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[b][code]The Streets of Tampa.[/code][/b][/center][hr]

Every word that Lyss said did not, strangely, elicit even a flinch from the Director. She just kept looking at Lyss as she patiently waited for her to finish, almost as if nothing Lyss was saying was [i]anything[/i] new. Alcott's mouth finally moved when she sighed as she answered Lyss - which in her own eyes was not sufficient. "I wish I had an answer for all of your questions, but in truth, they would not remedy the situation, not one bit."

She shook her head before she answered, "Truth is, you are correct. I tried to justify sending a small task force after Annabelle because of the lack of DENS manpower... they're the only fieldable Extra-Normals in the organization, and I couldn't risk anyone else succumbing to the Hunger." 

She put both hands on the handlebars of the wheelchair as she started, "But, there was a third party interfering in matters... Saul's Forgiven." She looked off to the side, "They've lured us to Port Richey and then injured Walton to prevent the Task Force from getting back... you can infer that they lured Annabelle through Tampa straight to the Bay area."

"Wait, Kim's hurt?" Madison asked with a raised eyebrow as she crossed her arms and got a nod from the Director.

"She's been shot three times, she's in critical condition," Director Alcott answered. "I'm not sure if she will make it." She closed her eyes.

... Before they shot wide open when the shockwave hit them.

"Oh shit!" Madison shouted as she saw the massive mushroom cloud in the distance. Madison thought a nuke had gone off in Tampa! Except, when the shock wore off and rationality kicked in, she realized that they would be [i]toast[/i] if it was a nuclear explosion. The Jaws activated not that it would do anything given that the danger was over.

The Director's earpiece activated when she heard Maximilian's voice say, "[i]Annabelle Heart has been neutralized.[/i]"

Director Alcott smiled with a near child-like excitement as she looked up at the two, "Maximilian did it! He beat Annabelle Heart!" However, she looked back at the Helicopter as she said, "... Do you want to continue this conversation on board?"

Madison crossed her arms as she looked at Lyss, telling her, "I'm gonna go look for Vashti and Emily - believe it or not - and make sure that they're okay." She put a hand on her shoulder. "You won't go missing or anything, sis?"