Brittany - Cafe of Contention - Part 3

 

Brittany thought about what DeMartino said as they moved on. That Ms. Li was lining her own pockets wasn’t surprising. But why were his funds meagre?

 

 

Brittany, Daria, Andrea and Donna were far from the only students doing fundraising for the Coffee House. They saw another group of students in the distance as they left DeMartino’s neighborhood.

 

“Is that Quinn and her friends?” Andrea asked.

 

“Probably,” Daria answered.

 

“Then we could go a different way?” Donna asked.

 

“We could,” Brittany said.

 

“Let’s do so,” Daria said.

 

“Certainly,” Andrea said.

 

“We can take up De Martino’s offer and find Mr. O’Neill,” Daria suggested.

 

“But do we know where he lives?” Andrea asked.

 

“Yes,” Donna answered.

 

 

They headed in that direction.

 

“Good afternoon,” O’Neill said. “I suppose you’re here for the Coffee House fundraising?”

 

“Yes,” Brittany answered.

 

“Excellent.”

 

“We’re selling holiday wrapping paper and chocolates,” Donna said.

 

“How wonderful!” O’Neill said. “But of course, I knew that.”

 

“Are you interested in buying something?” Brittany asked.

 

“Of course!” O’Neill said.

 

“Great!” Brittany responded.

 

“I’ll have some of the wrapping paper,” O’Neill decided.

 

“Sure!” Brittany said.

 

“How much?” O’Neill said.

 

“I’m sure you know,” Daria said.

 

“Um…”

 

“You forgot?”

 

“Um…” The teacher dissembled.

 

“You did, didn’t you?”

 

“Yes. But I have a lot to do.”

 

 

Daria wasn’t sure what to make of that interaction. But then she had figured that there were things wrong with O’Neill from her first Language Arts class in Lawndale.

 

“Something on your mind?” Andrea asked.

 

“Oh, just wondering what might be up with O’Neill,” Daria answered.

 

“All of us do from time to time,” Donna added.

 

Daria nodded.

 

 

Most of the afternoon went by without further incident.

 

 

“How did it go?” Quinn asked when they arrived back at the Morgendorffers.

 

“Better than I expected,” Daria answered.

 

“That’s great!” Quinn said.

 

“Except that we ran into Mr. O’Neill,” Donna said.

 

“What happened there?”

 

“Mr. O’Neill forgot how much the wrapping papers were,” Brittany answered.

 

“Oh,” Quinn said.

 

“That might mean something,” Daria said.

 

“That he’s forgetful?” Quinn asked.

 

“Yes” Daria answered. “But could be something deeper.”

 

“We also ran into DeMartino,” Donna added.

 

“How did he react?” Quinn asked.

 

“How do you think he reacted?” Daria asked.

 

“In his usual way, ranting about students being more into things other than their classes?” Quinn asked rhetorically.

 

Daria nodded.

 

“But otherwise, it was a good afternoon,” Brittany said.

 

“That’s good,” Quinn said.

 

“And we achieved something,” Donna added with a smile.

 

“I didn’t think Daria would make friends here,” Quinn said.

 

“I was patient and she was willing to take a chance,” Brittany responded.

 

 

They went up to Daria’s room.

 

“This is cool,” Andrea said.

 

“The previous owners had a psychotic aunt up here,” Daria explained.

 

“That explains it,” Brittany said.

 

“I didn’t want a normal room after I saw how this was,” Daria added.

 

“It does look unique,” Donna said. “It suits you.”

 

“Thanks,” Daria said.

 

“It does look cool, now that I think about it,” Brittany said.

 

Daria smirked.

 

“But how do you think we’ll use the coffee house?” Andrea asked.

 

“I’m not sure,” Daria answered.

 

“A hangout spot?” Brittany asked.

 

“Obviously,” Donna said.

 

“With you three, I would,” Daria said. “I might share some of my writing.”

 

“Cool!” Donna and Brittany said.

Spider Quinn 17 Tempestuous Origin of Mysterio Part 7

 

Ninja Talon hadn’t been waiting long on the Hecuba-Croft’s roof when SpiderGirl arrived. “Ready?” the former asked.

 

“Of course,” SpiderGirl said. “I’m just worried that she didn’t find anything.”

 

“Same here. But we will find Jane and the critics anyway.”

 

“But just searching near the Lake probably wouldn’t be a good idea.”

 

“Not if it’s done randomly,” Ninja Talon said.

 

“Another plan?” SpiderGirl asked with a slight giggle. “I’d like to hear it.”

 

“After we talk with Andrea.”

 

 

Andrea saw the two vigilantes enter her room again. “I did find something,” she said.

 

“Which was?” SpiderGirl asked.

 

Andrea brought up a document she had compiled the data on. “Someone was seen leaving the Historia at the time, carrying someone else to a manhole nearby.” She then brought up a collage of screenshots.

 

“So, that proves Jane was taken,” SpiderGirl said after she had had a look.

 

“It does, but not where she was taken,” Ninja Talon pointed out.

 

“Too true,” SpiderGirl considered.

 

“So, what now?” Andrea asked.

 

“We’ll scout the area now, and return sometime tomorrow for more intensive search,” SpiderGirl decided.

 

“I agree,” Ninja Talon said.

 

“Let me know how it goes,” Andrea said. “I’ll be at the Historia for morning tea.”

 

“Great!” Ninja Talon said.

 

 

Up on the roof the heroes paused. “Which way?” Ninja Talon asked. “By the Creek, or along the road?”

 

“Probably the Creek, but what do you think?”

 

“The Creek would have more cover, if he’s looking out for us.”

 

“He probably wouldn’t be, in the middle of the night,” SpiderGirl said. “But we’ll be careful anyway.”

 

They then swung away.

 

 

Using a car the Enigma had taken from a place a couple of blocks away from the Morgendorffers, the Enigma and Dafoanairi arrived at one of the docks on the lake. “This should be a good spot,” the Enigma said as she got out.

 

Dafoanairi followed her out with a small flashlight and looked at her map of the county. “The lake is about two and half miles wide at its widest point.”

 

“That should be fine,” the Enigma said.

 

“When you’re ready.”

 

The Enigma grabbed the energy drink. She looked at Dafoanairi and then downed it. “Findu man sem heiter: Jane Peyton Lane!”

 

 

Dafoanairi noticed that the field was more perceptible than the previous night.

 

 

The Enigma’s perception expanded as it had the night she searched for Tiffany just over two weeks earlier. However, instead of Lawndale, expanded over the Lake, and  the countryside between it and Lawndale proper. Unlike the previous night, she was able to locate Jane! She was sleeping in a room somewhere, and three other people were with her.

 

 

“Enigma?” Dafoanariri asked.

 

The Enigma took the map off her and marked where Jane was. “She’s there. In a cabin, there. The critics are there with her, all sleeping.”

 

“That’s good news,” Dafoanairi said with a sigh of relief. She looked and saw that the position was a half mile to the east of their position.

 

“We could go there now.”

 

“But he might have more illusions prepared. We can’t go in half cocked.”

 

“I know, but we have to try,” the Enigma said with determination.

 

Dafoanairi sighed. “We’ll go in slowly, and be alert.”

 

“I will be.”

 

“Fine.”

 

 

They drove there and the approached the cabin slowly. Suddenly, the Enigma perceived something. “You’re right,” she said to Dafoanairi, “there are traps here. We’ll have to go around.”

 

“Or maybe we come back tomorrow with Peterson and a few other officers.”

 

“Let’s see if there is a way in first.”

 

Dafoanairi nodded.

 

 

The Enigma lead them around the edge of where the illusion traps were. 10 minutes later, they had completed a circle. “The technology probably wouldn’t hold up to my projections,” she said. “Or to being telekinetically ripped apart.”

 

Dafoanairi could hear a slight undertone of doubt. “But you’re sure that would alert him to our presence.”

 

“Absolutely. It would be better to do it in the daytime, even if there will be a storm tomorrow.”

 

“Then that’s what we’ll do,” Dafoanairi decided. “I’ll tell Peterson that you found Jane, and that we plan to come back here sometime later. About midday.”

 

“Good plan.”

 

They then went back to the car and drove back into Lawndale.

 

 

Shortly afterwards, SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon reached the Lake at the wetland where the Creek flowed into it. They could hear sounds of various nocturnal birds around them. “One would think they’re daytime animals,” SpiderGirl said.

 

“It’s not just owls,” Ninja Talon said.

 

“I knew that. I thought it was only a few groups. Anyway, which way?”

 

“The left, which is the east. There are cabins half a mile in that direction.”

 

“That makes sense,” SpiderGirl said.

 

 

The Enigma and Dafoanairi left the vehicle on the block the former had taken it from. “I’ll meet you at the Historia,” the former said.

 

Dafoanairi nodded. “Yes, have a good night.”

 

“You too,” the Enigma said warmly.

 

 

Dafoanairi thought about that exchange as she headed home. It seemed that they were becoming friends. ‘Another way I’m changing,’ she thought. Even a couple of weeks earlier, if someone said that they would be friends, she would have thought the other person was crazy.

 

 

SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon arrived near the cabins. SpiderGirl then felt something through her SpiderSense. “There’s something nearby,” she said.

 

“Huh?”

 

“The SpiderSense. I’m picking up something that might be troublesome or dangerous.”

 

“Do you have any idea what it might be?” Ninja Talon asked.

 

“No idea, but it might be more of those illusions.”

 

“It means that we’re in the right place though. We need to pinpoint where they are.”

 

SpiderGirl nodded. “But let’s try to stick to the trees.”

 

“Of course.”

 

 

They approached the cabins and the suddenly, SpiderGirl’s Spider Sense blared as they neared a particular cabin. “That cabin,” she said. “There are traps all around it. It is likely they are there.”

 

“It’s probably a good idea to come back in the daytime, even if it rains tomorrow.”

 

“Rain would probably disrupt the illusions.”

 

“I hope so,” Ninja Talon said. “Let’s go then.”

 

“I can be back about 11. There will be a discussion at the Historia earlier.”

 

“I’ll probably be there too.”

 

They headed back into Lawndale.

 

 

Lawndale Sun-Herald

Saturday, February 24, 2001

Tempest Opening Night a Complete Success

The tensions around the abductions of the Critics and Jane Lane haven’t dampened enthusiasm for young Daria Morgendorffer’s interpretation of Shakespeare.

 

Daria arrived at the Historia shortly before 8. She saw that Stacy had opened the café at the usual earlier time. ‘We do need to cater for those who start work early, even on a Saturday.’ Despite opening only four weeks earlier, the Historia had rapidly become a popular spot for Lawndale’s early risers.

 

“Morning, Daria,” Stacy said as she came up to the counter.

 

“Morning, Stacy. My usual breakfast, please.”

 

“Coming right up. It will be fourteen dollars.”

 

 

Daria read the article. The Sun-Herald’s critic had given a fair review. ‘And I’m sure he’s now at home in his recently installed panic room.’ She hadn’t heard whether the more well to do Lawndale residents had installed panic rooms or not. She shook her head, that wasn’t what she wanted to think about. She wanted to think about what she would tell Peterson about what she and Sandi had found during the night. Stacy then brought her the breakfast.

 

“It went very well apparently,” she said with her usual nervousness.

 

“Yes, despite the critics and Jane being missing.”

 

“You think it would be the authorities or the vigilantes who will find them first?”

 

“Probably both in cooperation,” Daria answered.

 

“I guess. Like at the solarium last week. The vigilantes went in but the police still arrested the person responsible for the brownouts.”

 

“Exactly.”

 

“Lawndale changing, Quinn changing. You changing, apparently. Those clips look great next to your glasses, by the way,” Stacy rambled. She looked back at the counter.

 

“I just chose the clips for practicality.”

 

“Same here, at least now I do.” Stacy then hurried back to the counter.

 

 

Peterson entered the Historia at half past eight. She knew Daria would be there early. She ordered something and then took a seat that the same table. “You look in thought,” she said.

 

“The Enigma and I found something.”

 

“So, you went out of town and tried again?”

 

“Yes, she was able to locate Jane this time,” Daria answered.

 

“But, you haven’t rescued her. I assume there’s a reason?”

 

“Yes,” Daria began as she began to explain what she and the Enigma found.

 

 

“It makes sense,” Peterson said when Daria finished. “If he used illusions in the theater, and while SpiderGirl and her amazing friends were chasing her, he would have them as traps around where he’s holding Jane and the critics.”

 

“And so, we’re planning to go back around noon, during the storm, to use it as cover.”

 

“And you want me and few others to be out there to arrest Beck?”

 

“Probably Agent Leung,” Daria said.

 

“I’ll pass it along. But remember, the more happens, the more likely that identities would be found out.”

 

 

Daria thought about that. She had only heard about a few cases of non-powered vigilantes in New York who had had their identities exposed, and that was over the latter half of the twentieth century. ‘There might be others,’ she thought. She then saw Quinn arrive.

 

 

Quinn was thinking about how to go about rescuing the critics and Jane. ‘The rain would probably disrupt the illusions outside the cabin, but what about inside? My intuition doesn’t always work. I guess I might have to try, but what about Brit?’ She wasn’t sure, but she knew that Brittany would try regardless. She then saw Stacy behind the counter.

 

 

“Hi, Quinn!” Stacy said.

 

“Morning, Stacy!”

 

“The usual? I heard that the play went well last night.”

 

“Everyone put their effort into it, including Dani.”

 

“That’s the new effects person?” Stacy asked.

 

Quinn nodded. “Yes, and I’ll have the usual.”

 

 

Quinn joined Daria and Peterson. “Joey and Robert should be here soon.”

 

“I knew they would be,” Daria said.

 

“Anything happen overnight?” Quinn asked.

 

“The fourth vigilante located Jane, but there are traps around the cabin,” Daria answered.

 

“The Enigma, you mean,” Quinn said. “She told some of us the name after Jane was taken.”

 

‘Of course she did, but that’s her prerogative,’ Daria thought. “Right, the Enigma.”

 

“I don’t think she likes me for some reason,” Quinn added.

 

‘You don’t know the half of it,’ Daria thought. That was one minor reason she was keeping her identity a secret.

 

“I did pick up some tension,” Peterson said.

 

“Like, I’m sure there are many at school who don’t like me,” Quinn said.

 

“Because of the Fashion Club?” Peterson asked.

 

“Yes,” Quinn answered. “I realise now that we came across as bossy and elitist.”

 

 

Joey entered the café at the same time as Robert. He saw that Daria and Quinn were already there and eating breakfast with Peterson. ‘I better get breakfast too.’ He saw that Stacy was behind the counter, as had become usual for a Saturday.

 

 

Stacy saw Joey come up. “The usual, Joey?”

 

“Sure,” Joey answered.

 

“And you were here last night?”

 

“Of course. I had to see the play on opening night.”

 

“I’ll see it tonight,” Stacy said.

 

 

Agent Ken Leung entered the Historia, along with his daughter, Kristen, and saw that Peterson and the four partners were already there having breakfast.

 

“I’ll see you later, Dad,” Kristen said.

 

“Have a good day, but be careful.”

 

“Of course,” Kristen said as she went over to the bookshop, which had just opened.

 

 

Leung joined the group at the table. Daria and Peterson told him what the Enigma and Dafoanairi had found.

 

“I still find the fourth vigilante’s powerset a bit difficult to believe,” he admitted.

 

“But there are limitations,” Daria said. “Hence why she went to the lake to conduct her search.”

 

“She’s still rather powerful, and you say she has a mentor with similar powers,” Leung said.

 

“Yes,” Daria answered. “She might either be more powerful, or just have a much better handle on what she can do.”

 

“That makes sense,” Quinn said.

 

“She’s planning to make a move at midday, during the storm,” Daria said.

 

“Noon,” Leung considered. “We can redirect our efforts in that direction before then.”

 

“LDPD can be ready too,” Peterson said.

 

 

“But what about tonight?” Robert asked.

 

“Hopefully, Beck would be caught,” Quinn said.

 

“But he might escape,” Daria said. “Even if Jane and the others are rescued.”

 

“That’s true,” Leung said. “Our priority will be the safety of the abductees.”

 

The others all agreed.

 

They continued talking for a while.

 

 

Ninja Talon arrived on the Historia roof about 10:30. She had slept in until after 8 before sparring with Ashley-Amber and then having breakfast. She had then prepared a plan before going on patrol. She waited for SpiderGirl to come up.

 

She didn’t have to wait long. “Morning, Talon,” she said as she emerged from the door as the usual Quinn. She then changed into her costume after closing it.

 

“Morning, Spidey. Are you ready.”

 

“Yes, but we’re not the only ones going to the cabins.”

 

“The Enigma found where Jane is, didn’t she?” Ninja Talon asked.

 

“Yes. She and Dafoanairi are going down there at noon. But the FBI and police are also moving in around the same time.”

 

“Using the storm?”

 

SpiderGirl nodded.

 

“Then we could get down there first, about a quarter to twelve, and stick to the trees until we get on the roof of the cabin.”

 

“That will work, but then there’s no telling what we will find inside.”

 

Ninja Talon took her hand. “But we can face it together.”

 

“Absolutely.”

 

 

They then went off on patrol of Lawndale’s southern areas.

 

 

Daria went up the roof about 10:50 and found Sandi waiting.

 

“Are you ready?” Sandi asked. “I’m sure you told Peterson and Leung what we’re doing.”

 

“Of course.”

 

“Then we’ll try to get there before they do.”

 

“Right at noon?” Daria asked.

 

“A little before. Like, the storm might come up a little beforehand.”

 

Daria looked out over the town and could see some clouds approaching. “Better start moving now.”

 

“We’re going to walk there?”

 

“It’s not that far.”

 

“But what about afterwards?” Sandi asked.

 

“We’ll find a boat, and bring Jane and the critics back up the creek.”

 

“Now you’re thinking a little like me.”

 

“We’ll just be borrowing it,” Daria argued lightly.

 

“True. But we better get going.”

 

Daria glanced at the court house clock tower as Sandi changed to the Enigma. They had an hour.

 

 

SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon arrived near the cabins at 11:45.

 

SpiderGirl felt the tingle as she did the night before. “They’re still up,” she said.

 

“Got it. Let’s go.”

 

They swung from tree to tree over the traps and reached the roof.

 

“I can hear talking inside,” SpiderGirl said. “Jane and Kalina.”

 

“What are they talking about.”

 

“Daria. It seems they are rehashing an argument.”

Church notes - 6th July 2025

 6th

Daniel 1

The young men.

Daniel understood the implications of what was happening. The training program was to influence them to follow the Babylonian culture.

vs 8

Daniel decided not to defile himself. His determination was based on some spiritual understanding.

The meat and the wine?

Daniel knew God.

God is calling people to repent. It was the same in Daniel's day as it is today.

Daniel's resolve to see what was happening around him through God's perspective.

Daniel didn't put his rights above God's call.

It is the same for us today.

Daniel spent the entire Exile in the Babylonian palace.

Change is a constant.

This isn't a surprise to God.

Convergence on Lawndale - Part 1

 Quinn Morgendorffer returns to Lawndale after travelling with the Doctor in the TARDIS. However, she is drawn into another adventure when the Doctor picks up a strange energy reading in town. Team Possible investigate a portal that has appeared in Middleton that leads to Lawndale several years in the past.

fanfiction.net: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14486471/1/Convergence-on-Lawndale

Archive Of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/67097887/chapters/173246860

Spider Quinn 17 Tempestuous Origin of Mysterio Part 6

 

The third of the previous applicants entered the bookstore.

 

“Let’s see. Dani Moreno, a sophomore at Lawndale State,” Quinn said.

 

“That’s right,” Dani said.

 

“I looked over your CV again. You said that you study visual arts and also are experienced with sound equipment.”

 

“Yes. But I may ask.”

 

“You can,” Quinn said.

 

“Is the person you actually hired responsible for Jane Lane’s disappearance.”

 

“Possibility.”

 

“I see,” Dani said with a frown.

 

“Do you know Jane?”

 

“Yes, my brother is in Mystik Spiral.”

 

“I guess that’s some of your experience in sound equipment comes from,” Quinn guessed.

 

Dani nodded.

 

“Right. I need to talk to more people, but I think you might be in.”

 

“I’ll wait in the café.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

 

Dani entered the café and saw that Scott Ashworth was there. ‘I didn’t think he was interested in Shakespeare,’ she thought. She then went up to the counter.

 

“How may I help you,” the pigtailed waitress asked.

 

“A white tea, thanks.”

 

“Coming right up.”

 

 

Scott Ashworth listened to the gothic girl, Andrea, as she explained what the vigilante, Ninja Talon, had asked for her. Despite the busyness of college life, he had followed the news since SpiderGirl had appeared, especially after Groundhog Day. It seemed that the situation in Lawndale was escalating. “So, you want to try to find Jane Lane, or the critics, through the video surveillance system?”

 

“Yes. At least use Oscorp’s tentacles for good.”

 

Andrea had told him about the large property footprint of Oscorp in Lawndale too. “I could get in trouble if you’re caught,” he said.

 

“I know. I will be careful,” Andrea responded.

 

“That’s what I wanted to hear.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“I will do it,” Scott said. “I mean I’ll let you.”

 

“Right now?”

 

“Before the play starts. I have a ticket for tomorrow night, but.”

 

“I wasn’t seeing it tonight either,” Andrea responded. “Ninja Talon’s here, somewhere, as her secret identity. I’ll let her know.”

 

“I’ll wait.”

 

 

Andrea found Brittany in an isolated area backstage. “It’s going ahead,” she said.

 

“I’ll let Spidey know,” Brittany responded. “But when?”

 

“Right now.”

 

“Right, but we won’t be able to respond until after the play.”

 

“Is SpiderGirl in the play?” Andrea asked.

 

“I’m not answering that.”

 

Andrea chuckled. “I know. And somehow, I’m sure Jane wouldn’t mind waiting a few hours. But I know I won’t find something straight way. It will take time, such that the play would likely be over first.”

 

 

As Andrea left out the front with Scott, Quinn and Brittany emerged onto the roof. “I still have a couple more interviews to conduct,” Quinn said.

 

“How many is that?” Brittany asked.

 

“Seven, Beck was the eighth.”

 

“Anyway, Andrea has left with Tania’s brother.”

 

“So, It’s going ahead?” Quinn asked.

 

“Yes, but she said that it would take time.”

 

“I knew that.”

 

“There’s still an hour before the play,” Brittany said. “I’m going to patrol.”

 

Quinn nodded. “With all that’s going on, the rest of Lawndale hasn’t been getting the same attention this week.”

 

 

Dafoanairi returned to the Historia after a quick patrol herself, and saw Ninja Talon leave the roof. ‘Not surprising,’ she thought as she paused before re-entering. One the ninja had gone out of sight, she re-entered the building.

 

 

Daria entered the café and saw a large group of fellow Lawndale High students having an early dinner. “I guess this takes their mind off things,” she commented to Peterson.

 

“It does.”

 

“Any further news?”

 

“None,” Peterson answered.

 

“It’s still early yet.”

 

“Exactly. It isn’t always dramatic rescue missions. Far from it. It’s a lot of legwork.”

 

“I knew that,” Daria commented. “Intellectually. Now I’m getting a better understanding.”

 

“Jane will be found soon. I promise that.”

 

 

Twenty minutes later, Quinn had made her decision. She went up to Dani. “Dani, you’re hired.”

 

“Thanks, Quinn,” Dani said.

 

“You do realise that you have to start right away, right?”

 

“Of course. The play starts in half an hour.”

 

“And you may need to clean up any mess Beck left behind,” Quinn pointed out.

 

“Of course.”

 

 

At Lawndale State, Scott and Andrea entered one of the computer labs. “Thanks for letting me do this,” Andrea said.

 

“Again, I want whoever is abducting people to be caught.”

 

“Of course, but there is a risk to you.”

 

“I will deal with it,” Scott said as he lead Andrea to the back. “We should go unnoticed. But there will be logs.”

 

“I’ll deal with it.”

 

Scott logged in. “There. As you can see, they’re still running Windows NT 4.0 on these systems.”

 

“What about the server?” Andrea asked.

 

“That is Unix, but I’m not sure of the specifics.”

 

“That is fine,” Andrea said as she sat.

 

 

Brittany returned to the Historia to find that there was a line up. ‘Not surprising,’ she thought as she headed to the backstage area.

 

 

Dani came up to Quinn and Daria.

 

“What’s the situation?” Daria asked.

 

“The effects seem to be normal projected effects,” Dani said. “Mostly the storm at the beginning and some of Prospero’s magic.”

 

“That’s what I expected,” Daria said.

 

“But there might be unexpected ‘bugs’ that Beck left in,” Dani added. “It might cause some hiccups.”

 

“I knew that might happen,” Quinn said.

 

“But I’m sure that it will go well,” Dani said. “Even if people have been comparing it to another of the Bard’s plays.”

 

“I can guess which one,” Daria grumbled.

 

“Huh?” Quinn asked.

 

“One of Shakespeare’s other plays is referred to as the ‘Scottish Play’ because it involves a power struggle in Scotland and is rumored to include real magic, and thus was cursed,” Daria explained.

 

“Got it,” Quinn said.

 

“And it involves swordplay, and therefore accidents can happen, including broken legs,” Dani added.

 

“There’s not much action in this one,” Quinn said.

 

 

Soon, everyone was in their seats and the lights went down, and the curtain went up.

 

 

Agent Leung joined Peterson out in the lobby. “The play has started?” he asked.

 

“Yes,” Peterson answered. “There are plainclothes officers all around the building, including in the café.”

 

“That’s good planning.”

 

“But it took last night to happen.”

 

“I’m here and so is my partner,” Leung said.

 

“And SpiderGIrl, as her secret identity.”

 

“You sound uncertain.”

 

“That’s because I’m not entirely sure, and I promised myself that I would protect her,” Peterson said with annoyance.

 

“Then keep it to yourself,” Leung said. “Between you and I, my wife has been ordered by SHIELD to find out the identities of the vigilantes, but she has ignored them so far.”

 

“Is that wise?”

 

Leung shrugged. “It’s up to her.” He looked at Peterson again. She seemed guarded. ‘Maybe SpiderGirl isn’t only one she suspects the identity of.’

 

 

Sandi had overheard the two talking from inside the café. ‘So, Peterson suspects someone is SpiderGIrl,’ she thought as she took a bite from her dinner.

 

“A thought?” Harry asked.

 

“I overheard something out there.”

 

“That they’re going to find Jane?”

 

“More about SpiderGirl,” Sandi answered. “The officer thinks she’s here but isn’t sure.”

 

“I see.”

 

“The fourth vigilante and Dafoanairi might be here too.’

 

“How do you figure that?” Harry asked.

 

“They were here last night.”

 

 

Harry thought about what Sandi said. ‘SpiderGirl didn’t show up, but Ninja Talon did. The fourth vigilante and Dafoanairi did, but there was no mention of the Shadow.

 

 

Tania entered the stage as Ceres. “Hail, many colored messenger, that never disobeys the wife of Jupiter.

Who with your saffron wings upon my flowers diffuse honeydrops, refreshing showers.

And with each end of the thy blue bow does crown my busy acres and my unshrubbed down.

Rich scarf to my proud Earth. Why has my queen summoned me hither to this short-grassed green?”

 

“A contract of true love to celebrate,

And some donation freely to estate

On the blessed lovers,” Nadia said as Iris.

 

 

There was a flicker, as of something.

 

“Uh oh!” Dani said. “I’m on it. It seems minor.”

 

“It doesn’t seem minor,” Quinn said.

 

“A little more major,” Dani said as she changed to another screen. “He has left some scripts running. But I can manage it. There.”

 

Quinn saw that the flickering was over.

 

 

Neither Tania, nor Nadia were flustered and thus continued their lines through the disturbance.

 

“Honor, riches, marriage blessing,” Cindy sang.

 

 

‘What other surprises are waiting for us?’ Daria wondered.

 

However, the rest of the play went by smoothly and when the curtain went down there was a standing ovation.

 

 

At Lawndale State, Andrea was slowly making progress. Scott asked for progress when he came back from a vending machine.

 

“Slowly,” Andrea answered. “There are a number of cameras along Main Street. It’s taking time to locate the ones near the Historia. I’m sure the play is over now.”

 

“9:00, I’,m sure it is.”

 

 

Daria, Quinn, Joey, Robert, Brittany, Jennifer, Dani, Peterson and Leung met in the café ten minutes after the play had ended.

 

“The play went off a minimum of hitches,” Quinn said.

 

“True,” Dani said. “But there is no telling what else Beck may have put into the system.”

 

“And it is lucky that Tania and Nadia stayed composed,” Brittany said. She twirled a pigtail. “They are usually that way, but others may not have reacted that way.”

 

“I agree,” Daria said. “We got lucky.” She turned to Leung. “Any thing you can say about your investigation?”

 

“We were still scouring the area within a mile downstream of the Jefferson Bridge as of nightfall,” Leung said. “The search will resume as of first light.”

 

“I see,” Quinn said.

 

“I can also report that LDPD didn’t see any suspicious activity around the theater during the play,” Peterson said.

 

“Like it’s quiet,” Jennifer said.

 

They all looked at the usually quiet blonde.

 

“Like maybe this Quentin Beck is waiting for something,” Jennifer added.

 

“That is likely,” Daria said. “But how to guard against someone who seems to use the stormwater system with impunity.”

 

“We can’t guard all the manholes around the theater,” Peterson said.

 

“We need to stick to guarding the theater itself,” Joey said.

 

“That’s obvious,” Daria said.

 

“We’ll do what we do tonight,” Peterson said.

 

“But what’s next?” Dani asked.

 

“Not sure,” Quinn said. “We’ll meet here again tomorrow morning.”

 

“Good idea,” Robert said.

 

 

Shortly afterwards, Quinn and Brittany changed to SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon respectively on the roof.

 

“I haven’t heard back from Andrea yet,” the latter said. “But she did say that it would take time. We can go to her place later, though.”

 

“I knew it would take time.”

 

“I’m happy the first performance went well, other than that hiccup.”

 

“You did very well as Ariel, and Dani really was trying her best with the limited time she had to prepare,” SpiderGirl said. “I’m sure she’ll be a great addition to the Historia’s team.”

 

“Thanks. Why pass her over the first time?”

 

“Because she didn’t have much experience. I was looking for that last time. But this time, after interviewing her again, I found that she had what I was looking for. The willingness to learn and to just jump in.”

 

“That makes sense.”

 

They then heard sirens somewhere to the west.

 

“I’ll go,” SpiderGirl said. “Responsibility calls.”

 

“Sure,” Ninja Talon said, having decided to wait for Andrea a little while longer.

 

 

Andrea glanced at the clock on the right side of the screen as she started downloading more video. 9:23. She felt something, she knew it was time for a bathroom break. “Mind it,” she said to Scott as she headed out.

 

 

Daria got home at the same time and found that Sandi was waiting in her room. “Sandi?” she asked.

 

“How did the play go?” Sandi asked.

 

“Quite well. There was only one hiccup, but Beck may have left more.”

 

“That’s good. But I have a plan.”

 

“Going to the Lake and trying to locate Jane again?” Daria asked.

 

“Exactly, but we’ll take your car.”

 

“I doubt Mom would let us.”

 

“Probably not,” Sandi said. “Then we’ll take another one.”

 

Daria sighed. “Dafoanairi isn’t as much as an antihero as the Enigma, but we’ll wait until the usual time.”

 

“Sure,” Sandi said with a smirk.

 

 

Andrea returned refreshed. She looked at the video. “Yes!”

 

“Found something?” Scott asked.

 

“It covers the Historia, at least. But now to find the right time.”

 

 

Daria shook her head as she watched Sandi walk to the laneway. ‘What am I getting into?’ she wondered to herself yet again. ‘But it’s one way that Jane could be rescued quickly. I have seen what she can do.’ She then went down to tell her mother about the evening.

 

 

Helen took in what Daria and Quinn said. “So, the night went well?” she asked. “And the search for Jane continues?”

 

“Yes,” Quinn answered.

 

“That’s good news. But I hope Jane will be found soon,” Helen said.

 

“She will, Mom,” Quinn said.

 

Helen saw the determination in her daughter’s eyes. ‘That’s another way she has changed,’ she thought. “But what happens now?”

 

“The play goes on and we’ll talk again with the authorities tomorrow,” Daria said.

 

“I think it’s wonderful that you’ve taken on so much responsibility, but you can ask for help if you want,” Helen said.

 

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Quinn said. “Besides, you already helped with the legal stuff.”

 

“That’s true,” Helen said. “But otherwise.”

 

“I know,’ Quinn said.

 

 

At Lawndale State, Andrea had found something. “Drat!”

 

“Drat?” Scott asked.

 

“The footage is blurry, but I can make out some figure leaving the Historia carrying another one and then going down a manhole.”

 

“That’s what the vigilantes found, wasn’t it?”

 

“Yes, but it’s proof.”

 

“But how does that show where they went?” Scott asked.

 

“It doesn’t,” Andrea said. She changed the screen. “The map shows that the municipal CCTV is focused around the downtown area and the various other commercial zones in Lawndale. The School has their own. The Malls both have their own and Oscorp has their own.” She took out a copy of the Oscorp map SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon had given her and gave it to Scott.

 

“That large a presence?” he asked after a moment.

 

“Yes, which is why I helped them with the blueprints of the vehicle used on Groundhog Day. Ninja Talon said that they destroyed it.”

 

“It was a prototype?”

 

“Yes,” Andrea answered “But anyway, I’m almost done. Sorry if you had plans this evening.”

 

“No big deal. I would have been gaming anyway.”

 

“What sort of games?”

 

“Mostly real time strategy, like Age of Empires. The second game is awesome.”

 

 

It was 10:00 before Andrea had found more footage and burned it to a CD. “Done.”

 

“What about your parents?” Scott asked.

 

“They know I’m out and about. Usually I would be at the Zon or Zen on Fridays. I will be home early for once. Ninja Talon will show up at some point in the night.”

 

 

It was well after midnight, when Sandi returned to the Morgendorffers. Daria’s light was on as usual. She saw that Quinn’s was off. ‘Hopefully she’s asleep,’ she thought as she climbed up the trellis.

 

Daria was ready. “Let’s do this,” she said as she cloaked up as Dafoanairi.

 

“You’re leaving that way?” Sandi said as she tied her hair back.

 

“This house isn’t observed much,” Dafoanairi responded. “Tania was a one off.”

 

“I guess so,” the Enigma said as she threw off her jacket, showing the purple ensemble beneath.

 

“You’re going to leave that here?”

 

“I’ll be back.”

 

“That’s true,” Dafoanairi said. “Let’s go.”

 

 

After Dafoanairi and the Enigma had left, SpiderGirl left via the backyard hatch and swung away to the east, heading towards the Hecuba-Crofts.