In An Angel Falls Minute

" Just take some time to think about your new life."

That was what Strobe had told Belinda Pierce just after trapping her within a prison made from her light energy. "She's grown even stronger" Belinda thought, it took four hours for the damn thing to fade. New life? More like the ruins left of a life passed.

Strobe's visit was short and straight to the point. "The identity Stiletto and her ties with Organization 52 no longer exist. Project Bloodstain is now closed as well. You're now on your own Belinda, these gentlemen will be removing all properties that belong to the company." At that point the five grunts she brought with her started ransacking the apartment.

Too bad they came expecting a fight and knew their opponent's soft spots. The agent formerly known as Stiletto went down quick then got shoved into Strobe's little trap like a broken doll thrown to the trash. In the process they took most of her clothing and a little bit of her dignity.

"Just take some time to think about your new life." she told her then walked away. Belinda hated Strobe, always had. There was a violent history between them. After destroying Strobe's marriage with Idol there had been many altercations between the two women. Never a winner, just harder feelings.

Belinda sifts through the debris of her belongings to find some clothes and her phone. The first problem this so called new life presented was the lack of XN-670. The microscopic devices flowing through her bloodstream required a small amount of that chemical to remain activated. Going without it would be quite painful and ultimately fatal. She slips on a blouse and a pair of shorts laying beside an overturned dresser. A few more minutes plundering and she comes across her cell. She dreaded this call but had little choice. What to say without begging?

She leaves the building and takes a walk down the street. The Organization likely had ears placed in her apartment so she wanted to get some distance away before making the call. Certain there was no one following her she removes the phone from her pocket and makes the call. It went through instantly as she was greeted by a familiar voice "-Hello Belinda, we have been expecting to hear from you.-"

"Then you already know I need your help don't you SPLICE?" Belinda asked in a sarcastic tone.

"-Yes. The serum is no longer available to you through O52 and the only other possible source is through Mr. Chance. This much we knew in advance but what is your current status? Did they injure you?-"

She can't help but laugh at the last question. "Had to take a few lumps but nothing my regen couldn't handle. I'm resilient as ever SPLICE, didn't know you cared."

"-I'm incapable of caring about your personal condition. Mr. Chance however will be quite overjoyed to hear you are in operable condition.-"

"Really? I was expecting just the opposite." She pauses in thought then asks "By operable condition you meant alive right?"

"-Yes..."

"Okay, never mind." Belinda cuts the AI off before he could inquire. "Where do we meet?"

"-You will find your fully furnished new residence at 1022 Morningstar Avenue. You will have twenty-four hours before Mr. Chance will arrive. That should allow enough time for your preparations.-"

"New residence? Preparations? So Steven is going to put me to work as payment for the XN-670 since I have no choice in the matter. That sounds like him but it's not like I have anything better to do." She rants more to herself than to SPLICE.

"-There will be a man at door that will show you to your quarters. For security purposes it would be best for you to remain on the property until Mr. Chance arrives.-"

"Got it SPLICE. Time to catch a cab."

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After a thirty minute ride to the address on Eden Island she had arrived at her so called new residence. The security gate opened just as she was about to identify herself. A male voice came across the small speaker by the gate "You are without question this Belinda Pierce I've been hearing about. Come down the walk to your left and I'll show you in."

As instructed Belinda strolled down the sidewalk toward what appeared a side door to the large modern design mansion that stood before her. "No fucking way." slipped out when she thought back to the comment SPLICE made about her new residence. When she made it to the door a man stepped out to meet her. He looked to be in his late forties, handsome, and very clean cut.

He looked at her smiling as he held out his hand. "I must say it is a pleasure to finally meet the notorious Stiletto."

Accepting his hand with a gentle shake she replied "Notorious? I certainly hope not. Sorry, I didn't catch your name."

"How rude of me, I'm one of Steven's attorney's. The name is Gregg Meadows. By notorious I'm referring to the many stories Steven has shared with me over the last seven years." He explained, then added "He and I have been good friends as well as business associates for a long time. I've been told quite a bit about you. From the treatment of your cancer, your enrollment into the Organization, the affair, your attempt to kill his ex-wife..."

She holds up a hand "Okay, I get it. You know all my dirty little secrets. You're one of his lawyers, so is this some kind of settlement offer?"

Gregg looks a bit surprised by her assumption. "Absolutely not. Though I'm not supposed to go into any details I can tell you he hopes to put the negative elements of your mutual past behind and create a fresh start. Your skepticism is completely understandable but I hope you give this opportunity a chance. No pun intended."

Belinda ponders his comment for a moment taking in her surroundings once more. "Fair enough. So... uh, what's this about a new residence I have? A little birdie mentioned it."

"Quite an advanced little birdie I'd imagine." Mr. Meadows laughed at her reference. He opened the door they've been standing at and gestured for her to enter. "Consider this wing of the estate yours. There is a large portion of the building that will be locked, those sections will not be opened until Steven arrives tomorrow. Your area is quite large though and you should find it equipped with everything you might need and more."

"Everything?" She asks with a sly grin.

"Everything." He confirms.

"Will you be giving me a tour?" she inquires as she steps into the foyer.

"No, I've got much to attend to today. Just make yourself at home and if you need something I left my card on top of the gift left on your office desk." He pauses and just looks at her face "Steven's description of you was always flattering but I don't think it quite does you justice. Trust me when I say that I'm an exceptional judge of character and I don't quite agree with the profile you've tagged yourself with. I hope you accept the many offers Steven will present to you tomorrow. With any luck I will see you soon." He says with a smile before exiting.

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She knew Idol had become quite wealthy selling many of his inventions through Clandestine Technologies but this mansion was beyond anything she imagined. When Gregg said everything he certainly meant it. Clothes for and situation or occasion, an entertainment room with every gadget under the sun, and just as satisfying to the former Marine Corp woman a large selection of firearms and other weaponry. In the back yard she spotted what looked just like one of the O52 concealed VTOL hangars. The only thing missing from the kitchen was a chef but she still managed to eat better than she had in months. In a walk-in closet she found a mannequin donning a copy of her armor that got destroyed months back, .

Two hours of making a thorough check of the accessible areas she arrives at what is apparently the office Gregg had mentioned. The thought of having an office amused her. She took a seat at the desk finding the card exactly where he said it would be and the "gift" apparently was within the briefcase the card was placed upon. Reluctantly she opened it.

Ten million dollars. That was her estimate after looking at the stacks of money for at least twenty minutes. She leaned back into her chair and covered her face with her hands. What was he up to? She didn't understand the generosity he was showing her after two years of bad blood between them. They had been very close both emotionally and physically in the past but had all been destroyed by deceit she had taken the blame for. What did he want that could possibly be worth this much?

To be continued...

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"Huddled Masses" part 1

Taking place in the setting.

Thanks for looking!