of running the program. Honestly, when I distance myself, I have problems with it too. I suspect I should have spoken up, maybe done something, except I'm not an expert on rehabilitation. You have to understand, I'm trying to be fair here. Now I will admit, I got protective. The moment I realized that the troubles girl who had somehow managed to hold both me and Constable at bay, for what felt like forever, was one of your friends… Not just one of your friends, but the very girl you've complained about as being a borderline bully. The moment I found out she was The Black Dahlia, and I got protective. I started to see her needing discipline, to be contained. I still do. I'll admit, I wanted her gone, because that girl is powerful. I don't think Trina can take her. I know you cant…."
"According to Mister Abra, Tori's stronger then you think." Holly offered.
"Mister Abra's Jade's mentor." David countered. "Sorry, but I'm not so sure I trust his opinion. Hell, I think he's behind Mike's dismissal." His hand went up. "I know Lane didn't like the way Mike did things, but god, he doesn't have nearly the influence, here or anywhere. But Abra, he was Mister Cadabra's sidekick, and they had all kinds of contacts with the FBI, the feds, the U.S. attorney's office, and all kinds of other power groups. That means that the higher ups in the FBI, some of them are friends with Abra, and that gives him the kind of influence it takes to remove a man from a program he's run for nearly twenty years."
"With zero successes." Holly added. "David, darling, I know he was your friend..."
"I can't stand the man." David cut her off. "Honestly, I think he's a sociopath. At the very least, he's a power mad sadist who enjoyed breaking people. But at the same time, he was and is as dedicated as anyone to the idea of law and order. Maybe his approach was cruel, ruthless, but his ideals, the safety of the city, the citizens, was almost noble. I just feel he deserved better."
"He almost killed her." Holly reminded her husband. "She could have died. She almost did."
Both girls were shocked to hear that part, even as the disagreement continued. "He knew her limits." David argued. "He knew what she could take, and yes, he miscalculated, but he was there, making sure she survived. Her dying wasn't going to achieve his goals."
"His goals?" Holly asked. "His stated goal was to break Jade, or kill her in the process. He came damn close to the later." She calmed herself. "I just..." She stopped, trying to find the words to win the conversation without further upsetting her husband.
"Look, I get it, he didn't really care about her health and well being." David admitted, calming himself as well. "And I know you believe that emotionally scarred girl will respond better to a more gentile approach. I just, I don't want to coddle her. She's a criminal."
"Who you recommended for Project Redemption." Holly argued. "You saw something in her, even going so far as to offer to be her hero, the one who would eventually be putting your life on the line when out together. You'd have to trust her with nearly everything. Still would have preferred it if Constable had manned up, and I'm on her side." She moved a touch closer, cooing the next part. "Dave, baby, you believed in her. At some point, even after you knew who she was, you believed in her. Or was it you knew that no one had even made it that far in Master's program?"
His frustration still evident on his face, Blue Steel took a deep breath. For several seconds, he shook, his frustration threatening to run into rage. "I felt for her." He admitted. "Her parents weren't there for her. Talking to her grandfather, he told me her parents treated her worse then any of his other kids treated their children, and his sons were violent criminals. Maybe she wasn't physically abused, but the emotional scars are there. And while I suspect the neglect may not have included denying her food or cloths, I also suspect she was left in the care of people who did things, possibly other forms of abuse, that would leave deep scars. Only, whatever abuse she suffered, it wasn't ever going to be reported, simply because her parents didn't want to know. So, yes, I felt for her. I saw this scared girl who just she wanted to protect her grandfather, and I felt for her." he inhaled, calmer now. "Knowing that, believing she'd be motivated by her grandfather, I made the deal, because I thought 'here we have the ideal candidate'. So, yes, maybe Mikes approach was too much. But, like I said, the more I thought about her, how powerful, how damaged she was, the more I convinced myself that she had to be controlled, for the safety of our children."
"It's not like I don't want the same things." Holly assured the man. "But I think, if we succeed, think of what she could accomplish. The Black Dahlia, as a hero, she could be on a totally different level. And now, because I finally got me a juicy role in one of those initiatives, I'm in position to help mold her into the hero I think she can be. A few years with you, on the streets, that will help her learn about how much doing good can help her out. I mean, I think, if she succeeds in the profession she wants to have, she'll be very interested in protecting what people have. Also, as a mystic, won't she go all 'The Secret' on things, wanting to balance her life so more good comes her way?"
Tori almost laughed. Almost. But she somehow managed to kept it together, watching her parents closely as they seemed to come to an understanding. "Now Kids, the only reason you're allowed to know about any of this is one of the provisions of the Blue Generation Initiative is that the more advanced members of it can know whats going on in Project Redemption, as we'd expected you kids to eventually be working with some of those kids. Too bad it didn't work out that way." The mother explained, even as David started feeling a touch better about this new development.
"It still might." Trina offered. "Mom, pay attention to what mister Alexander and mister Abra recommend. They'll have the best read on where the Black Dahlia is mentally. Don't take any unnecessary risks, paint yourself as the administrator who's trying to make things better for her, but expects a return on your investment." She paused. "Damn, what else did the new warden say in that play Andre wrote?"
Tori smiled, but didn't say a word. Her mind was already going over the things her parents had said, circling around one thought, one moment that somehow wasn't so obvious at school. 'Jade was so distant, none of us noticed that she'd stopped trying. No one but Cat, who had to get home for a babysitting gig. But, given everything, I'd have thought that Beck wound have noticed. I mean, he's her ex, and not that long ago, they were dating. So how is it he can just let her be when she almost got killed. Killed, as in she could have died.'
"Guessing it doesn't mater what Andre wrote." Trina decided out loud, suddenly wanting the conversation over. "Mom, congratulations on the new job, you so deserve it. I can't wait for the day when I can go in as Warpath and train with the Black Dahlia. Just make sure it's safe for me first, or that I can whip her ass. Dad, trust in mom, Lane, Sikowitz, and hell, you're own judgment. I think all of you are right, in that there is a better side of Jade, and we just need to work together to bring it out of her. Tori, a word please."
"Why did she bring up Sikowitz?" David asked Holly.
"Okay Tori, whats up?" Trina asked her sister, having pulled her over to the far side of the living room. It was as far as the older girl felt she could move the singer.
"Oh, according to Trina, Tori trains each morning with Sikwoitz." Holly told her husband.
"Nothing, just… Jade's loose, with no one to control her." Tori explained.
"Sikowitz is Mister Abra?" David exclaimed. "Now I trust his judgment even less. This could be really really bad."
"Bull." Trina said. "You're freaked out about someone you know almost dying. I can find out the details if I want, but I don't think it's one of those accidents happen kinds of things. No, I think she was pushed until she got hurt, and it was worse then expected. That would explain how quickly Mom was put in charge of operation there. That was a panic move."
"Look, Jade's a criminal." Tori tried to argue. "We've always known she plays fast and loose with the rules, and it was only a mater of time before she hurt someone with those pranks of hers. So, I guess it's no surprise she's a criminal. I just, I had no idea she was planning anything before she acted, when she tried to rescue Pandion, and now I don't know if I know her anymore. Hell, she held her own with dad, and Constable…."
"And she's still mortal." Trina said. "Look, you're not sure what to feel. I get that. But me, I didn't even like her, and I'm freaked out that she almost died. I'm gonna call someone, find out what happened, cause if it was just an accented, then I'll sleep better at night. However, I know her, and finding out she almost died makes me think of all the things we've been through together. I don't want her dead. I want her to suffer a little, but mostly I wanted Beck. Still do. Otherwise, outside her being a part of your life, she's not a part of mine." She inhaled, calming herself. "I guess what I'm saying is, she can hang out with you, any time she wants, just as long as we make sure it's safe. Let her get to a higher level in the program, and then we'll know if she's a threat, a criminal, or a desperate girl who tried to save a man she only knew as grandpa from going to jail the rest of his life."
"So your on her side?" Tori asked.
"She avoided killing anyone." Trina pointed out. "I was able to confirm that, she avoided killing anyone. So I'm thinking that death might have been a heavy penalty for being a desperate girl who damage some police equipment."
"She's dangerous." Tori blurted.
"So am I." Trina countered. "Hell, you could be too. Lets not focus on how dangerous she is, but on the good we can do, right now, by supporting mom in her new job. And think, if Jade does succeed, then they can have a base full of kids with powers trying to redeem themselves. Think, for the next couple of years, you'd have The Black Dahlia as the heavy, keeping the others in line while acting as the example for them to follow. Just get Lane involved to help predict what the kids might be doing, and whatever other things you can bring to the table, and with luck, we'll have a greater success rate then group homes."
Tori grumbled. "Fine, but tomorrow, Sikowitz is so getting a piece of my mind." However, inside, the singer was still thinking 'My god, Jade almost died. Trina could find out the details, but do I wanna know? Do I want to find out that she was almost killed because this Masters guy was trying to kill her? Or is knowing he was trying to break her make it better? We're not even talking about the military, where they break you down then rebuild you. No, this was breaking the spirit and then making you their puppet. Not so sure I like that idea. I kinda liked Jade the way she was, fiercely protective of Cat, a good friend, sometimes, but hell, even I've relied on her once in a while. Maybe Beck was there too, as an excuse, but she didn't have to help me some of those times, and yet she did. She didn't even leave me when the crazy clown was right there, and she so could have. And Beck wasn't even there. So, yea, we were friends. And maybe I shouldn't let that end just because she's a criminal. I'll just have to find a way to approach her where it won't be obvious I know her secrets. But first, I need to come up with the piece of my mind I wanna give Sikwoitz...'
Jade slept soundly for what felt like the first time in ages, enjoying having so much of that pressure she'd been put under removed from her shoulders. The blue eyed girl may have given up, just a day ago, but now she had a whole new feeling of hope. Waking up, the goth found herself once again wondering if maybe she could trust anyone involved in Project Redemption. Her mind, cleared up by enough sleep, was now more clearly focusing on what she'd endured for just two weeks. 'How the hell did they break me so completely in just two weeks.' She thought. 'And what do I do about yesterday? I didn't take notes, I flubbed a test, no notes, hell, I may lose my spot over that one day alone. I'll try to make up what I can, but my grades, my future, that may be in jeopardy now, just because they drove me to the edge.'
Jade was able to plot out what had happened. 'Lack of sleep, abuse, everything they put me through. That added up, broke me down. I just realized that the goal was to take me out of Hollywood Arts, out of my home, and place me totally at their mercy. From there, break me down until I rebel or break. From what Misses Vega said, violence is the most common response. So, yea, I was breaking, just not broken. Not yet. My god, they did that in two weeks, taking away any hope I might have. What would I have been like in a year? Yea, if Misses Vega is right, that place was a factory, making future villains out of confused kids who are looking to change their lives. So, now I'm a part of this new version. Lets see what comes from it. Maybe I'll make a friend, so I won't be isolated, go crazy, alone, lost to the world. Man, what a cheery thought...'
Jade made her way down for breakfast, enjoying the first time in over two weeks where she could indulge in something before school. The pressure to get everything done, her school work, the projects work, everything, had eaten away at her resolve, and taken a great deal of her time. Eating had been reduced to whatever she could grab on rout to whatever, or while studying. That morning, however, she could enjoy her bagel and cream cheese, secure in the knowledge that her work was done, and there wasn't another surprise waiting for her at school. 'I mean, if I get kicked out today, at least I won't have the minimalist education Masters had planned for me.'
Next she headed out to the car, ready to enjoy the ride in. Despite the good nights sleep, and the nap the day before, the young goth seriously considered sleeping in the car, just because she could. But the next problem on her agenda, not having a car of her own, ate away at her, keeping her awake as her mother drove the more direct rout to school. 'I do miss the quiet serenity of Shadow Creek park. Wonder when I'll be allowed to return to that place? Maybe it's better if I don't, cause I'm sure my handlers would wonder what I was doing up there, all alone and unsupervised.'
Jade found herself staring at the familiar sight of her school, knowing it was time to face the music over her giving up. 'I wonder, did misses Vega do anything, or am I facing a mess in my school work?' Jade wondered as she made her way into the school.
"Miss West, can I have a moment of your time?" Mister Alexander asked.
"Miss West? So, I'm in trouble then?" Jade asked.
"I'd rather we handle this in my office." Lane urged. "But if you insist, we can hash this out here, where everyone is listening in."
"Fine!" Jade groaned, stomping her way to his office. Once inside, her short lived confidence, brought on by her feeling that she was allowed to show her frustration, died a quiet, unmourned death. "So, um, whats up?" She tried.
"Not your grades." Lane said. "Jade, I've worked with Project Redemption in the past, and I know that Masters likes to tear down his charges. If your a good student, he ruins your grades at the school you like so he can transfer you to his direct care, then he trains you in what he feels you need and nothing more. That's why I've spoken with your teachers, as well as Mister Gonzales, and arranged for you to do a lot of makeup work for the next couple of weeks. I know, it's amazing how quickly you can fall behind in school, especially when your life is falling apart. So..." He shifted. "I've given the project head, Mister Gonzales, and your social worker access to your SchoolsUp account, so they'll be able to see what you need to do, as well as whatever notes we can scrounge for you."
"Let me find some notes." Jade said, even as a smile crossed her face.
"I think we're gonna avoid having you bully some kid into giving you their notes." Lane said. "We'll get you a copy. From there, you should be able to catch up in no time. Also, congratulations for surviving as long as you did. Masters is a real challenge."
"Um, can I go now?" Jade inquired.
"Sure, just as soon as you agree to spend part of your lunch in the library. As you know, there are tables that allow food in there, and you can eat while you play catch up. We even have computers, for you to use while you wait to get you own computer back. So..." Lane looked out past her. "And Jade, remember, I'm part of the projects supervision team. That means, before either Dickers or Helen, I'm gonna be the one taking action if you get in trouble."
Jade nodded, making her way out of that office, stopping to nod an acknowledging hello to Derek, the security guard, before heading off to class. 'I just hope that no one sees that and starts thinking that I'm into him. I mean, in what kind of mixed up world would I be at all interested in Derek? I just want to be on his good side in case he's part of the enhanced security here.'
Jade found her day going well, with the students used to her new, toned down persona. By now, most of the students knew she'd been arrested, and a few had tried poking the bear, trying to see how restrained she really was. Silent dignity and plotted revenge were her only responses, with said revenge coming only if she could think of a way that it would never be traced back to her. Thus, while more then one locker had an unexpected delivery of Nozu sushi, which would then spend half a day fomenting in the confined space, adding a new aroma to whatever was stored there before the students returned to find their belongings had started to stink, that was the limits on what Jade was able to pull, counting the assistance of a student who sympathized with her plight and had access to a credit card unrelated to either of them. (The boy's father's girlfriend had given the boy the card to use for food, and never bothered to check on it.). However, that same deniability made the message clear, the queen had fallen, and the school was waiting for a new queen to arise.
Over the next couple of weeks, Jade became aware of things she'd previously been too busy to notice, like the way the students had started treating her. They seemed to understand that she was still a dangerous psychopath, someone who could represent an immediate physical threat, but as long as they avoided doing anything that could get them caught, she was fair game, with no method of striking back without drawing blame. Unfortunately for the first guy to try it, Jade was also under increased surveillance. Unknown to the goth, the very security guard she'd been joking about was watching her, and had brought in the prankster who'd sought to take Jade down another peg. Knowing that the administration was having her watched, presumably for everyone else's protection, he'd chosen to keep an extra careful eye on the girl. It hadn't been obvious, slowly bleeding into the daily grind until it was the new normal. Now the added security was making it more difficult to taunt the pale girl, so the fun was gone, and the only reward was whatever detention the school wanted to assign, plus the possibility that Jade may one day snap and seek vengeance on those who taunted her during this vulnerable time. So after a while, no one was left looking to use her to make their name, and instead they just ignored her. Much of the school felt that was the best punishment, letting the one time queen just fade into the background, just another shrugger, easily, if deliberately, forgotten.
But to the pale girl, it had become a mixed blessing, to the point where when a piece of her abrasive personality edged out, it was almost as much a shock to her as to the person on the receiving end. Jade didn't apologize, but she didn't force the issue either, not wanting to lose her deal, so the blue eyed girl found herself just avoided, which to her was worse then ignored, because that meant that while she wasn't accidentally run into, people gave her plenty of space, and she was starting to feel the isolation. Still, Jade was strong, and endured the loneliness at school because she wanted to keep her deal. 'Besides, the only people who want to spend time with me are other criminals, and I don't know if Lane, or Misses Vega, would appreciate me keeping that kind of company.
Jade had also discovered that watching her friends was a form of torture, and definitely not the good kind. Over the few weeks, she'd seen them adjusting to her absence, not seeming to miss her. Moreover, they were still the most popular kids at school. They sang all the songs, starred in all the plays, and could date just about anyone they wanted, with the notable exception of Robbie, who had a special talent for off putting his potential girlfriends. But the loneliness, mixed with knowing her friends lives were going on almost unobstructed, meant Jade was in a strange way becoming the ghost among her social group. Jade avoided them to avoid feeling like she was haunting the living, people who'd rather have moved on, wishing she'd move on herself. But to keep her promise to her grandfather, she had to stay at Hollywood Arts.
One of the things Jade had started, in order to maintain her sanity, was eating in the library. She found she wanted to avoid the Black Box because there was always something going on now. Currently, they were rehearsing all kinds of acts for an upcoming showcase. A showcase Masters had felt Jade didn't need to perform at. 'Course, now I realize he didn't want me performing anywhere, but hay, I can audition for a future showcase, or concert, or performance, or whatever. Just, I'm still in so much trouble with school, and the law, and Project Redemption...' Jade gave a big sigh, then finished her lunch. She intended to head to her locker early, while everyone else was hanging out in the warm California sun. Then she'd head to class and avoid yet another ghosting from her one time friends. 'Maybe their just giving me space, but ouch. This is the only place I can even see them, and it hurts to know I can't go back. Just a mater of time before I'm replaced.'
Jade was walking to her locker when someone, a person who was also deep in thought, bumped into her. Jade's eyes whipped around, her first reaction, rage, burning in her eyes. "Hay, watch where your going!" The goth screeched, even as she pulled on all her self control not to rip into this person, only to find herself face to face with Tori Vega.
:}
So, thoughts. David has found his humanity, a good thing for a super cop to have, while Jade got to recover a bit from Masters training. Plus, got us a time slip. Just needed to advance things to where Jade could start to connector. Thinking it's about to start happening.