[OOC: This takes place after Senate Bombing thread, in which Circe is captured.]

Consciousness slipped back into her mind slowly but steadily. When Alexandra Kettler started to wake up, she thought that everything was just a bad dream. Romania, the camps, everything, a mere illusion in her troubled mind.

Blue eyes opened slowly, the surroundings making her stop in middle-breath. This wasn’t her room. It was a simple, dull grey. Her body shot up, as she looked around the room, panicked. To call it room was exaggerating. It looked more like a larger closet. The walls, the ceiling, the floor was made of concrete. The bed, although it wasn’t made of concrete it certainly felt like it. Planks of wood on a metal support could hardly be considered a bed. The blanket thrown over it certainly didn’t make it feel better.

She got up from the bed, walking toward the opposite wall. A short trip that was, barely a few small steps. Somewhere inside, she still hoped that it was just a nightmare. A horrible, horrible nightmare, and she wished to wake up. But she didn’t. She looked up at the light hanging from the ceiling. It was dull, just like the rest of the room, barely providing any light. Apart from the bed and the light, there was nothing else there. Just walls, and concrete. Not even a barred window, like the movies showed.

Alexandra gasped. “No…” She whispered, frightened, panicked. This wasn’t happening. She looked down at her dirt-covered hands, the slightly ripped sleeve of the shirt she had been wearing during the senate bombing. Her coat was gone, and after a short check, she knew that everything else that weren’t clothes were gone was well. Even her boots were gone, for God’s sake.

She raised her other hand, looking at it. The dirt, the sleeve, it was the same. But, in addition, a strange looking bracelet was secured on her hand. “No…” She whispered again, passing her other hand along the bracelet. She never wore one, neither did she see one and yet she was well aware of what it was.

Her jaw tightened, her body leaning weak against the wall. Just a nightmare, just a nightmare, she repeated stubbornly inside her mind as her body was sliding down the wall slowly. But why wasn’t she waking up then? Reaching the floor, she hugged her knees tightly, starting to rock her body back and forward, refusing to believe that it was real.

A sole thought rose above all others. She wanted to wake up.

Time was moving slowly. Alexandra wasn’t sure if she’d spent an hour, or two, or maybe more curled up in a ball on the floor. Maybe only minutes have passed, she wasn’t sure. It was like time didn’t exist in the awfully silent cell. It certainly felt like eternity.

The sound of the heavy metal door opening made her raise her head from on top of her knees. Hands fell to the side, as blue eyes found hard to accommodate with the light coming trough the opening. And yet she stared at the dark silhouette contoured by the heavy light. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she wanted to jump to her feet, greet the visitor with a raised chin and defiant eyes. Instead, her feet, her body betrayed her. She remained on the floor, watching her visitor.

The door didn’t close like she expected. Instead, her unknown guest moved closer. It took Alexandra a few seconds for her eyes to accommodate and finally observe the features of the one who had entered her cell. It was a woman; Alexandra guessed that she was in her thirties, with brown hair tightly pulled into a bun behind her back. Her features were sharp, with small piercing green eyes, a pointy nose and thin lips. Alexandra recognized smugness upon the woman’s features as she looked down at her.

The uniform she wore, certainly not thought to be flattering was painted in an awful brownish color and buttoned up to the neck. On the waist, a black leather belt held a taser and something that looked like a remote. Alexandra wondered if that was the remote that deactivated the bracelet on her hand. She was half tempted to attack the woman and check her theory but the two guards that appeared after this one had entered and blocked the exit made her change her mind. One she could take out without powers, three not, that much she was aware of.

Eyes traveled back to the woman who was still staring down at her, a touch of satisfaction mixed with the smugness on her features. And she spoke. “Well. If it isn’t the one and only Miss Alexandra Kettler.” Her voice was as sharp at her features. However, it wasn’t her voice which made the molecule manipulator tilt her head rather surprised. “Geez, I wasn’t aware that I was such a celebrity.” Alexandra retorted, sighing as the sarcasm certainly didn’t feel as natural as before. More like a façade, meant to deceive those who probably wanted to see just how damaged she was.

A bitter taste was in her mouth. She assumed that she was stronger than that. But the capture had hit her in the same way Paris’ arrow had hit Achilles’ heel. She wasn’t one who feared many things but the camps represented her darkest fear. “A big mouthed one, you are.” The guard commented as a corner of her lip rose. Alexandra just shrugged in response. “Well. Not for long. How are you enjoying our accommodations?” Again, Alexandra shrugged, not paying too much attention to the woman’s threat. Yes, the camps were her greatest fear, and inside she was desperate. That didn’t mean she was gonna show them that. “Well, sorry to let you know but I don’t think I’m visiting again.” The corner of her own mouth rose to form a smile that matched the guard’s.

The woman laughed briefly. “I am so going to enjoy this.” She muttered. Alexandra wondered for a moment what this woman wanted to enjoy. She had a few assumptions, after all she had heard many stories of the people who went to the camps during the first Registration Act. And she hoped that she was wrong. “Get up. There’s work to do.” The woman announced, hitting her foot with her own. Yeah, work. Alexandra eyed the woman as she moved her hand to the remote looking thing in an almost menacing manner.

It was then when Alexandra changed her opinion about the function of the remote. She suspected that the device turned on the shock bracelet rather than turning it off. And the guard looked just like she was expecting the slightest disagreement to use it on her. “Yeah. I’m sure it is.” Sighing, she got up on her feet, glancing at the name tag of the guard as she got up. Cristina Stix. If not a shock bracelet on her hand, Alexandra might have laughed. “Well, she looks like she has some sticks up her ass so I guess it fits.” She muttered in English. “What did you just say?” Alexandra gave a quick fake smile that faded as soon as she started to talk. “Nothing. Just that the color of the uniform really brings out your eyes.” She mocked with a shrug. “But I would change the hair-do. Maybe some curls?” Miss Sticks-Up-Her-Ass didn’t appreciated her comments. At all. “Move!” And to strengthen her statement, she pushed Alexandra toward the door. Frowning, the molecule manipulator moved. “No need to be pushy. I was just giving an advice. Didn't know you were so fond of your hair style.”

[OOC: Thanks CS for helping me with the descriptions ^_^ ]

The corridor in which she stepped in wasn’t much different from her cell. Still grey, still silent, still made her feel claustrophobic. The fact that it wasn’t poorly lit made the difference. It was perhaps 30 meters long. On each side, large metal doors with what it looked like hand scanners placed next to it. Alexandra assumed that they leaded into cells. At one end, there was a plain wall. At the other, another door.

She was pushed in that direction, brushing against one of the guards standing past her door. Alexandra looked up to see the displeased stare of the man. And then, she was pushed again. She frowned as she glanced back at the female guard. She didn’t seem impressed.

Still frowning, Alexandra moved forward. She heard the door of her cell closing, then footsteps. Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed the two guards who had been standing by her door follow them. A few more steps, and they reached the door at the end of the corridor. It wasn’t much different from the ones of the cell. Ms. Sticks placed her hand on the scanner next to it. A beep signaled that the scan was confirmed and the door screeched while opening.

She was pushed forward once again. What was it with all this pushing, she was capable of using her own feet to propel herself forward for God’s sake! Muttering something, Alexandra moved. What greeted her was rather shocking. The corridor in which they stepped in wasn’t illuminated better than the previous one but it was much larger. The opposite wall was made of glass panels, and every few meters solid columns interrupted the brownish colored and yet transparent panels.

Glancing trough one of the panels, she noticed that behind them was nothing more than a gap. Forgetting for a moment that there were guards behind her, she moved closer to the panel, starring down. The structure reminded her of a warped version of the roman Coliseum. On each side of the gap, the same brown tinted glass, the same columns and straps of grey concrete marking every level. Looking back up, she realized that she must have been on the last level.

Her eyes traveled down once again, brushed past the metal bridges connecting the opposite sides of each level and down to the last level. She counted 7, minus the last one which apparently was still being constructed. The workers looked like some oversized ants to her, moving around rapidly with loads of cement or metal. Judging by the amount of guards there she suspected that those who worked there were the captured mutants.

“Impressive, isn’t it?”

The voice brought her back to the real world quickly. She turned around looking at the guard. The woman smiled a smug smile as her piercing green eyes shifted from the surroundings to the molecule manipulator. Alexandra clenched her teeth as her hands turned into fists. If not for the purpose, she might have considered the building impressive, indeed.

No words or gestures were necessary to make Alexandra move again. For a short moment, she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, then moved back into formation. She didn't want to see anything anymore. The small gray cell looked so appealing right now. The guards moved too, the two males flanking her sides. Although Alexandra couldn't see the female guard, she could almost feel the satisfaction burning a hole into her back. A guard grabbed her hand, turning her to the side. The doors of an elevator opened as the other guard inserted a card key into a small opening that the molecule manipulator hadn't even noticed before. But now she noted both the card key and the panel.

"Where are we going?" Although she wasn't very certain that she'd get an answer, she asked as she stepped into the elevator and turned herself to face the doors. The female guard hadn't turned her back to her - Alexandra noted that too - instead, the piercing green eyes were analyzing the molecule manipulator. "Before you go down there-" Stix gestured toward the gap as she pushed the button labeled '0' - the doors closed behind her and the elevator started to move up "There's someone who wants to see you." Curiosity made its way into Alexandra's mind. Someone who wanted to see her? Suddenly she wondered why did everyone seem to know her around here while she didn't have the slightest idea who was who and what was that they wanted from her. She didn't ask other questions. After all, she was fairly certain that she would get her answers soon.

The elevator stopped quickly and from the short trip and the labeling on the panel, Alexandra guessed that they have left the first underground floor to get to the ground floor. The doors opened and Stix stepped out and to the side, waiting for Alexandra and the two guards to get out and start walking before she followed. The new room was painted a sterile white - it almost felt like a hospital's waiting room. A few chairs were lined against a wall and besides the elevator's doors there were another set of steel doors with a panel next to it. Both guards grabbed her arms now and stopped her. Stix moved to the front of the group and in front of the panel. Four short beeps followed - a security code, Alexandra assumed - and then Stix pressed her hand against a screen. A long beep later, the doors were sliding open and the group moved into a new room.

The sterile white paint was present here as well. Three doors were placed on the opposite wall, only that now the cold steel was replaced by the rich color of expensive wood and the intricate design of the glass panels that adorned the doors. One of them was labeled 'Administration'. The others- 'Management' and 'Personnel'. Alexandra was pushed toward the first as Stix opened the door and kept it open for the trio.

Alexandra could have easily said that she stepped in another world. The sterile white of the previous rooms was gone, replaced by a warm creamy color. The walls had tasteful paintings on them and the awful waiting room chairs were replaced by comfortable armchairs, wooden end tables and colorful flowers. Yes, completely another world. The room was spacious, well lit and certainly smelled good. It even had marble floors. Although numerous, the doors here weren't labeled. Stix moved to a double wooden door and knocked before entering. "Kettler is here." Who was inside probably gestured to get her in for Stix shifted her eyes back to Alexandra. "Get in." And, of course, she was pushed forward as Stix stepped to the side to make room for her to enter. Her attention was shifted to the two guards for a moment as she gave them a short command to stay by the door before grabbing Alexandra's hand and shoving her inside.

The room she had entered was in tune with the hall she was in just moments ago. Perhaps, even more luxurious. Bookshelves with leather covers, a massive wooden desk, exquisite accessories and exotic plants. Alexandra's eyes were quick to leave these details aside and travel toward the man that rested in a leather chair behind the desk. He was round. As in 'the best description for him was a beach ball with legs and arms' round. Leaning in his chair, hands placed on top of his belly, he was watching Alexandra with that sort of look spoke volumes - he had probably waited for her for quite some time. His fingers tapped restlessly against his belly as he nodded his head in satisfaction.

Alexandra kept her face inexpressive - she was curious what was the reason behind the man's strange behavior. She wanted to know why these people knew her, why these people wanted to talk to her. Yes, she was a mutant. But so were those she'd seen minutes ago. Why did her surname mean so much to them? And why his father wouldn't leave her alone even after his death? Another push broke the train of thoughts - Alexandra looked over her shoulder after her body stopped and she had gained her balance. The female guard, however, didn't look impressed by the dirty looks she was getting.

"Cristina! Don't be so hard on the girl." The man's voice made the guard shrug in response. Alexandra decided to ignore her and the constant abuse the female apparently enjoyed. She shifted her attention to the man who was now struggling to lean forward. When he finally succeeded, he placed his elbows on the desk, his brown eyes once again roaming over her face and analyzing her features. A smile appeared on his lips. "Miss Kettler, you've grown into a beautiful young lady." Alexandra raised an eyebrow slightly. Another family friend? She had absolutely no idea who he was. "You've ... grown." She replied. He laughed. She didn't. She came from a cell, escorted by guards and she was constantly pushed around. Why did he think pleasantries will get him anywhere... she had no idea. The man's laughter faded away into a slight smile. "Let me tell you, miss Kettler. You resemble your father very much. Physically and mentally. It's like I'm talking with him right now." He shook his head slightly.

On the other side of the desk, Alexandra's eyebrows were knitted into a frown as the man's comment brought a bitter taste into her mouth. Her lips twitched slightly in disapproval of the words he had spoken. She didn't want to hear anything else concerning her father, really. "Straight to the subject. Who are you and what do you want from me?" Apparently, her reply was entertaining as the beach ball continued to smile. "Yeah. Just like your father." Twitch. Twitch. The man shook his head slightly as the smile faded away completely, his face now serious. "Anyway. My name is Robert Adamescu and I run this prison. And I have an offer for you."

Alexandra was intrigued. An offer coming from the man that said that he ruled the camps. She shifted her weight from one leg to another and folded her arms. She could hear the guard behind her move too, perhaps readying herself in case Alexandra had plans of attacking someone. Instead, the girl simply ignored her and focused on the man.

“I’m listening.”

A small nod and a smile coming from the man confirmed the fact that he was pleased with what he heard. He leaned back on his chair, intertwining his fingers above his oversized stomach. “Miss Kettler, I assume you are not happy about your current situation.” Alexandra simply nodded. One didn’t need to be a genius to figure that out. “What if I told you that I can release you from the camps and clean your name so no one would hunt you down anymore?” Alexandra’s eyebrow arched for a second. Mentally, she shook her head. Then I wouldn’t believe one word from what you say.

Different words came from her mouth, though. After all, she was intrigued what he wanted from her. “Then I would, of course, ask you what do you want in return.” The man smiled. “I’m very happy you asked that question, Miss Kettler.” And that was something she could easily read on his face. “I believe that what I want from you is not something that you can’t live without.” Alexandra shrugged, actually wanting to hear what he did want instead of the melodramatic speeches. “I want you to pass your father’s fortune on to me.”

Her eyebrow fully arched as her eyes were busy displaying a curious look. Perhaps he thought she was stupid. Perhaps he thought that she wouldn’t quite notice his behavior when she was introduced into the room. Alexandra sighed. “What my father left me isn’t as much as you could get if you chase down some other important mutants.” She commented letting her hands drop to her side. “And I’m sure that covering my father’s name in mud is more valuable than the money he left behind.” And letting everyone know that Tiberiu Kettler had a mutant daughter when he had done everything in his power to prove that both of his daughters were mere humans would have probably made him roll in his tomb. What enemy wouldn’t have wanted that instead of an insignificant amount of money?

Once again, Alexandra mentally shook her head while watching the man opening his mouth to speak. She knew what he was about to say – that he had no idea what she was talking about. That was why she didn’t allow those words to come out. “I knew my father very well. I’m very aware of the fact that he had no friends and those he made business with hated him but were probably paid enough to follow his orders.” Alexandra tilted her head to the side. “I know it’s a surprise for you – but no, I’m not an idiot. I can read body language very well. The money he left is too little for you to be so anxious to talk with me. So tell me. What exactly did my father left me that you so desperately want?”

Her answer didn’t satisfy the man anymore. His expression changed as he looked behind Alexandra to the female guard. She assumed they were in whatever this was together. And she also guessed they weren’t the only ones – neither looked brilliant enough to do something on their own. A sigh left the man’s mouth as he looked back at Alexandra. “Miss Kettler, I thought you were as smart as your father was. I’m offering you a chance to freedom. Take it.”

She could almost smile – the situation however had wiped away any amusement from her mind. She was very aware of the fact that they had the upper hand but they had given her a weapon. She didn’t know exactly what it was but it was in her hands and they needed it. The worst mistake one could make is to let their opponent what they need before the actual fight took place. She knew that they would fight hard. And she hoped she would be able to fight back while living her worst nightmare. Remaining silent for a few moments, Alexandra took her time to fold her arms again. Her eyes were ice cold as she looked at the man. When she spoke, her voice matched her eyes. “I’m not jumping in to make an agreement with you because I am smart. If I’m giving up something I would like to know what I give. That’s one reason. The other – do you think I’ll take your word for it when you tell me you’ll leave me alone when I give you what you want? We’re not buddies. I don’t even know who you are. Whatever you want from me – you won’t get it until I know what it is. Until I say what I want in return.”

The man’s face darkened as he simply remained speechless. Meanwhile, Alexandra wondered what was he doing here, running a prison. He didn’t seem to fit in this place. “Perhaps Miss Kettler needs to refresh her memory – to remember that we’ve captured her and that she does what we say and not the other way around.” From the way the female guard had spoken, she could already picture the smug smirk on her face as words rolled of her sharp tongue. Alexandra didn’t bother to turn around. She knew that they would want to break her, to force her do what they want. Therefore, she was prepared to look completely unimpressed by the menace-filled words. “Guards!” The door opened, the two guards looking trough the opening now, expecting their orders. “Escort the prisoner to the assignments office. Make sure she gets to clean the toilets or something. Keep an eye on her at all times and you are free to do as you please in case she fails to do her job properly.”

Alexandra’s eye twitched. She knew this was only the beginning. The two guards nodded at their superior and grabbed Alexandra’s both arms and started to drag her along.

---

Once the trio was away, the smug smile on Stix’s face had vanished. “She’s too much like her father for her own good.” She commented, walking toward the desk. She let her body collapse in a chair, a hand traveling to her temple to rub it slightly. She’d hoped that waving the offer of freedom in the mutant’s face would make her agree. She had expected resistance though. Adamescu sighed, placing his elbows on the desk and let his head drop into his massive hands. “Maybe we should tell her the truth. Convince her to join. At least we’d have some degree of control over this damn business. Maybe we can even convince her to trust us enough to pass the business into our own hands.” Stix looked at him like he was a fifty headed alien. “Are you completely idiot?” Pause. “Don’t answer that.” The man’s nostrils flared but she didn’t give him a chance to talk. “First – I did not waited so long for finding her so I could take orders from her now. And second – if she’s anything like her father she wouldn’t trust even if you took a bullet for her let alone hand over such a profitable business when she can have everything and everyone else the pieces she’d bother to throw so they kept their mouths shut.” Stix sighed. “Stop being an idiot, really. She’d just gotten in. I’ll break her. She will be begging us to free her, you’ll see.” Stix closed her eyes confident with herself. The man nodded although his expression was far from being convinced. He suspected that Kettler’s daughter would prove to be more trouble than Cristina expected.